The Road to Devotion

by Cameron Kent

When Sarah Talton's father suddenly passes away in the summer of 1860, she is left with a teenaged sister to care for, and the family farm and slaves to oversee. Determined to keep their land out of the hands of opportunists, she embraces her father's iron will and hardhearted demeanor. But when she falls in love with a French merchant who speaks no English, and is given charge of a runaway slave who brings them both together, Sarah begins to question the values and beliefs instilled by her father and upheld by her Winston, North Carolina community. When the Civil War looms, and community leaders clamor for blood and obedience, Sarah finds herself traveling a road that will lead either to her ruin or to her freedom.

248 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2009

About the author

Cameron Kent has published six novels: The Road to Devotion, When the Ravens Die, Make Me Disappear, The Sea is Silent, and Mayor Molly. His new book, The Oak Island Book Club, was released in December and landed on Amazon’s Best Seller list.
The Road to Devotion was selected for Winston-Salem’s “On the Same Page” community reading event in 2011 and The Sea is Silent was selected for the 2019 “Blue Ridge Read” by the Alleghany County Arts Council.
His other writing credits include four films which have aired on NBC, HBO, Lifetime, and at the American Film Institute. He’s also written a Christmas musical, Welcome to Virginia, which has been performed at community theatres across the country.
In his spare time, he loves running, guitar, golf, and is active in Habitat for Humanity.
He is originally from Alexandria, Virginia, and a 1979 graduate of Wake Forest University.

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set during the year before the Civil War. It is the story of a woman, Sarah, who owns slaves and a slave, Jacquerie, who was a runaway delivered to Sarah’s farm. This is a story of how Sarah learned to make her own decisions about slavery.

[Julie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is different from any of Cameron's other books. Backed with a lot of history. A good read.

[Jennifer Wiseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRILLIANT!! “The Road to Devotion” is a marvelous, must-read book for people of all ages! Cameron Kent’s latest novel is truly top-notch historical fiction. You only have to read a few chapters before it becomes very evident that the man has “done his homework” ~ ~ and NOT just in Civil War history.

A plantation farm in Winston, NC sets the stage for a heartwarming story of farm owner, Sarah Talton and runaway slave, Jacquerie Bodin. A very unlikely bond and friendship forms between these two women as, chapter by chapter, their story unfolds with accurate historical references.

From Moravians, Presbyterians and Quakers to references of the Yadkin River, Salem, NC and Charleston, SC ~ ~ I love the “local flavors” that are blended into the canvas of this story of faith and of hope. Whether describing a Carolina morning sunrise or a Christmas wreath hanging in the church window, with extremely vivid detail, Cameron paints a picture with his words ~ ~ leaving nothing to the imagination.

Other nice touches to this story include the lyrics to hymns and African-American spirituals that are scattered throughout, as well as a Biblical scripture reference that introduces each chapter, solidifying the message of truth.

Trust me, you definitely will not be disappointed on your journey with “The Road to Devotion.” Awesome, Cameron!!

Jennifer Wiseman
Yadkinville, NC

[Stefanie Foard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This year's On the Same Page selection for Forsyth County did not disappoint. Local newscaster and author Cameron Kent weaves a layered tale of friendship, pain, hope, love, and overcoming fear in this short novel about slavery in 1860 Winston, NC. While it did take me a while to get into it and a few characters never did quite take off for me, I thought the main characters were excellent. Overall, I quite enjoyed it, and I hope many other Forsyth County residents will too!

[Cameron Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gently told story of an abiding friendship between a North Carolina farmwoman and an remarkable runaway slave in 1860, in the turbulent months just before the outbreak of the Civil War. A story rooted in faith, love, grace, and hope. Perfect Book Club selection!

[Jase Alston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best fiction book I've ever read that wasn't on someone's "classics" list. Cameron has outdone himself. Nuff said!