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Heirs of Acadia #2
The Innocent Libertine
Davis and his wife, Isabella, are continuing the historical saga of a pivotal time in America's past with descendants of those courageous Acadians. In The Innocent Libertine, the impulsive young American Abigail Aldridge becomes increasingly outraged by the chasm between her Christian ideals and the plight of the poor. A well-intentioned social outreach puts her right in the middle of disaster, which turns into a scandal, and soon she is on a ship headed back to America. The broad expanse of the American landscape and an encounter with a brilliant young scholar open Abbie's heart to a new understanding of her divine destiny. The sequel to the bestselling The Solitary Envoy.
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First published September 1, 2004
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About the author
T. Davis Bunn
80 books148 followersAlso writes under the names Thomas Locke and Davis Bunn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 1, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Even tho this is only the 2nd Book I've read by Davis and Isabella let alone in a series, I have to say I love how this series quickly evolves.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Loved Abigail's fire and determination in this book. It really evolved more then in Book 1.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in London while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Wonderfully written Book 2 in this Historical Fiction Series!! Can't wait to read more by The Bunn's in the future!!
Review:
Even tho this is only the 2nd Book I've read by Davis and Isabella let alone in a series, I have to say I love how this series quickly evolves.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Loved Abigail's fire and determination in this book. It really evolved more then in Book 1.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in London while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Wonderfully written Book 2 in this Historical Fiction Series!! Can't wait to read more by The Bunn's in the future!!
January 15, 2015
I have to say I was a little disappointed with this book. I really like the first book in the series and was hoping this book would be just as good as the last.
The beginning started out promising. I thought it strange though that a Reverend would allow a young girl to be led into a situation like the one she was in. We are called to be a light in darkness and call people up from their sinfulness, but that doesn't mean we should put our own souls in danger in the process. I feel that that situation could have done that and they should have had the foresight to clear away from that situation.
Moving on, I liked the story after that up until Reginald and Lillian fell in love. It happened to fast for me and I couldn't really wrap my head around what was happening. Then all of the sudden Abe and Abigal were in love with each other when I was still getting over just meeting him. After that the rest of the book just...I don't know, didn't seem real enough to me. I was still trying to understand how the couples had fallen in love with each other...
The beginning started out promising. I thought it strange though that a Reverend would allow a young girl to be led into a situation like the one she was in. We are called to be a light in darkness and call people up from their sinfulness, but that doesn't mean we should put our own souls in danger in the process. I feel that that situation could have done that and they should have had the foresight to clear away from that situation.
Moving on, I liked the story after that up until Reginald and Lillian fell in love. It happened to fast for me and I couldn't really wrap my head around what was happening. Then all of the sudden Abe and Abigal were in love with each other when I was still getting over just meeting him. After that the rest of the book just...I don't know, didn't seem real enough to me. I was still trying to understand how the couples had fallen in love with each other...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2016
Not as enjoyable as some of the other stories in this series. I found it dry and the two main characters, while both have engaging personalities, were quite dull and uninspiring. I couldn't get into the book until halfway through...it took me a week or more to read that far, and only another day once I reached the halfway point. The faith message wasn't as strong as I'd like either. I felt neither character grew as much as the story needed them to. Though I enjoyed the ending - a perfect happily ever after story twice over! :)
November 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book until it became quite political. Unsure if this was necessary to move the plot forward unless of course, it was supposed to be a work of nonfiction.
May 11, 2010
This was an interesting story of two very different women ~ one just becoming a young woman and essentially innocent of the world's ways and trying to determine who she wants to be and what God wants her to do with her life. The other has almost lived too much life and believes she is used up and lives only to protect her son. She has no use for religion and holds tight to secrets and lies to protect her until their lives collide and neither one remains the same.
There were moments when the story was a little slow, but they were few. The heroes were almost too perfect (especially Reginald). I can forgive that because they are not the focus and Abigail and Lillian were so interesting and well-drawn.
There were moments when the story was a little slow, but they were few. The heroes were almost too perfect (especially Reginald). I can forgive that because they are not the focus and Abigail and Lillian were so interesting and well-drawn.
June 3, 2013
This was a very well-written story about the early 1820's which contained plot lines set in both England and America. I loved the characters of Abe and Abigail and how they were insecure, but grew greatly in their understanding of themselves and others, and the way their strengths and weaknesses complimented each other. Most people can relate to several of the characters who had problems looking past mistakes they had made and forgiving themselves, even though others were able to do so. Spiritual growth, forgiveness, agonizing over moral dilemmas, social class struggles, the intensity of the debate over slavery, and romance will keep you interested in this one.
February 4, 2017
When you mess up your friends and family may be upset. Yet they show love and want the best for you. She travels to America with a companion both find love and a new life
February 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It continues the ongoing story of the two families and their intertwining connections with a strong plot, interesting and vivid characters, an impeccably researched historical setting, and is overall just a good solid adventure. My only complaint would be that the romances could’ve had more development.
I really connected with Abigail from the start. With her desire for adventure that she masks as a righteous crusade, her impulsive nature, and her overflowing emotional-ness, she’s a strong and loveable yet interestingly flawed main character. Her conflicts with her parents hit deep and felt exactly like conflicts with parents do—the emotions, the way they cut deep into your life. Lillian is a fascinating character too and her character arc kept me reading in curiosity of the mystery behind her past.
The plot kept things moving forward in a way that felt very much like a proper adventure—from the darkest parts of England to a sea voyage to a journey into America’s frontier. The settings feel real and grounded—obviously much research went into writing them, but it reads effortlessly.
The romances…happen pretty quickly and without as much development as I would have liked. While I liked the way the relationships ended up, the general idea of their development, and the role they played in the stories, I felt like the characters were all saying they loved each other rather quickly. But that might be because I don’t read romance very often.
All in all, though, I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the fascinating historical settings of this book.
I really connected with Abigail from the start. With her desire for adventure that she masks as a righteous crusade, her impulsive nature, and her overflowing emotional-ness, she’s a strong and loveable yet interestingly flawed main character. Her conflicts with her parents hit deep and felt exactly like conflicts with parents do—the emotions, the way they cut deep into your life. Lillian is a fascinating character too and her character arc kept me reading in curiosity of the mystery behind her past.
The plot kept things moving forward in a way that felt very much like a proper adventure—from the darkest parts of England to a sea voyage to a journey into America’s frontier. The settings feel real and grounded—obviously much research went into writing them, but it reads effortlessly.
The romances…happen pretty quickly and without as much development as I would have liked. While I liked the way the relationships ended up, the general idea of their development, and the role they played in the stories, I felt like the characters were all saying they loved each other rather quickly. But that might be because I don’t read romance very often.
All in all, though, I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the fascinating historical settings of this book.
December 4, 2017
Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that.
The beginning of this book was a bit interesting where little rich girl Abigail crossed the "tracks" into the Soho district of London and, although on the surface this trek seemed to be for a good cause, was thrown into prison, with an ensuing scandal that resulted in a journey to the Americas where she and her friend Lillian, who was also facing a scandal of her own, found immediate love. OK, enough rambling. Diana and I felt that this book was rambled on and on, but we finished it - hoping for some redemption.
The first book in the series was better, just an observation. Diana thought this book to be three stars, I thought fewer, but we are reading these books for Diana's enjoyment, so three stars it is.
The beginning of this book was a bit interesting where little rich girl Abigail crossed the "tracks" into the Soho district of London and, although on the surface this trek seemed to be for a good cause, was thrown into prison, with an ensuing scandal that resulted in a journey to the Americas where she and her friend Lillian, who was also facing a scandal of her own, found immediate love. OK, enough rambling. Diana and I felt that this book was rambled on and on, but we finished it - hoping for some redemption.
The first book in the series was better, just an observation. Diana thought this book to be three stars, I thought fewer, but we are reading these books for Diana's enjoyment, so three stars it is.
February 9, 2025
In the last book I read in this series Abigail was a precocious child. In this episode shes an impulsive teen with a good heart. I really liked her. She speaks what is on her mind and often regrets it, but seems unable to stop. I found it refreshing.
The other main character was Countess Lillian something-or-other, a worldly woman with a great deal of confidence and spunk. She, on the other hand, was not relatable to me. She started out so sure of herself, so take charge, but she turns into a completely different person as the book progresses. Fearful, almost simpering. The only thing I liked about her change was that she began to see the good in people and develop somewhat of a conscience. I didn't believe the suddenness of the change nor did I believe the quick love she developed for Reginald. Unrealistic on both their parts.
Now, Abe and Abigail were sweet as pie and stayed that way. Loved them.
The writing was very good, though. And I loved the anti-slavery story-line.
The other main character was Countess Lillian something-or-other, a worldly woman with a great deal of confidence and spunk. She, on the other hand, was not relatable to me. She started out so sure of herself, so take charge, but she turns into a completely different person as the book progresses. Fearful, almost simpering. The only thing I liked about her change was that she began to see the good in people and develop somewhat of a conscience. I didn't believe the suddenness of the change nor did I believe the quick love she developed for Reginald. Unrealistic on both their parts.
Now, Abe and Abigail were sweet as pie and stayed that way. Loved them.
The writing was very good, though. And I loved the anti-slavery story-line.
November 19, 2020
I enjoyed this book and other series by T D Bunn and Janette Oke. I would like to lend the books I've read to others so they can enjoy them also.
How this works is you would contact me by sending an email to dianecrowther@gmail.com. Tell me you would like me to lend you the book. I should have your email through receiving one from you. I will lend you the book.
You must accept the book within 7 days or it is automatically returned to me. You have 14 days to read the book and after the 14 days are over Amazon e returns the book to my library.
We all are going through times of isolation and possible loneliness I would like to help others in making the most of the situation.
How this works is you would contact me by sending an email to dianecrowther@gmail.com. Tell me you would like me to lend you the book. I should have your email through receiving one from you. I will lend you the book.
You must accept the book within 7 days or it is automatically returned to me. You have 14 days to read the book and after the 14 days are over Amazon e returns the book to my library.
We all are going through times of isolation and possible loneliness I would like to help others in making the most of the situation.
February 2, 2021
Good Solid Christian Themed Book
Started slow but quickly drew you in the story line. The message of redemption and the Christian walk clearly presented. It was a good book for a relaxing read.
Started slow but quickly drew you in the story line. The message of redemption and the Christian walk clearly presented. It was a good book for a relaxing read.
March 30, 2024
I loved reading about Abigail and Lillian’s journeys from London to America. I enjoyed being able to see the pain, doubt, and darkness change to joy, faith, and light as they find themselves, God, and love along their way.
November 19, 2025
This one was harder to get into, and I never really connected with the characters. The love stories were very rushed, and confusing as to how they fell in love so fast. I wish the authors would have stuck with one main character, as it was too much switching back and forth.
April 14, 2021
listening to edition that actually has a cover
November 11, 2021
This book started okay for me, but by the end, it became more unbelievable and just seemed disjointed. A decent book, but not one I would re-read!
December 15, 2021
Actually more like 3.75 stars
February 21, 2024
More than a little predictable in the romance category. Getting a little tiresome, but wanting to read these in order while moving toward the target book: Falconer’s Quest, which is so good!
August 11, 2016
I didn't mind The Solitary Envoy, but this one took slow and painful to a new level. It started much better than The Solitary Envoy (with Abigail's arrest and rejection by society), but quickly plunged into brooding, attending church and singing hymns. They go on a boat, we have a church service and then Lillian broods for the rest of the journey. She meets Reginald and it is love at first sight (literally) because we have to get back to Lillian brooding. Then she goes to church a few times, sings some hymns and broods in between. We meet Abe and we are told that he and Abigail talk all night and are now in love, but we don't actually get much interaction with them because we need to fit in some more of Lillian brooding and some hymn singing. Then there is the long journey out west, in which Lillian broods the whole time. They meet some friends, go to church, sing a hymn, brood a lot more, and then we finally get a brief bit of action before Lillian gets back to brooding. Then it all wraps up with everyone getting engaged and the story ends.
I read it, but I didn't get into it and I thoughts all the characters fell very flat, even the ones we had met before. The only things he fleshed out were the church services and hymn singing, and even as a christian I have to say it all got way too much.
I read it, but I didn't get into it and I thoughts all the characters fell very flat, even the ones we had met before. The only things he fleshed out were the church services and hymn singing, and even as a christian I have to say it all got way too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2008
Abigail is a wealthy young lady with a heart for adventure and witnessing in the seedy side of town. However, she goes behind her parents' backs and gets herself into a sticky situation. A countess helps her out of the trouble, and accompanies her on a voyage to America. They meet new people, fall in love, have a few adventures, and . . . you can probably guess the ending.
October 13, 2008
Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this kind of story, but I didn't really enjoy this one and only read it to get through it. I have higher hopes for the next. I was wanting more story, and it seemed like it was more about personal religious discovery but in a way that seemed forced. So I skimmed those paragraphs.
August 18, 2015
Seemed like the story was missing a few chapters in the middle as four characters fell in love SO quickly! Ah well...if the plot was a bit of a stretch, the bits of history for the period were interesting.
December 13, 2016
Book #2 of the Heir of Acadia. I read these books out of order, and I suggest you may want to read them in order. They can stand alone, but now super well. However, the books have adventure, intrigue, love, and inspiration. Wonderful series.
Read
December 3, 2008YA Bun
August 17, 2009
Another very good historical fiction piece from the pre-civil War era.
March 9, 2012
Christian fiction about opening the National Road to Wheeling.
November 23, 2013
3.5 Stars
June 26, 2015
It was an okay book to read - not something I would pick to read again.
February 16, 2015
good read
February 26, 2017
Book two in the series. Good historical fiction with a Christian view point. Four stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews