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Desperate to rescue their kidnapped daughter, Lilyan and Nicholas Xanthakos trek two hundred miles through South Carolina mountains and backcountry wilderness, fighting outlaws, hunger, sleeplessness, and despair. When the trail grows cold, the couple battles guilt and personal shame; Lilyan for letting Laurel out of her sight, and Nicholas for failing to keep his family safe.
They track Laurel to the port of Charleston as post-Revolutionary War passions reach fever pitch. There, Lilyan, a former patriot spy, is charged for the murder of a British officer. She is thrown into the Exchange Building dungeon and chained alongside prostitutes, thieves, and murderers. Separated from her husband, she digs deep inside to re-ignite the courage and faith that helped her survive the war. Determined to free his wife at any cost, Nicholas finds himself forced back into a life of violence he thought he'd left behind.
Following a rumor that Laurel may be aboard a freighter bound for Baltimore, Lilyan and Nicholas secure passage on a departing schooner, but two days into the voyage, a storm blows their ship aground on Diamond Shoals. As the ship founders, both are swept overboard.
Will their love for each other and their faith sustain them as they await word of their missing child? Or is Laurel lost to them forever?
They track Laurel to the port of Charleston as post-Revolutionary War passions reach fever pitch. There, Lilyan, a former patriot spy, is charged for the murder of a British officer. She is thrown into the Exchange Building dungeon and chained alongside prostitutes, thieves, and murderers. Separated from her husband, she digs deep inside to re-ignite the courage and faith that helped her survive the war. Determined to free his wife at any cost, Nicholas finds himself forced back into a life of violence he thought he'd left behind.
Following a rumor that Laurel may be aboard a freighter bound for Baltimore, Lilyan and Nicholas secure passage on a departing schooner, but two days into the voyage, a storm blows their ship aground on Diamond Shoals. As the ship founders, both are swept overboard.
Will their love for each other and their faith sustain them as they await word of their missing child? Or is Laurel lost to them forever?
268 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2015
106 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Susan F. Craft
11 books46 followersA history lover, Susan F. Craft researches for her novels with the same excitement as Alan Quartermain hunting for King Solomon's Mines and with the persistence of Lewis and Clark. She enjoys the chase when a clue leads her from one "treasure" to the next, to the next.
Susan recently retired from a 45-year career that included working for SC Educational Television, the SC Department of Mental Health, the SC College of Pharmacy, and the SC Senate.
Her novel The Chamomile, a Revolutionary War romantic suspense, won the SIBA Okra Pick.
Susan has two post-Revolutionary War novels being released in 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.
Susan is a member of Romance Writers of America, the American Christian Fiction Writers, The Historical Novel Society, the SC Writers Workshop, the SC Historical Society, the Robert Burns Society, the Colonial American Christian Writers, and the Inkplots, a writers' critique group. Her short stories have been published in four of the group's collections.
Susan is represented by Linda S. Glaz, Harline Literary Agency.
Susan recently retired from a 45-year career that included working for SC Educational Television, the SC Department of Mental Health, the SC College of Pharmacy, and the SC Senate.
Her novel The Chamomile, a Revolutionary War romantic suspense, won the SIBA Okra Pick.
Susan has two post-Revolutionary War novels being released in 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.
Susan is a member of Romance Writers of America, the American Christian Fiction Writers, The Historical Novel Society, the SC Writers Workshop, the SC Historical Society, the Robert Burns Society, the Colonial American Christian Writers, and the Inkplots, a writers' critique group. Her short stories have been published in four of the group's collections.
Susan is represented by Linda S. Glaz, Harline Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 10, 2015
The impeccable research of historical fiction author, Susan F. Craft, permeates every paragraph in the post-Revolutionary Era novel, Laurel. The story of a young mother whose daughter is kidnapped, and the subsequent search, captivates a reader with both unforgettable characters and adventures that sweep a reader to another time and place. Craft is brilliant in her marriage of both fact and fiction, as she weaves a story that captures your attention from first page to last. Ms. Craft has a gift with her pen, creating words that are both breathtaking and beautiful.
Elaine Marie Cooper, Fields of the Fatherless
Elaine Marie Cooper, Fields of the Fatherless
November 8, 2015
RESEÑA COMPLETA EN ESPAÑOL
This book is magnificent!
When I read the sinopsis, I thought this would be such a dramatic story that I’d be probably crying and sobbing the entire book…
Well, I was totally wrong.
While this book is really deep and provokes strong feelings because there are a lot of dramatic scenes, also it has a lot –I mean, a lot- of mystery and suspense.
I could never guess how crazy the story would became and totally loved it. The characters feel very real and the dynamic between them was perfect. Also, the story caught me completely and I could stay away from the suspense of every page.
I was delightes with the author’s narrative. Her words took me right to 1783 and I felt part of the story, which I think it’s an important quality in historical fiction. Also, the message was powerful and it leads to reflection.
-Copy provided by the author but this fact didn't influence the review-
March 21, 2015
Fantastic Storyline!
Oh to have the strength and courage of Lilyan Xanthakos! Laurel is truly a great adventure to read. Susan Craft did a great job keeping me on my “reading toes”, by creating a storyline with plenty of adventure and wonderment. What Lilyan and Nicholas go through in search of their stolen daughter is beyond amazing. Will they find her? Will she be gone to them forever? Only the reader will know....while going on an amazing trek with this couple.
I truly enjoy reading Susan's novels, because they throw me into a time in history that I knew nothing about. (I hated History in school..boring teachers..so I am learning through some wonderful authors, like Susan.) So much went on in those times....how did people do it?
If you haven't read The Chamomile by Susan, about how Lilyan and Nicholas first met, you have to read it! Both novels will throw you into an era in time that will leave you breathless!
I won this book from Susan Craft. I truly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it!
Oh to have the strength and courage of Lilyan Xanthakos! Laurel is truly a great adventure to read. Susan Craft did a great job keeping me on my “reading toes”, by creating a storyline with plenty of adventure and wonderment. What Lilyan and Nicholas go through in search of their stolen daughter is beyond amazing. Will they find her? Will she be gone to them forever? Only the reader will know....while going on an amazing trek with this couple.
I truly enjoy reading Susan's novels, because they throw me into a time in history that I knew nothing about. (I hated History in school..boring teachers..so I am learning through some wonderful authors, like Susan.) So much went on in those times....how did people do it?
If you haven't read The Chamomile by Susan, about how Lilyan and Nicholas first met, you have to read it! Both novels will throw you into an era in time that will leave you breathless!
I won this book from Susan Craft. I truly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it!
May 28, 2015
Laurel is a captivating story of a family the time immediately following the Revolutionary War. Susan Craft does a masterful job of showing the despair, longing, and faith of Lilyan and Nicholas Xanthakos and their desperate search for their kidnapped toddler. Weaving in details of the time period and the lifestyles of rural and city dwellers, as well as Native Americans, the story is rich in setting and historical detail. This attention to detail and deep emotion draw the reader in, holds their attention, and sustains the suspense through to the conclusion. This is a book you will be glad you read.
November 21, 2017
About the Book:
Laurel continues the story of the Xanthakos family from the first installation of the series, The Chamomile. Lilyan and Nicholas are devastated when their daughter, Laurel, and sister-in-law, Golden Fawn, are kidnapped by outlaws while visiting Golden Fawn’s family. Rallying friends and family for help, Lilyan and Nicholas eventually rescue their sister-in-law only to learn their daughter is still missing. They track her to Charleston, SC, where it is believed her abductors gave her to a family under the premise of being an orphan. Further investigation suggests that the family who has Laurel has set sail to Baltimore within days of the Xanthakos’s arrival in Charleston. While their hopes are high that they can be reunited as a family, the two endure seemingly never ending hardships and obstacles including a city in unrest, Lilyan’s arrest for the murder of a British officer, Nicholas’s valiant attempt to rescue her, and the couple’s desperate quest to reach Baltimore by ship before Laurel arrives in time to reclaim her. Their marriage, faith, safety, and resilience are tested to the limits leaving trusting in God that all will end happily as their only hope.
My Thoughts:
I had not read the first book in this series, so I can attest that Laurel can be read as a standalone novel. Lilyan and Nicholas’s continued heartbreak as obstacle after obstacle is put in their way in their search for Laurel was touching as was their reliance on and encouragement of each other. Nicholas, especially, showed such tenderness, hope, and love toward Lilyan. Loved the Greek phrases and terms of endearment that he spoke that were scattered throughout the story. Great adventure, sorrow, and triumph are found within this beloved story that ends in a satisfying and refreshing conclusion.
This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I have not been compensated by the publisher or author in any way.
Laurel continues the story of the Xanthakos family from the first installation of the series, The Chamomile. Lilyan and Nicholas are devastated when their daughter, Laurel, and sister-in-law, Golden Fawn, are kidnapped by outlaws while visiting Golden Fawn’s family. Rallying friends and family for help, Lilyan and Nicholas eventually rescue their sister-in-law only to learn their daughter is still missing. They track her to Charleston, SC, where it is believed her abductors gave her to a family under the premise of being an orphan. Further investigation suggests that the family who has Laurel has set sail to Baltimore within days of the Xanthakos’s arrival in Charleston. While their hopes are high that they can be reunited as a family, the two endure seemingly never ending hardships and obstacles including a city in unrest, Lilyan’s arrest for the murder of a British officer, Nicholas’s valiant attempt to rescue her, and the couple’s desperate quest to reach Baltimore by ship before Laurel arrives in time to reclaim her. Their marriage, faith, safety, and resilience are tested to the limits leaving trusting in God that all will end happily as their only hope.
My Thoughts:
I had not read the first book in this series, so I can attest that Laurel can be read as a standalone novel. Lilyan and Nicholas’s continued heartbreak as obstacle after obstacle is put in their way in their search for Laurel was touching as was their reliance on and encouragement of each other. Nicholas, especially, showed such tenderness, hope, and love toward Lilyan. Loved the Greek phrases and terms of endearment that he spoke that were scattered throughout the story. Great adventure, sorrow, and triumph are found within this beloved story that ends in a satisfying and refreshing conclusion.
This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I have not been compensated by the publisher or author in any way.
March 16, 2020
While trying to find her kidnapped daughter Laurel, Lilyan is charged with the murder of a British officer. Nicholas, her husband, determines to free his wife at any cost.
The setting is Charleston, South Carolina, post-Revolutionary War.
Fast-paced and ever-changing story. I loved it. The characters are real with powerful emotions. This is one of those stories that I'll long remember. A kidnapped child has to be every parent's nightmare. So it is with Lilyan and Nicholas. Lilyan goes into danger without consideration of her own safety to only find herself imprisoned. Christianity blooms in this story and I find that a blessing. What a great story of exceptional characters in horrifying conditions.
The setting is Charleston, South Carolina, post-Revolutionary War.
Fast-paced and ever-changing story. I loved it. The characters are real with powerful emotions. This is one of those stories that I'll long remember. A kidnapped child has to be every parent's nightmare. So it is with Lilyan and Nicholas. Lilyan goes into danger without consideration of her own safety to only find herself imprisoned. Christianity blooms in this story and I find that a blessing. What a great story of exceptional characters in horrifying conditions.
August 2, 2020
Laurel, A Kidnapped Child and Her Families Attempts to Bring Her Home
Laurel was a much loved child who lived in an Indian village with her parents. She was kidnapped and the search for Laurel began. Her tribe immediately began looking for this child and followed up on every lead that they found. Her parents eventually went to Charleston when they learned that the kidnappers had plans to sell her there.
This book will tug at your heart as they continue their search for the little girl. I enjoyed reading this book. I hope you enjoy it also.
Laurel was a much loved child who lived in an Indian village with her parents. She was kidnapped and the search for Laurel began. Her tribe immediately began looking for this child and followed up on every lead that they found. Her parents eventually went to Charleston when they learned that the kidnappers had plans to sell her there.
This book will tug at your heart as they continue their search for the little girl. I enjoyed reading this book. I hope you enjoy it also.
February 11, 2021
This is my second read of this delightful book and it was as delightful the second time through as it was the first. I love the strong marriage of Lilyan and her husband Alex. The marriage relationship is definitely there but tastefully portrayed. They suffer tragedy after tragedy as they attempt to find their kidnapped child but none of the crises seem contrived. It was a great read through several cozy winter evenings.
October 2, 2017
Laurel: Will their faith and love sustain them
Excellent Christian novel about life in our great nation in the days immediately following our war for independence from Britain. Interesting characters and a storyline that fascinates and encourages believers in their Christian walk because their are issues that still face us today.
Excellent Christian novel about life in our great nation in the days immediately following our war for independence from Britain. Interesting characters and a storyline that fascinates and encourages believers in their Christian walk because their are issues that still face us today.
September 25, 2018
Loved the continuing saga of this family! The ups and downs kept me intrigued. The historical info was so good for me. My great great great grandfather was a sharpshooter with Francis Marion and I've lived in Camden, SC for 20 years. Interesting to learn so many facts and to celebrate with this special family. Great read!!
August 29, 2018
Lost Child
This is a strong and moving story of a mother 's love for her child. Any mother feels the pain and joy told of in this story. Sharing those feelings with her strong and loving husband make it even better.
This is a strong and moving story of a mother 's love for her child. Any mother feels the pain and joy told of in this story. Sharing those feelings with her strong and loving husband make it even better.
September 23, 2019
Second in the Xanthakos Family adventure. A historical novel of the adventures of Lilyan and her family. The book includes romance and adventure in a tale of determination. History and adventure abound in this Christian story line and setting.
February 15, 2017
Good
the story that is one that was about how the revaluation was won by the patriots who fought so hard for us to have freedom.
the story that is one that was about how the revaluation was won by the patriots who fought so hard for us to have freedom.
July 9, 2020
Historical novel
I was bored but it was a good story . Thank you no sexual content or potty language. Respect for our 1st. President in the U.S. Washington.
I was bored but it was a good story . Thank you no sexual content or potty language. Respect for our 1st. President in the U.S. Washington.
January 11, 2022
Great book
October 25, 2017
An outstanding post-Revolutionary novel in North and South Carolina. Nicholas And Lilyan Xanthakos married, have a home, a vineyard, and a child almost a year old, Laural.
Suddenly the child is missing. Nicholas gathers all his friend to search through the wilderness, Lilyan is following every step. They travelled to the Cherokee Village, finding she had been kidnapped, they went on North and South Carolina, through rural areas around the towns never giving up hope, always having faith that they would find her.
This novel is full of historical places, adventures, twist and turns, mysteries, hopes, and faith as the couple and friends continued their search. The detail of each moment, each small clue kept me on the edge of my emotions throughout this novel. The author describing in detail the characters, the locations and the lifestyles of the period as the days goes by in their search for their loving daughter.
This pulled at my heart strings and emotions as I read but I couldn't put it down.. I enjoyed all three books in this series, an outstanding, well written, fast paced, easy to read novel. I recommend this series to everyone, an enjoyable read.
Suddenly the child is missing. Nicholas gathers all his friend to search through the wilderness, Lilyan is following every step. They travelled to the Cherokee Village, finding she had been kidnapped, they went on North and South Carolina, through rural areas around the towns never giving up hope, always having faith that they would find her.
This novel is full of historical places, adventures, twist and turns, mysteries, hopes, and faith as the couple and friends continued their search. The detail of each moment, each small clue kept me on the edge of my emotions throughout this novel. The author describing in detail the characters, the locations and the lifestyles of the period as the days goes by in their search for their loving daughter.
This pulled at my heart strings and emotions as I read but I couldn't put it down.. I enjoyed all three books in this series, an outstanding, well written, fast paced, easy to read novel. I recommend this series to everyone, an enjoyable read.
February 25, 2017
High adventure, inspirational and romantic all describe this historical noval. As part of a trilogy, this book can be read on its own as there is enough detail to fill the reader in on past events. When Nicholas and Lilyan's baby girl, Laurel, is kidnapped, they are prepared to move heaven and earth to find her. Their chase leads them through rough territory, meeting sickness, death and unbelievable kindness along the way. The territory through which they moved facing decoy after decoy, gives one good insights into the early days of America and the difficulties faced by the pioneers. When their search leads them back to Charlestown, old enemies raise their heads and execute their revenge on Lilyan for the murder she committed in defending her friend. However, even in the most difficult of circumstances Lilyan reveals her true colours and wins new friends. The scripture "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" has never been truer, in that the good and acts of kindness Lilyan has done in the past, are repaid in kind. As a mother, my heart ached for Lilyan and Nicholas. I have been in similar circumstances where you go to bed to try and sleep with a churning in your heart and when you waken a few hours later, the churning is still there, reminding you of all you have lost. Nicholas and Lilyan weren't content to let the authorities handle the situation, but went after their daughter themselves, no matter where the trail led them. An incredibly well written book with the early history of the United States woven into the fabric of the tale.
March 6, 2017
5 stars before reading this.. why well just read the description of the book... author sent to me free from Amazon Kindle and I am excited to get the chance to read this book.. doesn't look like you have to read the series in order... I didn't know that it was a series..
March 4, 2017
You will want to read this book in one sitting!! An absolutely lovely book. Well researched, well developed,and well written,- a story that will touch your heart. You relate to the characters,you feel for them, you care for them. What more can i say? Don't miss this book. I wish i could give it another star!!
July 25, 2021
A husband and wife lost their baby girl to a rogue that sold the baby to another couple. Their search takes them around the colonies and the wife is arrested for a Revolutionary War murder.
February 11, 2015
"Laurel" by Susan F. Craft is a followup to"The Chamomile" which I have not read but definitely want to after reading "Laurel". "Laurel" can be a stand alone but I want to read all the books in a series if I read one!
I have to be honest and say I wasn't sure I was going to like this book because I thought it was slow reading but I soon changed my mind! I really like it! The problem might have been that I didn't read "The Chamomile" first and so I didn't know the background but the more I read I couldn't put the book down and read it in one setting.
This book is about something that as a mother and grandmother I never want to go though or want anyone to, a child is stolen. Laurel is stolen while in her aunt's care and through the aunt is stolen also she returns but has amnesia from being hit and cannot remember what happened to Laurel.
I really wanted to cry as Lilyan and Nicholas Xanthakos hunt to find her and I almost stopped reading this book a couple of times because I was so heartbroken at all they had to go through but I am so glad I continued.
This book had this reader amazed at how Lilyan and Nicholas Xanthakos could remain so strong and be so heartbroken at the same time! There were many surprises in this book and one in particular had this reader thrilled! I know you are saying "What is the surprise" Now come on, you know you want to read this book yourself and find out what I'm talking about. What fun is it if I tell you?
While in prison Lilyan befriends other women and helps them while going through her own struggles. I recommend this book to anyone that likes Historical Fiction. I am giving "Laurel" four stars but if I had read "The Chamomile" first I might be giving it five stars because after reading "Laurel" I understand that it has the same characters and I might have understood the history in the first part of the story a little better. But with that said it was a great book even if a little sad!
I was given an ebook copy by Avid Reader Reviews.com in exchange for my honest review.
I have to be honest and say I wasn't sure I was going to like this book because I thought it was slow reading but I soon changed my mind! I really like it! The problem might have been that I didn't read "The Chamomile" first and so I didn't know the background but the more I read I couldn't put the book down and read it in one setting.
This book is about something that as a mother and grandmother I never want to go though or want anyone to, a child is stolen. Laurel is stolen while in her aunt's care and through the aunt is stolen also she returns but has amnesia from being hit and cannot remember what happened to Laurel.
I really wanted to cry as Lilyan and Nicholas Xanthakos hunt to find her and I almost stopped reading this book a couple of times because I was so heartbroken at all they had to go through but I am so glad I continued.
This book had this reader amazed at how Lilyan and Nicholas Xanthakos could remain so strong and be so heartbroken at the same time! There were many surprises in this book and one in particular had this reader thrilled! I know you are saying "What is the surprise" Now come on, you know you want to read this book yourself and find out what I'm talking about. What fun is it if I tell you?
While in prison Lilyan befriends other women and helps them while going through her own struggles. I recommend this book to anyone that likes Historical Fiction. I am giving "Laurel" four stars but if I had read "The Chamomile" first I might be giving it five stars because after reading "Laurel" I understand that it has the same characters and I might have understood the history in the first part of the story a little better. But with that said it was a great book even if a little sad!
I was given an ebook copy by Avid Reader Reviews.com in exchange for my honest review.
January 1, 2025
Laurel***** by Susan F. Craft
Lilyan and Nicholas (Nikki) Xanthakos are desperately searching for their kidnapped—soon to be one year old—daughter, Laurel. Their search takes them hundreds of miles from their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, NC of 1783 to Baltimore, MD. They are not alone in their search, good friends search with them and at locations along the way. They do not rely solely on their own strength, their strong faith and trust in God empowers them on their quest. Each clue brings hope and then disappointments, even tragedy. While at Lilyan's old home in Charlestown, she is arrested and thrown into prison for the murder of a British officer during the Revolutionary War. Now facing trial and possible hanging, Lilyan digs deeper into her faith for strength...and yes, hope.
This story captured my interest from the first page to the last. I found myself holding my breath at certain times in the story. I really liked the unique blessing/prayer Lilyan and Nikki said together before they began their search for their daughter. Even in prison, God used Lilyan as she witnessed to some of the women there. Their journey was an arduous one, full of unknown dangers, unexpected situations, tragedies, pain, heartbreak, joy, humor, a terrible storm at sea and shipwreck, forgiveness, love and strong faith. There are many of the characters that I enjoyed reading about and hope to see more about them in another book. The life-style of the 1780's was a hard one, calling for hard-working, strong, brave and God fearing people to settle the land, which is clearly shown in this story. Unexpected twists and turns in the story line that kept me guessing to the end. One line really spoke to me, “...one can survive the terrible, unspeakable pain—God will sustain us if we let Him...”. Even though I have not read the first book, Chamomile—yet, I could follow along with the characters. I do plan to read Chamomile soon.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via GoodReads (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
Lilyan and Nicholas (Nikki) Xanthakos are desperately searching for their kidnapped—soon to be one year old—daughter, Laurel. Their search takes them hundreds of miles from their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, NC of 1783 to Baltimore, MD. They are not alone in their search, good friends search with them and at locations along the way. They do not rely solely on their own strength, their strong faith and trust in God empowers them on their quest. Each clue brings hope and then disappointments, even tragedy. While at Lilyan's old home in Charlestown, she is arrested and thrown into prison for the murder of a British officer during the Revolutionary War. Now facing trial and possible hanging, Lilyan digs deeper into her faith for strength...and yes, hope.
This story captured my interest from the first page to the last. I found myself holding my breath at certain times in the story. I really liked the unique blessing/prayer Lilyan and Nikki said together before they began their search for their daughter. Even in prison, God used Lilyan as she witnessed to some of the women there. Their journey was an arduous one, full of unknown dangers, unexpected situations, tragedies, pain, heartbreak, joy, humor, a terrible storm at sea and shipwreck, forgiveness, love and strong faith. There are many of the characters that I enjoyed reading about and hope to see more about them in another book. The life-style of the 1780's was a hard one, calling for hard-working, strong, brave and God fearing people to settle the land, which is clearly shown in this story. Unexpected twists and turns in the story line that kept me guessing to the end. One line really spoke to me, “...one can survive the terrible, unspeakable pain—God will sustain us if we let Him...”. Even though I have not read the first book, Chamomile—yet, I could follow along with the characters. I do plan to read Chamomile soon.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via GoodReads (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
July 8, 2015
I always enjoy Susan's novels because of her extensive research that makes the novel so believable. I was introduced to Lilyan, the main character, and admire her strong will, love & admiration for her husband and child, loyalty to her Native American sister-in-law, integrity, ease in making true friends and focus on her goal. Nicholas, Lilyan's husband, has a strong character as well with his love & respect for Laurel and their child, his leadership, and determination to free his wife and find his missing child. LAUREL is written about the time of the Revolutionary War, and Susan sets the stage beautifully with her descriptive language of the times and culture, the British/American tensions and expectations, means of travel & dangers for everyone in those tumultuous times in our Nation's history. So many risks were taken for our freedom. I know you will enjoy this novel and be challenged by themes of love, forgiveness and perseverance.
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February 3, 2016This book is full of vivid descriptions, fantastically crafted narrative, intriguing and engaging dialogue, but its biggest star is the characterization. Susan brings each and every character to life, not just with vivid details, but with emotions and passions. Even the characters that are meant to leave us feeling a little divided are enticingly adventurous, and that's a sign of humanity granted to a written creation, a skill many writers never ever develop.
All the books are well written, the plot flows so quickly that you reach the end of the story well before you are ready and without realizing how much time has gone by since you were enchanted, committed and flung into the world of the Laurel's, husband, family and their friends. You become a part of their lives as you are reading the books and think about the characters long after you have finished reading the book. Great reading, and highly recommended to all. I am truly heart touched.
All the books are well written, the plot flows so quickly that you reach the end of the story well before you are ready and without realizing how much time has gone by since you were enchanted, committed and flung into the world of the Laurel's, husband, family and their friends. You become a part of their lives as you are reading the books and think about the characters long after you have finished reading the book. Great reading, and highly recommended to all. I am truly heart touched.
March 12, 2015
Permanent injury and even death were a part of every day in post-Revolutionary North and South Carolina. The war was over, or was it? Emotions still ran high, outlaws were everywhere and safety was not guaranteed. A visit to the nearby Cherokee village ends in kidnapping, injury and death. Nicholas and Lilyan's daughter, Laurel, is one of the kidnapped children. Will she ever be returned to them? They track the kidnappers through the forests, mountains and wilderness only finding little traces of their beloved daughter. In the port of Charleston, Liylan faces accusations from actions during the was, leading to imprisonment in the Exchange Building dungeon. Whatever will happen to Laurel, who has sailed off to Baltimore with her new family? Will Liylan be able to ever hold her daughter again? Will their faith and love be strong enough to get therm through this storm?
February 5, 2017
Great book
To have someone take you're child from you and have them laugh in you're fa e they gave her away ,because she cries to much. Then to hear that they were at a place to go that place and find they had left there the day before to travel across the sea to live and then to find out the boat they had been on had sunken and everyone was gone was a horrible thing but a lot of in answered. Things happened and it is a great book kept me turning one page after another
To have someone take you're child from you and have them laugh in you're fa e they gave her away ,because she cries to much. Then to hear that they were at a place to go that place and find they had left there the day before to travel across the sea to live and then to find out the boat they had been on had sunken and everyone was gone was a horrible thing but a lot of in answered. Things happened and it is a great book kept me turning one page after another
May 21, 2015
Laurel was a wonderful story about a couple whose only child, a toddler named Laurel, was stolen during the period following the Revolutionary War. My heart ached for the mother and father of Laurel as they searched for Laurel. The story certainly kept my interest and had several unexpected twists. I did not realize that the book is part of a series but it was great as a stand alone. The author has done an excellent job on this historical novel. I received this book from Lighthouse Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 23, 2015
A gripping read!
A kidnapping, an arrest, and shipwrecked. Follow along with Nicholas and Lilyan as they search for their missing daughter. Will they be able to find her? Or will something prevent them from ever seeing their daughter again?
Their faith in God and each other, helped them face any adversity they were going through. God is always there, holding us up. He keeps us strong.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It was very hard to put down.
A kidnapping, an arrest, and shipwrecked. Follow along with Nicholas and Lilyan as they search for their missing daughter. Will they be able to find her? Or will something prevent them from ever seeing their daughter again?
Their faith in God and each other, helped them face any adversity they were going through. God is always there, holding us up. He keeps us strong.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It was very hard to put down.
June 18, 2016
A sweet book of courage, struggle, togetherness in the early days of American settlement. When you are not looking for reading a challenging book, which will make you think and don't want to read a romantic book or a comedy, go for this one.
September 4, 2016
Ebook
A baby gets stolen from an Indian village. The mom and dad who have fought in the revolution give chase. It's a long hard trail to find their daughter but in the end she comes home.
A baby gets stolen from an Indian village. The mom and dad who have fought in the revolution give chase. It's a long hard trail to find their daughter but in the end she comes home.
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