I love historical novels, and the fact that this novel is set during the Revolutionary War intrigued me that much more. Revolutionary War novels in ChI love historical novels, and the fact that this novel is set during the Revolutionary War intrigued me that much more. Revolutionary War novels in Christian fiction is a rarity indeed, and the message of God was felt throughout the story as well. This book will definitely make you take a ride on an emotional roller coaster and that's putting it mildly. There is a new twist and turn with every chapter, and the characters are as real as can be. I was held in utter suspense holding my breath at times to find out what would happen next. This novel is told in first person from each of the main character's viewpoints, Hannah and Jeremiah. This gives you a very clear insight to each of the characters personal viewpoints and thoughts which was actually refreshing. Hannah is very admirable, and even though she finds herself questioning her Quaker upbringing later in the novel she holds fast to her beliefs in God no matter what. Although she has to go against her rules of being a Friend she doesn't waver in her honesty, strength, or faith even just when you think she surely can't take anymore without breaking. I think Hannah is easy for many to relate to, as we all have found ourselves questioning different aspects of our upbringing. Ultimately we have to follow our hearts while keeping rooted in our faith, and that is the challenge. Jeremiah is a very bitter angry man. Although it appears time and again that he cares for no one, least of all himself, his kind heart shows through here and there. I greatly sympathized with him, having been through a previous war he lost an arm because of his birth, and was always thought less of a man because he wasn't born British. This makes him extremely angry and sullen in life. What I loved the most about this novel is the fact that the two characters, when brought together, ended up bringing out the best in each other. Even though they were definitely not fond of each other time and again, the ultimate result was heart-warming and I found myself in tears at the end of the novel. Another great factor was this novel bared all- the good and bad. It is definitely a MUST-READ for all you historical fiction fans out there. Everything is researched well, and there's no character large or small that is un-believable. They are all brought to life in this novel. This was my first novel by Siri Mitchell, but I can't wait to read more. This is going on my favorites shelf no question about that. This book definitely captured my attention, as well as my heart.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone....more
Even though Christmas is done and past I was still very interested in this book. Even though the letter’s are written around Christmas time it is a yeEven though Christmas is done and past I was still very interested in this book. Even though the letter’s are written around Christmas time it is a yearly update from the Flanders family which makes this a good book to read all year long.
This is really more of a biography of the Flander’s family, and while I did enjoy the book I felt lost at times because the book skips around from first person to third person and so forth. Mainly this happens in the beginning of the book before the family started the tradition of their yearly family letters. It created some confusion while I was reading it and made me wonder if there was a second Doug or Jennifer I was reading about. But I stuck with the book, and I am glad I did as it got better. Despite that downfall this book really was enjoyable, and through the Flanders family letters you will feel as if you know them yourself. It was almost as if you were there watching them go from being newlyweds and young parents to grandparents with a large family. I loved that the book held back nothing and went into full details about all aspect of their lives. I could literally feel the love the family had for one another, and it was really refreshing. As they were catching other family members up with their lives for each year I love how they seemed to put their all into the letters and with it their own personalities showed and I felt as if I was reading a letter from a fellow family member or friend. Jennifer is a Christian woman, and the fact that this book has a sense of God in it is really uplifting. More than just a book of letters this book has all kinds of hidden surprises for any reader to enjoy such as recipes, carols, quotes, bible verses, etc., scattered throughout. I thought this a touch of brilliance as it really sets the book apart from others. You will almost feel as if you are part of the Flanders family yourself! You will find yourself laughing along with this book, and just purely enjoying it. I recommend it wholeheartedly to just about anyone, but in particular it’s a great book for families.
I think a yearly letter to touch base with family is a wonderful idea, and hopefully this will become an institution in most households. In the world of social networking it has become more than easy to stay in touch with each other, but it’s always good to get mail and connect in other more simple ways. How fantastic that the Flanders family started this over 25 years ago! It’s also a great way to bind together all your families memories for future generations to enjoy which is what we are all doing now with the Flanders. I must admit I even hope for a sequel to this book for more letters. How awesome would that be?
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I am fascinated with anything historical in time. Whether it is from the U.S. or another country, I just crave to learn more about the historical way I am fascinated with anything historical in time. Whether it is from the U.S. or another country, I just crave to learn more about the historical way of life, customs, etc. That is one of the reasons I was drawn to this book aside from the mysterious woman on the cover. It promised a great love story, suspense, and the chance to learn of historical customs in China. This book didn’t turn out to be what I thought it would be. There are a lot of events that disturbed me in this novel, and if you surprise easily I wouldn’t recommend it. One of the most disturbing to me was Prince Yin-jeng’s sexual encounters with young boys. I couldn’t hardly stomach the details in which the events were explained, even though that is how things were done in imperial court back then. All in all I felt it was a very sad novel, and I was very upset by the ending. I felt the book focused on more carnage than anything. Without spoiling the novel I will just say that there was no way I could have at all predicted how things would turn out for our characters so the unpredictability of the novel was what kept me reading. The one thing I did like about this novel is Opal Moon’s will to overcome all obstacles thrown her way. Having been abandoned by her mother at a young age and raised by foster parents serving as their maidservant, she had to learn at a young age to be independent and diligent. This shows through her character and it was easy to admire her at times despite her young age. Even though she succumbed to her passions with Prince Yin-chen eventually, and despite her ardent Christian beliefs she continued to try to do the right thing. The problem arose when there became too many obstacles for her to try and overcome all alone and instead of seeking wiser help she tried to take things into her own hands. I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone under the age of eighteen due to sexually graphic/disturbing content. Despite the fact that this novel wasn’t quite what I expected it was very well researched, and very well written. I was hooked in by Opal Moon, and I couldn’t wait to see how things would turn out for her in the end.
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DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. All opinions expressed are mine alone....more
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