From the beginning of this story I was able to visualize the streets of Williamsburg where much of the story played out. The scenes were easily imaginable based on a visit I made years ago to Williamsburg and the author's apt descriptions.
Now the story...... This is a work of fiction though there is of necessity a sprinkling of real people involved in the story and the staging of the story is pretty much true to the history of the area and time. It is the cusp of the American Revolution and Williamsburg, Virginia, is about the explode. The Patriots and the Tories seethe with the fervor of their cause - be it King and Country, or Freedom and Liberty. Our heroin is a lovely Tory lady who is left, deserted by her father, friends, and fiance on the eve of their wedding. Then her home is trashed and confiscated by the Patriots and she is left bereft of home, protection, fortune, and livelihood.
She determines not to be defeated and seeks employment - unheard of for a Lady - but she does have the lady-like skill of lacemaking and needle-work that she begins to market.
Not trusted by Tories or Patriots, she is in danger. Her rescuer is a Patriot, a gentleman, a protector.
The story unfolds amidst the conflicts of the time and war ensues and with it the dangers to each person. Lady Elizabeth who becomes known as Liberty and Noble Rynallt are both strong, believable characters. Their faith shines through strengthening them for what they have to endure.Laura Frantz has penned a wonderful story and one I highly recommend.
About the book: When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg on the eve of the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson is abandoned by her fiance and suspected of being a spy for the hated British. No one comes to her aid save the Patriot Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Liberty is left with a terrible choice. Will the Virginia belle turned lacemaker side with the radical revolutionaries, or stay true to her English roots? And at what cost?
Historical romance favorite Laura Frantz is back with a suspenseful story of love, betrayal, and new beginnings. With her meticulous eye for detail and her knack for creating living, breathing characters, Frantz continues to enchant historical fiction readers who long to feel they are a part of the story.
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell a division of Baker Publishing House, to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
I've read a bit about the Revolution. It's absolutely fascinating to me! Thankfully, I've never been ostracized by my family for my beliefs because they have the same ones as me. I do know where and in whom my strength and comfort lies, though. My faith means everything to me!
ReplyDeleteI know bits and pieces about before the Revolutionary War. I am learning more now that my son and daughter in law are reenactors for the Revolutionary War period. I know that my strength and power would be Christ, but I also know that I would need other Christians as help
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
I'm a genealogist, so know lots of facts, dates, etc, but love the more detailed, flesh to the bones type of information, so I would love to read this one!
ReplyDeletei enjoy history so I am familiar with Revolutionary War. I would be strong an d stick to my beliefs and principles.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
I'm not very familiar with the history of days just prior to the American Revolutionary War and way of life, but my kids have been studying this war in their US History class, so it's been a great refresher for me! And if I found myself in the politically torn city of Colonial Williamsburg, I would be terrified and would be saying plenty of prayers!
ReplyDeleteI am semi-familiar with that time period as I am a huge history buff. I know that I never want anything like that to happen again in this country but I am afraid it may come to that with the way things are going. This looks like an amazing book and I can't wait to read it and learn even more. I can't imagine being kicked out of my family for my beliefs, but I do know that is what happened back then - it was American vs American and everyone thought they were in the right. Rather than seeing there is always a way to compromise, they chose to kill each other and almost made this country like North Korea/South Korea. I teach ESL online to S Korean students and some of the things I have learned about their situation makes me think of our own country. Sad but it happened and it could happen again :(
ReplyDeleteI've read a bit about this time period but I'm by no means an expert. It would be extremely challenging to not have the support of family. It would certainly make me rely even more on God.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vera, and readers here for chiming in about history and this amazing point in American history. Really enjoyed these insights and the unique perspective of each. Blessed to have you as a reader and reviewer!
ReplyDeleteI am not terribly familiar with this period of early American history. Most of what I know I learned from Christian fiction!
ReplyDelete1. I'm not really familiar with life prior to the Revolutionary War. I'm sure I learned the history in High School, but that was a long time ago and history wasn't my strong suit, lol!
ReplyDelete2. It would be super hard to be on the opposite side of your family. I've always been close to them, so I'm not sure how strong I would be. I'd have to really rely on the Lord for my strength :-)
I have done quite a lot of genealogy research, with most of my family coming to the US by the early to mid 1700's, with several G's-grandfathers serving in the army then....one in a VA regiment and with Washington at Valley Forge. Looking forward to this very interesting book!
ReplyDeleteCathy, your family's history is fascinating.
DeleteI didn't pay much attention in school but I have always loved to read independently about our country's history. Christian fiction, when researched as well as Laura Frantz and some others do, provides quite a suitable education the time period. TY for the giveaway opportunity! I have heard so many good things about this book from my reviewer friends. I would love to read this story. And the cover is oh so incredibly gorgeous!!! I would adore wearing those dresses, except for any itchiness they may cause. :-)
ReplyDelete(1) How familiar are you with the history of days just prior to the American Revolutionary War and way of life? I'm not very familiar with this period of history.
ReplyDelete(2) Imagine yourself in the politically torn city of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia and being torn by which "side" you would place yourself. You are literally cast aside by your family and deserted. How strong do you imagine you would be? Where would your strength lie? I can't imagine being in this position at all. My strength would lie in God.
1. I am somewhat familiar with history prior to the American Revolutionary War, because I have spent much time researching genealogy and looking into the previous time periods to try to understand what my ancestors were going through.
ReplyDelete2. I would hope that I would be strong, with my strength & faith being in God. My relatives had a strong trust in God even back then, so I would hope that I would have that faith also back then. When I studied some of the things they went through, it made me thankful for our many blessings now which may be due to their faith & prayers.
(1) How familiar are you with the history of days just prior to the American Revolutionary War and way of life?
ReplyDeleteI know a bit, but I'd love to know more! :-)
(2) Imagine yourself in the politically torn city of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia and being torn by which "side" you would place yourself. You are literally cast aside by your family and deserted. How strong do you imagine you would be? Where would your strength lie?
My strength would be with God, who strengthens me.
I don't know if I'm doing the "re-tweet" thing correctly? Apologize if I'm not, it only let me re-tweet once and I went to get the URL but it just showed your original post. I don't use twitter much :-(
ReplyDeleteI have forgotten about this part of history, but both of my daughters have been learning about it in school.
ReplyDelete#ProductReviewParty
I am fairly knowledgeable about the time just before the American Revolutionary War and way of life during that period.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I am not too familiar with the history of days just prior to the American Revolutionary War and way of life. If I were rejected by my family I would feel insecure and angry. I might cry or write in a journal. I might pick up a new activity to keep me busy. My strength would lie in giving it to the Lord. The Bible tells us to cast our cares upon the Lord. Despite the emotions of the moment, I would slow down and first pray.
ReplyDeleteI'm not particularly familiar with the history of days just prior to the American Revolutionary War and way of life. We went to Colonial Williamsburg for spring break so I know a few facts about the way they dressed and worked.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine being in such a terrible struggle to survive, though!
I hope I would place my strength in God and trust Him to take care of my family.
I think I would be strong and my strength would come from God. My town is connected to the Revolutionary War by the Burning of the Hay.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry
What I know about Revolutionary history is what I learned in school. A long time ago, so I've forgotten most of it. It would be hard to be deserted by those you love, but hopefully I could join with others who are in the same situation.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little bit familiar with this time period. I have to admit though, that I learned a lot from the American Girl Felicity stories & movie from when my daughters were younger.
ReplyDeleteIt would be very difficult to be cast aside from my family but my strength would have to be from my faith.
I love period novels and would love to read this thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions
ReplyDeleteI am not too familiar with the preRevolutionary period. I know the anti-British fervor must have been intense with the British tax matters and conscription service. I'm sure newspapers were whipping up the situation. I'm sure there were a lot of Tories who felt just as intense. It would be very hard for me to go against my family. The desire to have the best for my family would be my strength.
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