Book 2 in the American Independence series
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Received from the publisher for review as part of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
The new United States of America.
It’s 1777, and a fledgling country wages an almost hopeless struggle against the might of the British Empire. Brought together by a fateful kiss, Anne Merrick and Jack Hampton are devoted to each other and to their Patriot cause. As part of Washington’s daring network of spies, they are ready and willing to pay even the ultimate price for freedom.
From battlefields raging along the Hudson, to the desperate winter encampment at Valley Forge and through the dangerous intrigue of British-occupied Philadelphia, Anne and Jack brave the trials of separation, the ravages of war and an unyielding enemy growing ever more ruthless.
For love and for country, all is put at risk-and together the pair must call upon their every ounce of courage and cunning in order to survive.
I read this book as a standalone – although I have had the first book for over a year and had every intention of reading it first, but alas, time was not on my side (I just barely finished this one in time for my review tour stop!). There were moments and references that were made that I knew were in relation to something from book 1, but they were explained enough that I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything critical to my understanding and enjoyment of this book. It did however make me itch to pick up the first book!
This novel had a little bit of everything that I look for in a good read. The story was never slow or dragging – we moved right along from one event to the next. There was great character development and I’m sure if I had read book 1 I would have seen the characters grow from there too. I instantly took a liking to the characters and can’t wait to read more about their adventures. There were moments that pulled on the heart-strings and I certainly shed a few tears. One of most remarkable aspects of this novel is that although it is a book about the American Revolution you really get to see and feel both the rebel and loyalist sides. While Anne serves as a spy amongst the British troops there are times where you feel her sympathy for the soldiers and people fighting. You see how both sides dealt with feelings of hopelessness and excitement, passion and determination, and how the side they are fight on is the side of right. It really gave the book a well rounded feel for the world.
In terms of structure of the book, I loved the addition of maps throughout the book. The novel is broken up into segments that take place along the British movement from Fort Anne, the rebel encampment at Valley Forge and in occupied New York City. At the beginning of each of these sections there is a map showing places that are referred to in the section and really helps to give you a better sense of the world around the characters.
A couple of random comments to round out this review. I loved the little nod to American hero Nathan Hale (who remains nameless in the book). Growing up in East Haddam, CT he holds a small place in my heart. Our school system is in part named after him and he taught school in our town for awhile and you can still visit his school house. As soon as I saw the mention of a heroic spy who was captured, I recited the lines from heart “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country”. I also think that this could be a great war drama film. With the action, romance, and excitement it would be enjoyable.
If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out this excerpt of the book?
Reviews of this book by other bloggers:
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | RJ Julia
Also by Christine Blevins
Midwife of Blue Ridge
The Tory Widow (Anne Merrick #1)
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