While not a military family, we have lived, worked, worshiped, and volunteered among military families our entire marriage. We have seen the sacrifices the duty members and their family members have made. The Belle of Chatham, more than any other novel set during the American Revolution that I have read, has given me a glimpse of how these same sacrifices manifested themselves as our country fought for its independence. It also brings to the forefront that even though we were at war with another country, families that had resided here their entire lives were divided in their loyalties, much as were Civil War families, experiencing heart-wrenching sacrifices.
The Belle of Chatham is a lovely story in its ability to portray this era in the history of our nation and to remind us of what motivated not only our forefathers, but also average Americans, to commit their lives to securing freedom. As often is the case lovely endings are preceded by ugly circumstances and hard truths. Laura Frantz has excelled in using fiction to bring forth truth. She has developed characters whose shoes we can step into, characters we can walk alongside and empathize with, characters who model lives of faith and perseverance.
I most highly recommend The Belle of Chatham which I have rated five stars, not something I often do. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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