Set in the early 1900s, Rebecca Jasmine’s The Copper King’s Daughter follows seventeen-year-old Jules—who wants to take over her father’s copper mines, assuming what she sees as her rightful place as heir to her father’s empire. However, in the opening, she ignores obvious hazards, risking lives and property to increase productivity, causing an accident with consequences for the mine. When her father fires her, she argues. Continuing to demonstrate immaturity, she fires her father’s pistol, nearly hitting a housemaid before realizing the weapon isn’t loaded. Later chapters share Jules’ prior experience, learning by listening and speaking out during meetings, being proven correct in her judgments, and telling how much she knows about the mines. Still, it’s overshadowed by Jules’ present recklessness. The opening promise is that one day, Jules will mature enough to be seen as capable or risk forfeiting her goal.

Many factors give Jules an upper hand—a generous father who views women as equal in a time where that is uncommon, a tolerant mother, and wealth all combine to make her a shoo-in for success as a heroine at the helm of a copper mine. Countless obstacles would stand in a woman’s way during that time, some of which come up later in the novel. However, Jules’ early actions make her goal implausible. Casting Jules as flawed from the outset is an interesting approach and better than making her entirely too perfect, which would have been worse.

I love many things about Jules, such as her outspoken nature and compelling conviction. I also adored aspects of Jasmine’s writing and the story she wove. This novel was solid, with fresh dialog, dramatic elements, touching small details, and well-researched historical context. I could unquestionably see where the author was going, but in the end, I wanted more. Jules was so immature early on that achieving her goal would put the company’s employees in danger and jeopardize the company’s future. The main character was her own biggest obstacle. It ended up frustrating, making me want to put down the book.

Still, there was enough to love about the story. I pushed through the opening. What I found reading is a heroine to cheer for as she becomes worthy of what she hopes to obtain. Overall, an enjoyable read and an exciting time in history.

I hope you will read it too!