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| Saratoga Letters |
SARATOGA LETTERS
Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas (October 4, 2016)
Reviewed by
Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
Enthralling, Edgy, Emotive - A Fascinating Historical Romance
Author Elaine Cooper has fashioned an enthralling novel
around the historically significant Battle of Saratoga. Authentic and emotive,
this story is creatively paralleled from two different eras—two hundred years
apart. From the bloody battlefield of the Revolutionary War during 1777 to
modern-day 1977 and the commemoration of the Battle of Saratoga, this two-part
story is connected through the ages by not only ancestry and other interesting similarities,
but also heartbreak, danger, and enchanting romances.
Flame-haired patriot Abigail Gillingham is forced by her
abusive, loyalist uncle to tend to the wounded of the King’s army in their
hospital marquee. Thrust into the middle of mayhem and anguish, Abigail has no
choice but to help the enemy that has invaded her country whilst keeping her
patriotism secret. Amongst the trauma and human misery, a wounded corporal with
intense blue eyes and a sympathetic, gentle nature—becomes her anchor and stirs
up feelings she shouldn’t have. Will Abigail’s deception be discovered? Will
she find freedom from her situation, audacious admirers, and her uncle? And can
love between a Corporal and patriot survive or be felled like so many of the soldiers?
Two-hundred years later, circumstances bring American Abby
Carpenter and British constable Ian Thacker together for the bicentenary celebrations
of the Battle of Saratoga. As Abby and Ian unravel mysteries of the past, and
deal with ominous threats in the present, will it help them to find a deeper
connection? Or will the real battle be in their hearts?
I received a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
TWO GIVEAWAYS: Elaine Marie Cooper is generously giving away a signed paperback copy of Saratoga Letters (US only) AND a Kindle copy! For your chance to WIN one of these, leave a comment below, making sure to leave your email written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
This book sounds like a good one!! Thanks for the opportunity to win this!
ReplyDeletegrandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
It truly is an amazing story, Brenda! I'm so glad you've had a chance to read about it and of course, are now in with a chance to win this book!! :)
DeleteNoela, I am so honored by this review! Thank you from the bottom of my romance-loving heart! :) Brenda, I hope you enjoy the read. Blessings to you both!
DeleteBlessings to you also, Elaine, and thank you... I'm so glad you enjoyed it because I absolutely loved your story! I only wish I had time to read it again! :)
DeleteRevolutionary historical romance - I'm in! All those childhood vacations to historical spots and family trips to the library gave me an incurable case of love for story, history and love. The stakes are high for Abby and Ian, and I am already hooked. Thank you for the chance to win a copy! dsks (at) gmail (DOT) com
ReplyDeleteOh Sandy, if I ever came over to the US I'd need a year or two to see everything now, ever since I began reading so much of your history! You will just love this story of Elaine's which is teeming with history and the celebration of it. All the best with your entry!
DeleteSandy, I grew up visiting the historical sites around Boston and it created the same affection in me for the beginnings of our country! And Noela, if you ever come to the US, I definitely want to meet you and have tea. Blessings and hugs!
DeleteThat sounds just perfect, Elaine! I'd so love to meet you also. And then you can show me a favorite spot or two! :)
DeleteAgree Noela, a great book that brought tears, tense moments, laughter & love.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Elaine on your book!
Blessings, Tina
It has it all doesn't it, Tina! Thanks for coming by to comment my friend!
DeleteYou two are such an encouragement. I am blessed beyond measure by your words! ((HUGS)) and thanks to you both!
DeleteNoela, your review is so beautifully written I actually got the goosebumps! I always love reading them bc I know I'm going to be enticed. lol And if you saw my toppling TBR stack, you would know that I do not need to be enticed! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh but you do need to be enticed by this one dear friend! It's well worth the risk of your stack falling over. ;) Thank you so much for your kind sentiments.
DeleteNoela's review is awesome, Diana, I agree. I am so touched! I hope "Saratoga Letters" works its way to the top of your TBR stack. ;) ((HUGS))
DeleteI love how the review brought Saratoga Letters to life I can't wait to read!
ReplyDeletecarlaganell(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you kindly, Carla! I truly hope you get to read it soon too!
DeleteCarla, I agree about Noela's review. She has such a gift for writing them. Thank you, ladies!
DeleteSuch a great book and a wonderful interview!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is, Becky! Thank you for coming by to endorse this wonderful book!
DeleteThanks so much, ladies! You're both a blessing. ((HUGS))
DeleteYour review has peaked my interest :-) Would love to be considered for the giveaway. cmcfaithingod(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love to hear that, Christine! :) Especially for these truly wonderful stories! Your name will be in the draw, so all the best!
DeleteBest wishes on the giveaway, Christine. :)
DeleteSuch a beautiful review to go along with Elaine's beautiful story, Noela - thank you so much!! I loved 'Saratoga Letters' and each book of Elaine's I've read, she has such a gift for writing about the Revolutionary War - such wonderful historical detail, realism of characters, tender romance, and elements of faith!! Your comment about Diana's toppling TBR pile gave me a chuckle - but yes, I agree it's definitely worth toppling it over to add 'Saratoga Letters' to it's top, LOL.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and your sweet review, Bonnie! Blessings!
DeleteThanks Bonnie! Your description of Elaine's writing is spot on!! Hugs!
DeleteWhat a wonderful review, Noela. I have been wanting to read this book, so this giveaway is perfectly timed! Congratulations on another wonderful book, Elaine.
ReplyDeletebettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Awesome, thanks Betti! I wish you all the best in the giveaway and hope you get to read this wonderful book soon! :)
DeleteThank you so much, Betti! I hope you get to read "Saratoga Letters" and I pray that it blesses you! ((Hugs))
Deletesounds like a good read. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Kim! And I hope you get to dive into it soon!
DeleteKim, I hope you get to read "Saratoga Letters " soon. Be blessed! Elaine
DeleteThis sounds like such a good book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at MSN dot com
Susan, it really is a fabulous book and I so hope you get to read it!!
DeleteGood wishes for the drawing, Susan!
DeleteWould love to win this print edition. I do not have a kindle,unfortunately. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com
I hope you get to read Saratoga Letters soon, Marilyn!
DeleteBlessings to you, Marilyn!
DeleteThis does sound wonderful.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Yep, it sure is and I know you'll be blessed by reading it, Mary! All the best!
DeleteI hope you get a chance to read "Saratoga Letters," Mary! Be blessed!
DeleteLove the time period. My two novels take place in pre-revolution Charles Town. Can't wait to read it. margueriteg(AT)att(DOT)net
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Marguerite!(I love your name!) It truly is a fascinating time period as with your books, too! Best wishes with your entry!
DeleteI need to check out your books, Marguerite! Be blessed, fellow novelist!
DeleteSounds so interesting as there are not as many books set during the 1700's war period and, also, the dual time focus. dixiedobie at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Cathy, it seems the majority are set in the 1800's. It's fascinating and enjoyable to read these Revolutionary era stories and to gain insights through the author's exceptional research. Here's hoping you get to read this wonderful book soon! :)
DeleteCathy, you are so right about the novels set in the 1700's. So many less than the 1800's! And yes, doing two time periods was a unique challenge when it came to research. But each fact that I discovered for "Saratoga Letters" was like opening a gift on Christmas! Then writing those facts into the fictional story became a gift I could give to others. I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThis book sound Great! I lived 1 hour South of Saratoga Springs! So to say the least would find it fascinating to learn of the History that is Saratoga! �� And to have it compare two hundred years just sounds so intriguing.. Thank you for this Opportunity to win this book! Be Blessed��
ReplyDeleteOh wow!! Justina, you absolutely HAVE to read this book then! How fascinating that would be for you to read about it's history, and even about it today! You are in the draw my friend and I wish you all the best! :)
DeleteJustina, I had no idea you lived so close to Saratoga!! I will be there in June 2017 for book events and I hope you can come to one!! I'll be sure to post them on FB. :) Be blessed!!
DeleteSounds intriguing! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteandreastephens (at) yahoo (dot) com
You're welcome, and thanks for coming by to read about Saratoga Letters, Andrea! All the best with your entry!
DeleteAndrea, I hope you get a chance to read "Saratoga Letters." Blessings to you!
DeleteI like to read epistolaries, and this era of history is interesting to me.
ReplyDeletejlytranch at hotmail dot com
DeleteWhile this isn't exactly an epistolary, I'm sure you'll find it very interesting, JJ! All the best!
DeleteJJ, the actual letters are a very minor part of the story, yet they carry much weight in the plot. I think you will find it interesting! :)
DeleteThis one sounds like a winner to me!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Definitely a winner, Melanie! :) Hoping you get to read it soon!
DeleteI hope this story blesses you, Melanie! Best wishes,
DeleteBeautiful review, NOELA! I enjoy stories in which the history comes alive!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Thank you so much, Caryl! Elaine Cooper does have a knack for bringing her stories to life!!
DeleteI love Noela's review, Caryl! Best wishes in the drawing. :)
DeleteThis book should be interesting since I only live 20 minutes away from the Saratoga Battlefield. Been there a few times, too. Up the road after the turnoff for the battlefield, probably about 10 minutes north is the General Philip Schuyler House. Don't know if you heard of it. The General Philip Schuyler House was built in 29 days in November 1777. This home is now part of Saratoga National Historical Park. During the American Revolution, the British Army occupied this area. The beautiful home of American General, Philip Schuyler, was burned to ground. Following the surrender of the British, General Schuyler lost no time in replacing his home. He rebuilt this house using much of the glass, nails, locks and hinges salvaged from the burned home. From here, the General ran his extensive business affairs.
ReplyDeleteThe Schuyler House was visited by many historic figures over the ages, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Marquis de Lafayette and President Franklin Roosevelt. Unlike many historic homes, this house was given to the U.S. Government as is. It has no electricity or running water and remains in much the same condition as it was in 1777. It is open from late May to Labor Day. I pass this building several times when I visit the village bookstore or head to Saratoga.
I love old buildings! Well, I better go before I start writing a book!
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
Kim, thank you, that was fascinating to read!! Sounds like a must-see place! Wow, the history would be so rich in that house. I'm sure Elaine's been there! You really must read this book of Elaine Cooper's, Karen!!
DeleteKim, you are a fellow history geek! Welcome to my club!! :) My husband and I visited there in 2014 when I did the research for Saratoga Letters. We had an awesome time! I'd long wanted to visit the area since one of my ancestors fought in the battle in 1777. I will be in Saratoga Springs at the Northshire Bookstore in June of 2017 for a book signing. I hope you can come by and say "hi!"
DeleteThank you Noela for this great review! I must admit I was interested in this book,but wasn't definite about reading it. I'm happy to say your review took away any doubts and am looking forward to it! Thanks also to Elaine Cooper for writing these wonderful adventures. Love stories that deal with the revolution and 1977 was one of the best of my childhood (was 6 yrs old) Please enter me in the giveaway lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome to hear, Lynne! Yes, you must absolutely, definitely, and without a doubt read it! :) I know you will enjoy it my friend!! You are entered!
DeleteLynne, I'm so happy that Noela's review intrigued you! I hope you love the history and the romance in "Saratoga Letters!"
DeleteThis looks like an Amazing read. Thank you for the chance! Connie.tillman82 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteBest wishes in the drawing, Connie!
DeleteAll the best with your entry, Connie! So glad you came by to read about Elaine's wonderful book!
DeleteHi Noela and Elaine. Enjoyed this review. Elaine has some great books. Sounds very interesting story. Would love to win the paper book. Hugs to all of you. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteHi Maxie! I hope you get a chance to read "Saratoga Letters." Be blessed!
DeleteHi Maxie, hugs and blessings to you and all the best in winning a copy of 'Saratoga Letters'!!
Delete