After leaving England behind for a new life in the West Indies with her sisters, Verity Banning wants something to call her own. Her affinity for animals inspires her to set up a business importing horses, as well as other goods in demand by the island residents. But when she arrives in the Colonies to purchase her goods, unexpected news of Captain Duncan McKintrick awaits her–as does the … captain’s handsome brother, Ian–whose sympathies lie with the fledgling Patriot cause.
As the great-granddaughter of a British general and friend to many Loyalists, Verity believed all she wanted was a peaceful resolution. But both the Patriots and the impassioned Ian McKintrick are steadily laying claim to her heart. When faced with the decision of what–and for whom–she will fight, can she set her feet on a new path despite the danger that awaits?
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A fantastic follow up novel to Keturah in this Sugar Baron’s Daughters series! I definitely recommend reading the first book Keturah before picking up Verity since this book follows on a linear timeline two years down the road from where Keturah ended. Verity is different from her older sister Keturah and is a brave and courageous rebel, an intelligent businesswoman, a clever peacemaker, and an excellent trainer of animals. She leaves the island of Nevis and their sugar plantation to import and export goods and horses when she meets Ian, a sea captain who is somewhat impulsive and hot-headed but loyal, protective, faithful, and tender. As they traverse the uncertain waters of emotions and courtship, another storm brews as the Patriots mount an uprising against England during 1775 and the turmoil rocks the trade world that the people of Nevis rely heavily on to survive.
With an excellent cast of characters, a well-crafted plot steeped in history, and a tangible thread of faith woven into the storyline, Verity is a worthwhile read for anyone who loves historical fiction/romance.
Verity the 2nd book of the Sugar Barons Daughters. I must say the book was absolutely amazing. It was a great read from beginning to end. I was having a lovely battle between not wanting to put the book down and pacing myself because I did not want to finish too quickly. I wanted to savor every chapter like a good meal.
I absolutely loved how Verity’s character blossoms and shines in this book. In Keturah you get a glimpse, but in here you see her passion, her confidence, bravery and spunk. She had a very interesting love story with Ian Mckintrick. I love how it develops and how it deepens. I’m a sucker for a good romance. I am definitely looking forward to Selah’s story!
After leaving England behind for a new life in the West Indies with her sisters, Verity Banning wants something to call her own. Her affinity for animals inspires her to set up a business importing horses, as well as other goods in demand by the island residents. But when she arrives in the Colonies to purchase her goods, unexpected news of Captain Duncan McKintrick awaits her–as does the captain’s handsome brother, Ian–whose sympathies lie with the fledgling Patriot cause.
As the great-granddaughter of a British general and friend to many Loyalists, Verity believed all she wanted was a peaceful resolution. But both the Patriots and the impassioned Ian McKintrick are steadily laying claim to her heart. When faced with the decision of what–and for whom–she will fight, can she set her feet on a new path despite the danger that awaits?
This is the second book in The Sugar Baron’s Daughters. It is not necessary to read the first book in order to know what is going on. Although, it would probably be helpful in understanding the sisters’ history on how they came to the island.
Verity sets sail to the colonies to purchase supplies for her new mercantile store. She is also wanting to find out what has happened to Captain Duncan McKintrick. The news is quite a shock to her. Captain Ian McKintrick, Duncan’s brother, helps her secure her supplies as well as agrees to transport for her. Ian is focused on revenge against the pirate who killed Duncan and the English who took over Duncan’s ship. As the book unfolds, Verity has some decisions to make. Does she stay loyal to the English or does she support the Rebels. Either way she is in for a hard time. There is also trouble back on the island. Supplies are getting low now that the English have set up blockades into the colonies ports so that no ships can enter or leave.
I recommend this book for those who like adventure. We were given a glimpse into what the next book will be about. Looking forward to reading it.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
4.5 stars
“They seek not a man to direct them or lord over them, but rather one who will stand beside them, celebrating their strengths.”
The Banning sisters(plus one Covington) are by necessity, an independent lot. Verity Banning in particular lives and breathes her sister Keturah’s advice, “Grin and bear it and always be a lady . . . . . then quietly beat them at their own game.” Deciding to build her own enterprise on the British island of Nevis, Verity capitalizes on her love of horses, and the scarcity of the animals in the West Indies, by traveling to New York to purchase equine inventory for “Banning’s Bridlery & More”; while deep in her heart another motive trembles for attention, discovering the fate of a most beloved captain.
Imagine Verity’s surprise when instead of reuniting with Captain Duncan McKintrick, she is introduced to Captain Ian McKintrick, who reluctantly bears devastating news. In spite of their new acquaintance and determining to honor his brother’s wishes, Ian offers to ferry Verity’s goods back home, even though his loyalties to England have become tenuous at best. Verity’s almost instantaneous attraction to Ian is rather confusing, for America is on the verge of a revolution and this captain’s allegiances could deliver danger straight to her dear family’s doorstep.
Enter into the world of the brave and the free as Verity discovers whether or not she truly has “the heart of a warrior”. Lisa Bergren has delivered an exceptional addition to her Sugar Baron’s Daughters series.
I will admit that it has been awhile since I read the first book in the series, Keturah, so while I vaguely remembered the story, it wasn’t enough to bring me diving into the first chapter.
In the first chapter we have the sisters talking to one another, and then once Verity has mentioned her plans, the husband of Keturah enters the pictures along with other characters from the first book. For me, I immediately felt lost and unconnected from the current story. I wanted to reread Keturah so that I could understand where Verity came from and where she is going. Especially in conjunction with Duncan McKintrick.
Despite these initial misgivings at the beginning of the story I was determined to plod on and finish the rest of the story. It read well and overall I enjoyed it. However, it is unlikely that I will be reconnecting to read about the third sister, Selah.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through NetGalley.
Another delightful read in the Sugar Baron’s Daughters. This historical fiction centers around Verity the middle daughter. She is smart, stubborn and fiesty, knows exactly what she wants and that is to have her own Mercantile store on the island, featuring the best horses, saddles and first class carriages among other items. An unheard of thing for a woman in that era to do. To furnish her store she has to travel to the colonies, where there is civil unrest. She wants to find the best products for her new shop, and she wants to find out what happened to her beloved sea captain Duncan McKintrick. There is turmoil and unrest on the island Nevis also and Verity has to be watchful and very careful as danger lurks in different ways. This book will keep you turning pages until the last one which ends on a happy note. Bergren has another winner in this series and I am looking forward to Selah, the younger daughter’s story. ………I was given a copy from the publisher via netgalley and I am happy to leave a review.
We were first introduced to Verity in the first book of this series (Keturah ). We learned that Verity had a special way with animals and that she had developed a fondness for Captain McKintrick. I was anxious to read her book and to see how this relationship would blossom.
From the very start (and from the synopsis) we learned that Duncan was murdered at sea. Although I grieved along with Verity, I was soon grew fond of his brother Ian. I liked that Ian was kind and intelligent, yet he was no pushover. He kept his word and he stood up for what he believed in.
Verity was another character I adored, she was a brave, logical, and strong woman. I was relieved to find that she wasn’t reckless or overly stubborn. (Too many authors try and put the latter traits into characters and it’s so frustrating!)
My favorite aspect of Verity was the historical aspects. I enjoyed reading about events leading up to the Revolutionary War, especially when it came to spying. I also learned much about importing and exporting during that tumultuous time.
Verity was a smooth read and I found myself eager to read that next page. It was bittersweet at the end because, while I enjoyed the book, I wanted to read more of Verity’s story!
Seeing the success that her sister Keturah had on the island of Nevis, Verity decides that she too would like to run her own business. Instead of going into the sugar cane business Verity opts to open her own shop in town. Knowing that the men and women of Nevis think that the sisters are too bold and shouldn’t be doing what only men should, Verity sets out to win them over with her superior products.
Traveling to the colonies Verity has a twofold plan. She wants to find the best products for her new shop, and she wants to find out what happened to her beloved sea captain Duncan McKintrick. Finding Duncan’s brother Ian in jail Verity learns of Duncan’s fate. Heartbroken she agrees to have Ian carry all of her goods back to Nevis.
When an old enemy attempts to put Verity out of business she and Ian escape back to the colonies. There they find that the British are clamping down on the rebels and that rumors of war are abounding.
I loved Verity’s story! I actually love the Banning sisters! They are strong females that have captured the hearts of strong men that allow them to be themselves in an age when women should be just pretty ornaments on a man’s arm. VERITY is filled with beautiful settings, danger, and intrigue, all set on the cusp of the American Revolution. I loved Ian’s character as well. He is a man of honor bent on finding the man that killed his brother. The scenes of slavery in KETURAH were a bit harder to take than the ones in VERITY, but there is a scene that was horrifying and graphic. One of the things that make the Banning plantation and the Bannings themselves different is their treatment of their workers. Most of them are free and paid wages or working towards emancipation. That idea causes the other plantation owners consternation. A great book and I’m now looking forward to reading the last Banning sister’s story, I think we already have an idea of who Selah falls in love with!
If you have not read the first book in the Sugar Baron’s Daughters series, Keturah, you will want to do so before reading this second book. Verity begins in 1775, and those with American roots know the significance of that date. The 3 Banning sisters living on British-controlled Nevis, get pulled into the American War for Independence in unexpected ways.
Although this book focuses on Verity, the middle sister, the reader also learns more about Keturah and her husband, and Selah, the youngest sister.
Bergren has done an amazing job of pulling together so many strands of history into a riveting, fast-paced novel that deals with love and hate, revenge and forgiveness, slavery and freedom. There are men and women of integrity facing off with brutal bullies. There are heart-stopping scenes of tragedy and suspense, as well as tender moments of love and hope. I had a hard time putting the book down, and I’ll be eager to read the final book in the series, Selah, to learn more about the Sugar Baron’s daughters.
I really enjoyed Verity! The time period was fascinating. I could tell the book was well-researched and it opened up a new world for me. I was not ready for it to end and want to follow Verity on her adventures for several more books. The characters are strong and the story feels new and fresh. It was so entertaining that I flew through it and know I will go back to reread and experience it again.
I loved being back on Nevis and with the Banning sister’s and their families, and this book mainly focuses on sister Verity. I would recommend that you read the first book in this series, Keturah, so good!
These are strong women and Verity is now leaving her mark and setting up her own store selling mostly horses and tack, and with the help of Ian McKintrick, brother of Duncan, she has been to NY and the Carolina’s to get her stock.
Now with British soldiers living on their plantation, and the threat of war on the horizon, these women are going to have to make changes.
There is still evil lingering on the island, and we meet the main nemesis again, and yes, I wished him ill will.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series so I can go on with the Banning woman and their loves and trial, and find out how this wraps up!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
I’m a huge fan of historical stories. I love reading stories woven with details of the past, so I love that Verity takes place during the beginning of the American Revolution and that Verity and Ian take action alongside the Sons of Liberty. While most historical romance isn’t action-packed, this book does include a few thrills—from blazing fires and bar fights to spy codes and ship chases—which I think gave the story an extra edge that drew me into the narrative.
As with Keturah, I love the depiction of the three Banning sisters. Verity is different than Keturah, but she has her sister’s stubborn and determined spirit. Despite taking place during a time where women were supposed to get married and settle down, the Banning sisters step beyond the norms of society to chase their hard fought dreams and follow their hearts. I also like that this story continues Keturah and Gray’s story and we get to see what happens to them after the events of the first book. While the book focuses mainly on Verity, the other Banning sisters are not left behind and play an intricate part in the plot as well.
While I was sad we don’t get to see what would have become of Verity and Duncan’s relationship, I do like Ian a lot. Even more than I like Gray. There’s just something about a man who smuggles goods for the rebellion that gets my heart pumping. Plus, that Scottish accent is swoon-worthy. Ian is an excellent heartthrob for a historical romance novel.
I was also impressed that this book doesn’t shy away from focusing on issues that are often seen today. Like Keturah, there are moments of racism, sexism, and oppression throughout the story. The way the characters handle these issues and stand above the people who inflict harm upon others is truly admirable. I can see how these issues will easily flow into Selah’s story and hopefully resolve with the Banning sisters victorious.
This book is published by a Christian publishing house and the characters do discuss and pray to God often throughout the story. The depiction of faith, however, felt genuine and accurate, not coming across disorienting for the time frame or the story. The inclusion of faith in the story did not impede the story in any way, but instead, added to the characters and their actions and attitude toward the events that occur.
Overall, Verity is an excellent sequel to Keturah, full of suspenseful action and heartbreaking moments. There are a lot of truths explored between these pages even though it’s heavily focused on the whirlwind romance between Verity and Ian. If you’re a fan of Bergren’s books or you like historical romance, I would definitely recommend you add Keturah and Verity to your list.
~Thank you to the publisher for providing me an early, digital copy of Verity through Netgalley in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.~
Witty characters and breathtaking scenery kept me riveted to this period novel. As a history buff, the attention to detail in dealing with the early revolutionary era was fascinating. Lisa obviously carefully researched her settings, and her characters are well suited for them.
I loved Verity. This is a series where I have really connected to the characters.
Lisa started off this series with Keturah taking us on a journey in 1773 from England to the West Indies.
In Verity we get to better know the story of a second Banning sister and experience what life was like for the daughter of a sugar baron trying to make her way through an import business in the colonies as she attempts to find information on lost beau, Captain Duncan McKintrick.
Yet again Lisa spins a vivid tale that puts you right in the moment, letting you experience the hardship and joys of Verity’s adventure. This historical book is a fantastic read that left me excited for the next book in the series.. This is a book I will be reading again and I really hope it comes out on audio book as well.
In this second book of the Sugar Baron’s Daughters series, we see Verity come into her own and realize who she is meant to be, and what she is meant to do with her life. She takes many bold steps in answer to God’s calling on her life, and faces numerous challenges and struggles, but never alone. Lisa has done it again, with a book that draws you in, leading you to love the characters and be pulled into the time period and struggles. As a woman, I particularly loved the women in these books who are ahead of their time, and going against conventional practices. I cannot wait to read the third book in this series, I always finish her books wanting more!
I waited so long for this book and was captivated when I read this moving story. Verity is full of adventure with characters facing struggles and finding personal strength, as well as, strength within community. The storyline inspires readers to fight for what is right and pursue their dreams. The added romance is wonderfully discovered. Lisa Bergren once again delivers well researched historical fiction that only left me wanting more. Now, I anxiously await the next book in the series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine.
In the first book of this series by Lisa T. Bergren, Keturah brought her two sisters with her to the West Indies to take over the sugar plantation which was her father’s. We see how each of these three sisters are women with grit and determination.
In this second book of The Sugar Baron’s Daughters, we learn more about the three sisters, however, this book focuses on Verity, the middle sister, who wants something to call her own. She feels a bit lost and misunderstood. She has hopes and dreams of becoming one of the first women to own her own mercantile. Along the way to completing this dream, Verity is hit with many struggles and losses. She learns to stand up for herself and make choices which might not appear right by all.
Lisa T. Bergren is a wonderful storyteller. She has painted beautiful pictures in words, for us to be captured and taken to a time when life was lived day by day. Where, “tomorrow is a hope, not a promise.”
This story has lots of drama, a bit of suspense and wonderfully sweet romance. It is also full of loyalty of friends, and family, who believe in and support Verity no matter what.
I am now waiting to hear more about young Selah and her deep desires to care for others. Oh, what interesting things will we learn?! I know we will also hear more about Verity and Ian and their many adventures.
I was given this book by the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.