University of Virginia Library

“We have perused this work with some attention, and do not hesitate to pronounce
it one of the very best productions of the talented author. The scenes are laid in Texas,
and the adjoining frontier. There is not a page that does not glow with thrilling and
interesting incident, and will well repay the reader for the time occupied in perusing it.
The characters are most admirably drawn, and are perfectly natural throughout. We
have derived so much gratification from the perusal of this charming novel, that we are
anxious to make our readers share it with us; and, at the same time, to recommend it
to be read by all persons who are fond of romantic adventures. Mr. Bennett is a spirited
and vigorous writer, and his works deserve to be generally read; not only because
they are well written, but that they are, in most part, taken from events connected
with the history of our own country, from which much valuable information is derived,
and should, therefore, have a double claim upon our preference, over those works where
the incidents are gleaned from the romantic legends of old castles, and foreign climes.
The book is printed on fine paper, and is in every way got up in a style highly creditable
to the enterprising publisher.”

“It is a spirited tale of frontier life, of which `Clara Moreland' is the sequel and
conclusion. Mr. Bennett seems to delight in that field of action and adventure, where
Cooper won his laurels; and which is perhaps the most captivating to the general mind
of all the walks of fiction. There has been, so far, we think, a steady improvement in
his style and stories; and his popularity, as a necessary consequence, has been and is increasing.
One great secret of the popularity of these out-door novels, as we may call
them, is that there is a freshness and simplicity of the open air and natural world about
them—free from the closeness, intensity and artificiality of the gas-lighted world revealed
in works that treat of the vices and dissipations of large cities.”

“This is one of the best productions of Mr. Bennett. The scenes are in and near
Texas. Every page glows with thrilling interest, and the characters are well drawn and
sustained. An interesting love plot runs through the book, which gives a faithful representation
of life in the far South-West. Mr. Peterson has issued Viola in his usual
neat style, and it is destined to have a great run.”

“We have received the above work and found time to give it an examination. The
scenes are laid mostly in Texas, and pictured with all the vividness for which the author
is so celebrated. Those who are particularly fond of wild and romantic adventures
may safely calculate upon finding `Viola' suited to their taste. It is well written and
handsomely printed.”

“It is a very interesting book. The scenes of this most exciting and interesting Romance
are found in Texas before and during the late Mexican war. It is written with
much spirit and pathos, and abounds in stirring incidents and adventures, and has an
interesting and romantic love plot interwoven with it; and is a faithful representation
of `Life in the Far South-West.' The author of `Viola,' will rank among the most
popular of American Novelists, and aided by the great energy and enterprise of his publisher,
T. B. Peterson, is fast becoming a general favorite.”

“This thrilling and interesting novel—equal to anything the celebrated author ever
wrote—has been issued in a fifty cent volume; and we would advise every one who
wants to get the value of his money, to get the book. Bennett's works are the most interesting
of any now published.”