Karen R. (flwergirl) -
A wonderful collection of novellas set across early America, from Colonial times up to the Civil War!
I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of settings and the interesting history behind each story, especially the first set which revolved around four brothers: a ship's carver, captain, baker and doctor. The following tale, set on Mackinac Island during the French Indian War was one of my favorites, with an English soldier torn between his duties and heritage, falling in love with a French fur trapper's daughter. The next few stories were connected by a Quaker family, who later helped runaway slaves. Found myself falling for the prodigal blacksmith in the second one, who finds his way back to faith and hope for a future. The next tale told from the first person of a freed slave was unusual, but worked well with the previous stories. The last novella about the midwife was my favorite of the collection, with a widow finding a new love and learning to face her fears.
The insertion of faith, hope, redemption, love, and trust in God made this an inspiring set of historical tales. I savored each one,
taking my time to read through each; this is a lengthy but quite enjoyable read. Found a few new authors, plus some delicious sounding recipes to try out from a Colonial era cookbook too.
Recommend this well-written collection of tales from early America, especially for historical Christian romance fans. 4.5 stars
(Note: The first four novellas were previously published as Colonial Courtships, and the last one appears in The Midwife's Legacy. Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the book provided in exchange for my honest review.)
I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of settings and the interesting history behind each story, especially the first set which revolved around four brothers: a ship's carver, captain, baker and doctor. The following tale, set on Mackinac Island during the French Indian War was one of my favorites, with an English soldier torn between his duties and heritage, falling in love with a French fur trapper's daughter. The next few stories were connected by a Quaker family, who later helped runaway slaves. Found myself falling for the prodigal blacksmith in the second one, who finds his way back to faith and hope for a future. The next tale told from the first person of a freed slave was unusual, but worked well with the previous stories. The last novella about the midwife was my favorite of the collection, with a widow finding a new love and learning to face her fears.
The insertion of faith, hope, redemption, love, and trust in God made this an inspiring set of historical tales. I savored each one,
taking my time to read through each; this is a lengthy but quite enjoyable read. Found a few new authors, plus some delicious sounding recipes to try out from a Colonial era cookbook too.
Recommend this well-written collection of tales from early America, especially for historical Christian romance fans. 4.5 stars
(Note: The first four novellas were previously published as Colonial Courtships, and the last one appears in The Midwife's Legacy. Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the book provided in exchange for my honest review.)
