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Surrender the Wind
(Inspirational Historical Romance) A quick~match tale of unexpected love . . . A fuse that burned rapidly. A tale of love and betrayal in Georgian England.
When Juleah Braxton meets her best friend's American brother, he is nothing what she imagined he would be. He is battle scared from the Revolution, determined to restore his father's home in Virginia when he unexpectedly inherits his grandfather's estate in faraway England. Juleah's independent spirit and gentle soul wins Seth's heart and she becomes lady of the manor, enraging the man who sought her hand and schemed to make Ten Width his own.
When Juleah Braxton meets her best friend's American brother, he is nothing what she imagined he would be. He is battle scared from the Revolution, determined to restore his father's home in Virginia when he unexpectedly inherits his grandfather's estate in faraway England. Juleah's independent spirit and gentle soul wins Seth's heart and she becomes lady of the manor, enraging the man who sought her hand and schemed to make Ten Width his own.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
70 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
Rita Gerlach
22 books166 followersRita Gerlach lives with her husband in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.
"Inspirational romantic fiction is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully."
"Inspirational romantic fiction is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 3, 2009
As much as I enjoyed getting to know the hero/heroine, what I like most about Rita Gerlach’s writing is her characterization of secondary characters. Sir Henry is the heroine’s father, and though he plays a small but significant part in the story, I looked forward to scenes that included him. His off-the-wall antics and dialogue are due to dementia, which gives one a certain sympathy for the old fellow, but nonetheless are pretty humorous.
Liking Sir Henry is as easy as hating Constable Latterbuck. Bluntly stated, he’s a schmuck. Gerlach’s portrayal of him is as complete as if he were a main character, which pulled me more into the story.
I have to admit there is one point in the story where I skipped to the end just to make sure a character I loved would survive. Without giving it away, the point is that Gerlach includes plenty of action throughout.
Surrender the Wind is a release from the new fiction line at Abingdon Press. I applaud Abingdon’s daring for publishing historicals that aren’t limited to Americana. I am anxious to read a variety of Abingdon’s different eras and settings, and of course…more from author Rita Gerlach!
Liking Sir Henry is as easy as hating Constable Latterbuck. Bluntly stated, he’s a schmuck. Gerlach’s portrayal of him is as complete as if he were a main character, which pulled me more into the story.
I have to admit there is one point in the story where I skipped to the end just to make sure a character I loved would survive. Without giving it away, the point is that Gerlach includes plenty of action throughout.
Surrender the Wind is a release from the new fiction line at Abingdon Press. I applaud Abingdon’s daring for publishing historicals that aren’t limited to Americana. I am anxious to read a variety of Abingdon’s different eras and settings, and of course…more from author Rita Gerlach!
March 22, 2010
I had the privilege of interviewing Rita Gerlach, on our radio show "Kingdom Highlights", for her new book, "Surrender The Wind" published by Abingdon Press. This is a post-Revolutionary War story that is a romance, a thriller and a bit of a detective story with a gothic flavor. In short it is a good read.
American Revolutionary War patriot Seth Braxton is called back to England when he learns that his grandfather has died and that he has willed, Ten Width, the ancestral home to him. If it were not for the fact that his sister lives there and he has not seen her in a long time he would not go but go he does. When he arrives in Devonshire he finds his sister, Carolyn, is grieving over the loss of her son and he meets Juleah with whom he falls madly in love.
Seth has no great desire to stay in Devonshire, only wanting to return home to America but events begin to play out that question whether his nephew is really dead and why is he receiving these threats? So, now with everyone's lives in danger, Seth stays to sort through the mystery that surrounds his ancestral home.
This is an exciting book filled with all kinds of twists and turns and sub-lots that will keep you guessing. It is worth the investment of time to read this book, you will not be disappointed.
If you missed the interview for "Surrender The Wind" and would like to listen to it please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
American Revolutionary War patriot Seth Braxton is called back to England when he learns that his grandfather has died and that he has willed, Ten Width, the ancestral home to him. If it were not for the fact that his sister lives there and he has not seen her in a long time he would not go but go he does. When he arrives in Devonshire he finds his sister, Carolyn, is grieving over the loss of her son and he meets Juleah with whom he falls madly in love.
Seth has no great desire to stay in Devonshire, only wanting to return home to America but events begin to play out that question whether his nephew is really dead and why is he receiving these threats? So, now with everyone's lives in danger, Seth stays to sort through the mystery that surrounds his ancestral home.
This is an exciting book filled with all kinds of twists and turns and sub-lots that will keep you guessing. It is worth the investment of time to read this book, you will not be disappointed.
If you missed the interview for "Surrender The Wind" and would like to listen to it please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 7, 2010
'Surrender the Wind' grabbed me within the first few pages.
It's a fast-paced, Georgian romance, steeped in history that had me comparing it to my favorites by Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters. It also has a hint of gothic, reminding me of the old mystery classics by Victoria Holt—creaky carriages rumbling along an English countryside dripping with fog, candlelight flickering against mullioned windows, a quill pen scratching against parchment.
The author, Rita Gerlach, immediately swept me away from US soil to the misty isle of England where her hero, the American Revolutionary patriot, Seth Braxton, seeks to reunite with his sister Caroline. Seth wants nothing to do with his English roots, unlike his sister, so returning to the British Isles goes against his heart’s desire. Then Seth meets the beautiful Juleah, and love begins to flower.
In addition, danger and betrayal wait for Seth in his ancestral manor. Someone who keeps his presence and identity well-hidden also doesn’t want Seth to return and take up the reins of his legacy. Caroline’s little son is kidnapped and Seth sets out to rescue his nephew. But Seth’s faith wavers at times in the face of sinister plots of abduction and murder, and Juleah helps to strengthen his faith in God.
This is a great book to while away a summer day under a shady tree or on a wintry day with the rain slashing against your windows as you curl up on the couch. It is a book of around 300 pages that I would not hesitate to give to my young niece of 13, my friend of 30, or my mother at 73 years of age. It has no jarring or grotesque images to disturb, but it does have plenty of action, suspense, beautiful description, romance, and is inspirational.
It's a fast-paced, Georgian romance, steeped in history that had me comparing it to my favorites by Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters. It also has a hint of gothic, reminding me of the old mystery classics by Victoria Holt—creaky carriages rumbling along an English countryside dripping with fog, candlelight flickering against mullioned windows, a quill pen scratching against parchment.
The author, Rita Gerlach, immediately swept me away from US soil to the misty isle of England where her hero, the American Revolutionary patriot, Seth Braxton, seeks to reunite with his sister Caroline. Seth wants nothing to do with his English roots, unlike his sister, so returning to the British Isles goes against his heart’s desire. Then Seth meets the beautiful Juleah, and love begins to flower.
In addition, danger and betrayal wait for Seth in his ancestral manor. Someone who keeps his presence and identity well-hidden also doesn’t want Seth to return and take up the reins of his legacy. Caroline’s little son is kidnapped and Seth sets out to rescue his nephew. But Seth’s faith wavers at times in the face of sinister plots of abduction and murder, and Juleah helps to strengthen his faith in God.
This is a great book to while away a summer day under a shady tree or on a wintry day with the rain slashing against your windows as you curl up on the couch. It is a book of around 300 pages that I would not hesitate to give to my young niece of 13, my friend of 30, or my mother at 73 years of age. It has no jarring or grotesque images to disturb, but it does have plenty of action, suspense, beautiful description, romance, and is inspirational.
March 4, 2012
Revolutionary War veteran, Seth Braxton, loses his father in America and his grandfather in England, thus inheriting estates in both lands. Although he does not want his English manor, Seth travels there to reunite with a younger sister, who lived with his grandfather. Seth quickly falls for his sister’s friend, Juleah, and they marry. But an old flame of Juleah’s kidnaps her and ships her to America, covering his tracks by burning down Seth’s home. Believing Juleah dead, Seth goes back to Virginia where he discovers her alive. The couple returns to England where Juleah is kidnapped again by the same villain and Seth comes to her rescue.
Although marketed as Christian romance, Surrender the Wind is more like a Victoria Holt gothic romance with stock protagonists, an amber-eyed damsel in distress and a handsome nobleman with an air of danger about him. The plot is likewise formulaic in that the nobleman lusts for the heroine, often happening upon her in states of undress, falls in love with her, and then rescues her from a lecherous man. In addition, this novel suffers from poor editing and is riddled with historical errors and plot flaws. For example, Seth wears a black crepe mourning armband, a Victorian fashion. Seth’s friend claims to be “not rich” even though he has an income of £2000 per annum. And everyone in the novel can tell that Seth is an American by his accent, even though the American accent was not considered unique until the
middle of the 19th century.
Although marketed as Christian romance, Surrender the Wind is more like a Victoria Holt gothic romance with stock protagonists, an amber-eyed damsel in distress and a handsome nobleman with an air of danger about him. The plot is likewise formulaic in that the nobleman lusts for the heroine, often happening upon her in states of undress, falls in love with her, and then rescues her from a lecherous man. In addition, this novel suffers from poor editing and is riddled with historical errors and plot flaws. For example, Seth wears a black crepe mourning armband, a Victorian fashion. Seth’s friend claims to be “not rich” even though he has an income of £2000 per annum. And everyone in the novel can tell that Seth is an American by his accent, even though the American accent was not considered unique until the
middle of the 19th century.
December 3, 2009
Seth Braxton is a hero that will sacrifice what he wants for what is best for the one he loves. Juleah is a sweet character, but one who will also stand up for what she believes in, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I really liked both of these characters. I loved how Rita made all the characters in some way related, and when they first met they had no idea the impact they would have on each other’s life. I love when you meet someone, and then you go on and never realize who they were or the major part they would one day play in your own life. There was one of those characters that I dislike very much. A pompous person who is somewhat in charge, but won’t listen to reason even though they are wrong. But, he was taken care of in the end. I liked how everything turned out (I can’t say what I want to because of spoilers!) and thought that it was well resolved. The epilogue was great too! I love epilogues because they seem to finish off the character’s story line, without having to read the whole rest of their lives.
November 19, 2009
Rita Gerlach's Surrender the Wind is a decent enough read for those looking for a period romance without the smut (something I deeply appreciate in this age of morality-free fiction). Nevertheless, I found myself daydreaming again and again (and again) whenever she began to describe the surrounding scenery with words far too flowery for a middle-aged romantic to relate to. In addition, the writer set you up so entirely for each coming event that the book was entirely too predictable. Although I stubbornly read approximately 250 of the 400 pages, I lost all desire to finish it when I skipped towards the end to discover I had predicted correctly the outcome of yet another twist in the story. Had I been younger, and not such an experienced reader, I probably would have responded more favorably to this book.
June 8, 2009
Normally my reading preferences lean toward contemporary, but I was excited to read fellow Abingdon Press author Rita Gerlach's historical romance Surrender the Wind. Rita does an excellent job of bringing the post-Revolutionary War era to life. Her characterizations are engaging, and the story is a true page-turner. The book tells of the romance between patriot Seth Braxton and the beautiful Juleah, daughter of an English gentleman. The back-cover copy asks the question, "Will Seth and Juleah's love and faith survive a sinister plot of murder, abduction, and betrayal?" Of course we all know the answer is yes (it is a romance, after all), but the fun is seeing how Rita Gerlach brings it all about. Well done, Rita!
March 28, 2010
If you enjoy an excellent historical novel that will move you and sweep you back in time to colonial America and 18th century England, then "Surrender the Wind" is an excellent treat for you! One of Rita's talents that immediately drew me into the story was her vivid descriptions and how she set the tone of each new scene. The story and the characters were enchanting and tugged at me emotionally as they went through their challenges. An element of a murder mystery and the danger that the hero and heroine were in kept me reading. Overall, I was very pleased and honored to read this book by Rita Gerlach and I'm looking forward to more novels by her. I recommend this book and hope you'll give it a try.
November 8, 2023
I just finished reading Surrender the Wind by Rita Gerlach. This is an amazing book, it captured me from the first page to the last and I had a hard time putting it down to do needful things...like sleep.
I love the setting, at the end of the American Revolution, Virginia-(where I was born), the Potomac, Maryland-(my home), and as far as England. This story is full of everything I love in a book, set in 1700 time period with ladies, gentlemen, romance, mystery, suspense and more. I fell in love with the characters Seth Braxton and Julia Fallowes and held my breath as they faced challenges that came at them tearing them apart with new twists and turns at every corner and how they faced them. A fantastic read.
I love the setting, at the end of the American Revolution, Virginia-(where I was born), the Potomac, Maryland-(my home), and as far as England. This story is full of everything I love in a book, set in 1700 time period with ladies, gentlemen, romance, mystery, suspense and more. I fell in love with the characters Seth Braxton and Julia Fallowes and held my breath as they faced challenges that came at them tearing them apart with new twists and turns at every corner and how they faced them. A fantastic read.
March 20, 2014
Don't be fooled that this is called a christian novel. This is surprisedly good and there is very little reference to religion or God. You don't feel like you are being preached at in this story.
This takes place after the American Revolution when a patriot discover he has inherited property in England. Not knowing how he feels about it he takes dream and there he meets the woman of his dreams. Unfortunately she has a malignant stalker who will stop at nothing to make her his. How this all works is the focus of the plot.I enjoyed this one!
This takes place after the American Revolution when a patriot discover he has inherited property in England. Not knowing how he feels about it he takes dream and there he meets the woman of his dreams. Unfortunately she has a malignant stalker who will stop at nothing to make her his. How this all works is the focus of the plot.I enjoyed this one!
August 10, 2015
While this wasn't my favorite from Rita Gerlach it still consisted of her usual intriguing style. Of the five Gerlach books I've read they encompass a most unusual dynamic in writing; some-what raw and gritty and unpolished; and I really like it. The style is different; no syrupy sweet romances but explosive driven characters who usually don't beet around the bush. The faith element is ever-present and I will always appreciate that. I'm glad she has a new book coming out; I will be looking for it and other authors with this unique approach to Christian Historical.
August 30, 2016
New historical reading for me , I enjoyed the suspense of the plot and descriptive depictions of locations. What I did find frustrating were the uncorrected timelines for actions and noticeable details that clearly didn't lineup with other story facts.
Being my first read of Ms Gerlach's writing, I hope these issues have been addressed in more recent writing.
Being my first read of Ms Gerlach's writing, I hope these issues have been addressed in more recent writing.
December 31, 2022
Seth Braxton is an Englishman but fought with the Patriots in the Revolutionary War. Shortly after the war ended, he receives word that his English Grandfather has died; and he has inherited his estate. Torn in two between his love for his farm in the States and his need to look after his sister who is in England with his grandfather, Seth must make a decision that will change the rest of his life.
Well written historical romance fiction, this was an interesting read that realistically depicted the struggle many Englishman faced between their loyalty as Patriots and the needs after the war was over in their English homeland.
Well written historical romance fiction, this was an interesting read that realistically depicted the struggle many Englishman faced between their loyalty as Patriots and the needs after the war was over in their English homeland.
February 12, 2021
This is standard for the genre and if you enjoy that genre you will like this, you may love it. If it is not your favorite genre you will not like it. For a light read that I can pick up and put down at will and that does not take a lot of mental energy, I enjoyed it but it does not equal the truly great writers so I do get a little peeved at those who give light fiction 5 stars but that is not the author's fault.
August 16, 2017
I downloaded this ebook to my Nook library when it was free in 2012. I like historical fiction. I was disappointed in the characters as they seemed to be stereotypes who went from one crisis to the next.
I recommend it only to fans of the author and this genre.
I recommend it only to fans of the author and this genre.
May 28, 2018
Beautifully Sweet (and clean)
Loved the sweet love story set in colonial times, and while some of the descriptions lingered and I found myself forgetting who was who the story was beautiful!!
Loved the sweet love story set in colonial times, and while some of the descriptions lingered and I found myself forgetting who was who the story was beautiful!!
September 4, 2020
Another wonderful novel by Rita Gerlach. This is the fourth one I’ve read, and it didn’t disappoint. I love the historical time period. There is plenty of excitement and suspense and the complete spectrum of human emotion.
July 9, 2019
DNF. I just couldn't like the book, not sure why.
August 1, 2020
I enjoyed the tale, but it's a bit predictable
Most of the characters become like family/friends
sure hated to see the book end and have to leave my
new found friends.
Most of the characters become like family/friends
sure hated to see the book end and have to leave my
new found friends.
December 27, 2021
Unrealistic
I really wanted to enjoy this story, but couldn't make it thru to the end. Far too many unrealistic situations & outcomes.
I really wanted to enjoy this story, but couldn't make it thru to the end. Far too many unrealistic situations & outcomes.
August 3, 2011
If I gave half stars, this would be one of those occasions for 3 1/2 stars. Surrender the Wind was an entertaining read with a twisting plot which included murder, kidnapping, mystery, shipwrecks, and adventure. The story starts out strong in the prologue, bringing me instantly into the story. It pleated out slightly in the middle, but picked up almost instantly and then continued on, the plot thickening, till I found myself reading as fast as I could toward the end to finish it and find out how it will end.
Seth is a pretty awesome character. He’s brave, strong, handsome, supportive, understanding, protective, and so much more. I really enjoyed going along with Seth has he took the big leap to go to England. What a big decision to be made in that day and age. Juleah was also a strong character with a very tender and sweet side that endeared her to many people. Her devotion to Seth’s sister was also very commendable and I enjoyed watching the two girl’s special friendship.
The plot was very adventurous, as I mention above—murder, mystery, shipwrecks, kidnapping, etc. While this all was exciting to read, I personally found the plot fairly predictable. As first, one than another twist entered the story, I could guess how it was going to turn out—and was proven correct at the end. But this might just be me. Besides the predictability, I really enjoyed the story and thought that the way Seth was first introduced to Juleah was very special and unique.
Rita writes differently than what I am used to, but it was still good. A bit flowery at times, but for those who like vivid, fancy words would enjoy the writing style of this book. Once or twice I wished the author had gone into more detail—mainly, on Seth and Juleah’s growing attachment. It was kind of only vaguely mentioned by saying they spent time together and began to care for the other. While this didn’t ruin the book for me, I confess I wished I could’ve watched their love for the other bloom a little more.
While I did mention that I had a few problems with the plot and writing style, I still enjoyed the story and had a hard time stopping during the last 100 pages or so. The author has more books coming out in the near future, and I will certainly want to read them. The historical aspects of the story, while not the main part, were interesting. It must’ve been hard for Seth, who fought against the British during the war, to go over and live in England. A bit dangerous at times. All in all, I found this book a light, fun, entertaining read.
Seth is a pretty awesome character. He’s brave, strong, handsome, supportive, understanding, protective, and so much more. I really enjoyed going along with Seth has he took the big leap to go to England. What a big decision to be made in that day and age. Juleah was also a strong character with a very tender and sweet side that endeared her to many people. Her devotion to Seth’s sister was also very commendable and I enjoyed watching the two girl’s special friendship.
The plot was very adventurous, as I mention above—murder, mystery, shipwrecks, kidnapping, etc. While this all was exciting to read, I personally found the plot fairly predictable. As first, one than another twist entered the story, I could guess how it was going to turn out—and was proven correct at the end. But this might just be me. Besides the predictability, I really enjoyed the story and thought that the way Seth was first introduced to Juleah was very special and unique.
Rita writes differently than what I am used to, but it was still good. A bit flowery at times, but for those who like vivid, fancy words would enjoy the writing style of this book. Once or twice I wished the author had gone into more detail—mainly, on Seth and Juleah’s growing attachment. It was kind of only vaguely mentioned by saying they spent time together and began to care for the other. While this didn’t ruin the book for me, I confess I wished I could’ve watched their love for the other bloom a little more.
While I did mention that I had a few problems with the plot and writing style, I still enjoyed the story and had a hard time stopping during the last 100 pages or so. The author has more books coming out in the near future, and I will certainly want to read them. The historical aspects of the story, while not the main part, were interesting. It must’ve been hard for Seth, who fought against the British during the war, to go over and live in England. A bit dangerous at times. All in all, I found this book a light, fun, entertaining read.
April 12, 2013
Adventure travels back and forth between the colonies and England during stressful times around the Revolutionary War. Rita Gerlach had woven another terrific story for her wide reader base.
Enemies and lovers follow the adventures through life threatening and rewarding days as this gently written tale tells the story of people who have ties in both lands. Blood runs thicker than water and family will stick together.
Some characters are wicked through and through, while others turn from wickedness to be the links that save the day for the righteous.
Surrender the Wind gives readers a glimpse of the ‘people’ involved in the beginning of the United States. There are no political scenarios discussing the birthing of the government. Instead, we see ordinary people who love their work and land. As a patriot, Seth Braxton has to overcome the connected prejudices toward the perceived enemy of family in England and deal with the prejudices which are aimed right back toward him. He finds firm, lasting friendships, matures to heal family rifts and marries the only woman who ever captured his heart. I don’t want to spoil the story for you, so you will have to read for yourself to learn which of the bad guys and good guys survive battles, shipwrecks and fires. You know, in a good story, there is a mixture of victory and tragedy.
Rita Gerlach weaves a tale of adventure and love with the accompanying risks and dangers through a ‘clean path’. I enjoyed a swiftly moving story that carries no profanity, personal faith without specific preaching, tenderness with no steamy, anatomically correct sex scenes. Yet, the story manages not to be boring! A talented novelist.
I purchased this novel for my Kindle Fire and am proud to have you find it on my reading list. I plan to read more of Rita Gerlach’s writing.
Enemies and lovers follow the adventures through life threatening and rewarding days as this gently written tale tells the story of people who have ties in both lands. Blood runs thicker than water and family will stick together.
Some characters are wicked through and through, while others turn from wickedness to be the links that save the day for the righteous.
Surrender the Wind gives readers a glimpse of the ‘people’ involved in the beginning of the United States. There are no political scenarios discussing the birthing of the government. Instead, we see ordinary people who love their work and land. As a patriot, Seth Braxton has to overcome the connected prejudices toward the perceived enemy of family in England and deal with the prejudices which are aimed right back toward him. He finds firm, lasting friendships, matures to heal family rifts and marries the only woman who ever captured his heart. I don’t want to spoil the story for you, so you will have to read for yourself to learn which of the bad guys and good guys survive battles, shipwrecks and fires. You know, in a good story, there is a mixture of victory and tragedy.
Rita Gerlach weaves a tale of adventure and love with the accompanying risks and dangers through a ‘clean path’. I enjoyed a swiftly moving story that carries no profanity, personal faith without specific preaching, tenderness with no steamy, anatomically correct sex scenes. Yet, the story manages not to be boring! A talented novelist.
I purchased this novel for my Kindle Fire and am proud to have you find it on my reading list. I plan to read more of Rita Gerlach’s writing.
July 3, 2011
The story starts during the Revolutionary War, with patriot Seth Braxton narrowly escaping death. Things are rapidly set up for him to inherit his grandfather's estate in England. Against his better judgment he sets off to Ten Width, the ancestral home. He comes to find his sister, Caroline gravely ill and grieving for her dead son. In attendance is also the lovely Juleah. Although promised to another, she and Seth quickly fall in love and are married. But happiness isn't going to be easy, and things aren't always what they seem. With murder and kidnapping, broken hearts and betrayal, Rita Gerland creates a Gothic-flavored suspenseful romance.
Seth is a well-developed character. He reacts to things as a person would, and is much more than a love-struck heir with more money and land than he ever expected. He faces prejudice and incompetence, love and acceptance without being overwritten. The same could be said for Juleah. She is rather eccentric for the times, in that she speaks her mind and marries for love rather than for obligation. She does it all in a way that doesn't make her seem ill-fit for the times.
In a way, it felt like reading a Georgian soap opera. There were twists and turns, some more predictable than others, and a whole cast of well-developed characters. The story didn't dwell on any one event for a long time, but constantly weaved the story lines from the different characters' perspectives together. Gerland uses a lot of adjectives in her writing, and they sometimes felt a bit forced or repetitive... but overall, this is a wonderful book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Seth is a well-developed character. He reacts to things as a person would, and is much more than a love-struck heir with more money and land than he ever expected. He faces prejudice and incompetence, love and acceptance without being overwritten. The same could be said for Juleah. She is rather eccentric for the times, in that she speaks her mind and marries for love rather than for obligation. She does it all in a way that doesn't make her seem ill-fit for the times.
In a way, it felt like reading a Georgian soap opera. There were twists and turns, some more predictable than others, and a whole cast of well-developed characters. The story didn't dwell on any one event for a long time, but constantly weaved the story lines from the different characters' perspectives together. Gerland uses a lot of adjectives in her writing, and they sometimes felt a bit forced or repetitive... but overall, this is a wonderful book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
July 4, 2011
Seth Braxton, Virginian, is captured by English forces at the end of the Revolutionary War. Among the officers of the troop that holds him are Captain Michael Bray and Captain Edward Darden, whom Seth overhears talking about his grandfather’s estate in England where his sister, Carolyn, was taken to escape the war. One of the men shoots Seth’s horse for food, and the other creeps up quietly in the night to set him free “for Carolyn.” One, Seth will discover, is his father’s step-brother, and the other will become his own brother-in-law. One will again save Seth’s life in England, and the other will attempt to take everything Seth has from him – the woman he loves and his inheritance from his grandfather.
Gerlach weaves a tale of family torn apart by America’s quest for independence, showing the bitterness of cherished anger and the peace from forgiveness those families had to choose afterwards. She defines her characters moderately well, though there is a tendency toward them being all good or all bad. This, however, does not really detract from the story which flows very well even through sequences that are rather contrived and predictable.
Despite flaws I would otherwise consider major impediments to this book, I liked it. Gerlach’s story-telling strengths outweigh crafting and plotting weaknesses.
Gerlach weaves a tale of family torn apart by America’s quest for independence, showing the bitterness of cherished anger and the peace from forgiveness those families had to choose afterwards. She defines her characters moderately well, though there is a tendency toward them being all good or all bad. This, however, does not really detract from the story which flows very well even through sequences that are rather contrived and predictable.
Despite flaws I would otherwise consider major impediments to this book, I liked it. Gerlach’s story-telling strengths outweigh crafting and plotting weaknesses.
December 19, 2011
I read a lot of classic books, like Jane Austen, Dickens, Flora Thompson, Louisa May Elcott. To me, most books today don't slow down enough to set the stage. In Moby Dick, some 35 pages are given to detail about a picture...now that's over doing it, so I set the book down. Can't read Moby Dick. But Rita Gerlach doesn't belabor her setting and detail a lot. It's so beautiful.
I think in our fast pace culture, we're losing setting. Such an important element to a story, and in some books, the element. Cranford, by Elizabeth Gaskell, is really all about the setting, as is Jan Karon's town of Mitford.
I applaud an author who paints a picture for me, especially since it's historical. If I was reading something contemporary, I could see the need for lack of detail, but this book is set in the late 1700's. In the first chapter, I felt like I was in a virgin (untouched) forest, little we know about today. In England, the castle scenes were excellent.
Can't wait for Rita's new Daughters of the Potomiac to come out. Counting the days!
I think in our fast pace culture, we're losing setting. Such an important element to a story, and in some books, the element. Cranford, by Elizabeth Gaskell, is really all about the setting, as is Jan Karon's town of Mitford.
I applaud an author who paints a picture for me, especially since it's historical. If I was reading something contemporary, I could see the need for lack of detail, but this book is set in the late 1700's. In the first chapter, I felt like I was in a virgin (untouched) forest, little we know about today. In England, the castle scenes were excellent.
Can't wait for Rita's new Daughters of the Potomiac to come out. Counting the days!
September 8, 2014
The language and imagery in this book is enough to have me craving for more from author Rita Gerlach. The one downfall to this book was that I felt that things went so fast and there was not always enough depth as I would like, but with a 400 page book and so many things happening, one can only fit in so many words. Bringing forth the best of an English native land as well as a post-Revolutionary America hosts an exciting setting for this story of romance, betrayal, heart break, and adventure. The interweaving of the characters past, present, and future is beautiful and believable. I loved the main character and it was so good to have a book that followed a man's point of view for once instead of a woman.
I am really excited about the new publishing house of Abingdon Press and this cover is absolutely to die for!
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
I am really excited about the new publishing house of Abingdon Press and this cover is absolutely to die for!
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
August 30, 2009
This was a very interesting book to me. I loved the time period it was set in (post American Revolution) and the scenario (a patriot has to go to England to claim his inheritance and deal with all the hard feelings of the English there). There are a lot of elements to the storyline - mystery, murder, kidnapping, death, deception and love.
But something about the book just didn't read smoothly to me. Like maybe there were too many elements to the book and so they weren't all able to develop fully. The romance between Seth and Juleah didn't develop it just happened as did the love story between Caroline and Michael Bray.
I liked the overall book, it was really unique, the ending was great and can I just say that the cover is beautiful. A good historical romance from an era not much written about.
But something about the book just didn't read smoothly to me. Like maybe there were too many elements to the book and so they weren't all able to develop fully. The romance between Seth and Juleah didn't develop it just happened as did the love story between Caroline and Michael Bray.
I liked the overall book, it was really unique, the ending was great and can I just say that the cover is beautiful. A good historical romance from an era not much written about.
April 9, 2010
I laughed so many times at the flowery, overdone descriptions of people and their emotions. It was just way over-the-top. And Captain Jack Sparrow made an appearance as well, which makes me wonder about the author and her imagination. The foreshadowing was overdone. The basic plot was good but ruined by the fact that two different people who were thought dead miraculously turned out to be alive. One person maybe, but two? The characters needed more development as well. The main female character was too perfect. It's one of those books where everything ended perfectly. The bad guys ended up dead or lost everything, and the good guys won everything and were happy. Nothing new there. It has a slight Christian undertone, but not enough to call it a "Christian" book. Overall, not worth the read in my opinion. I only finished it to find out what happened.
April 30, 2012
A very enjoyable story set in the years following the Revolutionary War. The story starts in Virginia at the end of the war with Seth Braxton surviving a close encounter with some British soldiers. At the end of the war, Seth finds out he inherits an estate in England, the estate his sister was taken to when the war started. He plans to go to England, see to the welfare of his sister, and return to America. That is... until he meets Juleah. Love and conspiracy follow and complicate all his plans. And those British officers he encountered? They show up again. No spoilers here, but read the book! I highly recommend it.
August 15, 2013
Eh, it was okay. I felt like the author tried to present all of these eloquent descriptions of the land and the people, and completely left out any dialogue. Suddenly, a few chapters into the book Seth and Juleah were in love with each other, and I wandered if I had skipped a few chapters and missed their relationship developing. I wish she would have foregone some of the details of the surroundings and put more into actual character and relationship development. The whole story was fairly predictable, so there wasn't any anticipation of what was to come. I will say that I did really like Seth's character.
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