Review: Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Boston, 2015
Two years after nearly losing her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, Annie David is still far from “Boston strong.” Instead she remains isolated and defeated―plagued by guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast, and by an antique ring alongside a hazy hero’s face. But when she learns the identity of her rescuer, will he be the hero she’s imagined? And can the long-past history of the woman behind the ring set her free from the guilt and fears of the present?

Boston, 1770
As a woman alone in a rebellious town, Liberty Caldwell finds herself in a dangerous predicament. When a British lieutenant, Alexander Smythe, comes to her rescue and offers her employment, Liberty accepts. As months go by, Alexander not only begins to share his love of poetry with her, but protects Liberty from the advances of a lecherous captain living in the officers’ house where she works.

Mounting tensions explode in the Boston Massacre, and Liberty’s world is shattered as her brother, with whom she has just reunited, is killed in the fray. Desperate and alone, she returns home, only to be assaulted by the captain. Afraid and furious toward redcoats, Liberty leaves the officers’ home, taking with her a ring that belonged to Alexander.

Two women, separated by centuries, must learn to face their fears. And when they feel they must be strong, they learn that sometimes true strength is found in surrender.

My Review

I'm torn over whether or not I like a split timeline in a book, but I think it was done successfully here. Initially the two stories feel completely foreign to each other, but as the common thread of the ring is researched by Annie and her rescuer Brad, the deeper themes begin to weave together and by the end of the book I felt like there was unity between the separate eras. All the characters are flawed and make regrettable choices, but learn over time how depending on our faith and relying on God's strength is what makes us strong and carries us through to a new day and new choices. I loved Annie and Brad's sweet friendship and romance the most. I felt a bit disconnected from the emotion in Liberty's story, but it was a fascinating one. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)