The Abolitionist's Daughter

Sons of the Shenandoah #1

by Kathleen L. Maher

The crusading daughter of a Washington politician, Marietta Hamilton comes between twin brothers as the country plunges toward Civil War. Horse traders from Virginia, Ethan Sharpe and his brother Devon would defend their livelihood from her interfering kind. When love ignites, friends become enemies separated over the course of a long and brutal conflict. Can the very influences which carved a chasm unite a torn family against all odds?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Civil War, Romance, Historical Romance, Fiction, Christian

362 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Kathleen L. Maher’s infatuation with conflicted heroes began with her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved redeeming fictional bad boys ever since.

Her stories have appeared in Barbour Books’ novella collections. Her Civil War series the Sons of the Shenandoah, includes Genesis Award-winning The Abolitionist’s Daughter (2018). Book 2, The Chaplains Daughter, (2019) follows the oldest Sharpe brother and his reluctant path to happily ever after. Book 3, No Man's Daughter (2021) features the youngest brother Ben. Bachelor Buttons (2020), a Civil War novella, tells the story of the Battle of Manhattan and celebrates her Irish heritage. A Cowboy romance releases in March 2022 in Scrivenings Press’s Cowboy Cousins.

Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband, children, and many, many animals.

Follow for her latest book sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathl...

Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨]

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From closer than friends, as the twins grew up together, Ethan and Devon never imagined ever being separated by anything. But on their 18th birthday, life as they knew it changed forever and they both ended up on their own.

DESCRIPTION

The crusading daughter of a Washington politician, Marietta Hamilton comes between twin brothers as the country plunges toward Civil War. Horse traders from Virginia, Ethan Sharpe and his brother Devon would defend their livelihood from her interfering kind. When love ignites, friends become enemies separated over the course of a long and brutal conflict. Can the very influences which carved a chasm unite a torn family against all odds?

I know that my review is in the minority, but it is in the subject matter and the attitude of the characters and not the writing that caused my discomfort. So, I would be willing to read something else by this author in the future.

In the case of this book, I find I must share a negative connotation, even though I only completed 50% of this volume. It is not because most of it was not well written. Because it actually has lots of potential in that area.

My first complaint is the fact that I found it exceedingly difficult to identify with the characters on the horse farm in Virginia. This dysfunctional family felt strongly about not abolishing slavery. The twins lived with a successful and strict father, an older brother living elsewhere, the twins, Ethan and Devon, who were trained to take over the farm, and Benjamin, a somewhat younger brother. They owned many slaves and were not exactly kind masters.

My second grievance is the arm-twisting bullying performed by the twin named Devon, who felt his brother, Ethan, needed someone to look out for him. Meantime, Devon constantly played cruel tricks on Ethan, stole his incoming and outgoing correspondence with malicious intent, signed Ethan up to serve in the Civil War, beat a slave and threatened to brand another out of anger with Ethan, plus much, much more.

Basically, Devon is a bully and I do not appreciate being thrust into a situation with a bully when I'm looking to be entertained with hopeful inspiration and humor whenever possible. Consequently, Devon's repugnant actions caused mischief, sorrow, and needless pain.

And finally, my third gripe is that the storyline meandered so slowly that it failed to keep my attention much of the time. Needless to say, this is the second book within a week I tried to read that that contained an intimidating bully. So, my patience was already wearing thin.

There is already so much inhumanity, hatred, and abuse in the world. Therefore, I do not find it acceptable to include those topics in my literary adventures. I don't understand why anyone would choose to expend their personal time voluntarily to experience malice, persecution, and other acts of cruelty for fun.

For those interested in a storyline parallel to the commencement of the Civil War through the view of the Southern state's abolitionists and don't mind the experiences that offend me as noted above, then you may just be captivated by this reading. It is available at no charge through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program at this time.
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[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off -- isn't that a gorgeous cover?! There's something so soft and yet strong about the heroine. I look at that expression and think stoic and determined. Life is serious but there is hope for a future with the man she loves if they stay true to their faith and each other. A great illustration for the beguiling story inside.

I knew I was going to like Marietta when I found her lurking in the hearth as she uses the flue in the chimney to eavesdrop on her parents' conversation. And feeling wholly justified because they are in the middle of deciding her future! She's young and passionate and determined to make something of her future beyond the usual finishing school and perfecting of womanly arts. She has a passion for justice and desires to follow in her abolitionist father's footsteps. Even so, she's naive and spoiled and hasn't been tempered by life's hardships. Yet. That's all about to change as politics and war test her faith and her devotion to those she loves.

Ethan has spent his life in the shadows of his gregarious twin brother. More thoughtful and sensitive than Devon, he's been content to allow his brother to lead while he follows. Until they meet a certain young woman -- but Marietta's Northern politics and deeply rooted faith are at conflict with the devil-may-care attitude the twins have adopted. Even so, Ethan is drawn to "...the prettiest thing he'd ever seen, even if she was fiercer than a feral cat." (p19)

Marietta challenges Ethan to examine his faith and his beliefs. I love her fearless zeal as she fervently shares her views with him. And suddenly Ethan finds himself questioning the very backbone of the society he has grown up in. It isn't long before he is forced to stand up for what he believes to be right even though it turns his brother into his enemy.

Maher has done an excellent job of meshing tumultuous emotion with riveting historical facts in this sweeping family saga. And she expertly weaves a strong inspirational thread throughout. This is just as much a story about God's love as it is about the love between a man and a woman. A truly captivating historical romance.

My thanks to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin brothers (Ethan and Devon) who truly love each other, were split apart when Ethan's conscience was pricked over slavery.

Marianna, a woman who lead Ethan to the Lord, is delighted with his heart changes, and for the selfless way he helped to free a young slave.

This is the beginning of a marvelous story of brothers fighting on opposite sides of the Civil War, of God being a part of all that happened to each person, of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Superb story with faith shared liberally throughout.

[DianFlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw. Emotive. Haunting. And masterfully written—describes 'The Abolitionist's Daughter' by new-to-me author, Kathleen L. Maher. The love story within its pages is timeless and lovely in contrast to the carnage and ugliness of war. The Civil War...pitting brother against brother, father against son, and whole families torn asunder.

Twin brothers, Devon and Ethan Sharpe, are inseparable. Identical in their handsome looks, but personality-wise so very different. Devon is charming and full of fun, but very opinionated and the more domineering of the brothers. Ethan is the one who stole my heart. Gentle, loving, and definitely a Southern gentleman all the way! On the brink of the Civil War, a compassionate and lovely northerner, Marietta Hamilton, enters the twins' lives...utterly changing the dynamics of their relationship and their fate.

Not just another Civil War era novel, this one touched me to the very core of my being. 'The Abolitionist's Daughter' is a read filled with faith, invaluable scriptures and quotes, a strong thread of forgiveness, and chock-full of brilliantly researched, accurate historical details. As humorous as it is heartbreaking, as romantic as it is cruel, as lovely as it is horrifying—this is one amazing, unpredictable book!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books by a new author because I don't know what to expect and they always have something different than whats out there. This was no exception. I was so excited when I got this book and couldn't wait to dive into it.

When I open a new book I never know when or where I might be taken to. I love historical fiction so I was excited to read this book. This particular story took me to 1862 when the Civil War started. As I read, I could hear the cannons exploding and bullets being fired. I could hear the men screaming and the horses whinnying. 

This book made me very emotional. It was like slow motion while the battle was going around me and then afterwards I felt sick because of the smell of blood and the horrible sights before me.

I loved Ethan. He was my very favorite character! I loved him because he knew what he stood for and what he believed in and stuck to it. With the help of a new found friend he turned to faith. He stuck with that and it was able to get him through the difficult situations no matter what life threw at him.

Devon, Ethan's brother was so hardened that I wanted to strangle him myself. It's hard to believe the brothers were twins. They were so different and each had different morals.

Marietta and her family are Abolitionists. They help slaves escape or buy their freedom for them. This reminds me of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt because they were also in bondage and waiting for deliverance. I enjoyed Marietta. She's like Ethan in so many ways. They both were against slavery. I used to think that Marietta was spoiled little rich girl but as time went on her Faith and caring side came out. 

If you like historical fiction you should read this book. Its exciting and you will feel like you are there. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories from the civil war era. Can true love triumph over everything that gets in the way?

I received a complementary copy. No compensations were received.

[Candace West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an emotional book about divided loyalties during the Civil War. Twin brothers Ethan and Devon Sharpe are inseparable until one fateful day a lovely abolitionist, Marietta Hamilton, shamelessly and boldly interferes with their business dealings. A crisis of conscience grips Ethan until he is forced to choose sides, ripping apart the tie with his beloved brother. This bittersweet, poignant story follows the separate paths of Ethan and Devon through the war....paths filled with loss, regret, doubts, yet touched with love, beauty, and hope throughout. I cheered and at times mourned with Ethan and Marietta. I felt the heat and smoke of battle as Devon and Ethan fought through some of the bloodiest battles of the war. Rich with historical detail, this story transported me to another time and place, and I didn't want it to end. So beautiful!

[Deon]

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[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Abolitionist's Daughter is a wonderful new release by Kathleen L Maher. The author's talent definitely shines through in this book. The historical details are well written and vivid. Any reader will be transported back into time to the Civil War. It has some scenes in the are I live in - which I found intriguing and thought she captured the time the way I imagined perfectly.
I highly recommend The Abolitionist's Daughter for readers who enjoy clean historical fiction. I give it five plus stars.

[Becca Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars
Told from the perspective of Mariette Hamilton and twins Ethan and Devon Sharpe, this is a story that shares the heartbreak of the Civil War and how it divided communities and families. Ethan and Evan may be identical twins, but they find themselves fighting for opposite sides of the war. While Mari's parents are kind and supportive of Ethan on his own, they don't approve of a union between the two. With conflict and heartache all around them, can they overcome their circumstances?
Mari and the twins met after a trip to the slave auction. Mari and her family were hoping to buy a woman and her son so that they could free them, but the twins ended up with the woman's son. While at Mari's house, Ethan puts his faith in Christ, and it changes his mindset toward slavery. It also sparks a lasting friendship between the two. After Ethan and Devon get into a major fight, Ethan flees to Mari's house for refuge. When he and Mari's brother Ethan sign up to join the war, the advice that Mari's father gives really stuck with me. He said "If you must go, then go with the proper motives. First, put aside all notions of vengeance." He also said "Repentance cannot come by force. It is a decision of one's free will. God neither subjugates, nor does He ask us to do so in His name." War is messy, and the men on both sides were fighting for what they believed in. While it was a physical battle they were fighting in, the spiritual one was more important.
While the story is called The Abolitionist's Daughter, I felt it was more about the brothers and their fight from both sides. Out of the three, Mari knew where she stood through most of the story. Ethan's mindset changed earlier in the story, but he wrestles over the hope that his brother would change his mindset and turn to Christ. He also struggles with guilt over the fight the two had. Devon is angry with his brother and doesn't understand his change of heart. You can see that he's searching but he doesn't know what it is he's searching for. His internal struggle is very evident.
What I loved most about this story was the deep-rooted emotions that were shared in each of the characters. In today's world I think it's difficult for us to imagine fighting in a war where the opposition is your brother, friend, neighbor, etc. During the Civil War it was a harsh reality. I believe Kathleen did an amazing job of showing this. One line sharing Devon's thoughts, said "how could his brother, his own twin, have turned on him? And over a slave?" Slavery hasn't been legal in the United States for many years now, but during and before the Civil War, it was a way of life for many. Many didn't like it, but considered it a necessary evil. To those who didn't see a need for change, it makes sense that they would be upset over the change in relationship with someone over the issue. On the other side, it makes sense that it was worth it to risk relationships in order to fight for the life and freedom of others.
This was a great story and I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction. By sharing from the viewpoint of three characters, the author was able to give the reader a fuller understanding of the time. It's important to learn from history so that we don't repeat the same mistakes. There's a lot we can learn from the past.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maher's skill with the English language sets her apart in the best of ways. Her word choice creates eloquence, paints beautiful word pictures, and places the reader squarely in both time and place with her well-developed characters. Her research and depth of knowledge is readily apparent. Maher's dialogue flows smoothly and is believable. The reader sees both the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and the Maryland countryside as well as the horrors of battle scenes and prison camps. They see the hearts of abolitionists, slaves forcibly separated from their families, brothers torn apart by a country divided, those with misguided loyalties, and both those hardened and those broken by war's realities. Most importantly they see the hearts given to God and the healing of the forgiveness that follows.

Marietta Hamilton comes of an age where she is allowed to join her family's abolitionist missions. It is on such a mission that she becomes compelled to reunite a mother and son, and as a result falls in love with Ethan Sharpe, an honorable son of the south who chooses to take up her cause and to seek her hand in marriage. The obstacles that keep Marietta and Ethan apart seem to multiply over time, but their reliance on God and their dependence on His Word sees them through, even though, like many of us, they are tempted to and sometimes seek to help God along by pursuing plans of their own.

I always feel like I am taking a chance when I agree to review a book for a new-to-me author of whom I have received no specific recommendation from a friend. I am so glad that I took that chance on this author and this book, and I will gladly agree to review any other books she writes in the future. I am one of those readers who has several fiction and non-fiction books going at once. This time, all other reading was halted as I became immersed in The Abolitionist's Daughter. I thank Kathleen L. Maher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a good many things I liked about this novel, and a good many that were kind of crazy-making.

Things I loved include that the book was clearly well-researched. We got a look at the US Civil War from the eyes of abolitionist characters like Mari Hamilton and Confederate loyalists like Devon Sharpe, whose twin brother Ethan was courting Mari before the war broke out. We saw the brutality of slavery and wartime deprivation, and more than once I felt tears sting my eyes while I read.

But this book also contained the primary things that irk me most about Christian fiction. It is possible to show someone to be a person of faith without having them constantly harp about the Bible and "God's will," and it is possible to write Christian fiction without having a big ol' conversion story as a plot point.

One of the minor things that got on my nerves was the author using "strafe" instead of "chafe" ... as in, "fingers strafing inside her gloves." I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at that.

At the end of the day, I came down at 4 stars because the good aspects of this well-written tale outweighed the bad by quite a long chalk.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book that holds your attention. You won't regret reading this book. I love how this author makes the story come alive. I enjoyed every minute of this book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Abolitionist's Daughter. Other reviewers have done a good job describing the book. I will just add my perspective. The book has great character development and a believable plotline. The characters are easy to relate to. I appreciated the fact that the faith of the Christian characters was a real part of their lives, not just something they did on Sundays or in emergencies. It wasn't just "icing" on what could just as well have been a secular novel. However, neither are the mentions of things of faith heavy-handed or preachy, they simply further describe who some of the characters are and why they think and act in certain ways, and it doesn't make them perfect.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new to me author but I love finding new authors. I was hooked right from start because the Civil War Era is my very favorite time. I can’t read enough about this time in people’s lives.
Marietta and Ethan were both against slavery and that is a tremendous thing to have in common. She helps slaves escape and while he fights in the war. Oh but he has a twin brother and he fights on the opposite side. That’s what the Civil War did. Families fighting against each other and fighting for what they each believe in.
I love a good emotional book and this is one of them. The romance, history and faith all three go together in this story. The characters are interesting and have deeper levels than what’s just on the surface.
If you like Historical Fiction you will want to read this story for sure.
I received this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited
This is the second book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more. She writes with a descriptive flair that puts me in the scene. I could see everything and feel the emotions of the characters. The love and despair.

Before the war, the brothers deliver a horse to Mr. Hamilton, they are both enamored with his daughter Marietta but it is Ethan she prefers. A strong message of faith strengthens their bond as they send letters back and forth between
The twin brothers, Ethan and Devon may look alike but they are so very different. A fight between them leads to separation and a break in the family.

Brother against brother through the horrors of war. Will faith and forgiveness bring those that are separated back together?
This is a very moving story. I highly recommend it!

[Michelle Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen L Maher is a new author to me and I must say I found this book to be very enjoyable and well written. I felt I was in the story along with the characters. The smell of gun powder on the battlefield, the racing of your heart as you anticipate what is going to happen next. I love how brothers end up at odds with each other in their family, and one ends up fighting for the North and one fighting for the South. Each one has their own reason and own belief for what they are fighting for. It was also
great to see faith and history intertwined into the story line as well. If you love reading about the Civil War, you will not be disappointed in this book. I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Perrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a year before the Civil War, Marietta “Mari” Hamilton, the daughter of a Washington politician from Maryland, joins her parents on her first ever slave rescue mission. They are a part of the Underground Railroad, and their intent is to save slaves. The Hamiltons bid on a young woman and obtain her, but get into a bidding war with the Sharpe twins over the young woman’s son. It is a losing battle, so they will have to use other means to try and rescue the young man. A few months later, Mr. Hamilton has the Sharpe twins deliver a horse to his home. It is there that Devon and Ethan meet Marietta Hamilton, and it would seem at least one of the twins are smitten.
Not long after President Lincoln’s election, the Civil War brings about an extremely trying time for our nation, as brother fought against brother and families were divided and splintered over the issue of slavery. In this case it is TWIN brothers against each other in a battle fought to defend their livelihood in Virginia. Ethan and Devon Sharpe were horse traders before the war began. Divided allegiances have them fighting against each other as Ethan joins up with the North. Can you even begin to imagine fighting a war against the identical face you see in the mirror every morning? Who can ignore the devastation of a civil war? I’m sure many families never recovered from the war both physically, emotionally and financially. I would also imagine that some families never even spoke to one another again after the war.
This book is tremendously rich in historical detail and to be honest, not all of it is pretty. Many of the battle scenes are tough, but I’m quite sure that they are very realistic and possibly toned down a bit. I can’t imagine fighting with a rifle that you have to manually re-load, with a bayonet and possibly a knife. If you were lucky, you had a horse, but those were killed on the battlefield as well. You can almost picture yourself there, from the families that have been ripped apart to the grinding length and brutality of the war, not to mention the destruction. Family livelihoods were lost, such as the Sharpes’ horse farm. The brothers are separated, but they need honesty and forgiveness and they both know it. The question is, can they humble themselves and be honest enough to ask for that much needed forgiveness?
NOTE: This book was an American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner in 2012 under the title Closer than a Brother. It has a new cover and has been re-introduced to the market.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story! Slave auctions tore families apart. Could it possibly do the same thing to identical twins? Was it even possible that one would wear Confederate grey and the other Union blue when the Civil War began? With the hanging of John Brown, the division between abolitionists and slave owners became very apparent. War was on the horizon and families were being torn apart because of their beliefs. If they even survived the carnage and the prison camps, would they ever be able to forgive and live in peace?
This story kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering if forgiveness and love would win the day, even as I knew how the war ended. I received a copy from the author to read for my enjoyment. The opinions given are my own.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars (4 here, 5 on Amazon). This is a great read for Civil War enthusiasts who also enjoy some romance, and the attention to detail is very good. But the story also feels original and fresh, not just another typical Civil War story. I would have enjoyed being inside the heads of the main characters a bit more, with more narrative than dialogue throughout (my personal preference), but the story is well structured. And I liked the ending.

[Paty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful and very realistic story set during the War between the States, where you get to see both sides of the conflict. I loved all the historical detail, it seemed so well etta
Marietta Hamilton is the daughter of a well known abolitionist family in Washington. Marietta has always wanted to help people, especially the slaves who have been mistreated for so long. One day, a pair of handsome twins, Ethan and Devon, come from Virginia to deliver horses, and Marietta captures Ethan's attention, and quickly his heart too. Ethan's family favors the slave trade, and after hearing Marietta's arguments, especially through her letters, he slowly starts to discover the wrongness and abuse of the slavery, the equal dignity of people of every color. But can he really oppose his family: defy his father's trust in him and even endanger his relationship with his beloved twin brother? But when an innocent slave boy is about to be hanged, he saves him and runs away to the Hamilton's where the boy's mama -a free slave- is...
Now Ethan is ready to fight for a just cause, the cause of the North, to bring freedom to the slaves. And Devon is fighting the opposite side, the cause of the South. How can this big gap between brothers and family ever be united? Will Ethan be forever banned by his family? Also, even if Marietta loves him back, their match is not one approved by her father. Will they both have to go against their family in order to be together and have a chance at true love?
This was a story that captivated me. The main characters felt so relatable, flawed, realistic and their love was so endearing. I had a bit of trouble with Devon, but I guess that made the story even more realistic, because the situation was so complex and difficult. I loved Marietta's faith and how she influences Ethan in a good and natural way. Their faith is something they get to practice, and even make some big sacrifices to follow God's guiding direction.
The plot is fast paced, I never felt it dragged. I loved the romance between Ethan and Marietta. And how their strength grew, as well as their character, along the story. I've read a lot of books set in the Civil War Era and I can say this is masterfully done! One of my favorites!
I definitely recommend this book to historical fans! Very worth it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but wasn't required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book by an amazing author!

I hardly ever give 5-star ratings! For me, this book definitely deserves every star!

In my seventy years, reading was to become my passion! My mother, the mother of eight children, escaped the realities of a difficult life by escaping into the pages of books! When my father was drafted into fighting in the Pacific during WWII, she had two sons under five and expecting her third. The day he was due home from basic training was December 7th...exactly one year after Pearl Harbor. She went into labor and before he disembarked from a passenger train for a short leave before shipping to the Pacific she delivered twin girls. Four babies under five and her husband was leaving for war. He would return home critical from his battlefields. Post war, the love they shared in high school would bring four more babies into the household!

I would be the seventh of their eight! I remember her holding my baby sister and reading a book as she stirred a pot of soup on the kitchen stove. Escape! She was able to escape the drudgery of washing clothes with a wringer washer...hang clothes to dry....clean the house....cook meals and above all....continually reading! That would be the greatest gift she handed down to all her children!

My first novel was read in sixth grade. I wish I knew the hundreds or thousands of books I have read! Ms. Mayor's book was one I have read in three days! An exceptional author! I recommend it. Civil War the era. Great characters! Gifted author!

Patricia

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I think God stretches our understanding of ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary."

"Since sin entered the world, there will always be a need for ministry."

Marietta Hamilton is a crusader. It is just prior to the Civil War breaking out, and she is a strong voice for abolishing slavery and women's rights. Ethan and Devon Sharpe are twin brothers and polar opposites. Ethan is anti-slavery, and Devon is pro-slavery. Their father runs a huge horse-breeding ranch in Virginia. Marietta meets them both when her dad takes her along to buy a new horse.

This story is filled with the tragedy of brother vs. brother in the Civil War, mistreatment of slaves, the underground railroad, the horror of the prisoner of war camps, love, second chances, and forgiveness. Maher's historical research is apparent throughout the story in the way she depicts life in the camps, prisons, battles, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

Recommended for those who like Civil War era fiction.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thought-provoking book is a joy to read, because it is so well-written. The story enveloped me from the beginning, as I was carried into another time in history—just prior to the Civil War. I love the well-developed characters—even the ones who aren’t the lovable type. My favorite one is Ethan, who is the hero of the story. It is amazing to see how he grows in the Lord and how God uses him to accomplish His good will in that time of chaos and controversy. The wonderful storyline takes the reader over much rocky territory on a very crooked path. It is hard to put this book down, when contemporary times are calling and real life must take precedence. I recommend this novel to all those who enjoy well-crafted, historical fiction and romance.

[J.M. Hochstetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Abolitionist’s Daughter by Kathleen Maher is a tender, heartfelt novel set during the Civil War. Maher gives readers a wrenching portrayal of the harsh realities of slavery and how members of the same family were often divided on the issue even to the point of going to war against each other. She recreates the historical period in authentic detail, illuminating the social, military, and political setting and how abolitionists worked for the slaves’ freedom in defiance of contemporary laws that placed them in peril as well as those they sought to deliver from bondage. Best of all, the author vividly demonstrates God’s power to redeem the worst in mankind, changing hearts and lives for His kingdom.

[Debbie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touches the heart

With a hand over my heart, I sigh...What a wonderful tale of faith and family. During wartime emotions run deep and people are divided....family against family, father against son, brother against brother. This book will have you knee-deep in emotions. The author has done a wonderful job showing how heartbreaking and life-changing a war can be. I love the characters...each one stuck to their convictions, despite the hurt they caused. Saddle up for an adventure that will leave you with a sense of awe and draw you closer to God and His infinite grace. I highly recommend this book.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and interesting account of the civil war! Twin brothers fight on opposite sides! Ethan is an excellent male protagonist from southern Virginia who joins the abolitionist movement after seeing how his family separates a slave boy and his mother. Mari is a great female character. She and her family work as abolitionists. Author Kathleen Maher makes you feel you are with each character as they make important decisions. Can families find and give forgiveness after fighting on opposite sides? I recommend The Abolitionist's Daughter to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dramatic adventure

I loved the deep bond between Ethan and Devon. Not just brothers, twin brothers. The use of Bible verses as ammunition, God as a shield, and choosing what is right over what is easy, all combine to make a heart-warming story. Ethan must choose between what he feels is right and what his family believes is right. The Abolitionist's Daughter is truly brother versus brother. Mari's strength and conviction help to add a layer of romance without taking away from the desperation of Ethan's journey. If you enjoy historical romance, you'll love this one.

[Cindy Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally I read the story because I was interested in the tie to Elmira NY; my parents hometown. I was 70% through the book before Elmira became part of the storyline. However, I 'm glad I read the book. It was well written. Showed emotions and motivations on both sides of the slavery issue. Ethan's growing relationship with God was handled well. He didn't suddenly become a "saint" yet he continually was growing. I felt that was realistic and honest. Worth your time. Especially if you are a civil war fan.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having an ancestor who served on one side during the Civil War, whose brother enlisted with the other, this story of twin brothers in a similar situation was especially satisfying. Both brothers had their reasons, which led them on unpredictable paths, eventually leading to reconciliation. This ACFW Genesis Award Winner is a a rewarding story for anyone who appreciates Civil War historical fiction.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the south during the Civil War. Mari begs her father to save a young slave being sold and taken from his mother. This boy went to two young men instead. Ethan and Devon, twins, have very different views on how slaves should be treated. Ethan is drawn to Mari from the start. Not only her beauty, but her beliefs as well. With the start of the war, the brothers end up with a strained relationship and fight on different sides. A powerful book on a delicate subject.