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The Graham Saga #4
A Newfound Land
It’s 1672, and Matthew Graham and his family have left Scotland. Having taken the drastic decision to leave their homeland due to religious conflicts, Alexandra and Matthew hope for a simpler, if harsher, life in the wilds of the Colony of Maryland.
Unfortunately, things don’t always turn out as you want them to, and the past has a nasty tendency to resurface at the most inappropriate moments. Both Matthew and Alex are forced to cope with the unexpected reappearance of people they had never thought to meet again, and the screw is turned that much tighter when the four rogue Burley brothers enter their lives.
Matters are further complicated by the strained relations between colonists and the Susquehannock Indians. When Matthew intercedes to stop the Burleys from abducting Indian women into slavery he makes lifelong – and deadly – enemies of them all.
Once again Alex is plunged into an existence where death seems to threaten her man wherever he goes.
Will Matthew see himself – and his family – safe in these new circumstances? And will the past finally be laid to rest?
A Newfound Land is the fourth book in Anna Belfrage’s time slip series featuring time traveller Alexandra Lind and her seventeenth century husband, Matthew Graham
Unfortunately, things don’t always turn out as you want them to, and the past has a nasty tendency to resurface at the most inappropriate moments. Both Matthew and Alex are forced to cope with the unexpected reappearance of people they had never thought to meet again, and the screw is turned that much tighter when the four rogue Burley brothers enter their lives.
Matters are further complicated by the strained relations between colonists and the Susquehannock Indians. When Matthew intercedes to stop the Burleys from abducting Indian women into slavery he makes lifelong – and deadly – enemies of them all.
Once again Alex is plunged into an existence where death seems to threaten her man wherever he goes.
Will Matthew see himself – and his family – safe in these new circumstances? And will the past finally be laid to rest?
A Newfound Land is the fourth book in Anna Belfrage’s time slip series featuring time traveller Alexandra Lind and her seventeenth century husband, Matthew Graham
402 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Anna Belfrage
40 books299 followersAnna was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result she's multilingual and most of her reading is historical- both non-fiction and fiction. Possessed of a lively imagination, she has drawers full of potential stories, all of them set in the past. She was always going to be a writer - or a historian, preferably both. Ideally, Anna aspired to becoming a pioneer time traveller, but science has as yet not advanced to the point of making that possible. Instead she ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for her most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career Anna raised her four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive…
For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there.
For additional information regarding Anna, her characters, extra scenes, and teasers for her next books, have a look at Anna's website at: www.annabelfrage.com
For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she's still there.
For additional information regarding Anna, her characters, extra scenes, and teasers for her next books, have a look at Anna's website at: www.annabelfrage.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 17, 2014
A Newfound Land
by Anna Belfrage
Review by Michael E. Wills
At the outset I have to say that I am not a fan of magic and sorcery, so I approached reading a time-slip novel with some caution if not a modicum of scepticism. However, I was attracted to read one of Anna’s novels having enjoyed her fresh and entertaining style of writing in her Face Book contributions and her blog. I was also intrigued to find out to what extent Anna might have been inspired by that classic tale of emigrants, “Unto a Good Land”, written by one of her countrymen Vilhelm Moberg, albeit that Anna’s books cover an earlier period.
A Newfound Land is the fourth book in Anna’s time slip series, The Graham Saga, which features time traveller Alexandra Lind and her seventeenth century husband, Matthew Graham. The family having left Scotland due to religious conflicts has settled in the wilds of the English colony of Maryland.
I had a concern about how I would pick up the story with my entrance into the Graham Saga at its fourth book. However, Anna deals with this potential problem very deftly by using references to what has gone before in such a way that one gets an insight into the earlier part of the story. I did nevertheless have some difficulty identifying who was who, with the sheer quantity of names of children, neighbours and twenty-first century relatives. This is a problem which those who had read the Saga from the beginning would not have.
As an historical novelist myself, I quickly recognised the amount of careful research which must preceded the writing. The research necessary for the book not only required a very good knowledge of the lifestyle, clothing, food and privations suffered by the seventeenth century immigrants, but also a considerable amount of knowledge about the landscapes, flora and fauna of the wilderness in which these people found themselves.
As regards the privations suffered by the settlers, as well as the natural phenomena which at various junctures threaten the well being of the family in their isolated homestead, the author paints a vivid picture of some very nasty villains. The latter appear regularly through the novel, just as it seems that things are going well for the protagonists and add excitement to the read. The accounts of some of the confrontations are gripping and real page turners.
The story is often sensual and the portrayal of the relationship between husband and wife is particularly so. There are also movingly sensitive passages such as that describing the last hours of Alex’s father’s life. The plight of the Native Americans is touched on and the beginnings of their exploitation and annihilation, which would last another two hundred years, are described well.
All in all a most readable book. My fear that the work’s reliance on mysticism would intrude on my enjoyment of the novel was quite unfounded.
by Anna Belfrage
Review by Michael E. Wills
At the outset I have to say that I am not a fan of magic and sorcery, so I approached reading a time-slip novel with some caution if not a modicum of scepticism. However, I was attracted to read one of Anna’s novels having enjoyed her fresh and entertaining style of writing in her Face Book contributions and her blog. I was also intrigued to find out to what extent Anna might have been inspired by that classic tale of emigrants, “Unto a Good Land”, written by one of her countrymen Vilhelm Moberg, albeit that Anna’s books cover an earlier period.
A Newfound Land is the fourth book in Anna’s time slip series, The Graham Saga, which features time traveller Alexandra Lind and her seventeenth century husband, Matthew Graham. The family having left Scotland due to religious conflicts has settled in the wilds of the English colony of Maryland.
I had a concern about how I would pick up the story with my entrance into the Graham Saga at its fourth book. However, Anna deals with this potential problem very deftly by using references to what has gone before in such a way that one gets an insight into the earlier part of the story. I did nevertheless have some difficulty identifying who was who, with the sheer quantity of names of children, neighbours and twenty-first century relatives. This is a problem which those who had read the Saga from the beginning would not have.
As an historical novelist myself, I quickly recognised the amount of careful research which must preceded the writing. The research necessary for the book not only required a very good knowledge of the lifestyle, clothing, food and privations suffered by the seventeenth century immigrants, but also a considerable amount of knowledge about the landscapes, flora and fauna of the wilderness in which these people found themselves.
As regards the privations suffered by the settlers, as well as the natural phenomena which at various junctures threaten the well being of the family in their isolated homestead, the author paints a vivid picture of some very nasty villains. The latter appear regularly through the novel, just as it seems that things are going well for the protagonists and add excitement to the read. The accounts of some of the confrontations are gripping and real page turners.
The story is often sensual and the portrayal of the relationship between husband and wife is particularly so. There are also movingly sensitive passages such as that describing the last hours of Alex’s father’s life. The plight of the Native Americans is touched on and the beginnings of their exploitation and annihilation, which would last another two hundred years, are described well.
All in all a most readable book. My fear that the work’s reliance on mysticism would intrude on my enjoyment of the novel was quite unfounded.
March 12, 2020
Overall this was a tolerable installment to the series because of the cast of characters and story lines outside the MCs. The beginning of the book starts four years after the end of the last book The Prodigal Son. There is no real context of where they are in the colonies and very vague descriptions of how they got there. It just basically jumps into the chaos that is the Grahams. Perplexed, I wondered, did nothing of interest befall these crazy people in the last four years of relocating a family of six from Scotland to the colonies that warranted some mention??
I was left with so many questions that I feel Belfrage was remiss in leaving out (1) the circumstances and the selection of Maryland as their destination; (2) some description of their departure from Scotland and the voyage; and (3) the establishment of their homestead. And where towards the end of the last book Alex's behavior and actions were beginning to reflect the time period she had been in 10 years, sadly we have the crazy, karate kicking, outspoken, foul-mouthed Alex back in this book. It was a shame. Matthew hasn't improved much and he is back to being a hypocritical, overly moralistic, self-righteous flirt. Well when they aren't jumping each others' bones every other chapter.
I am glutton for punishment ... the Audible narration is still sub par. All the stars are for Belfrage's ability to keep me hooked.
I was left with so many questions that I feel Belfrage was remiss in leaving out (1) the circumstances and the selection of Maryland as their destination; (2) some description of their departure from Scotland and the voyage; and (3) the establishment of their homestead. And where towards the end of the last book Alex's behavior and actions were beginning to reflect the time period she had been in 10 years, sadly we have the crazy, karate kicking, outspoken, foul-mouthed Alex back in this book. It was a shame. Matthew hasn't improved much and he is back to being a hypocritical, overly moralistic, self-righteous flirt. Well when they aren't jumping each others' bones every other chapter.
I am glutton for punishment ... the Audible narration is still sub par. All the stars are for Belfrage's ability to keep me hooked.
September 29, 2017
This is the 4 th book in the Graham Saga series .It starts with a Rip in the Veil. If you liked the Outlander Series you will love this series. Very similar The main character travels Back in time to the 1600s in Scotland she eventually winds up in the colonies in America. It’s a wonderful story of the struggles during that time. It’s a great insight into what life was like in the 1600s and what people Endured back then. I recommend this book to anybody who likes historical fiction. It’s a wonderful story of love and the struggles that people will endure when they find their true love.
December 21, 2013
This, the fourth in the continuing Graham saga, embeds a resonant depth to the feelings and hardships living of living on a new frontier.
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
February 7, 2020
A Newfound Land by Anna Belfrage is the fourth book in the time travel series The Graham Saga, which is preceded by book one, A Rip in the Veil, book two, Like Chaff in the Wind, and book three, The Prodigal Son. Time traveller Matthew Graham, his wife Alex, and their family have established themselves, building a home and a life over the course of four years, in their own plot of rural 1672 land in the Maryland Colony. The Graham's believe they have finally found a place and time they can truly call home, until individuals they'd thought they'd left behind for good begin to pop up in their sphere. Graham again is in a fight for his life and the protection of his family, as the people of the Maryland Colony struggle with the decades old peace treaty with the Susquehannock Indians—with some bent on profiting off of them in the cruellest possible way.
A Newfound Land is absolutely rich in historical detail, which Anna Belfrage administers beautifully, weaving it into the story and descriptions without overpowering a reader with dense and superfluous facts. I admit this is the first book I've read in the series, and while it worked perfectly well as a stand alone, I'm intrigued to go back and start from the beginning. Alongside the tension of Matthew's struggles—which snowball with fantastic abandon—are moments of everyday life and the ordinary minutiae that make historical fiction so pleasurable to read. Belfrage is able to assert some moments of irony as well, such as when a colonist says of a native American woman, “God knows what plagues she brings with her...”
No doubt this book will likely be compared to another series about a time travelling woman, but that would do The Graham Saga a terrible, terrible disservice, as having read all of those and only one of these, I can already tell which is superior in both its literary merit and its ability to engross in the time period. Lucky for us, books five through nine have already been released, making this series a very highly recommended 2020 binge.
A Newfound Land is absolutely rich in historical detail, which Anna Belfrage administers beautifully, weaving it into the story and descriptions without overpowering a reader with dense and superfluous facts. I admit this is the first book I've read in the series, and while it worked perfectly well as a stand alone, I'm intrigued to go back and start from the beginning. Alongside the tension of Matthew's struggles—which snowball with fantastic abandon—are moments of everyday life and the ordinary minutiae that make historical fiction so pleasurable to read. Belfrage is able to assert some moments of irony as well, such as when a colonist says of a native American woman, “God knows what plagues she brings with her...”
No doubt this book will likely be compared to another series about a time travelling woman, but that would do The Graham Saga a terrible, terrible disservice, as having read all of those and only one of these, I can already tell which is superior in both its literary merit and its ability to engross in the time period. Lucky for us, books five through nine have already been released, making this series a very highly recommended 2020 binge.
November 6, 2021
I can see me going back to the Graham Saga again and again to pick up where this episode leaves off. It is very well written with engaging characters that really work well. There is both great tenderness and tension in the relationship between Alex and Matthew, Magnus’s arrival provides a great contrast between our modern social mores and those of the age his daughter has fallen into. We see just how well she has adjusted to this period in history and Magnus, despite his irritation, learns to adapt too.
Love scenes are sensual, they are written with frankness and sensitivity. The couple truly love each other in all ways and nothing is hidden but they are not overly graphic. Alex and Mathew are a true love match but the greatest tension develops when the Minister is introduced to their hitherto happy home to bolster up Matthew’s flagging morals. This revolting specimen is truly misogynistic and, sadly, Matthew fails to intervene. No more… you need to read it. For the most part, the characters support each other through some very difficult times, there are references to abduction, rape, slavery, and overt racism which were a given in those days. Elizabeth, the prudish and bigoted “goodwife.” is quite the foil to Alex and Mrs Parsons is a delight. There are some truly evil villains, some of whom get their come-uppance and others live to menace the family in future novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-rounded historical novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a difference.
Love scenes are sensual, they are written with frankness and sensitivity. The couple truly love each other in all ways and nothing is hidden but they are not overly graphic. Alex and Mathew are a true love match but the greatest tension develops when the Minister is introduced to their hitherto happy home to bolster up Matthew’s flagging morals. This revolting specimen is truly misogynistic and, sadly, Matthew fails to intervene. No more… you need to read it. For the most part, the characters support each other through some very difficult times, there are references to abduction, rape, slavery, and overt racism which were a given in those days. Elizabeth, the prudish and bigoted “goodwife.” is quite the foil to Alex and Mrs Parsons is a delight. There are some truly evil villains, some of whom get their come-uppance and others live to menace the family in future novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-rounded historical novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a difference.
December 5, 2019
"I sit here at times and remember the life that was. Before..." His low voice cut through the silence.
"Before we came," she filled in...
Scotland was no longer Matthew Graham's home. Forced to flee because of a wave of unparalleled persecution, Matthew has sailed with his family across the Atlantic Ocean, hoping for a new life with new opportunities in the Colony of Maryland.
But this is a harsh land, a wild one. It is nothing like Scotland. However, Matthew and his wife, Alex, are determined to prosper. And although life is vastly different from the one they left behind, at least here they are safe from religious persecution. Although that is not true for everyone. The land that they farm once belonged to the Susquehannock people, and although Matthew and Alex have good relations with the Indians, others do not.
To make matters worse, ghosts from both Matthew's and Alex's past threaten to destroy the new life that they have worked so hard to create. And with a war with the Indians becoming more and more probable, it seems that only time will tell who will be the losers and who will write the history...
Anna Belfrage continues to surprise me. When I don't think her writing can get any better, Belfrage pulls another mesmerising story out of the hat. A Newfound Land (The Graham Saga, Book 4) is another enthralling story in The Graham Saga series.
I love these characters so much, and once again, Alex and Matthew find themselves in the thick of things. They try so desperately to get on with their lives and live it peacefully, but life keeps getting in the way. Old enemies threaten their lives and their sense of security. Matthew is drawn into a war which he doesn't agree with. And Alex, well... She wants to live her life surrounded by her children and the man she loves, but Alex is no push-over, and she will stand her ground if anyone threatens what is hers, and she does not care who it is, be it a vile slave trader or a conceited minister. If they dare to cross her, then she will give them a piece of her mind!
We are reintroduced to Magnus in this book. Magnus is Alex's father and comes from the modern-day. He is a very ill man and has not long to live, and he wants to see Alex one more time before he dies. Magnus' reunion with Alex is very bittersweet and very emotional. I adored Magnus, more so in this book than the others. Like Alex, Magnus is a product of his times, and he is not adverse to speaking his mind. However, he is like a fish out of water, and he knows it. The 17th century is so vastly different compared to his time. He initially views his daughter's marriage as one being subservient. He cannot understand why Alex would want to stay in a time where women were considered less than a man and had no say in anything. I thought Magnus' take on the 17th century was very telling, and although the idea that travelling back in time has become romanticised in recent fiction, Belfrage shows that actually, it isn't an era that screams romance. Yes, The Graham Saga is above all things a love story, but it is also brutally realistic in its depiction of the 17th century. Magnus has forsaken modern medicine, modern conveniences for a world that is alien to him. I thought his portrayal was fabulous.
A Newfound Land explores what life was like for not only the colonists but also the indigenous people whose lives were so brutally destroyed by those who promised treaties of peace but delivered disease, devastation and death. I thought Belfrage's portrayal of the Susquehannock tribe was fabulous. Belfrage has described their insufferable plight with sensitivity and care, and although their story is a secondary plot, I thought it was masterfully portrayed.
There are several terrible antagonists in this tale, one of which we met in Book 2, and I had hoped never to meet again. Dominic Jones is as vile in this book as he was in Like Chaff in the Wind (The Graham Saga Book 2). His hatred for Matthew is born of fear, for Matthew knows the truth of his character. Jones is a worthy adversary to put against Matthew. Matthew is no saint, but he isn't intentionally cruel, whereas Jones is. Jones pretends to be a man of standing and wealth, but underneath it all, he is just a brutal murderer and desperate man who cares nothing for anyone but himself.
Having read the first four books in The Graham Saga, it is very clear that this series is staggeringly ambitious in the telling. To keep such momentum going can only be achieved by a writer who not only documents the recorded history with scrupulous care but one who can give fictional characters a sense of realism. Belfrage is that writer. I haven't enjoyed a time-slip book so much since Diana Gabaldon's fabulous Outlander series.
A Newfound Land (The Graham Saga, Book 4) stands very firmly on its own feet. So if you so desired, you can jump right in at Book 4 and not feel lost as to what was going on. However, I recommend you start with Book 1 just because it is brilliant!
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
February 28, 2018
I have enormous respect for the men and women who uprooted their lives and set sail for the New World... in Alex and Matthew's case, the path is not quite the normal one; Alex's past, and that of her father Magnus's, having happened several centuries after the present. The timeslip device allows Mrs Belfrage to write a novel that is not only a darn good story, tight, adventure-filled, and full of love and joy to boot - but also to ease us into the 17thC, Alex's views on things sometimes painfully contrasting with Matthew's! A wonderfully evocative step back in time; thoroughly recommended.
December 2, 2021
Engaging!
A gifted writer, Anne Belfrage makes her characters come alive in a very realistic and enthralling way. Her weaving of history is masterful. The entire series takes me away for a wonderful respite from the current chaos of the pandemic, reminding me that we are not the first to experience hardship on this planet. But the authors story is not all gloom and doom. While historic hardship is clearly evident, love, kindness and joy also are prevalent throughout the entire series.
A gifted writer, Anne Belfrage makes her characters come alive in a very realistic and enthralling way. Her weaving of history is masterful. The entire series takes me away for a wonderful respite from the current chaos of the pandemic, reminding me that we are not the first to experience hardship on this planet. But the authors story is not all gloom and doom. While historic hardship is clearly evident, love, kindness and joy also are prevalent throughout the entire series.
July 4, 2022
Writing is worse
This book and the last are much more poorly written than the first two, with description of scenery or people, and the characters have become static. In my kindle version, the scenes are not differentiated, so that completely different circumstances happen in the next sentence, leaving the reader confused at first. As this poor kindle formatting continues, it becomes highly irritating to this reader! Shame on the author and editors for allowing this promising series to devolve so thoroughly.
This book and the last are much more poorly written than the first two, with description of scenery or people, and the characters have become static. In my kindle version, the scenes are not differentiated, so that completely different circumstances happen in the next sentence, leaving the reader confused at first. As this poor kindle formatting continues, it becomes highly irritating to this reader! Shame on the author and editors for allowing this promising series to devolve so thoroughly.
February 15, 2019
Another great read,Graham Saga continues.
Alex and Matthew continue their love and family building a new home in the wilderness of Maryland. Resurgence of some past characters and new friendships and family members carry the Graham's through daily life, hard work, love and fear. The ever present worry of old foes and Indians. Some twists and turns in the plot are exciting.
Alex and Matthew continue their love and family building a new home in the wilderness of Maryland. Resurgence of some past characters and new friendships and family members carry the Graham's through daily life, hard work, love and fear. The ever present worry of old foes and Indians. Some twists and turns in the plot are exciting.
March 4, 2018
Good read.
The story of Alex and Matthew gets better and better. The struggles of life in the early colonies and prevailing against the odds is inspiring. On to the next stage in their story.
The story of Alex and Matthew gets better and better. The struggles of life in the early colonies and prevailing against the odds is inspiring. On to the next stage in their story.
December 11, 2018
A good addition to the previous books that I will continue to book 5.
I especially liked the way Magnus grew to love not only his grandchildren but the time and place. I also liked the way my tension and excitement of what would happen each time Matthew went to Providence.
I especially liked the way Magnus grew to love not only his grandchildren but the time and place. I also liked the way my tension and excitement of what would happen each time Matthew went to Providence.
November 14, 2020
Character building
I considered this integral to building the overall story. it is getting little hard to keep up with the size of the family.But I will keel trying it is soooo interesting
I considered this integral to building the overall story. it is getting little hard to keep up with the size of the family.But I will keel trying it is soooo interesting
December 26, 2021
A Newfound Land
Matthew and Alex moved to a new area to be able to believe in the Lord as they wanted. Now a new problem is Indians. War with them but some were his friends. Other people could hardly believe it. It’s hard to tell who are friends and who are enemies at times.
Matthew and Alex moved to a new area to be able to believe in the Lord as they wanted. Now a new problem is Indians. War with them but some were his friends. Other people could hardly believe it. It’s hard to tell who are friends and who are enemies at times.
April 1, 2023
Newfound land
This is the first book I read about time travel. It was a book that I couldn't put down until I finished a chapter. It was interesting about how she traveled back in time and seemed to fit into that era.
This is the first book I read about time travel. It was a book that I couldn't put down until I finished a chapter. It was interesting about how she traveled back in time and seemed to fit into that era.
January 1, 2019
Great story telling
This is a great series. The history and characters are are very well done. Hard to put down it pulls you in.
This is a great series. The history and characters are are very well done. Hard to put down it pulls you in.
April 23, 2020
3.5 stars Matthew takes his family and flees to the colonies where religious freedom awaits. On to book #5.
November 15, 2020
I'm hooked. Its still Alex and Matthew's love story. As long as it stays that way i am staying.
August 10, 2021
Interesting time travel
I found this enough of a historical book to keep me reading. A bit too repetitive in spots but overall enjoyable.
I found this enough of a historical book to keep me reading. A bit too repetitive in spots but overall enjoyable.
December 14, 2021
loved it!! but I love time travel & history!!
June 3, 2024
I love how real this story is... warts and all
August 1, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible)
The Graham family has moved to America, and their little holding is developing daily.
So is the youngsters, and although there is some antagonism between husband and wife, often due to what other's perceptions of a dutiful wife should be, there is is still the strongest of bonds between Matthew and his time travelling wife.
There's new additions, finding some old friends, as well as enemies, in this new land.
The Graham family has moved to America, and their little holding is developing daily.
So is the youngsters, and although there is some antagonism between husband and wife, often due to what other's perceptions of a dutiful wife should be, there is is still the strongest of bonds between Matthew and his time travelling wife.
There's new additions, finding some old friends, as well as enemies, in this new land.
March 6, 2026
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the others, but not really sure why. maybe too much strife/frustration/voliolence without the usual amount of sweet.
March 15, 2014
I discovered Anna Belfrage with the third novel in this series, The Prodigal Son. First let me say it certainly stood on its own and I enjoyed it immensely. It did leaving me wanting more and fortunately Belfrage delivered, with her fourth installment to the series, A Newfound Land.
One of the strengths of the series and of each title standing alone is Belfrage's examination of different historical subjects within each. A Newfound Land has as its backdrop the British colonies of the America's and with it the slave trade, race relations within the colonies as well as the practice of slavery itself. At first I sort of bristled at the thought of the typical non-American judgment leveled at the colonies, particularly the South, for the ownership of other men, women and children. It was wrong without question, but the sin of slavery itself stains more than just the hands of American colonists. I expected the usual treatment of slavery and as a result the same of Americans ourselves.
What must be commended of Belfrage is that she does not sugar coat history nor does she skirt around its more unpleasant eras. Rather, she jumps right in to the deep end of the issue and her reader therefore must swim with her or sink. I think FAR more often than not they swim. Not only is she able to face the historical fact straight on Belfrage combines her forthrightness in the development of the characters that populate her novel. Each has his or her own very individual motivations and personality and Belfrage is able to maintain each character through to the last.
Belfrage, in this reader's opinion, has happened upon a series that could truly last her writing life, should she choose for it to do so. As each book is set within a historical era and the characters deal with the issues they are confronted with they do so as a family and in essence it is the family that is at the core of A Newfound Land as with the other titles in the series.
The matriarch, Alexandra Lind, as time traveler and her seventh century husband Matthew Graham might live an exciting life but it is not without pain and loss. For me, I found their union comforting as they weathered whatever life brought them as a partnership and must admit I had such faith in their unique, never perfect, bond.
A Newfound Land will surprise you by taking you unaware and pulling you into its pages and by the time the cover closes you will find yourself an Anna Belfrage fan for life. Now, back to wondering where she will take us next.
One of the strengths of the series and of each title standing alone is Belfrage's examination of different historical subjects within each. A Newfound Land has as its backdrop the British colonies of the America's and with it the slave trade, race relations within the colonies as well as the practice of slavery itself. At first I sort of bristled at the thought of the typical non-American judgment leveled at the colonies, particularly the South, for the ownership of other men, women and children. It was wrong without question, but the sin of slavery itself stains more than just the hands of American colonists. I expected the usual treatment of slavery and as a result the same of Americans ourselves.
What must be commended of Belfrage is that she does not sugar coat history nor does she skirt around its more unpleasant eras. Rather, she jumps right in to the deep end of the issue and her reader therefore must swim with her or sink. I think FAR more often than not they swim. Not only is she able to face the historical fact straight on Belfrage combines her forthrightness in the development of the characters that populate her novel. Each has his or her own very individual motivations and personality and Belfrage is able to maintain each character through to the last.
Belfrage, in this reader's opinion, has happened upon a series that could truly last her writing life, should she choose for it to do so. As each book is set within a historical era and the characters deal with the issues they are confronted with they do so as a family and in essence it is the family that is at the core of A Newfound Land as with the other titles in the series.
The matriarch, Alexandra Lind, as time traveler and her seventh century husband Matthew Graham might live an exciting life but it is not without pain and loss. For me, I found their union comforting as they weathered whatever life brought them as a partnership and must admit I had such faith in their unique, never perfect, bond.
A Newfound Land will surprise you by taking you unaware and pulling you into its pages and by the time the cover closes you will find yourself an Anna Belfrage fan for life. Now, back to wondering where she will take us next.
December 14, 2013
"A Newfound Land is the fourth book in Anna Belfrage's time slip series featuring time traveller Alexandra Lind and her seventeenth century husband, Matthew Graham".
The story of Matthew and Alex continue in Newfound Land by Anna Belfrage in the Colony of Maryland in 1672.
The family has been successful, in their new land as land owners but they find that their enemies have found them again. Men who are greedy and vengeful against the Graham family. Alex's father, Magnus has joined the family. He wanted to see Alex again before he died of the cancer that is taking over his body. Alex and Matthew now have eight children, the older son Ian, gets married. In a time of unrest, what with slave traders, men capturing white women, young boys disappearing and Indian treaties being disregarded by the white man, the Graham's have a myriad of issues to contend with. They have made friends with the Susquehannock tribe in the area so that does help when the Burley brothers come looking for Matthew to settle an old score.
This is a wonderful family saga that rivals other time travel books like Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. With an eye for historical detail and family life during this time period, Ms. Belfrage has written a very readable saga that is sure to appeal to the historical fiction fan. I only wish I had read the first two books in the series..so I would know the back story, but I will remedy that one day. I look forward to reading the next book, Serpents in the Garden.
I received this book as part of the tour from the author and was not monetarily compensated for my review..
The story of Matthew and Alex continue in Newfound Land by Anna Belfrage in the Colony of Maryland in 1672.
The family has been successful, in their new land as land owners but they find that their enemies have found them again. Men who are greedy and vengeful against the Graham family. Alex's father, Magnus has joined the family. He wanted to see Alex again before he died of the cancer that is taking over his body. Alex and Matthew now have eight children, the older son Ian, gets married. In a time of unrest, what with slave traders, men capturing white women, young boys disappearing and Indian treaties being disregarded by the white man, the Graham's have a myriad of issues to contend with. They have made friends with the Susquehannock tribe in the area so that does help when the Burley brothers come looking for Matthew to settle an old score.
This is a wonderful family saga that rivals other time travel books like Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. With an eye for historical detail and family life during this time period, Ms. Belfrage has written a very readable saga that is sure to appeal to the historical fiction fan. I only wish I had read the first two books in the series..so I would know the back story, but I will remedy that one day. I look forward to reading the next book, Serpents in the Garden.
I received this book as part of the tour from the author and was not monetarily compensated for my review..
December 9, 2013
This is the 4th book in the Graham Saga, I have only read the 3rd book, The Prodigal Son and have fallen in love with this family. Reading this book was like visiting with old friends.
The author has created a couple, Matthew and Alex, that are real and genuine, their relationship is not fluffy nor superficial. Their life has not been without struggle, trials and heartbreak, but they are committed to each other and their family. While Alex is originally from today's age she has adapted quite nicely to this time period.
Like the last book, which dealt with the religious conflicts in Scotland, this book deals with other issues of the time period.
A Newfound Land takes place in colonial America during the 1670's, the Graham's have left Scotland and are working the land in Maryland. This book has more than the religious issues of the time to deal with, there is also the slave trade and the relationship with the American Natives. The author did not sugar coat the past, but wrote it in a way that was honest and authentic. Anna Belfrage has a writing style that brings to life the past in a real way so that I could feel the injustice and turmoil that was going on. She has done a lot of research and knows her subject matter quite well. Once I started this book it was very hard to put down, the writing style made it easy to read, and the subject matter really brought this book to life.
Even though this is book 4 of the series, you can read as a stand alone. However I recommend going back and starting from the beginning, this is a series that I hope will continue.
The author has created a couple, Matthew and Alex, that are real and genuine, their relationship is not fluffy nor superficial. Their life has not been without struggle, trials and heartbreak, but they are committed to each other and their family. While Alex is originally from today's age she has adapted quite nicely to this time period.
Like the last book, which dealt with the religious conflicts in Scotland, this book deals with other issues of the time period.
A Newfound Land takes place in colonial America during the 1670's, the Graham's have left Scotland and are working the land in Maryland. This book has more than the religious issues of the time to deal with, there is also the slave trade and the relationship with the American Natives. The author did not sugar coat the past, but wrote it in a way that was honest and authentic. Anna Belfrage has a writing style that brings to life the past in a real way so that I could feel the injustice and turmoil that was going on. She has done a lot of research and knows her subject matter quite well. Once I started this book it was very hard to put down, the writing style made it easy to read, and the subject matter really brought this book to life.
Even though this is book 4 of the series, you can read as a stand alone. However I recommend going back and starting from the beginning, this is a series that I hope will continue.
December 14, 2013
This is the fourth book in the ongoing Graham saga (this is the third volume that I have read) and it finds our hero and heroine having settled in the woods of Maryland in 1670. They have cleared enough land to have a small house and be somewhat self sufficient and Alexandra and Matthew do have neighbors somewhat close by with whom they cooperate. But things are not perfect in the New World as they face some old enemies and find some new ones.
I like these characters - Alexandra has time traveled back from the future present. In her world it is 2016 but she has adapted well to living in the 17th century. Matthew is a man's man but he accepts his wife's strange notions of a woman's "equality." He respects her intelligence and they are a very loving couple - as can be determined by all of the children running around. Their relationship rings true though and doesn't come across as forced either in dialog or to move the plot along.
This book finds them dealing with issues of adjusting to the New World, dealing with Mathew's older son's indiscretions, Indians and the slave trade. It's not a easy world and the book takes on the hard issues with well researched and well written storylines. I was engrossed from the first page until the last and will look forward to the ongoing adventures of the Grahams. Ms. Belfrage keeps her readers fully engaged in her tale with well developed and very human characters dealing with life's reality in all its grit and glory.
4.5
I like these characters - Alexandra has time traveled back from the future present. In her world it is 2016 but she has adapted well to living in the 17th century. Matthew is a man's man but he accepts his wife's strange notions of a woman's "equality." He respects her intelligence and they are a very loving couple - as can be determined by all of the children running around. Their relationship rings true though and doesn't come across as forced either in dialog or to move the plot along.
This book finds them dealing with issues of adjusting to the New World, dealing with Mathew's older son's indiscretions, Indians and the slave trade. It's not a easy world and the book takes on the hard issues with well researched and well written storylines. I was engrossed from the first page until the last and will look forward to the ongoing adventures of the Grahams. Ms. Belfrage keeps her readers fully engaged in her tale with well developed and very human characters dealing with life's reality in all its grit and glory.
4.5
September 13, 2016
Another lovely addition to the Graham Family saga by Anna Belfrage. I love the characters, even Dominic Jones, and the plot is well developed and executed. My only complaint is that I find the book a bit long. Will be reading the rest of the series soon
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