In Due Season: A Story of Colonial Williamsburg

by Sandi Zimmerman Rebert, Sandi Rebert

The year is 1774. Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Farrington and her parents leave England to make a new life. When tragedy strikes, she is left an orphan in the New World. Finding employment at the bootmaker's home in Williamsburg, Virginia, she is given the impossible task of befriending his bitter daughter while trying to tolerate the arrogancy of his handsome son. It's only the indentured servant who makes her feel comfortable, helps her laugh, and increases her faith in God. Could she be falling in love? Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, "In Due Season's" unforgettable characters will draw you into the action of this fast-paced novel.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Historical Fiction

ebook

Published October 26, 2020

Reviews

[Abigail Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is one that historical fiction and romance readers will enjoy.

With a different take on people from Colonial Williamsburg, this somewhat shorter novel with a warm ending is quite sweet and I found to be appropriate for most ages (16+).

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jayna Baas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gentle, enjoyable read that drew me in right away. The historical angle and descriptions were very well done—it was easy to visualize the story as it happened, and I could tell this author had done her research! I enjoyed getting to know John, Elizabeth, Rebekah, and Bradley. (Well, I didn't enjoy meeting Bradley, but I don't think I was supposed to!) I did wish for a better glimpse of John's growth from thinking God didn't care to becoming His child; I was a little surprised that wasn't actually part of the story. But the gospel was clearly demonstrated throughout the book, with real change and real struggles in the characters' lives, and I liked Hathaway's character a lot. It's sobering to think how many people supported political freedom without realizing a need for religious freedom.

The romance—I was not expecting the way that played out! I had several moments of thinking, How on earth is this going to work out?! Then, gradually, Oh, now I see where this is going… I appreciated the slow, gentle way the romantic aspect came out, and Elizabeth's role felt very realistic. How easily we can misunderstand others and even ourselves.

There were some minor grammar/punctuation issues throughout, but overall this was a sweet, simple (but far from simplistic) story that I'm happy to recommend to history-lovers.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

This was my first book by Sandi Rebert, but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this one! I enjoyed the characters and their story arcs. I loved the details in this as well. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradley really was the shining star here. There were some very lovely paragraphs/sections as well.

[Tabitha McCarthy]

Another awesome book by Sandi! I really and truly did not want it to end. I wanted the story to continue. I loved all the characters!

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I really enjoyed this book. From the beginning it was inspiring. I really loved how Sandi incorporates God into the story. It's very refreshing to be able to have a Christian view. To see love grace and understanding in this story. The characters in this story are wonderful. I couldn't put this book down it kept me interested and did not disappoint. I highly recommend this author. She is one of my new favorites

[Kristin Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well crafted and excellent reading!

This was just a delightful book to read. I loved how Sandi wove the historical and true to life drama together! The hardships of these times, the unfairness of life truly brings the reality of events together. I can hardly wait for the next book!

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and inspiring

I rarely read about this time period, so I enjoyed the authenticity of this book. I also enjoyed the characters and how well-paced it is. Most of all, I enjoyed reading how the gospel can change lives- even the worst! And how the Lord can help one endure in the worst of times and forgive anything

[Linda Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Colonial Williamsburg so I was drawn to In Due Season: A Story of Colonial Williamsburg. The story is set in the days and weeks leading to the war and Williamsburg sending men to fight. The characters were well-defined and easy to cheer for.

[Heather Macinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story

I was so happy that this story turned out the way I had hoped. For me, it was a real page turner.

[Heidi Barstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It caught my attention from the very beginning. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of salvation in Christ and finding love. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters and how they individually came to know Christ. Sandi did a phenomenal job with reading and using accents, it made it even better and I felt like I could envision each character through her reading.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to the audiobook of In Due Season was a pleasure. Having the author as narrator was wonderful. This story, set in Williamsburg VA, was excellent. I have been there many times and was able to see some of the places mentioned in the story. John escaped from a work house in London, but soon finds himself in America and again an indentured servant. Elizabeth is traveling to America on a ship with her parents to start a new life in America, but unfortunately both die on the way over. Whatever will she do now. She arrives at a boot maker shop in Williamsburg VA, to try to sell her father's tools. Here she meets John. We are shown the difference between the wealthy and the poor, but God will keep them focused on what is good.
I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book full of Bibical scripture and truths. The characters are easy to get invested in along with their stories. The author stays true to historical colonial times and Williamsburg. The book brought back a flood of memories of Williamsburg, which I had visited previously. The author presents something everyone has experienced in life, the things we think we want, and what God's plans actually are for us. I recommend this book to readers. These statements and opinions are mine.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first read by a new to me author and I found it very enjoyable. Though the subject matter includes abuse, I thought the author did a beautiful job of bringing redemption and forgiveness into the lives of those affected.

I loved the characters as the author did a wonderful job of bringing them to life in a very realistic way.

With a strong salvation theme, this book gives hope to any reader!

I look forward to more by this author.

I was given a complimentary copy of the audiobook. My opinion is my own

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I listened to the audiobook which really brought the characters to life. I loved the way it started with John at a very young age and how it went on till he was older. This made me understand his personality when he was a little older. Elizabeth, Rebecca and Bradley were interesting characters too, although I could have slapped Bradley a bunch of times. Lol
The whole storyline and time period was one I enjoy. You will find romance, forgiveness and growing in faith in the characters.
I can’t wait to read or listen to the sequel.
If you love Christian Historical Romance you will love this story. I can highly recommend this book to my family and friends.
I received the audiobook from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is enjoyable and I got drawn in rather quickly. Sandi has a way of writing that brings you into the story - whether it is escaping from the workhouse with John, stepping off of a boat as an orphan, or being in love with someone who is not in love with you.

The gospel message is clear from early in the story as demonstrated by Hathaway and continues until the end. The real life struggles of all the main characters are relatable and reflect the colonial time period.

I received a free e/copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

If you are looking for an enjoyable historical fiction or Christian fiction book, I highly recommend this. It is a perfect beach read.

#Historicalfiction #christianhistoricalromance #fiction #americanrevolution #whattoreadnext #bookstagram

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting read

I thought the first couple pages were slow going but then it picked up and I was thoroughly hooked. This was a terrific read. I preordered and can’t wait for Book 2

[Beverly Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In Due Season” by Sandi Rebert

Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed every one of Sandi Rebert’s books, but this one is an historical romance which is definitely out of my normal reading genre, as there was slightly more romance in this book than her previous ones. Although there was more romance, let me say that it was done in a very tasteful and sweet way that made me want to know what would happen next, and not want to stop reading the book because of the romance being to much to read. Here is a summary of what the book was about.
John’s life has not been easy as he was born in a workhouse in London, and he was physically and emotionally abused while he was there. After many attempts to escape he finally makes it to the ship bound for the Colonies. As his journey was almost ended and freedom insight, it was not to be as he was caught again, this time to be sold as an indentured servant in Williamsburg, Virginia. Although John doesn’t know or see it yet, God is looking in his life in spite of his hardships, as he strikes up a friendship with a Pastor who tries to help him and ends up giving his life to Christ. In time, his faith is constantly being tested by his new Master and arrogant, prideful and hateful Son. Than one seemingly normal day, he meets Elizabeth and things start looking a little brighter as they become fast friends, but what will become of that friendship?
This book was a very enjoyable read for me and captured my interest almost from the very first page. The only thing that would have made the story more interesting was if Sandi would have spent a little more time and details on John’s salvation. I feel if those details were there, it would have added more depth and richness to this wonderful story of grace and forgiveness.
What really stood out to me, which I very much appreciated was that Sandi added the Gospel message throughout the story very clearly. That is very important to me in reading a Christian book.
I really enjoyed getting to know John, Elizabeth, Rebekah and even Bradley. Each one of these characters were very unique in the story and made it very interesting. I was also thinking that I would have loved to know more of the Pastor’s story as there wasn’t much about him and he only had a small part in the book.
The romance in the story was not overwhelming, and actually added a warm feeling to the story and left you hoping that things would work out for them. At one point, I thought it was going to turn out a certain way, but then figured out it was going to go the other direction. Sandi portrayed these characters in such a way that made you actually care about them, even the ones that were mean and spiteful and uncaring in the story.
This book was near impossible for me to put down and was the first thing I picked up to read after devotions in the morning and kept me reading till 2 a.m. in the morning. This book had a little of everything in the mix, action, twists, turns, secrets, jealousy, romance, grace, forgiveness, grief, friendship, etc.
I did figure out the romance part fairly quickly and it ended just as I suspected, but Sandi left the door open for book two, which I hope she will write, as you were left wondering what will happen next with all the characters and wanting to learn more about the things that were left unexplained and unknown at this point in the story. I am now eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the story.
I believe if you read this story, you will not be disappointed in any way.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of colonial Williamsburg in the 1770s, In Due Season, by Sandi Rebert is an essential read for fans of Christian and historical romance. The narrative centers on John, who, after escaping a workhouse at the tender age of 14, discovers the love of Christ through a stranger’s life-saving act while stowed away on a ship. This profound encounter draws John closer to the Christian faith, but his newfound freedom is short-lived as he is sold as an indentured servant. Years later, his life takes a transformative turn when he meets Elizabeth, and together they grow in their Christian faith.

In Due Season is a beautifully crafted tale of salvation and finding solace in Christ. For John, who has endured a harsh life, God’s love initially seems an unreachable concept. Despite their vastly different upbringings, John and Elizabeth are united by tragic circumstances, and their shared faith becomes a strong bond. The book emphasizes key Christian values: kindness, courage, forgiveness, perseverance, and long suffering. I appreciated how it distinguished between mere church-going and living a true Christian lifestyle, illustrating how faith can be a profound source of comfort and strength during hardships. John's struggles serve as a poignant reminder to Christians that in times of adversity, they can find solace in turning to God. It was heartwarming to witness each character’s journey to faith, their spiritual growth, and the realization that true freedom is found in God.

In Due Season, by Sandi Rebert, is a moving and inspiring novel that masterfully weaves together themes of faith, love, and perseverance. Through the trials and tribulations faced by John and Elizabeth, Rebert illustrates the transformative power of God's love and the enduring strength found in faith. The rich historical setting, combined with the heartfelt narrative, makes this book a standout in the genre of Christian historical romance. Its simple yet compelling writing style ensures that readers are not only entertained but also deeply moved. This book is a testament to the enduring power of faith and love, making it a must-read for anyone seeking both inspiration and a captivating story.

[Angela Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a novel outside of your preferred genre can expand your horizons. I typically do not read historical romance, but I was pleasantly surprised with In Due Season. Sandi Rebert has a charming writing style.

The first chapter starts strong with me rooting for John to escape the London workhouse and make his way to America. I empathized with Elizabeth upon her heartbreaking arrival in America after the loss of her parents to disease as they crossed the Atlantic with dreams of starting a better life in America. The story reminds us that a better life is not necessarily an easier life. The characters’ paths cross when they are employed for the same family in Williamsburg. The country is in the throes of the issues leading up to the Revolutionary War. John and Elizabeth enjoy simple pleasures and face hardships and struggles. Will their faith be strong enough to see them through the difficult times?

The author depicted believable language, setting, and situations for the time period.
The story reminded me how much easier we have it now than our ancestors even one hundred years ago. It is too bad we cannot all go back in time for a day or even half a day so we would appreciate our lives now.

I will be honest. The only reason I read the book was because I read a post by the author about the difficulty she encounters as an indie author to entice new readers and encourage readers to leave a review. As an indie author, I understand where she is coming from. Even though I am not drawn to read historical and/or romance, I purchased In Due Season strictly to support Sandi. The story touched me, and I encourage you to read the book.

Angela L Gold, Author of The Lion Within and Kill Shot

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Elizabeth is on her way to America with her family when her parents die aboard ship. When she arrives in Williamsburg, she ends up finding Bradley and John when she walks into the cobbler shop where John works and which Bradley's father owns. John is an indentured servant, and Bradley decides to hire Elizabeth as a cook, maid, and companion for his sister, Rebecca. As time goes on, Elizabeth and John help each other to cling to their faith, and Rebecca comes to know Jesus, too. Bradley is not a nice man, as the way he treats John, and the way he talks to everyone except Rebecca makes plain. When Bradley goes off to fight, he thinks this will be great excitement and that it won't last long. When he comes home, he's changed in more ways than one, though he still loves Elizabeth. He's hoping that Elizabeth and John will be able to tell he's changed. They can, and they forgive him. God continues to work out His plan for each!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandi Zimmerman Rebert is a new to me author. As a retired American Literature high school teacher, who has visited Colonial Williamsburg three times, the historical setting at the beginning of the American Revolution was well researched. I enjoyed Robert's writing style and descriptive writing especially of ocean crossings, prejudices, work houses and the many struggles of orphans and the poor. Reminded me of Nathanial Philbrick's Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community and War describes 1600s ocean crossing. Redemption and forgiveness are themes presented with a gospel message. Well developed characters (some likable and some exasperating), twist and turn plot, with a believable resolution - keeps the reader engaged. This is an April 2024 book selection for Around the World in 50 (minus 1) books.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved John, Elizabeth, Bradley, and Rebekah, in this coming of age book of two teenagers-one who never knew a parent, due to his mother dying at his birth, and the other losing her parents to the plague while sailing to America to fulfill her father’s wishes and dreams. The novel tells of how the two meet, and upon discovering that they were both Christians, they became fast friends and confidantes to each other. Each character had such strong personalities and their own strengths and weaknesses, which you will need to read to find out about them further, since I don’t like to spoil the book for my fellow readers! I would highly recommend this book to all ages from teens on up! Absolutely loved it! 🙏♥️🙏💖🙏💙

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was "hooked" from the start and could not stop reading. An excellently written story with strong characters, well developed and described. The history was very interesting to me and helped with the time period where this took place. The scripture was important to the story. The conflicts and the romance made the story very interesting. This is the first Sandi Rebert book I have read and I hope to be able to get some more of her books. She reached out on Facebooks for readers and supplied me with the e-book, asking only for an honest review. I am blessed that I responded to it. Thank you Sandi Rebert for this opportunity.

[Rebecca Tellez · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Due Season is a delightful story of early American history set in Colonial Williamsburg that weaves a very gentle and surprising romance with history and hope and faith. It brings to life the difference between the classes of people, the wealthy, the indentured and the ordinary. Sandi Rebert’s thorough research shows through in the minute details of life during those times. I felt myself being pulled right into history. The characters feel like neighbors and each one has their own faith journey to take. This is a story that has it all, adventure, villains, history, romance, faith, and surprises. I am eagerly looking forward to book 2, Season of Uncertainty.

[Heather KP · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrator was very skilled but the recording was off. It seemed they went back and recorded things later because certain (short) parts like chapter headings were much louder than others. The narrator was very expressive. The historical context was very well portrayed. The people of faith were well portrayed including struggles with their faith. Only one part was too heavy handed (concern about someone going to hell). I cared about most of the characters I just thought the love story line was wonky on this one and didn’t really buy it, so that threw the whole thing off for me.

-I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

[Terry Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction is my favorite genre but have not read a lot from the Colonial Williamsburg time period. I really enjoyed In Due Season. The historical information is interestingly woven into a beautiful story of love, redemption, forgiveness and following God’s plan. The characters have good depth and the plot well paced. This was my first book by Sandi Rebert but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed the narration in the Audible version. Fans of Christian historical fiction are sure to find In Due Season inspirational, heartfelt and an enjoyable read.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.

[Megan Childres · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner!!

I absolutely adored In Due Season!! The author did an amazing job writing the characters. I started to feel as though they were real people instead of just characters in a book. I had so many emotions reading this book. And there were so many unexpected twists, which I love in a book. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more from Sandi Rebert!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of God's grace and providence

As I am so enamored in colonial history right now, this book provided me with such a sweet story of love, mercy, and forgiveness during the beginning of a new country. The author does a wonderful job with demonstrating the characters' faith in God throughout the entire story. I am so pleased I read this sweet story and got go know these characters. I truly did not want the
story to end.