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Lazare Family Saga #2
Lost Saints
From the walled gardens of Charleston to the vast prairies of the American West, the saga of the Lazare family continues.
Charleston, South Carolina, 1840s. Unable to marry, Catholic priest Joseph Lazare and his soulmate Tessa Stratford risk a dangerous love affair, betting their lives on the ignorance of her husband and betting their souls on the forgiveness of God.
Young David Lazare, Joseph’s orphaned nephew and Tessa’s ward, struggles to make a life in Charleston. But David is haunted by secrets he’s determined to keep, above all a terrible choice he made as a ten-year-old boy on the Oregon Trail.
None of them realizes that two thousand miles away, a lost Lazare has found a new family in the rapidly changing American West. He wants only to be Cheyenne, but as white emigrants and soldiers threaten the people he loves, his blond hair becomes a question he must answer—or die trying.
Will the truth unite the Lazares—or destroy them?
At once intimate drama and multigenerational epic, LOST SAINTS is the second book in the sweeping Lazare Family Saga that transports readers from the West Indies to the Wild West, from Charleston, Paris, and Rome into the depths of the human heart.
Charleston, South Carolina, 1840s. Unable to marry, Catholic priest Joseph Lazare and his soulmate Tessa Stratford risk a dangerous love affair, betting their lives on the ignorance of her husband and betting their souls on the forgiveness of God.
Young David Lazare, Joseph’s orphaned nephew and Tessa’s ward, struggles to make a life in Charleston. But David is haunted by secrets he’s determined to keep, above all a terrible choice he made as a ten-year-old boy on the Oregon Trail.
None of them realizes that two thousand miles away, a lost Lazare has found a new family in the rapidly changing American West. He wants only to be Cheyenne, but as white emigrants and soldiers threaten the people he loves, his blond hair becomes a question he must answer—or die trying.
Will the truth unite the Lazares—or destroy them?
At once intimate drama and multigenerational epic, LOST SAINTS is the second book in the sweeping Lazare Family Saga that transports readers from the West Indies to the Wild West, from Charleston, Paris, and Rome into the depths of the human heart.
- GenresHistoricalAudiobook
404 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2020
About the author
Elizabeth Bell
4 books100 followersElizabeth Bell has been writing stories since the second grade. At the age of fourteen, she chose a pen name and vowed to become a published author. That same year, she began The Lazare Family Saga.
New generations and forgotten corners of history kept demanding attention, and the saga became four epic novels. After three decades of research and revision, Elizabeth decided she’d done them justice.
Upon earning her MFA in Creative Writing at George Mason University, Elizabeth realized she would have to return her two hundred library books. Instead, she cleverly found a job in the university library, where she works to this day.
Her historical series The Lazare Family Saga follows a multiracial family struggling to understand where they belong in the young United States. The first book, Necessary Sins, was a Finalist in the Foreword Indies Book of the Year Awards. The second and third books, Lost Saints and Native Stranger, were Editors’ Choices in the Historical Novels Review.
New generations and forgotten corners of history kept demanding attention, and the saga became four epic novels. After three decades of research and revision, Elizabeth decided she’d done them justice.
Upon earning her MFA in Creative Writing at George Mason University, Elizabeth realized she would have to return her two hundred library books. Instead, she cleverly found a job in the university library, where she works to this day.
Her historical series The Lazare Family Saga follows a multiracial family struggling to understand where they belong in the young United States. The first book, Necessary Sins, was a Finalist in the Foreword Indies Book of the Year Awards. The second and third books, Lost Saints and Native Stranger, were Editors’ Choices in the Historical Novels Review.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 18, 2019
The Lazard Family Saga continues in this engrossing novel that takes us from Charleston, South Carolina to the prairies of the American West. The book picks up where the first novel ends, and we are drawn in to the love affair between Joseph, a catholic priest, and his love, Tessa. Their passion and the risks they take held me captivated! Joseph’s orphaned nephew David is hiding a deep dark secret of his own, a secret that takes us to the prairie and a Cheyenne boy struggling to fit in with his people. This is a sweeping saga filled with passion, secrets, and longing. The author does a very good job of filling in the blanks for readers who have not read the first book in this series, but I strongly urge you to read Necessary Sins first.
January 6, 2020
Full of Beautiful Sentences
Lost Saints is Book Two of the Lazare Family Saga. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy the second book, but I strongly recommend you read Necessary Sins first and then read Lost Saints immediately afterward.
This is what I said about Necessary Sins: Necessary Sins is a meticulously researched, fast-moving book. It is also an epic, multi-generational, decade-spanning family saga. I was hopelessly hooked from the beginning and it held my interest throughout. It took me to places I hadn’t been before and introduced me to situations I hadn’t thought to imagine. The main character is richly portrayed, complex, and imperfect. The writing makes you care about his struggles, and the other characters in the book are just as engaging. You can tell this author has made an enormous personal investment in crafting this sensational novel. I’m sure it was a labor of love, and it probably took years to write. The result is a work of art that was well worth creating.
In a prologue to Lost Saints, the author gives a hint of things to come. It is set in the Cheyenne Nation in 1840. We meet Zeya, a young woman whose husband also married her sister. Zeya is, by far, the less favored wife. During a “sacred” ceremony, Zeya couples with the Chief Priest, and ends up expecting a son.
The first half of the book is set in Charleston, South Carolina, and picks up where Necessary Sins left off. It is 1843. The main character, Joseph Lazare, is a Catholic Priest who continues to struggle with the conflict between his desire for Tessa, the love of his life who is unhappily married to another man, and his vow of celibacy. Their relationship is tortured and complicated. Fans of historical romance will particularly enjoy the first half of the book. Do Joseph and Tessa end up together? You’ll have to read the book to find out. As the author writes in Chapter 19, “There were only so many secrets her garden could keep.” Joseph and Tessa’s story stuck with me, as the author writes in Chapter 21, “like seaweed snagging against a pier.”
The second half of the book opens at Independence Rock in Wyoming, in 1841. If you haven’t seen this natural attraction, you should google images of it. The second half of Lost Saints feels more like a western than a romance novel. A new main character emerges. From this point forward, the protagonist is Zeya’s son, and we follow him from birth to adulthood. You might wonder how the second half relates to the first. Not to worry, the author’s plot twists will take you there, like the twists and turns of the Sweetwater River. You will find the three main characters, Joseph, David, and Zeya’s son all have a very difficult time becoming comfortable, as they say, “In their own skins.”
This author’s writing is full of beautiful sentences, like this one, “She reminded him of still winter nights when the snow fell without sound and everything seemed to pause, even his own heartbeat.” Don’t let that tranquil sentence fool you. It was a beautiful, fleeting moment in the life of a troubled young warrior. Where does that life ultimately take him? I’m hoping to find out in Book 3, and I can’t wait.
Lost Saints is Book Two of the Lazare Family Saga. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy the second book, but I strongly recommend you read Necessary Sins first and then read Lost Saints immediately afterward.
This is what I said about Necessary Sins: Necessary Sins is a meticulously researched, fast-moving book. It is also an epic, multi-generational, decade-spanning family saga. I was hopelessly hooked from the beginning and it held my interest throughout. It took me to places I hadn’t been before and introduced me to situations I hadn’t thought to imagine. The main character is richly portrayed, complex, and imperfect. The writing makes you care about his struggles, and the other characters in the book are just as engaging. You can tell this author has made an enormous personal investment in crafting this sensational novel. I’m sure it was a labor of love, and it probably took years to write. The result is a work of art that was well worth creating.
In a prologue to Lost Saints, the author gives a hint of things to come. It is set in the Cheyenne Nation in 1840. We meet Zeya, a young woman whose husband also married her sister. Zeya is, by far, the less favored wife. During a “sacred” ceremony, Zeya couples with the Chief Priest, and ends up expecting a son.
The first half of the book is set in Charleston, South Carolina, and picks up where Necessary Sins left off. It is 1843. The main character, Joseph Lazare, is a Catholic Priest who continues to struggle with the conflict between his desire for Tessa, the love of his life who is unhappily married to another man, and his vow of celibacy. Their relationship is tortured and complicated. Fans of historical romance will particularly enjoy the first half of the book. Do Joseph and Tessa end up together? You’ll have to read the book to find out. As the author writes in Chapter 19, “There were only so many secrets her garden could keep.” Joseph and Tessa’s story stuck with me, as the author writes in Chapter 21, “like seaweed snagging against a pier.”
The second half of the book opens at Independence Rock in Wyoming, in 1841. If you haven’t seen this natural attraction, you should google images of it. The second half of Lost Saints feels more like a western than a romance novel. A new main character emerges. From this point forward, the protagonist is Zeya’s son, and we follow him from birth to adulthood. You might wonder how the second half relates to the first. Not to worry, the author’s plot twists will take you there, like the twists and turns of the Sweetwater River. You will find the three main characters, Joseph, David, and Zeya’s son all have a very difficult time becoming comfortable, as they say, “In their own skins.”
This author’s writing is full of beautiful sentences, like this one, “She reminded him of still winter nights when the snow fell without sound and everything seemed to pause, even his own heartbeat.” Don’t let that tranquil sentence fool you. It was a beautiful, fleeting moment in the life of a troubled young warrior. Where does that life ultimately take him? I’m hoping to find out in Book 3, and I can’t wait.
March 23, 2023
Once again I got lost in the dulcet tones of Dallin Bradford as I listened to the continuing saga of the Lazares. I will be honest and say that I much preferred when the story reverted to David and Sophie and the events of their journey West. This part was full of adventure, danger, sadness, excitement and some interesting twists. The beginning of this book relates to Tessa and Joseph's relationship and I was beginning to become a little annoyed with Joseph and just a bit bored. I had to admire his power of conviction and dedication to his fate, but really let's face it, his rationale really didn't cut it for me. In for a penny in for a pound, as they say. Or Just get over yourself!!! This may have been the author's intention and served to highlight the ridiculousness of his situation. But once the narrative moved to the next generation, I was totally enthralled by the characters and the events.
Once again the author has gone to great lengths with research and historical accuracy. The author's notes at the end of the book are just as captivating and informative as the fictional story. It was very interesting to find that many of the characters were real people who lived during this time. It was a fascinating history lesson and I totally enjoyed it.
The conclusion of this book has left me eager to find out where the journey of the Lazare family takes them to next.
Once again the author has gone to great lengths with research and historical accuracy. The author's notes at the end of the book are just as captivating and informative as the fictional story. It was very interesting to find that many of the characters were real people who lived during this time. It was a fascinating history lesson and I totally enjoyed it.
The conclusion of this book has left me eager to find out where the journey of the Lazare family takes them to next.
December 17, 2019
Once again, Bell has outdone herself. The story continues to unfold, winding itself around mysteries and forgotten pasts of other characters. Bliss, survival, guilt, shame, hubris. There are huge lessons learned when things go from good to bad in the blink of an eye.
The characters start out familiar, and that's what makes them so irritating. Like family, I feel like I hold them to higher standards than most people should. Joseph still struggles between his love of religion and his love of Tessa, and he makes some shattering decisions. Or lack of them, I suppose. But I couldn't even get angry enough to put the book down, which is why I do think it's important to read them in order.
When mysteries unravel elsewhere and new faces emerge, or old faces have a new shadow over them, things come full circle and the anticipation of the next book rises.
I devoured most of the last few chapters in a matter of hours and found myself useless when the final words hit me. I need to know what happens and it's not even a cliff hanger. Even if it were, I trust this author will not disappoint in getting us the next book.
The characters start out familiar, and that's what makes them so irritating. Like family, I feel like I hold them to higher standards than most people should. Joseph still struggles between his love of religion and his love of Tessa, and he makes some shattering decisions. Or lack of them, I suppose. But I couldn't even get angry enough to put the book down, which is why I do think it's important to read them in order.
When mysteries unravel elsewhere and new faces emerge, or old faces have a new shadow over them, things come full circle and the anticipation of the next book rises.
I devoured most of the last few chapters in a matter of hours and found myself useless when the final words hit me. I need to know what happens and it's not even a cliff hanger. Even if it were, I trust this author will not disappoint in getting us the next book.
January 20, 2020
I really enjoyed the second of Elizabeth Bell's family saga, set in antebellum Charleston. It brings us more interesting and believable characters and situations, including a good part of the story being set in the Native American West. The author has developed really deep understanding of the era, from early American Catholicism to Charleston society to Native American family culture.
The writing is crisp and direct, letting the reader follow the actions but also the conflicting internal emotions with which the characters are dealing. I would have liked to have learned more about how Joseph and especially Tessa dealt with their separations. I think that would have given their time together more importance for the reader... but that is a preference of mine: I like to know everything about the characters I care about!
I am truly looking forward to the next "chapter" in this saga!
The writing is crisp and direct, letting the reader follow the actions but also the conflicting internal emotions with which the characters are dealing. I would have liked to have learned more about how Joseph and especially Tessa dealt with their separations. I think that would have given their time together more importance for the reader... but that is a preference of mine: I like to know everything about the characters I care about!
I am truly looking forward to the next "chapter" in this saga!
December 9, 2022
Lost Saints is the second book in the Lazare family saga by Elizabeth Bell. The first part of the story focuses on the developing relationship between a priest, Joseph Lazare, and his long-time friend (who he was secretly in love with) Tessa. Joseph struggles with the difficulty of finding a balance between serving God and keeping his priestly vows while loving Tessa and exploring his physical relationship with her.
The first half of this one was adult. Joseph really had a tough time dealing with his humanity and his need to serve God. The way the love story between he and Tessa ends was shocking- I don't want to spoil anything by saying more but it was WOW!
The second part of the book focuses on 'the lost Lazare'. We saw in the first book that Joseph's sister and brother-in-law died on their way West , leaving their young children to find their own way back to safety. The two older children left the new baby alone to increase their chances of survival. The baby, named Esh by his indian mother, was adopted and raised among her tribe.
Esh is clearly different from his indian family and everyone in that world. As he grows older, he becomes torn between who he is physically and who he was raised to be.
There are two more books in the saga and I cannot wait to see how the story continues!
One of my favorite things to read about is the Old West and the settlers who tamed it. Bell did a fantastic job researching the tribes and historic facts for this book. She also included sources that she used for information about priests and sexual relationships with women. It is more common and documented than what I thought before.
The first half of this one was adult. Joseph really had a tough time dealing with his humanity and his need to serve God. The way the love story between he and Tessa ends was shocking- I don't want to spoil anything by saying more but it was WOW!
The second part of the book focuses on 'the lost Lazare'. We saw in the first book that Joseph's sister and brother-in-law died on their way West , leaving their young children to find their own way back to safety. The two older children left the new baby alone to increase their chances of survival. The baby, named Esh by his indian mother, was adopted and raised among her tribe.
Esh is clearly different from his indian family and everyone in that world. As he grows older, he becomes torn between who he is physically and who he was raised to be.
There are two more books in the saga and I cannot wait to see how the story continues!
One of my favorite things to read about is the Old West and the settlers who tamed it. Bell did a fantastic job researching the tribes and historic facts for this book. She also included sources that she used for information about priests and sexual relationships with women. It is more common and documented than what I thought before.
November 22, 2024
This is the second book in the Lazare Family Saga. It’s an amazing book and will keep you interested from page one to the very end. It begins where the first book in the series, Necessary Sins, leaves off. It follows Joseph, a Catholic priest, and Tessa, an Irish immigrant, both in South Carolina. He’s married to the Church, and she’s married to a man, but there’s a draw between them that they alternately fight and embrace. Then tragedy strikes. The book then moves west, and the story switches to following a young Native American warrior. Esh. Unknown to him, he’s connected to the Lazares, and after eighteen years of living among the Cheyenne, his life will take a new, unexpected and unwanted, path.
This was an amazing book. In many ways, it’s a transition book, taking the reader between the two worlds that are soon to meet. While I say that this is a transition book, I want to be clear that this book stands on its own with a complete story. Reading it as a standalone works; although, the beginning might leave the reader with a few questions.
This is a book primarily about the Cheyenne, their life and their culture. It’s about prophecies and visions, about being different, about trying to fit in. It’s about abandonment, and hard decisions. The story of Esh begins with a wagon train on the Oregon Trail. Wagon trains rarely crossed the vast prairies and plains of America without disasters of some kind, and this trip is no different. There are accidents and disasters, loss and challenge for every character. Some are left with guilt and grief, and others with struggle to belong. One thing that never fails is that the characters are all strong and well defined. They carry their burdens with dignity and striving for better lives, for improving their civilizations.
You’ll find exquisite writing, meticulous research, intricate plotting, and character driven development of this book. Everything works together beautifully and deftly sets thing sup for the next installment in this series.
If you enjoy complex and sweeping historic tales, this book will not let you down. I highly recommend it.
I received a free code for an audiobook copy of this novel from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect of this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
This was an amazing book. In many ways, it’s a transition book, taking the reader between the two worlds that are soon to meet. While I say that this is a transition book, I want to be clear that this book stands on its own with a complete story. Reading it as a standalone works; although, the beginning might leave the reader with a few questions.
This is a book primarily about the Cheyenne, their life and their culture. It’s about prophecies and visions, about being different, about trying to fit in. It’s about abandonment, and hard decisions. The story of Esh begins with a wagon train on the Oregon Trail. Wagon trains rarely crossed the vast prairies and plains of America without disasters of some kind, and this trip is no different. There are accidents and disasters, loss and challenge for every character. Some are left with guilt and grief, and others with struggle to belong. One thing that never fails is that the characters are all strong and well defined. They carry their burdens with dignity and striving for better lives, for improving their civilizations.
You’ll find exquisite writing, meticulous research, intricate plotting, and character driven development of this book. Everything works together beautifully and deftly sets thing sup for the next installment in this series.
If you enjoy complex and sweeping historic tales, this book will not let you down. I highly recommend it.
I received a free code for an audiobook copy of this novel from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect of this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
January 15, 2020
Much like this first book in the series, Lost Saints is a lush, beautiful book - historical fiction at its best. At turns sexy, deeply thoughtful, pulse-pounding, and tragic, their story is above all, always fascinating. It's hard to say more without spoilers, but the introduction of Cheyenne characters (including a lost Lazare, whose origin story you will NOT be able to stop reading!) is a definite highlight, as is the continuation of Joseph's struggle between his priesthood and his forbidden love. If you read Necessary Sins, you definitely need to devour this book right away. (And if you haven't read Book One yet, what on earth are you waiting for?!)
January 26, 2020
After reading the first book in the series, Necessary Sins, I was anxious to follow the characters into the second book, and Elizabeth Bell did not disappoint. Emotional, dangerous, suspenseful page-turning journey from Charleston SC to the Oregon Trail and Wyoming locations. Amazing meticulous research places the characters alongside historical people and places of the time period. I was drawn into the descriptions and experienced the intense emotions of the main characters. Southern way of life in the mid 1840's and Native American culture were richly developed. I'm counting the days until Book Three appears!
November 30, 2022
This is book two of the Lazare Family Saga and I am again blown away by the research the author put into this book. The sources she quotes at the beginning of each chapter are so perfect for what is happening in the story and are usually texts 100 years or older. They are so well placed and intriguing that it makes me want to read everything she researched!
❤️This book continues the story of Father Joseph Lazare and the woman he loves, Tessa, as they move forward with their love affair. Their affair in the first book is just beginning, where here they take their relationship to knew levels and things become much steamier!
🐺Book two also takes us away from Charleston, and west to the Cheyenne nation. Unbeknownst to the Lazare family in South Carolina, they have a relative who has been raised by the Cheyenne people, known as Esh, aka Black Wolf. We also learn the dark secret of how this pale, blond boy ended up being raised by the native tribe instead of his family in Charleston.
This was another fascinating plunge into American History and the ugly hatred and struggles people faced. I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook and look forward to the next two books in this saga.
❤️This book continues the story of Father Joseph Lazare and the woman he loves, Tessa, as they move forward with their love affair. Their affair in the first book is just beginning, where here they take their relationship to knew levels and things become much steamier!
🐺Book two also takes us away from Charleston, and west to the Cheyenne nation. Unbeknownst to the Lazare family in South Carolina, they have a relative who has been raised by the Cheyenne people, known as Esh, aka Black Wolf. We also learn the dark secret of how this pale, blond boy ended up being raised by the native tribe instead of his family in Charleston.
This was another fascinating plunge into American History and the ugly hatred and struggles people faced. I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook and look forward to the next two books in this saga.
January 4, 2020
LOVED THIS BOOK and LOVE THIS SERIES. I can't wait until books 3 and 4 come out. What happens sometimes with sequels is that often the second book or the rest of the series is not as strong as the very first book but that was not the case here. Lost Saints, book #2, is just as solid as book #1, Necessary Sins. I loved the love scenes ... they were done really well! I hope for more of that.
The amount of work that has gone into this set of books is just insane. You can just tell that Elizabeth has poured her heart and soul into this. I can't wait to see what happens to Joseph and Esh!!
Thank you, Elizabeth Bell, for this arc :)
The amount of work that has gone into this set of books is just insane. You can just tell that Elizabeth has poured her heart and soul into this. I can't wait to see what happens to Joseph and Esh!!
Thank you, Elizabeth Bell, for this arc :)
December 28, 2019
Elizabeth Bell deals with big issues when the Cheyenne are raising Esh as one of the own. David leaving the baby was very hard to deal with I was so glad the Cheyenne found him. Elizabeth Bell’s research in this novel was fascinating. The author deals with issues of Esh not truly being Cheyenne and Esh trying to find his true family. I cannot wait to read the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
On my gosh,where to start on this book!! It has anything and everything in this second in this series! Very well researched of the area of Charleston,S.C. I know cause I lived there for over twenty years,ever if it was before I was born,I know all the areas in this book! You have towards the middle of the book,two stories going on,same as in the first book,but it works in so well,you are not confused! Grab the tissues,you will need them,just like in the first series but especially in this one a lot of sexual graphic description so if you are uncomfortable reading this kind of thing,then it's not for you,but it is done in good taste! Can't wait till the next book comes out!! I know writing takes time,but hurry up!! You are one of my "very favorite people"!!Wonder what it would have felt like to live back in the 1800's and be in love with a priest?? Read the book,you will find out!! He's a man just like every other man!!
January 25, 2020
Another great book, well-researched, great characters and good writing, if you are into historical fiction or into family sagas pick up this book, you won‘t be disapointed.
March 9, 2020
I felt that the first part of the book didn't move the plot along. But the detail of the movement west was quite good. I am eagerly waiting the next book
December 10, 2019
LOST SAINTS is the second book in Elizabeth Bell’s epic multi-generational Lazare Family Saga. Having previously read and loved NECESSARY SINS, the author’s debut novel and Book One in the series, I was thrilled to be reunited with Father Joseph Lazare, his forbidden love, Tessa Stratford, and his orphaned nephew, David Lazare, as well as to meet new characters connected to the Lazare family. This compelling story takes the reader from Charleston, South Carolina to the prairies of the American Wild West in the mid-1800s. The first part of the novel focuses mainly on the relationship between Joseph and Tessa while the second part focuses on Esh, a young boy raised from infancy by a tribe of Cheyenne Indians. For the best experience with this story, I strongly recommend reading Book One first. Just as with NECESSARY SINS, I was completely engrossed in this historical fiction novel. It is so well-researched and beautifully-written, I couldn’t put it down. There are some serious and thought-provoking themes in the book and they are handled with honesty, compassion and sensitivity. I highly recommend LOST SAINTS and I am very much looking forward to Book Three in the series. I am grateful to the author for the chance to read an early copy.
March 8, 2021
This book felt like I was reading two different books - the first half was quite repetitive and did not flow well - I give that part a 3/5. The second half of the book was a riveting story with better character development so I give that part a 5/5 for an average of 4. The second half really did not have anything to do with the first half except through (unknown to the characters) family ties. Hopefully the 3rd book will pick up where the second in the series left off.
January 16, 2023
Lost Saints is the second book in the epic Lazare family saga series. An beautifully written, thoroughly researched historical fiction series which takes you to amazing locations and has rich, relatable characters. It was a delight to get caught up in their world again.
The story picks up where Necessary Sins left off with Joseph and Tessa’s forbidden love. Whilst Bell does fill in gaps I’d definitely recommend reading book one first. The romance between Joseph and Tessa definitely heats up. However, Joseph continues to struggle with his vows of celibacy and his feelings for Tessa. I enjoyed the comparison to the Scarlet letter and the research that went into forbidden relationships like theirs. Joseph certainly knows how to frustrate a woman, I think I felt just as frustrated as Tessa. Whilst my love- hate relationship with Joseph continued, I really felt for Tessa. Without giving any spoilers I would have loved to have had her POV for some of this one.
The second half of the novel moves towards with next generation with nephews David and Esh and to the prairies of America’s west. David’s ill-fated journey was hinted at in the first novel and it was good to learn more about it. The visual descriptions were once again so vivid- I could picture the wagons, rivers and Independence Rock. I ended up googling and they were pretty spot on. Bell covered David’s dilemma and guilt well.
My favorite part was Esh’s story-white person living as a Native American. This is where Bell’s attention to detail and research shone. I found it fascinating to learn about Cheyenne culture- rituals, medicine, clothing, family, housing and their interactions with other tribes and white people. Esh was such an interesting character - not quite fitting in with his adoptive family and then his capture and their reactions to his experiences. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Again I listened to this one as an audiobook. The narrator is very easy to listen to and nails the different characters and accents. Each chapter starts of with an epigraph that fits in so well with the storyline and illustrates the authors varied sources. I really enjoy Bell’s authors note at the end explaining more about the history and characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
A big thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity me to listen to this wonderful book.
The story picks up where Necessary Sins left off with Joseph and Tessa’s forbidden love. Whilst Bell does fill in gaps I’d definitely recommend reading book one first. The romance between Joseph and Tessa definitely heats up. However, Joseph continues to struggle with his vows of celibacy and his feelings for Tessa. I enjoyed the comparison to the Scarlet letter and the research that went into forbidden relationships like theirs. Joseph certainly knows how to frustrate a woman, I think I felt just as frustrated as Tessa. Whilst my love- hate relationship with Joseph continued, I really felt for Tessa. Without giving any spoilers I would have loved to have had her POV for some of this one.
The second half of the novel moves towards with next generation with nephews David and Esh and to the prairies of America’s west. David’s ill-fated journey was hinted at in the first novel and it was good to learn more about it. The visual descriptions were once again so vivid- I could picture the wagons, rivers and Independence Rock. I ended up googling and they were pretty spot on. Bell covered David’s dilemma and guilt well.
My favorite part was Esh’s story-white person living as a Native American. This is where Bell’s attention to detail and research shone. I found it fascinating to learn about Cheyenne culture- rituals, medicine, clothing, family, housing and their interactions with other tribes and white people. Esh was such an interesting character - not quite fitting in with his adoptive family and then his capture and their reactions to his experiences. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Again I listened to this one as an audiobook. The narrator is very easy to listen to and nails the different characters and accents. Each chapter starts of with an epigraph that fits in so well with the storyline and illustrates the authors varied sources. I really enjoy Bell’s authors note at the end explaining more about the history and characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
A big thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity me to listen to this wonderful book.
January 6, 2020
If you are like me, I am not a huge fan of sagas. The first book is usually very good but then the succeeding books tend to repeat the same plot and I only get through reading the second and I’m done. Not so with Elizabeth Bell’s Lazare Family saga! I read and loved Necessary Sins so I decided to give Book Two a try and was so glad I did!! I was glued to the book and couldn’t put it down!
This book continues the story of Joseph and Tess. It twists and turns and just when you think you know where the story is heading, BAM! It takes a turn that you could not have anticipated. You also find out the harrowing details of David’s time in the West and the guilt he carries with him. A new character from the West is introduced into the tome. This addition lends another layer to the Lazare Family Saga and Ms. Bell fills it with page turning adventure and well thought out characters.
This story is phenomenal and leaves me counting the days until Book Three is available. This book can be read and enjoyed by teen to adult readers. It could also be read and enjoyed without reading the first book but why wouldn't you? Both books are outstanding and engaging and will make a perfect wintery day companion.
This book continues the story of Joseph and Tess. It twists and turns and just when you think you know where the story is heading, BAM! It takes a turn that you could not have anticipated. You also find out the harrowing details of David’s time in the West and the guilt he carries with him. A new character from the West is introduced into the tome. This addition lends another layer to the Lazare Family Saga and Ms. Bell fills it with page turning adventure and well thought out characters.
This story is phenomenal and leaves me counting the days until Book Three is available. This book can be read and enjoyed by teen to adult readers. It could also be read and enjoyed without reading the first book but why wouldn't you? Both books are outstanding and engaging and will make a perfect wintery day companion.
April 29, 2023
Elizabeth Bell has delivered again with another intriguing book in her Lazare Family Saga. Lost Saints is a thoroughly enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has already read the first book in the series (if you haven’t, go back and read Necessary Sins first!).
Once again, the author has shown impeccable attention to detail when it comes to portraying historical facts, quotes, events and figures. The breadth of her research is really impressive. Like her sensitivity in dealing with issues of slavery in Necessary Sins, she shows in Lost Saints an equally delicate hand in depicting the lives and fortunes of the native Cheyenne and their interactions with the white men who are spreading across their land. The author’s notes at the end of the book are fascinating and provide a further insight into how deeply she researched the era and how much thought she has put into presenting the most accurate possible version of it.
I have to confess that a certain incident happened halfway through the novel which took me entirely by surprise. I was pretty devastated by this turn of events and suffered a book hangover which took a little while to get over. This just goes to show how wholly I have become invested in the characters of this series. Despite this distressing development, I became totally immersed in the second half of the book too and got caught up in the storyline that developed with its engrossing twists and turns.
I am left desperate to find out what happens in the next instalment – Book 3 can’t come soon enough!
Edit 29th April 2023: I reread this as an audiobook and loved it just as much!
Once again, the author has shown impeccable attention to detail when it comes to portraying historical facts, quotes, events and figures. The breadth of her research is really impressive. Like her sensitivity in dealing with issues of slavery in Necessary Sins, she shows in Lost Saints an equally delicate hand in depicting the lives and fortunes of the native Cheyenne and their interactions with the white men who are spreading across their land. The author’s notes at the end of the book are fascinating and provide a further insight into how deeply she researched the era and how much thought she has put into presenting the most accurate possible version of it.
I have to confess that a certain incident happened halfway through the novel which took me entirely by surprise. I was pretty devastated by this turn of events and suffered a book hangover which took a little while to get over. This just goes to show how wholly I have become invested in the characters of this series. Despite this distressing development, I became totally immersed in the second half of the book too and got caught up in the storyline that developed with its engrossing twists and turns.
I am left desperate to find out what happens in the next instalment – Book 3 can’t come soon enough!
Edit 29th April 2023: I reread this as an audiobook and loved it just as much!
July 31, 2022
fascinating!
I was unsure where this book was leading me, but started and finished it in less than day as totally absorbing completing the early history of characters, a new one, if Father Joseph in book one of the Lazaro Family Saga. Downloading book 3 as
I was unsure where this book was leading me, but started and finished it in less than day as totally absorbing completing the early history of characters, a new one, if Father Joseph in book one of the Lazaro Family Saga. Downloading book 3 as
July 29, 2024
Can't wait to read the rest of this family saga. This one had more spice, but also more heartbreak. Can't wait to see what happens in the next books.
July 16, 2022
If you think you will continue where you left off in book one, you won't. What happened? The first book in this series Necessary Sins (which I give 5+ stars) was a wonderful example of a researched historic fiction. I flew through those pages and was ecstatic to continue with this book but as the chapters went on my disappoint only grew.
I expected to continue on Joseph's journey with his father of helping enslaved people or at least find out the details of what happened to his forbidden love ( seemed to sudden and suspicious. I was in such shock I couldn't read for a few days) , instead we follow a ghost to the American West and stay there. This person was mentioned but there was no connective detail that made this a significate detail or character. Had any portion of the life lived by this characters family been described I might have cared about Esh.
There were so many other paths we could have taken in Book 2. Joseph's father has a very interesting story we could have continued with that, gone to Haiti and explored his mother's life, or continued with Joseph's future as a priest. Joseph and his father are the gold I hope the author revisits their stories. I would happily read that but I will not continue with this series.
I expected to continue on Joseph's journey with his father of helping enslaved people or at least find out the details of what happened to his forbidden love ( seemed to sudden and suspicious. I was in such shock I couldn't read for a few days) , instead we follow a ghost to the American West and stay there. This person was mentioned but there was no connective detail that made this a significate detail or character. Had any portion of the life lived by this characters family been described I might have cared about Esh.
There were so many other paths we could have taken in Book 2. Joseph's father has a very interesting story we could have continued with that, gone to Haiti and explored his mother's life, or continued with Joseph's future as a priest. Joseph and his father are the gold I hope the author revisits their stories. I would happily read that but I will not continue with this series.
March 3, 2023
Jean38no
This book was marvelous. I couldn’t put it down. The author sweeps you into the early 1800s of Americas first people to crossing to the western part of the United States.. The Plain Indians were still following the Buffaloe herds. A White family left a baby thinking he was too sick and was dying. An Indian Mother ,who had just lost her baby. Found the White baby and believe the gods gave her own child back in the white body. It is a tale of a White child growing to manhood within an Indian Tribe. I love the wealth of knowledge the author displayed about the Tribal customs . Even with the different Tribes. A book well worth reading if you’re a history buff like moi you will be unable to put it down!!!
This book was marvelous. I couldn’t put it down. The author sweeps you into the early 1800s of Americas first people to crossing to the western part of the United States.. The Plain Indians were still following the Buffaloe herds. A White family left a baby thinking he was too sick and was dying. An Indian Mother ,who had just lost her baby. Found the White baby and believe the gods gave her own child back in the white body. It is a tale of a White child growing to manhood within an Indian Tribe. I love the wealth of knowledge the author displayed about the Tribal customs . Even with the different Tribes. A book well worth reading if you’re a history buff like moi you will be unable to put it down!!!
January 26, 2024
I am truly enjoying this series. I was concerned that we wouldn’t hear anymore about Joseph and David after Tessa’s death but I am happy tinder the author tying everything together. I was terrified boy saddened by Tessa’s death and really wanted her and Joseph to have some kind of life together.
The Native American part of the book is very good and I am enjoying the storyline.
The Native American part of the book is very good and I am enjoying the storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2022
Would have given 4 stars but for the too many descriptive love scenes.
Second half of the book where the setting moves from Charlestown to the American west is much better and I will still continue with this series.
Second half of the book where the setting moves from Charlestown to the American west is much better and I will still continue with this series.
July 3, 2022
Story is getting better.
Okay, without being a spoiler the deaths in this volume are hard to take. These characters could have had interesting stories to tell. Otherwise, the tedium of the first story gave way to a more interesting theme.
Okay, without being a spoiler the deaths in this volume are hard to take. These characters could have had interesting stories to tell. Otherwise, the tedium of the first story gave way to a more interesting theme.
July 5, 2022
Think twice
The first half is horrible I fail to see a benefit in the repetive description of the depravity of a man caught between love of God and love of a woman. It became too much . The remaining storyline is of more interest and a better read.
The first half is horrible I fail to see a benefit in the repetive description of the depravity of a man caught between love of God and love of a woman. It became too much . The remaining storyline is of more interest and a better read.
June 9, 2024
Much better. Had to skim over all the tedious religious sections, though. The endless agonizing over “sex” was also tedious after a while.
Writing is very good. Plot is interesting. Western sections are excellent.
Writing is very good. Plot is interesting. Western sections are excellent.
September 8, 2022
family years
This was a bit hard to understand from the Indian perspective but I see it continues this Lazard family so I must finish this series. It works together
This was a bit hard to understand from the Indian perspective but I see it continues this Lazard family so I must finish this series. It works together
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