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Keepers of the Ring #5
Charles Towne
Concluding the Keepers of the Ring series, CHARLES TOWNE follows the exploration and colonization of America as Rachelle Bailie seeks to find her father, the elusive Mojag Bailie.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1998
14 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
271 books1,970 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 22, 2020
As with a good series, you get to the end of the last book and sit, rather numb. I read these in quick succession and was immersed and so had to come back to real life. I loved that the belief of God and His Son ran through all 5 books, trying to bring the Indians to salvation.
January 9, 2013
For real, I read this in a day, maybe 3 1/2 hours, and the writing was very poor, though it maybe deserves 3 stars based on its grounding in facts. However I was so constantly thrown off by the writing, trains of thought that pick up out of nowhere, I found myself skipping large sections when it didn't make sense rather than frustrate myself trying to figure it out. I suppose I'll just chalk this one up to historical research of my own.
June 22, 2018
Loved the whole series with the history of horrible but a faith that let them endure and overcome. This kind of faith is sorely needed today, the evil that existed so much ignorance made me realize that problems today are but trivial compared the real and harsh problems that some believers lived to overcome. Good for a better insight to greater faith of our founding even before we were a country, and putting forth we all have a choice no matter what we were born into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2018
Becky, Page staff, July 2018, 5 stars:
If you enjoy historical fiction, read this older book, Charles Towne (5th in Series of Keepers of the Ring). The slavery of Native Americans was woven throughout the book as well as the slavery of African Americans. There is a supposed Christian slave trader whose brutal acts shock the senses. The heroine must come to terms with her complacency about slavery as she searches out her own heritage.
If you enjoy historical fiction, read this older book, Charles Towne (5th in Series of Keepers of the Ring). The slavery of Native Americans was woven throughout the book as well as the slavery of African Americans. There is a supposed Christian slave trader whose brutal acts shock the senses. The heroine must come to terms with her complacency about slavery as she searches out her own heritage.
July 23, 2017
Wonderful Historical Series
The final book in this series, and a page-turner to the very end. I highly recommend this series. If you've ever wondered how our forefathers and mothers worked and suffered to give us this wonderful land to live in, this is the series for you. Be prepared to apologize to every Native American you know once you have read these books.
The final book in this series, and a page-turner to the very end. I highly recommend this series. If you've ever wondered how our forefathers and mothers worked and suffered to give us this wonderful land to live in, this is the series for you. Be prepared to apologize to every Native American you know once you have read these books.
September 16, 2025
Redemption
There's no better ending go this series. Oh my heavens! It was rough in p!aces to read of the plight in slavery. But God! He redeems all things for His glory. Thank you Angela for body proclaiming the light into the darkness . May the Lord remove all that remains of these wicked thoughts. Amen
There's no better ending go this series. Oh my heavens! It was rough in p!aces to read of the plight in slavery. But God! He redeems all things for His glory. Thank you Angela for body proclaiming the light into the darkness . May the Lord remove all that remains of these wicked thoughts. Amen
May 17, 2017
Exciting Climax
As I am with most series that I rate as 5 stars I wish it was not ending. The characters will have to live on in my mind which is no where near the author's. God bless you for your writing and touching me. Thank you.
As I am with most series that I rate as 5 stars I wish it was not ending. The characters will have to live on in my mind which is no where near the author's. God bless you for your writing and touching me. Thank you.
February 19, 2025
totally brilliant
Fascinating,immersive,authentic, atmospheric incredible series. Loved the characters and their development. Great story lines written around a ring, plus thought provoking history.
Fascinating,immersive,authentic, atmospheric incredible series. Loved the characters and their development. Great story lines written around a ring, plus thought provoking history.
November 8, 2018
Of this series, this book was by far one of the best! Pirates, a spoiled southern belle, Indians, etc.
December 9, 2018
Good story.
June 3, 2022
Awesome
Totally loved the series! Travel from the beginning of American civilization until South Carolina was populated. Each book carries you forward in time and history!
Totally loved the series! Travel from the beginning of American civilization until South Carolina was populated. Each book carries you forward in time and history!
October 22, 2022
Best series!!
I think this was my favorite in the series. Best series I have ever read! I loved this book so much.
I think this was my favorite in the series. Best series I have ever read! I loved this book so much.
December 30, 2020
Awesome
Bringing you from the eyes of those enslaved in their own land to those who enslaved them making all human and heartfelt
Bringing you from the eyes of those enslaved in their own land to those who enslaved them making all human and heartfelt
December 10, 2020
Well I didn't know until just now that I had already read a book by this author called Roanoke, which I was iffy about. But this book turned me around and now I know I have to keep an eye out for Ms. Hunt.
Yes, Charles Towne is a really good book. I saw the ratings on Amazon so I took a chance and got it, having not even reading the blurbs about it. Glad I did. I thought it was going to be about a guy named Charles... Uh, yeah, I was wrong. It is the town our main character Rachelle comes from (Charleston), and it's in "Carolina" as it was referred to then.
Rachelle was raised by her mother and an unloving grandfather in the lap of luxury during a time when slavery was a way of life and a business. She thought nothing of it. And although she hated it when slaves were whipped or treated poorly, she honestly thought this was the way it was supposed to be. She would go on to marry a slave owner and life would go on as they always had. But as her mother lay dying, a new story came out. Her mother was keeping a secret all these years: her father was not dead. Reading her mother's journal brought a whole new history she had no clue about.
She needs to find her father. She needs to know her history, she needs to know where she came from and who she really was.
On a voyage to where her father was last known to be, a whole new set of things happen that takes her into a life, a very belief system she never would have believed was possible.
Not going to give anything else away, but, I highly recommend this.
Great historical fiction.
Yes, Charles Towne is a really good book. I saw the ratings on Amazon so I took a chance and got it, having not even reading the blurbs about it. Glad I did. I thought it was going to be about a guy named Charles... Uh, yeah, I was wrong. It is the town our main character Rachelle comes from (Charleston), and it's in "Carolina" as it was referred to then.
Rachelle was raised by her mother and an unloving grandfather in the lap of luxury during a time when slavery was a way of life and a business. She thought nothing of it. And although she hated it when slaves were whipped or treated poorly, she honestly thought this was the way it was supposed to be. She would go on to marry a slave owner and life would go on as they always had. But as her mother lay dying, a new story came out. Her mother was keeping a secret all these years: her father was not dead. Reading her mother's journal brought a whole new history she had no clue about.
She needs to find her father. She needs to know her history, she needs to know where she came from and who she really was.
On a voyage to where her father was last known to be, a whole new set of things happen that takes her into a life, a very belief system she never would have believed was possible.
Not going to give anything else away, but, I highly recommend this.
Great historical fiction.
June 6, 2018
I broke my rule and now I have to live with the consequences. :( I don't read books out of order, but I had started this series over a decade ago at the public library, and somehow while waiting for the next one to be available, being busy,getting involved in other series, and then eventually switching to digital books, I never kept up with this series. My memory told me that I liked this series, but I couldn't remember which ones I had read or what had happened, so I convinced myself that this series didn't need to be in order. It's funny that 90% through the book when I was bearing down upon the ending, it occurred to me to wonder why this series is called the Keepers of the Ring. Boom! That question was answered a few pages later with the sickening feeling that I needed to have read (and recalled!) the previous books. This may turn out to be my favorite book of the summer.
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I almost never reread a book. It's true that these books can be read out of order, but it is so much better to follow the sequence. I absolutely love these characters who remind me so much of Rhett and Scarlett, and I love stories of redemption and of women who are strong when all seems to be against them. I NEED MORE OF THIS SAGA!!!
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I almost never reread a book. It's true that these books can be read out of order, but it is so much better to follow the sequence. I absolutely love these characters who remind me so much of Rhett and Scarlett, and I love stories of redemption and of women who are strong when all seems to be against them. I NEED MORE OF THIS SAGA!!!
August 3, 2017
A review from my old blog (of the whole series) ...
Oh. My. Word. This series is incredible! Of Hunt's three historical series I have to say that this is my absolute favorite.
This series explores the relationship between the English and Indian during the colonial period. The main characters, after the first book, are for the most part of biracial which allows Hunt to explore the choices that such a person would have to face... whether to be English or to be Indian.
At the same time some of the most profound issues Hunt dealt with had to do with whether worship has to have a certain look, whether the worship habits of the Indian or of the Puritan had to be exclusive for the sake of the other.
In addition to the serious issues Hunt also weaves several beautiful love stories, the most poignant being that of Fallon and Gilda in the second book, Jamestown. I have to admit though that I have not read the fifth and last book of the series and thus, though I do not expect to, may find a more beautiful love story.
I strongly recommend this book for any lover of history and excellent writing.
Oh. My. Word. This series is incredible! Of Hunt's three historical series I have to say that this is my absolute favorite.
This series explores the relationship between the English and Indian during the colonial period. The main characters, after the first book, are for the most part of biracial which allows Hunt to explore the choices that such a person would have to face... whether to be English or to be Indian.
At the same time some of the most profound issues Hunt dealt with had to do with whether worship has to have a certain look, whether the worship habits of the Indian or of the Puritan had to be exclusive for the sake of the other.
In addition to the serious issues Hunt also weaves several beautiful love stories, the most poignant being that of Fallon and Gilda in the second book, Jamestown. I have to admit though that I have not read the fifth and last book of the series and thus, though I do not expect to, may find a more beautiful love story.
I strongly recommend this book for any lover of history and excellent writing.
February 26, 2017
The end of a satisfying historical saga. This series is similar to Gilbert Morris' style - a clean, positive, Christian account of people whose lives are impacted by the events of American history. There is more exposition than in Morris' works, and more adult themes. But all clean, all great for teen readers.
Quotes:
Their lives belong to the sea now; the vengeful mistress Ocean required their fidelity as payment for the sin committed on her breast.… They would travel the ocean until she claimed their lives..." (page
Quotes:
Their lives belong to the sea now; the vengeful mistress Ocean required their fidelity as payment for the sin committed on her breast.… They would travel the ocean until she claimed their lives..." (page
August 30, 2016
Series Review:
Full of history, this series is very unique in its setting. I have read very few books (Christian or not) about pre-Revolutionary America and I cannot think of a book-outside of the Dear America series-about the Native American/settlers war and conflicts. Covering Roanoke, Jamestown, Hartford, King Philip's War, and the early slave trade, Angela Hunt wrote a very unique series.
I enjoyed some books in the series more than others, and found some parts of the series redundant and far-fetched, but I was fascinated by the history.
Full of history, this series is very unique in its setting. I have read very few books (Christian or not) about pre-Revolutionary America and I cannot think of a book-outside of the Dear America series-about the Native American/settlers war and conflicts. Covering Roanoke, Jamestown, Hartford, King Philip's War, and the early slave trade, Angela Hunt wrote a very unique series.
I enjoyed some books in the series more than others, and found some parts of the series redundant and far-fetched, but I was fascinated by the history.
November 13, 2013
Charles Towne is a WONDERFUL book and completes "The Keepers of the Ring" series. I was sad to see the story end but know that the Bailie's faith in God continued for generations. Angela Hunt has opened my eyes to the treatment of the Indians, black slaves, and hypocrisy which many, many people held then ... and now. But more than that ... the majesty, greatness and faithfulness of our God.
May 4, 2011
As usual, I loved this book, too. The library tells me that there are only FIVE books in this series, so sadly, I must say "farewell" to this wonderful saga. I highly recommend these historical novels, but they are hard to find.
October 17, 2015
I wasn't so sure about this book as I was reading it. The characters didn't seem to go together and some of the story didn't seem to be well thought out but it all came together in the end and I was please with it. I enjoyed whole series.
November 1, 2015
Very interesting story that finishes this series. The girl is told one thing about what happened to her father, then is finally told the truth & goes to find him. Best advice in there is about God's attitude toward an "honest sinner" as opposed to a "righteous hypocrite"
August 23, 2016
Fantastic
I highly recommend this fantastic, heart-wrenching, story! Please be sure to read the other 4 books first. The rich history, and the well written characters make this story leap off the pages and right into your heart.
I highly recommend this fantastic, heart-wrenching, story! Please be sure to read the other 4 books first. The rich history, and the well written characters make this story leap off the pages and right into your heart.
December 27, 2011
Sorry to have completed the last in the series. The characters were real. Although fiction I imagine so much is true I felt it was a well researched story.
April 13, 2012
If you like history you will love this series
January 25, 2016
Great finish to the series.
Want to read
February 15, 2016401p Concluding the Keepers of the Ring series, CHARLES TOWNE follows the exploration and colonization of America as Rachelle Bailie seeks to find her father, the elusive Mojag Bailie.
June 21, 2009
My favorite in the series!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews