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"The Messenger" by Siri Mitchell
May. 19th, 2012 07:04 pm"The Messenger" is only the second novel by Siri Mitchell that I have read, but both books have completely captivated me and have launched the author onto my "must read" list. Mitchell has a wonderful way of transporting you to an obscure historical period and making it real and personal. Her gift is not to be missed by any fan of this genre!
This story opens in January 1778, during the British occupation of Philadelphia. It is the winter that General George Washington is encamped at Valley Forge. Our heroine is Hannah Sunderland, a woman with the faith of a Quaker but the heart of a colonial patriot. When her twin brother is captured and put into prison, Hannah is torn. The Quakers had declared that they would take no side in this revolution and that it was forbidden for any of their members to visit the traitors in jail.
But Hannah has a link to her twin. She feels the bone-chilling cold at night even though she has enough blankets. She feels his hunger despite having a sufficient table. She cannot do nothing. Even while her faith prohibits her from lying, Hannah is determined to find a way to see and aid Robert.
Jeremiah Jones was once a dashing young soldier and society man. The loss of his arm and all his dreams has left him feeling hopeless. One good thing about the occupation: the British troops don't care if their suppers are served by a one-armed tavern keeper. Determined not to let the war effort continue without some way to assist, Jeremiah is recruited to do something he can do: spy for General Washington. But passing messages to and from the prisoners is a dangerous task and he has no official reason for repeated visits the jail. No one would expect a Quaker lass, if only he could convince Hannah to help them.
This story is a masterpiece. You won't want to set it down and will enjoy every page. Things don't always go as expected but they are woven together beautifully. You aren't sure how it is going to end until the final page. Thumbs up to Siri Mitchell and Bethany House!
I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
This story opens in January 1778, during the British occupation of Philadelphia. It is the winter that General George Washington is encamped at Valley Forge. Our heroine is Hannah Sunderland, a woman with the faith of a Quaker but the heart of a colonial patriot. When her twin brother is captured and put into prison, Hannah is torn. The Quakers had declared that they would take no side in this revolution and that it was forbidden for any of their members to visit the traitors in jail.
But Hannah has a link to her twin. She feels the bone-chilling cold at night even though she has enough blankets. She feels his hunger despite having a sufficient table. She cannot do nothing. Even while her faith prohibits her from lying, Hannah is determined to find a way to see and aid Robert.
Jeremiah Jones was once a dashing young soldier and society man. The loss of his arm and all his dreams has left him feeling hopeless. One good thing about the occupation: the British troops don't care if their suppers are served by a one-armed tavern keeper. Determined not to let the war effort continue without some way to assist, Jeremiah is recruited to do something he can do: spy for General Washington. But passing messages to and from the prisoners is a dangerous task and he has no official reason for repeated visits the jail. No one would expect a Quaker lass, if only he could convince Hannah to help them.
This story is a masterpiece. You won't want to set it down and will enjoy every page. Things don't always go as expected but they are woven together beautifully. You aren't sure how it is going to end until the final page. Thumbs up to Siri Mitchell and Bethany House!
I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
