Adrift

Molly Chase #2

by Rhonda Ortiz

Boston, 1793—Now engaged, Molly Chase and new federal intelligencer Josiah Robb want nothing more than to settle into quiet married life—or as quiet as life can be when one is hunting down a ring of traitors among Boston’s elite. But the plan has one glaring flaw: Molly herself, and the madness that has plagued her since her father’s death. Until Molly proves herself an asset rather than a liability, Josiah’s investigation cannot move forward.

Intelligencer Eliza Hall thought she had left her troubles behind in Philadelphia long ago. When she is sent back to follow a suspect, she’s ready to acknowledge the truth and make her peace—except that the man she loves, who doesn’t know about her past, is assigned to come with her. Now she must outwit her fellow spy and closest friend, lest he hate her for what she had been, while they maneuver to prevent Revolutionary France from dragging the fledgling United States into a war it cannot afford.

Both women are in search of a safe harbor. Little do they expect the winds to blow them into the most tumultuous waters of all—back home.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Catholic, Christian

327 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

Award-winning novelist and mother of many. // rhondaortiz.com

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started Adrift unsure as to whether it could match the literary magic of In Pieces. From the start, the reader knows this novel moves beyond Josiah and Molly (though they are still central) to concentrate on other characters (and romances). Once I'd read about a quarter of the book, I could confirm the magic was still there, though this book is more plot driven than character driven (the opposite of In Pieces).

By the end, I marveled at the intricate and expansive historical universe created and had become invested in other characters as much as Josiah and Molly (though their newlywed marriage may be one of my favorite marriages depicted, equal measures romantic and realistic).

Adrift is an apropos title on several levels - for the Robbs' spirituality; the work of the intelligencers; the predicaments of Mark and Prudence Findley and Eliza Hall and Antoine Laurent; and the obvious seafaring allusion. All of which seem perfect for the second installment in a trilogy.

Looking forward to seeing where all of the anchors fall in the next book!

[Carrie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment of the Molly Chase series. Delightful characters mixed with intriguing mystery and true romance :) The things I enjoyed most: Molly and Josiah, still following their journey with bated breath. It takes talent to bring a couple together and still write compelling story for them, making the reader want to see their story continue, and Rhonda has done it! Good job! Antoine and Eliza were wonderful additions as main characters in this story, very compelling backstories and a relationship that had such depth. Who couldn’t love Prudence in this story… there’s a particular scene with a particular Findley that I don’t want to spoil, but I adored! Josiah’s journey to discern his religion is written perfectly, it felt like a very natural exploration not only on his side, but on the sides of every pastor that shows up on page. The one thing I’ll say I did struggle with a bit, and it might be because this isn’t a genre I read as often, but there are a lot of named minor characters and a few of them I had trouble keeping track of, which made some of the mystery solving/predicting on my part a little tougher. Overall, bravo! And I can’t wait for book 3!

Note: I received an advance copy of this book from Rhonda Ortiz and Chrism Press. Although I was not required to write a positive review, it is my pleasure to do just that. All expressed opinions are solely my own.

[Katie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must start by saying you need to read the book preceding this one, “In Pieces” before reading this book. It gives important background story for the characters and the underlying mystery in the series. This series just gets better and better. I went into this story thinking only about continuing Molly and Josiah’s story and ended up with two more love stories that grabbed my attention. But this is not just a love story. There’s exploration of racism in early America, possible murder, espionage, crises of faith, and scandal. The author is able to tell the story from 5 different perspectives in a way that does not confuse me at all. We have the main couple, Molly Chase and Josiah Robb. The story begins immediately following the last book when Molly accepts Josiah’s proposal of marriage. They would have been happy to be married right away, but Josiah’s questions about his faith cause some unexpected challenges to their getting married in the church. We get to know other characters more, like Marcus, Laurent, Eliza, and Prudence. They all have their own strengths, weaknesses, and struggles. I liked every one of them in their own way. I’m really impressed at how Mrs. Ortiz was able to do all this in one story. I enjoyed this whole book and I look forward to continue experiencing the adventures of these characters. The ending is bittersweet with a worrisome cliffhanger for a character I’ve come to care about a lot.

This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by the author and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

[Kelsey Gietl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrift is the second book in the Molly Chase series and is as good, if not better than, its predecessor, In Pieces. Molly and Josiah have quickly become one of my favorite literary couples and their relationship is the perfect friends-to-more romance, based in faith, friendship, and copious amounts of witty banter. Plus, the side character couples' stories will have you just as invested as the main characters. I'm not going to spoil who ends up with whom, but we get to see more from some of our favorites in Book 1 and I loved every moment.

Overall, this story is 5-star fabulous, full of family secrets, spies, intrigue, and so much history. Oh, and did I mention sailing ships? (Be still, my nautical loving heart.) Rhonda sure did her research with this one and it pays off in all the best ways. I absolutely recommend reading In Pieces first as this one picks up right where the first left off.

*I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Susan Laspe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page of it!! Every detail and bit of storyline is a masterpiece.

[Denise-Marie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read novels that are part of a series, but Rhonda Ortiz’s The Molly Chase Series is an exception. Intrigued by the summary of her first novel, In Pieces, which hinted at the mental instability of the protagonist, I decided to give it a try—and I was not disappointed. Recently, I finished the second installment, Adrift, and found it just as captivating.

This second novel features imperfect characters grappling with realistic challenges—including mental illness—something not often encountered in a series described as Historical, Christian, and Romantic. Yet, Ortiz masterfully delivers a story that is both authentic and deeply engaging.

Be assured: Rhonda Ortiz is a brilliant writer. In Adrift, she seamlessly weaves history, theology, and philosophy into the fabric of her characters’ lives and the unfolding plot. The result is an intelligent and compelling read that educates, challenges, and entertains in equal measure.

Now, having completed Adrift, I eagerly await the third installment in The Molly Chase Series.

[Ella McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown out of the water. Adrift managed to be, in my opinion, even more enjoyable than In Pieces was.
Prudence is my new favorite character, and I aspire to be as cool as Eliza.
What I especially loved about Adrift was the detail it went into regarding espionage... no spoilers, but the adventure is thrilling.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrift by Rhonda Ortiz is the second novel in the Molly Chase series. It is Catholic historical fiction.


The novel begins immediately after In Pieces ended, there is no time gap and thus the novels cannot be read out of order. Molly and Josiah are newly engaged, Josiah is contemplating becoming an intelligencer, and all of Boston is aflutter about what transpired at the Warren's dinner party. Can Molly and Josiah survive this latest round of gossip and can love find a way to quiet the disquiet and ease the suffering?


Side characters are much more prominent in this novel without disrupting the focus and emphasis on Molly and Josiah. Eliza and Antoine and Prudence and Mark are all central to the story, both as individuals and as couples. Every couple has their own unique challenges, separate and distinct from the others. The novel does not gloss over these, rather it uses these challenges to overcome the obstacles in thoughtful and realistic ways.


At its heart, this novel is about love. Love of family, love of country, love of God, and romantic love are all central themes. The ancient Greeks categorized the different types of love:

Eros: passionate love Molly and Josiah

Philia: deep friendship Prudence and Molly's friendship despite the obstacles

Ludus: playful love Prudence and Mark

Agape: universal love God's love

Philautia: self-love Molly as she learns to grant herself grace

Storge: familial love The Robb family

Mania: obsessive love Daniel Warren

Pragma: enduring love Mrs. Robb for Mr. Robb

Meraki: creative endeavors (modern Greek) Molly's love of dressmaking

All of these types of love are written into this novel. The examples provided just scratch the surface of the love in the novel. It is an exploration of relationships and how we react to circumstances and situations beyond our control. Do we grab life by the brass ring and strive to succeed or do we wallow in the past and allow our life to be dictated by others and circumstances beyond our immediate control? Just one example of the big questions posed by this novel.


There are deep questions posed by race relations in post-revolutionary America. Who the law allows you to legally love? Who is free? Who is an asset? These vital questions are tackled thoughtfully and respectfully, which is a sentence I never thought I would be writing. The reality is, the book asks the reader if race relations today are better or worse than they were in 1793 America. I will leave you to answer that for yourselves, and reserve my opinion.


What role does faith play in the book? There is still the ongoing internal debate Josiah is having with himself, trying to resolve his questioning faith while not hurting his mother's faith. How can he reconcile his doubts and his beliefs with his lack of answers and questions to the Congregationalist faith of his family? How does his shaken faith relate to Molly and her faith journey?


This is a series published by Chrism Press, a Catholic publishing house. Please do not write this series off because of the Catholic fiction genre descriptor. At heart, this is historical fiction written by a Catholic author. It is incredibly well researched and masterfully written. It explores a vital and volatile period of American history that rarely appears within the historical fiction genre. Faith is central to the books, but it is the same faith debate that was present in 1793 Boston. This series does not require you to be a Catholic or a person of faith to fully enjoy and immerse yourself in. Rather, being a Catholic or person of faith will enhance your reading experience and the questions the books ask.


The book is phenomenal. It builds on In Pieces and surpasses it in every regard. The story telling, the intrigue, the tension, the pacing, and the politics combine into this masterful novel of compassion and history. These two novels, and undoubtedly the entire series when completed, are actually books I would reread. As you know, I do not reread books and yet, I can picture myself rereading these and finding new details I missed.

*Edit:I did receive an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Faith Elizabeth Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I’m usually all about middle grade fiction over here, but I just finished the most lovely adult historical fiction, and I have to share it with you all: Adrift, by Rhonda Ortiz, the second book in her Molly Chase series.

You guys, Adrift checks all the boxes of things I’d been dying to see more of in a book:
Historical fiction of a less-written-about time period (1793 Boston and Philadelphia), check.
Fascinating historical details, check.
Spies! Intrigue! Puzzles to solve! Check.
Romantic banter, check.
A beautiful representation of a realistic but God-centered engagement and a healthy, loving marriage, check check.

Adrift picks up right where In Pieces, the first book in the series left off: the engagement of Molly Chase to her childhood frenemy, if you’ll forgive me the modern term, Josiah Robb. Josiah has been recruited to be part of the new country’s team of intelligencers, as the war between France and England is threatening American shores. What follows is a story that is simultaneously adventurous and deeply philosophical at turns, while losing none of the good humor and historical richness of Book 1.

Here’s the publisher’s description:

"Boston, 1793—Now engaged, Molly Chase and new federal intelligencer Josiah Robb want nothing more than to settle into quiet married life—or as quiet as life can be when one is hunting down a ring of traitors among Boston’s elite. But the plan has one glaring flaw: Molly herself, and the madness that has plagued her since her father’s death. Until Molly proves herself an asset rather than a liability, Josiah’s investigation cannot move forward.
Intelligencer Eliza Hall thought she had left her troubles behind in Philadelphia long ago. When she is sent back to follow a suspect, she’s ready to acknowledge the truth and make her peace—except that the man she loves, who doesn’t know about her past, is assigned to come with her. Now she must outwit her fellow spy and closest friend, lest he hate her for what she had been, while they maneuver to prevent Revolutionary France from dragging the fledgling United States into a war it cannot afford.
​Both women are in search of a safe harbor. Little do they expect the winds to blow them into the most tumultuous waters of all—back home."
​
Since you’ll ask... Yes, in this case you should really read the series in order. In my opinion, you’d be a bit confused about the details if you jumped right in here. Do yourself a favor and order In Pieces if the series is new to you!

Many thanks to Rhonda Ortiz and Chrism Press for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

Adrift picks up right where In Pieces ended, and it does so flawlessly. The way Rhonda immediately immerses the reader into the world of Molly Chase, right where we left her is amazing.

I love the characters in this book. Molly and Josiah are again at the center of the story, but there is so much happening in trying to discover the traitor responsible for so much upheaval. Watching them find their way as a couple, and as people wanting to help stop the traitor, was such a treat.

We also get to know Eliza better which only added to my love for her. Her relationship with Laurent is such fun to read about and while these two face their own challenges in this story, we see them learn lessons we can all use a reminder of. Honesty, forgiveness, second chances.

Prudence also was quite fun to read about. She surprised me, and without giving anything away, watching her grow and make decisions was just one more part I loved about this story.

The Molly Chase series, and the newest installment, is full of history, memorable characters, and reminders to us all about things we can all strive to do better. I cannot say enough good things about this story. I was immediately invested and was sad when I had to tell the characters goodbye. I cannot wait until I get to see them again.

Thank you to Rhonda Ortiz for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

[Jessica Hronchek]

This is the second novel in the Molly Chase series. I agree with those who recommend reading In Pieces first. Because the Adrift storyline picks up right after it ends, the plot and characters will make so much more sense if you do! This novel develops further the romance of Molly and Josiah while fleshing out more plotlines, particularly around political and spy intrigue, generational trauma, and race. One thing that I enjoyed about the second volume is the much more in-depth development of storylines besides Molly and Josiah’s. I particularly enjoyed Eliza and Laurent’s story as it expanded the spy network part of the tale.

I appreciated all of the historical details and learned lots of interesting things about the era without feeling too bogged down by it. Some historical fiction pauses the plotlines too much for my tastes in the interests of fact-sharing, and this wasn’t the case with Adrift. Rhonda Ortiz is also strong in her dialogue, fleshing out interesting characters through their interactions.

This second novel of a trilogy definitely ends on more of a “comma” than a “semicolon” in the plot development, leaving me a little frustrated to now have to wait for the final installment

Note: I received an advance copy of this book from Rhonda Ortiz and Chrism Press, but all expressed opinions are solely my own.

[Mary Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited to be selected as an early reader for Adrift, Rhonda Ortiz’s second novel of her Molly Chase series, I eagerly commenced and fell straightway into the story. Having to put my kindle down for a week to help renovate the house of one of our children was hard!

Adrift is written with all the intrigue of the first book, In Pieces. I became instantly reinvested in the characters as Ortiz revealed more and more of their multidimensional personas. For a reader to want so much for the characters in a story is a sure sign that the author is gifted. There’s no doubt that Rhonda Ortiz can tell a story!

Through the whole of it, I wanted justice. True justice for some, poetic justice for others, and for a couple of the characters—their just desserts! Adrift is filled with all the plot lines of humanity. Emotions rise and fall and rise again as love and joy, regret and healing, mystery and espionage, life and death, acceptance and forgiveness unfold within the pages.

Readers who enjoyed In Pieces will love delving deeper and learning that there is more to Molly Chase, Prudence Warren (one of my favorite characters), and all the others than we ever imagined or expected.
Nicely done, Rhonda!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Molly Chase adventure continues this summer with Adrift, book 2 in the Molly Chase series...
In ​A​drift, we catch up with Molly and Josiah while learning much more about Prudence and Eliza. what stories they ​all have to tell!
​Told with drama, intrigue, and humor, this book ends with a cliffhanger that's going to keep me biting my nails until book 3 comes out!
We've learned to expect the absolute best research from Rhonda Ortiz and this book once again proves that she is a master at this!​
If you love historical fiction, then this is a book for you! If you love mystery and intrigue, then this is a book for you! If you love romance, then this is a book for you! If you love strong female characters, then this is definitely a book for you!

Note: I received an advance copy of this book from Rhonda Ortiz and Chrism Press. Although I was not required to write a positive review, it is my pleasure to do just that. All expressed opinions are solely my own.

#rhondaortiz #historicalfiction #historicalnovel #christianfiction #christianfictionbooks #bookstagram #bookish #chrismpress #catholicfiction

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up right where the first book in the series leaves off, Adrift chronicles Molly and Josiah’s complicated search for a church for their wedding, Josiah’s venture into work on land, and some fascinating surprises in the lives of their friends. Some of the secondary characters in this book deserve their own novels! The espionage that figured into the plot of In Pieces is a major plot point, with two characters traveling to Philadelphia—as the yellow fever pandemic begins. A good deal of the novel’s action takes place in Philadelphia and centers on the lives, work, and social standing of biracial characters.

Rhonda knows how to tell a story, that's for sure. I didn't want to put this book down (and it was no different when I read the first book)! In this series, tough topics are discussed, but there's plenty of friendly banter (so much banter—my favorite part!), nail-biting suspense, and painstakingly-researched historical detail to keep these novels from feeling too weighty. I know I'll be rereading this book, sooner rather than later. And I'll probably do so again when it's time for the third book to come out.

[Samantha Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply AMAZING! Adrift, Book 2 in the Molly Chase series, picks up right where Book 1, In Pieces, ends. If you have not read In Pieces yet, do yourself a favor and read that first! Ortiz does a fantastic job launching us back into the lives of Molly and Josiah and I was immediately captivated by their story again. However, it is not just their story this time but those of Prudence and Eliza that we also become more familiar with. Ortiz brings so many different characters to life and makes you want to root for them in all their trials and accomplishments. There is a lot of history woven into this story and you know the author has done her homework when she can create a whole section on her website sharing the research that has been done! Espionage, intrigue, comedy, love, acceptance, and faith have all been combined beautifully to draw a reader in and make you not want to put the story down. I now anxiously await Book 3!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Maggie Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Return!

Rhonda Ortiz’s Adrift offers a spellbinding return to the world of Molly Chase and Josiah Robb. People and places both familiar and foreign bring the next story of the Molly Chase series to life in a yet more fantastic adventure than the first. The author accomplishes a great feat in making the second novel stand equal to and even surpassing the first.

Mrs. Ortiz continues to amaze with her vivid characters and their converging plotlines. I was fascinated by Eliza Hall’s rise to prominence in this next installment and eagerly followed her journey through both physical and emotional trials. Eliza Hall presents readers with a new dilemma: whether they love Molly Chase or this new heroine better?

There is something in Adrift to satisfy a wide scale of readers’ desires, whether they are looking for adventure, espionage, sailing, or romance informed by the Catholic faith and tradition. Come aboard for the continuing adventures of Molly Chase

[Kat Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful read!! I love a good historical fiction piece, and this does not disappoint! Add in the budding romances, the intrigue and the little surprises along the way, and you couldn't ask for a better story to sink into! Digging a little deeper, I was quite enjoying the various personal struggles that several of the characters work through. It was very relatable and added a lot of depth to the individual characters. And don't forget the matriarch! Dear Mrs. Robb... I wish I could know her in real life. 😄 Adrift is thought-provoking, funny, charismatic, and so well written and put together that you forget you're reading a book! It easily plays out like a movie in your head! It was terribly exciting to have the intrigue and spying interweaved in to add yet another dimension of page turning suspense of 'what comes next?'. 🫣 I now have to anxiously await book 3...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetly romantic and engagingly suspenseful, this second installment in the Molly Chase series shifts the focus from the love story unfolding between two old dear friends to Josiah's new career in espionage and the couple's impending nuptials.

At every turn, things seem to not go their way--from challenges in finding a church for their wedding to malicious town gossip to doubts about Molly's reliability as the wife of a spy, Josiah and Molly venture to prove their merit. To add to the interest, we learn of Eliza, a fellow spy with a past who is in love with a frenchman.

It's an enjoyable read with a very reasonable length and good pacing, coming together at the end with a finish that incites you to want to read more without becoming a cliffhanger.

[Ashli Dunphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Adrift (and In Pieces, of course!). Rhonda Ortiz has created a beautiful story and setting in this series. Molly and Josiah are the sweetest, and I loved that we got more storylines and backgrounds on other characters. I especially enjoyed the direction Rhonda went with Prudence. Rhonda kept me on my toes through the whole book. I had no idea what might happen next, and I tend to find many books quite predictable. Rhonda weaves romance, faith, espionage, war, and many other heavy topics together with ease. Can’t wait for book 3!

I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Amanda Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish! The time era is fascinating and Rhonda Ortiz did a marvelous job of creating a tale with admirable characters enduring trying circumstances, and putting their lives on the line for the betterment of others and the newly formed United States of America. The plot was intriguing and the romance between Molly and Josiah was sigh-worthy! Ortiz is not only a talented writer but a diligent researcher as well, which made the late 1700s come to life for her readers. I'm looking forward to Book #3 in the series.

[Megan Barta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Ortiz has done it again!
This book was a fantastic follow-up to her first novel. The themes are interesting, the writing is beautiful, the characters are compelling.
It may be worth dusting up on the cast of characters from the last book before reading this one, as there are many names and they can be a bit difficult to track.

[Victoria Ochs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare for me to genuinely feel invested in fictional relationships. There are multiple couples in this book that I genuinely love and care about, and in addition to Adrift being a sequel that matches or even surpasses its predecessor, those romances make this book a real standout for me.

[Emily Hanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Molly & Josiah in “in Pieces” and now Eliza and Antoine are added to the mix of intrigue, betrayal, suspense, and conflict in “Adrift”. Historical fiction at its best!

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first installment. Looking forward to the third!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars. Only because there was 1 romantic couple I wish we would’ve had more time with.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next book on the series!

[Marcia Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books! I loved it and keep enjoying the series. So fun and really great!!!

[Erica Colahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your next summer read is full of romance and intrigue!

Adrift, the second novel in author Rhonda Ortiz's Molly Chase series, follows the cast of multi-layered, intriguing, and relatable characters introduced in the first novel, In Pieces. I haven't been this invested in a literary couple since I read the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Adrift's Molly and Josiah are full of lovable contradictions, realistic struggles, and inspiring attributes.

Ortiz tackles 18th-century prejudice against race, religion, gender, and class with gentle authenticity while challenging her readers to consider their own reactions to these issues in the present. Brava!

I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Sydney Grote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrift is the second book in the Molly Chase series, preceded by In Pieces. This first novel captured me by its attention to detail, character depth, and multiple perspectives. The second? All of that and more. Adrift was even better with mystery, suspense, and beautiful romance throughout. Ortiz has done an incredible job with her research, drawing the reader into the immersive descriptions. I also loved the shifting perspectives throughout the story: each character’s voice so thoughtfully placed. The character development continued from In Pieces, and the tactful examination of issues within their historical context such as race, mental health, grief, and love are done so with care. I thoroughly enjoyed my read of this novel, and I truly cannot wait to read the third book in the series.

Note: I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Crystal Caudill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of espionage, political, and social intrigue with historically accurate details, Adrift is the exciting sequel in a series sure to have you looking at American history with fresh eyes and interest. Ortiz delves into the race, social, religious, and mental health struggles of the time with a deft hand that leaves you aching for better for the characters but in awe of their struggle to rise above, all while serving their country. It is a must-read for fans of historical novels.

*I was given a copy of this book for endorsement purposes, but the opinion above is my own.