The Courier of Casewell Hall (American Tapestry) by Melanie Dobson
This book blew me away. Being a history nerd and taking a few history courses this semester at community college myself; Dobson transported me back to the early years during the fight for independence in America between the British and English.
Dobson's writing had me by the prologue--which usually doesn't happen for me. Still, there was so much going in the prologue that it made me want to know how those characters got to that moment. By the end of chapter 1, I knew I had to keep reading. I finished this book in one sitting. It was seriously that great.
What I really loved about this book was that romance was not number one. Even though I consider myself to be a hopeless romantic, it can be refreshing to read about a strong heroine character that make decisions for herself and not for the man she wants to please in hopes of marriage. I want to point out though that there is romance and it did make my heart flutter a little. Again, it was just refreshing to read of two characters ready to put the independence of their country first, and their personal lives second. That sacrifice I feel made them stronger in how they felt about each other.
The first character we meet is Lydia Caswell who comes from a wealthy Virgina plantation owning family of Loyalists. Lydia is twenty-five and has had an estranged engagement to Seth Hammond (a rebel) for the past five years (which the two become friends later on.) One night during a night walk, she hears a moaning sound of pain coming from the riverbank near her home, Caswell Hall. She finds it to be coming from a wounded man. Taking any sort of person into her care and not knowing what side he stands on could put Lydia's family in danger, but she takes him in anyways knowing she couldn't let him die. By saving this man's life, her life changes forever. I really liked Lydia. She was a strong woman figuring out what she believed in and what side she supported-- the Crown or Independence?
As the story progress the British and Continental armies are waging war in the year 1781. With all that is going on an unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in midst of it all.
By nursing Nathan back to health-- the man Lydia found-- who is a Patriot, and also an enemy, forms a bond with Lydia. Lydia's sympathy slowing grows towards America and when British officers come to her plantation it's the final push Lydia needs to know she must help Nathan escape.
Lydia then takes on the former job of her friend Sarah Hammond which is delivering secret messages to the Patriots in Williamsburg. She soon learns of a plot to assassinate General Washington, and Lydia knows she must risk her life in order to alert Nathan before it can be carried out.
There was so much depth and richness to this book that I felt like I was watching an HBO series about the history of America like John Adams or even the movie Lincoln. Dobson does a fantastic job at creating a plot that involves powerful women that helped form the country we now call America and its history.
If you love history this book is something you should add to your 'MUST READ' list. If you love spies, intrigue with a hint of romance this is also a must for you. If you just love a good read this is a must for you. Overall, I think it's a must read.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves
If you would like to win a copy of this book there is a giveaway going on until the 30th of September of 10 copies on Goodreads.
Soon, there will also be more coming up at the Litfuse Group's website. You will not want to miss out!
Happy reading everyone!
For His Kingdom,
Taylor Reid
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.
No comments:
Post a Comment