Cadence to Glory: A Novel of the American Revolution

by Mary Beth Dearmon

The year is 1773, and rumors of revolution abound. The return of the wealthy Eton family to Williamsburg, Virginia, however, briefly distracts the town's elite. The youngest Eton son, Thomas, thus reunites with Priscilla Parr, his childhood friend and the now-cynical daughter of a proud Loyalist family. Thomas learns to admire her scathing wit while Priscilla finds herself drawn to his ambitious idealism. He soon introduces her to the radical principles of liberty, the fuel of the colonial rebellion. On the eve of Revolution, however, fate turns against the young lovers, whose families are politically opposed. As the ideological forces within her own home begin to parallel the clash between Britain and the Colonies, Priscilla is unexpectedly faced with a dangerous decision between two rivaling ideals - and destinies. Set against a backdrop of intrigue, espionage, treachery, and romance, "Cadence to Glory" thus chronicles the deepening schism within the Parr family. By exploring the ancient conflicts between youth and age, conviction and neutrality, self-interest and principle, the novel speculates that liberty itself is as natural and inevitable as the coming of age.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

359 pages, ebook

First published November 7, 2014

About the author

Mary Beth Dearmon lives in Birmingham, Alabama. She has a passion for history, literature, art, travel, and yoga. She lives with her husband and children.

Reviews

[Avellina Balestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly appreciated the effort the author put into creating a period appropriate cadence for this romance set in colonial Williamsburg, especially in terms of language choice which seems richly inspired by the first-hand accounts we have from that era. As someone who spends quite a lot of time buried in 18th century letters, journals, and poetry, I take heart in knowing there are others who share my passion for preserving that elegance of speech which was more common among our predecessors than it is in today's world. Through the use of letters as a literary device, I also found it fascinating the way the author managed to bridge the gap between old and new worlds so that the wider family saga could be followed despite the distance between its members, both literally and figuratively. I look forward to exploring more of the author's works, including the prequel and the sequel to this novel.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cadence to Glory = quite possibly my new favorite book

Dr Dearmon has succeeded in writing a book that quickly became my favorite, so much so that I just finished reading it for the second time. This is rare for me since I normally don't like reruns or reading a book.

I am an avid reader of historical fiction, and this book definitely didn't disappoint. The details about the people, places, and events paint a vivid picture of a most interesting story and give insight to many details in the birth of our nation., including many details about just how costly our freedom was and how precious that freedom is.

I can't wait for the prequel which I hear is coming in the spring of 2023.

[S.L. Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Beth Dearmon's Cadence to Glory is written in the language of the period which to modern ears is a bit much but Dearmon's use of the language makes the story real, takes you back to the 18th century instead of being a story that uses the past to tell a story in modern terms. Cadence to Glory is at heart a story about Tories and Rebels, the birth of America through the telling of the story of a young woman whose independent mind and outspoken temperament led her to find love that led to the heartbreaking realities of losing her parents, being estranged from her brother, and separated from her younger sister as well as learning how to trust, and more importantly, whom to trust.

There is a spy story that is submerged in Cadence. The closest analogy is the series Turn. It is not a big part of the narrative but an important one that forces the heroine to deal with unpleasant realities, both within her family and in the families of her acquaintances and in her fiance family. I sort of wish there had been more to this part of the story.

Copy received for review.

[E.M. Hanzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice change from the normal Science Fiction or Space Opera that I’ve been reading lately.

Mary Beth does a fantastic job of writing in the style of that time period about a young aristocrat lady who finds herself drawn to the ideals of freedom and liberty. I really enjoying the word smithing and clever choice of words she used to allow the characters to express themselves.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that CADENCE TO GLORY: A Novel of the American Revolution by Mary Beth Dearmon is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Donald Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Very insightful and well researched book. Very entertaining. Particularly loved the period language used to tell the story. Would like to see a sequal written.

[Sarah Dowdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few months ago. I reminded me a bit of Jane Austen - but set during the beginnings of the American Revolutionary War. Though the action moves pretty fast at time - I sometimes wished she would linger more at describing scenes and city life - I was pleasantly surprised at some plot twists and weaving of characters in a way I didn't expect. I think this book does a great job at exploring personal tensions arising from political differences. It's an interesting picture of intimate life that might have occurred during this huge world-changing event. The main character is small in the grand scheme of things, but compelling and brave in her own sphere.

[Wendell H Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good background look at the revolutionary war

A little disappointed in that I expected more war fighting scenes. But very well written. Probably more what people experienced in the background of the war than realized.

[Pat Koetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love history

I enjoyed this book- mainly because I like history and Williamsburg. I especially liked the strong heroine. The surprise of her early nursing was also a connection that I share.

[leah garvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Story

What a great book. I read straight through. Felt as though I was right in the middle of all the action. Super Author.

[Sarah Sayre · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read!

I'm not sure why more people haven't read this story. I loved it and thought the story was written well. It was also free on Amazon :)