Boston, 2015Two years after nearly losing her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, Annie David is still far from “Boston strong.” Instead she remains isolated and defeated–plagued by guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast, and by an antique ring alongside a hazy hero’s face. But when she learns the identity of her rescuer, will he be the hero she’s imagined? And can the long-past history of … long-past history of the woman behind the ring set her free from the guilt and fears of the present?
Boston, 1770
As a woman alone in a rebellious town, Liberty Caldwell finds herself in a dangerous predicament. When a British lieutenant, Alexander Smythe, comes to her rescue and offers her employment, Liberty accepts. As months go by, Alexander not only begins to share his love of poetry with her, but protects Liberty from the advances of a lecherous captain living in the officers’ house where she works.
Mounting tensions explode in the Boston Massacre, and Liberty’s world is shattered as her brother, with whom she has just reunited, is killed in the fray. Desperate and alone, she returns home, only to be assaulted by the captain. Afraid and furious toward redcoats, Liberty leaves the officers’ home, taking with her a ring that belonged to Alexander.
Two women, separated by centuries, must learn to face their fears. And when they feel they must be strong, they learn that sometimes true strength is found in surrender.
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This is a time-slip story, taking place both during the days of the Revolutionary War and in the present day. Both stories feature strong heroines, and I loved how the contemporary story intertwined with the historical story.
“Well, maybe being broken can bring us together, you know? Like it has a higher purpose. Maybe it’s how we help one another, look for meaning in this botched-up life.”
What an amazing debut novel by Heidi Chiavaroli. In this dual timeline novel, Liberty from 1770 Boston and Anaya from 2013 Boston share a link – a signet ring. But, more than that, they both share regrets from their past mistakes and are deeply trapped by their own fear. Amidst the turmoil of a nation struggling for freedom, Liberty struggles to find herself even as circumstances throw her into the abyss of the unknown. Struggling from the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, Anaya suffocates in her own guilt and timidity. Connected by a ring with its own mysterious past, Liberty and Anaya must find freedom and forgiveness in God’s grace and mercy.
The writing is hauntingly beautiful, deeply emotional, and moving. First person narrative from Liberty and Anaya’s perspective is authentic, fresh, clear, and honest. It draws the reader straight into the heart of Boston during these time periods. The supporting characters of Alexander, Hugh, and Brad are amazing and the romance that blooms in both time periods is sweet and tender. There is a nice undertone of suspense as Anaya and Brad track down the story behind the ring and there is a beautiful and touching faith journey for both heroines.
I’ve found another favorite dual timeline authors! Can’t wait to read The Hidden Side which just recently released!
Heidi Ciavaroli’s poignant exploration of the deeply broken and very human hearts of two Boston women, separated by centuries but connected through a mysterious gold signet ring, captured my heart and fired my imagination. Freedom’s Ring paints a stunning portrait of the healing power of love and forgiveness through Divine strength. Days after reading, I’m still caught up in the rich historical detail and in the intrigue and mystery that brought three centuries together, still pondering the difficult choices made by each character. Beautifully written, a riveting debut novel.
Finished this wonderful novel by Heidi Chiavaroli last night and I’m so glad I finally treated myself to a copy. I love both historical fiction and dual timeline novels so this was right up my alley.
I thoroughly enjoyed both storylines, but as usual for me, my favorite was the historical storyline. Though in Freedom’s Ring, I did love how the present-day characters Annie and Brad worked together to discover details about his family history — a history that we got a first-hand look at via the historical thread. The author brought it all together beautifully, making it a very compelling and truly great read. I also loved how the author shared some great spiritual truths in both stories. She wove them in so naturally and seamlessly.
If you haven’t read it yet, you’ll want to add Freedom’s Ring to your list. Definitely recommend.
If you enjoy genealogy and American history, you will love this book! These dual time stories take place in Boston in 1770 and 2015. Liberty Caldwell is an excellent protagonist as she falls in love with a British lieutenant with whom she knows there is no future especially when her young brother is the first to die for his country in Boston. Hugh Gregory is a kind man who is patient with Liberty and waits for her love. In 2015 Annie David still has nightmares about being injured in the Boston Marathon bombing where her teenage niece lost her leg. Brad is patient with her as they work through their traumatic pasts and search for Brad’s ancestors who have passed down a signet ring. I enjoyed both stories and how they connected. Forgiveness is the key in both stories. I won Freedom’s Ring in the Fall Scavenger Hunt. This is my honest opinion.
Heidi does an amazing job intertwining two heroines’ lives one from the Boston Marathon Bombing and another during the Revolutionary War. Your heart breaks for the characters who must find their strength in God to accept what they cannot change and learn what they can affect. It’s easy to lose yourself in the characters and the era.
History, mystery, and romance. I learned, held my breath, and enjoyed the journey of the characters.
Great story! I really enjoyed this book. It’s well written and the characters are believable and have great depth. The two storylines melded together wonderfully. I’m looking forward to reading more from Heidi Chiavaroli!
This split-time novel was such a page-turner! I didn’t expect to fall in love with the historical side, but I did! Freedom’s Ring had me up late needing to know what would happen next. The characters, as well as the settings, in both time eras were brilliantly vivid.
In her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli creates a beautiful and poignant story filled with deep emotion, courageous heroines, and rich historical details. This time-slip (dual timeline) novel follows Annie David during the Boston Marathon bombing of 2015 and the historical story of Liberty Caldwell during the Boston Massacre in 1770. The intriguing family history of a mysterious emblem ring weaves the two storylines together, as the fight for freedom guides the characters to forgiveness and the understanding of God’s grace and never-ending love. The courage shown by both Annie and Liberty despite the pain and suffering they endure in Freedom’s Ring demonstrates the power and strength of the human spirit. There is a light romance thread in the novel that readers will enjoy.
Heidi Chiavaroli is known for writing incredible time-slip novels that tackle difficult topics, while at the same time, drawing readers closer to their faith. Freedom’s Ring received the 2018 ACFW Carol Award for Debut Novel and was a 2018 Christy Finalist for First Novel. Freedom’s Ring is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and readers who enjoy time-slip novels by authors such as Melanie Dobson, Kristy Cambron, Rachel Hauck, and Sarah Monzon.
Readers who enjoy historical novels about the American Revolution and/or novels taking place in Boston and New York will definitely want to read Heidi Chiavaroli’s other time-slip novels, The Hidden Side, The Edge of Mercy, and her February 2020 release, The Tea Chest.
I purchased a copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Heidi Chiavaroli’s debut novel intrigued me before I even held it in my hands, for several reasons; it has dual story lines, she writes in first person, and there is just something extra exciting about reading a debut novel. Thankfully, it didn’t take me long to realize that I had every reason to be excited. The voices of both Annie, in the present day, and Liberty, in Colonial America, are infused with truth, setting up for a rich reading experience. When I read a dual-time narrative, I always expect to enjoy one more than the other – usually the historical story line – however, in this case, I found both characters and situations equally compelling. While Annie’s journey is not dangerous physically, it is often emotionally strenuous. Liberty, on the other hand, is often in danger physically and war is a looming specter that haunts her and her friends daily. I enjoyed both stories for different reasons at different parts of each woman’s story, but I always felt fully invested in their well-being. I also loved the Bostonian flavor of the novel. Though it’s on my travel bucket list, I have never been to Boston, and Chiavaroli brings the city to life, both in the present day as well as the past, with mentions of specific locations, names and historical sites. The engaging historical details never attempt to usurp the story itself, and I’m even more eager to visit after reading this story.
The novel opens in 2013 with Annie running the Boston Marathon. The bombing that day has a profound impact on Annie as a participant of the race, and even more so on her niece, Grace, who was there watching her race. Awash with remorse and guilt after escaping unscathed, while Grace must contend with permanent damage from the heinous event, Annie withdraws from her family, from running, from anything that reminds her of that terrible day. The only thing that keeps her going is a ring that a man who rescued her from the street that day pressed into her hand before he disappeared. She later meets this mystery rescuer, but instead of returning his family ring, she finds herself caught up in its mystery, caught by how much of a security it has been and drawn by its inscription, “Victory belongs to the strong.”
In Colonial Boston, Liberty takes a position in the home of British soldiers, as their housekeeper, in order to escape destitution. Her family is dead, and she hasn’t heard from her brother, James, in so long that she fears that he might be as well. This decision sets into motion events that will affect Liberty for the rest of her life, and as war looms, the consequences may just break her heart and hurt those she loves.
Though at first the reader may wonder where the connection lay, Chiavaroli weaves both stories together in such a way that feels seamless. While there is a bit of a romantic thread in the story of each woman, the story doesn’t focus on that, for which I was glad. The story to focuses almost entirely on their own growth; both make mistakes and both feel their life has dealt them a blow they cannot overcome, but despite that, they can still heal and grow. Liberty’s character goes through significant growth as she decides where to place her loyalty, and Annie walks an emotionally harrowing path of forgiveness, both seeking it from her family and herself. As Annie and Brad search historical records to uncover the ring’s history, her story comes closer and closer to Liberty’s, culminating in a satisfying end. Though everything doesn’t fall into place perfectly, the ending feels realistic and well-deserved. I felt that my heart had been broken and put back together, but the journey is definitely worth it, and I feel hopeful about what comes next for Annie.
I’m thrilled that I’ve found a new author to follow in Heidi Chiavaroli and am eagerly anticipating more novels from her. Highly recommended for fans of historical and contemporary fiction with interwoven timelines.
This will be a favorite dual time book. It connects the Boston Massacre and the bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Both time periods are very interesting in themselves. The connection between the two is a bonus. And, of course, there is a romance.
Good read!
What a story! The American Revolution time period is one of my favorites to read about. The split time line and split stories were both so intriguing. I often prefer one over the other in a book like this, but I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next at the end of every single chapter! This is my first book to read by Heidi Chiavaoli and I am so looking forward to reading her next book on my list.
Loved this novel!!! The wonderful connection between the past and present, all tied together by an old heirloom ring, was so intriguing! The pain the characters went through was realistic as was their inner struggle with it. Can’t wait to read more novels by Heidi Chiavaroli!!