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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Messenger, The - eBook
Bethany House Messenger, The - eBook
Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?
Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.
Average Customer Rating:
(44 Reviews) 44
Rating Snapshot (44 reviews)
5 stars
26
4 stars
12
3 stars
5
2 stars
1
1 star
0
40 out of 4491%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Messenger, The - eBook
Review 1 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Don't miss this one!
Date:December 27, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
So the Revolutionary War + British-occupied Philedelphia + George Washington’s spies + a Quaker girl questioning her beliefs on non-violence = Amazing! As I’ve come to expect, Siri Mitchell once again takes Historical Romantic Suspense to new levels with The Messenger. Don’t miss this one.
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Review 2 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:September 8, 2012
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
This is the third book for me by this author, and I had hoped I would have developed a liking for this authors writing style, but I have found that I have not. This is not the author for me.
While I loved the history of the revolutionary war, the intrigue about the way messages were passed and the depth of research into the Quaker faith, I felt that the characters themselves fell flat. I didn't fell that Hannah and Jeremiah had any chemistry between them. To me they felt like they were more like passing friends rather than people who were supposed to be falling in love with each other. The jail scenes were a bit more graphic than I would have like to have seen in a christian novel, and I would have like to have seen Jeremiah understand faith at the very least. The author did nothing to resolve this issue, and there was also no mention of Jesus or the cross which bothered me a lot.
This was a book that could have been sold as a secular book and probably would do very well.
While I loved the history of the revolutionary war, the intrigue about the way messages were passed and the depth of research into the Quaker faith, I felt that the characters themselves fell flat. I didn't fell that Hannah and Jeremiah had any chemistry between them. To me they felt like they were more like passing friends rather than people who were supposed to be falling in love with each other. The jail scenes were a bit more graphic than I would have like to have seen in a christian novel, and I would have like to have seen Jeremiah understand faith at the very least. The author did nothing to resolve this issue, and there was also no mention of Jesus or the cross which bothered me a lot.
This was a book that could have been sold as a secular book and probably would do very well.
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Review 3 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Well written
Date:August 29, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
A masterful Revolutionary War tale, well written with stellar main characters.
Hannah Sunderland's world is changing fast, and not for the better. Her family's house is taken over by a British officer, her brother is imprisoned. Hannah is determined to do anything to help her brother, but what if it means becoming a spy?
I was amazed at how much I liked this novel. The depth made it riveting and I really appreciated the historical details. The characters were well written and I enjoyed the way they interacted with each other.
Both of the characters were written in first-person so it really helped me understand the characters to be able to "see" their thoughts. I think Ms. Mitchell did a really good job with the details, that really made this book pop. And I liked how this book realistically portrayed what was going on with the soldiers taking over their house and how the Quakers tried to stay neutral.
Overall, this was a skillfully written read with well built characters, and a vivid setting. There were times that I felt that there wasn't a whole lot going on, but those parts had some great dialogue going on. So I would recommend this book for someone who is looking for a heavier read, and enjoys historic details :)
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
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Review 4 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Rock vs. hard place
Date:August 8, 2012
potosrose
Location:Colorado Springs, Co
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Hannah Sunderland is stuck between a rock and a hard place-follow the rules of her faith and try to forget her brother, or do her best to care for him as he languishes in a British prison. How to choose? As she battles between loyalties, Hannah encounters Jeremiah Jones, a tavern owner who also happens to be a Colonial spy. He needs someone who can get in and out of the jail and avoid suspicion and who better than the sister of a prisoner bringing food and blankets? As they work together, their partnership grows into something more.
This was a very enjoyable read, and Siri is one of my favorite authors. My only disappointment is I would have liked more romantic elements than there were in this book, but that's just me :) Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy for my honest review!
This was a very enjoyable read, and Siri is one of my favorite authors. My only disappointment is I would have liked more romantic elements than there were in this book, but that's just me :) Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy for my honest review!
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Review 5 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Best Book by Siri Mitchell So Far
Date:August 1, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I received a Barnes and Noble gift card for my birthday, and when it comes to actually buy a book, I’m incredibly selective. I research, I read reviews…I want this book to draw me in and not be a waste of my money. That may be because I get so many free books for reviews that are not really my first choice, so that when I do get to make a choice, I’m very picky. (Actually, I did get a chance to review this book for free, but picked another. Sad mistake on my part…)
Anyway, back to the subject. I have read three other of Siri Mitchell’s books: A Constant Heart, Love’s Pursuit, and She Walks in Beauty. I read the first two and neither of them struck my fancy, as I found them both to be, shall we say… depressing. For me, anyway. Also, because Siri Mitchell often writes in first person from both main characters' side, I found it confusing. However, I then read She Walks in Beauty and really enjoyed it.
So when I was at the bookstore, I saw her newest book, The Messenger, and paused. And decided to buy it after taking it and then putting it back several times. I am very indecisive, but somehow, The Messenger kept somehow jumping off the shelf and getting into my hands. Long story short, it is now on my shelf.
That was possibly the longest ever introduction to a review. Enough with my rambling
This book pulled me in entirely. I loved that fact that it was a romance…but then it wasn’t. It’s about how Hannah and Jeremiah have to learn to work with and appreciate each other, and though they do end up caring for each other by the end of the book (sorry if that’s a spoiler for you…) it wasn’t the typical "Oh she’s pretty and he’s handsome I want to marry her/him" plot. In fact, they annoy each other so much so many times that despite the serious nature of the book, I did have a smile on my face a lot.
I had recently read a biography of Benedict Arnold, and although the man did not appear in in this novel, from the biography I learned about many of the incidents of the British occupation of Philadelphia (such as the infamous Meschianza) that were included in The Messenger. I found that to be an interesting coincidence, and felt the pleasure of knowing the historical background of the plot!
This book tackled the issue of a faith based on a political position or particular belief, and I found that it contained much to ponder. The only downside for me was the fact that I found the ending to be very abrupt- so much so you're almost confused at whether or not it really is the end. I wanted more to it! Also, if you are not familiar with Siri Mitchells's writing style (first person perspective from both characters) it can be confusing. However, The Messenger is not a book that is to be quickly forgotten, and I highly recommend this book to any lover of historical fiction.
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Review 6 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Good Concept, Poor Execution
Date:July 6, 2012
theLadyLeigh
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
1
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
1
out of
5
I chose to review this book because I had confused the author with Syrie James whose book "The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen" I had read, and I wanted to see what that author could do with more original material. Unfortunately, I only realized my mistake after I had finished reading "The Messenger"! Oh well!
This book is the story of Hannah Sutherland a Quaker in the midst of the American War for Independence. The story takes place in Philadelphia over the winter of 1778- the winter of Valley Forge's almost starvation... Hannah and her family are forced to quarter British troops in their home and live side by side with men who they want nothing to do with. These circumstances quickly force Hannah and her family out of their home and they take refuge in the home of her affluent aunt and uncle. In the midst of the upheaval in her life Hannah and her family has learned that their son, Hannah's twin brother, who fights for General Washington has been captured and thrown in jail but as part of the Quaker mandate they choose to let him rot in jail as part of the 'consequences' and 'just punishment' for the action he has chosen in going to war. Hannah, having a deep connection to her twin begins feeling the specter of her brother and the deplorable conditions he is living in and is determined to do something to help him even though she knows it is forbidden by her 'Meeting'.
Enter Jeremiah Jones, a former British soldier in Pontiac's War. Jeremiah lost his hand in a skirmish during that war and now runs a tavern and lives in bitter resignation that he will never lead the life that he thought he would, the life that he desires to live with a wife and family. Jeremiah is a mercenary with no true loyalties and uses his tavern, as a bustling center of activity and gossip, to pass that information on. At the moment he is working to pass information to Washington through an intermediary- but finds himself on his own as the man feels the risk is becoming too great for him to continue. This leaves Jeremiah the recipient of a message planning a jail break to liberate Washington's captured soldiers with no one to work with and no means to deliver it...
So begins an unlikely partnership of convenience. Through a series of events Jeremiah is able to get Hannah into the prison to visit her brother- and pass messages and materials- in the hopes of making the jail break possible and in the process save Hannah's brother from certain death. Hannah and Jeremiah constantly butt heads and fight over the things he asks of her and what she is willing to do for him. In the midst of this Jeremiah falls in love with Hannah, but although he feels the effects of her kindness and self-sacrifice that warms his hardened heart and causes him to become a better man he continues to believe that no woman will ever want him. Hannah, in seeing the effects of war up close and personal, begins a tortured journey of conscience that eventually separates her from her 'Meeting' and her family as she can no longer stand by and remain neutral.
I really wanted to like this book as I have always enjoyed 'Revolutionary War' fiction but I kept putting the book down in disappointment... I did feel that the book is well researched but try as I might I just couldn't connect with the story. The storyline itself could have been workable and good but the narrative throughout feels really off as it is told in a really odd first person voice which also switches back and forth between the two main characters perspectives.
Much of what Hannah struggles with throughout the book stems from philosophies and theologies that I know are integral to the Quakers but are so opposite of what I myself believe that it was difficult to see that played out without wanting to throttle a few people! I was glad to see her reach a point of decision and action that allowed her to move forward with her life in a direction that she knew to be right.
Something that really grated on me was the actions of Hannah's parents, particularly her father. As they are living as guests in the aunt's home they repeatedly make a nuisance of themselves by refusing the help of the household servants/slaves or by trying to do their work. This action does nothing but make life more difficult for the servants as it brings attention and hardship to their usually unnoticed lives/work. This is always done in the name of abolition with the reasoning that 'these people are made in God's image and should not be owned by any one' (which is true) but the sentiment is curiously laughable in the face of their refusal to take sides and help those- like their own son- who are dying in the prison or are fighting to free the country from being under the tyrannnical rule of the British!!
The thing that was extremely frustrating was the book's abrupt ending! After more than 350 pages we finally get to the big event and the reader feels that the wrap up is about to begin- then you turn the page and find you are at the end without even an epilogue! So many things are left up in the air and without answers that it really cheats the reader out of a truly happy ending! With good resolution this book could have had a strong ending that would have left the reader more satisfied.
Much of what Hannah struggles with throughout the book stems from philosophies and theologies that I know are integral to the Quakers but are so opposite of what I myself believe that it was difficult to see that played out without wanting to throttle a few people! I was glad to see her reach a point of decision and action that allowed her to move forward with her life in a direction that she knew to be right.
Something that really grated on me was the actions of Hannah's parents, particularly her father. As they are living as guests in the aunt's home they repeatedly make a nuisance of themselves by refusing the help of the household servants/slaves or by trying to do their work. This action does nothing but make life more difficult for the servants as it brings attention and hardship to their usually unnoticed lives/work. This is always done in the name of abolition with the reasoning that 'these people are made in God's image and should not be owned by any one' (which is true) but the sentiment is curiously laughable in the face of their refusal to take sides and help those- like their own son- who are dying in the prison or are fighting to free the country from being under the tyrannnical rule of the British!!
The thing that was extremely frustrating was the book's abrupt ending! After more than 350 pages we finally get to the big event and the reader feels that the wrap up is about to begin- then you turn the page and find you are at the end without even an epilogue! So many things are left up in the air and without answers that it really cheats the reader out of a truly happy ending! With good resolution this book could have had a strong ending that would have left the reader more satisfied.
So, in the end this is a story with good potential that never lives up to what it could be and leaves readers wanting what they should have gotten after so many long pages!
This book gets a disappointed 2 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and opinion of the product.
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Review 7 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Excellent book!
Date:June 25, 2012
Mary A
Location:Canada
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
What a unique story! Very well written with a good, solid plot. The characters are well developed and the romance is sweet and enduring. Wonderful book! A must read!
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Review 8 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Historical Fiction
Date:June 22, 2012
Quality:
2
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
This novel was so-so for me. I wouldn’t say I loved it or disliked it and I’m not sure if I would recommend this book. The pace of the story was very slow, character development was ok. I found it a tad difficult to follow along with what was happening. I didn’t find myself excited to find out what happens with/to Jeremiah and Hannah. The history part of this novel was very interesting though as was learning about the Quaker faith. What I liked best about this story was Hannah’s seeking of God’s voice, will for her life. When she needed to take a stand (at the cost of her reputation, standing in society) she did it.
Received this book free to review from Bethany House.
Received this book free to review from Bethany House.
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Review 9 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
A suprising page-turner - mystery, romance & faith
Date:June 15, 2012
NANZ
Location:Utah
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Quaker heroine, Hannah, has her faith stunned by her brother's life. After running away to join the Army, he lands in a squalid prison. As she attempts to see him, she is put into service by an unknown man, Jeremiah. Jeremiah needs information known by other prisoners in order to free those men.
Gaining entrance to the prison, taking information and tools with the food, she puts her own life in jeopardy. Jeremiah assists her in spite of herself. Hannah is drawn to him even though she denies it.
As she re-assesses her Quaker faith of non-violence, becomes involved with the scheme to free her brother & other men, she is confronted with who she is and what she believes beyond her childhood faith.
A great read - hard to put down.
Gaining entrance to the prison, taking information and tools with the food, she puts her own life in jeopardy. Jeremiah assists her in spite of herself. Hannah is drawn to him even though she denies it.
As she re-assesses her Quaker faith of non-violence, becomes involved with the scheme to free her brother & other men, she is confronted with who she is and what she believes beyond her childhood faith.
A great read - hard to put down.
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Review 10 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
I spy
Date:June 8, 2012
"The Messenger" by Siri Mitchell is a really good book. It takes place during the Revolutionary War with the lead characters being Hannah, a Quaker girl whose brother has left the church to join the rebel cause and whose aunt and uncle are Loyalist; and Jeremiah, a former King's Army colonist who lost his hand during the Indian Wars and since has become a spy rebel. The book goes back and forth with each chapter telling the story from Hannah and Jeremiah's point of view. Hannah is torn between her loyalty to the Friends and what she knows is wrong about the religion. Jeremiah is torn between his friendship with his contact at the General's office and the guilt of using his contact to access information. They both become spys for the Colonist.
"The Messenger" is well written, the characters are thorough and the end is riviting. I am a bit of a history buff (as you can probably tell from my readings) and yet I had not heard of all the details that are given about the treatment of rebels that where prisoners of the British. Hannah's brother, the rebel, is a prisoner. Disease, starvation, the underhanded treatment. You might not like this book, but you should read it. I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers.
"The Messenger" is well written, the characters are thorough and the end is riviting. I am a bit of a history buff (as you can probably tell from my readings) and yet I had not heard of all the details that are given about the treatment of rebels that where prisoners of the British. Hannah's brother, the rebel, is a prisoner. Disease, starvation, the underhanded treatment. You might not like this book, but you should read it. I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers.
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Review 11 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Classic love story
Date:June 5, 2012
TrevnBet
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
This book is a fictional story based upon true stories from the American Revolution. The character development is slow, as it took several chapters before I was interested in what occurred in the characters lives. Hannah & Jeremiah are the two main characters. They are brought together from two very different lives in pursuit of the same thing, a familiar historical fiction love story. The author did add some twists and turns that I was not expecting. Hannah's inner struggles were very well expressed. You could feel how challenging her life was at times. I did not identify with a lot of Jeremiah's struggles. The book has two main plots, that of Hannah's life and that of Jeremiah's, and the story is told from both of their perspectives. It is interesting to see how their different faith's play a role in the decisions they make.
Overall I enjoyed the book, although it took several chapters before I felt that way. This is the first book I have read in awhile that I didn't want to finish, but I am glad I did. The suspense during the climax made it impossible to put down. The history geek in me is now interested in studying the true facts on which the book is based.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing
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Review 12 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
excelent Revolutionary War historical fiction
Date:June 1, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
It took me a while to pick this book up, but once I started reading it I didn’t want to put it down. (Finished it in the wee hours of the morning.)
I love history and the American Revolutionary War is one of my favorite periods to read about. I think this is the first novel I’ve read about life in Philadelphia during the winter of 1777-1778 when the British were quartered there while Washington and his men froze at Valley Forge. It’s a good story with lots of interesting dynamics.
After her twin brother joins the Continental army and is captured, Hannah Sunderland reluctantly becomes The Messenger between the imprisoned soldiers and a Continental spy living in Philadelphia. Hannah and her family are Friends, Quakers. As pacifists they opposed the war and refused to take sides which put Hannah between a rock and a hard place.
To the Sunderland family Robert, Hannah’s twin, is essentially an outcast. When word comes that he is in a prison in the town neither parent tries to go see him and no one enquires after his well being. No one, except Hannah. Even though the British declared a no visitor policy she still hopes to see her brother.
Enter Jeremiah Jones, tavern owner, Continental spy, and veteran of the French and Indian War. He is angry at God, angry at the Quakers (for opposing that war), angry at the British because he was overlooked by the doctors and lost his arm, and he is angry at Lieutenant John Lindley.
Using his former friendship with John Lindley, now an officer in General Howe’s headquarters, Jeremiah is able to secure a pass for Hannah to visit her brother and other prisoners. In exchange for the pass Hannah agrees to carry messages to and from the jail – messages about an escape planned for the spring.
Only problem is all the prisoners are starving, sick and too weak to dig the escape tunnel. Not to mention that once they finally do start digging they can’t know for sure if they are headed straight towards their destination. They’ll need all the help that Hannah and Jeremiah, two very unlikely allies, can provide if they are to succeed.
There are so many interesting dynamics to this story. As a Quaker Hannah struggles with aiding her brother and the other prisoners, in doing so she is going against her parents, her friends, her church and its elders. Jeremiah is bitter and angry but he still shows compassion. Hannah's family moves in with her aunt and uncle who own slaves - something the Quakers are strongly against.
I really enjoyed this story and was pleased to find out that it is based loosely on a true event. The author includes several pages of historical notes at the end which clarifies which parts of the story are true and which parts are fiction.
There are two things in the story that didn’t quite make sense. One was the Sunderland’s rejection of their son and also their daughter. The second was the anger and hatred Jeremiah had for John. The book has Jeremiah calling John his greatest enemy but throughout the story Jeremiah seems to be on friendly terms.
The characters are fun and for the most part well developed, the historical parts are well researched, and the story engaging. All in all a great read.
I received this book for free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review
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Review 13 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Great Historical Fiction
Date:June 1, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I just had the pleasure of reading The Messenger by Siri Mitchell. As soon as I read the description of the book, I knew I had to get this book. I mean, for a person who loves historical fiction and romances, does it get much better than the Revolutionary War, Quakers, spies, and a sweet little love story, all in the same book? And let me tell you, The Messenger did not disappoint.
Hannah Sunderland is a Quaker young woman living in Philadelphia during the British occupation. She is content to obey the Quaker rules for living until her brother joins the Colonial army and is captured and thrown into jail-- and the Quaker faith forbids her and her family from visiting him. Even if she were allowed, she would need a pass in order to get in to see him.
Jeremiah Jones is a Colonial spy who desperately needs someone to take a message into the jail. If he can't get that message to the right men soon, the escape being planned by General Washington may for those prisoners may not take place. He decides to make a deal with Hannah-- he will get her a pass to get into the jail if she will carry messages into and out of the prison. Each is wary of the other and neither is prepared for the feelings they begin to develop for each other.
This book is an excellent read that I would recommend to everyone. The only thing that is slightly confusing when you first start the book is that it is written in the first person from both the perspective of Hannah and Jeremiah. One chapter is written through Hannah's eyes, and the next through Jeremiah's, and it goes back and forth like that through the entire book. But I love books written in the first person, and once you get used to being inside of both of the main characters' heads, it is thoroughly enjoyable.
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Review 14 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
A Story of Revolutionary Valor and Courage
Date:May 28, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Messenger by Siri Mitchell is one of the best books I have read this year. The chapters alternate between Hannah Sunderland’s and Jeremiah Jones’ perspective.
This gave the reader wider insight into Hannah’s and Jeremiah’s thoughts and actions adding to the developing plot. The tension between Hannah and Jeremiah was
just right, and I enjoyed watching their friendship and budding romance grow.
just right, and I enjoyed watching their friendship and budding romance grow.
I have always enjoyed historical novels and I tend to gravitate to them more than any other genre. Siri Mitchell put a lot of research into this one, and it shows. When
you read this book, please don’t skip the author’s notes, because they are chock full of historical information I think you will enjoy reading.
you read this book, please don’t skip the author’s notes, because they are chock full of historical information I think you will enjoy reading.
This book has without question, earned 5 out of 5 stars.
**The Messenger by Siri Mitchell was provided for me free by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 15 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Captivating & Compelling
Date:May 24, 2012
ToriPeterson
Location:USA
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I love historical novels, and the fact that this novel is set during the Revolutionary War intrigued me that much more. Revolutionary War novels in Christian fiction is a rarity indeed, and the message of God was felt throughout the story as well. This book will definitely make you take a ride on an emotional roller coaster and that's putting it mildly. There is a new twist and turn with every chapter, and the characters are as real as can be. I was held in utter suspense holding my breath at times to find out what would happen next.
This novel is told in first person from each of the main character's viewpoints, Hannah and Jeremiah. This gives you a very clear insight to each of the characters personal viewpoints and thoughts which was actually refreshing.
Hannah is very admirable, and even though she finds herself questioning her Quaker upbringing later in the novel she holds fast to her beliefs in God no matter what. Although she has to go against her rules of being a Friend she doesn't waver in her honesty, strength, or faith even just when you think she surely can't take anymore without breaking. I think Hannah is easy for many to relate to, as we all have found ourselves questioning different aspects of our upbringing. Ultimately we have to follow our hearts while keeping rooted in our faith, and that is the challenge.
Jeremiah is a very bitter angry man. Although it appears time and again that he cares for no one, least of all himself, his kind heart shows through here and there. I greatly sympathized with him, having been through a previous war he lost an arm because of his birth, and was always thought less of a man because he wasn't born British. This makes him extremely angry and sullen in life.
What I loved the most about this novel is the fact that the two characters, when brought together, ended up bringing out the best in each other. Even though they were definitely not fond of each other time and again, the ultimate result was heart-warming and I found myself in tears at the end of the novel. Another great factor was this novel bared all- the good and bad.
It is definitely a MUST-READ for all you historical fiction fans out there. Everything is researched well, and there's no character large or small that is un-believable. They are all brought to life in this novel.
This was my first novel by Siri Mitchell, but I can't wait to read more. This is going on my favorites shelf no question about that. This book definitely captured my attention, as well as my heart.
This novel is told in first person from each of the main character's viewpoints, Hannah and Jeremiah. This gives you a very clear insight to each of the characters personal viewpoints and thoughts which was actually refreshing.
Hannah is very admirable, and even though she finds herself questioning her Quaker upbringing later in the novel she holds fast to her beliefs in God no matter what. Although she has to go against her rules of being a Friend she doesn't waver in her honesty, strength, or faith even just when you think she surely can't take anymore without breaking. I think Hannah is easy for many to relate to, as we all have found ourselves questioning different aspects of our upbringing. Ultimately we have to follow our hearts while keeping rooted in our faith, and that is the challenge.
Jeremiah is a very bitter angry man. Although it appears time and again that he cares for no one, least of all himself, his kind heart shows through here and there. I greatly sympathized with him, having been through a previous war he lost an arm because of his birth, and was always thought less of a man because he wasn't born British. This makes him extremely angry and sullen in life.
What I loved the most about this novel is the fact that the two characters, when brought together, ended up bringing out the best in each other. Even though they were definitely not fond of each other time and again, the ultimate result was heart-warming and I found myself in tears at the end of the novel. Another great factor was this novel bared all- the good and bad.
It is definitely a MUST-READ for all you historical fiction fans out there. Everything is researched well, and there's no character large or small that is un-believable. They are all brought to life in this novel.
This was my first novel by Siri Mitchell, but I can't wait to read more. This is going on my favorites shelf no question about that. This book definitely captured my attention, as well as my heart.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.
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Review 16 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Great read on Revolutionary War era
Date:May 21, 2012
Aimee
Location:Indiana
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I was provided with a copy of "The Messenger" by the publisher to read and review.
First of all, I will say that this is the first book I have read by Ms. Mitchell, and the time period, the Revolutionary War, is not one of my usual picks. However, I really enjoyed the book, and look forward to reading more of her books, and maybe I'll branch out to other books on this topic.
It did take a little time getting into the book, maybe because of the different time period, use of the Quaker language (ie, thee, thou, etc) mixed in the speech, or the writing style of switching back and forth every chapter between the main characters, Hannah and Jeremiah, speaking in first person. By the middle of the book, I was used to the style, and looked forward to reading the other character's viewpoint as the story progressed.
Overall, the story was well laid out and the slight bit of suspense kept me wanting to come back to finish the book. I especially enjoyed the note from the author at the end where she pieced together the factual history of the Quakers and the time period to the fictional story she had written.
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Review 17 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:May 18, 2012
I have long been a fan of Siri's books. The subject matter of Quakerism and the Revolutionary War really had my interest. I enjoyed learning more about the Quaker's beliefs and was surprised at what I did not know. Hannah and Jeremiah are an unlikely couple, and the author does a good job with both their voices. I was totally absorbed in the book .
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Review 18 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
This book is entertaining and informative.
Date:May 15, 2012
joni
Location:Western New York
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Siri Mitchell has written an interesting story about a Quaker girl during the Revolution and her envolvement in the war when she tries to help her brother who has joined the rebels. The problems she encounters when her faith is tested as she tries to be both an obiedient daughter and a loving sister make for a fascinating narrative. Meeting Jeremiah, a man she would normally not even have contact with, adds to the story as their regard for one another develops.
This story is unique in that there is not the usual love story format and that is refreshing. I appreciate the research needed to explain the Quaker faith as it relates to this young girl and her parents. Also it helps the reader to understand why the Quaker's tried to stay out of the conflict.
The ending is well worth waiting for!! Thanks Siri for a really good book.
I received this book from Bethany House free of charge. They required I write a review after reading the book.
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Review 19 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Love Amidst The Revolutionary War
Date:May 14, 2012
Villageanne
Location:WV
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
"The Messenger" by "Siri Mitchell" will take the reader on an emotional roller-coaster. The story switches from anger, fear, commitment, and desperation to a love/hate relationship between countries and religions. This historical facts were well researched by the author. Emotions between the characters was high as the story unfolds in the readers mind. The characters are strong in both emotional and Spiritual aspects during a time when war controls the lives of everyone. This is a story of war, religious beliefs and love.
I was confused for the first few chapters. I felt like the story was a sequel to a previous story but the more I read, the more the storyline formed and I was rapidly drawn into it on a very intimate basis. I felt the fear as the characters very lives were in danger. I felt the confusion as they fought to find their place in their religion, families and America. I learned a lot about the Quaker faith and how it fit into the shaping of not only the story but the foundation of America as well. I felt as if I was in the midst of the war and could feel the characters emotions as strong as if I was there. The development of love in the midst of war was amazing.
I rate this book a 4 ½ star. I would rate it a 5 if the first few chapters were set up in a different way. I enjoyed the storyline and the historical setting of the Revolutionary war
I recommend this story to anyone who loves a good historical fiction story that if filled with action, both love and war. The great thing about this book is that there is no obscene visions, words or thoughts. I love the Bethany House publishers because I know I can read the book without being embarrassed at the scenes that are evolving in my head.
The back of the book has discussion questions for book clubs that really add depth to the story for any reader when pondered.
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Review 20 for Messenger, The - eBook
Overall Rating:
Different sort of historical..
Date:May 14, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Hannah Sunderland is content to be a Quaker. Her life though outside of her faith is a mess. Her twin brother is in jail, after joining the army against his families’ wishes, soldiers take over their home and chaos rules the streets.
Jeremiah Jones- Hero, injured on the fields of war, embittered by the blow life has dealt him, makes the choice to be a spy for the Rebels. When the aloof Quaker girl whom is determined to visit her brother in jail surprises him, his whole life seems to change.
This story set during the Revolutionary War is told in a different voice. It is almost as if you the reader are on the outside, looking in as the story is being told to you, from the perspective of Hannah and Jeremiah. It feels as if you are floating above them, looking in, carrying bread and cheese in the stinky jails or being inspected by the loose woman the guard employed. Hannah’s desperation and love for her brother conquers the love she has for her church’s rules, yet she does not want to give them up. Would she give them up for love though?
I enjoyed this book of Ms. Mitchell’s, but found it different than her last two books…you are guaranteed when you pick up one of her books to find a book that gives you a unique perspective. You never know what twist awaits you around the bend in the road!
This book was provided free of charge for review from Bethany House Publishers
This book was provided free of charge for review from Bethany House Publishers
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