MY REVIEW:
Book two in Hunt’s “The Heirs of Cahira O’Connor” series, The Golden Cross recounts the adventures (or misadventures) of Aidan O’Connor, a young woman raised among the riffraff near the harbor of Batavia, Indonesia. When given a chance to improve her artistic abilities and leave her destitution behind, Aidan agrees to disguise herself as a boy and accompany her benefactor aboard ship on a voyage to discover and map unidentified lands. As the expedition progresses, Aidan finds her life threatened at every turn but remains unaware of sinister plots against her and Heer Van Dyck. When Dr. Sterling Thorne accidentally discovers her secret, he becomes her self-appointed protector and Aidan fights her growing attraction to him. Will there be any chance of a future for Aidan and Sterling once he discovers her past? Will Aidan make peace with the God she has turned away from?
The Golden Cross is a fast paced story full of action, drama, and human interest. Characters are realistic with distinct personalities. Life near the wharf and on board ship is rendered skillfully with vivid descriptions. God’s involvement with His children is evident throughout but is subtle and a natural element of the story. Historical elements seem to be well researched and add depth to the narrative.
I would definitely recommend The Golden Cross to anyone who loves a good historical romance.
A review copy of The Golden Cross was provided by WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Aidan O’Connor was raised among pickpockets and prostitutes in a Dutch colony on Java, Indonesia. But when a world-famous cartographer discovers her natural artistic talent, she is given a chance to leave her troubled life behind.
Disguised as a boy, Aidan joins her benefactor at sea and begins the work of drawing the flora and fauna of the new world. This fresh beginning holds far more than adventure, however. It also holds a great love.
But can this love survive the force of Aidan’s past…and her ambitions for her future?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly four million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to nonfiction books, to novels.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Also in 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree. She completed her doctorate in 2008 and was accepted into a Th.D. program in 2009. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Value Fiction For Your Spring Break
Colorado Springs, CO— Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.
Full-length novels offered include:
Secrets
by Robin Jones Gunn – Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.
Beneath a Southern Sky
by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?
The Golden Cross
by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.
Deep Harbor
by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii, Japan, and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen, Norway, each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.
Faithful Heart
by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California. Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.
Yesterday’s Promise
by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa. In England, his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart.
