The crusading daughter of a Washington politician, Marietta Hamilton comes between twin brothers as the country plunges toward Civil War. Horse traders from Virginia, Ethan Sharpe and his brother Devon would defend their livelihood from her interfering kind. When love ignites, friends become enemies separated over the course of a long and brutal conflict. Can the very influences which carved a … chasm unite a torn family against all odds?
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Although I’m not really fond of Civil War stories, this one grabbed my attention from the beginning. It was because of the well-developed characters. I really wanted to see what happened to them.
Kathleen interweaves the heartaches of war, the determination of love, and the bonds of family beautifully in The Abolitionist’s Daughter. Where north meets south, and sometimes within the same family, during the civil war and days leading up to it conflicts abounded. A beautiful story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and faith. A page-turner, for sure.
This was a wonderful and very realistic story set during the War between the States, where you get to see both sides of the conflict. I loved all the historical detail, it seemed so well etta
Marietta Hamilton is the daughter of a well known abolitionist family in Washington. Marietta has always wanted to help people, especially the slaves who have been mistreated for so long. One day, a pair of handsome twins, Ethan and Devon, come from Virginia to deliver horses, and Marietta captures Ethan’s attention, and quickly his heart too. Ethan’s family favors the slave trade, and after hearing Marietta’s arguments, especially through her letters, he slowly starts to discover the wrongness and abuse of the slavery, the equal dignity of people of every color. But can he really oppose his family: defy his father’s trust in him and even endanger his relationship with his beloved twin brother? But when an innocent slave boy is about to be hanged, he saves him and runs away to the Hamilton’s where the boy’s mama -a free slave- is…
Now Ethan is ready to fight for a just cause, the cause of the North, to bring freedom to the slaves. And Devon is fighting the opposite side, the cause of the South. How can this big gap between brothers and family ever be united? Will Ethan be forever banned by his family? Also, even if Marietta loves him back, their match is not one approved by her father. Will they both have to go against their family in order to be together and have a chance at true love?
This was a story that captivated me. The main characters felt so relatable, flawed, realistic and their love was so endearing. I had a bit of trouble with Devon, but I guess that made the story even more realistic, because the situation was so complex and difficult. I loved Marietta’s faith and how she influences Ethan in a good and natural way. Their faith is something they get to practice, and even make some big sacrifices to follow God’s guiding direction.
The plot is fast paced, I never felt it dragged. I loved the romance between Ethan and Marietta. And how their strength grew, as well as their character, along the story. I’ve read a lot of books set in the Civil War Era and I can say this is masterfully done! One of my favorites!
I definitely recommend this book to historical fans! Very worth it!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Kathleen L. Maher is a fantastic author and her stories are always lovely. This first story in her Shenandoah Valley series is deep and original. Highly recommend any book by this amazing writer!
This thought-provoking book is a joy to read, because it is so well-written. The story enveloped me from the beginning, as I was carried into another time in history—just prior to the Civil War. I love the well-developed characters—even the ones who aren’t the lovable type. My favorite one is Ethan, who is the hero of the story. It is amazing to see how he grows in the Lord and how God uses him to accomplish His good will in that time of chaos and controversy. The wonderful storyline takes the reader over much rocky territory on a very crooked path. It is hard to put this book down, when contemporary times are calling and real life must take precedence. I recommend this novel to all those who enjoy well-crafted, historical fiction and romance.
It’s a beautifully woven story, researched and written intelligently. I’m still in awe! Mari and Ethan share a special bond that weaves their lives together in unexpected ways. Ethan has a tender heart, open to receive God’s grace. Devon is a hard hearted scoundrel. He’s on the opposing side of an issue with his twin brother. The two leave for war with unresolved conflict. Many poignant moments. A tapestry of love, redemption, and faith. Rich in history, this is a story that will linger in my heart. And Cinder…..
Kathleen Maher is on my Favorite Author’s top ten list for whatever she writes in the future. I enjoy an historical romance story that gives me authentic settings and that put me in the scene to experience all the senses. I want characters with unique talents, flaws, or just outstanding personalities that remain with me long after I’ve finished the book. This author delivers on my expectations. I appreciate a well-written story that took time to research and develop and that is Ms. Maher finest skill as a writer. I highly recommend this award-winning book The Abolitionist’s Daughter.
https://www.amazon.com/Abolitionists-Daughter-Sons-Shenandoah-ebook/dp/B07G4HHCS9/
This book is so good! I loved the premise and the characters!
This is a great read for Civil War enthusiasts who also enjoy some romance, and the attention to detail is very good. But the story also feels original and fresh, not just another typical Civil War story. I would have enjoyed being inside the heads of the main characters a bit more, with more narrative than dialogue throughout (my personal preference), but the story is well structured. And I liked the ending.