Worthy of Trust: That Word Honor: Book I

by Erin Makela

Trust. Honor. Ambition. Betrayal.

When the guns fall silent on April 19, 1775, Whitley Endicott is elbows deep in blood. Haunted by the ghosts of those who died for the cause, the young surgeon is determined to save lives and free the spirits of the dead. The only obstacle: she isn’t a man.

Men’s clothes conceal her gender but can’t hide her skills, which earn her a place of trust at Fort Ticonderoga as the American Revolution unfolds. Officers and soldiers alike recognize her innate sense of honor, entrusting her with their lives – and their secrets. When her twin brother and best friend confide in her, Whitley seeks to protect them from any who would do them harm.

American ambition marches the fledgling army into Canada as winter descends, and Whitley strives to keep the soldiers alive despite supply shortages, starvation, and smallpox. Worried her smallest mistake might betray her true identity or endanger those she loves, Whitley must ask herself, who is worthy of trust?

Genres: Historical Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2025

About the author

Erin Makela is a writer, middle school teacher, and theater enthusiast. While she calls Worthington, MN home, Erin is always looking for her next travel adventure with her stuffed alligator, Swampy. Erin is a graduate of Luther College and Vermont College of Fine Art’s MFA program. When choosing music to write to, Erin’s go-to playlists are Broadway show tunes and sea shanties.

Reviews

[Morgan Vosburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“To a better world and those who fight for it.” “And to a time when we’ll no longer have to.” pg. 219

I haven’t been this invested in the American Revolution since Hamilton. And that’s saying something.

What an intriguing story! Almost like if Mulan was set during the Revolutionary War. A teenage girl disguises herself as a man to be a doctor on the frontlines. Oh! And she can see ghosts. She has to decide who she can trust with her secrets.

This book was so well-researched and made me consider how many unknown women did disguise themselves to fight in the revolution, or in other wars. I’m sure many did. Something for me to research more! I appreciated the author’s historical notes at the end and recommendations for further reading. I bought a book about women in the revolutionary war many years back and it has been sitting on my bookshelf. Might be time for me to crack it open…

The story really drew me in. I cried four times because I was so invested in the characters/historical figures - Whit, Win, Jacatacqua, George, Remy, and the rest. Their stories moved me. I was painted a very clear picture of what the author wanted to depict and it leaves me excited to read book 2.

This book also not only has one, but TWO maps, which is a book joy of mine. 🗺️

[Taylor H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

History truly comes to life through the lens of Dr. Whitley Endicott as the American Revolution begins. Filled with well-researched information, fresh perspective, and pertinent societal talking points that are heavily relevant today, Makela has written a wonderful novel that leaves me eager for the next installment.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical fiction looks at the beginning of the American Revolution from a unique perspective. The young doctor (15 years old!) is assigned to Benedict Arnold's team to invade Canada. We are seeing the hero Arnold, who shows himself worthy of trust, rather than the traitor we all are taught about in school. My guess is that subsequent books in the series will depict how Arnold changes his views on the war. There is a supernatural element in that Dr. Endicott is beset by ghosts who give their limited assistance. I am not well versed in all the battles of the Revolution, and certainly didn't remember anything about the Canadian campaign. The author's afterword provides more information about the characters and corrects some of the history that she rearranged to fit her novel.

[Amy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

250 years later, and the story of women and other under-represented groups of people are being uncovered and shared!

I have been enjoying all of the new historical fiction (and nonfiction) that tells of lives of people previously ignored in history. Worthy of Trust is another shining example of this. I found myself frequently breaking to glance at the maps in the front of the book or to do a quick Google search about a person or place. It is clear that Erin Makela did significant research to tell this story

I loved learning of history while being engrossed in a story of one determined, inspirational woman, and look forward to the next one!

Highly recommend.


Update as of page 86:
I found this at a book fair. I am not usually drawn to this time period, but because I know the author (but was unaware of the book), I was drawn to it. What a great way to make me learn about the American Revolution. And a WOMAN'S story during the Revolution? Even better!