This novel came out of nowhere and completely enthralled
me.
A
rich historical with tension abounding in heritage, setting and characters. The
romance was forbidden and absolutely perfect. I loved the richness of the Irish
culture, how their prejudice crossed the ocean to America with them and
produced more than a little bit of fodder for today’s modern authors.
The
voice behind the words on the page was what swept me so deeply into this book.
It’s engrossing, unique and perfect for a deep and full historical. There was a
familiarity and smoothness to the story that propelled me quickly through the
story. I now want to go right back and read slowly, taking every little bit
back in.
Cara
and Rourke are strong and determined characters. The suspense is bringing them
together and the romantic tension sizzles. Between the two of those vices, I
might have had all the air squeezed out of me.
I wasn't sure how well I would like Rourke as from the first couple chapters, I
had the impression he might be the bad guy, or at least in cahoots with the bad
guys. But the man has a heart of flesh and I loved watching him fall in love
with Cara. It changed him. And I love a reformed bad boy.
Beginning
to end, I was no short of impressed, and now most eager for book two in the Edge
of Freedom series. Well done!
This
review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy
to review.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
More about the novel and author...
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.
Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.
Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.
Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.
If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Harbor, go HERE.
No Safe Harbor sounds like a good book. Love the cover--and your review! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved it! I need to recommend it to my crit partner...her book carries the same flavor as this novel!
DeleteOoh! And now I totally have to read this. Plus, I have an extra special place in my heart now for Bethany authors. :) But yeah, if that beautiful cover hadn't already caught my eye, your review Casey is enough to send me to Amazon... :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a goodie! One of those books that took me by surprise and I'm glad it did. Let me know what you think!
DeleteHey Casey, thank you so much for reading and reviewing NO SAFE HARBOR. I'm glad you enjoyed reading Cara and Rourke's story!
ReplyDeleteBook two is all about Cara's brother, Eoghan. Now, I'm trying to figure out if readers were able to pronounce his name given the context clues I added, or if I need to be more explicit. How did you say his name in your head?
I'm VERY excited for the fact that we get recurring characters in book #2. Color me happy!
DeleteAs for Eoghan's name, I thought it was IAN, but it was OWEN right? I struggled with that one and finally just settled on Ian, knowing it was being said wrong. ;)