MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed historical fiction, particularly that pertaining to my own country’s early history. Melanie Dobson’s “The Courier of Caswell Hall” presented me with an entirely different look at the Revolutionary War than I have experienced in other novels. In it I found a more personal look at life in Virginia during that crucial period for our nation . It was a time when friends and neighbors and even family members disagreed on where to place their loyalties knowing their decisions could separate them from those closest to them. It was a time when their loyalty could cost them everything they owned or even their lives. And sometimes that loyalty was not rewarded as expected but taken for granted or even misused.
Many novels about this era focus on the battles won or lost but “The Courier of Caswell Hall” takes the reader behind the scenes into the lives of those who risked their lives to pass along vital messages to the Patriots. Lydia was one such young woman who found herself participating as a courier despite her family’s loyalist stand. Other family members and friends also played critical roles in Virginia’s struggle for independence.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Courier of Caswell Hall”. The characters were exceptional and the plot was perfectly orchestrated. The author succeeded in presenting each character’s viewpoint and illustrated clearly how the war affected the people of the area. I was also made aware of historical facts that my high school classes did not cover. A couple of romances added a nice touch but were not the primary emphasis of the book. I enthusiastically recommend this book, especially those who enjoy early American historical fiction.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.
As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women’s families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.
One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages—a network that may be the Patriots’ only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family’s protection and her own heart’s desires.
As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.
Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.
Welcome to the blog tour for Melanie Dobson‘s latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall. An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution in the newest book in the American Tapestries™ series.
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- The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson
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