Cadence (The American Anthem Series #2) [Paperback]

B. J. Hoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 2003

Cadence reunites us with Andrew Carmichael, an inner city physician, and his partner in practice, Bethany Cole, one of the first female physicians in America, who share a desire to serve the poor with their healing skills and with love. As the story continues, they discover that they share more than a professional passion--they share a love for each other.

Set in late nineteenth century New York City and the surrounding Hudson River Valley, and incorporating the beginnings of American gospel music, Cadence continues the saga of the courageous immigrants who helped build our nation, the struggles they endured, and the music they created, lived and loved by.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

B.J. HOFF’s best-selling novels have won numerous awards and captured a worldwide reading audience. Hoff is the author of Cloth of Heaven, Ashes and Lace, Winds of Graystone Manor, and The Penny Whistle. Her works include the winner of Christianity Today’s Critic’s Choice Award for Fiction, a Gold Medallion Award finalist, and numerous winners of Excellence in Media Silver Angel Awards. Her first release with W Publishing was Prelude, the first in a three-book historical fiction series called The American Anthem Series. The second book, Cadence, continues the story begun in Prelude.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849943906
• ISBN-13: 978-0849943904
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,233,667 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

BJ Hoff's writing is known for her historical settings, her unforgettable characters, and her lyrical prose. She is the bestselling author of numerous historical fiction series, including the Riverhaven Years, the Mountain Song Legacy, the Song of Erin saga, the American Anthem series, and An Emerald Ballad series.

Her five-volume Emerald Ballad series was the first major work of fiction to bring the Irish immigration experience to the CBA marketplace-and the work that first brought BJ an international reading audience.

Her readers know they can expect to meet some memorable people in her novels and also know that many of those people will be immigrants-Irish immigrants particularly but not exclusively.

BJ admits to a passion for "building worlds." Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements, secluded mansions, or coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life.

She's intent on making her historical novels relevant to the present by developing characters and settings that, while staying true to the history and culture of their times, reflect many of the spiritual trials and social problems faced by contemporary readers. Her novels are meant to be "stories that build a bridge from the past to the present."

Her literary awards include the Christianity Today's Critics Choice Book Award for fiction; a Gold Medallion Award finalist; and a number of Excellence in Media Silver Angel awards. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, and she frequently hears from her international readers in countries such as Ireland, England, Norway, and Germany.

A former church music director and music teacher, BJ is a member of the Authors Guild, the Irish American Cultural Institute, and the Appalachian Writers Association.

She writes from her home in a small town in east central Ohio. She and her husband share a love of music, books, and time spent with their family: two married daughters, three lively young grandsons, a loopy Golden Retriever, and a cunning, incorrigible but lovable cat.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars And the winning beat goes on...., August 21, 2003

By 

readaholic (southern USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cadence (The American Anthem Series #2) (Paperback)

As a musician, CADENCE fed my spirit. As a Christian, CADENCE fed my soul. As a reader...I remain constantly surprised, not because of plot twists and turns--but because none are needed.

BJ Hoff's signature style shines in this book; in fact, I enjoyed it even more than I did the first one, PRELUDE. I'm a reader; my usual preference is for books that not only offer depth of character, but include lots of plot as well. That's why, for me, CADENCE defies my usual personal definition of a "good read." This book was a GREAT read, because I care so much about the characters that I DIDN'T care about the lack of an intricate plot. That's not something I can honestly say about many other books, which is why I felt compelled to write this review.

Most fiction these days offers too much plot, too little character, and virtually no takeaway value. For those of you readers who thirst for a book that creates good enough characters to build a story on their lives alone, who need to chew over deeper spiritual truths instead of quickly gulp a glass of tepid water--read this book.

The lesson I learned about burying gifts to avoid failure is one I plan to hold close the rest of my life. In fact, I'm quoting it here, a two-sentence gift I'm sure the author wouldn't mind sharing: "Rather than pursuing and developing the gifts God had bestowed upon her, like the unfaithful steward she had <buried> them. She had been not only ungrateful, but <unfaithful.>

CADENCE, like all BJ Hoff's books, is most definitely a keeper.

4.0 out of 5 stars Love these characters. Terrific., July 14, 2009

By 

Holly (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cadence (The American Anthem Series #2) (Paperback)

Cadence, book 2 in the American Anthem series, picks up where Prelude ends. I enjoyed it even more than the first one.

Dr. Andrew Carmichael wonders how he will tell Dr. Bethany Cole of his love for her, and when he does, what will her reaction be when she learns of his past.

The MacGovern family finds that America isn't quite as promising as they had anticipated. However, a chance encounter with a stallion, recently purchased by Michael Emmanuel, brings hope to the family.

Susannah and Michael realize their love for each other, but when Michael asks Susannah to perform with his orchestra, her fears keep her from saying yes. Michael's compassion for others brings the MacGovern family to Bantry Hill, providing Conn with a welcome job and the family with a home.

Through Dr. Carmichael and Dr. Cole, we also meet Maylee, a delightful young girl with a heartbreaking health condition. Andrew's best friend Sergeant Frank Donovan returns and we meet Mary Lambert, an opium-addicted woman, living in squalid circumstances, through no real fault of her own.

I loved these characters. B.J. Hoff has a remarkable way with words: her writing is quite lyrical and flows beautifully. She has taken all of these characters and intertwined their lives in such a way that is both compelling and enthralling. She has captured the essence of the time period: the hope and despair faced by early immigrants.

An easy, enjoyable read. I am anxious to finish the final book of the series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical fiction at its best, October 14, 2004

By 

Butterfly Writer "JCS" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cadence (The American Anthem Series #2) (Paperback)

What a wonderful tapestry of relationship stories set against the backdrop of New York City in the mid-1800's. The vivid details and realistic characterizations make the reader feel as if these stories must surely have taken place. Each of the characters faces a challenge in his or her relationship to another person or persons, and the resolution of each dilemma is both satisfying and delightful.