Hannah Sunderland is stuck between a rock and a hard place-follow the rules of her faith and try to forget her brother, or do her best to care for him as he languishes in a British prison. How to choose? As she battles between loyalties, Hannah encounters Jeremiah Jones, a tavern owner who also happens to be a Colonial spy. He needs someone who can get in and out of the jail and avoid suspicion and who better than the sister of a prisoner bringing food and blankets? As they work together, their partnership grows into something more.
This was a very enjoyable read, and Siri is one of my favorite authors. My only disappointment is I would have liked more romantic elements than there were in this book, but that's just me :) Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy for my honest review!
This was a very enjoyable read, and Siri is one of my favorite authors. My only disappointment is I would have liked more romantic elements than there were in this book, but that's just me :) Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy for my honest review!
Revolutionary War. Spies. Quakers. A rogue pub owner. And Siri Mitchell. Put those combinations together and you really cant get much better than that.
One of the things I value in a novel by Siri Mitchell is her extreme attention to detail. Her novels are a wonder and treasure trove, not only of the history of the era, but how much it becomes an intricate player in the book. Twining through a novel filled with 18th century espionage, is a glimpse into a world too often darkened to todays reader.
Hannah and Jeremiah are complete opposites. Hannah with her strict adherence to never tell a lie and yetshe has become a colonial spy. And Jeremiah, who must again come into contact with the moral scruples he has lost track of.
Both of these characters are so strong on the page. Rising from the refuse of their present circumstance, the difference they want to make pulled me into the story. I became a part of their lives, not just in the extreme storytelling, but as a partner in their endeavors.
Written in first person, as a reader, I was given an intimate glimpse into both characters lives. Their turmoil and victories. And I will say, that was one ending that came right down to the wire, I wasnt sure just how it would be cleared up peaceably.
Id have loved a teensy bit more romance, just because Im that kinda reader, but overall, a wonderful addition to my SM collection!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review through CFBA.
One of the things I value in a novel by Siri Mitchell is her extreme attention to detail. Her novels are a wonder and treasure trove, not only of the history of the era, but how much it becomes an intricate player in the book. Twining through a novel filled with 18th century espionage, is a glimpse into a world too often darkened to todays reader.
Hannah and Jeremiah are complete opposites. Hannah with her strict adherence to never tell a lie and yetshe has become a colonial spy. And Jeremiah, who must again come into contact with the moral scruples he has lost track of.
Both of these characters are so strong on the page. Rising from the refuse of their present circumstance, the difference they want to make pulled me into the story. I became a part of their lives, not just in the extreme storytelling, but as a partner in their endeavors.
Written in first person, as a reader, I was given an intimate glimpse into both characters lives. Their turmoil and victories. And I will say, that was one ending that came right down to the wire, I wasnt sure just how it would be cleared up peaceably.
Id have loved a teensy bit more romance, just because Im that kinda reader, but overall, a wonderful addition to my SM collection!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review through CFBA.
...You cant base your faith on a position. You cant live your life as a protest. Sooner or later positions resolve themselves, and then whats left? Theyre temporary...
A devout Quaker girl is pulled into the war between Britain and the rebels in 1778 simply because she wants to help her brother, who is in prison. She finds herself involved with a crippled patriot who will help her see her brother if she will spy for him and an unlikely partnership is formed. Set against the backdrop of the revolutionary war, this is the story of an unlikely pair who find that they have much in common and eventually fall in love as they seek ways to help Washingtons troops.
This is my first experience with Siri Mitchells writings and it definitely wont be my last. Although the novel started off at a rather slow pace, it did not take long for it to capture my interest and draw me into the story. All of the characters were very realistic and the plot was well written. I like historical fiction and this one is very good. I also really liked the way Hannah and Jeremiah each found a deeper walk with God and learned how to hear His voice. It added depth and a spiritual aspect to the story that made it a very worthwhile read. As Jeremiah said,
God does not forsake...Tis man who does the discarding.
And discounting. There is that of God in all of us.
Conclusion: the story contained good historical fiction, a sensitive love story, and a tale of conviction and sacrifice. Five star reading at its best.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
A devout Quaker girl is pulled into the war between Britain and the rebels in 1778 simply because she wants to help her brother, who is in prison. She finds herself involved with a crippled patriot who will help her see her brother if she will spy for him and an unlikely partnership is formed. Set against the backdrop of the revolutionary war, this is the story of an unlikely pair who find that they have much in common and eventually fall in love as they seek ways to help Washingtons troops.
This is my first experience with Siri Mitchells writings and it definitely wont be my last. Although the novel started off at a rather slow pace, it did not take long for it to capture my interest and draw me into the story. All of the characters were very realistic and the plot was well written. I like historical fiction and this one is very good. I also really liked the way Hannah and Jeremiah each found a deeper walk with God and learned how to hear His voice. It added depth and a spiritual aspect to the story that made it a very worthwhile read. As Jeremiah said,
God does not forsake...Tis man who does the discarding.
And discounting. There is that of God in all of us.
Conclusion: the story contained good historical fiction, a sensitive love story, and a tale of conviction and sacrifice. Five star reading at its best.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
The Messenger by Siri Mitchell, book review
Hannah Southerland is caught during the enemy occupation of the Revolutionary War. The sides are not clearly drawn in this conflict as the US is beginning is fledgling fight to independence, and Hannah does not feel connected to either side because she is a Friend or a Quaker who does not participate in violence.
During the months of occupation, Hannah and her family are persecuted because of her faith. Their home is taken over by English soldiers who do not appreciate their faith and her father choses to move the family to her aunts home. Hannahs brother, Robert, has left the Friends to fight for the cause of freedom and is now held in the local prison. Hannah longs to visit him, comfort and care for him, but is forbidden by the Friends.
This historical novel show the difficulty of families during war. Often the rules do not apply as they have in the past for society and even among families. The sense of right and wrong is often blurred and innocent people are hurt. The author does a great job of explaining many of these conflicts and the repercussions that befall this family, who in their quest to do Gods will neglect their son in his greatest time of need.
This book is for history buffs and those who enjoy a good historical novel with a bit of intrigue. Great summer read, although not the light page turner some want for around the pool.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House to review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hannah Southerland is caught during the enemy occupation of the Revolutionary War. The sides are not clearly drawn in this conflict as the US is beginning is fledgling fight to independence, and Hannah does not feel connected to either side because she is a Friend or a Quaker who does not participate in violence.
During the months of occupation, Hannah and her family are persecuted because of her faith. Their home is taken over by English soldiers who do not appreciate their faith and her father choses to move the family to her aunts home. Hannahs brother, Robert, has left the Friends to fight for the cause of freedom and is now held in the local prison. Hannah longs to visit him, comfort and care for him, but is forbidden by the Friends.
This historical novel show the difficulty of families during war. Often the rules do not apply as they have in the past for society and even among families. The sense of right and wrong is often blurred and innocent people are hurt. The author does a great job of explaining many of these conflicts and the repercussions that befall this family, who in their quest to do Gods will neglect their son in his greatest time of need.
This book is for history buffs and those who enjoy a good historical novel with a bit of intrigue. Great summer read, although not the light page turner some want for around the pool.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House to review. All opinions expressed are my own.
