Click here to purchase!About the Book
When Englishwoman Catherine Haynes loses both her parents and her home in 1856, she decides to cross the Atlantic to find her American mother’s family in Louisiana. She enlists the help of Tom Worthington, a dashing Key West man who makes his living salvaging wrecked ships, but whose real goal in life is to bring to justice the man who stole his father’s ship and caused his untimely death.
When Catherine finally arrives at her family’s plantation, she finds it in disarray and her family absent landowners. Torn between returning to Key West with Tom or beginning the hard work of restoring the plantation, Catherine soon finds herself snared in a plot to steal her inheritance. When an incredible secret comes to light, both she and Tom will face a choice. Can they relinquish the dreams that have been holding them captive in order to step forward in faith–even if it costs them everything?
My Perspective
I always enjoy getting to read new authors and was excited to see what kind of author Christine Johnson was. Of course, coming in late in a series can sometimes be a little confusing. You don’t know who the characters are, or their back stories. But when reading this book I did not find that to be an issue at all. I understood exactly what was going on and who everyone was. In that aspect I think this book would do fine as a stand alone book.
As for Christine’s writing ability, she did a wonderful job in presenting a story in this time period. There was not a moment when I felt like the language was off, or even how the people were acting and reacting. She stayed true to the 1850’s which I am sure is something very difficult for an author to do. I liked the storyline because it was different then others I have read in this time period. As a reader, I am always looking for something different – I don’t want to read the same stories all the time! I think this was my favorite aspect of this book.
As for the characters, Catherine is a strong heroine that was a delight to read about. She is one of those women who do not need a man in their life in order to live. She is content in doing things her way. I think she’d make it in our world today as a very successful business woman! She’s certainly someone you might want to take a few notes on. Tom, however, I could not love. Sure, I enjoyed his character, but I don’t feel that his character went anywheres. In other words, there was no true development on his part, or at least not so much that I could see a big change in him. I like the big characters to grow and learn, and I feel that Tom fell flat in this area.
Bottom line – it was a good read. Historical fiction readers will enjoy it and appreciate the author’s ability to stay in the time period. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author in the near future. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
A small-town Michigan girl, Christine Johnson has lived in every corner of the state’s Lower Peninsula. After trying her hand at music and art, she returned to her first love–story. She holds degrees in English and library studies and works part-time as a librarian. She feels blessed to write for Love Inspired and Revell.
When not at the computer keyboard, she loves to hike, kayak, and explore God’s majestic creation. She and her husband split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys. Christine enjoys hearing from readers through her web site at http://christineelizabethjohnson.com.