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Heirs of Acadia #3
The Noble Fugitive
Heirs of Acadia Book 3- Serafina, daughter of a Venetian merchant prince, is desperate to be reunited with the dashing tutor her father banished. As her family sets sail for America, she secretly abandons ship. Alone in England, she finds herself as a lowly chambermaid. A world-weary ship captain is also forced to seek refuge, hiding from henchmen determined to silence his shocking revelations about the slave trade. The lives of these two characters become intertwined, and a place that once seemed only a dreaded detour becomes a sacred venue for the unveiling of God's Providence.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2005
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517 people want to read
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 38 reviews
September 28, 2016
The awfulness of the audio version exacerbates the awfulness of this story, so it's hard to know how bad it would have been if I had just read it.
Still pretty bad, I think.
Serafina is, definitively, the lamest 'heroine' ever. As in brainless, foolish, and naive. And the narrator compounds that idiocy by voicing her in a weak, simpering, pathetic squeak.
For John, the narrator discredits him with a swarthy pirate growl that makes him seem 50 instead of 30, and in no way enticing as a heart-throb.
And equally irritating is the portrayal of the 11yr old girl in a high-pitched, stilted falsetto (by a woman)!
I got partway through and absolutely had to stop.
Still pretty bad, I think.
Serafina is, definitively, the lamest 'heroine' ever. As in brainless, foolish, and naive. And the narrator compounds that idiocy by voicing her in a weak, simpering, pathetic squeak.
For John, the narrator discredits him with a swarthy pirate growl that makes him seem 50 instead of 30, and in no way enticing as a heart-throb.
And equally irritating is the portrayal of the 11yr old girl in a high-pitched, stilted falsetto (by a woman)!
I got partway through and absolutely had to stop.
November 22, 2025
This book was entertaining but some of it just didn't make sense. Why did her parents get so upset she liked a man? To fly off the handle and lock her in her room for weeks was ridiculous! If they just sat her down and calmly discussed their fears of the man's character, the book wouldn't have happened. I felt it was a very weak plot to get her to England. I enjoyed the adventure, but there were a lot of holes in this plotline. Love-at-first-sight just doesn't work for me. Starving yourself for a man you barely know? Making yourself so upset and stressed you get a fever? This series has been interesting...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
I couldn’t do a better job of describing this book than the blurb…
Serafina, daughter of a Venetian merchant prince, is desperate to be reunited with the dashing tutor her father banished. As her family sets sail for America, she secretly abandons ship. Alone in England, she finds herself as a lowly chambermaid. A world-weary ship captain is also forced to seek refuge, hiding from henchmen determined to silence his shocking revelations about the slave trade. The lives of these two characters become intertwined, and a place that once seemed only a dreaded detour becomes a sacred venue for the unveiling of God's Providence.
However, I might mention some opinions. Serafina was spoiled and a bit naive wanting what she wanted despite what her parents felt was wise. But her parents didn’t do a very good job of communicating anything other than contempt for her choice in who to love. Had they taken her out of her confinement and just explained their findings, there would have been far less of a story. Serafina would have grieved but possibly continued to be spoiled and naive. As it turned out, her disobedience led her to a job of servitude which taught her humility and character.
My favorite characters were Falconer, Erica (Langston) Powers from book one The Solitary Envoy, and her precious, young daughter Hannah, wise beyond her tender years.
Falconer was a man plagued with guilt over his previous profession. To be truthful, he reminded me a lot of Paul the Apostle. He also suffered guilt over the torture and killing of Christians prior to his conversion. But Paul soon learned God's complete forgiveness, then focused on his missions and ministry. Falconer knew he was forgiven and utterly humbled before his God. But I think he had an issue with self-worth which made him an even more compelling character.
The story felt incredibly long, but in the end it was worth it. Lives changed and relationships were paramount.
Another opinion of mine was the story cut off too abruptly. Clearly this is meant to lead into the next book.
Also, if you have an opportunity to listen to the audiobook, don’t. This particular narrator read very well, but her character voices were as odd as could be. Serafina sounded like a stereotypical Geisha, high pitched and halting. The men (especially Falconer) were especially hard to listen to. He sounded like a roughened, hardcore pirate instead of what I’d like to hear from the gentle, humble leading man that was Falconer.
Ah well, good book, though. I didn’t realize I had book two in this series, so I’m going to go back in time and read that one.
Serafina, daughter of a Venetian merchant prince, is desperate to be reunited with the dashing tutor her father banished. As her family sets sail for America, she secretly abandons ship. Alone in England, she finds herself as a lowly chambermaid. A world-weary ship captain is also forced to seek refuge, hiding from henchmen determined to silence his shocking revelations about the slave trade. The lives of these two characters become intertwined, and a place that once seemed only a dreaded detour becomes a sacred venue for the unveiling of God's Providence.
However, I might mention some opinions. Serafina was spoiled and a bit naive wanting what she wanted despite what her parents felt was wise. But her parents didn’t do a very good job of communicating anything other than contempt for her choice in who to love. Had they taken her out of her confinement and just explained their findings, there would have been far less of a story. Serafina would have grieved but possibly continued to be spoiled and naive. As it turned out, her disobedience led her to a job of servitude which taught her humility and character.
My favorite characters were Falconer, Erica (Langston) Powers from book one The Solitary Envoy, and her precious, young daughter Hannah, wise beyond her tender years.
Falconer was a man plagued with guilt over his previous profession. To be truthful, he reminded me a lot of Paul the Apostle. He also suffered guilt over the torture and killing of Christians prior to his conversion. But Paul soon learned God's complete forgiveness, then focused on his missions and ministry. Falconer knew he was forgiven and utterly humbled before his God. But I think he had an issue with self-worth which made him an even more compelling character.
The story felt incredibly long, but in the end it was worth it. Lives changed and relationships were paramount.
Another opinion of mine was the story cut off too abruptly. Clearly this is meant to lead into the next book.
Also, if you have an opportunity to listen to the audiobook, don’t. This particular narrator read very well, but her character voices were as odd as could be. Serafina sounded like a stereotypical Geisha, high pitched and halting. The men (especially Falconer) were especially hard to listen to. He sounded like a roughened, hardcore pirate instead of what I’d like to hear from the gentle, humble leading man that was Falconer.
Ah well, good book, though. I didn’t realize I had book two in this series, so I’m going to go back in time and read that one.
November 20, 2010
I didn't finnish this one, unfortunatly because of a glitch with my audiobooks. I don't feel strongly enought about it to hunt down a hardcopy. It was rather annoying how crazy the main charachter is about this boy and how she is breaking all the rules to be with this guy. I am not impressed :) maybe when I was a youngster and not so bitter, i might have found it fanciful. Now though she just seems overly moonstruck.
December 14, 2009
I was kind of skeptical for I thought that this was going to be just another christian fiction novel. I kept on reading it though because i was totally lost in the beautiful words, and scenery of this hostorical novel. I was pleasantly surprised that Serafina and Falconer didn't end up together at the end, so I am reading the next book to find out if they do, in fact end up together.
July 31, 2011
I can't wait to read the next one!!!!!
You don't have to read the first two books to read this one, but to get a little bit of the background, read them.
You don't have to read the first two books to read this one, but to get a little bit of the background, read them.
February 22, 2021
I think this is the best book in the series so far! The plot is the strongest yet, the character development and characterization is wonderful, and it highlights an interesting point in history.
The story follows two different characters: Serafina, the young daughter of an Italian noble family, and Falconer, a former slave-ship captain who is now an abolitionist and riddled with guilt over his past. The two plots come together cleverly in the middle, everything being set up toward the single point of Serafina and Falconer’s first meeting. The connections between people and families are interesting and intricate.
The story of Falconer and Gareth and Erica’s family really highlights what it was like to be an abolitionist—the way slave traders would go to great lengths to stop their movement and the way people clung to the slave trade because of money. It was something I hadn’t thought about before—of course there would have been resistance to the abolition of the slave trade, and sometimes violent resistance, but I hadn’t seen it highlighted so clearly before I read this book. (I also liked the way it pulled in a villain from the first two books and connected him to the main storyline of this one.)
Serafina’s character development is wonderful—she goes from immature and in love with the wrong man to coming into her own and using her talents for a good cause. She’s such a vivid character and just pops off the page—I really, really love her.
Falconer’s character development, too, is amazing and there was one scene in particular that had me crying actual tears (it had to do with Serafina, and you’ll know it when you read it). Haunted by his past, he struggles to come to terms with the wrongs he’s committed and how to move forward without being constantly riddled with guilt. His immediate connection to Hannah is absolutely adorable and his relationship with Serafina has me completely invested. The climax point of the story, where he testified before parliament, is the perfect culmination to his character arc.
All in all, I really loved this book and I thought it told a beautiful story.
The story follows two different characters: Serafina, the young daughter of an Italian noble family, and Falconer, a former slave-ship captain who is now an abolitionist and riddled with guilt over his past. The two plots come together cleverly in the middle, everything being set up toward the single point of Serafina and Falconer’s first meeting. The connections between people and families are interesting and intricate.
The story of Falconer and Gareth and Erica’s family really highlights what it was like to be an abolitionist—the way slave traders would go to great lengths to stop their movement and the way people clung to the slave trade because of money. It was something I hadn’t thought about before—of course there would have been resistance to the abolition of the slave trade, and sometimes violent resistance, but I hadn’t seen it highlighted so clearly before I read this book. (I also liked the way it pulled in a villain from the first two books and connected him to the main storyline of this one.)
Serafina’s character development is wonderful—she goes from immature and in love with the wrong man to coming into her own and using her talents for a good cause. She’s such a vivid character and just pops off the page—I really, really love her.
Falconer’s character development, too, is amazing and there was one scene in particular that had me crying actual tears (it had to do with Serafina, and you’ll know it when you read it). Haunted by his past, he struggles to come to terms with the wrongs he’s committed and how to move forward without being constantly riddled with guilt. His immediate connection to Hannah is absolutely adorable and his relationship with Serafina has me completely invested. The climax point of the story, where he testified before parliament, is the perfect culmination to his character arc.
All in all, I really loved this book and I thought it told a beautiful story.
November 30, 2025
This story surprised me more deeply than I expected. Serafina's only “offense” is secretly talking to the man she loves, an act her parents punish with isolation, humiliation, and emotional cruelty. Serafina’s heartbreak, despair, and rapid decline feel painfully real. The sections of her confinement, especially when her parents block her window and post a guard outside her bedroom door, were honestly difficult to read. What struck me the most was how believable Serafina’s trauma felt. Her refusal to eat, her disconnection from reality, and her desperate longing for someone who treated her gently made her suffering feel deeply real. This is not a light, comforting story. It is heartbreaking, frustrating, and at times almost unbearable to watch unfold. But it is also thought-provoking. If you are looking for a historical Christian novel that challenges you emotionally, this book will stay with you long after you close the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2018
PG: Audiobook
I did not care for this novel. I appreciate the difficult task of reading an audiobook and voicing multiple characters. However, I have heard many do a fantastic job and sadly in this instance it was rather distracting to the story. The woman’s regular narrative voice was fine but every other character either sounded like a child or an extremely old gentleman. Faulkner, the main character who is 29 years old, sounds like he’s in his 70s and Serafina sounded like a six-year-old child right alongside Hannah.
Apart from the voices, I detested Serafina and really didn’t get attached to any character. Also, the story itself was an endless walk down the middle of a road in the dark. Boring! No perks, no sunshine, no climax, no excitement, no views, just endless walking.
I did not care for this novel. I appreciate the difficult task of reading an audiobook and voicing multiple characters. However, I have heard many do a fantastic job and sadly in this instance it was rather distracting to the story. The woman’s regular narrative voice was fine but every other character either sounded like a child or an extremely old gentleman. Faulkner, the main character who is 29 years old, sounds like he’s in his 70s and Serafina sounded like a six-year-old child right alongside Hannah.
Apart from the voices, I detested Serafina and really didn’t get attached to any character. Also, the story itself was an endless walk down the middle of a road in the dark. Boring! No perks, no sunshine, no climax, no excitement, no views, just endless walking.
May 30, 2023
I liked this book but didn’t necessarily love it. There were pieces that felt like they should’ve been fleshed out. Particularly the end was extremely rushed. I do not have the next book to know how the story continues, which is a bummer because I would like to know, which I think is a credit to the authors.
December 14, 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.
February 14, 2019
This was an amazing book ! It was very intelligent and we'll written. Had me wanting to pick it up all the time.
May 11, 2019
Faith filled read
Great for readers of historical fiction. Full of real life emotions, challenging circumstances, and characters who meet them from their basis of faith.
Great for readers of historical fiction. Full of real life emotions, challenging circumstances, and characters who meet them from their basis of faith.
June 25, 2020
Easy read
This book was an interesting and easy read. Good for a quiet afternoon or evening enjoyment. Not to heavy but entertaining.
This book was an interesting and easy read. Good for a quiet afternoon or evening enjoyment. Not to heavy but entertaining.
November 11, 2021
I really want to find the rest of the series
Read
June 25, 20232.
February 25, 2024
The romance scenes got tiresome to me; the adventure, intrigue and passion to right wrongs did not
March 8, 2017
One of deceiving and of trust. Love for God and causes to help people who are less fortunate or mistreated. Love grows in family, friends and God.
February 26, 2017
Good Read. Christian historical fiction. Four stars.
January 20, 2015
I love this series! I was a little disappointed with the last book, but this one makes up for it.
Serafina's mistake and reaction to it just really made her come alive. So many people make the mistake she made (granted, in different ways). Her reaction was so...real. That sounds like a lame explanation, but trust me, I've read books where characters reactions are very unreal and it ruins the book. I loved traveling through the book with Serafina, watching her struggle and try to overcome the effects of her mistake. At the end of the book I didn't feel like her healing process was finished, but that just made me excited to read the next book.
It was really fun to travel around with Gareth and Erica. After being so disappointed in the last book because Gareth never appeared, I was very happy to get to spend most of the book with him, Erica, and their sweet daughter.
Falconer is another one of those characters who is just really alive to me. You can just imagine his fear and the way he suffers. He's a good man, but his past haunts him. So he struggles to accept himself as a child of God and a person of worth. Again, the struggle, the fear, the character, they're all very real.
I must say that this is probably my favorite book in this serious so far. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Bunn for writing such a great Christian book!
Serafina's mistake and reaction to it just really made her come alive. So many people make the mistake she made (granted, in different ways). Her reaction was so...real. That sounds like a lame explanation, but trust me, I've read books where characters reactions are very unreal and it ruins the book. I loved traveling through the book with Serafina, watching her struggle and try to overcome the effects of her mistake. At the end of the book I didn't feel like her healing process was finished, but that just made me excited to read the next book.
It was really fun to travel around with Gareth and Erica. After being so disappointed in the last book because Gareth never appeared, I was very happy to get to spend most of the book with him, Erica, and their sweet daughter.
Falconer is another one of those characters who is just really alive to me. You can just imagine his fear and the way he suffers. He's a good man, but his past haunts him. So he struggles to accept himself as a child of God and a person of worth. Again, the struggle, the fear, the character, they're all very real.
I must say that this is probably my favorite book in this serious so far. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Bunn for writing such a great Christian book!
October 26, 2016
This book was much better than the first two. This was loaded with drama - Serafina's escape from her parents was captivating only to learn the Luca is not who she thought he was. Falconer has a mysterious past and leads an exciting life. When Serafina ends up as a servant at Hallow Hall, Falconer comes to her rescue several times. He tenderly cares for her hands which have blistered. He falls in love with Serafina but cannot tell her because of the broken heart she is suffering from. You have to wait the whole story to finally find out that Serafina is aware of Falconer's love for her but cannot return it. Or can she? Then she asks him to escort her back to America to her parents. He agrees - with Mary, a maid for Serafina. It's heartbreaking to read how Falconer is going to leave Serafina once she has reconciled with her family. In fact, he waits over three hours for her to talk with her parents before she comes out with her parents. Instead of having to leave Serafina, an offer to go to the Carolina's to check out gold mines is extended by her father. They want Falconer to protect them as they travel to see if there are indeed gold mines to be had. Saga continues with Serafina and Falconer...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2011
Sadly it was boring. I realized later that this is the third book in a series. Maybe there is something I missed but everything seemed to be explained; however, while listening I simply assumed a few things. Boy was I disappointed. This book was separated into two audio files. The two characters don’t meet until a little ways into the second part leading me to believe you are nearly three-fifths of the way through the book when John Falconer actually appears. Something else that bothered me was the endings… mystery. To me the book didn’t end… and from what I’ve read of books that follow… the story is altogether disappointing. I can’t decide if I want to know what happens or if I should give up on it all together!
August 17, 2013
Serafina, daughter of a Venetian merchant prince, is desperate to be reunited with the dashing tutor her father banished. As her family sets sail for America, she secretly abandons ship. Alone in England, she finds herself as a lowly chambermaid. A world-weary ship captain is also forced to seek refuge, hiding from henchmen determined to silence his shocking revelations about the slave trade. The lives of these two characters become intertwined, and a place that once seemed only a dreaded detour becomes a sacred venue for the unveiling of God's Providence.
The characters are flat, and Serafina is naive and emotionally unhealthy to my mind.The plot could have been much richer as well. I felt like the author was just trying to crank out the story without yawning.
The characters are flat, and Serafina is naive and emotionally unhealthy to my mind.The plot could have been much richer as well. I felt like the author was just trying to crank out the story without yawning.
June 10, 2013
Each book in the Heirs of Acadia series has been very enjoyable, and this one was no exception. I found myself angry at Serafina for her self-absorbed attitude at first and found it difficult to fathom some of the decisions she made, but I ended up loving her as she changed, grew, and found a cause to be devoted to. Slavery was a very evil and despicable trade, and this depiction of those battling to expose its horrors and secrets in order to permanently stop it was enlightening, fascinating, and vivid. This particular novel does not have a clear conclusion, because it appears the story continues in volume 4.
January 1, 2015
A review from my old blog...
I found myself positively surprised by this book. I didn't like the first book in the series and compared it unfortunately to some of Gilbert Morris' better works. (Better but still not so great)
Although the Bunns confused me a little by deviating with multiple story lines they did condense the story into a time frame of a little less than a year. The first book spanned several years and didn't seem to have a coherent story line.
The only problem I had was a bit of confusion with the prologue and arranging the time line at the beginning of the book.
Overall the book was not bad but not something that I'll add to my personal library.
I found myself positively surprised by this book. I didn't like the first book in the series and compared it unfortunately to some of Gilbert Morris' better works. (Better but still not so great)
Although the Bunns confused me a little by deviating with multiple story lines they did condense the story into a time frame of a little less than a year. The first book spanned several years and didn't seem to have a coherent story line.
The only problem I had was a bit of confusion with the prologue and arranging the time line at the beginning of the book.
Overall the book was not bad but not something that I'll add to my personal library.
October 24, 2008
It's not the first of the series, but it's great! It's partially romance but mostly it's about ending the slave trade in Europe and the Americas. Very powerfully written.
Read
November 18, 2008Loved it. A great historical fiction.
March 2, 2011
Heirs of Acadia #3 ...
August 1, 2011
Loved it! I found it at a secondhand bookstore, at the moment I didn't know it was a series and now I'm hooked on the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2012
I think I lost a few brain cells reading this book. I did not like this book at all. Blah!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews