Book Reviews! // Dawn of Liberty and Finding Change!

Hello and welcome to a bonus post! (Post 6, but who’s counting?...) Today is a collaboration of sorts. Rebekah Morris at Read Another Page is hosting a reading challenge, so I thought I’d join in! But I also agreed to review a book from Stellae Books and today is the due date. So, I thought I’d combine efforts and post both reviews here, plus use my Stellae book towards the challenge! So, here we go…

Dawn of Liberty by Amber Schamel
(Published 2016)

Liberty comes with a price. Can a fledgling nation bear the cost?

British forces advance upon a struggling colonial army. The time of decision has come. Declare independence, or give up the fight. The weight of a nation rests on Samuel Adams’ shoulders as he joins the delegates of the Second Continental Congress. Can he raise the cause of Liberty above the fear of the King’s wrath in the hearts of his countrymen?

Three riveting short stories follow Samuel Adams as he struggles through the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence and evokes the Dawn of Liberty.

My Thoughts...

As a lover of history and the American War for Independence, this book caught my attention the first time I saw it. I was thrilled to see it available for review!  And I was not disappointed!

I’ll go ahead and site the only thing I didn’t “like”. To me, the only thing that didn’t ring true was Sam Adams’ personality. I’ve always been told and have read that Sam was an extremely passionate man, to a fault most of the time. While I haven’t done enough personal research to know it that’s fact or legend, Sam came off a little passive compared to my perception of him. That’s definitely not a bad thing, that’s literally the only thing that didn’t ring true for me!

Now, to all the things I liked about this book!

Like basically everything?

All the characters in this story were real historical figures. Sam Adams is the main character, with John Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere as co-stars! This book is divided into 3 stories, each talking about the birth of our Nation, from the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, to a flashback to the Boston Massacre, the Midnight Ride and the Boston Tea Party, all culminating with the vote for Independence.

I loved how the Author left a note in the back explaining a few places where she had to take creative license to fill in the blanks. There are sometimes in writing that require filling in gaps and she did a realistic and skillful job, consistent with the mindset of the men she portrayed.

And the Christian faith of these men were weaved through the story effortlessly and so genuinely, it was so real! Let no one ever claim these brave Christian men were deists!

Another note, the scriptures are King James (!) but there is one misquote.

This book as an easy 5 Stars for me!

Here are a few of my favorite quotes…
***
The greatest difference in our town is the raised spirits of the people. They harbor a hope within their bosoms that one day this tyranny of Britain will come to an end. Someday, if God should continue to bless our cause, we shall be free to keep what we work for. We are no longer defenseless in our own homes. No longer helpless against an oppressive foe. That hope is a tonic that will make a mouse a lion.
***
Reverend Clarke stepped forward. “Then God will be our defense, but I will not cower when I have the resources to prevail. I will stand. I will stand for liberty against an oppressive enemy. I will stand in defense of these men they seek to arrest. I will stand because no man has the right to take what God has given me. Who will stand with me?”
***
Almighty God, we require a miracle.
***

With that, I will say, GO BUY THIS BOOK! Here are the links so you can do just that! It’s also a great resource for Homeschoolers…😊 And to any of my sweet readers not from the States, this is a great way for you to get an overveiw of the mindset and struggles leading to my Homeland’s birth! Get it!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Stellae Books. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opnions.*

Finding Change by Sarah Maxwell
(Published 2018)

Ten-year-old Emma and her younger brother, Ethan, have just moved to the tight-knit community of Hill Top, which Emma hopes will be their home for a long time.

Adventure is right around the corner, and with Taffy, Emma’s English Cream Golden Retriever, in the mix, there’s never a dull moment. But trouble brews for Dad’s job, and uncertain times shake their home. Meanwhile, Emma observes Mom and neighbor-girl Brooke’s faith, knowing she doesn’t have it.

Once again, Sarah captivates the hearts and minds of children while powerfully portraying the importance of Jesus in our everyday lives. A mom

The bake contest lures Emma to church, and she’s flooded with memories of a tragic event and the bitterness it left. Emma again resolves that she will never ever forgive Aunt Nicole.

Ups and downs and twists and turns fill the pages of Finding Change until a dreaded visit by her aunt brings Emma face-to-face with the biggest decision of her life.

Order your copy now!

My Thoughts...

You know those authors that are automatic buys for you? The one that it doesn’t matter what era/setting/topic, you know you’ll love it? Sarah Maxwell is one of those authors for me, only I normally purchase them for my younger siblings to enjoy. But I’m in my twenties and I love them!

Finding Change was so sweet! It has a lovely theme of forgiveness and Salvation, shows a wonderful example of how to write a non-saved character without it getting ugly. Emma is the main character and I adore her so much! I just want to squeeze here!

Now, just to be perfectly honest, at times I thought she seemed a little older than 10, while at others, the age fit perfect. I know all 10-year-olds are different, so that’s not a major issue at all, just fyi.

Sarah did a great job at crafting an imperfect family (and showing that not all homeschoolers come from a Christian family. The mom is a new Christian.), showing the little spats siblings get into without making it seem okay to squabble. And who doesn’t love animals, let’s just be honest?! Dogs, chickens, cats…and Lucy! You’ll have to read the book to find out who she is 😉

Again, this is a 5 star must read!
 
Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22