The Courier of Caswell Hall ~ {American Tapestries Kindle Fire Giveaway and 10/18 Facebook Party}

The Courier of Caswell Hall

by Melanie Dobson

ISBN: 978-0824934262

$13.49 (paperback)

$ 8.99 (kindle)

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.

My thoughts:

This book was one of those I was excited to order since I really liked "Queen of the Waves" which was the first American Tapestries book that I read in this series. I Loved that book! Then I received the book and I just didn't connect with it and I put it on the back burner. 

Last night for some reason I couldn't sleep and I picked up The Courier of Caswell Hall to read in bed while I was waiting for morning to come and boy am I glad! The book starts slow - even though it jumps right into the story. There is enough descriptive paragraphs in the story to make you feel like you are right there participating in the lives of Lydia, Sarah, Nathan and everyone else in the battle for the Freedom of the Colonies.

The story isn't about the battle of the freedom of the slaves - it's about our fight to free ourselves from the tyranny of the British King. It takes place over the space of almost a year and you watch as Lydia becomes a spy and ends up falling for Nathan who has everything to lose as he travels the countryside for his Uncle (he has connections you don't expect until you find out WHO his Uncle is) ferreting out information against the British Troops, tracking down and delivering supplies to the struggling Patriots. I found myself cheering on the Patriots, Nathan and Lydia - as well as grieving the story of Sarah and her love.

This is a wonderful story for anyone who enjoys reading historical novels based on real historical events. Yes, it's fiction - but loosely based on The American Revolution. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys history, action and romance. 

Disclaimer: I was offered a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to have a positive review and no $$$ exchanced hands. Thanks for reading!