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Freedom's Path Book 2 - Ezekiel Harban carries bitterness and suspicion toward his wife's half-sister. Lilly recently fled New Orleans and moved to his Kansas prairie. He is sure she is hiding something, but what?

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

78 people are currently reading
246 people want to read

About the author

Judith McCoy Miller

65 books632 followers
Judith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

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5 stars
169 (37%)
4 stars
172 (37%)
3 stars
94 (20%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Janie  R..
834 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2015

This story was based on true historical facts during the 1800's in Kansas. This is the first time that I have ever heard of this history, it's not in the history books.
I really enjoyed reading this series, it was very interesting! I admire the way these frontiers established themselves in this place, raising families, and yet rose above the struggles and trails of survival.
I highly recommend this book!
800 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2020
I was expecting more of the history of the towns of Nicodemus and Hill City when I started this book, but book 2 of the series focuses more on the families of the two towns. Aunt Lilly's arrival in town trips off a whole series of events that are sure to rile your emotions. The Ezekial Harban's family shows signs of unraveling. There are romances being interrupted right and left. Then there is the plot against Macia's life.
While I found this book interesting I am hoping the last of the series puts more focus back on the unusual town of Nicodemus.
Profile Image for Heidi Morrell.
1,368 reviews16 followers
February 23, 2023
This is Historical Christian fiction at its finest! I could not put this book down once I started reading it! Following the characters through dangers that were filled with suspense was quite the ride! Of course, I am reading the final installment in this series... right now! I would not say that these books end on cliffhangers. However, having read about the characters in the first two books, I very much would like to find out the rest of their stories! I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
417 reviews21 followers
September 2, 2017
didn't realize this was 2nd in a series when I started it. A good series you can pick up wherever and not be so confused. I was soooo confused. Not to sound racist, but I had no idea they were former slaves. Either I was out of it, or she didn't explain it well. There's nothing wrong with them being former slaves, but it sure helps to know that. Otherwise, the book was good and once I figured out what was going on, I got into it.
761 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2020
This was a fantatic sequel! When Jerena's Aunt Lilly comes to Nicodemun, it causes a lot of trouble for the Harban family. Also, Jerena's sister goes off to school.

I wasn't at all a fan of Aunt Lilly. I found her too be menipulative and always trying to get her way. Also, she shouldn't have benn playing matchmaker for Jerena. I'm happy with who she ended up with.

These books are great, and i'm glad i read them.
57 reviews
January 17, 2018
This is the only book of this series that I have read. It was interesting and well written but I am not a fan of the genre so I probably won't be reading the other books. That being said, Judith Miller is an excellent author and I have read several of her books. My favorite book by her is "The Carousel Painter."
95 reviews
August 13, 2022
Just what I needed…a good read that I didn’t want to put down. It’s not perfect, but I enjoyed it. Apparently, this is the third book in a series but hadn’t read the first two. There were a couple of things that seemed like I was maybe missing some background but overall, it stands alone just fine.
Profile Image for Colleen.
11 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2020
I found the first book in the series to be more believable and true to that time period. The second book seemed more fictional than a realistic story, although it held my attention. It was a bit too predictable in my opinion.
457 reviews
September 15, 2025
Based on the community of Nicodemus, Kansas, this is the story of black and white settlers eking out a living in hard times on difficult soil. The characters are unique and interesting. Learning the history is fascinating. Good read and I look forward to the 3rd book in the series.
31 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2017
Second in the series, but not as compelling as the first book. However, I recommend the author to those who want a little intrigue and an enjoyable cast of characters-
Profile Image for Cindy.
510 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2020
Wholesome reading. Now on to the third book in the series.
Profile Image for Vivian.
1,339 reviews
April 24, 2021
It was okay. I felt it was a little more far fetched than the first book in the series. A lot of the happenings were just too contrived.
3 reviews
May 6, 2024
Great!!!

Read it and learn some of our History... We of all colors and nationalies can learn from this. So many things in life we are unaware of...
Profile Image for Patsy.
614 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2015
Morning Sky - Freedom's Path Book #2 - The saga continues with an older Afrcian-American, Ezekial Harban keeping his family all together and looking after some of the other families in Nicodemus. Ezekiel has been carrying bitterness for his sister-in-law Lilly for years. After his wife dies Lilly comes to Nicodemus she sure could stir things up. Ezekiel has raised his two twins daughters and Jerena his oldest daughter. This story has a lot of characters but the author keeps the reader on track.

The city of Nicodemus was settled by African-American and up the road was an other city developed by Caucasian people at the same time. This story tells about the growth and expansion of both cities. This was also a good novel, I enjoyed it, it had some good historical facts that are not taught in schools. For more information about the city of Nicodemus see 'Nicodemus Historical site - National Park Service'.
1,288 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2016
Enjoyed reading this second book in the series as much as I did the first one. I like this author - she keeps things moving along and has some pretty good twists and turns that you don't expect. To find out the Aunt Lilly was actually Jarena's mother was stunning for Jarena. I'm sure I would have felt the same feelings about not belonging to the family I had grown up with too. But the line in the book where Aunt Lilly tells her she loved her so much that's why she could give her up for a better life for her. Jarena will always belong to the family she has.

Truth's experiences in New York were funny in a way - if only it wasn't her and Macie's life on the line. But drugging the girls was fun to read how Truth outsmarted them and got Macie away. Then of course the marriage to Moses was romantic. Jarena was feeling left out but it was a great Christmas surprise when Thomas ended up coming home and wasn't dead after all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lanette.
700 reviews
June 23, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one was a huge disappointment. I wanted to throw the book across the room, but since it was on Kindle I refrained. The whole story-line with the aunt and also the storyline with Macia was just infuriating and, even if it was realistic (debateable), I didn't enjoy reading about it. I ended up skimming over those parts.
2 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2008
A very enjoyable read about families who moved to Kansas in 1880.
Profile Image for Denise.
94 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2011
Not as good as First Dawn, a little disappointing.
106 reviews11 followers
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March 6, 2016
I am really enjoying this series. Great characters. I hate that I will soon be reading the last book.
24 reviews
Read
February 27, 2016
Great read. Can't wait to read the next book and find out if Jarena gets married. Her attitude was a little annoying but I admired Truth and her ability to survive such a hard situation.
948 reviews
October 9, 2016
I liked the first one better, but this one kept my interest. I never knew about the settlement in Nicodemus, so I've enjoyed learning about it.
Profile Image for Margie.
66 reviews
March 29, 2017
This is the second in the series, and since I loved the first one, First Dawn, I wanted to read the second in the series. It wasn't as good as the first book, but if you are familiar with the characters you want to know what happened to them. Not a bad read but First Dawn was so much better.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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