A Declaration of Hope (Sovereign Liberty Series Book 2): A Colonial-Era Historical Romance Set During the American Revolution

by T. Elizabeth Renich

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

T. Elizabeth Renich is the author of the Shadowcreek Chronicles, a series of four historical novels set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Ms. Renich’s research repeatedly brought her to the East Coast while digging for accurate historical background information for her novels. These research trips indirectly led to her decision to move from her native California to Charlotte, North Carolina, following a five-season stint (1992-1997) as Secretary to the Head Coach of the San Diego Chargers.

In addition to her interest in the Civil War, her favorite pastimes include reading, writing, photography, football, and horseback riding, the last of which resulted from her studies of the Southern cavalry. While writing, Ms. Renich often listens to movie soundtracks such as Last of the Mohicans, Gettysburg, and Braveheart; and music from Civil War period or traditional Scottish tunes. Although she inherited her love of books and reading from her father, the greatest influence on her writing career came from her Senior Composition teacher in high school.

The Shadowcreek Chronicles (Word of Honor, Matter of Trust, Not Without Courage, and Strength and Glory) are Ms. Renich’s first published effort. Future projects may eventually lead her into non-fiction writing.

One of her long-range goals is to visit all fifty states prior to her fiftieth birthday. She has traveled to Alaska and only has Hawaii and twelve other states left to go. Ms. Renich first visited Winchester in the summer of 1998, and since became enamored of the Lower Shenandoah Valley. She hopes to realize her dream of residing there some day. In the meantime, she enjoys conducting research in the Winchester environs, whenever she gets the chance.

Reviews

[Shellee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Declaration of Hope
T. Elizabeth Renich

Personal rating: 3 stars

I love to study USA history, and that is why I wanted to read this series. This continuation of Marcus St. James and Serenity Ravensworth’s story covers from 1767 to 1776. The story takes them from the American colonies back to England at the beginning. They then spend a little more than half the book in England and then go back to America for the last several chapters which end with the reading of the Declaration of Independence in the public square. It reads like a journal of the main characters’ lives with glimpses into what is happening from the ordinary to the momentous. Throughout the book, the author’s extensive study shines in the detailed historical information. This story has a heavier feel to it than the previous one, and it ends with a cliffhanger.
I struggled with this second book in the series. I felt like I didn’t connect with the characters as well in this one as I did in the first one. I had a hard time understanding their motives or being able to think through their thought processes with them in some situations and then too much in others. I also felt like the story dragged at times and jumped ahead at others.
After their marriage, the main characters struggled with intimacy and infertility. Nothing explicit is mentioned, but I felt like there was some awkwardness associated with this topic and one scene (ch. 22) that I was uncomfortable reading. The book also includes a miscarriage and the loss of an infant.
I did appreciate getting to see how the colonists ended up on different sides during the War for Independence. It is important to understand that the people who lived during that time were real just like us and were faced with decisions that they could not see the end results of.
The opinions in this review are entirely my own. I was given a pre-release copy of this book by the author but was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.

Shellee's ratings

5 stars -- A personal favorite. I would recommend without reservations. I would read over and over again. It would have an excellent/satisfying ending.
4 stars -- Great book. I would recommend. I would enjoy reading again.
3 stars -- Good book. I would possibly recommend with caution or reservations. I may consider reading again or another book by the same author.
2 stars -- Okay book. I might recommend but with extreme caution. I probably wouldn't read again.
1 star -- Did not like and cannot recommend

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to this book ever since finishing the first book in the series. These characters are ones that draw you in and make you feel as if you'd like to know them in real life, and I just had to find out what all was going to happen to everyone.
I was not disappointed. From the first page to the last I was treated to an immersive story that kept me turning the pages to see how it would all turn out. The romance between Marcus and Serenity continued in this one, quite nicely I might add. I enjoyed getting to see them finally get together, though seeing how they had to endure throughout the book had me feeling all kinds of feelings.
I really enjoy a good historical romance, and with this being the U.S.'s 250th anniversary it felt quite fitting to be reading this book set just before the American Revolution started. I loved all the glimpses into actual history that the author peppered in throughout the story.
I sure hope there's an upcoming third book in this series because I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters. Plus, I just have to see how Marcus and Serenity's journey continues! Not to mention the budding romance between Amos and Jessa.
If you enjoy a well written, well researched, historical romance, then check out this series now!
*I read an early ARC copy from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Avellina Balestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the original book hinted at the coming of the American Revolution, this book leans into them bursting apart familial and imperial bonds as the characters, now dispersed on both sides of the sea, struggle with the prospect of turning into enemies by way of a civil war. Among the issues of importance for the characters, the author accurately represents economic advantage and land claims as having a prominent place in many Patriots' reasons for wanting independence from the Mother Country and the Crown. I admit I don't find these reasons particularly sympathetic, less so when the very people dabbling in land theft of native reserves and privateering/smuggling start to balk about the king rejecting "the language of peace" when they are already supporting a revolt which killed or wounded over 2,000 of the King's men, and then use that interpretation of the king's rejection of their overtures to absolve them themselves of the last vestiges of allegience. But there is a ring of truth to it which I appreciate the author for bringing to light through these complex figures she has created. It was an intetresting experience to be reading at the same time as researching Queen Mary II, spear-heading a different revolution, which was very much a matter of zeolous religious faith to her, and I had many interesting thoughts regarding what she might think of the characters and their philosophies of life. I am intrigued to see where the series goes from here.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Declaration of Hope is so well written, I absolutely love this author's writing. It's the next level! The thoughtful and creative turns of phrase completely add to the enjoyment of reading this story! T. Elizabeth Renich is a fantastic wordsmith, and storyteller who does her research! A Declaration of Hope follows A Worthy Risk in the Sovereign Liberty series, a sweeping saga of the Ravensworth and St. James families in England and in Colonial America prior to the revolution.

I loved the continuing story of Marcus and Serenity set amidst a fascinating time in the history of our country. Perfect read for the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States! Historical Fiction fans will love this series!

What a well written & captivating story. I am so looking forward to the rest of the story in book #3! You are definitely going to want to read this series in order.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

"It’s a history lesson threaded into a love story and I hope the adventure draws you in and you won’t want to leave…" T. Elizabeth Renich

[Sydney Schmied · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Declaration of Hope is an amazing and historically rich novel! The characters spring to life off the page in this continuation of Marcus St. James and The Ravensworths’ story! T. Elizabeth Renich does an intricate and thorough job of her research, and her wonderful work shines through in this book series. If you are looking for a series to read Fourth of July Weekend, this is it! Although there was a sad cliffhanger/ ending to this book, I am looking forward to the next installment!
This is a series best read in order! Read A Worthy Risk first.
I received an early arc from the author to read! Opinions are all my own.

[Alissa Peppo (bookstagrambyalissamorgan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Declaration of Hope, the second installment in the Sovereign Liberty series, is rich in history, steeped in romance, and makes the perfect read for the 250th anniversary of America! We pick up right where we left off in the first installment, following the birth of a revolution and a tumultuous love story in one timeline. This romance is not for the faint of heart, with plenty of angst and yearning— but it is beautifully paired with hope, love, and dedication. Be prepared for a cliffhanger! The rich historical context, well written character development, perfect balancing of romance and forward action, and the promise of hope in Christ make this book and this series one that you absolutely cannot miss. I love it, and I simply cannot wait for the third book in the trilogy!

I received a copy of this book for review purposes. My thoughts are my own—I really did love it!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to T. Elizabeth Renich for allowing me the privilege of reading an advanced copy of A Declaration of Hope!

I thoroughly enjoyed the next installment of the Sovereign Liberty Series, and learning more of Marcus and Serenity’s story. I love how much history is woven throughout the book. I learned so much!

This book is rich in history, has deep faith themes woven throughout, and a beautiful story of abiding love.

[Taylor Veruchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love seeing more into Serenity and Marcus’s story. There are some twists and turns and suspense that I wasn’t expecting. Some fun and interesting tidbits of history. I love the simplicity of their start to life together and the closeness of both families. It was nice to read of a different take on the revolutionary war. I’m interested to see what the future has in store for Marcus and Serenity.