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Showing posts with label Revolutionary War. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revolutionary War. Show all posts
Thursday, May 04, 2023
Newest Amy Harmon Historical My Favorite So Far
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When war breaks out, the Thomas boys start enlisting one-by-one. Deborah's heart shatters each time, not just because of worry for her "brothers," but because she wishes she could fight by their sides. In 1782, she gets tired of waiting. Donning her brothers' old clothing, she enlists in the army under a false name. An enthusiastic "Robert Shurtliff" heads off to war, eager to fight, especially under the leadership of the respected General John Paterson. In addition to the challenge of keeping her identity a secret from the men around her, Deborah is soon dealing with the gruesome realities of war, which is nowhere near as glamorous as it seemed from the sidelines. Desperate to prove herself on the battlefield while not drawing undue attention to herself, she is dismayed to find that she's somehow attracted the admiration of General Paterson. As proud as she is to be assigned his aide-de-camp, being in his constant presence is unsettling to say the least. She's hiding several major secrets from him, including her growing romantic feelings for the handsome widower. How can she make sure he never discovers what she's concealing? And what will happen when he—inevitably—does? If she survives the war, what will the future hold for an unusual woman like herself?
A Girl Called Samson is the newest historical novel by Amy Harmon. This is the third book I've read by her and my favorite one so far (although I do really love Where the Lost Wander). Deborah Samson was a real woman who truly did disguise herself as a man in order to serve in the Revolutionary War. Although Harmon tells a fictionalized version of Deborah's story, it's based in the remarkable truth about an extraordinary woman. In Harmon's hands, at least, she's a compassionate, brave, forthright, and passionate heroine who's both sympathetic and admirable. The author imbues her with a complex personality, a diverse range of emotions, and enough challenging experiences to prove her grit and fortitude, all of which make her a well-crafted character who comes alive on the page. John Paterson (also a real person) is just as likable and appealing. The sparks flying between the two are felt almost instantly, but their bond is built over time, giving their relationship a realistic warmth and depth. Besides their budding romance, there is plenty of action and other turmoil in A Girl Called Samson to keep the tale exciting, compelling, and, of course, heartbreaking. In addition, Harmon's prose is vivid, even poetic, but it's never sentimental or overdone. All of these things combine to create an engrossing, resonant novel that shines light on people who really lived, breathed, and loved their country so much that they did remarkable things in its defense. A Girl Called Samson is a gripping must-read for any historical fiction lover.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe and Sisters of Shiloh by Kathy and Becky Hepinstall)
Grade:
for violence, blood/gore, mild sexual content/innuendo, and mild language (no F-bombs)
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of A Girl Called Samson from the generous folks at Lake Union Publishing via those at NetGalley. Thank you!
Monday, August 17, 2020
YA Revolutionary War Espionage Story An Exciting, Appealing Departure
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When her mother dies, 15-year-old Francesca "Frannie" Tasker is left in the hands of her greedy, lascivious stepfather. The older man insists she take her mother's place as his bride; Frannie would rather die. She gets her wish when a shipwreck in the Bahaman waters where she dives for treasure delivers up the corpse of an obviously well-bred young woman. Frannie can't save the dead girl, but maybe by letting herself "die" and assuming the girl's identity, Frannie can save herself. The ruse only has to last long enough to get her far away from her evil stepfather in the Bahamas. Trading her rags for the dead girl's sodden but sumptuous clothing, Frannie steps boldly into her new life.
Frannie's ploy works far better than she ever expected it to. Becoming Emmeline Coates, a wealthy New York City heiress, gives her exposure to the kind of luxury she's never known. It also teaches her about the trouble brewing in America's fledgling colonies. Even though her looming marriage to a handsome British lieutenant feels like being caged all over again, Frannie recognizes that her closeness to him could prove very advantageous. Determined to do what she can to help her new country, she becomes an unlikely spy for George Washington. Her borrowed identity already puts Frannie's gilded life at risk, but now she's playing an even more dangerous game, one that could end with her as dead as the real Emmeline Coates.
Rebel Spy—a YA historical novel based on a real female spy known only as "Agent 355"—is a departure for Veronica Rossi, who's known for writing supernatural and dystopian books. I, for one, enjoyed Rossi's foray into hist-fic. As much as I adore the genre, I haven't read a lot of stories about the Revolutionary War, so I found Rebel Spy's setting fascinating. Colorful period detail fleshes out the backdrop, which adds authenticity to Frannie's tale, which—let's face it—is a tad bit far-fetched. Still, it features an empathetic heroine, an exciting plot, and a smoldering romance. Combined with the book's intriguing setting, these appealing elements create an engrossing, entertaining book that kept me turning pages. True, I would have preferred a story with more derring-do and less romance, but overall, I can't complain too much. Overall, I quite enjoyed Rebel Spy. I'm definitely up for more historical fiction from Rossi—here's hoping there's more in the works!
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for mild language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, February 18, 2019
New Magic Treehouse-ish Series Offers Fun, Educational Adventures for Kids (with a Giveaway!)
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
George and Gracie know that their family's Stockton Museum of Just About Everything in American History holds some amazing artifacts. What they don't realize, until one fateful night, is that one of those objects is actually a time machine. The exact same contraption their parents used to get themselves stuck somewhere in history. Now, it's up to George and Gracie to figure out when their folks are and how to unstick them so they can finally come home.
The kids have a solid plan to find their parents in history, but that scheme goes horribly awry when they find themselves in the middle of the Revolutionary War. Even worse, Gracie has turned into a horse! Things can't possibly get worse ... until they do. Suddenly, the twins are smack-dab in the middle of a wild race to save not just their own skin and that of their parents, but also the fate of the entire country. Will they be successful? Or will history—and their family—be changed forever?
Are you the parent of a rabid Magic Treehouse fan? Then, you should probably give the Just in Time series by Cheri Pray Earl and Carol Lynch Williams a go. I'm not sure how many books of a projected 25 (one for each state) have already been penned, but I do know the series starts with The Rescue Begins in Delaware. Like the Magic Treehouse books, this one involves a set of siblings, a time machine, and a host of based-on-a-true-story historical adventures. The Rescue Begins in Delaware tells a fast, fun tale that gives young readers a little glimpse of history that is educational enough to teach them something but not so much that they will be bored with the lesson. This installment starts with a bang and doesn't let up, which is good except that I felt like I was missing some background information that would have helped later events make more sense. Based on the series opener, I would say the Just in Time series isn't quite up to Magic Treehouse snuff. It should, however, give fans of the latter something entertaining and new to devour.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osbourne)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-copy of The Rescue Begins in Delaware in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
--
Want more opinions of The Rescue Begins in Delaware? Follow along on the book's blog tour by clicking the links below:
Feb 19: Min Reads and Reviews
Feb 20: LDS Writer Mom
Feb 21: My Book a Day
Would you like to win a paperback copy (e-book for international winners) of The Rescue Begins in Delaware? Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!
Thursday, February 08, 2018
Dual Timeline Mystery/Romance Clean and Uplifting
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Boston, 2015—Two years ago, Anaya "Annie" David's life changed in an instant when a bomb exploded at the 2015 Boston Marathon. Although her injuries were relatively minor, she's plagued with guilt over the fact that her niece, Grace—whom Annie convinced to enter the race—lost a leg because of the bombing. Haunted by the traumatizing event, Annie has distanced herself from Grace and her livid mother. When she decides to try to repair the damage to these relationships, she makes a startling discovery in her sister's house that sets her on the road to finding the man who rescued her on the day of the bombing. She's been meaning to return the heirloom ring he loaned her, an antique-looking piece that has given her strength every day since she received it. When she meets handsome Brad Kilroy, the two begin researching the ring, which has a rich, surprising history.
Boston, 1770—Alone in a dangerous town, 17-year-old Liberty Caldwell has to find a way to survive. When she's offered a position as housemaid in a home where Redcoat officers live, she doesn't have much choice but to accept. She may be branded a traitor, but she has to look after herself until her brother arrives. Although she knows she shouldn't, Liberty becomes close to Alexander Smythe, a kind officer who protects her from his housemate, an older man with more sinister designs on Liberty. When the inevitable happens, she has to flee. She takes Alexander's family ring to remember him by—and to sell, if needed. In a city erupting with violence, she knows she must be strong. The ring lends her strength as she does what she must to survive.
Separated by centuries and united by an heirloom piece of jewelry, two Boston women wounded in traumatic circumstances must find the strength and resilience to survive their separate challenges and trials. Compelled to find out what happened to Liberty, Annie will look to the past for answers that will teach her about the redeeming power of hope, resilience, and love.
Freedom's Ring, a debut novel by Heidi Chiavaroli, tells an uplifting, faith-promoting story narrated by two strong women. I dig dual-timeline plots, although I often find the past stories interest me more than the present ones. This is the case with Freedom's Ring. Although I enjoyed the genealogical mystery-solving in Annie's day, I found her to be a bit dull. With not enough personality or tension in her relationship with Brad, her tale got a little too humdrum for me. Liberty's sections are much more exciting. While I liked, but didn't love, Freedom's Ring, I found it to be a clean, engaging story that is inspiring without being preachy. Chiavaroli's sophomore novel comes out in May and I'll definitely be giving it a go.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of dual-timeline books by Susan Meissner)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Award-Winning Chains Exquisitely Engineered
(Image from Indiebound)I've read plenty of books about slavery, but none as powerful as Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. What makes the story so compelling? Perhaps it stands out because of its unique time period or because of the subtlety with which Anderson weaves the tale of a young girl's
fight for freedom with America's own struggle for independence. Or it could be the simple fact that I can no longer read stories like these without picturing my daughter. What would her fate have been, with her milk chocolate skin and tight black curls, in an age of absolute intolerance toward anyone with even a drop of African blood? The mere thought is enough to send ice through my veins. For all these reasons and more, Chains swallowed me whole, ravished my insides, then spat me back out, desperate for more. It's not an easy read, not at all. It is troubling, touching, illuminating and very, very worthwhile.The story opens with the death of Miss Mary Finch, a passing that both saddens and cheers 13-year-old Isabel. Although her mistress was kind, the slave girl can't wait to be her own boss lady. But before she's allowed to get even a taste of the freedom Miss Finch promised her, Isabel finds herself sold to the highest bidder. Along with her younger sister, Ruth, Isabel sails from Rhode Island to New York, where she becomes a servant in a grand
house on Wall Street. Her new owners, the Locktons, are proud and wealthy Loyalists, disdainful of American rebels and slaves who dare use their tongues for anything other than licking the boots of their betters. Isabel's determined to keep her head down, avoiding her cruel mistress whenever possible. It's only when Madam does the unthinkable that Isabel puts up a fight. And is violently punished for her efforts. Although Isabel cares little for the mounting conflict between the British and the Americans, aiding the Locktons' enemies gives her some small satisfaction. Not only is she fighting back against her hateful owners, but selling their secrets means winning favor with Patriot bigwigs who she hopes will repay her with freedom. Plus, she owes Curzon, the slave boy who once saved her life. Spying is a risky business for anyone, let alone a slave girl whose fate lies at the hands of an already malicious mistress. While the American Revolution explodes around her, Isabel must fight with everything she has - for her freedom, for her sister, for her life.
Every book I've ever read about slavery in America took place during the Civil War era. Somehow, I never even thought about the practice existing 100 years earlier. Anderson dissolved my ignorance with exhaustive research and painstaking detail, painting a heartrending portrait of early American slavery. The irony of a group of people risking life and limb for independence but refusing to grant it to others snakes through the story, bringing home the astounding hypocrisy embraced by so many people throughout the history of our young country. Anderson's message blares loud and clear, although it flows delicately through tight prose, vivid detail, and memorable characters. Although the author takes her time telling the tale, Chains offers a story that's enthralling, empathetic and exquisitely engineered. Historical fiction at its absolute best, this important book is not to be missed.
(Readalikes: Day of Tears by Julius Lester; Black Angels by Linda Beatrice Brown; Numbering All the Bones by Ann Rinaldi; Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson [sequel to Chains])
Grade: A-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for depictions of cruelty, racism and war-related violence
To the FTC, with love: I bought Chains with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
In Search of Molly Pitcher an Entertaining Little Mystery
(Image from Amazon) When you think of Revolutionary War heroes, the name Molly Pitcher probably doesn't enter your mind. In fact, if you're like me, you've never even heard of her. If that's the case, do yourself a favor and pick up Linda Grant De Pauw's In Search of Molly Pitcher. You'll be hooked from the first page.
The story follows 12-year-old Peggy McAllister, an overachiever on a mission to win the Rattletop Award. Each year, the prize is given to an eighth grader who shows excellence in social studies. So, when Peggy's teacher announces that each student will be writing a research paper, which can then be entered into the contest, she vows to craft a paper that will wow the judges. Her classmates choose the same old standbys - Thomas Jefferson, Neil Armstrong, Harriet Tubman - but Peggy knows she needs a subject that will stand out. So, against her teacher's recommendation, she chooses Molly Pitcher.
Little is known about the woman who took over at the cannon when her husband was killed during the Battle of Monmouth. According to legend, she received the nickname "Molly Pitcher" because she carried a pitcher of water to thirsty soldiers. Thus, Peggy finds herself researching various women, all of whom could be the famous heroine. It's a frustrating quest, but it's also the perfect challenge for the determined Peggy. With the help of her Greatgramps, a retired private eye; and an eccentric writer named Mrs. Spinner, she digs into the mystery with relish. If she can just find some real evidence, she knows the Rattletop Award will be hers.
As she searches diaries, newspapers and other sources, Peggy runs into roadblock after roadblock. By the time her paper is due, Peggy has enough information to write her own book, but can she pull it together enough to win the award? Can she even prove that Molly Pitcher was real? Or will her search for answers end in even more questions?
Although the book sometimes feels more like a manual on "How to Write a Research Paper," In Search of Molly Pitcher is an entertaining little mystery. The characters are unique and interesting. Nerds everywhere will love Peggy, an unpopular girl who refuses to submit to the mediocrity her teacher demands. My personal favorite is Greatgramps, a feisty senior citizen who drives (only if his destination is less than 3 miles roundtrip) an old VW decorated with bumper stickers that must always be "balanced" (like his "I Love Jesus" sticker, which is tempered by one that declares "Born Again Pagan"). Molly Pitcher, of course, becomes one of the main characters as well. Her story (or legend) makes her just as fascinating as Peggy and her contemporaries. While the story gets a bit bogged down with research procedures and facts, the characters save it from becoming too dull. You'll be drawn to Peggy & Co. as they play detective to unearth the truth behind one of history's most elusive women.
Grade: B
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