Rebellious Heart...Review

About the book:
Because she's a woman, higher learning was always closed to Susanna Smith. But her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. And she's determined to marry well, so she'll be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Growing up with little to his name, poor country lawyer Benjamin Ross dreams of impacting the world for the better. When introduced to the Smiths he's taken by Susanna's intelligence and independent spirit, but her parents refuse to see him as a suitor for their daughter.

When the life of a runaway indentured servant is threatened, Susanna is forced to choose between justice and mercy, and Ben becomes her unlikely advisor. But drawing closer to this man of principle and intellect lands her in a dangerous, secret world of rebellion and revolution against everything she once held dear.

I love strong heroines.  I love reading about women who stand up for their beliefs, their rights and others. Susanna was just that.  Inherently good, she helps the poor and the widowed and educates their daughters even when she herself can't attend school because she's a woman.  When an abused indentured girl comes across her path, Susanna knows she must help her. The redcoats who patrol their community however, are vicious and mean and will not even stop at death to punish those they see as bad.

The historical setting was fascinating: colonial, pre-revolution when resentment and rebellion toward England was brewing among the colonists.  I loved these characters.  They were strong, intelligent and unafraid to stand up for themselves and others  even at danger to their own lives.  The romance is passionate, but clean and the story Christian, but non-preachy.  I'd love a sequel.

Jody drew inspiration from the courtship and history of John and Abigail Adams and fictionalized their story here.  If they were at all like Ben and Susanna, I'm curious to read more about them.

Thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Jody Hedlund here.  You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 9/13

* * * *
4/5 Stars

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