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For Liberty & Conscience #2

Patriot at the River: A Novel of the American Revolution

The fight he got wasn’t the fight he wanted.

It’s 1780, and North Carolina is a battleground. Backcountry scout Benjamin Woodbridge is guarding a Patriot camp when he sees the king’s men pursuing a civilian. Never one to stand by while someone is in trouble, Benjamin steps in to help the stranger and finds an unexpected ally.

But the same British officer who targeted the stranger is also targeting Benjamin’s settlement. After Benjamin is wounded on a lonely mountain trail, he watches Sunrising fall to the man who crushed his father’s cause nine years earlier. Benjamin’s fight has come home to the very people he wanted to protect—his shy younger sister and the woman who has given them both a home.

Now, with the help of some unlikely comrades and the indomitable Aunt Kate, Benjamin must fight for what he loves before his settlement goes up in flames. But only if he can fight himself first.

For fans of Christian historical fiction and tales of bravery and redemption, Patriot at the River is a must-read filled with engaging characters and biblical truth. Read now and step into an adventure of faith and freedom.


“A fast-paced tale, Patriot at the River captures the spirit of the American Revolution in spades. Through courageous flesh-and-blood characters in the Carolina backcountry who are the embodiment of soul liberty, this well-layered novel offers a fresh look at freedom and those who fought to win it not only for themselves but generations to come. Huzzah!”
—LAURA FRANTZ, Christy Award–winning author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter

“I am so impressed with Jayna Baas and this story! Intense, at times heartstopping, richly textured and steeped in an authentic Carolina backcountry voice. Reading it felt like visiting old friends that I hadn’t yet met.”
—SHANNON MCNEAR, Selah Award–winning author of Daughters of the Lost Colony

“If you’re looking for a story filled with adventure, faith, biblical values, history, and characters you’ll love, look no further than Patriot at the River.”
—KRISTINA HALL, author of Trouble in Dry Springs

324 pages, ebook

Published September 25, 2024

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About the author

Jayna Baas

7 books598 followers
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Jayna Baas (pronounced as in “baa, baa, black sheep”) is the award-winning author of the For Liberty & Conscience series and serves as director of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. She writes and edits from beautiful northern Michigan, where she strives to give readers faith-filled adventures bursting with courageous characters and biblical truth.

In between writing her own books or editing other people’s books, Jayna seeks out new adventures on the screen, on the page, and in the kitchen. She also loves to spend time with her great family of real people and the family of pretend people who live in her head. (Yes, she does know her characters are not real. No, she does not want you to tell them she said so.)

Although her love of words extends to multiple genres, Jayna’s favorite story is this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Jayna loves to connect with her readers here on Goodreads or through her website and email list. Learn more at booksbyjayna.com or join her email list for updates and more.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Phoebe Hinkle.
Author 7 books49 followers
October 19, 2024
Wow. Just wow. This book takes me back to my Liberty's Kids era, when I was about ten years younger and a whole lot more fun. (20 something = old and crotchety, sue me 😉)
I found out about Patriot at the River through my friend Ryana Lynn, who posted on her website for its release day. Then I saw there was a giveaway and figured why not? And I won a copy! THANKS JAYNA!!! 😁

Okay, but this book was so good, seriously. I haven't read much American Revolution fiction, but the author did a lot of research and a really good job. (Hats off to you, Jayna. I have immense respect for that kind of dedication!) History is spot-on. 👍 Dialect is awesome - enough of an 18th-century flavor but not overdone. 👍 Theology is sound. 👍 Action is perfect. 👍 Characters are STUPENDOUS. 👍
Yeah I'm gonna get started on characters now . . . seriously, how does one write a cast this realistic and awesome? 😭 The villains are DESPICABLE, the good guys are flawed but come out right, and the "in-between" keep you guessing and hoping they'll also end up on the right side. 🤞 Oh my goodness, so much character growth, and so well written! Seeing all of Benjamin's struggles and how he worked through them . . . ahh, I just can't.
RANE!!! Ngl, I lost my heart to that precious cinnamon roll 🥹 And his growth too was amazing ❤️‍🩹
And can we PLEASE have a big huzzah for Aunt Kate?! That woman is a role model - spiritual, mother-hen, and so feisty, I love it 🤣

So yeah, GO READ THIS BOOK. Meanwhile imma hunt up the first one in the series 🫠

Reread 2026:
Rereading after Preacher on the Run, Promise of Refuge, and Prisoner's Rest, and it's so cool to come back to Sunrising now that I know who all these characters are and seeing how everything ties together. I love it! Also a good read before America250 😊
Profile Image for Shannon McNear.
Author 28 books977 followers
September 10, 2024
I am so impressed with Jayna Baas and this story! Intense, at times heartstopping, richly textured and steeped in an authentic Carolina backcountry voice. Reading it felt like visiting old friends that I hadn’t yet met.
Profile Image for Kristina Hall.
Author 19 books442 followers
August 27, 2024
4.5 stars

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A great continuation to the For Liberty and Conscience series!

Benjamin was a well-developed character who grew a lot over the course of the book. I enjoyed getting reacquainted with several characters from Preacher on the Run. I absolutely loved Aunt Kate and found Rane's part of the story so intriguing.

Plenty of high stakes, adventure, and a tiny hint of romance moved this book right along. The faith themes were on point.

Overall, Patriot at the River was an action-packed read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian historical fiction.
Profile Image for Angela Gold.
Author 2 books17 followers
October 3, 2024
Reasons you should read Patriot by the River by Jayna Baas:
*Suspenseful action-packed storyline
*Well-researched historical background
*Inspirational Christian characters
*Dialogue and writing that immerses you into the late 1700s

The book reminds me a bit of the 2000 film The Patriot.

Jayna Baas brings the Revolutionary War alive as readers step into the shoes of Benjamin Woodbridge. Life is hard enough in North Carolina in the 1780's without throwing in the tragedies of war. A war that already took his father. He is determined to do what he must to protect those he loves, but at what cost to his soul?

"The best fights, Woodridge, are for what a man loves. Not what he hates."
This statement resonates not only with Benjamin's journey but also offers a timeless lesson for us all.

In a tumultuous war filled with unspeakable acts, God-fearing characters grapple with the challenges of practicing forgiveness and compassion toward those who attempt to destroy their faith as well as their lives. I appreciated the way the Christian characters turn to the Bible and prayer as they seek to discern God's will.

Be sure to read the Fact and Fiction section immediately following the end of the story to see how Jayna wove some actual historical events into the story.

Arm yourself with an arsenal of snacks and a beverage, because once you embark on the journey of Patriot by the River, you'll find it near impossible to tear yourself away.
Profile Image for Jayna Baas.
Author 7 books598 followers
mybooks
May 16, 2026
It’s official! This beautiful new edition is now available in all the places you get books—including as an audiobook with a truly amazing narrator (who is definitely not me). Find all the options at booksbyjayna.com/patriot-at-the-river.

Who is this book for?

In short, if you love courageous characters who stand up for what’s right, forgotten history you (maybe) didn’t learn in school, and classic storytelling grounded in traditional virtues and biblical truth, this book is for you.

Content notes: Although Patriot at the River was written for adults, it’s completely clean and family-friendly. Due to the setting and plot, you’ll see some mild wartime peril and violence, so I suggest age 13+ for sensitive readers.

I hope this book takes you deep into the heart of the fight for faith and freedom in a part of the Revolution you may be less familiar with. Happy reading!

Connect with me through my email newsletter to get free short stories and more! Sign up here.

Profile Image for Richard Schneider.
Author 6 books30 followers
October 1, 2024
The Revolutionary War rages in the south, and Benjamin Woodbridge is caught up in the middle of it. Along with an unlikely friend, Rane Armistead, he is charged with protecting Sunrising, a settlement of Patriots coveted by the American Tories allied with the British General Cornwallis.

Both are confronted with moral dilemmas and with regrets for past actions, and both face the ultimate physical danger both in Sunrising and in the war itself.

The Tories sympathetic to the King of England force the settlement of Sunrising to house forty of their men, adding to the tension and danger. The Patriots have a spy embedded amongst the Tories. But Benjamin soon comes to believe the Tories have a spy embedded amongst the Patriots too. Which will prove to be the more effective?

Other characters from Preacher on the Run, Jayna Baas’s first novel in this series, play important roles, including Captain Robert Boothe, who fights alongside General Morgan against Cornwallis.

If you like books about the American Revolution, especially in the lesser-known southern theatre, and especially ones that include spies, this book is for you. If you like books peopled with well-drawn characters struggling to remain true to their faith during the vagaries of war, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Savannah McCrary.
Author 9 books41 followers
August 17, 2026
I really liked the first book in Jayna Baas’ Liberty & Conscience series, Preacher on the Run, so I was very excited to read the second book, Patriot at the River, set during the American Revolution, and I liked it even better than the first book! When the book started out with the Battle for Kings Mountain (one of my favorite historical battles to read about!), I knew I was in for a treat.

I loved the interesting assortment of characters. It focuses on Benjamin Woodbridge, a young patriot scout and fighter, but we’re also introduced to a delightful mix of other people. One of the things I enjoyed about the book was how the author represented so many different viewpoints (Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, agnostic) and shared biblical truth while also respectfully and accurately representing those with differing beliefs.

My favorite character was Rane Armistead. He had an intriguing backstory, noble character, and a hunger for the truth, which I loved. Also, he was from Ireland. I have some Irish ancestry and love learning about Ireland (the English really mistreated the Irish, too, which is mentioned in this book.) I was delighted to find that there’s also a short story focusing on Rane Armistead, which you can read for free when you subscribe to author Jayna Baas’ email list or read in the anthology The Design of Providence.

Another thing I liked about the book was how the author portrayed the Cherokee (I have some Cherokee blood, too). It’s easy for authors to go too far one direction or the other in dealing with the rather sensitive subject of the Native Americans, but I thought Jayna did a very good job in portraying them accurately in a balanced way and sharing the truth that they needed Jesus, just like everybody else.

The book was very well-written; I loved the author’s choice of words. There was a bit of humor woven in, which I also loved! And the themes were very well-done, too. I liked how it balanced fighting for what’s right/defending those you love and loving your enemies. So many Christian books only focus on one of those truths, but they’re both biblical, and we need both!

There was some mild violence and the teeniest bit of romance, but this was a very family-friendly read with strong family relationships, and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Harmon.
Author 22 books3 followers
September 25, 2024
This book was riveting! I had an advance copy to preview, and I was so impressed by both the writing and the content. If you are a fan of Christian adventure fiction, or are looking for clean historical fiction, this is just the book for you!

Set in the Revolutionary War era, this novel deals with themes of sacrifice and forgiveness. Baas succeeds in making the battle scenes real, but not gory, and provides a clean but captivating storyline.

I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Bailey (Phillipians 4:8).
45 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2024
The fight he got wasn’t the fight he wanted.

It’s 1780, and North Carolina is a battleground. Backcountry scout Benjamin Woodbridge is guarding a Patriot camp when he sees the king’s men pursuing a civilian. Never one to stand by while someone is in trouble, Benjamin steps in to help the stranger and finds an unexpected ally.

But the same British officer who targeted the stranger is also targeting Benjamin’s settlement. After Benjamin is wounded on a lonely mountain trail, he watches Sunrising fall to the man who crushed his father’s cause nine years earlier. Benjamin’s fight has come home to the very people he wanted to protect—his shy younger sister and the woman who has given them both a home.

Now, with the help of some unlikely comrades and the indomitable Aunt Kate, Benjamin must fight for what he loves before his settlement goes up in flames. But only if he can fight himself first.

Patriot at the River by Jayna Baas is the best kind of historical fiction! Jayna Baas writes in a thought provoking manner that glorifies God and encourages one to search their own heart and motives. This book is filled with well-researched historical and Biblical truths. I am unashamedly a history nerd, but nevertheless, I learned so much in this book. So much Revolutionary War fiction is focused on Boston, etc., so I found it fascinating to read more about the Carolina theatre and the motives that led men to risk it all for freedom--for religious freedom, for freedom to raise their children in the truth of God's word. Even if you aren't a lover of historical fiction, I believe you will appreciate the themes of Biblical truth, Godly men, family, and adventure!
I had so much fun gettting reacquainted with returning characters--I felt I was meeting with old friends! I loved getting to know grown-up Benjamin Woodbridge, Susanna Boothe, and others, as well as learning more of Robert Boothe's Godly wisdom and meeting new folks! Even though Patriot at the River is set in a time and place, with circumstances we may not be able to fully grasp, the characters and their development are relatable and can certainly be identified with today, which also makes them so real. Benjamin's struggle to forgive, leading him to the power found in Christ to forgive and the freedom found in forgiveness is beautifully and truthfully portrayed.
I highly recommend reading Patriot at the River by Jayna Baas! Despite returning characters and plot threads, Patriot at the River can be read as a standalone. Even so, I highly recommend reading Preacher on the Run as well, because it is a wonderful book!
Profile Image for D.J. Speckhals.
Author 4 books140 followers
October 4, 2024
Set in the untamed backcountry of colonial North Carolina, Patriot at the River follows young Patriot Benjamin Woodbridge as he fights both British redcoats and his own inner turmoil to protect his family, friends, and frontier community.

Jayna Baas paints a vivid picture of Benjamin’s hometown, Sunrising, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its mix of warm, inviting spaces and untamed wilderness, it’s a place I could easily imagine living—if not for the looming threat of Tories and Cherokees. Places like the church meetinghouse, Aunt Kate’s ordinary, and the stables made me long for a visit, as if this fictional town were real.
The plot moved along steadily. There weren’t any dull moments, nor was there too much heart-pounding action. Patriot at the River struck a balance between character interactions, introspection, and action.

But there are battles to be fought too—tense, gritty conflicts that reflect Benjamin’s internal struggle. The battles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens are vividly portrayed, showing how Benjamin’s growth is symbolized through his fighting and thinking.

One of the pleasant surprises from Patriot at the River was all the references to well-known thinkers of that time. Fictional characters like Benjamin, Rane, and even Aunt Kate spoke more than their own words; they had a connection to their contemporaries. They thought of and quoted the Bible, which shouldn’t be uncommon in Christian fiction, but on top of that, they referred to historical figures like John Milton, William Blackstone, and Isaac Watts. I appreciated that so much! For an author of fiction to gently yet accurately portray the thoughts of those giants of civilization was a nice touch to an already enlightening story.

The main character, Benjamin, was intriguing, likable, and definitely changed over the course of the story. Bitterness, anger, and hatred ruled him at the beginning, leading to him lusting for revenge and death upon his enemies. His “turning point” was well done, but reading it, I probably would speak for most readers by saying how shocking it was; I could feel Benjamin’s pain as his anger hurt those closest to him. But his gradual spiritual growth was both believable and relatable.

Aunt Kate’s Scotch-Irish ancestry shines through, feeding her character in the present story. She’s definitely not someone to antagonize! I got confused at times with Jem’s name, probably because he’s just “Jem” from his point-of-view, but because he has an alter ego from a different culture, his name is also James Arnold Gregory (or just “Gregory”). I liked Rane’s journey, especially on matters of religion; his questions were honest, and his interactions with the people from Sunrising were pure gold.

Benjamin’s sister, Elizabeth, made for a memorable brother-sister relationship. Their support for each other was commendable, which led to a willingness to sacrifice. Then there’s Susanna Boothe. She’s in more of a supporting role, but I felt like she was a little too distant from Benjamin. And Benjamin almost seemed to forget about her while away with the militia. Had he given up so easily? I understand though—they both had a lot of growing up to do. By the end, their connection resolved nicely and naturally.

In Patriot at the River, Jayna Baas blends immersive historical detail with powerful character journeys. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love well-told stories with heart, this book is a must-read. It’s rare for me to re-read books, but Patriot at the River is one I’ll definitely revisit.
Profile Image for Bethany M. Griggs.
Author 5 books51 followers
June 17, 2026
I enjoyed this story so much, and it has such a good message of forgiveness and fighting for what you love. With a great balance of action and daily life in that era, it's a well-written story that I recommend!
24 reviews
October 10, 2024
Before I began this book, I went back and read the first in the series. Wanted to have all characters and time line in my head before I began patriot at the River. I read a lot about the American Revolution. Had recently finished biography of General Nathaniel Green. He is mentioned in the book. Also lord Cornwallis who is so mean.
All of the characters became my friends. I would wonder what they were doing during the day. My favorite is Aunt Kate. A strong woman who trusts God and hold family and friends close.
The two brothers, Robert and Mitchell Booth are circuit pastors. Their trust in the Lord encourages those who are fighting to keep their families and Sunrising safe from the British.
We take for granted those who fought and struggled to keep America free from England. Also to keep religious liberty. Too bad Americans don’t know our history and should be coming against those who have been trying to remove God from our homes, and especially our schools.
There are some, but not many pastors who are proclaiming the sinful things occurring in our country and supported by this administration. Robert and Mitchell Booth are not afraid to preach the truth. Because of their faithfulness and others fighting the British, we still have a country. If we aren’t faithful to God we may very easily loose it.
This was a page turner read. Didn’t want to put it down.
Jayant Baas is a terrific writer. Looking forward already to a third book in the series.
Profile Image for Nina Ruth.
29 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2024
I would give it 10 stars if I could! This was so well crafted and worth waiting for!

Clear faith, integrity and nobility in relationships, and important history that must not be forgotten - all intricately and finely woven together as a beautiful tapestry of grace - an heirloom for a generation that has perhaps never known what liberty is.
Profile Image for Haley.
271 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2024
Really glad that I went on to read the second book in this series! Amazing character development, even though the characters were difficult to keep track of sometimes. The plot was so interesting, especially with the historical background and obvious research that has gone into it. I also loved the clear message of the Gospel and redemption spread throughout—even teared up at the final scene. And it’s refreshing to read historical fiction with a healthy focus on family and friendships rather than being dominated by a romance.
67 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2026
Overmountain Longhunters

I had 12 kin who fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain, and one wrote a small book about it. So thank you for the history you put in it. It should never be forgotten what these Patriots did, especially on the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.
Profile Image for KyLee Woodley.
Author 12 books45 followers
September 30, 2024
Much Like a Revolutionary War Movie

The ins and outa of this plot were impressive. The story is a lot like a war movie with spies, siege, defensive strategies, and secrets. I admired the approach to faith asked content which blended well with the characters' growth.
Profile Image for Brittany .
3,019 reviews219 followers
October 8, 2024
It had been several years since I had read the first book in this series, so it took me a bit of time to remember some of the details from that novel. Both of the books are immersive and packed with historical detail, without weighing down the story.

These characters were living in such perilous times. Which side had the upper hand seemed to change, if not daily, then sometimes hourly! And the fact that these skirmishes and encounters took place in such a hilly and mountainous area added to the feel of being tucked away in time.

The solid faith thread throughout the novel had the various characters looking to determine what was true and what wasn’t. What things had they been taught that adhered to what was written in the Bible as compared to what were simply commands from those in power? The main character, Benjamin, battled anger for much of the story and he began to realize that it wasn’t so much a righteous anger as it was a quest for vengeance. He went through a lot of growth in his faith journey.

I enjoyed this peek back into another time and definitely recommend both books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Patricia Haupt.
42 reviews
October 18, 2024
I have not read many books with the Revolutionary War as the backdrop, but this one was amazing! Since I have not read the first book in this series (Preacher on the Run) I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to follow the story line. I was wrong. This is a wonderful stand-alone book! The characters on both sides of the war, are portrayed as real people that were relatable, sometimes reminding me of our world today. There were even types I could sympathize with those on both sides. The shorter chapters were exceptionally helpful when I knew I needed to put the book down, but didn't want to. The story kept me engaged and captivated. Although, this is historical fiction, there is quite a bit of nonfiction woven throughout. Faith is a huge part of this book, but not in an "in-your face" way. I believe it was done in a way to make each of us think about what we do believe and why. The little known facts shared in this book, greatly affected the Revolutionary War, our country and even us today. This is a book I would highly recommend reading this even if you never thought you would like Revolutionary fiction. This book is that, but so much more!
Profile Image for Virginia Henderson.
Author 15 books85 followers
October 11, 2024
A rugged adventure of intrigue and faith!

Watch my review here: https://youtu.be/e3n44-3Fe7g?si=8jczb...

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book ever since finishing and loving Preacher on the Run and this sequel did not disappoint.

It has been over a year since my last read of POTR, so I struggled to remember certain characters and events in the beginning, especially with the 10-year story gap between books, so it took me a little bit to get back into the world. Thankfully there were little references here and there that helped jog my memory some. This would be my only qualm, and I recommend rereading book 1 first for a quick refresher.

Ms. Baas is in her element when it comes to the Revolutionary War era. Her accurate research is meticulously flawless and the setting is on point. Everything about this story just set right and I was never pulled out of the setting.

Christian themes focused on vengeance, bitterness, and forgiveness- all excellently woven in among the battle scenes and day-to-day life in the settlement.

Ya’ll…I loved Rane. His character stole the show. Great villains, flawed and real heroes, and heroines. Honestly, the cast was awesome.

Overall, 4 stars! I highly recommend this to Revolutionary War enthusiasts, history buffs, and readers of Christian historical fiction. My top favorite of the series is still POTR, but this sequel was an amazing read that holds its own.
Profile Image for Jessie Mattis.
Author 3 books154 followers
August 3, 2025
I usually prefer 20th century historical fiction, but I wanted to give this one a try because I'd heard such good things about the author, and I'm glad I did! While I admit it was a slow start for me, mostly because I'm terrible at remembering names and there were quite a few names to remember, it definitely picked up and held my attention throughout.
I even found myself dog earring pages with quotes that I wanted to look back on, such as this one: "The best fights, Woodbridge, are for what a man loves. Not what he hates."
And this one: Benjamin shook his head. "How does a man fall so far?" "By telling himself a lie and believing it. One day at a time."
Lots of powerful themes in this book, including spiritual ones, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good Revolutionary War era story!
595 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2024
I am not a history buff, but I knew that the 2nd book, in the series
(having read the first),
would be great!!!!

But, it took me about 30 pages to get really into it,
because I had trouble trying to remember who the English fighters were,
and who were the US colony fighters.
( they each had several different names,
they were called by and/or referred to.
That is real history! )

But fear not, if you are like me....
this novel is well worth it, to read!!
I did learn a LOT about that era and history.

But it is also so much more!
The history part was so deeply researched!

I could sum up all I knew about that war,
the American Revolution,
in one sentence, before reading this.

Still, in addition,
I love the characters
( well, some of the characters, I did not 'love')....
However, that was one of the great biblical concepts
(about loving our enemy, forgiving them, and caring about their eternal destiny).

In fact, the biblical concepts,
like, loving our enemies and forgiving them etc.
also explored in this novel, in great depth,
brought me to tears and prayers!

So IF you are like me,
not knowledgeable, at all, about history,
I encourage you to stick with it!

This one of those novels that just continues to build,
and get better and better!!!!

However, do I have to point out???
( as I am always wont to do),

that this is a novel written by a human author....
gasp!
Which means... sigh!
that the 3rd novel in the series
most likely, won't come out,
next week!!!!! sigh and double sigh!!!!

That means, "I" have to wait!!
The pain, the indignity, the unfairness....

I know,
the Bible does mention 'something' haha
about patience....

Well! I don't think it means authors
ought to make me wait
Sniff sniff.

So, nevertheless, This novel is extremely well written,
has great interesting ( some rather mysterious) characters....
but most of all,

I loved the Biblical content, doctrine,
and,
the application of scripture,
seen in the spiritual growth of the various
characters.

However, like true to life,
not all the characters,
ever chose to lean on and love the Lord Jesus,
and therefore,
sadly went to their death in an unsaved state.

So, Now I have to wait, yet again.
68 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2024
A Historical fiction set around the Revolutionary War time frame. This book sucked you in from page one!
1 review
September 25, 2024
Some of the best Christian historical fiction I’ve read. If you love clean adventure stories set in the past, read on! If you love genuine, biblical Christian fiction that doesn’t feel forced or mystic, read on!

I was privileged to get an advanced copy, and I devoured it in about three days and definitely stayed up too late. 😉 It was fun to see characters from Preacher on the Run (Book #1) return, but one of the new characters is my favorite. I’m sort of hoping Book #3 is about Rane Armistead… Or at least that we get more of him! He brought a sense of contrast to Benjamin Woodbridge’s world that I enjoyed, and Jayna Baas did so well making Rane’s (and everyone else’s) voice clearly distinct. But then I have a weakness for characters with secrets and/or pasts that get revealed slowly.

As a side note, if you’re a fan of Douglas Bond’s Faith and Freedom trilogy or his other books, you should definitely read Patriot at the River!
43 reviews
Read
July 22, 2026
This was my favorite book of the series. It was hard to put down once I started it. Janna did a great job of pulling you into the story from the very beginning. I was trying to figure out who the spy was that betrayed the those living in Sun Rising…..you can guess, but you won’t find out until the end who it really was all along. A great story about faith and family bond, but the one of many things that stood out to me was the way the gospel was written throughout the story.
5 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
Loved. It

Finished this second book and wanting more. Great characters and history. Holds your interest from page one. Please keep weighting Jayna
14 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2024
A great read

Much history here. Real characters. Enjoyed how two of them often quoted Milton. I recommend this book as well as the first one in the series.
938 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2025
Excellent story with characters you root for and ones who's actions you root against. Informational and suspenseful. Definitely worth the read.
111 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2026
Another excellent story, a truly gifted author. Edge of your seat suspense. A Christian and clean read.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
588 reviews
August 21, 2026
Interesting. Put a spin on the history of NC and mountains are time of American revolution.
Profile Image for Carly Leigh Forbes.
132 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2026
I really liked this book and series! I really liked the characters Benjamin, Aunt Kate and Rane!
I especially liked seeing Benjamin's relationship with God develop and the lessons it taught him - which I also learnt whilst reading especially how important it is to forgive our enemies!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews