For the Love of Liberty

by Heather Blanton, Timeless Love

Frustrated writer Liberty Ridley gets the opportunity to use her ancestor’s DNA to relive a memory from the time of the American Revolution. Overwhelmed by the stunning detail of the recollection, she is even more amazed to find she’s attracted to Martin Hemsworth—a man long dead. The feelings must belong to Liberty’s ancestor. She couldn't possibly be in love with a ghost, a mere shadow from the past.

But what if she is?

Frightened by the lethal fury in his own fists, Martin Hemsworth strives to live in peace and honor the king God has chosen for America. But when a mysterious woman awakens his heart, he realizes some passions a man lives for, some he dies for…and others he’ll kill for. What will he do For the Love of Liberty?

Genres: Time Travel, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Historical Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2018

About the author

“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER

I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.

A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.

I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.

I can be reached several different ways:

http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...

I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.

My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.

Reviews

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this was so good! I don't know why I waited so long to read a book by Heather Blanton; I've been on her newsletter for what seems like forever (lol!), and let me just say, she has the best newsletter ever. So of course her books are also fantastic, but I was still completely blown away by For the Love of Liberty.

From the very beginning, the premise was exciting. I mean, time travel from modern times to the time of the American Revolution using new scientific discoveries in psychology and genetics? If that doesn't count as cool, I don't know what would!

Liberty Ridley was a sweet heroine: not obnoxious, not overbearing, and not dim-witted. I loved seeing her interact with the historical settings and slowly discover her purpose there. :') And Martin! (Mm, the audiobook reader does his voice so dashingly, by the way!)

The historical contexts and settings were also not lost amid the fantastic character development and the excitement of the plot. The author brought colonial America to life for me, from its people and how they dressed to the war and its serious consequences. (And if you're planning on reading the book, remember the phrase, "bumper sticker!" You'll understand when you get there...I laughed so hard at that part!)

Three more things. 1) I want to recommend For the Love of Liberty to all of my friends now. 2) I also can't wait to read another story by this author. 3) Dear Heather Blanton, please do think about writing more time travel historical fiction! Okay, you guys, that's all! Can you tell I loved this book? ;)

I would recommend For the Love of Liberty to all readers who like fantasy, Christian fiction, sweet romance, and/or colonial-era historical fiction.

[Anna Marie Leffew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love through time

This book was awesome! I loved this book. Each character I truly fell in love with. The detail of each was so real. The book pulled me in from the first page. The suspense kept me turning the pages. It was truly amazing and the way the time travel was done was just believable! I laughed, I cried, and I felt all the love the characters shared. A little humor mixed in made it all the more enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book!

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dive into History

This book is drenched in both romance and time travel. The author spins quite the story of love and a happy ending. I loved this book from start to finish. Commandeering a story rich in history and adventure. I highly recommend this book.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spies Among Us

Seeking to right a wrong being perpetrated against her venerated ancestor, Liberty finds a way to connect to her Revolutionary past, jumping from DNA memory to a faith-based solution. This is not quite hard science, but the tale moves swiftly and springs you into the heart of the earliest parts of the rebellion when Andre is occupying the halls from which liberty was declared and Washington is fighting a guerilla action. Voice artist Leonor Woodworth does a superb job of acting, moving the story forward apace as author Heather Blanton weaves history and a timely love story.

[Leonor Woodworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first title I've ready by Heather Blanton. It had just the right amount of romance and inspired fiction based on some fun historical facts. Definitely my kind of book.

This is a fast read, but the characters had some meat to them. We are introduced to Libert Ridley who is a writer and has a fascination with colonial times. She has the opportunity to participate in an experiment which promises the ability to see the past and relive a portion based on DNA from an ancestor. Neat right? Liberty is introduced to Martin Hemsworth who is from the 1777. Let the journey begin! This book felt like the beginning to many adventures. It makes you want more!

[Courtney Lyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love time travel books and the American Revolutionary is a favorite time in history for me. I enjoyed the story of Martin and Liberty, but there were a few things that kept me from loving the book. For a writer who supposedly specializes in colonial America, Liberty makes several stupid mistakes in the customs of the day. Taking on the name of an actual living person of the time should have been an easy way to "unmask" Liberty, but of course it never happened and was glossed over at the end. Finally, some people from the future know there is an alternate history and others don't. There is no explanation for why that is. A cute book overall though.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!
Honestly I was totally surprised. I don't read a lot of books about time travel, because of how hard it can be to follow along, but Blanton really did great with For the Love of Liberty.
I will totally re-read this book!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

What an incredible story, it's both intriguing and absurd and, and...I just have no other words, except I want more!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. It make me want to study the Revolutionary war more in depth. Narrator was great. I received a complimentary audio and this review.

[SK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel fiction, in my opinion is tricky; it has to have compelling characters that are weaved into a believable plot and this book meets those credentials. The passion Liberty shows for her long gone family member Prudence Darrow, who valiantly worked for freedom, even at great cost was chilling. At the beginning of the story, Liberty is not a believer, God indeed means nothing to her but a swear word, but in her time trips back to Philadelphia she saw injustice, but also saw Bible-believing Christians who did what they had to do and loved the Lord passionately. Martin witnesses to Liberty and states to her as she struggles with belief, “I believe He (God) is sovereign over everything. I believe He is outside of time.” Martin tells Liberty, “You make my point. You say you believe you’ve traveled back in time. What’s harder: believing that or believing there is a God and He loves us? So much, He was willing to let His son die for the sins of the whole human race.”

Liberty is a character that slowly, inexorably wraps around your heart. Added to that are some other interesting characters such as, in the contemporary timeline you have: Liberty-the heroine and fervent main character, Liberty’s agent Steve, who tells her he can connect her with a Doctor (Benjamin Talbot) a scientist in Boston doing studies on time-memory travel and stresses that a visit to this scientist could help her with her historical fiction writing. During the historical timeline you have: Martin Hemsworth-a sincere man struggling to know and do what is right and Prudence-who is Liberty’s idolized relative, a patriot to be reckoned with, and then Blanton sprinkles in a few significant bad guys who are hanging patriots.

This story worked on so many levels and really sets the standard for good, well-written time-travel fiction. I’ve read it twice and now, finally taking the time to post a review.

[HAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to Go!

I really like Heather Brandon's "Burning Dress" stories, Defiance and other historical novels and this is just as good. What a novel ( sorry for the pun) way to introduce events during the American Revolution. The time travel aspect was a bit scary because in today's terms it is almost believable. It reminded me of "The Little Mermaid" who doesn't get her wishes without the payment of pain. General Washington did have his spies and Liberty becomes entangled in the intrigue as Rebecca and finds the past more appealing than her present. This character has the ability to time travel more than once but it takes its toll on her. Will Liberty finish her goal before she loses her time travelling ability, be captured as a traitor to the Crown of England or be destined to lose her heart and love because of a power hungry Lieutenant in the King's army? Non descriptive references to marital sex, a small amount of brawling/hanging admist clean language would probably earn it a PG or PG13. It is a pleasure to recommend this for older teens and adults as a clean, highly entertaining book.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Love of Liberty by Heather Frey Blanton was a gift. A perfect gift. A flawless gift. Historical author, Liberty Ridley is given the opportunity to see the revolutionary war through the eyes of her Patriot great-great-great grandmother Prudence. Of course, she's skeptical, but it works. Sort of. Instead of seeing history through Prudence's eyes, she sees it through her own eyes. And the complications are huge. And wonderful. And she meets Martin. A breathtaking, but reluctant, hero. Liberty and Martin are believable and the time travel was worked out perfectly. The other characters in the book were also believable. Even Mimi, the house bot. Oops! Almost let a spoiler loose. I recommend this book romance readers everywhere. It is a sweet romance story, with a twist. I don't think you have to be a fan of time travel books to like it. Trust me. You might be surprised.

[Sandra Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is #4 in the series, I only read this one book and I think it was fine as a stand alone. I liked the story of a modern-day young woman who loved studying history and writing novels, going back in time to get a better grasp of what it was like to live during the American Revolution. She wanted to meet her heroic ancestor as well. While I did like the story, I found the premise of sleeping and dreaming of the travel to the past as not making good sense to me. How can your body be in the present and your body be in the past at the same time? I've read several time travel books lately (they seem to be very popular right now) and this way of time travel made the least sense. That being said, I did like the characters and the storyline. But, that's why I gave it 4 stars.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time travel stories are one of my favorite and For the Love of Liberty did not disappoint. Although part of a series, I found it easily read as a stand-alone book. Engaging characters, American Revolution setting, romance and faith-based standards were well woven together to make this story hard to put down (or stop the recording as I listened to the audiobook). Readers who enjoy time travel romance will not want to miss this book. I need to go back and read the others in the Timeless Love series! I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. Leonor A Woodworth did a great job bringing Liberty and Martin's story to life. The opinions are my own.

[Sandra Sorola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time travel book. My love of the past was satisfied with the Colonial life depicted here. Nearly 250 years separate Liberty and Martin. He is from the past and she the future. These two must believe in each other and trust each other. They also must trust in God. The time travel was unique and the romance beautifully written. I will definitely try more time travel and I will definitely read more books by this author. I love Heather Blanton's unique style of writing about life in the early years of our Country's history.
I received an ARC of this book for review. All opinions in this review are mine.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant at the beginning when I started listening and realized that the story involves time travel. However, I decided to give it a try; it was a brilliant idea…
The story is BREATHTAKING, emotional and thought-provoking. It’s a wonderful read and something that will stay with you for a long time. The journey that Martin and Liberty embark on is engrossing and heartfelt. I genuinely enjoyed listening; the story weaves the past and present together in a way that brings the characters to life.
I received an audio copy of this book; I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction meets Sci-Fi

This was an interesting take on a time travel historical fiction romance with a sci-fi medical assist to accomplish the task. The story started a little slow and I honestly wasn't sure I liked where it was going. The story did (quickly after that point) grab my attention and I found myself invested in needing to see how it ended. If you like time travel, historical fiction, clean romance, Christian fiction, and stories with a bit of a spy edge then this is a fun mix of them. The narrator does an amazing job and was fun and easy to listen to.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Becky Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Quite Enjoyed It

I quite enjoyed this book. As a Revolutionary War history lover, it was cool to think about what I would do if I could go back in time with the knowledge of have of how the war turned out. The perspective of people at the time thinking they wouldn’t win the war is sobering and helps you realize just how much they were risking when joining the cause. I loved Martin and his genuine goodness and sincerity. A very good character. I would say it was a little short though- I would have preferred it if the book was longer and their relationship was a little less rushed at the beginning.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this story at 3 1/2 stars. This is the first book I've read by this author. I am not usually into the time traveling genre but since this story partly takes place in the Colonial time period, I just had to read it. If one could time travel, I would love to go to colonial times. It is my favorite time period for reading! This story was decent; however, I wish the book would've ended better. I wished the author would've expanded on Liberty and Martin's life after they moved from Philadelphia. I believe it would've rounded out and completed the story nicely. So, if you like time travel and clean romance I recommend this story. It's an easy read.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the Love of Liberty
Timeless Love, Book 4
By: Heather Blanton

This historical fiction / time travel, romance novel takes the listener back and forth between future and past. When Liberty wants to prove that family lore is true she seeks help from a scientific team. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you listening.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Leonor A Woodworth brings the story to life.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting, unique Historical Christian fiction book set in the time of the Revolutionary War. Time travel made it possible for the FL to discover lies and deception that involved her ancestor. The romance part of the story was sweet and how the author orchestrated everything was phenomenal. I was provided with an audio copy of this book by the author as a result of a book giveaway, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun little story about a woman who travels back in time to a period during the American Revolution. Well written and engaging, the science behind the time travel is based on an actual theory. Heather usually writes western stories, but I hope she writes from from this time period as well. It was well done and enjoyable.

[Angie Ochoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't typically been a fan of dual timelines in the past, but the blurb for this book drew me in. Liberty Ridley is someone from 2026 who has ties to a female spy in the Revolutionary War. In an experiment done by a Harvard professor in her time, she is able to go back in time and meet her ancestor, Prudence Darrow. Liberty also meets someone who will have a lasting impact on her contemporary life. This story was really well done. The only thing I didn't like was how often God's name was taken in vain in this "Christian fiction" novel. Way too much of "Oh my G_ _!" and "Good G _ _!" For Christian fiction, this part was truly disappointing.

[Tabitha McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of listening to this audiobook. If you love clean reads, romance and time travel then this book is for you. It is set in our time and the American Revolution. I definitely couldn't wait to find out what happened. Would they be able to be together? Only time would tell. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by this author.

[Laurie McClish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great time travel

This was a great historical time travel story. Civil war timeline. It was hard to put down. Heather Blanton has a captivating writing style. This book does not disappoint. I wanted it to keep going. The characters were very believable and likable.

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Time Travel

Interesting time travel story with a lot of great detail of the American Revolution. It gives a view of the attitudes of the day and the difficult choices people made regarding their loyalty to Britain. Sweet romance.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

DNA based time travel

Liberty and Martin were a great h and H of the story. I liked their personalities. They never did anything stupid, which occurs often in suspenseful time travel romance. I loved the DNA/genetic time travel theory. I highly recommend this book.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible:A good romantic/time travel/mystery story to try and clear the name of a long ago relative. Lenor A Woodworth was a fine narrator. I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

[Jhommie Kem-ing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! This is definitely one of the best time travel romance I have ever heard or read. The story was masterfully crafted and I love the use history in this novel. Very perfect.

The narration by Leonor Woodworth was totally the best too!

[Kathy Danheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real or just dreams

A good story about time travel. At first I wasn’t sure where the story was going. It had a completely different way of Time travel. Was Liberty a figure of dreams or really traveling? Only time will tell. A must read.