Escape is Anna Rone’s only option. Never again will she be trapped in a loveless marriage. A new life in America means safety—and discovering the truth behind her beloved brother’s death. But when she is nearly captured and forced to return to England, her vow to never marry for anything but love is forgotten when she must marry for protection. Perhaps the handsome man she accepts is truly as caring as he seems. If he is not, her future in America is darker than ever before.
Captain Henry Donaldson aided the colonists too many times. And now, the British army intends to make him pay with his life. Without his friends in Sandwich, he would be a dead man. He’s already changed his name, and when the kind, courageous woman he rescued offers to become his bride, he accepts despite the risks. His past taught him that women are not to be trusted and that love can cut deeper than the sword. Only time will reveal if this choice will bring the greatest pain he’s ever known.
Tensions are at an all-time high as the Revolutionary War gets underway in So Rare a Gift. Instead of a history lesson of battles and politics, we are treated to an intimate story of two individuals who are in the midst of their own trials during this turbulent period, being hunted by personal adversaries. Anna and Henry both have reasons to disdain marriage, but the characteristics they witness in each other give them hope that their situations can be redeemed if they unite forces. I loved how they grew closer together as they supported, protected, and even surprised each other. They share several sweet moments as their attraction and passion grows even though their marriage is one of convenience. They both quickly become loyal to the Patriot cause and do what they can to aid the citizens in nearby towns who are being persecuted. My favorite quote from the book is one that I feel applies to us today as well as we take a stand for what we believe is right:
"There will come a time when we will be called upon to act in defense of the cause we believe in. That time has come, and we were made for it."
The suspense is heightened as the perspective of the men stalking Henry and Anna is shown briefly throughout the book and the action is steadily brought to a climax. The couples from the previous books in the series are present as friends of Henry but this can easily be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading them all though for maximum enjoyment ;) This is a book that will be loved by fans of historical fiction and inspirational romance! I was also thrilled to learn that the author has two more books planned for the series and I can't wait to see what is in store for the characters during this amazing time in our country's history.
(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
One of my favorite book tropes is a marriage of convenience, especially when there is a spark of attraction there. Add to that, a hint of danger and the story is very intriguing.
Anna finds herself in an impossible situation and decides to accept the marriage proposal from a kind stranger. Henry has just assumed a new identity for safety purposes, but that doesn't affect who he really is on the inside. I love the bravery shown by each character and the way they gradually come to fan the flames of their mutual attraction. The romance is sweet and tender, yet has a few sparks that at times made me swoon. And I love to swoon! I found myself almost wishing to have been placed in a situation such as this, but I don't think I could handle the peril.
This author truly has a talent for telling a tale, while engaging the reader. I honestly haven't read a lot of books set in this time period and felt that I learned some history along with being entertained and I really enjoyed every page.
I'm reading these books out of order, but it doesn't really matter--they can stand alone. The integrity of the characters, as well as the way they handle the precarious situations that they find themselves in makes it worth the time invested in reading this series.
Content: mild+ religious elements; mild+ romance.
*I received a copy from the author, which did not affect my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Amber has gifted the world with a Revolutionary War era epic in So Rare a Gift. Dangers from both Anna Rone and Henry Donaldson's pasts--and their present--haunt and threaten to destroy the tenuous existence and trust they've managed to forge by fire as slowly but surely they begin to reveal their true selves. With a deftness not often attempted in the genre much less set during the Revolutionary War, Amber weaves such a riveting plot and mystery filled to the brim with intricacies, light suspense and colored with the burgeoning romance of Anna and Henry. Their romance--a beautiful picture of what many couples learn within marriage, but what these characters were forced swiftly to learn right after their first meeting and subsequent marriage. Give and take. Trust. And working side by side, equally together. I so appreciated that particular detail Amber included in the romance of her third novel--the equality and subtly complementary nature of Anna and Henry in each other's eyes. It's a difficult thing to balance in fiction, those two qualities in a romance, much less in real life--but SO well done. The ending, oh the ending. So fitting--and suspenseful--I hated to leave Anna and Henry but it was such a satisfying ending. You will be kept up late turning page after page wondering what will happen, what truths will come to light and if Anna and Henry will make it through. With an artistic, gently-lyrical prose and strong faith woven through out, this novel is one that leaves a lasting impression.
If you enjoy reading about Colonial America and you have not discovered Amber Lynn Perry’s books yet, you are seriously missing out! If you love a good marriage-of-convenience plot, no matter the setting, then you must hasten to get your hands on a copy of her latest novel, So Rare A Gift.
Hasten.
Because while So Rare A Gift is rich with setting and history, Henry’s and Anna’s story is timeless and Perry’s writing captivates. Her skillful turn of a phrase conveys poignant depth of meaning in a few poetically-placed words, and her sense of timing is perfection. Fans of Laura Frantz, Lori Benton and Michelle Griep will feel right at home in the pages of Amber Lynn Perry’s books.
Henry and Anna are thrust into a marriage of convenience after the intersection of their respective escapes from their respective pursuers. Tensions are high between them – as they adjust to each other – and around them – as they and their friends gear up to resist the British. And of course, they both remain on guard for fear of discovery. Taking on their new identities – their new lives – is not as easy as they would hope and here Perry injects into the story touches of humor as well as moments of fantastic romantic chemistry.
Speaking of chemistry… when Henry/William thinks to himself “Hang the party” because he’s smooching Anna quite passionately and he’d rather stay home and “experiment on the desires that roared inside him“… I may have had to break out my fan! You’ll have to read it for context, but Henry makes a quite yummy leading man. Just sayin. And this line – “In that look, that moment, he said a hundred things…” had me swooning all over again for different reasons.
And that last chapter? For this book, make sure you have both your fan and a trusty handkerchief nearby.
“…you once said that there will come a time when we will be called upon to act in defense of the cause we believe in. That time has come, and we were made for it.”
Bottom Line: You need this book in your life. Particularly if you are first in line to buy Laura Frantz’s or Lori Benton’s books. (Side note: You can certainly this book as a stand-alone, but you will probably best appreciate it when read in the context of the previous two novels in this series.) In So Rare A Gift, Amber Lynn Perry takes a tumultuous period in history, a handful of heroes, a marriage of convenience, and a bad guy in need of some serious anger management and she weaves them beautifully into an exquisite story of hope and freedom and courage. Inspiring us all to live truth fearlessly, these characters will be with me for a while yet to come.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
This is the third installment in this revolutionary-era America series. There are definite references to events in the previous two books, so reading those is likely to help. I could follow this really well, however, despite having missed the middle book in this series.
The historic details are quite good. I think she shows the patriot versus loyalist argument well. If I remember correctly, the first book in the series included the Boston Tea Party and events surrounding that period. In this third book, the siege of Boston is going on. These are all background events as the plot focuses on the fictional characters.
This story involves a deserter of the British Army and a young lady running from a forced marriage. The story is well done, a little slow at first but picks up later. As expected in a book set in this time, there is some mildly descriptive violence. Also, I wouldn’t personally call the romantic content super squeaky clean. The intimacy is mostly kept behind closed doors, but there are some, what I would consider, pretty descriptive make-out scenes. This is a dramatic story with no comedic relief to speak of, as was the first in the series. I enjoyed the story for what it was and think it would probably be worthwhile for those who like this sort of historical fiction.
The privileged reader of ‘So Rare a Gift’ will find themselves swept up in this unforgettable tale of valor and zeal, secrets and lies, and deadly revenge. A romance intensely heartfelt and tender amongst the angst, somehow softens the birth pangs of a young America as tensions and skirmishes escalate prior to the War of Independence. But the conflict is all too close to home and heart in this stunning novel.
Fleeing another loveless marriage that’s to be forced upon her, Anna Rone escapes to America with plans to seek out the truth behind her beloved brother’s death. Trouble follows her from England however, and Anna finds it necessary to marry a man she’s known for but a few days, that she may find security in this new land. For someone who’d vowed to marry only for love next time, she enters into this union fearful but hanging onto the glimmer of hope her new husband is truly a kind man.
Captain Henry Donaldson is hunted by the British army for helping the colonists. One man in particular is especially intent on his demise and will go to any lengths to see that happen. Henry’s patriot friends in Sandwich recommend he marry to blend in further to the community, and so with the agreement of Anna, the lovely but mysterious woman he rescued recently, he weds her. Keeping his past a secret from Anna and everyone except his closest friends, he goes by the name of William. Having been deeply betrayed by a woman he once loved, he silently vows to keep his heart protected. With so many secrets already between them, will they ever find the love and trust they desire? Or will their troubled pasts catch up to them, destroying what might have been?
Plentiful in beautiful prose from beginning to end, the ink in author Amber Lynn Perry’s pen surely has been dipped in ingenuity—gifting the reader with exquisite writing and a sublime reading experience. ‘So Rare a Gift’ is a gift indeed—thrilling, passionate, exceptionally written, and with a timely message of not bowing to our fears. Highly recommended!
"We are few in number that fight for liberty . . . .But though we are few, we are strong in purpose, and our cause emboldens us against our enemy."
Patriots embody many shapes and forms in 1775 Sandwich, Massachusetts. Young and old, men and women, even boys; fighting in the shadows for freedom, a most precious commodity. When a beautiful young heiress, Anna Rone, accidentally enters the fray, her choice to escape England and pursue knowledge about her twin brother's untimely demise, places her in a compromising position, when she finds herself alone in a coach travelling deep into a forest.
Captain Henry Donaldson is injured and on the run when he unwittingly becomes Anna's savior, whisking her away to safety and delivering her into the company of trusted friends. Henry and Anna's secrets both run deep and in a moment of quiet desperation they decide to enter into the covenant of marriage, primarily to change their identities, but possibly because of their nearly instantaneous attraction.
Amber Perry has written a story that climaxes quite eloquently at just the right moment, filled with reminders about the myriads of brave men and women who risked lives, loves, and dreams to forge the freedoms that we so casually enjoy. Tender romance, clever acts of subterfuge and terrifying moments of suspense combine to make "So Rare a Gift" an exceptional book.
When I picked this book to read I had no idea it was the third in the series! The novel was fast paced from the beginning. I love meeting new characters in each book that I read. I also like the fact that they prayed before they did something each time. In today's world it seems as if we have no time for God and that's sad for we need Him now more than ever! Ambers writing is wonderful! She also puts some humor in exactly the right placed and in some placed I cried because of the loss of life just for our freedom which still is fighting for our freedom today I felt for Henry and Anna. I admired their wisdom, courage and faith, and most especially their determination to see things through. I love how things turn out for the best. It's all on God's planning and timing When I first met Henry and Anna I thought they were the perfect couple I didn't like Paul because he was too headstrong for his own good! He wanted to do things his own way and it got him into trouble! Amber thank u for a wonderful story! I'd love to read the first 2? I received a copy of an ebook version on exchange for my honest review and I also strongly recommend ppl who wants to read about America's early years! I felt like I took a much needed vacation through this book
This is the third book in the series and by far my favorite! While her writing has always been good, I feel that the author's words really came to life in this story. The characters are memorable and the setting puts you right in the midst of the American Revolution. I am anxiously awaiting more books by Amber Lynn Perry!
I love stories of arranged marriages where the two people actually fall in love! Henry and Anna both seek shelter and safety in their faux marriage, but find their mutual attraction hard to resist. The two could have enjoyed wedded bliss much sooner if Henry hadn't been so unwilling to open himself up to the possibility of a broken heart again. Enjoyed seeing the friendships between the ladies and the men grow deeper through trial. Although there were several elements to the story that seemed rather obvious to me, I enjoyed watching Henry's vulnerability fade away as Anna became the love of his life!
This review contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. I have not been compensated by the publisher or author in any way.
This book in the Daughters of His Kingdom series is the story of Henry aka William, and Anna.
Mind you...I write a synopsis review for my benefit years down the road when I've completely forgotten I've read a book. This helps to refresh my memory. So if you just want a rating review, skip this one...there might be too much plot detail.
What I liked: The story was good. - Loved all the characters, just like the other books. - Loved the complications that arose and a few surprises along the way. - Loved the title because the gifts were plentiful, but two in particular stood out, which I won't divulge. But thankfulness abounded and prayer for God to guide them, and prayers to accept His will were expressed often. Can't fault the author on her focus on God all the way through the book.
What I wasn't fond of: - Even though the story was good, the author's overly dramatic way of writing, down right corny in some parts, was off-putting to me. I thought the narrator in the previous (Audible) books had overplayed her reading (giving the book an over-the-top feel), and yes she did, but the way it was written was also overplayed with melodrama. So I just couldn't abide it. - The excessive use of phrases at the end of sentences like: was it not?, am I not?, are you not?, had it not?, etc, ad nauseam. When something is said so very often, you can't help but twitch when you read it again and again. The editorial assistant/secretary in me came out when I did a count (in Kindle it's easy) of the many times the variation of this phrase were used in this book. 70!!! Seriously, 70. I had noticed them a lot in the first and second books (nearly as often), but wanted to see, even before I started reading this book, if she had continued doing that. Ugh. She hadn't changed it at all.
Some plot problems bothered me. Some spoilers here.
Well, that's the truth of it. I'm sorry I couldn't give any one of these highly rated books in the series anything more than a 4-star rating. I wish I could have enjoyed the writing more, but I just couldn't, no matter how much I tried... and I did.
I can't recommend them to anyone. I'm sorry. I know the author worked hard to make this an interesting and well written story. And it was in many ways. Just overdone in many parts.
Absolutely wonderful! So Rare a Gift is the 3rd Book in the fantastic Daughters of His Kingdom Series. I have to say that this may be my favorite of the three thus far... Because I am really hoping Perry is currently working on a Book 4; so we will see!
From the start you are catapulted into the tensions and dangers faced by those who are caught up in the pre-Revolutionary War period. Things are starting to happen and both sides have reason to fear. Perry had me completely engaged and kept me that way throughout the book. In fact, I stayed up to finish this one.
I loved the characters, especially our two main characters for this novel. While Captain Henry Donaldson was present in the first two novels, in this novel we really get a feel for his character. And he is wonderful! Sure, he has his doubts, and can let his past taint his present at times. But hey, no one is perfect. However, his loyalty, his friendships, faith and the way he honors and cares for Anna is wondrous to behold. And Anna, she just shines; she is lovely inside and out. I loved seeing her openness and willingness to trust. She battles fear, and insecurity, but she overcomes!
This novel is sure to please fans of Perry's first two books. You cannot help but be delighted with the plot, the action, the romance and faith elements that blend harmoniously together to craft such a great novel! I definitely recommend this one!
I usually start with a disclaimer that I’m not an avid reader of historical fiction, but I hesitated to mention that because it didn’t matter what time period this book took place in quite simply because the story itself was utterly riveting. Compelling, complex, and so artfully draw I fought hard not to simply race through the pages to the end, but forced myself to pause to linger over the captivating elegance of Ms. Perry’s lyric of prose that poured over me like a song. The layers of tension and secrets Perry wove so effortless through the budding romance of Anna and Henry had me immersed in colonial American in a little town called Sandwich, walking with to two beautifully broken people finding love and a purpose against all odds on a road riddled with enemies (and allies) at every turn. With the mark of a truly exceptional read, once I was finished I felt bereft. The ending was so fitting, yet I wanted more time with Henry and Anna. I wanted to draw on all those final pieces and keep braiding them together, to let them live on in my imagination. I couldn’t imagine Amber could outdo books one and two, but this one is undoubtedly my favorite. Makes me all the more excited to read whatever she cooks up next!
Perry’s books really draw you in. She gives a great insight into the hearts of the people during this tumultuous time and into the clash of serving King vs. serving the cause. I loved watching Anna learn to bask in her freedom and give up her riches. I thought Henry was a great male character. He was always a gentlemen with Anna and treated her with respect. I liked that they both sacrificed for their relationship. I didn’t love all of the secrets between them. Some were necessary, but some of them seemed really pointless. (Anna should have known how obvious it would be she didn’t know a thing about housekeeping and owned it). I also think the truth of Anna’s brother and his link to the rest of the characters was kind of glossed over. The effects of that would have been a stronger and after all of Anna’s searching, she would have wanted a more thorough version of the truth.
However, I'm giving this book 5 stars because it really struck me and stuck with me. I remember the storyline and emotion of this book even though it has been a couple of weeks and quite a few books since I've read it. Another solid, well-told story.
So Rare a Gift is the third installment in the Daughters of His Kingdom series. My first thought when i picked up this book was: Ahhhh, it feels so good to have another Amber Lynn Perry book in my hands again!". She is such a talented author and rankled up there with my favorite authors, Laura Frantz and Jody Hedlund. This book is enriched with historical details and a beautifully written romantic tale between Henry and Anna. And, of course, I loved catching with the previous main characters from the previous books in the series. Any historical fiction lover will love this series. A definite must read. 100 stars.
So Rare a Gift is the third book in the Daughters of His Kingdom series set in Sandwich, Massachusetts. I really enjoyed all of these books taking place during colonial days. You will be amazed at the adaptations Anna makes when she escapes England and a forced marriage to end up married to a farmer she barely knows. Henry has admired the patriots and deserts the British Army to join their efforts. Amber Lynn Perry is becoming a favorite author of mine with her fast paced historical stories. I recommend So Rare a Gift to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received my e-book copy through a giveaway on The Engrafted Word blog. This is my honest opinion.
This book is the third in the series and it is my favorite. I loved the hero, Donald/William who defected from the British Army and embraced the Sons of Liberty cause. He was a handsome man of character and integrity, but he had secrets. The heroine, Anna, had her own secrets as well. She was a beautiful young lady who had her challenges adjusting to the new country and her circumstances, but she did so with grace and a grateful spirit. The book had suspense and surprises as well as a sweet love story that kept me turning the pages. It was absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed reading Henry's story. A wonderful, heart-felt journey. Two individuals brought together under unusual events. Finding in each other what they have been searching for all along.
While I don't often read revolutionary era stories, this one intrigued me and I couldn't put it down once I started. I really enjoyed it. Some interchanges between characters felt repetitive at times, and that bothered me. But things things I disliked stylistically didn't outweigh the joy of the story. Anna and Henry/William are very intriguing characters and with the issue of Anna's brother Samuel in the middle of it all, it's perfect story fodder and a great Saturday binge read.
With this story we are taken back into colonial times when the English Redcoats were dominating the colonies.Two people are running away from their past and together find comfort. Very well written and fast-paced. The descriptions of Nature were so vivid one could actually see the vegetation and the forests. A very good book to get an even better understanding of the passion the colonists had in their quest for freedom!
The Revolutionary War period creates a volatile backdrop for So Rare a Gift. Anna Rone is trying to find her twin brother. Henry Donaldson finds many injustices inflicted on the Colonist. Amber Perry does a great job of creating tension from the beginning, with twists and turns, that add layers to the story. Great read.
Ms. Perry writes vivid romance that can be tantalizing, but in such an historic setting one feels like they are there. My own taste would be less romance and more history, but that is just my own interest. All in all I would recommend this series for anyone who wants to know more about the revolutionary time.
Another lovely revolutionary war novel from Amber Lynn Perry. I enjoyed Henry and Anna's story (although I felt a little unresolved at the end - I won't give anything away). My only problem overall with the story was the numerous typos and grammatical errors that should have been corrected in proofreading.
A great book..shows how God works in individuals lives without them knowing and how he brings people together. I would highly recommend as a great read for a Christian romance book.
Perilous times are not enough to stop the human heart of hope and love. What great strength & courage coupled with loving kindness our hearts are capable of proclaiming even midst evil treachery.
This is written about the fomenting the beginning of the revolution. Life was not easy for Anna who had run away from a second forced marriage. Her life of ease in England did not prepare her for a life of learning how to succeed without servants.
A very thoughtful story with well developed characters and a plot full of twists and surprises. I also enjoyed the sense of what took place at the point in history covered in this story.
A beautiful tale of patriots and the brave women who loved them. Well done. Courage, faith, friendship and community surround these love birds as they fight inside and outside battles.