An Excellent Historical-Contemporary Debut | Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

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MY REVIEW

An excellent debut from author Heidi Chiavaroli, Freedom’s Ring beautifully intertwines contemporary and historical timelines into a single, captivating story. As I read this book, I loved getting acquainted with the characters and circumstances in each timeline, as well as seeing how they connected, physically and thematically. It kept me reading eagerly, wanting to know how everything would play out, and I completely enjoyed it. Readers who enjoy multiple but connected storylines should be sure to read Freedom’s Ring. I recommend it and look forward to reading more from Chiavaroli in the future. 

★★★★

Thanks to Tyndale BlogNetwork, I received a complimentary copy of Freedom’s Ring and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.