Helpful Score: 1
A real enjoyable read, the author does a great job of bringing 1763 life in today's world. Couldn't help but think all the time I was reading this book as to how much easier life is today and how our freedoms have become closer to what the founding people meant, I'm sure there's always differences on opinions of them depending what the public will bear. Wasn't until I read the authors notes at the end of the book how the characters of this book were kind of based on John & Abigail Adams (pres) life while dating and what the times were like then! Very entertaining read and am off to go find more by this author! Good read!
Rebellious Heart is a stand-alone novel by one of my favorite authors, Jody Hedlund. Set in the Boston area prior to the American Revolution, this captivating story is inspired by one of history's most famous couples, John and Abigail Adams, the second U.S. President and his First Lady.
When it comes to historical fiction, Jody Hedlund is among the best. Rebellious Heart grabbed my attention from the first sentence - "He's guilty of murder!" - and it isn't long before Jody takes the reader on a wild ride from one riveting scene after another. So many elements combine to make this a fascinating read.
Outstanding characterization -- Ben and Susanna are charismatic lead characters, and there's a strong cast of supporting characters as well. Ben Ross is a poor country lawyer, secretly involved in sedition against oppressive British laws. He fights against injustice "to give the downtrodden, like himself, a fair chance in a world in which those with the most power and wealth made the rules" . . . and he thinks he needs a wife with the right connections and social standing in order to increase his prestige.
Susanna Smith, the witty and intelligent daughter of a wealthy parish minister, yearns for the kind of education denied to women at the time and feels she also has to marry well in order to achieve her goals. It is great to watch Susanna grow from the young child who told Ben, "I could never marry you. . . . You're a nobody" to a courageous woman who wasn't afraid of doing what was right in the face of injustice.
Fast-moving narrative -- There's not much time for a deep breath because Jody keeps the action flowing with the extreme cruelty of British Lieutenant Wolfe and his efforts to expose the molasses smuggling operation . . . to secret passageways, hidden tunnels and nighttime flights of escape.
Romantic tension -- Oh yes! I want to save the element of surprise about the scene between Ben and Susanna in Arnold Tavern when Lieutenant Wolfe walks in, but it's worthy of rereading a few times. And then there's the scene where Ben measures Susanna's foot so his father can make new boots . . .
Ethical issues -- I thought the book's cover a little unusual at first, but then realized that it beautifully depicts an unsettled Susanna as the political situation in Colonial America causes her to wrestle with a belief ingrained from childhood, that of giving unquestioned obedience to those in authority over her. Compelled to help Dotty, an abused servant fleeing for her life, it comes down to a matter of justice vs. mercy. "Perhaps this very situation was beginning to happen between the colonies and Great Britain. They were indeed living under the authority of someone who could perpetuate abuse without recourse."
Historical detail -- The Colonial setting of the Boston area, Braintree and Weymouth is vividly conveyed, and Jody doesn't hold back on the realism of the times. The fact that Ben and Susanna were inspired by John and Abigail Adams created much interest and made me want to read more about them. It was fun to imagine what their courtship might have been like, and I loved their witty sparring. Jody provides an Author's Note at the conclusion which gives much interesting detail.
The narrative ends with these encouraging words spoken by Susanna's Mother: "You will never be content living an ordinary life. I believe you were born to do greater things. . . . You will do those great things beside a great man."
Rebellious Heart is a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable novel, one that I highly recommend.
This book was provided by Jody Hedlund in exchange for my honest review.
When it comes to historical fiction, Jody Hedlund is among the best. Rebellious Heart grabbed my attention from the first sentence - "He's guilty of murder!" - and it isn't long before Jody takes the reader on a wild ride from one riveting scene after another. So many elements combine to make this a fascinating read.
Outstanding characterization -- Ben and Susanna are charismatic lead characters, and there's a strong cast of supporting characters as well. Ben Ross is a poor country lawyer, secretly involved in sedition against oppressive British laws. He fights against injustice "to give the downtrodden, like himself, a fair chance in a world in which those with the most power and wealth made the rules" . . . and he thinks he needs a wife with the right connections and social standing in order to increase his prestige.
Susanna Smith, the witty and intelligent daughter of a wealthy parish minister, yearns for the kind of education denied to women at the time and feels she also has to marry well in order to achieve her goals. It is great to watch Susanna grow from the young child who told Ben, "I could never marry you. . . . You're a nobody" to a courageous woman who wasn't afraid of doing what was right in the face of injustice.
Fast-moving narrative -- There's not much time for a deep breath because Jody keeps the action flowing with the extreme cruelty of British Lieutenant Wolfe and his efforts to expose the molasses smuggling operation . . . to secret passageways, hidden tunnels and nighttime flights of escape.
Romantic tension -- Oh yes! I want to save the element of surprise about the scene between Ben and Susanna in Arnold Tavern when Lieutenant Wolfe walks in, but it's worthy of rereading a few times. And then there's the scene where Ben measures Susanna's foot so his father can make new boots . . .
Ethical issues -- I thought the book's cover a little unusual at first, but then realized that it beautifully depicts an unsettled Susanna as the political situation in Colonial America causes her to wrestle with a belief ingrained from childhood, that of giving unquestioned obedience to those in authority over her. Compelled to help Dotty, an abused servant fleeing for her life, it comes down to a matter of justice vs. mercy. "Perhaps this very situation was beginning to happen between the colonies and Great Britain. They were indeed living under the authority of someone who could perpetuate abuse without recourse."
Historical detail -- The Colonial setting of the Boston area, Braintree and Weymouth is vividly conveyed, and Jody doesn't hold back on the realism of the times. The fact that Ben and Susanna were inspired by John and Abigail Adams created much interest and made me want to read more about them. It was fun to imagine what their courtship might have been like, and I loved their witty sparring. Jody provides an Author's Note at the conclusion which gives much interesting detail.
The narrative ends with these encouraging words spoken by Susanna's Mother: "You will never be content living an ordinary life. I believe you were born to do greater things. . . . You will do those great things beside a great man."
Rebellious Heart is a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable novel, one that I highly recommend.
This book was provided by Jody Hedlund in exchange for my honest review.
It is so hard to pick a favorite author because there are so many good authors out there and I love so many different books. But one of the authors that I have found to like every single one of their books is Jody Hedlund. She has yet to disappoint me.. and I doubt she ever will! Each of her books have gripped my emotions and torn at my heart-strings. The romance she writes sets my heart pumping and the characters she creates have all become my friends. Each setting is full of history lessons that come to life through the fiction stories she writes. I love the poetic way she writes her stories and each book leaves me smiling and sighing happily.
With all that being said, Rebellious Heart was everything and more that I wanted it to be. Have you ever just stared at the cover of a book, wanting to read it but waiting because you know this is the only time you will experience the book for the first time? That's what I did with Rebellious Heart. I just had to hold it for a while, soaking in the freshness of the story, the mystery of what it held. But as I opened this book, I was whirled away to the 18th Century where I fell in love with these characters.
Susanna Smith has everything she wants. That is, except for a higher education. Living in a world where women do not receive that kind of education, Susanna does what she can to soak in any kind of education she can find. She is determined to marry well and help the less fortunate with their needs. Susanna also believes herself to be loyal to the crown.
Ben grew up as a farmer's son and despite his Harvard education, still finds himself looked down on for his poor background. As a lawyer, Ben is also eager to help the less fortunate. When he meets Susanna, he is quickly drawn to her, though he knows she intends to marry well.
While the two hold opposing views on the king and the crown, they find themselves needing the other's help and one of them finds their view on the crown wavering.
Rebellious Heart was written as a fictional account of the courtship between John and Abigail Adams. I loved the history found in this book and I love the details that Jody Hedlund weaved into this story. There is nothing about that book that I didn't like except the fact that it ended. I felt the emotions that these characters felt. I lived right beside them as I entered their world. I couldn't decide if I wanted to read this book slow and soak it all in or read it fast so I could find out what happened next. I think I did a little bit of both. If you are looking for a sigh-worthy romance that will get your heart racing and tug at your emotions, definitely pick up Rebellious Heart. You will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review. I received no compensation for this review and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
Leah B.
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com
With all that being said, Rebellious Heart was everything and more that I wanted it to be. Have you ever just stared at the cover of a book, wanting to read it but waiting because you know this is the only time you will experience the book for the first time? That's what I did with Rebellious Heart. I just had to hold it for a while, soaking in the freshness of the story, the mystery of what it held. But as I opened this book, I was whirled away to the 18th Century where I fell in love with these characters.
Susanna Smith has everything she wants. That is, except for a higher education. Living in a world where women do not receive that kind of education, Susanna does what she can to soak in any kind of education she can find. She is determined to marry well and help the less fortunate with their needs. Susanna also believes herself to be loyal to the crown.
Ben grew up as a farmer's son and despite his Harvard education, still finds himself looked down on for his poor background. As a lawyer, Ben is also eager to help the less fortunate. When he meets Susanna, he is quickly drawn to her, though he knows she intends to marry well.
While the two hold opposing views on the king and the crown, they find themselves needing the other's help and one of them finds their view on the crown wavering.
Rebellious Heart was written as a fictional account of the courtship between John and Abigail Adams. I loved the history found in this book and I love the details that Jody Hedlund weaved into this story. There is nothing about that book that I didn't like except the fact that it ended. I felt the emotions that these characters felt. I lived right beside them as I entered their world. I couldn't decide if I wanted to read this book slow and soak it all in or read it fast so I could find out what happened next. I think I did a little bit of both. If you are looking for a sigh-worthy romance that will get your heart racing and tug at your emotions, definitely pick up Rebellious Heart. You will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review. I received no compensation for this review and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.
Leah B.
Must Love Books
mustlovereading.wordpress.com
Interesting story set before the Revolutionary War. Lovely, intelligent heroine who risks her life to help an indentured servant. Very good!
While not my favorite by Hedlund, nonetheless this book drew me in and in the end I loved it. Recommend.
Rebellious Heart is a new passionate historical hitting store (and personal) book shelves now and I think many readers are going to be swept away in this dramatic retelling of life several hundred years ago.
Sometimes it can be hard to read about experiences from a different period, romanticized or not, because of the accuracy the author puts behind the words. To know that such horrible things could and would happen to people during such a time makes it difficult, but also fascinating.
Talk about a love story! Susanna and Ben certainly cross more than a few lines for the expected and acceptable of their society standings of their day and in more ways than just their romance. But oh boy, the attraction and sizzle on the page when they were even in the same room together. Talk about great tension!
I didnt find this one title my favorite, and I cant really put my finger as to why to be honest. The story was good, the characters well fleshed out, and plenty of action to fill the 360 pages. Maybe it was the slightly disturbing history, maybe it was the combination of a deadline I needed to reach - either way, I still give high marks to the book and encourage historical reader fans to pick it up.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
Sometimes it can be hard to read about experiences from a different period, romanticized or not, because of the accuracy the author puts behind the words. To know that such horrible things could and would happen to people during such a time makes it difficult, but also fascinating.
Talk about a love story! Susanna and Ben certainly cross more than a few lines for the expected and acceptable of their society standings of their day and in more ways than just their romance. But oh boy, the attraction and sizzle on the page when they were even in the same room together. Talk about great tension!
I didnt find this one title my favorite, and I cant really put my finger as to why to be honest. The story was good, the characters well fleshed out, and plenty of action to fill the 360 pages. Maybe it was the slightly disturbing history, maybe it was the combination of a deadline I needed to reach - either way, I still give high marks to the book and encourage historical reader fans to pick it up.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
First time reading this author and I have such mixed feelings. My issues are personal preference more than issues with the writing. I just wish I had understood more about the topic and premise of the book so I could decide it wasn't for me before reading it.
Didn't enjoy:
Indentured servitude is not a pretty topic and this conveys that. I have strong reactions to reading about the abuse and murdering of women and about men in power that shouldn't be.
This is a time period that still strongly restricts women so know that before you read it. It is also a time period that views slaves as less than people.
The good:
Believable timeline & love story between characters
Ideas that make you think and ponder what your conscience would lead you to do
Good balance as the cover says between romance and drama/mystery.
Take away:
Unpleasant things really did happen in history but if you're wanting to read a novel to escape the bad in this world this isn't the one. If on the other hand you want to feel the suffering of women in the early days when America was still heavily under the influence of England by all means pick this one up. Just know your stomach might turn at parts and you'll likely end feeling grateful you didn't live during that time period.
Didn't enjoy:
Indentured servitude is not a pretty topic and this conveys that. I have strong reactions to reading about the abuse and murdering of women and about men in power that shouldn't be.
This is a time period that still strongly restricts women so know that before you read it. It is also a time period that views slaves as less than people.
The good:
Believable timeline & love story between characters
Ideas that make you think and ponder what your conscience would lead you to do
Good balance as the cover says between romance and drama/mystery.
Take away:
Unpleasant things really did happen in history but if you're wanting to read a novel to escape the bad in this world this isn't the one. If on the other hand you want to feel the suffering of women in the early days when America was still heavily under the influence of England by all means pick this one up. Just know your stomach might turn at parts and you'll likely end feeling grateful you didn't live during that time period.
