Friday, March 16, 2012

Book Tour: Review--The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins

My thoughts:
In The Turning of Anne Merrick, we get a first hand glimpse at the inner workings of the British forces during the Revolutionary War.  Anne Merrick, the widow of a Tory printer, joins the band of women folk who follow the British army under the guise of a peddler of letter-writing services, stationery, and sundries.  Her intentions are to report any information she can find out that could benefit the Patriots in the war against the British.  She makes her reports in the form of secret messages, which she leaves for Jack and his band of rebels scouts.  Jack is Anne's love.  Fighting for the cause in their own way, each are constantly aware of the danger they face.  The love they share makes it difficult to carry out the tasks they must perform, but the freedom of America must be the most important thing in their lives.

I'm of the opinion that not enough historical fiction is written about American history and this time period.  Maybe I'm incorrect and just haven't come across many titles set in the era, but Christine Blevins has a true talent for bringing our history to life.  The characters are real and believable and I found myself emotionally invested in their lives.  The attention to detail surrounding the clothing of the time, the making of ammunition, and other tasks that were necessary during Revolutionary times add authenticity to an otherwise exciting story.  Being the sequel to The Tory Widow, this book reads very well as a stand alone novel.  The author was generous enough to supply a copy of the above mentioned book which I was unable to read before reading this one.  However, I look forward to reading it and learning about Anne and Jack's earlier lives.

The Turning of Anne Merrick is full of what makes a great historical novel.  Intrigue, a bit of romance, and meticulously researched historical facts make for an interesting and exciting read.  I will be adding Blevins to my list of must-read historical authors.

About the book:
A tale of love and espionage from the author of Midwife of the Blue Ridge and The Tory Widow...

She spies for General Washington, betrays the Redcoats and battles for America's independence...

It's 1777, and a fledgling country wages an almost hopeless struggle against the might of the British Empire. Brought together by a fateful kiss, Anne Merrick and Jack Hampton are devoted to each other and to their Patriot cause. As part of Washington's daring network of spies, they are ready and willing to pay even the ultimate price for freedom.

From battlefields raging along the Hudson, to the desperate winter encampment at Valley Forge and through the dangerous intrigue of British-occupied Philadelphia, Anne and Jack brave the trials of separation, the ravages of war and an unyielding enemy growing ever more ruthless.

For love and for country, all is put at risk-and together the pair must call upon their every ounce of courage and cunning in order to survive.


Visit Christine Blevins: 
Website | Facebook
Christine Blevins on Twitter: @Author_CBlevins
Tour Event Twitter Hashtag: #TurningofAnneMerrickVirtualTourReading 

Stop by Christine Blevins' guest post and enter the giveaway for the book and some authentic 18th century stationery HERE.

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FTC Disclosure:  I received a copy in conjunction with a book tour with Historical Fiction Virtual Book tours and in exchange for an honest review.  I received no monetary compensation. 

1 comment:

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  1. Whilst I do think that this book would have been fine as a standalone book, I am grateful that I did get time to read The Tory Widow as well because you do really get to see the development of the relationship between Anne and Jack!

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