Dream of Freedom

American Dreams #1

by Michael R. Phillips

Best-selling author Michael Phillips gives readers a glimpse into the past in this epic historical novel. One man and his family make the decision to follow God's will for their lives and free their slaves. The controversy over his decision sets off sparks as the lines are being drawn between North and South over slavery.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Civil War, Fiction, Historical

472 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2005

About the author

Librarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.

Reviews

[Alicia Veldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Phillips at his best. This is volume 1 in 3. The last chapter leaves you longing for the next book.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have come to realize that I love reading about the Civil War era almost as much as I love to read about WW2.

There are so many characters in this book, but they all fit together so well! You learn to care about the characters, about their lives and about their families. At the end I found myself tearing up which is what I want a great book to do for me.

The author does not shy away from the hardship that the characters go through, nor the heartbreak. I remember loving one of his other books when I was a teenager, so I am so glad I took a chance on another.

I adored the ending so much, but I was left with so many cliffhangers that it just means I will need to read the next book in the series. Which, I will gladly be doing sometime in the near future. 😍

[Liisi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally really enjoy reading historical fiction, however, the way this book is written is not easy to read and enjoy. It has almost too many details, that loose the reader from the story and characters, so you aren't really sure what you are reading.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, Awesome History and great storyline!!

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love michaels books and was not disappointed with this one.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admit to being disappointed in this book. I've read a number of Michael Phillips other books, and thought they were wonderful. Dream of Freedom was a challenge to read. The various plotlines seemed to pop up at random intervals, making it hard to shift from one to another without pausing to recall what was taking place. There was a great deal of what I thought of as historical asides--long bits of background on various laws and events that didn't seem vital to the story itself. (I personally thought the footnotes were fine--and all of the history bits could have been footnoted in the book that way.) I think the book could have been at least 100 pages shorter, and would have made the story stronger and less cluttered. But then, I'm just a reader--not a well-known author! I'm not sure if I want to attempt the next book in this series...

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy historical fiction, but this is one that I loved!!! It is set in the pre civil war era and deals with the issue of slavery. An issue that has been written about quite a bit but I really liked how the author weaved his story from the beginning of human trafficking (Old Testament era) up through the time in history his book takes place. He does a remarkable job conveying the impact of slavery on the culture and people and at the same time showing how one person at a time can make a huge difference in ending human trafficking, even now! Can't wait to read the other 2 books in the series.

[GJ S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Christian book

I loved reading about the history of our nation,but sad so many were so stupid to mistreat others according to their nationality or skin color. If they were gonna be that cruel they should of let them go back to their country where they were treated right. So glad this book incorporated the good Lord and His supreme love and mercy and so many characters served the Lord. I recommend this book and this author thank you for this book

[Allen Jeffreys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book features several characters and their reactions to the situation prior to the War Between the States. Plantation owners as well as slaves have a part in this story. Written from a Christian perspective, the reader can understand the frustration of those involved in the time portrayed.

[Star Lorene]

Very enjoyable! The history was facinating and the story was very good. The book seemed to be very well researched. I loved the characters!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best pre-Civil War series I've ever read!

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got tired of the author featuring characters with their clothes off. It wasn't necessarily graphic or maybe arguably not even inappropriate, but it got irritating and wasn't needed in my opinion.

[Mindie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Can't put it down, thus I am getting nothing else done!

[Janzey · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's part of a series I don't think I will finish - very predictable story lines.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a story! I had a bit of trouble at first keeping all the characters straight, but soon that was easier as I got to know them. I like stories that are as complicated as this one was. There are several families involved, all somewhat intertwined. The changes that took place in the Davidson family as they freed their slaves were intriguing to read about; at the same time, their neighbors tightened their grip on their own slaves. I did not enjoy the fighting scene, although I do appreciate a young man who will stand up for a woman. My biggest gripe with the book is that it ends with several loose ends not tied up, and I don't have access to the next book in the series!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out slow and did not speed up until about half through. When it did speed up, I actually started enjoying reading it, which is why it took me so long to finish.
I don’t like that there ever was slavery in the States, it really bothers me. My Irish ancestors were slaves, so it wasn’t just blacks that it happened to, and all of slavery is wrong no matter what!
Thanks for addressing this Mr. Phillips. I love that there was an Underground Railroad, and that there was a lot of people willing to risk their lives to help the slaves get free! 3 1/ 2 stars

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story.

This is a real eye opener in telling the story of the slave trade in its beginnings. Beatifully presented in all its ugliness but the love of God showing through the lives of the many that fought against the trade in humans. Very strong characters make it a book you can't put down.

[nelson shinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the history of our country. The story is exceptional and I find myself taking sides. Mr Phillips insight of God added more to think about. I can't wait to read book 2.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a good story it was good reading and finished to quickly. As for the" old books" I'll have to read the last one to decide completely. I typically read everything in a book cover to cover.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic

Well versed writing, I can't wait to read the rest of the series. If you're interested in American history pre-civil war, this is a good place to start.

[Vicki]

Book 1 of 3. Very timely reading in relationship to Black lives matter.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, but a little slow at times. Took me a while to finish, although I do plan on reading the rest of the series at some point.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning to the series. Can't wait to finish the remaining books.

[Lori Goroski · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a sequel to this one, but I will pass on reading it.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I found this

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally enjoy Michael R. Phillips books, but some of his more recent ones have had a lot more of his own personal views regarding the church and his own theology. I agree with the portrayal of pharisee-ism in the church. If I was editor, I would have tamed it down a bit. I gave this a 3 star, because it was okay enough that I am reading the 2nd book in the series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the antebellum era Richmond Davidson does the unthinkable. He sets his slaves free. They can choose to leave or to stay and work for wages. At the same time, the Davidson’s plantation unwittingly becomes involved in the dangerous work of the Underground Railroad, welcoming and helping all who come their way for assistance.
Besides this engaging story line there are treasures of theological thought. I will long remember the discussion on divorce and remarriage (pg. 173-4) and the dialog on politics and the Christian (pg. 144-6). Dream of Freedom has a great story line which is rich in thought.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book beginning the 1600. A good clean Christian book
This story begins in the ear!y 1600 Christian book written by Michael Phillips. The history was interest and entertaining I enjoyed the complete book.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Virginia lived a man and his wife who attempted to follow God in all of their dealings. Richmond Davidson was asked to run for Senator but turned it down because he felt that it wasn't what God had in mind for him. Later, as he and his wife, Carolyn, prayed together, they felt that God was asking them to free all of their slaves on their plantation. This was a shocking thing for him to do as the Southerners believed that their economy was dependent on slavery. Later, another test came in the form of runaway slaves. They knew it was illegal to give assistance to runaways, but they believed that God would want them to show the Father's love to those in need.