Path of Freedom

Quilts of Love #3

by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only her mother's quilt as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery. As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Historical, Audiobook, Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of inspirational fiction set in historic Europe and the Carolinas. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings was released in 2010 and won the Holt Medallion award for Best First Book. Her work has been reviewed by USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, RT Book Reviews, and the Library Journal. Jennifer’s books are available across the globe in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia and in multiple formats including hardback, paperback, e-books and audiobooks. Other works have appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, RT Book Reviews, The Military Trader and USAir Magazine. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications. You can learn more about her at www.jenniferhudsontaylor.net.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been fascinated by the Underground Railroad since I was a kid so I'm always on the lookout for novels featuring this compelling part of North American history. Path of Freedom is told from the perspective of two Quaker 'conductors' as they convey their 'cargo' to freedom. Loved the insights into the Quaker faith and mindset -- though I have to say I kept tripping over all the 'thees' (used instead of 'you'.)

I had a love/hate relationship with Flora for much of the book. That girl knows how to hold a grudge and make Bruce squirm over all his childhood indiscretions. Gah! But I wanted to shake some sense into her. Thankfully, she grows to see the error of her ways and realizes that the annoying boy who called her names has grown into a compassionate and courageous young man. In a way, Flora finds freedom on this journey too -- as she casts her bitterness aside and begins to embrace the faith she has taken for granted.

Adventure and romance with snippets of Underground Railroad history make Path of Freedom an enjoyable read.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Irene is infuriating at her childishness. Flora is a tad better but not much.

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this pre-Civil War story of transporting slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad, a special quilt plays an important role in paving the road to "safe houses" where supporters assist in concealing slaves on their journey to freedom. The Quakers were operatives in these missions, and Bruce Millikan is active and experienced in delivering escaped slaves to freedom. In his hometown of Greensboro, NC Bruce appeals for assistance in the transport of a young slave couple to Pennsylvania. To complicate matters the young wife is pregnant. In order to safely carry out the mission Bruce seeks the assistance of a midwife in the event that the pregnant slave would deliver her child while traveling. Flora Saferight is a young midwife who is sought to accompany Bruce in the transport of his "cargo." Bruce Millikan and Flora Saferight shared a contentious, discordant childhood, a result of Bruce's name calling and hurtful behavior. They ultimately reach a mutual agreement, and Flora and her younger sister prepare to accompany Bruce and his cargo through the Underground Railroad. Flora's mother had created a freedom quilt with unique and helpful maps sewn into it to assist in their journey to safe houses along the dangerous route. A special wagon designed for the express purpose of transporting slaves featured a false bottom which concealed the slaves underneath the wagon itself. Numerous dangers are encountered, challenging the fortitude of the travelers. Through prayer and the guidance God provides, a developing respect begins to break down old walls of mistrust and resentment that Flora has harboured over the years.

Jennifer Hudson Taylor weaves a fascinating fictional tale of personal friction that progresses to acceptance and friendship through forgiveness and faith. Combined with the dangers ever present along the path to safety and freedom, realistic events are combined by the portrayal of historical events in our nation's history. Personal character development takes precendence over the roles of the Underground Railroad and the story quilts that contained secret codes thought to direct "conductors" to safe houses and unknown routes. I would have enjoyed more description of the Underground Railroad and the quilts thought to have been useful with the Underground Railroad, but I found this to be a romantic and suspenseful adventure.

[writer...]

An amazing writing opp that would have been a great option for black history month reminiscent of Barbara Smucker's several excellent underground railway escapes . The focus here, unfortunately, was more strongly on the possible romantic relationship between two Quakers chosen for the slave couple needing transport to safety. I anticipated more information on the use of pattern and details in the handmade quilts used to guide the journey and delivery of slaves to safe havens. Not to mention the harrowing dangers inherent... A missed opportunity.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce Millikan has just returned home after an eight month mission working with the Underground Railroad in Indiana, and yet again, he has managed to say the wrong thing to Flora Saferight. Flora and her sister Irene are planning a train journey to Charlottesville, and are asked to change their plans so they can travel with two escaped slaves with them - escorted by Bruce Milliken. Neither Bruce nor Flora are happy with the proposal, but Flora has experience as a midwife, which will be necessary for the journey, and Bruce is the best choice, so the two are forced to work together.

There is a good mix of internal and external conflict, with Flora and Bruce's longstanding antipathy towards one another and the need to keep the escaped slaves safe. They are two flawed but likeable characters--many Christian novels, especially historicals, have such perfect Christians that they just aren't believable. Bruce and Flora are very believable as they travel together and begin to acknowledge their growing feelings for each other.

Path of Freedom got off to a good start with a two page explanation of the (disputed) history of underground code quilts, and the involvement of Quakers in the Underground Railroad (a national network of safe houses for escaped slaves seeking freedom in the North and later in Canada). I like this kind of discussion, because it shows the author has done her research. Sadly, it seems that historical accuracy is not a prerequisite to getting published, but it makes reading so much more pleasurable (and makes writing a positive review much easier).

This is the third book in the Quilts of Love series that I have read and reviewed, and the first historical. The novels are all stand-alone stories by a range of authors, but all have a real or fictional quilt as a central part of the story. I think this is my favourite so far, and I will certainly keep my eyes open for more books in this series, and more novels by Jennifer Hudson Taylor.

Thanks to Abingdon Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quilts of Love

2013 (release date January)

Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Fiction/Historical



Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan have been at each other for years, in fact Flora would do anything to keep Bruce away from her. His teasing has caused her great pain over the years, a nickname he gave her stuck, even causing the girls to call her the hurtful name. To say that Flora had trouble considering Bruce a "Friend" would be accurate. They are Quakers and are supposed to leave peacably. But being around Bruce brings Flora anything but a peaceful feeling for the most part. So you can imagine her distress when her pastor approached them asking them to go on a mission together, also taking her younger sister too. A mission that is dangerous to all of them. Taking a runaway slave couple to a free state. The pastor has picked Flora because of her skills as a young midwife, the slave couple is expecting a baby. The trip is fairly smooth with the exception of a near blunder that nearly costs Flora her life. The emotional tension is this book is palatable. You can feel the hurt that Flora carries in her heart over the things Bruce did to her as a child and young girl, you also can feel the tension and distress that Bruce feels over these hurts. He would take it all back if he could. A mission that will change both Flora and Bruce forever. A beautiful story of redemption! Using a hand made quilt as a guide to bring the slaves to freedom, will this mission also free Flora of her hurts and allow her to see Bruce as more than an irritation?

I loved this story, it is very different from Ms. Taylor's other books I have read, but it was a wonderful story. 226 pages US $12.99 4 stars



I was given an ARC copy of this book for review purposes. No payment was received for this review.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love stories of the Underground Railroad. This book was blah….maybe a middle school/high school student would like it better. Main character was whiny and I understand Quakers, but thee thee thee all through the book come on. I understand speaking the way of the characters during that time. Terrible book I couldn’t even finish the book, I even tried skimming the book and I said forget it. Too many good books out there to read.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this Quilts of Love series - this is number 3 and it's topic was the role of the Quakers in the Underground Railroad. Interesting reading about the beliefs of the Quakers and the possible role a map quilt could have for covering long distances without the benefit of highways as we know them, maps, signs etc... courage.....

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quaker Historical Romance

I don't know much about the Quaker religion, but there were many discussions on the Bible and how prayer would guide and console them. This was an exciting, yet fearful story, of three young Quakers leading a young married slave family to freedom.
The story was well written and the narration was excellent!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many aspects if this book are very enjoyable. The plot is fantastic and the secondary characters are outstanding. I enjoyed the hero but the heroine not so much. Also some of actions taken by the Quakers didn’t ring true. The narrator is very good. Happy reading/listening!

[Donna Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story of the adventure of how Quakers helped an African American freed couple get to true freedom in Pennsylvania via the help of a special quilt. There was a good sense of excitement as they were almost discovered. There was love, loss and joy in the LORD GOD.

[JanetW · Rating 5 out of 5]

great period book

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, not just for the developing love story, but for the historical perspective. Very well written!

[Gary Comfort,Gary Comfort · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story with very likeable characters. The story opened my eyes to the terrible lives of slaves seeking freedom and the brave people who helped them on their journey.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, but as a fast reader, I did find the Quaker speech slowed me down. :)

[Darinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 3rd book in the Quilts of Love series. Christian fiction. Historical fiction. Frustrating and immature characters.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flora is a childish, irritating woman. I was not impressed.

[Elaine Reinhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful inspiring story. Very well written.

[Teresa]

Easy to read Amish romance.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glimpse into those who were apart of the underground railroad. The sacrifices made. The dangers they faced. All in the name of freedom.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Path of Freedom, Quilt sof Love Series, by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
I love this series and this one sounds like an interesting read, romance and a mystery, quilting and religion.
Quaker faith, 1860's Bruce Millikan is just back in town and Pastor John of the local meeting group wants him and others to accompany a black wife and husband to safer grounds, up north.
Flora Saferight and her sister Irene both will go and find themselves in trouble on the second day out in the woods.
Flora struggles and keeps Marta-the pregnant woman safe while she was thrust into the river and got banged around by the current and the rocks.
She prays Bruce will find her and has already led the others to safety. Her mother was also part of the Underground Railroad and explained to her about the quilt that was made and how it showed the route they must take from NC to Charlottesville, VA.
Such country as we had gone there to visit the Walton's Mountain exhibit. Bruce and Flora in days gone by had butted heads with one another too many times but for this mission they agreed to be friends. They were to deliver the couple to a place in PA
but with Marta being pregnant-the reason Flora went along, they hoped to reach the relatives house in VA first. Flora's mother had told her there would be another quilt for the rest of the journey..
They meet up with many friends along the way to gain them more knowledge of their journey further north with safety. When they return and again meet at the relatives house the women decide to take the train back as they had always wanted to. Bruce just wants to deliver them safely as he promised their parents. He also is jealous that Flora may want to spend time with the new doctor in the area and court him. He leaves with a letter from her to be read once he reaches home but he's so tired when he arrives he forgot about it.
Flora asks his brother if he'd read the letter when she returns home and they all suspect it's a good bye letter and that she's moving to VA to work alongside the doctor.
There are many times they pray along the way, at meals and at everyday occurrences. Love what the quilts represent in this book, great storyline with strong characters of faith.
I received this book from Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Hudson Taylor in her new book, “Path of Freedom” Book Three in the Quilts of Love series published by Abingdon Press takes us into the lives of Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan.

From the back cover: How much would you risk to save another’s life?

When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only a quilt from Flora’s mother as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches into unknown treachery.

As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.

I would think that the most dangerous trip was along the Underground Railway. If you were caught the slaves were sent back to wherever they had escaped from for punishment and whoever else was there could be killed for helping in the escape. Yet, Flora and Bruce are willing to chance it for a couple that they don’t really know. “Path of Freedom” is a nice romance also filled with action and suspense. Jennifer Hudson Taylor has filled this story with many themes, one being the bullying and what it produces in the person being bullied. I enjoyed this aspect of the book so much as this is not a theme that is popular. Want a fun read that will not only entertain you but make you think as well? Well then I recommend “Path of Freedom”.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: PATH OF FREEDOM
Author: Jennifer Hudson Taylor
Publisher: Abingdon Press
January 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4267-5263-6
Genre: Historical

How much would you risk to save another’s life?

When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only her mother’s quilt as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery.

As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.

Flora has always disliked Bruce. He was unkind to her in school and she harbors grudges. Even when he returns home after an absence, she is unfriendly to him, especially after he accidentally insults her again. When her pastor asks her, her sister, and Bruce to accompany some run-away slaves north, Flora balks. It seems Bruce is experienced at working on the underground railroad, and knows the dangers. But this time, the female runaway is pregnant and likely not to make it to safety before giving birth. They need Flora to go along to help birth the baby if needed.

Bruce seemed a really kind individual in this story, and so caring. He does say what he thinks getting himself into quite a lot of trouble, especially with Flora. Flora and Irene both are really bitter individuals, prone to hold grudges and be unkind. I didn’t like Flora much at the beginning. But the story was exciting, I had to keep reading to see what happens. And Flora did grow on me. This is an intriguing underground railroad story and should appeal to anyone who loves historical romances, underground railroads, and quilts. PATH OF FREEDOM is book three in Abingdon’s Quilts of Love series, but easily stands alone. The first two books were A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee and Beyond the Storm by Carolyn Zane. Don’t miss PATH OF FREEDOM, or any of these great books. $12.99. 240 pages.

[Waheed Rabbani · Rating 4 out of 5]

In pre-Civil War North Carolina, Quaker sisters Flora and Irene are excited about their first train ride to Charlottesville, Virginia. Eighteen-year-old Flora, a midwife, was there two years ago and had been corresponding with an unmarried doctor in hopes of his offering her a position, and perhaps more. They switch to a horse-drawn wagon when the local pastor asks them to accompany a party going to Charlottesville and further north to Pennsylvania. They are receptive to the request, for it involves transporting two runaway slaves, an expectant woman and her husband, via the Underground Railroad.

Pretty Flora is disturbed to learn that a handsome 19-year-old farmer, Bruce, will be the ‘conductor.’ While Bruce is attracted to Flora, he cannot stop teasing and calling her names (having nicknamed her ‘Beaver Face’ in school) and is jealous of the doctor’s interest in her. Nevertheless, the two are especially chosen for the mission: Bruce for his experience and Flora for her midwifery, likely needed to deliver the slave woman’s child. They carry a quilt embroidered with a secret map to their destination. Although Flora and Bruce banter along the dangerous route, they are brought closer together while facing hazards and overcoming several obstacles and setbacks to deliver their ‘cargo’ safely.

While the novel includes some information on the Underground Railroad, it reads like an inspirational young adult romance set in the Quaker community of the period. Details on the Quakers’ lives, beliefs, speech, manners, clothing, cuisine, and such are described skilfully. More on the runaway slaves’ back story and what subsequently happened to them could have been included. The use of a realistic false-bottom wagon in the story makes scenes along the journey feel evocative. While the ending is predictable, the author draws it out to add to readers’ enjoyment. Recommended.

This review first appeared in the print magazine, Historical Novel Review Issue 64 (May 2013)

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

PATH OF FREEDOM by Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an intriguing inspirational historical fiction. Book 3 in the "Quilts of Love" series,but can be read as a stand alone. "In the "Quilts of Love" series,each of the books focuses on a particular quilt design around which the story unfolds".

"Path of Freedom" is the story on Flora Saferight and Bruce Milikan,Quakers who embark on a journey in the Underground Railroad. Filled with struggles,trials,love,faith,treachery,uncertainty,constant danger and a desire to help free slaves. This particular quilt is the Midnight Star, Flora's mother's quilt,which is used as a guide to their final destination. Jim and Marta,a slave couple who is pregnant,is seeking freedom. The four of them embark on a dangerous journey to freedom. Filled with tension,a bit of humor,Flora and Millikan hold childhood animosity,but can they put the difference aside long enough to get Jim and Marta to their destination. Ms. Taylor has written a story with engaging characters who will grip your heart with their strength and courage. She makes you feel the danger on each page,as Flora and Milikan just may find love along the Underground Railroad. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Wynn-Wynn Media,LLC.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews/My Book Addiction and More

[Shelly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea of their mission and the ideas and thoughts of the couple that was having the baby who wanted the baby to be born out of slavery land. It was very emotional for them as they lost the baby and had to move on to protect themselves as they were being followed by the Marshall's of the military. They were actually looking for Flora Saferight, was a midwife, and a good one, but didn't want to go on the mission and she told her Pastor also. But she ended up going anyway, and Bruce Millikan, Bruce knew she was a good midwife and needed an experienced one, but regreted how he had treated her, and felt quilty. But he was willing to go on the mission, for the cause of it. Along the way there was trouble, and people were looking for them and that group, because the law knew what they were trying to do. They found them but let them go after a lengthy search. When the feelings between Flora and Bruce kept getting stronger but Flora couldn't get past her (past hurts) with how Bruce treated her as a child. They both were able to forgive and even fell in love. Very good story. The quilt the mother made as a map was a beautiful idea.

[Tricia M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one I checked out of the library myself. I thought I would share my opinion on this one with you this week since I was here. Once again I found this to be a fast read for me with it’s 226 pages. This series has been especially popular at my little village library. I was more than happy to recommend this series. These books are flying off the shelves as fast as it comes in. From what I understand , they are so popular that there is a waiting list for each of them at our library and now the word is getting around to other libraries.

Anyways, this book gave me another spin on the “Underground Railroad” then we normally hear of. This one was about how the Quakers took part in the transporting slaves to the North with the help of a special wagon and a special quilt to show the way. It was interesting enough to sending me to my search engine to do some more into the subject. I love when a good fiction writer does their research bringing to light something I might not have prior knowledge. So Thank You Jennifer for sending me on a new trail of education!! I rather enjoyed the book and gave it 5 our of 5 stars.

[Angela Breidenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story very much. One thing really stood out to me about the heroine, Flora Saferight. How bullied she was as a child and how that affects a person into their adulthood. Flora's choices and personal thoughts really reflected a true sense of name calling and the struggle she had to overcome and forgive the behavior of others. I loved this look inside Flora because I think it's much more common than we realize in everyone's life.

Another thing I really enjoyed about Path of Freedom was the decisions the characters made to take on the adventure. Most of us do not leap into change. We struggle with the decision. I loved that Ms. Taylor allowed her characters to naturally engage in the process. The beauty in this book is how the characters responded to a calling on their lives even in the face of insecurity. That's true courage and a lovely fictional example of how we should respond in our lives. Bravo, Jennifer, for an engaging story that enriched my life for reading it.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is set in North Carolina during America's history where blacks were not free, but slaves. At the beginning, we are introduced to the town of Greensboro, North Carolina and the local Quaker's. Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan, both knew each other as children. Bruce taunted and teased Flora growing up and now as adults she is having issues with forgiveness and trust towards him. Then the local pastor asks both of them, along with Flora's sister, Irene, to take part in the Underground Railroad to help save a couple that is pregnant from slavery. Armed with their faith, and a quilt stitched with a map to help them lead the way, they embark on this journey to save these two American's. Will their past affect the trip? Full of adventure, a little romance and a whole of history, this book was an easy read and an easily enjoyable one as well. I love reading the "Quilts of Love" series books. This was just as good as the other one.. Look forward to reading more...

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. I love reading about the Quakers and there way of life. Love this book and how it deals with the underground railway and saying a couple of slaves. Flora and Bruce along with Flora's sister embark on a journey to help this couple. The issue is Flora cant forgive Bruce for the teasing he did when she was younger and doesn't know if she can trust him. This book shows how bullying can be perceived long after the event and how it affects relationships. It also shows how two people can see the same incident totally differently. I actually love how we see how dangerous this journey to save a couple can be and the different views of different people to the issue. I have read a couple of these books now and while different stories I love the quilt theme and how a quilt can be such a valuable treasure. Great read.