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01 October 2013

Noela Nancarrow reviews FIELDS OF THE FATHERLESS by Elaine Marie Cooper

Fields of the Fatherless

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

History Comes Alive

History is bursting with stories to be told, but oftentimes some are overlooked that cry out to be shared. This is one of them. You don’t just read this story however; you are immediately transported back to 1775 to the small village of Menotomy in Massachusetts - only three months before the American Revolution. With every fibre of your being, you’ll feel the fear of the rumblings of war, watch with trepidation the ominous preparations, and when the incoming troops ride past, your heart will pound along with the thundering of the horse’s hooves. Nothing can properly prepare you though, for the assault of gunfire, the boom of the cannons, or the tortured cries of the wounded.

This is the compelling story of Miss Elizabeth Russell (Betsy), an eighteen year old woman and the only daughter of Jason and Elizabeth Russell.  When the war becomes imminent, her father instructs her to trust in God and do all she can to protect the family should he be unable to be there for them, but when he hugs her more tightly than he has ever done before, fear surges through her. What would it be like for a young woman to go through a horrific war right on her doorstep, to see and hear things she should never have been exposed to, all at a time in her life when she should be thinking about pleasant things like courting? At the beginning of each chapter, Betsy shares her journal entry of her innermost thoughts and of scripture verses that have been a comfort to her that day. These precede the chapter as a foretaste of the chapter’s essence which I found to be a poignant introduction to each one.

While the men of the area were employing their weapons to defend their rights and freedom, and facing a horror all of their own, this story is very much about the women and children that carried on their own battle against often overwhelming fears. Fear of the approaching war, of the safety of loved ones called to fight, of being discovered by the King’s soldier’s, and fear of the harrowing sounds of war; these were just some of the unsettling terrors that plagued Betsy, and the other women and children. God will use even the direst of circumstances, and Betsy learned much from her experiences, some of which she could never have imagined she’d be in. I couldn’t help but put myself in many of those same situations, and contemplating how I would have reacted.

‘Fields of the Fatherless’ is based on genuine events and people, with the author Elaine Marie Cooper keeping the real history intact as much as possible in this novel. Elaine has written this powerful story with integrity and conviction, but containing a rich eloquence that will stir your heart as evident in this quote, “The tears she kept prisoner in her heart threatened to escape her jail of restraint. Once one prisoner broke out, a flood of mourning would surely follow. She tightened her jaw and sniffed. No tears would bypass the barred doors of her tenacity.”

Your emotions will tear at your heart while reading this amazing story, opening it to empathy, forgiveness, and love, which will linger in your thoughts and heart long after you reach the end!
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An ARC was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchased through Amazon or your local bookstore.
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GIVEAWAYS:  This week, Elaine will be giving away one each of the Deer Run Saga books to three winning recipients from the reviews featured this week. (Limited to USA winners)
Overcoming With God will also be giving away a copy of winner's choice of Elaine's books in e-book format. (Open to International winners)

QUESTION: What brings fear into your heart and what have you discovered helps you to manage those fears?



41 comments:

  1. Awesome review, Noela! Makes me want to read this book right away!!

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    1. Thank you MARIAN, and I hope you get a chance to do so. It is powerful story!

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  2. I sometimes fear for members of my family by the things they say. I just have to trust that they will one day not see things they way they think they are. Thank you for the chance to win.

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by ANGELA to read about Fields of the Fatherless.
      I pray for your family to see the truth. Keep on trusting, Angela! God bless you.

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  3. Dear Noela, I am overwhelmed by your generous review! Thank you!! I am on a layover on my way to see my triplet grandchildren but logged on to see this lovely review. Thank you EVER so much! I am very touched by your words. Blessings!

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    1. Thank you so much ELAINE, I'm SO glad to hear you liked the review! I always hope that I can do justice to stories such as yours. How exciting for you to see your triplet grandchildren!! I'm super blessed by my one grandchild, but you get to have that times 3, lol! Blessings to you and the family!

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  4. Sounds like an interesting book! I haven't read any of the Deer Run novels either, but looking them up, they do sound enjoyable!

    rdalquis(at)css(dot)edu

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    1. It is a VERY interesting story RACHAEL, I do hope you get to read it. Also the Deer Run series - which are absolutely fabulous stories, and we'll be reviewing those also this week! Blessings!

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  5. What a fabulous review, NOELA, on what sounds like a powerfully intense, realistic read! I wouldn't be surprised if Elaine isn't nominated for an award for this one!

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    1. Thanks DIANA, and yes - powerfully intense & realistic describes this amazing story perfectly! It's not too often when we read that you actually do feel you're right there in the story, but ELAINE certainly makes that happen! I wouldn't be surprised either dear friend. :) Bless you!

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  6. Sure sounds like a good book, and i would love to win thank you
    Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com

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    1. It certainly is SHIRLEY, thanks for your entry! God bless!

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  7. Good review, made me want to read the book. This is a time in our history that I am not very knowledgeable about.
    Fear of the unknown future can give me trouble until I remind myself who controls the future. Then I can take a deep breath and let go. Why ruin my present with an unknown future worry that I have no control over.

    Ajhawkeauthor at aol dot com

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    1. Thanks A J, that's always great to hear that my review has encouraged someone to read a wonderful book! :)
      I know what you mean about fear of the future - I used to worry myself needlessly about that until I saw God working His miraculous hand in my life and realized He was in control all the time and I just needed to trust Him. Great words of wisdom there too A J, no sense in worrying about tomorrow and ruining today!! :)

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  8. I fear bad things happening to my children. To help I pray for their safety and well-being, and protect them... without being over-protective :)

    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thanks for coming by HEIDI. That's a real fear for many mothers and I thank God that we are able to have that peace in our hearts by keeping them lifted up in prayer! Blessings!

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  9. Wonderful review-it would be wonderful to win one of the books. I simply love giveaways!

    The fear of death-not for me, but for my husband, child, & extended family members is probably the greatest fear I have. I hold on to people too close in my heart, not in my arms or in my day-to-day life. Possibly it's the fear of complete abandonment by those I love...then the quandary of whether we will see each other again around His throne. As my husband has a severe form of cardiomyopathy, and another loved one has cancer, these are more than far-fetched fears-they are truly close to home. But...I pray, and pray some more. I remember that God said that He would not give me more than I can bear, but would always make a way of escape. He also says that when I am afraid to put my trust in Him because He cares for me. I must always trust that He knows best, even if I can't see it, I can at least know that.

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    1. Thank you LINDA, I wish you all the best in the giveaway! :)
      Thank you also for sharing your heart with your answer to the question and that wonderful scriptural advice. I'll be lifting up in prayer your husband and the loved one that has cancer, with you. Sometimes when we need that extra support, I find that 'sheltering under the wings of the Almighty', in other words drawing close to Him, can fill us with His love and peace in a very real, tangible way that really helps. God bless you LINDA.

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  10. Wow, this gal can write. I love the quote from the book about her tears.

    I think one of my biggest fears is that my husband won't be saved. I pray for him and try to put my trust in the Lord that it will happen.

    Please enter me in the contest.
    Thanks!

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. She sure can CINDI, I'm glad you enjoyed the quote I shared from ELAINE'S story, I just loved that too!
      I understand that fear also CINDI, and yes, after all is said and done, all we can do is pray and put our trust in the Lord for it to happen!
      You are entered in the contest, and I wish you all the best!

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  11. A wonderful review thank you.

    I fear for my family, but I have faith.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Thanks MARY, and you are very welcome. Lovely to see you as always.
      Praise God that we can bring our fears and troubles to Him to give us that peace we need!

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  12. I fear what I don't understand completely in life. I worry about my family, especially my grandkids and growing up in some very troubled times. I think that prayer, faith and patience are the glue that keeps me going!

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    1. I loved the way you put that, SONJA. I think those things you mentioned, are the glue that holds us all together! Thanks so much for sharing. Blessings!

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  13. What a beautiful, powerful review, Noela! As I was thinking about managing fears, I thought of the following hymn lyrics....I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand. What a blessing that is!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you BRITNEY, and bless you! Fields of the Fatherless was a powerful and captivating story, so I'm glad the review came across that way! :)
      I love those beautiful lyrics you shared BRITNEY. I pray they bless and encourage people!

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  14. What an absolutely amazing review NOELA. I am going to have to put this book at the top of my TBR stack. ELAINE is a very talented author and I'm so glad she is on with us this week!

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    1. Thanks TERESA my friend, and yes, I agree 100% about ELAINE!! I've been looking forward to this week for a while now, so that more readers out there can get to know this amazing author and be blessed as I have been with her stories!

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  15. This sounds like such an exciting book! I love books set during this time period, & ones that are full of emotion.

    The thing that I probably fear the worst is developing dementia, or a serious illness - the pain, & someone else having to care for me, although I have no fear of death - itself. Prayer, bible study, & praise & worship music, calm me when I entertain thoughts about these things - & I am reminded that God said I would not be given more than I could endure.

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Oops, sorry BONNIE, I forgot to hit the Reply button, so my reply comment is just below. :)

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  16. Hi BONNIE, and yes by the sounds of it, you will definitely enjoy reading this book! :)
    The concerns that you've shared have actually been on my mind lately for the future also, mostly because of a couple of friends that have been sharing their burdens concerning their relatives. The Lord knows our thoughts and worries however, and He does promise as you've said not to give us more than we can handle. We just need to give these things to Him and then trust in Him to work! God bless you BONNIE, and thank you for sharing!

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  18. In one year, God and I dealt with my husband breaking his neck, I had to have gall bladder surgery, and my Mom was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's.
    I do not believe that God gives you more than you can handle. I do believe that He promises to walk beside you every step of the way regardless of what your fears may be.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Very true JANET... I know from my own experience in the past, it's when we try to do it all by ourselves, is when it can get a lot tougher. But when we allow Him in, His grace is sufficient and His strength and peace, undeniable..
      All the best in the contest Janet! Blessings!

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  19. Thank you for the review on this book. It sounds very good and one I would enjoy reading. I guess I fear what is coming with the crumbling of our Constitution, our American liberties are under fire, freedoms seem to be shrinking and financial ruin looks eminent for America. I do remind myself God is in control of it all and He is there with me, but I do wonder how bad it is going to get and always have to seek God when I have those moments! Thank you for offering the giveaway and the opportunity for someone to win a copy of the book!
    Blessings,
    Lori

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    1. My email address - sorry...triplel(at)evertek(dot)net

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    2. Thank you LORI, I hope you get to read this amazing story by Elaine!
      Thanks also for sharing - I imagine your concerns would mirror half of America. Without godly people in government, it's hard to know what the future holds. But we can pray for our leaders as is encouraged in the bible, and as you say God is also right there with us and will not forsake us! God bless you.

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  20. Thanks Noela for another great review. This sounds like a must read for anyone who loves Historicals. Please put my name in for the drawing for one of the Deer Run series. I would love to win one. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. MAXIE, I agree, this is a great review! The storyline sounds so good, too! Blessings!

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    2. Thank you MAXIE, I wish you all the best in the drawing for one of these fabulous stories by Elaine!

      And thank you also CARRIE, I appreciate your encouragement!

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  21. This sounds like a very good book, and I would love the opportunity to win. I think my biggest fear would be something happening to one of my children or my mom during out travels. While the opportunity to travel is wonderful and I am truly enjoying this time in my life (& REALLY looking forward to South Africa!) it would be so difficult if somethig were to happen to a family member while I'm gone, especially if out of the country! I did lose my father a couple years ago, and God was so good, in allowing me to make it back in time to see him before he left this world, so I just need to trust that He would provide for whatever the need is at the time. It is just difficult sometimes, to let go and let God... It is also great to know there are friends a plenty who are there for you in prayer, no matter what the distance!
    Vicki
    vmarney at hotmail

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