Wednesday, December 11, 2013

THE COURIER OF CASWELL HALL BY MELANIE DOBSON

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.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1aLxC9s


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.

Connect with Melanie at: http://melaniedobson.com

My Thoughts 

Lydia Caswell is caught up in the goings on during the British and Continental war in 1781. While her brother and her childhood sweetheart are both off fighting in the war her father decides to  invite the son of an acquaintance  to stay at Caswell Hall.  Since the visitor is a British officer her father must accommodate not only the officer put his several other British soldiers in order to stay in the King's favor. There is another  problem, Lydia's father tries to encourage Lydia to marry the British officer. How can she stay true to her sweetheart and keep the fact that he is a Continental soldier. This would not bode well  for her family since they are expected to remain loyal to the crown. 

She is also harboring a probable spy for the Continental army.  He was found injured and she feels compelled to help him hide out while he heals so he can return to his mission.  What if she could help him in with his mission. If she were found out she would be charged as a spy.his would not only put her in danger it would also put her family in danger. 

The author writes of two women that chose to spy for the continental army during the war. Their hearts had to be strong to take such a chance.  The historical events that were provided by the author made the story even more interesting honoring the women from this historical event. So much was lost on both sides of this war but now we benefit from their great sacrifice of life and property. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Summerside Press/Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

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