Path of Freedom by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings, won the 2011 Holt Medallion award for Best First Book. Jennifer’s work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary Agency and co-owns Upon the Rock Publicist. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with family, long walks, traveling, touring historical sites, hanging out at bookstores with coffee shops, genealogy, and reading.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

2nd in the Quilts of Love series

When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only her mother’s quilt as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery.

As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Path of Freedom, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

MY REVIEW:

I have to admit that when I first began to read Path of Freedom, the constant use of “thee” and other Quaker speech that was used to authenticate the novel seemed a bit stilted but it didn’t take me very long to get so involved in the story that it began to feel natural and I ceased to really notice it. I enjoyed learning of the Quaker involvement in the Underground Railroad movement as Bruce and Flora’s experiences made its history come to life for me.

Both Bruce and Flora were unique characters with a volatile relationship since childhood. When the pair are sent out on a mission for the Underground Railroad, Flora is uncertain if they can work together successfully. Although Bruce has put his boyhood pranks behind him, Flora still finds it hard to trust him and can’t forget the pain he caused her in the past. It doesn’t help matters when Bruce seems to put his foot in his mouth every time he tries to compliment Flora.

Path of Freedom is well-paced with enough drama, humor, danger, and romance to hold the interest of most readers. I liked how the focus was on serving others for the Lord and the emphasis on forgiveness.  I always enjoy seeing history take place through the eyes of someone who could have been there. Taylor did an excellent job of making that happen. I have enjoyed the Quilts of Love series thus far and look forward to future releases.