Litfuse Book Tour: The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson + Giveaway

The Courier of Caswell Hall
by Melanie Dobson
Copyright 2013
Summerside Press
ISBN: 9780824934262
The Story:
An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution. As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women's families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.

One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages -- a network that may be the Patriots' only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family's protection and her own heart's desires.

As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.




My Thoughts:
From the birth of an independent nation to its expansion west, Melanie Dobson writes Americana stories that are always a pleasure to read. This time, as part of the American Tapestry line from Summerside Press, the story is set in Virginia on two neighboring plantations in the midst of the Revolutionary War. Lydia Caswell and Sarah Hammond have always been loyal to each other but when the war threatens both their families livelihoods, it's difficult to know who to trust. In the months leading up to the end of the war, being loyal to either cause is anything but safe. No matter what the outcome, both the Caswells and the Hammonds know that things will never be as they were.

The Courier of Caswell Hall started out with a glimpse of Lydia's life decades after the war which was unique and different from a lot of romances that I've read. I love how Ms. Dobson captured the fear and pain that spies, wealthy families, and slave families alike may have felt in such uncertain times. That said, the story kind of went downhill towards the end. I enjoyed the story, but the last third of the book moved along a bit too quickly for my taste. It was definitely a gripping romance but a few "events" in the story had me shaking my head in disbelief. I can't say much without giving away a major plot point but I didn't like what happened to a certain character and the fact that it was just kind of brushed aside by the other characters in the story. It was really a heartbreaking thing for me, especially since I was so attached to the character from almost the beginning of the book! Still, I liked the book and will look forward to reading more from Melanie Dobson!

If you enjoy stories set during the American Revolution, I definitely suggest this book. Even if you aren't necessarily a fan of Christian fiction, I don't think you should skip this one. Entertaining and romantic, The Courier of Caswell Hall is a good book for anyone looking for a quick weekend read.


*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

~ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ~

To read what others on the Litfuse tour are saying about the book go here:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/mdobson

Purchase a copy of the book here!

Meet the Author:
Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.

To learn more about the author and her books visit her website:
http://melaniedobson.com/html/main.html


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Giveaway Details! 

Melanie Dobson's latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall, is a riveting story you won't want to miss. The newest offering in the American Tapestries™ series, it follows an unlikely spy who discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

courier-of-caswell-rafflecopter

  Five winners will receive:
  • The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books!


Happy Reading!


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