Thank you to the author, Jayna Baas, for providing a complimentary copy for signing up for her email. A positive review was not required nor requestedThank you to the author, Jayna Baas, for providing a complimentary copy for signing up for her email. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Having read the first two books in the series, I thought I’d read this short story as well.
And, it is a very short story, but introduces readers to Robert Boothe and his brother Mitchell shortly after their father’s death. Readers are also introduced to Magdalen Davies who will go on to marry Robert. They’re also introduced to Gunning, who is the manservant of Magdalen’s father, Alexander. It is told from Robert, Mitchell, and Magdalen’s POVs. This is set eight (8) years before the prologue of Preacher at the River (1767) which is mostly Robert’s story. The main story is 12 years after this book (1771).
This is short enough to get to, and stay on point; long enough to let readers know what perils existed pre-revolutionary war, and leading up to it. There is a mention of the morality of slavery as well as certain laws that prevent slaves from being freed. This is definitely a sensitive and controversial topic. Please keep an open mind as this is written from the perspective of the time, thus our current day morality cannot cloud the presentation.
This does feature strong religious tones. And, that was one of the issues leading up to the Revolutionary War – freedom of religion. There is mention of those who had issues moving away from the Church of England and becoming Baptists. And, a penalty for it.
While readers don’t get to see Robert and Magdalen’s relationship blossom, they will understand how the two got together, and what keeps them together.
This had the potential to be a 4-star or 5-star read, but it needed a bit more to it – perhaps the early years of Robert and Magdalen’s marriage. However, it is an enjoyable read.
There is some humor from Mitchell about folks mistaking him as a preacher. I had to laugh about him asking “Why does everyone think I’m a preacher?”
As I’ve read the first two books in the series already, I would be interested in seeing how far the author plans to go with the series and where it’ll end. So, I’m definitely going to stick around for the long haul.
One thing is for certain …
We know what happened after the Revolutionary War ...more
Thank you to the author, Jayna Baas, for providing a complimentary copy for signing up for her email. A positive review was not required nor requestedThank you to the author, Jayna Baas, for providing a complimentary copy for signing up for her email. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
It’s hard to believe that the first book came out over four and a half years ago (4½) in April 2020. I ended up reading it about three (3) years ago. I haven’t read too many Revolutionary War stories. I only know about John Jakes’ series. Baas offers a more religious and cleaner version. She tells the story from a character and story driven plot.
One reason for the religious aspect is that it was a key part of the Revolutionary War, as it offered a moral sanction for opposition to the British. One key component was the Brits (Loyalists, Tories, King’s Men) felt that the King was a higher authority than God. The “Americans” (Patriots, Whigs, Rebels) felt that God was more of an authority.
This comes to light with one of the characters – Rane Armistead. At the time, some believed that the king had a right to rule in matters of conscience. The “dangerous idea” that spread in the Colonies was that each man was responsible for themselves before God. Even Benjamin asks if the king is worthy of God’s loyalty. For those who are not familiar with the time – that question could’ve result in being tried and executed for treason.
Given the topic and time, this will have war violence in it; as well as mention of torture.
Since this is a series, I strongly recommend that readers sign up for the newsletter and get the short story, Promise of Refuge. Readers should also read the first book in this series, Preacher at the River. This picks up nine (9) years after the events of that book. Some of the events of that book are referenced in this one.
Patriot at the River is told in two parts, spanning October 1780-March 31, 1781.
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