My Thoughts on The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

This is the fourth book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series and it is certainly a worthy addition! The Patriot Bride is an exciting tale of events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and it has a heroine and hero who are equally dedicated to the Patriot cause. Faith Lytton is just 10 when we first meet her in 1752 at her family home in Virginia and it is apparent that she is an independent little girl who knows no fear and feels no limitations due to being a female. The story soon advances to 1774 and Faith Lytton Jackson is now a wealthy 32 year old widow living in Boston and she is still fearless and independent. This is the time when the American colonies were facing increasing oppression from England and the move for independence was beginning. Faith is an old friend of the respected soldier George Washington and she agrees to become a messenger to deliver secret information to help the Patriots (colonists) in their cause. Matthew Weber is a friend of Benjamin Franklin and he becomes Faith's contact. This is the beginning of an association that will alter both of their lives forever!

I love historical fiction so I truly enjoyed this book. Faith and Matthew are both brave people who love God and who value the Patriot cause and Faith is more than happy to use her wealth and her social influence to secretly further this effort. I loved how independent and feisty she is and her humor and creativity are to be admired.  Matthew is the perfect hero and I was touched that he had never been in a serious relationship and he was very reluctant to admit his deep feelings for Faith. In one meeting he tells Faith "I allowed my fear to rule my mind and my heart. I was so worried about what might happen to you that I slammed the door of my heart and I am afraid it hurt you." (p. 113).

And later, "He moved closer to her and wanted to drink in those green eyes. Her face was framed by her dark blond curls. He closed his eyes and tried to memorize the ways her eyes smiled at him, the lines of her face." (p. 121). Oh! Be still my heart!

Author Kimberley Woodhouse has given readers a story of finding love and friendship when you least expect it. There is also adventure, secrecy, and a reminder of the danger that the colonists faced in their struggle for freedom.  Bible scripture is quoted often in this book and and a strong belief in God and the power of prayer is very evident. I heartily recommend The Patriot Bride to readers who enjoy Christian fiction and historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.