Caledonia: A Novel

by Sherry V. Ostroff

Finalist - Chanticleer International Awards - Chaucer pre-1750 historical novel division
IndieB.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
Indie Diamond Book Award - Winner in Adult Fiction

Anna Issac’s choices are bleak. Suicide is more appealing than marrying the revolting Frenchman her spiteful brother has chosen for her. The only other option is to beg a man she barely knows, a Highlander, to help her run away. Escape would be a challenge for any fifteen-year-old, but it is particularly difficult for a Jewess living in 17th century Scotland. Anna’s tale would have remained a secret, except three centuries later the death of Hanna Duncan's father on 9/11 unleashes a chain of events that leads her to an ancient key with a peculiar etching. Once deciphered, the clue points Hanna toward a safe deposit box in Edinburgh where Hanna uncovers Anna’s role in the creation of Scotland’s only colony. Caledonia promised to be the trading hub of the New World, but starvation, ship’s fever, and incompetent leadership dogged the 1,200 colonists from the moment they left Scotland. More than half would be buried at sea or in the colony's muddy cemetery, and Anna would not be immune from the dreadful conditions. The outpost was deserted in less than a year.CALEDONIA is a tale of these two strong women separated by time but bound by mysterious circumstances. 21st century Hanna keeps uncovering evidence linking her to 17th century Anna. Both women experience romance, adventure, and tragedy as the reader witnesses them becoming more and more connected.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Scotland, Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2019

About the author

Sherry V. Ostroff earned a Bachelor's in education from Temple University and a Master's in history from Millersville University. She taught all levels: elementary, secondary and college. Ostroff happily devotes time to her writing, her family, and traveling around the world. She lives with her high school sweetheart in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The author's first book is THE LUCKY ONE. It is based on her mother's memoir detailing her frightening escape from Eastern Europe in the 1920's. It is available as an e-book and paperback. THE LUCKY ONE placed in the top 20 Indie Book category for 2017.
Her second book, CALEDONIA, the winner of 3 awards including finalist in the Chanticleer International Awards, is an historical novel about two women living 300 years apart but are bound by mysterious circumstances. Set in Scotland and Central America the story includes romance, adventure, and mystery.
MANNAHATTA, the Sequel, continues the story of these two strong women is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree and a Shelf Unbound 2021 Top 100 Notable.
EXPULSION, an historical novel of the Spanish Inquisition and the Expulsion of 1492 s is the winner of the B.R.A.G. Medallion and Literary Titan Five Star.
THE WALL AT THE SUGAR FACTORY, finalist in the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards, is the author's latest book: MIdwest Book Reviews, "...a thought-provoking, powerful novel of survival and social change...." Reader's Favorite, "...an exceptional book, an amazing story...."
A fifth historical novel is in the works - REMEMBER ME NOT.
Ostroff offers PowerPoint programs (in-person or zoom) for each of her books. She also meets/zooms with book clubs.
Visit the author's website at sherryvostroff.com.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caledonia is Sherry V. Ostroff's historical fiction debut novel. It's a novel that simultaneously tells the story of Anna, a character living in Scotland and traveling during 1696, and Hanna, a character living in the United States in 2005. The two characters have a connection to one another. The similarities of their names was an unwise choice, in my opinion.

While Anna's story is full of hardships and struggles, Hanna's story is full of adventure and research to find out how she and Anna are connected. Both story lines include a love story. 

I found that I was much more drawn to Anna's story as well as to Anna and Alain who were the main characters of her story. I felt that Ms. Ostroff did a much better job of developing the characters in this story, and it was obvious that Ms. Ostroff did her research to tell the tale of Anna, Alain, and Caledonia. Ms. Ostroff did an excellent job of writing an interesting plot in this story line--a plot that kept me turning pages and wanting to know what was going to happen next. 

I found the story of Hanna and Alec to be less developed and less interesting as it almost entirely revolved around Hanna searching for the connection between her and Anna. She spent a lot of time reading a journal and researching things she found in the journal, as well as the history of a candlestick. Therefore this story line did not hold my interest as much, and I wasn't as invested in the lives of Hanna and Alec. I was, however, invested in the character of Hanna's grandmother, whom I believe Ms. Ostroff did a good job of developing. As a matter of fact, one of the chapters about Hanna's life ended with a cliffhanger in regard to her grandmother, and though the next chapter was about Anna, I bypassed it long enough to read the first scene of the next chapter that was about Hanna to find out about her grandmother, then I flipped back to read the chapter on Anna.

Overall I felt that the story was unbalanced because there was so much focus on Anna's story and much less on Hanna's story. I learned so much about Anna and her personality and life that she was very real to me. I loved and cared about her. I felt much less interest in Hanna and very little connection to her. I never came to love or care for her as I did for Anna throughout this story.

I was a little disappointed at the end of the story. I felt that certain things were unfinished. Then I read that there will be a sequel to Caledonia. The first chapter of On the Edge of a Precipice is included at the end of Caledonia, and I couldn't help but wonder how Ms. Ostroff will write an effective sequel, as it seems to me that there's not much left for her to tell of Anna's story because she did such a thorough job of covering the historical story line in Caledonia. However, I will be looking for the sequel to see what else I can learn about Anna and further Scottish history.

For those of you who choose to read clean fiction, I will say that there are some mildly explicit sexual scenes in this book. There are also a few places where profanity is used.

[Kyra Robinov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read? No, this is a GREAT read! An informative and absorbing story that drew me in from page one and kept me reading until the end. So happy to see a sequel is in progress because I am anxious to follow the story of these two amazing women and their riveting adventures! Beautiful descriptions, thrilling situations, three-dimensional characters….What more could you ask for?!

[Heidi Slowinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Isaac is a fifteen year old Jewess living in 17th century Scotland. Her father is determined to see her settled before his poor health becomes worse so he tasks her angry and vindictive brother with choosing her groom. Faced with an impossible choice, Anna seeks the help of a visiting Highlander. A choice that will changer her fate and send her on an incredible journey. Enter Hanna, a modern day young woman, living in Pennsylvania. Her family followed traditions she never quite understood until an inheritance sends her on her own journey of self-discovery.

This is my first work by Sherry Ostroff and I can't wait to read more. I was completely engrossed within the first twenty pages and couldn't put it down. The story transitions seamlessly between past and present. There are clear and interesting parallels between Anna and Hanna. Each of these women is wonderfully complex. The connection of their stories is expertly crafted. And without any spoilers, there was a scene near the end that was so beautifully written, it moved me to tears. I highly recommend this book!

[Patti Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caledonia (/ˌkælɪˈdoʊniə/) is the Latin name given by the Romans to the land north of their province of Britannia, beyond the frontier of their empire, roughly corresponding to modern-day Scotland. The etymology of the name is probably from a P-Celtic source. Its modern usage is as a romantic or poetic name for Scotland as a whole. – Wikipedia

Sherry Ostroff’s historical novel, Caledonia, takes us to school about the “Darien scheme.”

“The Darien scheme was an unsuccessful attempt by the Kingdom of Scotland to become a world trading state by establishing a colony called "Caledonia" on the Isthmus of Panama on the Gulf of Darién in the late 1690s. The aim was for the colony to have an overland route that connected the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. From its contemporary time to the present day, claims have been made that the undertaking was beset by poor planning and provisioning, divided leadership, a lack of demand for trade goods particularly caused by an English trade blockade, devastating epidemics of disease, collusion between the English East India Company and the English government to frustrate it, as well as a failure to anticipate the Spanish Empire's military response. It was finally abandoned in March 1700 after a siege by Spanish forces, which also blockaded the harbour.” - Wikipedia

Interwoven with the story of the harrowing voyage to create a colony, is the poignant story of Anna Isaac, a Jewess, who escapes Scotland with a Highlander on the ships to Caledonia. Anna’s family were Converso’s who escaped from the Iberian Peninsula ahead of the Inquisition.

Jumping nearly three centuries ahead, American Hanna Duncan finds an ancient key among her father’s belongings after his death in the tragic 9/11 attacks. The key leads to a safe deposit box in Scotland where she begins her connection with Anna Isaac who lived 300 years before her.

The story is charming, yet with a strong dose of reality. The characters, both in this century and from 300 years ago, are immediate and true. The mysterious thread that ties modern Hanna and 17th century Anna provides the link between two brave and independent women, their loves, cares and tragedies. The Jewish angle may be a bit contrived, but it adds to the complexity of the characters and gives us insight into the importance of family traditions, symbolism and identity – both in this century and for generations before.

It’s a good read. I highly recommend it.

[Mirta Trupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating tale. The author combines history, romance and suspense in this narrative. I was drawn to the storyline as it encompasses history of the Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition and establishing themselves, of all places, in Scotland. The added intrigue of a modern-day woman, sort of floundering in her world of loss and mystery, connecting with her 17th century Jewish ancestor reeled me in. Throw in a couple of Highlanders and I was hooked.

Ostroff has done extensive research for this novel. The historical fiction is based on the true story of the unsuccessful attempt by the Kingdom of Scotland to establish a colony on the isthmus of Panama in the late 1690s. We follow Hannah, the modern-day protagonist, and her predecessor, Anna, as both women struggle to find their happiness...their home.

The author paints a highly descriptive picture to emphasize the lengths one will go to, not only to survive, but to thrive. Every decision one makes has the potential to be life altering. The very powerful instinct to survive might only be surpassed by the human need to be remembered-to endure. The choices made by Anna's father in the 17th century, or those made by Hannah's father in the 21st, had dire consequences- their daughters paid a hefty price. The men based their actions on personal integrity, with faith that their efforts were for the good. Hannah might not have agreed. Anna might not have agreed. But when these women, separated by over 300 years, are faced with making their own choices, do they respond by rejecting all that is meaningful to them or do they fight the good fight? I leave it to the reader to decide.

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free DRC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

This historical fiction novel follows two women with links to each other – Anna in 17th century Scotland and Hanna in the USA in 2005. The timeline of the story flicks back and forth between the two as we explore Anna’s story both first-hand and through Hanna’s research into a mysterious inheritance.

We actually spend more time and become more emotionally connected with Anna, as Hanna’s part of the story is focused mostly on her research into Anna’s life, although she does get a little romance of her own along the way.

The story covers some of the history of Jewish people in Scotland and their persecution by the Spanish Inquisition, along with the ill-fated attempt to set up a Scottish colony – Caledonia, as per the book title – on the Isthmus of Panama.

This is not a light or easy read, as Anna’s story gets quite dark. There is rape, violence, plague and murder in this far-spanning saga, with lots of struggle and despair and very little good luck or lightness.

However, it is an immersive and compelling plunge into womanhood, religious intolerance and the links between the past and our modern selves, and the unresolved issues at the end lead neatly into the sequel, Mannahatta, which was released in 2021 and continues the tales of both Anna and Hanna to their conclusions.

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Joe Medler · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Caledonia' is a remarkable book that kept me enthralled from the very first page.
The story, or rather, stories, of Anna in 17th Century Edinburgh, Scotland and Hanna, her modern day American counterpart are told with wit and verve and not a little bit of intrigue and adventure. The spirit of this book shines through what must have been a monumental amount of research. I note the research merely to note how well the information Ostroff must have gathered was deployed. Never once do you see the seams as she naturally incorporates her deep research into a storytelling style that keeps you engaged and tearing through the story, bouncing at first between centuries until you start to make the connections yourself between a 16th century teenager and her very 21st century partner.
Personally I adore the portions that bring me to another world, across centuries. While the entire story is equally enjoyable, the parts that took me to 17th century Scotland truly popped with whimsy and worry, detail and intrigue.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that will grab you from the jump. I look forward to reading more of Sherry Ostroff's work! If it's half as good as this it will be well worth it!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heading to a new life

I can actually say that once I started this story, I was captured by the history behind it. Anna wants a better life, but doesn't know how to achieve that, until Alain MacArthur appears at her home. This a journey that I could never imagine surviving. The author takes us from the late 1690's in Scotland to 2005 in Scotland, where you are introduced to Hanna and her quest to discover who she really is and who Anna to her. It is a story filled with love, hurt, survival and prejudice. It is a book that you will want to read.

[Malve Hassell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I read this book, I had not heard of the disastrous venture to establish a Scottish colony of New Caledonia on the Caribbean coast of Panama in the New World, known as the Darien Disaster, a last-ditch attempt by Scotland, then cut off from world trade by England, to gain a foothold in the New World by controlling a strategic navigational setting between the Old World and all points west of the Americas. The author tells the well-researched story from the perspective of two women, one living in the 21st century and the other in the late 17th century, linked by a mysterious inheritance of an ancient key to a strong box in the hallowed vaults of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Both stories, skillfully woven together, involve love and loss, abusive acts by various relatives, painful secrets, and danger, as well as the ever-present threat of mistreatment of Jews.

In a few instances, I found the transitions confusing. I also occasionally questioned the main character's naivete with regard to her Jewish heritage—it seems inconceivable that she would not have deduced this from years of experiencing her family's Friday evening meal together with the lighting of a candle and the strict avoidance of pork. I also found the parallels between the abusive brother in one time sequence and the existence of an equally problematic brother in the other time sequence slightly forced. However, these are minor quibbles in what is an eminently readable book, shock full of fascinating historical details and with a gripping story. Highly recommended.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only get to read before bed and I'm telling you I looked forward to opening this book each evening. I so enjoyed how the distant past was woven together with the recent past. Sherry V. Ostroff is a wonderful story teller.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It had some really interesting cultural beliefs from long ago. I also found the plot and dates of story very interesting! Such a wonderful read!

[Holly Sortland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel takes the reader seamlessly through the lives of two young women in late 17th century Scotland and post 911 America. The voices of Anna and Hanna are enduring and authentic. The author knows her history well, and I learned a lot about the Royal Bank of Scotland and the migration of Jews following the Spanish Inquisition, yet it was written in a way that flowed well within the story.

I especially loved the author's portrayal of minor characters in late 17th century Scotland... She writes in such a way that you care about all of the characters, including the minor ones. Her writing drew me in somewhat like a Downtown Abby episode, complete with villains and minor characters that you love to hate!

While the ending was somewhat predictable, the author leaves you on pins and needles during the young women's most trying times. This is a fantastic read for anyone who is interested in historical fiction with a romantic twist. I highly recommend this captivating read.

[Merrilyn Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the blend of historic and modern 😍😍😍

An easy to read book with interesting sub plots. Descriptions of the characters and scenery took the reader along on the journey.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

In another in the ever-lengthening queue of parallel-timeline historical novels, author Sherry Ostroff takes up the challenge of finding something new and interesting to write in this crowded sub-genre. And she does so within the even more heavily trafficked sub-sub-genre of Scottish parallel-timeline stories by taking up one of the more obscure yet intriguing bits of Scotland's past, the ill-fated and short-lived Darien scheme. This attempt by the Scots to colonize on their own account upon the Isthmus of Panama was dubbed the New Caledonia colony. More ominously, the scheme hoovered up and then squandered all the available financial capital of the Kingdom of Scotland, contributing to the Scottish Parliament voting itself into oblivion by consenting less than a decade later to the Act of Union in 1707.

Ms Ostroff's Caledonia is an often page-turning parallel romp through late 17th-century Edinburgh and early 21st-century Philadelphia, spinning the interwoven tales of Anna Isaac and her great-times-many-granddaughter, Hanna Duncan. There's a connection to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center that provides both the catalyst and the finances for Hanna's voyage of historical and personal discovery, mirroring the much more fraught personal journey of Anna, the teenaged daughter of a wealthy Jewish moneylender. Her astute father refuses to invest in the Darien enterprise, deeming it a fool's errand destined for ruin. Anna's story is triggered by the more familiar fleeing of an arranged marriage. In this case, she is aided by a handsome son of the clan chieftain her father had refused to bankroll in the Darien scheme. Anna hardly knows the young man but is enthralled for all that, a tale as old as time.

The author is a gifted narrator and storyteller, crafting interesting and sympathetic main characters in whom readers will find themselves invested emotionally and cheering to succeed. The dialogue is solid and threads the needle of the often difficult trade-off between dialect and reader comprehension. The scenes of Anna's long and disease-plagued voyage to the Darien colony are among the author's best, drawn with a deft hand and immersing the reader in the squalor, filth, and stench of Age of Sail trans-oceanic voyages. Likewise, her depiction of life in the closes and wynds of "Auld Reeky" a generation before the intellectual explosion of the Scottish Enlightenment, are equally vivid.

Yet there are issues with Caledonia that weaken it. The book requires a final professional proofreading to purge more than a few spelling and punctuation errors. The author's research is threadbare in places, the scenes set at the modern-day University of St Andrews an example. But all in all, this author's first work of fiction demonstrates solid storytelling and a fine ear for dialogue that holds much promise for the future.

Ms Ostroff touches all the bases for this sub-genre. There are the requisite parallel love stories, along with the necessary quota of closely-run brushes with danger. Caledonia is therefore a good choice for readers who enjoy fiction set in Scotland or can't get enough parallel timeline stories with strong women in the lead.

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Andrea Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is an action-packed, well-paced historical saga about a little-known event involving 17th-century Scottish settlers. Narrated by alternating protagonists from different time periods, Ostroff keeps the story moving with rollicking action and attention to well-researched period detail, from the clothing and speech patterns to the terminology and conditions of maritime travel during the 17th century, as well as the city and country life of modern-day Scotland. There is reference to the Inquisition and the subsequent diaspora, religious customs, medical ailments, colonial New World discoveries and indigenous populations, genealogical research, family intrigue, and, of course, romance, under the framework of a centuries-old mystery -- all contributing to a cinematic tableau of an exotic time and place.

[Tiff Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Sherry v. Östroff ‘s Caledonia, we meet two women from two different times. First, we are introduced to Anna, a young Jewish girl living in hiding. Her family escaped the Spanish Inquisition and fled to Scotland a couple of hundred years before. Her story is set in the late sixteen hundreds and they are still in hiding. While her father is slowly dying, her cruel brother Nathan plans to marry her off to an old French Jewish man that is to his suiting. Meanwhile, Anna finds herself falling for a visitor from the Highlands by the name of Alain. Her brother and father both disapprove because he is of the Catholic faith and not a fellow Jew. Anna would rather die than marry this crude old man from France that she is introduced to and seeks out her highland crush to save her. The two escape and head to the highlands where adventure and tragedy ensues.
Fast forward to 2005, we meet Hanna who receives her fathers' safety deposit box some years after his death on 9/11. She finds an old odd key that happens to be from the Bank Of Scotland. So Hanna journeys to Scotland in hopes of seeing what she can discover about it. The key leads to another safety deposit box there is an old candlestick that was the exact replica of the one she got from her grandmother - there was also another key in which revealed a journal - Anna’s journal.

I found Caledonia a very satisfying read. I was almost frantic at the end but when I found out a sequel was in the works it really eased my mind. I love how Östraff weaves this story about a Jewish family living in Scotland and transforms it into a modern-day mystery for Hanna. The characters are captivating and I love how it’s about a part of history in which I had no knowledge of. While reading Caledonia I found myself researching the Darian Scheme and now I’m currently looking on Amazon for a more in depth book on this failed colony. I look forward to the sequel and what Hanna discovers about Anna!

[David Hammerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caledonia is a compelling literary accomplishment. Author Sherry V. Ostroff weaves an intricate tapestry of the lives of two young women. Hanna Duncan, a contemporary young American woman, explores an apparent ancestral link to Anna Isaac, a young Jewish women who lived in Scotland around 1700. The book presents a theme that has vexed Jews during the Diaspora: how to balance their identity as Jews with pressures to conform to the beliefs and culture of the host country.

Sherry Ostroff displays extraordinary literary skills. The book shifts frequently and seamlessly between contemporary and historical settings. Contemporary scenes take place in the U.S. and Scotland. Historical scenes occur in Scotland and during a trans-Atlantic journey to establish a Scottish colony. Sherry Ostroff accomplishes two major literary goals: she evokes a reader’s powerful emotional response, and she crafts a captivating story.

Caledonia reflects extensive contemporary and historical research of Scotland. The book’s descriptions of settings and characters transport the reader to Scotland. Portions of the dialogue are written to convey a Scottish brogue. Although sometimes difficult to read, the dialogue brings the action to life.

Certain story strands warrant further development. One such issue is Anna’s tense relationship with her brother. This rift led her away from Judaism.

I enjoyed Caledonia immensely. I strongly recommend it.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent read

Ostroff pens a magnificent story in Caledonia. The story intrigued me when I was asked to read it, but I really enjoyed it. I anxiously awaited the paperback to arrive at my door, and then I stopped and read it. Almost cover to cover. The lives of Hanna and Anna, so similar and related, though they are about 300 hundred years apart. The author tells both women's stories, and each one is easy to follow and to understand, whose story is whose. I've read Ostroff's work before, and found this to be one of my favorites. I like Ostroff's storytelling abilities, as she's telling more than one, cuddled up in one grand read. Every word kept this reader glued to the story. "Colonists ran in and out of their huts clutching their dearest possessions. Some fought over a ragged shirt, shredding it until it was useless. Another held a knife to a friend's throat to steal his books. The outstretched arms of the sick were ignored. Like frightened animals, we hurried to the beach. Escape was everything." As I said, a magnificent read covered in powerful words. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Marcia Fine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction is the a great way to learn about history, especially if the author knows their subject. Sherry Ostroff's latest, Caldonia, taught me about a slice of history I was unfamiliar with in the New World. Scotland wanted to better its colonial predators in the 1600s and set out to populate its own site in the West Indies, a place rife with conflict. It becomes the backdrop for a compelling parallel story of a woman caught in the traditions of her time and a contemporary one who loves unraveling the mystery of her past. With DNA, genealogy and the advent of epigenetics, this story resonates with many of us who think about our ancestors than more photographs. Ostroff expresses herself well, knows the advantage of suspense to keep us turning pages and examines Sephardic history in the aftermath of a busy Inquisition. Her compelling characters, astute research (who knew how they decide you're really dead on a ship?!) and sense of discovery make this a must read! Brava!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful historical/romance novel that just touches ones heart and so much history of Scotland!
It is a joy to read!
Having visited Scotland, the descriptive language is spot on for so many places and things....very well done.
Makes one aware of a part of their history that up until now I for one was totally unaware and so pleased to be enlightened!
Was so sad to have the story end, but thrilled when I saw that there will be a second book, and it will continue!
Thank you for a wonderful journey! Will make a GREAT movie!

[Kathy Carrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

My COVID Book Club read this book and we also treasured the opportunity to have the author join our discussion via Zoom. We all enjoyed the book. The characters came to life as they were revealed, particularly a few of them that were quirky. We enjoyed thinking about and learning about Scotland.
Oddly, one of our book club gals woke up to the sound of bagpipes on the beach the day of our book club. Is that a coincidence? Hmmm... We particularly enjoyed the elements of the story that were left unsolved and undone; we are looking forward to reading the sequel!

[Brandon Bortz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating historical read!

I did not want to put this book down and was sad when it ended. The two stories are intertwined and woven beautifully together. You will miss the characters and look forward to the sequel (the first chapter is such a tease)! Definitely piques your interest regarding the historical background and you will find yourself researching more and more of this fascinating tale and Caledonia.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caledonia opens in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1696 and tells of the uncertain fate of 15 year-old Jewess Anna Issac, who is slated to marry a Frenchman that her spiteful brother has selected for her. Her choices are to either embark on an unhappy relationship or run away with a Scottish Highlander, an action which will lead her into a world filled with prejudice against Jews.

This story isn't just about Anna, however: it's about two very different women—one modern; one from the past—whose lives become connected when an old key and a safe deposit box's contents lead Hanna, whose father died in the 9/11 events, to uncover Anna Duncan's role in the creation of Scotland’s only colony.

A family heirloom handed down for decades, a mysterious object that reveals a nearly-forgotten history, and Anna and Hanna's involvements in family animosity and Scottish history make for an intriguing story.

Part of what contributes to Caledonia's unique approach is that this adventure is rooted in facts and geography. It's evident from the peppering of references throughout that Sherry V. Ostroff has not only done her research into ancient times, but has a personal familiarity with the geography, peoples, and politics of present-day Scotland.

This lends an authoritative and evocative structure to a tale that embeds compelling descriptions into a story replete with two womens' connections, aspirations, and struggles.

Lest readers think that such history might be dry, it should be advised that there are quirky and fun references throughout which provide delightfully light moments as serious romance, confrontations, and thriller elements are juxtaposed with real facts: "Believe it or not, the sausage plays a part in the history of the Inquisition. Once the Inquisition arrived in Portugal, Jews were given a choice of expulsion or conversion. Those who converted were forced to prove their devotion to their new religion. That included the Portuguese custom that all housewives hang their freshly stuffed pork sausages in the communal smokehouse. Any who were identified as Conversos were scrutinized to make sure they did as well. So they wouldn’t go against their religious dietary laws, the hidden Jews secretly stuffed the sausage with duck, chicken, or veal. In this way, they could join in the custom and go undetected. Ironically, later the Portuguese Christians liked the Jewish recipe better, and they adopted it. You can now find the sausage in certain areas of Portugal, especially in the city of Mirandela, in the northern part of the country."

These elements set Caledonia apart from and above many timeslip or historical mystery reads, creating a compelling saga that is infused with Scottish history and culture, yet not so heavy on the brogue dialect as to prove confusing.

As Anna faces an epic journey to New York, a separation that tugs at her heartstrings, the possibility of a new family, and the ship Caledonia, which carries her to new worlds and a great loss, readers will be thoroughly immersed in a saga that shifts in time and place, introduces many differing viewpoints from a cast of believable characters, and documents the birth of a colony as Jews escape the Spanish Inquisition and seek refuge in Scotland.

Fans of historical novels and romance will find Caledonia exquisitely compelling.

[Susan Weintrob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two characters, one DNA, 300 years apart in Scotland, deal with tragedy and search for meaning and love in their lives. Anna and Hanna are bound by mysterious circumstances. 21st century Hanna finds clues left by her ancestor, Anna, to uncover family history and what links the two centuries, families and women. Tragedy is in both time periods: death and destruction; loss of family; and fear and a lack of security. It reminds us that there is not any era in which these kinds of events are absent. The characters’ reactions show us how different centuries grappled with tragedy. Historically accurate research regarding the terrible grip of the Spanish Inquisition in its censorship, black lists, propaganda and terror tactics, Jews who retained their Judaism for centuries underground and at great risk, and a relatively unknown attempt at a Scottish colony, Caledonia, in Central America make this a story with depth and lessons for today.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of the Scots trying to establish a new settlement to be called Caledonia. The book was very interesting in relating the trials and tribulations faced by the settlers both on the ships and on the inhospitable land. Thanks to Goodreads for an interesting book.

Anna Isaac falls for Alain MacArthur the first time she sees him but her father tells her she is a Jewess and his family would never accept her. Alain's father and sister welcomed her into their home. Anna was always by Alain's side along the journey and in settling in New York. She saved him when all thought he was dead and he yelled when the needle went through his nose. A love story between two totally different people.

[Britany Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Breathing is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you finish it. Lizzie is such a relatable character flawed, scared at times, but brave enough to step into the unknown. Watching her struggle through those first terrifying moments in Uganda and then slowly build a new life was both heartbreaking and inspiring.

I admired how the author didn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of life in a new culture, yet also highlighted the incredible strength of human connection. Lizzie’s friendships and her quiet determination to keep going reminded me that purpose can be found even in the most unlikely places. This book made me laugh, cry, and cheer for her every step of the way. Absolutely wonderful.

[Laurel Kristick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this dual-timeline historical fiction, although the 17th century parts with the Caledonia expedition with a Jewish heroine and Scottish hero was much more interesting than the modern story of a woman who finds the original heroine's diary. I knew going in that the attempted colonization of a spot in Central America by the Scots was a massive failure, mostly due to the interference of English and Spanish forces who didn't want the competition, but it was nice learning more about it.

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway, and am grateful to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[S R · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical novel that goes back and forth from 17th century Scotland to 300 years later based on a mystery; trying to find the connection of a young Jewish girl in Scotland to a non-Jewish American girl. The book kept me engaged as I wanted to find out the mystery of that connection, but it never really did. It ended abruptly without the present-day girl finding out her connection which disappointed me. Being a historical novel, I learned how Scotland tried to make a colony in Panama which failed. The description of the journey across the ocean was horrible; disease, starvation, etc.

[Tammy Brodzeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction that ties two women together who are separated by centuries but whose lives are deeply connected by family and circumstances. Ostroff did a wonderful job of weaving their stories together and keeping me engaged through the end! I am not a history lover when it comes to reading from textbooks, but reading a good story is my favorite way to learn about people, places and events that are good for me to know about. And now I have added Scotland as a place I would love to visit someday. Well done!

[Angela Bigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caledonia is a fast-paced book that sweeps you across both time and oceans. Inside the adventure-filled pages, Sherry Ostroff weaves together the stories of two determined, resilient women and the mysteries connecting them. The romance is juicy but doesn’t overpower the book which I thought was just right. One of the most compelling characters is Scotland herself—a gorgeous setting full of historical intrigue.

I am glad I learned this interesting part of Scottish history and I enjoyed myself in the process. Highly Recommend!