Natchez, MS; 1791Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O’Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he’s sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he’ll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.The responsibilities of … responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage.Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?
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This is the first book by Pam Hillman that I have read and the author now has a new enthralled follower of her books! What a gorgeous story of love, grace, redemption, honor, faith, and betrayal woven into the flourishing historical background of Natchez on the Mississippi River during the early 1790s. The plantation life and the setting are so real and tangible, the characters are absolutely charming and endearing, the plot is well-crafted with plenty of action and suspense (in a historical romance novel, no less!), the need for total dependence on God and Him alone is so poignant in the characters’ lives, and the writing is fluid and easy to read. I’m so glad that I picked up this book at my local library!
Connor is a loyal, hard-working, guilt-ridden hero who is faithful and dependable. He becomes an indentured servant to try to bring his young brothers from Ireland over to the New World. Isabella is an intelligent, tender-hearted plantation owner’s daughter who has suffered many heartaches in such a short amount of time. She tries to be strong to keep the plantation running, but tragedies meet her at every turn and discourages her. Many of the secondary characters are memorable as well, like Isabella’s father, her friend William, and the hired help around the plantation.
I can’t wait to read the second book in the series where we’ll meet one of Connor’s brothers!
If you love historical romance, you will definitely want to read this book.
The Promise of Breeze Hill (Natchez Trace #1) by Pam Hillman –The Irish Gentleman to the Rescue! Great storyline with good character development. The world is a hard place but God does not forsake us even when we think He has. Happy Reading!
Great book! I was drawn in from the first page and didn’t want to put it down until I was finished. I enjoyed seeing how the characters resolved their individual struggles and liked the way the story was brought to a conclusion.
“If you’re unwilling or unable to fulfill the terms of your indenture, now is the time to say so.”
Master carpenter Connor O’Shea has been placed under a binding contract; work until he can earn enough money to secure passage to American for his four younger brothers. Never did he expect to have his papers re-purchased by a beautiful plantation owner’s daughter. “God help him”, was the prayer that escaped his lips when Miss Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation stepped forward at the auction.
Isabella Bartholomew is desperate to rescue her family property from ruin and the Irish carpenter seems just the man to help them rebuild what a fire destroyed. Breeze Hill Plantation borders a dangerous trade route to Natchez and highwayman have already murdered her brother and set fire to their property; maiming her father, destroying valuable crops and a wing of their stately home. When the handsome Irishman proves his loyalty and courage immediately upon the journey back to Breeze Hill, Isabella wonders just what kind of arrangement she has actually agreed upon.
While the first portion of this story kept a steady, somewhat predictable pace, it is the second half that will grab the reader’s attention and prove the story to be anything but ordinary, for there are dangerous undercurrents hovering just below the surface of the Natchez Trace.
Highly recommend this book!
This was a good book. I loved the characters and the way they worked through their problems. My only disappointment is that the next book in the series doesn’t come out until next year!
worth the read