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Against All Expectations #2
Love's Pursuit
In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.
In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?
In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
44 people are currently reading
1246 people want to read
About the author
Siri Mitchell
17 books751 followersalso published under the name Siri L. Mitchell & Iris Anthony
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
September 8, 2020
This is an uncomfortable read. It is fabulous story telling, and the themes are ones that need to be told. But it is not warm and fuzzy, and nor does it need to be to be told well. Siri Mitchell is an incredible author and her writing is good. She delves into the harder sides of characters lives and deals with stories that need to be told in a manner where many would just walk away from the pain and hardships.
However this book is not all prickles and stings, there are the shimmers of light one needs to grab onto to keep on going. One must grab them though and not let them pass on by. In my opinion, this is one of those stories where after reading it, you do not just get up and go back into a loud world, but you sit and contemplate and let what has been experienced soak in.
Love's Pursuit is a perfect title for this book. Through out you assume things to be one way, yet reading the back cover blurb another, and then as plot thickens and other things change you assume another. Yet to me, in reality, the title is meant in a different frame of view entirely. The first half of this book was a bit for me to trudge through, but I am so glad that I did and I do recommend the book. I recommend when you get to parts that you might want to put it down, that you keep on going, because the gift that you are given by accomplishing this read are well worth your effort.
However this book is not all prickles and stings, there are the shimmers of light one needs to grab onto to keep on going. One must grab them though and not let them pass on by. In my opinion, this is one of those stories where after reading it, you do not just get up and go back into a loud world, but you sit and contemplate and let what has been experienced soak in.
Love's Pursuit is a perfect title for this book. Through out you assume things to be one way, yet reading the back cover blurb another, and then as plot thickens and other things change you assume another. Yet to me, in reality, the title is meant in a different frame of view entirely. The first half of this book was a bit for me to trudge through, but I am so glad that I did and I do recommend the book. I recommend when you get to parts that you might want to put it down, that you keep on going, because the gift that you are given by accomplishing this read are well worth your effort.
February 16, 2010
When I started this book, I thought it was going to be a typical historical fiction romance. This book is anything but typical. There is a depth and beauty to the story that really is far beyond the norm. The writing is beautiful, and I really look forward to reading more by Siri Mitchell.
I have to admit that at first I was really drawn to the cover. I am a total sucker for a good cover, and in my opinion this book has a great one! Once I started reading, I was really drawn into the story. The story is very complex and not at all a light fluffy romance. The characters are well rounded, and both the characters and the story take the reader to unexpected places. There was an incredible amount of information just about the daily lives of these early Americans.
I'd highly recommend this book. While it's labeled as Christian Fiction, any lover of historical romance will enjoy the book. As I stated before, this isn't a light, fluffy romance. This story will pull you in and keep you reading. I finished the book in one day - I couldn't put it down. Definitely a book worth reading and recommending.
I have to admit that at first I was really drawn to the cover. I am a total sucker for a good cover, and in my opinion this book has a great one! Once I started reading, I was really drawn into the story. The story is very complex and not at all a light fluffy romance. The characters are well rounded, and both the characters and the story take the reader to unexpected places. There was an incredible amount of information just about the daily lives of these early Americans.
I'd highly recommend this book. While it's labeled as Christian Fiction, any lover of historical romance will enjoy the book. As I stated before, this isn't a light, fluffy romance. This story will pull you in and keep you reading. I finished the book in one day - I couldn't put it down. Definitely a book worth reading and recommending.
August 13, 2012
I've read this three times now. Do I need to say anything further about how I love it? Okay, if I must...
Love's Pursuit is not your typical romance. The POV changes are sometimes challenging, the introspection reminds one more of a literary work and the theological musings are in keeping with the Puritan characters. I so appreciate that Siri didn't make this story easy on us. She didn't insult her readers with cotton candy, but gave us some steak to chew over instead.
Again, this is not your typical romance. It's much more. It's a love story that satisfies while still leaving something else to be learned, something else to be gained by another reading.
If you borrow my copy, you'd best not lose it. Love's Pursuit is on my keeper shelf.
Love's Pursuit is not your typical romance. The POV changes are sometimes challenging, the introspection reminds one more of a literary work and the theological musings are in keeping with the Puritan characters. I so appreciate that Siri didn't make this story easy on us. She didn't insult her readers with cotton candy, but gave us some steak to chew over instead.
Again, this is not your typical romance. It's much more. It's a love story that satisfies while still leaving something else to be learned, something else to be gained by another reading.
If you borrow my copy, you'd best not lose it. Love's Pursuit is on my keeper shelf.
July 18, 2009
In a few words:
Is it even possible to give you a short review of this book? Not really. I will tell you that it's a keeper. Descriptive adjectives that come to mind: Thought-provoking, moving, original, skillfully-written, and although not warm and fuzzy or happily-ever-after, filled with hope. Also note that this is not "Amish fiction".
My Full Review:
I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish this book last night (this morning).
It. Was. Incredible.
What was it about the book that had me sacrificing much-needed sleep?I was literally wide-eyed through the entire second half of the book - sleep was not coming anywhere near me. And believe me, that doesn't happen often. Susannah is pursued by a truly terrifying man (I was practically quaking in my boots for her), while another man, a captain come to help defend the colony from Indians, is trying to protect her. The situations were nerve-wracking at times, and that definitely kept me interested, but also the things that went on inside the Puritan households and minds fascinated me. The author went into just enough historical detail that I wanted to know more, but she didn't overdo it for those who would have found it "too much history".
Love's Pursuit takes place in a Puritan colony of Massachusettes, and if you assume that it must be another book about the Salem Witch Trials, you would be wrong. Not one mention of the Salem Witch Trials! I was kind of glad because there have already been quite a few written on that subject - I don't think all historical novels need to be centered around the same topic, and that seems to be a favorite (with good reason - it is vastly interesting, though sad). We do, however, see the same attitudes and prejudices that brought the horror of the Salem Witch Trials about. It makes sense. A people ruled by fear will never be at peace or be able to trust God, no matter how much they would deny that.
I'm having a hard time not being conversational in the midst of this review because the book really got me to thinking. So if this ends up being insanely long, I'll apologize now. ;-)
Some reviewers have said that they had trouble getting into the book at first (though almost all are very glad they pushed on), but I didn't. I knew it was "my kind of book" immediately and was immersed in the lives of the Puritan families until the very end when I put the book down with a sort of sadness that it was all over. Susannah Phillips is a character that I immediately felt akin to. In the beginning she struggled with being "the perfect one" - and her thoughts and feelings on that subject were confused. She knew inside she wasn't perfect, though she wanted to do right. She just couldn't always do right. Actually what surprised me was how much I liked the Puritans. I know that they have been made to look evil and cruel (which at times they were), but in the end they're just another group of people who twisted scripture and didn't have a right view of God. They thought they had to be perfect and earn their way to heaven through being perfect. They were hard on themselves and others when they saw that standard couldn't be reached.
I pretty much loved everything about this book. I could go on and on about it but you really need to find this book yourself and read it!
In conclusion I want to say that although it was one of the best I've read this year, this book is not a light, comfortable read. It's heart-rending at times, definitely thought-provoking, and ... well, I'm still in a bit of a fog from reading it. I loved it for the characters, the heart, and the message that that there is a God of grace and love... I will definitely be waiting to pounce on each and every new release by Siri Mitchell. She is an amazing writer.
Note to the author: I want to take this moment to let the author know that if there was ever a sequel, I would be overjoyed! And possibly die of happiness, though that would defeat the purpose...
Disclaimer: Please excuse the scattered format of this review - I have severe mommy brain at this point in my life! :-)
See full review including a link to read the first chapter here: http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot....
Is it even possible to give you a short review of this book? Not really. I will tell you that it's a keeper. Descriptive adjectives that come to mind: Thought-provoking, moving, original, skillfully-written, and although not warm and fuzzy or happily-ever-after, filled with hope. Also note that this is not "Amish fiction".
My Full Review:
I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish this book last night (this morning).
It. Was. Incredible.
What was it about the book that had me sacrificing much-needed sleep?I was literally wide-eyed through the entire second half of the book - sleep was not coming anywhere near me. And believe me, that doesn't happen often. Susannah is pursued by a truly terrifying man (I was practically quaking in my boots for her), while another man, a captain come to help defend the colony from Indians, is trying to protect her. The situations were nerve-wracking at times, and that definitely kept me interested, but also the things that went on inside the Puritan households and minds fascinated me. The author went into just enough historical detail that I wanted to know more, but she didn't overdo it for those who would have found it "too much history".
Love's Pursuit takes place in a Puritan colony of Massachusettes, and if you assume that it must be another book about the Salem Witch Trials, you would be wrong. Not one mention of the Salem Witch Trials! I was kind of glad because there have already been quite a few written on that subject - I don't think all historical novels need to be centered around the same topic, and that seems to be a favorite (with good reason - it is vastly interesting, though sad). We do, however, see the same attitudes and prejudices that brought the horror of the Salem Witch Trials about. It makes sense. A people ruled by fear will never be at peace or be able to trust God, no matter how much they would deny that.
I'm having a hard time not being conversational in the midst of this review because the book really got me to thinking. So if this ends up being insanely long, I'll apologize now. ;-)
Some reviewers have said that they had trouble getting into the book at first (though almost all are very glad they pushed on), but I didn't. I knew it was "my kind of book" immediately and was immersed in the lives of the Puritan families until the very end when I put the book down with a sort of sadness that it was all over. Susannah Phillips is a character that I immediately felt akin to. In the beginning she struggled with being "the perfect one" - and her thoughts and feelings on that subject were confused. She knew inside she wasn't perfect, though she wanted to do right. She just couldn't always do right. Actually what surprised me was how much I liked the Puritans. I know that they have been made to look evil and cruel (which at times they were), but in the end they're just another group of people who twisted scripture and didn't have a right view of God. They thought they had to be perfect and earn their way to heaven through being perfect. They were hard on themselves and others when they saw that standard couldn't be reached.
I pretty much loved everything about this book. I could go on and on about it but you really need to find this book yourself and read it!
In conclusion I want to say that although it was one of the best I've read this year, this book is not a light, comfortable read. It's heart-rending at times, definitely thought-provoking, and ... well, I'm still in a bit of a fog from reading it. I loved it for the characters, the heart, and the message that that there is a God of grace and love... I will definitely be waiting to pounce on each and every new release by Siri Mitchell. She is an amazing writer.
Note to the author: I want to take this moment to let the author know that if there was ever a sequel, I would be overjoyed! And possibly die of happiness, though that would defeat the purpose...
Disclaimer: Please excuse the scattered format of this review - I have severe mommy brain at this point in my life! :-)
See full review including a link to read the first chapter here: http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot....
April 25, 2017
Originally posted in the April 2017 Mini Reviews
I don’t really know what to think of this book, so I won’t try to put it in words. It doesn’t exactly have a happy ending, and I normally hate it when that happens, but it was fairly well-done. Still, a little unsettling and somewhat dark.
Then … the content. It is fairly delicately handled, but a girl is abused (sexually) by her father before she rescued by a man who takes her home and marries her. This happens before the book, but there are a couple of flashbacks, none dealing with the actual abuse.
This couple (the girl and her rescuer) sleep separately, which is mentioned several times and changes at the end of the book. *is awkward* Then there are mentions of married relationships and such-like. Really more than I prefer to read.
But I really did enjoy it, mostly because I love the drama. Also, the spiritual content was really amazing.
~Kellyn Roth
I don’t really know what to think of this book, so I won’t try to put it in words. It doesn’t exactly have a happy ending, and I normally hate it when that happens, but it was fairly well-done. Still, a little unsettling and somewhat dark.
Then … the content. It is fairly delicately handled, but a girl is abused (sexually) by her father before she rescued by a man who takes her home and marries her. This happens before the book, but there are a couple of flashbacks, none dealing with the actual abuse.
This couple (the girl and her rescuer) sleep separately, which is mentioned several times and changes at the end of the book. *is awkward* Then there are mentions of married relationships and such-like. Really more than I prefer to read.
But I really did enjoy it, mostly because I love the drama. Also, the spiritual content was really amazing.
~Kellyn Roth
November 29, 2018
Love's Pursuit is richly historical, almost achingly so (the Puritan life was not easy!). It is God's love that does the pursuing here. Wow. My hat is off to Siri Mitchell.
November 24, 2015
**This review should be hidden because of spoilers, but in case it isn't... SPOILER ALERT!!**
Love's Pursuit was a tragedy. No matter how much historical information on how it was to live in that time and no matter how good the book was written, I have to rate this one star. I can't stand tragedies... books that end without happiness. Reading this book, I felt trapped, just as Susannah was so horridly trapped. I felt too scared to hope when her beloved devised a rescue plan, I felt sick with grief when Susannah told that horrid Abigail of the plans, and overcome with astonishment with what happened to her dear captain.
If you are looking to see how life would be in a culture such as Susannah's, if you are looking for a book maybe to get you through shame or sorrow... if you are looking for a tragedy, read this book. But do not pick it up looking for an enjoyable, happy-ending, romance story.
Love's Pursuit was a tragedy. No matter how much historical information on how it was to live in that time and no matter how good the book was written, I have to rate this one star. I can't stand tragedies... books that end without happiness. Reading this book, I felt trapped, just as Susannah was so horridly trapped. I felt too scared to hope when her beloved devised a rescue plan, I felt sick with grief when Susannah told that horrid Abigail of the plans, and overcome with astonishment with what happened to her dear captain.
If you are looking to see how life would be in a culture such as Susannah's, if you are looking for a book maybe to get you through shame or sorrow... if you are looking for a tragedy, read this book. But do not pick it up looking for an enjoyable, happy-ending, romance story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2019
*For ages 18+ because of marital themes.
Such controversy here !! I did not lower my rating because of what happened at the end. I knew it was coming, and although sad, it didn't upset me as it might have done. The first half of the book was really good. The writing kept me reading, but when certain things started happening in the middle I was starting to feel a little uncomfortable. I'll explain below.
What I liked (despite one star, there were some parts I did like...but the second half overshowered that liking!):
-Compared to Unrivaled there was loads more spirituality and verses throughout this book. I loved that. It added depth and the end of the last chapter really explains God's love and grace.
-The Captain! He is nice, even though there were a couple things that irked me about him. And I loved his name!! So manly ;)
-The whole story with Thomas and Small-Hope was really sweet. I was thankful the author didn't go into Small-Hope's past too much.
What I didn't like (I'm sorry about some of things I mention in the spoilers. I don't really like going into some of the details I brought up, but I feel like it is necessary for other readers that might feel the same way I do about these things. Do not read spoilers if under seventeen):
-If you haven't read others by this author then it might be confusing at first with the two POVs in first person. A few times I forgot and was really confused, but thankfully not too much.
-Okay...so to the romance part.
-
-A little side not...I was happy, not sad, when the Captain had to cut his hair because of lice!! Lovely, long locks on a guy??!! Seriously.
-At first it seemed like the Captain was mocking Christianity, and I didn't realize at first that he actually wasn't against God. Sometimes he seemed a bit coarse in the way he acted and said things.
-Halfway through the book just felt more and more dark. I felt a little oppressed and down in the dumps reading this. The last two paragraph lifted my spirits, but as a whole....*sigh*
-I will admit I would have been happier if things had turned out differently at the end, but I also think the author has portrayed certain things in her book realistically. Life isn't all rosy and fine, unfortunately. Bad things happen!
There you have it. It isn't a book I would recommend as I was very uncomfortable reading some parts and because a lot of people might be mad with its ending!! :) So if you want to try a book by this same author read The Messenger. I heard Like a Flower in Bloom is really good so I think I'll give that a try next.
Such controversy here !! I did not lower my rating because of what happened at the end. I knew it was coming, and although sad, it didn't upset me as it might have done. The first half of the book was really good. The writing kept me reading, but when certain things started happening in the middle I was starting to feel a little uncomfortable. I'll explain below.
What I liked (despite one star, there were some parts I did like...but the second half overshowered that liking!):
-Compared to Unrivaled there was loads more spirituality and verses throughout this book. I loved that. It added depth and the end of the last chapter really explains God's love and grace.
-The Captain! He is nice, even though there were a couple things that irked me about him. And I loved his name!! So manly ;)
-The whole story with Thomas and Small-Hope was really sweet. I was thankful the author didn't go into Small-Hope's past too much.
What I didn't like (I'm sorry about some of things I mention in the spoilers. I don't really like going into some of the details I brought up, but I feel like it is necessary for other readers that might feel the same way I do about these things. Do not read spoilers if under seventeen):
-If you haven't read others by this author then it might be confusing at first with the two POVs in first person. A few times I forgot and was really confused, but thankfully not too much.
-Okay...so to the romance part.
-
-A little side not...I was happy, not sad, when the Captain had to cut his hair because of lice!! Lovely, long locks on a guy??!! Seriously.
-At first it seemed like the Captain was mocking Christianity, and I didn't realize at first that he actually wasn't against God. Sometimes he seemed a bit coarse in the way he acted and said things.
-Halfway through the book just felt more and more dark. I felt a little oppressed and down in the dumps reading this. The last two paragraph lifted my spirits, but as a whole....*sigh*
-I will admit I would have been happier if things had turned out differently at the end, but I also think the author has portrayed certain things in her book realistically. Life isn't all rosy and fine, unfortunately. Bad things happen!
There you have it. It isn't a book I would recommend as I was very uncomfortable reading some parts and because a lot of people might be mad with its ending!! :) So if you want to try a book by this same author read The Messenger. I heard Like a Flower in Bloom is really good so I think I'll give that a try next.
August 7, 2010
Gah!! I wanted so badly to like this book! I loved Siri Mitchell's "She Walks in Beauty". But this book just made me crazy. I skipped huge chunks of this book and still got the message and the story with no trouble whatsoever. Rambling, rambling, rambling.
And then, on top of the rambling (which is a huge pet peeve of mine) she kills off the main character's love interest in a not so subtle allegory. He saved her soul and her life by dieing for her. And that just annoyed me. I didn't cry at his death, even though I felt that I should, I got angry. It was too much. Ms. Mitchell pushed to hard with her message. He was already saving her... taking her away from the prospect of a bad marriage and from a community that had no compassion or true understanding of the love of God. Killing him off was, well, overkill ;) I prefer thinking about the message and drawing some of my own conclusions rather than having it slapped in my face...
And even though the bad guy gets what's coming to him in the end, it felt hollow and forced.
I don't know why all these things bothered me so much. I read the book in one day... even stayed up late to finish it off. But I wouldn't recommend this book... just my opinion.
And then, on top of the rambling (which is a huge pet peeve of mine) she kills off the main character's love interest in a not so subtle allegory. He saved her soul and her life by dieing for her. And that just annoyed me. I didn't cry at his death, even though I felt that I should, I got angry. It was too much. Ms. Mitchell pushed to hard with her message. He was already saving her... taking her away from the prospect of a bad marriage and from a community that had no compassion or true understanding of the love of God. Killing him off was, well, overkill ;) I prefer thinking about the message and drawing some of my own conclusions rather than having it slapped in my face...
And even though the bad guy gets what's coming to him in the end, it felt hollow and forced.
I don't know why all these things bothered me so much. I read the book in one day... even stayed up late to finish it off. But I wouldn't recommend this book... just my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2015
In a world of perfect romances where everything falls into place, Love's Pursuit stands apart. I will not give any details except to say that had I not stumbled across a spoiler review, I might have been exceedingly angry at how this book ends. However, because I knew how it would end, at least one part of it, and decided to read it anyway, I was able to read it looking for hints of what was to come. I still don't like the climax, and probably never will, but one thing I realized is that Susannah, the heroine, while desperate for love, knows not what kind of love she needs. There is something deeply moving in her yearning for love and acceptance, for someone to see her as she really is, and not believing she is inanely good. She knows that in her heart of hearts, she is a sinner and does not live up to the expectations of the Puritans around her.
While this book is about love's pursuit, it is ultimately about God pursuing Susannah and her ultimate response to Him. It's beautiful, and unique, and while is a romance, it is also, at the same time, not a romance. It is deeper than a mere romance and so I hesitate to put that title to it. Ms. Mitchell has now written two novels to which I can award 5 stars, this and Like a Flower in Bloom. They are both winners, in every respect, and though I hope that none of her other books share this mingling of despondency, tragedy, and hope, I am willing and eager to continue reading all her work until I have finished every single book. Only about 3 or so books left, I think, until she releases a new one.
While this book is about love's pursuit, it is ultimately about God pursuing Susannah and her ultimate response to Him. It's beautiful, and unique, and while is a romance, it is also, at the same time, not a romance. It is deeper than a mere romance and so I hesitate to put that title to it. Ms. Mitchell has now written two novels to which I can award 5 stars, this and Like a Flower in Bloom. They are both winners, in every respect, and though I hope that none of her other books share this mingling of despondency, tragedy, and hope, I am willing and eager to continue reading all her work until I have finished every single book. Only about 3 or so books left, I think, until she releases a new one.
June 12, 2011
Have you ever been afraid to believe in God’s love?
I wrestled with this question along with the main characters of Siri Mitchell’s novel Love’s Pursuit.
Love’s Pursuit takes place in the Puritan village of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, during the 1640’s. The story starts out like any typical historical romance. First, we meet Susannah Phillips, a gently-reared girl, unaware of her own beauty. She obeys all the rules, including setting her sights on the right man to marry. Enter Daniel Holcombe, handsome soldier of the king, to shake up Susannah’s world. Daniel questions the whys and wherefores of Susannah’s chosen life and stirs her heart in a most disturbing manner.
There’s also a poignant subplot, involving a woman who keeps to the fringes of society. A cruel father named her Small-hope and convinced her that’s all she could expect out of life. Small-hope’s transformation becomes a compelling part of this novel.
It all sounds familiar, yes? But don’t assume you know where this tale is going. Love’s Pursuit is more complex than that. The author takes her richly-drawn characters on an unforgettable journey and stirs up questions in the reader’s heart along the way.
Siri Mitchell’s novel is a celebration of how—in the way of a man with a maid—God pursues us, wishing only to lavish us with His love.
I wrestled with this question along with the main characters of Siri Mitchell’s novel Love’s Pursuit.
Love’s Pursuit takes place in the Puritan village of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, during the 1640’s. The story starts out like any typical historical romance. First, we meet Susannah Phillips, a gently-reared girl, unaware of her own beauty. She obeys all the rules, including setting her sights on the right man to marry. Enter Daniel Holcombe, handsome soldier of the king, to shake up Susannah’s world. Daniel questions the whys and wherefores of Susannah’s chosen life and stirs her heart in a most disturbing manner.
There’s also a poignant subplot, involving a woman who keeps to the fringes of society. A cruel father named her Small-hope and convinced her that’s all she could expect out of life. Small-hope’s transformation becomes a compelling part of this novel.
It all sounds familiar, yes? But don’t assume you know where this tale is going. Love’s Pursuit is more complex than that. The author takes her richly-drawn characters on an unforgettable journey and stirs up questions in the reader’s heart along the way.
Siri Mitchell’s novel is a celebration of how—in the way of a man with a maid—God pursues us, wishing only to lavish us with His love.
August 18, 2009
I liked this book for several reasons, but found it frustrating as well. The main character Susannah was well crafted. Her inner struggles were very realistically portrayed. The tug-of-war between what she thought she was supposed to do and what her heart longed for her to do reflected the actual vasilations that we all wrestle with. I appreciated a heroine that was not heroic, but real. It gave my heart ease to see Susannah's understanding of God increase as she talked with Daniel. But, it frustrated me that her understanding of God was incomplete. This would make an interesting series. I would like to follow Susannah on her journey to further know God and find her path in life. Perhaps that means that Siri Mitchell created a character that breathes. The book doesn't end all nice and tidy, but with unknowns--just like life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2011
This book was a fairly interesting book in the beginning. The whole love triangle was interesting and the bit with the evil man in the village was interesting. But, the whole story started going down hill with its sadness and when it killed off the love interest that was trying to save your heroine my interest was lost. The ending didn't really make up for it. The young lady, while getting away from the problems, ends up with neither guy and that sucked away all my interest in the book. If you are okay with sad more "realistic" endings go ahead and read the book but if you read books as a escape and don't want a sad ending I recommend looking elsewhere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2013
Susannah Phillips has a reputation in her small Puritan town for being good. A reputation she cannot afford to squander, though at times she envies her younger sister’s lack of propriety. As well as her best friend’s new marriage. Though surely marriage is not too far from Susannah’s own horizon—if a certain young man will simply begin to build her a house.
Then Captain Daniel Holcombe arrives, with aspirations of protecting everyone, and soon learns that his greatest obstacle may be the community’s stringent rules of faith. So he questions Susannah, attempting to understand.
But his questions make Susannah question. Is she truly good? Or only pretending to be? And when “goodness” demands that she give up the suitor of her dreams in exchange for a man with deep pockets and an iron grip, whom can she turn to without revealing her lack of faith?
I liked all the details of everyday Puritan life within this story. Susannah’s struggles to keep house when her mother is away: the borrowing of a coal, the challenge of keeping the babe from the fire, the loss of the mother bread. And I liked the secondary narrator’s personal story as well: Small Hope’s relationship with Thomas and ultimately the role they play in Susannah’s own narrative.
Then Captain Daniel Holcombe arrives, with aspirations of protecting everyone, and soon learns that his greatest obstacle may be the community’s stringent rules of faith. So he questions Susannah, attempting to understand.
But his questions make Susannah question. Is she truly good? Or only pretending to be? And when “goodness” demands that she give up the suitor of her dreams in exchange for a man with deep pockets and an iron grip, whom can she turn to without revealing her lack of faith?
I liked all the details of everyday Puritan life within this story. Susannah’s struggles to keep house when her mother is away: the borrowing of a coal, the challenge of keeping the babe from the fire, the loss of the mother bread. And I liked the secondary narrator’s personal story as well: Small Hope’s relationship with Thomas and ultimately the role they play in Susannah’s own narrative.
April 15, 2021
How to even begin to write a review for this book?
There are only a few stories that will stick with me for life. This is one of those stories.
I read this book once a year. Each and every time, I finish it with tears rolling down my cheeks.
It is a beautiful story about love. Not your typical, mushy-gushy, butterflies and heart palpitations sort of love story. It's a deep and meaningful story about grace; God's grace. His unrelenting pursuit of us. Every time I read it, I am more in awe of my Savior.
Give it time when you begin. It is written from two different viewpoints, and it is confusing for a bit. You'll catch on quick, and realize that the second POV is invaluable to the story.
It's about time to reread this masterpiece. When I finish, I'm sure my husband will find me, book clasped to my chest, tears freely flowing, trying to grasp the ending for the umpteenth time. Then I'll probably get some chocolate and simultaneously curse and praise Siri Mitchell for writing a book that tugs so strongly on my heartstrings.
There are only a few stories that will stick with me for life. This is one of those stories.
I read this book once a year. Each and every time, I finish it with tears rolling down my cheeks.
It is a beautiful story about love. Not your typical, mushy-gushy, butterflies and heart palpitations sort of love story. It's a deep and meaningful story about grace; God's grace. His unrelenting pursuit of us. Every time I read it, I am more in awe of my Savior.
Give it time when you begin. It is written from two different viewpoints, and it is confusing for a bit. You'll catch on quick, and realize that the second POV is invaluable to the story.
It's about time to reread this masterpiece. When I finish, I'm sure my husband will find me, book clasped to my chest, tears freely flowing, trying to grasp the ending for the umpteenth time. Then I'll probably get some chocolate and simultaneously curse and praise Siri Mitchell for writing a book that tugs so strongly on my heartstrings.
July 29, 2015
My Review:
I have read books by Siri Mitchell in the past, and I have both loved and liked her work. Love’s Pursuit falls into the former category. This book did not disappoint me!
The writing is phenomenal. This book was very difficult for me to put down, and I was thinking about it when I had to put it away. I connected with this book on a variety of levels. I, too, was a member of a high control religious group that was very legalistic, and I totally understood the mentality from Susannah’s side, the Captain’s side, and the townsmen’s side.
I really enjoyed Susannah’s character. She was the “good girl” who knew how to play the part, and she hated that she really wasn’t good at all. Honest and beautiful, she was blissfully unaware of dangers. With all the events in the book, she changed. The change wasn’t forced but came about naturally. She is the typical “girl next door” that many seem to love to hate because she seems so well put together, but unfortunately they don’t completely know her because of the dictates of religious control. With the legalism of her society, she couldn’t allow others to see her flaws.
The Captain… What an amazing man. Although not a Puritan, he kept peoples’ secrets as they would (no gossip), and he was insightful, like Small-Hope. He was an honorable protector, and he was underestimated because of his “heathen” status. I loved his patience, insightfulness into the human spirit, and the ability he had to read situations. To a degree, the townsmen were blinded from these same situations by the daily tasks they had to complete and trust for others in their group.
I loved to hate Simeon Wright. This character was well written, and it caused me to reflect on appearance. Some people appear beautiful on the outside, but on the inside they are wicked. The Bible might call them “dry bones,” and I call them “white-washed fences.” Small-Hope and the Captain saw right through his façade.
This story is about survival, perseverance, and hope. To me, it begs for a sequel. Siri Mitchell, if you’re reading this, please consider a sequel. Yes, even after all this time. Questions that I would like to have answered in a sequel are: 1) Does the grandfather believe as Daniel did regarding the Lord? 2) What happens with Joshua? 3) Do Susannah and Small-Hope remain friends? 4) Does Susannah eventually leave the Puritan faith? 5) Is there a future encounter with Levi Wright or the mother?
I absolutely loved this book. It prompted many trips to the Kleenex box, and the characters will stay in my memory for some time. It’s very realistic, and Mitchell did a great job researching the Puritans. This book is suitable for anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. I’ve looked at the reviews of others (since writing my own), and some didn’t like the fate of a character. I didn’t like it either, but that is life. Not everything works out the way we want it to. However, a sequel could make a completely happy ending, which is what usually happens with this genre. Even without the happy ending, I still loved this book!
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Nearly perfect)
http://agardenofdelight.blogspot.com
I have read books by Siri Mitchell in the past, and I have both loved and liked her work. Love’s Pursuit falls into the former category. This book did not disappoint me!
The writing is phenomenal. This book was very difficult for me to put down, and I was thinking about it when I had to put it away. I connected with this book on a variety of levels. I, too, was a member of a high control religious group that was very legalistic, and I totally understood the mentality from Susannah’s side, the Captain’s side, and the townsmen’s side.
I really enjoyed Susannah’s character. She was the “good girl” who knew how to play the part, and she hated that she really wasn’t good at all. Honest and beautiful, she was blissfully unaware of dangers. With all the events in the book, she changed. The change wasn’t forced but came about naturally. She is the typical “girl next door” that many seem to love to hate because she seems so well put together, but unfortunately they don’t completely know her because of the dictates of religious control. With the legalism of her society, she couldn’t allow others to see her flaws.
The Captain… What an amazing man. Although not a Puritan, he kept peoples’ secrets as they would (no gossip), and he was insightful, like Small-Hope. He was an honorable protector, and he was underestimated because of his “heathen” status. I loved his patience, insightfulness into the human spirit, and the ability he had to read situations. To a degree, the townsmen were blinded from these same situations by the daily tasks they had to complete and trust for others in their group.
I loved to hate Simeon Wright. This character was well written, and it caused me to reflect on appearance. Some people appear beautiful on the outside, but on the inside they are wicked. The Bible might call them “dry bones,” and I call them “white-washed fences.” Small-Hope and the Captain saw right through his façade.
This story is about survival, perseverance, and hope. To me, it begs for a sequel. Siri Mitchell, if you’re reading this, please consider a sequel. Yes, even after all this time. Questions that I would like to have answered in a sequel are: 1) Does the grandfather believe as Daniel did regarding the Lord? 2) What happens with Joshua? 3) Do Susannah and Small-Hope remain friends? 4) Does Susannah eventually leave the Puritan faith? 5) Is there a future encounter with Levi Wright or the mother?
I absolutely loved this book. It prompted many trips to the Kleenex box, and the characters will stay in my memory for some time. It’s very realistic, and Mitchell did a great job researching the Puritans. This book is suitable for anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. I’ve looked at the reviews of others (since writing my own), and some didn’t like the fate of a character. I didn’t like it either, but that is life. Not everything works out the way we want it to. However, a sequel could make a completely happy ending, which is what usually happens with this genre. Even without the happy ending, I still loved this book!
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Nearly perfect)
http://agardenofdelight.blogspot.com
August 11, 2009
I recently read Siri Mitchell's A Constant Heart and was not overly impressed with the plot and characters, although I was highly impressed by her attention to historic detail. I was also distracted by the use of two first-person point-of-view narrators; the narrators would often abruptly switch and it was hard to know which character was speaking at first (yes, even though one was male and the other female). At the same time I borrowed A Constant Heart from the library, I also picked up Love's Pursuit and am so glad that I did. Love's Pursuit is very much the better book of the two. Mitchell again uses two first-person narrators, but in a much more readable way. The transitions between the two were not as abrupt and off-putting as in A Constant Heart.
Love's Pursuit's characters were much more engaging and their questions about faith and grace were thought-provoking. Mitchell has the same kind of historic detail that she used in A Constant Heart but this time she pushed those details to the background and focused more on the relationships of the characters.
One slight spoiler: this book may not have a happy ending for the main character, but it does have a hopeful ending for her.
Love's Pursuit's characters were much more engaging and their questions about faith and grace were thought-provoking. Mitchell has the same kind of historic detail that she used in A Constant Heart but this time she pushed those details to the background and focused more on the relationships of the characters.
One slight spoiler: this book may not have a happy ending for the main character, but it does have a hopeful ending for her.
May 8, 2020
At the end of this novel, the author asked if the reader considered the book to be a romance or a tragedy, but I have to say that it's both. How it ended made me both happy and sad: happy because Susannah had learned to trust God's love but sad because she was even more alone at the end of the novel than she was at the beginning and yet happy a because Small-hope had become Hope, living healed and happy, open with her wonderful, patient husband and with her community. Would I have chosen a different, happier ending? Yes, I probably would have, but I still enjoyed the book as it was written even with the way my emotions were pulled in multiple directions, leaving my head confused and my heart weirdly peaceful.
In any case, this was a mostly well written historical novel, but I'm not a fan of books written in first person that have more than one protagonist because it's confusing when one "I" suddenly switches to a different "I." Anyhow, the character development was fairly good even if the most of the characters were annoying, but that could be because Puritans weren't the most pleasant or understanding people. Overall, I am glad that I read this book although I could really use a good laugh now after having read two really emotionally-wrenching books in a row.
In any case, this was a mostly well written historical novel, but I'm not a fan of books written in first person that have more than one protagonist because it's confusing when one "I" suddenly switches to a different "I." Anyhow, the character development was fairly good even if the most of the characters were annoying, but that could be because Puritans weren't the most pleasant or understanding people. Overall, I am glad that I read this book although I could really use a good laugh now after having read two really emotionally-wrenching books in a row.
June 17, 2009
Love's Pursuit takes place in Massachusetts during the Puritan era. Susannah is a puritan girl who on the outside seems to be the eye of perfections. However, Susannah thinks herself to be a sinner and judges herself harshly. A captain from the "King's army" comes to their village because he has heard reports of savages. I do not want to give too much away, but will Susannah fall in love with a man from her own puritan village or with the Captain and his heathen ways? You will have to read to find out!!
This one was a bit hard to get into at first because I have not read much about the Puritans and was a bit confused at firs by some of the goings on and their language. I wished that the author had given a bit of an introduction, perhaps a bit of actual history, before delving into the story.
However, that does NOT mean I did not like it, I really enjoyed this story. It gave me a bit of what life was like for the Puritans. It also kept me driven to read to the end, because I had no idea how the end would turn out. I must say I was disappointed in the ending, but that is just me.
This one was a bit hard to get into at first because I have not read much about the Puritans and was a bit confused at firs by some of the goings on and their language. I wished that the author had given a bit of an introduction, perhaps a bit of actual history, before delving into the story.
However, that does NOT mean I did not like it, I really enjoyed this story. It gave me a bit of what life was like for the Puritans. It also kept me driven to read to the end, because I had no idea how the end would turn out. I must say I was disappointed in the ending, but that is just me.
June 19, 2009
Siri Mitchell is my current favorite author. The first of her books that I read is Chateau of Echoes, the story of an American who runs an exclusive bed and breakfast in a chateau in France, an American novelist who visits, and the fifteenth century diary that connects them. It's great.
Love's Pursuit is the story of a Puritan woman who longs to do what's right and be what's right but has these conflicting feelings and desires and how these two parts of her, the perceived and the real, collide. It's a romance but not in the way we expect.
What makes Siri so ridiculously good is that she brings past time periods to life. I've read three of her books with historical time periods in them, and in each one I feel like I'm watching a movie, only smells are included. :) She knows how to weave the culture and behavior of the time period into the story in such a way that it makes perfect sense in her characters.
I highly recommend Siri's fiction, whether or not you read Christian fiction. To me, she's an author who's a crossover waiting to happen.
Love's Pursuit is the story of a Puritan woman who longs to do what's right and be what's right but has these conflicting feelings and desires and how these two parts of her, the perceived and the real, collide. It's a romance but not in the way we expect.
What makes Siri so ridiculously good is that she brings past time periods to life. I've read three of her books with historical time periods in them, and in each one I feel like I'm watching a movie, only smells are included. :) She knows how to weave the culture and behavior of the time period into the story in such a way that it makes perfect sense in her characters.
I highly recommend Siri's fiction, whether or not you read Christian fiction. To me, she's an author who's a crossover waiting to happen.
December 23, 2009
I love Siri Mitchell. Okay, that's kind of creepy. I mean I love Siri Mitchell's writing. That being said, I did have quite the struggle in deciding to rate this a 4 or a 5 star. The writing is stellar. The characters are poignant. The setting draws in the reader so that you feel as if you're there.
So what's my problem? Without giving away the story, let's just say that it did NOT end the way I'd hoped. Oh yes, there's quite the twist toward the end of the plot, and one that you're either going to love or hate. Pesonally, I didn't like it, but I'm a die-hard romantic at heart.
But you will note that I did end up giving this 5 stars. I do recommend it highly, but read at your own risk in knowing you might not like the way it ends.
So what's my problem? Without giving away the story, let's just say that it did NOT end the way I'd hoped. Oh yes, there's quite the twist toward the end of the plot, and one that you're either going to love or hate. Pesonally, I didn't like it, but I'm a die-hard romantic at heart.
But you will note that I did end up giving this 5 stars. I do recommend it highly, but read at your own risk in knowing you might not like the way it ends.
November 10, 2010
I loved the author's writing style and how she portrayed Puritan life with so many details. I would give it 4 or 5 stars for the story, but I really didn't like the surprise ending. It was almost as if the author had changed her mind at the last minute and went a different direction.
February 12, 2011
The writing and story-telling were good and what I expect from this author. The time and setting gave a very realistic feeling of life in a Puritan colony. But I just didn't "like" the story much ... most likely because part of the ending was NOT what I wanted to have happen!
April 30, 2015
Why only 1 star? The heroine was wonderful - I loved her. BUT.... how can you kill off the hero? Develop an entire love story and kill him and end the book? WHAT????? This seemed like the authors attempt to give us an example of Christ - as he died to save another - but really?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2020
What an up and down emotional book. Great joy and great sadness. The message was really good at the end. The author gives you a glimpse into the life of Puritans.
March 30, 2021
It did not end how I thought it would end .. I almost wish someone had warned me.. But I like surprises so it's all well and good.
December 24, 2021
I think this was one of the saddest books I've read this year...
June 30, 2012
Sometimes when you reach the end of a book, you realize that the story you were reading was much deeper than you'd understood. It leaves you a little breathless, thankful to have read such a gift, and you know it's a story you'll be thinking about for a while. "Love's Pursuit" is one of those books.
There is more than one kind of evil in the world. There's the evil that everyone recognizes, the kind that wrecks lives out in the open. Then there's the insidious evil that masquerades as good and does much damage before it is discovered. Likewise, there is more than one kind of love. Love for your family. Romantic love. The love of God.
I identified with Susannah, our main character, right away. She struggles with knowing how to be herself because she was such a meek and good child that no one would ever guess that she was any different than that on the inside. I understand that completely. Being a good child means following the rules set out for you. Once you leave childhood it is such a different story. Unfortunately, Susannah did not have the options that young women have today. She wants to embrace the expectations to be a goodwife someday, and she wants to be a good Puritan. But there's a war within herself.
There are three men who are interested in winning Susannah's hand. There's John, the man she has dreamed of marrying. There's Simeon, a powerful young leader in their township. Then there's the Captain, a newcomer whose looks and beliefs fly in the faces of their religion. All are serious contenders as the plot progesses and it keeps things interesting.
In usual Siri Mitchell fashion, we have another first-person narrator, but this time it's someone you would least expect. Small-hope was abused and neglected as a child, and her only desire is to remain invisible. She's incredibly observant of those around her, though she does not wish to enter into relationship with them. She's a very different main character, but one that you come to cheer for.
This story is set in the 1640's in Massachusetts. The majority of the book revolves around the daily lives of the Puritans and how they coped with the threat of Indian attack. The depth of historical information is exactly what you'd expect from a Siri Mitchell novel. The plot is very much character-driven. The theme of salvation by works v. grace is skillfully woven into the story, not forced at all.
Susannah faces many challenges and changes over the course of the book. You hope for her, you fall in love alongside her, you ache for her. Through the ups and the downs and the uncertainties, she discovers the Love which has the most power in her life. The Love that pursues each one of us still today. Some might not call this a happy story, but it's a story that each one of us can understand. Love's pursuit is upon us all, and may each reader turn and embrace Him more fully through the reading of this story.
This review originated at http://www.reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
There is more than one kind of evil in the world. There's the evil that everyone recognizes, the kind that wrecks lives out in the open. Then there's the insidious evil that masquerades as good and does much damage before it is discovered. Likewise, there is more than one kind of love. Love for your family. Romantic love. The love of God.
I identified with Susannah, our main character, right away. She struggles with knowing how to be herself because she was such a meek and good child that no one would ever guess that she was any different than that on the inside. I understand that completely. Being a good child means following the rules set out for you. Once you leave childhood it is such a different story. Unfortunately, Susannah did not have the options that young women have today. She wants to embrace the expectations to be a goodwife someday, and she wants to be a good Puritan. But there's a war within herself.
There are three men who are interested in winning Susannah's hand. There's John, the man she has dreamed of marrying. There's Simeon, a powerful young leader in their township. Then there's the Captain, a newcomer whose looks and beliefs fly in the faces of their religion. All are serious contenders as the plot progesses and it keeps things interesting.
In usual Siri Mitchell fashion, we have another first-person narrator, but this time it's someone you would least expect. Small-hope was abused and neglected as a child, and her only desire is to remain invisible. She's incredibly observant of those around her, though she does not wish to enter into relationship with them. She's a very different main character, but one that you come to cheer for.
This story is set in the 1640's in Massachusetts. The majority of the book revolves around the daily lives of the Puritans and how they coped with the threat of Indian attack. The depth of historical information is exactly what you'd expect from a Siri Mitchell novel. The plot is very much character-driven. The theme of salvation by works v. grace is skillfully woven into the story, not forced at all.
Susannah faces many challenges and changes over the course of the book. You hope for her, you fall in love alongside her, you ache for her. Through the ups and the downs and the uncertainties, she discovers the Love which has the most power in her life. The Love that pursues each one of us still today. Some might not call this a happy story, but it's a story that each one of us can understand. Love's pursuit is upon us all, and may each reader turn and embrace Him more fully through the reading of this story.
This review originated at http://www.reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
July 16, 2009
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.
In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?
My review:
Love's Pursuit is a unique story of love lost and love found; a truly heart-wrenching combination that plays out beautifully in this novel. It's also about the holiness of love and the beauty of forgiveness and of understanding God's grace. It's a tragic story in many ways as well. A minor character, small-Hope, had a horrific past that slowly came out in the course of this novel. There were many people afraid to deal with the issues in their Puritan community and so they did nothing, thus perpetuating the pain for the victims who were powerless. I'd love it if there was a sequel to Love's Pursuit that focuses on small-Hope.
And while this story is by no means a suspense, there are some suspenseful moments in it when you don't know what Susannah is going to do. She seems hopelessly trapped and with no way to escape the future she doesn't want, and in fact fears. I loved that about this story because as I got to know the characters I ended up feeling their pain.
What I found a bit confusing at first was the way the point of view scenes would change between Hope and Susannah, and because they were both in first person POV it took me awhile to be able to figure out who was who since they were not introduced by name prior to or at the opening of the scene. However, that was not a big deal and I quickly adjusted.
While not my favorite book by Siri, it still slowly builds until the romance became stoking hot, which is so signature Siri. I love that about her stories because she knows how to show love developing over the most minor things, like picking nits and lice out of someone's hair (of the opposite sex.) Interesting how she did that so well that I looked forward to the event. The dialog was also very convincing and I could hear the characters speaking in my head as I read along. I would highly recommend this story to history buffs. It's certainly not the same-old, same-old formula for historical romance. But I like that.
Love's Pursuit was published by Bethany House and released in June.
In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.
In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?
My review:
Love's Pursuit is a unique story of love lost and love found; a truly heart-wrenching combination that plays out beautifully in this novel. It's also about the holiness of love and the beauty of forgiveness and of understanding God's grace. It's a tragic story in many ways as well. A minor character, small-Hope, had a horrific past that slowly came out in the course of this novel. There were many people afraid to deal with the issues in their Puritan community and so they did nothing, thus perpetuating the pain for the victims who were powerless. I'd love it if there was a sequel to Love's Pursuit that focuses on small-Hope.
And while this story is by no means a suspense, there are some suspenseful moments in it when you don't know what Susannah is going to do. She seems hopelessly trapped and with no way to escape the future she doesn't want, and in fact fears. I loved that about this story because as I got to know the characters I ended up feeling their pain.
What I found a bit confusing at first was the way the point of view scenes would change between Hope and Susannah, and because they were both in first person POV it took me awhile to be able to figure out who was who since they were not introduced by name prior to or at the opening of the scene. However, that was not a big deal and I quickly adjusted.
While not my favorite book by Siri, it still slowly builds until the romance became stoking hot, which is so signature Siri. I love that about her stories because she knows how to show love developing over the most minor things, like picking nits and lice out of someone's hair (of the opposite sex.) Interesting how she did that so well that I looked forward to the event. The dialog was also very convincing and I could hear the characters speaking in my head as I read along. I would highly recommend this story to history buffs. It's certainly not the same-old, same-old formula for historical romance. But I like that.
Love's Pursuit was published by Bethany House and released in June.
September 25, 2014
This book was about Susannah Phillips. She lives in Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts. The rules there was that she dressed the right way, believed the right things, and lived the right life. In Stoneybrooke there are savages living in the forest, so the King from a nearby city sends a captain. Nobody really likes him because he looks wild. Susannah is proposed to by Simeon Wright, the richest and meanest man in town. Susannah doesn't say anything because she is not allowed to and her father goes and asks the man she wants to marry (John) if he will marry her, he says yes. Then in church the next the banns for Susannah and Simeon and published but it was a mistake because Susannah said said yes to John. Then John says he won't marry Susannah because of the banns that have been published. Susannah finds out that Simeon is beating up his mother and tries to pull out of it but she can't. The captain persuades her to marry him and they will run away but some things get in the way and Susannah finds herself all alone without Daniel (the captain).
Wide Reading Questions:
1. I decided to read this book because it was one of the books recommended in the back of a book I had read.
2. My favourite character was the Captain because he was brave and he did things some of the people in the town would never do. He tried to help everyone in the best was possible and he fought against Simeon who was trying to force Susannah into doing something against her own will.
3. My favourite quote is: "God is only good. And life was a gift. Of that I was certain. I did not know yet what to do with it, or what was wanted from me. But I would. I had hope. For I knew that there remained love enough. And that all eternity could be held for the remained love enough. And that eternity could be held for the space of a lifetime within the heart. What I once had would be mine again. Only infinitely brighter, infinitely purer, infinitely sweeter. And all would be righted at the conclusion of love's pursuit. ~Daniel (the captain) & Susannah Phillips. I like this quote because it is true and I love the way it ends the book.
4. I learnt that you should always do what you want to do and that you shouldn't let people force you into doing things that you don't want to do.
Wide Reading Questions:
1. I decided to read this book because it was one of the books recommended in the back of a book I had read.
2. My favourite character was the Captain because he was brave and he did things some of the people in the town would never do. He tried to help everyone in the best was possible and he fought against Simeon who was trying to force Susannah into doing something against her own will.
3. My favourite quote is: "God is only good. And life was a gift. Of that I was certain. I did not know yet what to do with it, or what was wanted from me. But I would. I had hope. For I knew that there remained love enough. And that all eternity could be held for the remained love enough. And that eternity could be held for the space of a lifetime within the heart. What I once had would be mine again. Only infinitely brighter, infinitely purer, infinitely sweeter. And all would be righted at the conclusion of love's pursuit. ~Daniel (the captain) & Susannah Phillips. I like this quote because it is true and I love the way it ends the book.
4. I learnt that you should always do what you want to do and that you shouldn't let people force you into doing things that you don't want to do.
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