Welcome to the second month of the Unlocking the Past 2021 Reading Challenge. This month focused on the Revolutionary War Period, and my choice of story was The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse. Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment on what you read to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
Last month’s winner was Kathy A. You can see a picture of her with her book on the Challenge Page.
*Want more interaction and/or suggestions each month? Join the Facebook Group. Want a bookmark with the monthly themes? Fill out this Google Form.*
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
With over half of my February being either filled with edits or travel, I opted for a quicker read this month. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Kimberley Woodhouse’s books that I decided it was time for me to check into a new-to-me author.
The American Revolution was one of my favorite time periods in high school. I lived, breathed, and researched it probably more than any other typical teen that I know. Even as an adult, my bucket list includes visiting the entire Freedom Trail. I’ve done a decent portion now, but I’d still love to go back. Reading The Patriot Bride was a little thrill to this history nerd’s heart. The characters, the history, the plot were beautifully intertwined so that I didn’t just discover a personal view of the Revolutionary War, but I discovered a wonderful story that I will likely reread again. I loved bright, spunky, independent Faith; steadfast, brave Matthew; the realistic, human aspect of George Washington, hilarious and always fascinating, Benjamin Franklin, and the wonderful butler, Claton. The cast of characters really made the story, and everything felt like it progressed in a realistic way. And who can turn away a story of spies?
Overall, it is a story I would recommend to lovers of historical fiction (especially the Revolutionary War), readers who love strong, independent heroines, and stories that have romance but are light on the sappy.
Genre:Â Historical Romance, Revolutionary War, Boston, MA
Plot Overview:
Spies Work Together for the Patriot Cause
Faith Jackson is a wealthy widow, friend of George Washington, and staunch supporter of the Patriot cause. Matthew Weber is friends with both Ben Franklin and his son William, who increasingly differ in their political views; and Matthew finds himself privy to information on both sides of the conflict. When a message needs to get to a spy among the Loyalists, Faith bravely steps up and in turn meets Matthew Weber. Suddenly she believes she could love again. But someone else has his eye on the Faith she portrays in elite social circles. What will Matthew and Faith have to sacrifice for the sake of their fledgling country?
What I loved:Â The characters and history were magnificently woven together. Part of this story was taken from the POV of George Washington. I loved how it brought him to life in a realistic way. You also got to meet Benjamin Franklin, and he was as odd and humorous as always. The amount of research that went into this book must have been staggering.
Favorite Character and Why:Â This is a hard pick for me because so many of the characters were amazing. Faith was spunky, independent, but real. Matthew also had his own realistic struggles. The butler was amazing.
Who would like this? Lovers of historical fiction (especially the Revolutionary War), readers who love strong, independent heroines, and stories that have romance but are light on the sappy.
Rating and Why: Five stars. She did a great job with interweaving real historical characters with a fictional story that kept me engaged the whole time I read.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon  Baker Bookhouse    Barnes & Noble    Books-a-Million    Book Depository    Bookshop.org    Christianbook.com    Get It Local    Indiebound.org
To be entered to win your own copy of The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse, comment or email me at Crystal Caudill Writes (At) Gmail (dot) Com with what YOU read for the challenge this month. (My crystal@crystalcaudill.com isn’t working right now.) For extra entries, visit the rafflecopter below. Opens on February 28th and ends at 11:59 pm on March 7th. Print copy open to all legally eligible U.S. Residents. International residents will receive a $10 Amazon gift card as Book Depository doesn’t have copies available at this time.
What did YOU read for the February challenge?
I read The LaceMaker by Laura Frantz
That is such a wonderful story! Laura Frantz writes such amazing stories.
I read the Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
Awesome! I hope you enjoyed it. I’ve added your entries to my database.
I love Laura Frantz’s stories and that is such a good story. It totally didn’t go the way I expected toward the end. No spoilers for those who haven’t read it, but definitely such a great story. I’ve entered your entries into my database.
I read Beneath the Mockingbird’s Wings by Gilbert Morris.
Oh, I’ve heard so much about him. I REALLY need to get him off my TBR pile and into my hands. Did you like it? I’ve added your entries to my database.
I read The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz.
Oh, I have seen that one so many time but have yet to read it. Was it as good as her other books? She’s such a wonderful author. I’ve added your entries to my database.
Sadly, due to medial problems and busyness I was unable to read the books I planned to read this month and failed to finish the book for your challenge.
The Solitary Envoy bt T Davis Bunn. It was good, although I was disappointed that they wrapped up the War of 1812 in just 2 chapters. I would have liked to have learned more about it.
Oh, that is a bit disappointing. I do prefer for there to be a longer connection to the actual history. Thanks for participating. I’ve got your entries entered into my database.
It is not a failure! Health is the most important thing for you to focus on. Even if you don’t finish this month’s in time to be entered into the giveaway, you can still let me know if you get around to it that you finished a book that fits it and I’ll still add you for the end of the year entry. And remember, EVERY month is a new month. You do not have to complete every month to still participate. Life happens. I just want everyone to enjoy a good read. I just said a prayer for your health! Take care of yourself.
I read the messenger by Siri Mitchell.
This book The Patriot Bride sounds awesome.
I really enjoyed The Pirate Bride, and The Messenger is on my TBR pile. Thanks for participating. I’ve got your entries entered into my database.
Sadly, I did not get around to finishing “The Liberty Bride” by Marylu Tyndall for my February read, but I hope to soon! I just kept putting it off and the end of February snuck up on me. 😅
I have read so many of your other recommendations for this month and I wanted to try someone new, but didn’t quite finish. Either way, I loved reading your review of “The Patriot Bride” and I’m still excited to participate in the reading challenge for March!
If you get it finished by the 7th, just comment and let me know so I can still get your entries in. Even if you get it finished after, let me know so I can add your entry for the end-of-the-year giveaway. I’m so glad you are enjoying reading all these books.
I read The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz, So awesome! 🙂
I loved that story! The last quarter of the book was not what I expected. It was great and realistic, just not what I anticipated. I have your entries entered into my database.
I read The Messenger by Siri Mitchell. Loved it!!!!
The Messenger seems to be a popular option! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’ve got your entries put into my database.
I read The Lacemaker too! Laura Frantz is awesome!
She really is, and a person, she’s even better. One of the sweetest women I have ever met. I’ve added your entries into my database.
I read The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli. It was the first book I’ve read by her and was excellent! It really brought the history to life.
I am so glad you enjoyed her book. I’m still struggling with trying a split time, but I’ve heard so many good things about hers, I might have to try. I’ve added your entries to my database.
Last month I read Dearest Josephine by Caroline George & a few nonfiction on audio. 😊
Oh, I’ve not heard of that one. I’ll have to look into it! I’ve added your entries into my database.
I read Lacemaker by Laura Franz
That is such a wonderful book! I hope you enjoyed it. I’ve added your entries into my database.
I read Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
I love Laura Frantz, but that one is still on my TBR pile. I hope you enjoyed it. I got your entries put into my database!
I read The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep
OHHHH!!!! I love Michelle Griep. I hope you enjoyed the book! I have your entries put into my database. 🙂