Selah - Review

Selah (The Sugar Baron's Daughter, # 3)

By: Lisa T Bergren

Publication: March 3rd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Selah Banning has come of age on the West Indies island of Nevis, shaped by experiences far beyond the typical upbringing of a young British lady in 1777. She never anticipated that the most tumultuous time of her life might await her in the year ahead.

Jedediah Reed, a young Methodist preacher with a call to serve the slaves of Nevis, has settled at Selah's family's plantation, the Double T. As Selah's heart is drawn to the same people, their shared purpose brings them together--despite her guardians' concern with a romance that promises little security for the future.

As Jedediah's faith and Selah's abolitionist leanings lead to changes on the plantation, the Revolutionary War continues to build in the States. With the threat of starvation and the conflict with island mogul Angus Shubert growing ever stronger, the future of the Double T and its people hangs in the balance.

I'll just be honest. I don't enjoy reading about slavery. It's heartbreaking. And there are just some periods that I don't enjoy reading about. On the one hand, I have felt these stories bring history to life. Yet on the other hand, I like to read to escape the troubles of life and these periods are simply too full of pain.

While I enjoyed Verity more than I expected to, I had a little hesitation going into Selah. I knew I wanted to finish the series, but I wasn't excited about digging in deeper in this particular area. Plus I wasn't sure how the romance would be between Selah and Jedediah. All in all, I have to say that I really enjoyed it.

Selah truly has a heart of gold. She sees people and hearts where others see a means to an end or property. She connects with those who are oppressed. And her heart sees a kindred spirit in Jedediah. He opens her eyes to see God better, and they find a common bond between them. I ended up liking their story a good bit more than I expected.

I do think Jedediah's reasons for needing some space from Selah were a bit bogus. Selah calls him out for his lack of faith quickly but it takes him much too long to come to his senses if we're looking at realism. But of course that wouldn't make for a good story. Or would it?

I enjoyed seeing more of Ian and Verity. I find their story so intriguing. I do feel like I'm missing out since I never read Keturah and I do hope to go back and read it some day if time and opportunity allow.

Selah ended up being more enjoyable than I briefly worried it would be. Even though I don't love reading about the painful period and events involving slavery, I found this book full of hope (is that the right word?) for what could have been. I liked Selah and Jedediah. They had a mission and a bond that inspired, but I could have enjoyed a little more romance. Selah gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Selah? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Selah

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Selah (The Sugar Baron's Daughter, # 3)

By: Lisa T Bergren

Expected Publication: March 3rd 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

352 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Selah Banning has come of age on the West Indies island of Nevis, shaped by experiences far beyond the typical upbringing of a young British lady in 1777. She never anticipated that the most tumultuous time of her life might await her in the year ahead.

Jedediah Reed, a young Methodist preacher with a call to serve the slaves of Nevis, has settled at Selah's family's plantation, the Double T. As Selah's heart is drawn to the same people, their shared purpose brings them together--despite her guardians' concern with a romance that promises little security for the future.

As Jedediah's faith and Selah's abolitionist leanings lead to changes on the plantation, the Revolutionary War continues to build in the States. With the threat of starvation and the conflict with island mogul Angus Shubert growing ever stronger, the future of the Double T and its people hangs in the balance.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Verity - Review

Verity (The Sugar Baron's Daughter, # 2)

By: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Publication: April 2nd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--After leaving England behind for a new life in the West Indies with her sisters, Verity Banning wants something to call her own. Her affinity for animals inspires her to set up a business importing horses, as well as other goods in demand by the island residents. But when she arrives in the Colonies to purchase her goods, unexpected news of Captain Duncan McKintrick awaits her--as does the captain's handsome brother, Ian--whose sympathies lie with the fledgling Patriot cause.

As the great-granddaughter of a British general and friend to many Loyalists, Verity believed all she wanted was a peaceful resolution. But both the Patriots and the impassioned Ian McKintrick are steadily laying claim to her heart. When faced with the decision of what--and for whom--she will fight, can she set her feet on a new path despite the danger that awaits?

I've seen Lisa T Bergren's books for years. There's been no real reason that I haven't picked one of her books up until now besides not having a specific opportunity to do so. Well, that all changed when I saw Verity for review. I wish that I had realized Verity was the 2nd in a series. Somehow I missed that. I truly don't think Goodreads had the series listed when I decided to request it for review. I definitely felt like I was missing out for not having read Keturah, but nothing was missing that was crucial enough not to be able to read Verity as a standalone.

The Banning sisters aren't above going beyond what society expects of a woman--or just society's expectations in general. Yet I did wonder what Verity was thinking at times. Specifically her decision to follow Ian without a guardian. I mean things worked out okay, but she had no guarantee that they would without completely ruining her reputation. Strong as she may be, that seemed a little out of character for her--or maybe just out of character for me.

Similarly, some of the decisions that Ian and Verity made concerning the Sons of Freedom were hard for me to support. I mean they did hard things that did a lot of good, but they didn't seem to make the smartest choices at the same time. I guess those things were necessary for conflict and tension within the story, but I was kind of bumping my fist against my forehead in frustration at these two sometimes. I mean they kept creating enemies at just about every port they stopped at. I guess I felt they could have been a bit better at being two-faced if that makes sense without giving too much away.

I particularly enjoyed the beginning of Ian and Verity's relationship. The common ground that binds them instantly. The growth and the journey the two must go through to choose each other. But of course, love stories are my favorite. These two were a little cheesy at times once they left Nevis, but I don't mind a little cheese.

The subterfuge had me anxious while reading. I found myself holding my breath until I could find out their outcomes of each moment.

My first experience with Lisa T Bergren was enjoyable. I loved how Verity brought history to life. The love story was really good. And the missions had me anxious to see how it would all turn out. Verity gets 4 Stars. Have you read Verity? What did you think? Let me know!