Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An epic story every American should read., June 29, 2008
The story as a whole was well researched, thorough and exciting. Major historical events were woven intricately into the romantic journey of William and Abigail. It lacked the common "US history book" themes and instead went for what was really happening between the Colonies and Britian. My college history professor believed in showing everyone different aspects, and he really showed us the grit and harshness that was done by the Colonists to the Soldiers. This book reconized those facts as well, especially concerning the Boston Massacre. There were good and bad people on both sides, and while Cost of Freedom tells the stories of the good Patriots, it does not ignore their faults. There was also a sense of regularity and everydayness. Too often people today think life several hundred years ago was harsh and full of constant burdens. Scenes of baking, cooking, and chores were written with the characters doing them with the same ease as we'd bake or cook or perform similar tasks today. It was a part of their everyday life, they knew nothing else so to them it was second nature, from waiting for a tin tub to be filled with water heated on the hearth to turning on the shower faucet.
The characters were well written and full of depth. Abigail was so human in her inner conflict. Like the "everyday" scenes, too we forget that people from historic time periods had similar if not the same, thoughts, feelings, hopes, fantasies, and urges. I think of everything that goes on in my head throughout the day, and the same can be said for those well before me. Abigail accurately displays these attributes. I had a hard time with William at first, for the same problems Abigail did, but learning why he did everything he did, he grew on me enough to deserve Abigail. I also loved the mix of historical and fictional characters something I would like to do some research on myself.
There was one part of the book that had me leery and that was the scenes at the Native American reservation. At that point I wasn't sure what was happening or where the story was going, but in hindsight I appreciate those scenes for where they brought the characters. Very similar to my experience with the Pirate scenes in Shanna, which I now look forward to. Perhaps on my second (yes this is DEFINITELY a reread!) I will find myself looking forward to the indian scenes as well.
I absolutely can't wait for following books, which I hope can astound and entertain me like this one. I feel every American citizen should read this book, if not for the entertaining adventure and romance, then for the reality of how our country came to be.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Greata Book!, November 3, 2009
This is a great book and I am looking forward to the next one. I am sure that the author will be in great demand. The book took me back in history and I learned about the people and everyday life while dealing with their neighbors as traitors and the conflict and danger tangled in the everyday life at that time. The book drug me from everyday life to another time in history and I loved it. I couldn't put it down, staying up late & lunch hours until I got it finished. This writer will be with us for a long while and I plan on following her through it all. Anxiously waiting on the next book.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cost of Freedom.....Exhillorating!, October 10, 2009
My wife and I drive a truck for a living and spend most of our days driving and sleeping. A friend of ours suggested this book to us because she knows I am a history nut...and my wife like many women, enjoys a good romance novel. She told us that neither of us would be disappointed. I had my reservations, as did my wife. I am pleased to write this review to announce that if you are into Colonial history, this is a must read! The descriptions of the day to day lives and activities of the characters are spot on! I'm not much of a romance guy, but once started, we couldn't stop. In fact, we actually read aloud while driving down the road. This book was that interesting. I could revel in my history....And yes, my wife got her romance. The struggles of the characters take you back to a simpler, yet dangerous time. When being a Patriot could cost you your life. The story is told so completely, it's like you are sitting on horseback riding with Abigail and William. I was shocked at the detail and accuracy of accounts of the treatment of our long forgotten Forefathers by the Red Coats. We can't wait for the next book to get here just to see what happens to Major Preston! I just know he will get his due paybacks. If you are looking for a book to both stimulate your mind....and your body....this is it.
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