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21 September 2017

Giveaway - Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli * Book Review by Guest Andrea Stephens

Book Review by Guest Andrea Stephens 
Freedom's Ring 
by Heidi Chiavaroli    

(Tyndale House, August 2017)

About the book:
Boston, 2015
Two years after nearly losing her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, Annie David is still far from “Boston strong.” Instead she remains isolated and defeated―plagued by guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast, and by an antique ring alongside a hazy hero’s face. But when she learns the identity of her rescuer, will he be the hero she’s imagined? And can the long-past history of the woman behind the ring set her free from the guilt and fears of the present?

Boston, 1770
As a woman alone in a rebellious town, Liberty Caldwell finds herself in a dangerous predicament. When a British lieutenant, Alexander Smythe, comes to her rescue and offers her employment, Liberty accepts. As months go by, Alexander not only begins to share his love of poetry with her, but protects Liberty from the advances of a lecherous captain living in the officers’ house where she works.

Mounting tensions explode in the Boston Massacre, and Liberty’s world is shattered as her brother, with whom she has just reunited, is killed in the fray. Desperate and alone, she returns home, only to be assaulted by the captain. Afraid and furious toward redcoats, Liberty leaves the officers’ home, taking with her a ring that belonged to Alexander.

Two women, separated by centuries, must learn to face their fears. And when they feel they must be strong, they learn that sometimes true strength is found in surrender.
Excellent debut by author Heidi Chiavaroli! This is a 10-Star book! 5 for each story!
Freedom's Ring has a bit of something for everyone. Very real, very believable characters.
The Boston Marathon bombing is treated with respect and not exploitative in any way. It is a fictional tale of a fictional person living with the aftermath of that horrific event.
 I highly recommend this book to everyone!

The ring is inscribed with “Qui fortis salitem tribute” which translates to “Victory belongs to the one who is strong.”  Important words to remember as you read through this wonderful book.

The contemporary story is a woman, Anaya or Annie as she is known throughout the book, that lets the “if only's” overtake her personal life and estrange her from her sister and niece. It has a bit of mystery surrounding the ring, and the search for its history.

The historical story has the beginnings of the Revolutionary War, an orphaned teenager, Liberty, doing what she must, without resorting to being a “camp girl” to survive.

I, as a reader, was able to fully immerse myself in both worlds. The stories are so expertly entwined by the author. Chapter headings of “Anaya” and “Liberty” made it very easy to know whose story I was in as I was reading. 

The search for the history of the ring and how it came to be passed down to Annie's rescuer Brad and the little romance that develops was quite intriguing. I could not wait for them to find each tidbit of information that drew them closer to the truth. I also loved how the author used the search to help Annie heal from her guilt and reunite with her family. It also showed Annie that there was a strength there waiting to help her, she just needed to reach out to Him. She had much to overcome. The journey to restoring the broken relationship with her family and with God. The struggle was gritty and very real, not easy. I felt privileged to be a witness to it.

I was particularly drawn to the historical story of Liberty Caldwell. My heart went out to this poor girl and the situation she found herself in. She chastised herself for allowing herself to fall for a man that wore a crimson coat, a kind man who saved her and protected her when he could. Yet, a life between them was never going to be possible. She was a Patriot, he was a man in the King's regiment, though, she never stopped loving him.
After the atrocities that Liberty went through, amazingly, she was able to move on with her life. She learns midwifery skills, medicinal herbs and how to use them. Eventually, even finding love with a gentle, understanding, but strong Hugh Gregory. They have plenty of ups and downs and many, many things to overcome.

In the middle of each of these stories, there is much to tell, I don't give spoilers so you, my fellow readers, must take this journey for yourself. It is one well worth taking.
 I will give you a couple of teasers. There are appearances of well known real life people. There is a time capsule found in the modern day and a letter and a deathbed promise on the historical side. Each of these are an integral part of the story and help bind them together.  I will also share the last line of the Epilogue, spoken by Annie but in my opinion, could have been said by either heroine.

“My past had been wiped clean by grace. And because of that, I could finally claim strength.”

Book Links:

Barnes & Noble

Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Heidi's debut novel!

77 comments:

  1. I have heard great things about this book! I can't wait to read it and thanks for this chance!!
    katie07edgar(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for coming by Katie. It is a wonderfully written book!
      I hope you get a chance to read it soon.
      Blessings!

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  2. Andrea, thank you so, so much for this beautiful and gracious review. You absolutely made my day. Thank you!

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    1. You are very welcome Heidi. I loved the book so much!

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  3. Lovely review, I've only heard good things about this book!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. It is a very good book Patty! I'm sure you will enjoy it.
      Blessings!

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  4. Wow, this sounds like a fantastic book. The split timeline in intriguing! Although I've never been to Boston, the marathon bombing is dear to my heart because I'm a runner. And I love any kind of historical fiction, too! Thanks for the giveaway!

    jparkerwood(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Julie, the split timeline is written so well! I think you, as a runner, will enjoy the modern day side of the book. I don't give spoilers but there is some significant overcoming in the running department.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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    2. Julie, thanks so much for your kind comment. Although I live near Boston, the marathon is dear to my heart not just because I live in MA, but because I love to run too. There is so much I love about a runner's heart--particularly a long distance runner's heart! It was fun to explore that a bit with this book. :)

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  5. I love the concept of this novel.

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    1. The author pulls off the concept very well. I've had some difficulty reading some split time novels, but not this one. It was expertly written.
      Thanks for coming by!
      Blessings!

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  6. Wow! This sounds very intriguing! I would love to win Heidi's debut novel. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

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    1. Both stories in this one novel are very intriguing.
      Thank you for coming by. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  7. Sounds like a great read. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
    JoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com

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  8. This book sounds exciting and interesting. Thank you for the giveaway.
    MarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com

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  9. I would love to win this terrific book. It sounds so exciting. Thanks for this great giveaway.
    MarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com

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  10. I've heard really good things about this book from others as well! Good job on the review Andrea!

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    1. Thank you so much, Nancy! It really is a great book.

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    2. Thanks Nancy! And so glad you are hearing good things. ;)

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  11. I've heard great things about the book but this review tops the things I've heard so far. Sounds fantastic! Love the concept of split time lines in one book; I've read several great ones and this sounds like it will join that rank. Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. If you like split time lines, you will like this book! It quickly went to the top of my favorite split time novels. I can't wait to read what this author writes next..
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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    2. Thank you, MH!

      Andrea, you are truly blessing me. I'm so, so glad you liked it. :)

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  12. This looks like a marvellous debut.


    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Mary, it is an excellent debut! I was honored to be chosen as an early reader and very excited when my purchased copy arrived.
      Thanks for coming by the blog today.
      Blessings!

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  13. I have this on my wish list, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. It's a good book to put on your wish list. I hope you get a chance to read it soon.
      Good luck in the giveaway!
      Blessings!

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    2. Thanks for putting it on your list, Wendy!

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  14. I have heard so many GREAT things about FREEDOM'S RING! It sounds like such a captivating book! I really like the split time-line theme and the mystery surrounding the ring has me equally intrigued! I look forward to reading it!! Thanks for the AWESOME review, Andrea! You totally drew me in and made me want to read this book even more. And Heidi, thanks for all your hard work in writing this book to provide readers hours of reading pleasure, and for the opportunity of this giveaway!!! ~Alison Boss

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    1. Oops! I forgot to leave my email.

      nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    2. Hi, Alison. Thank you for your kind words. I think you will really enjoy Heidi's writing. It certainly drew me in. I hope you get a chance to read this book soon.
      Thanks for coming back to leave your email too.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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    3. Alison, thank you for your sweet words...I think you're the first to thank me for writing--so sweet! I hope you enjoy it!

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  15. Nice job, Andrea! ❤ I will echo some of the other ladies in saying that it was very heartfelt and well written. Heidi, it sounds like a fantastic book!

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  16. So so excited for this book!
    Thank you for the opportunity! 💜

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    1. I'm excited for you to read it!
      Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway!

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  18. Great review, Andrea - thank you!! Freedom's Ring has an amazing story line - inspiring, exciting, romantic, and with redemptive elements. Looking forward to reading it!!

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    1. Thank you, Bonnie. This book really does have a bit of something for every reader.

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  19. Wonderful review, Andrea. I would love to read this book! Congrats on your debut novel, Heidi. Thanks for the giveaway
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you, Betti. I enjoyed reading this book so much.
      Thanks for coming by and good luck in the giveaway!
      Blessings!

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    2. Thank you for the congrats, Betti! I truly feel blessed and am excited to meet more readers along the way. So fun!

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  20. Great review Andrea.
    Congratulations on your debut novel Heidi Chiavaroli! I have it on my very loooong TBR list. I have found I really enjoy split-timeline novels if they are done well and this one sounds very intriguing.
    Blessings,Tina

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    1. Hi Tina! This split time novel is very well done. I think you might want to move it up on your list 😉
      Thanks for stopping in.

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  21. Fabulous review, Andrea! Heidi, congrats on your debut! I have it on my MUST read list!

    Blessings!
    Caryl

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    1. Thank you SO much, Caryl! I hope you enjoy it!

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    2. Thank you, Caryl! I hope you get to read this book soon... it's so good!
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  22. I have this on my wish list. Nice review. Congratulations 🎈

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    1. Hi Lucy! I hope you get to read this soon.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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  23. I'm so fascinated with the American Revolution! I can't wait to read this! I never get tired of this time period. Thank you for such a thorough review, Andrea, and thank you for your generosity, Heidi! mylittlebirdiebooks (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I'm sure you will enjoy this book Karen.
      Thanks for stopping by.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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    2. I love the Revolution, too, Karen! Thank you so much for your kind words!

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  24. Great review, I already have this on my must-read list! :-) Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "Freedom's Ring"

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Thanks,Trixi. I'm glad you have this on your must read list, it's a good book!
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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    2. Woohoo, Trixi! Flattered to be on the must-read list! ;)

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  25. Great review and giveaway,would love to win a copy of this book.
    msdottweety56atgmaildotcom

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  26. ohh this sounds like a captivating book. A page turner, our time forgotten. I have read one split time book and enjoyed it a lot. I would love to read one of her books
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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    1. Oh, Lori...it is a page turner! I hope you get to read it soon.
      Thanks for coming by.

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  27. I've been reading lots of good things about this book! I love historical fiction, and have been reading more contemporary fiction lately, so this might be a fun combo.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I love historical fiction too Patty. Like you, I have also been reading more contemporary fiction lately. This book is a good mix of the two.
      Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the giveaway!

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    2. Patty, one reason I write time slip is because of what you said--I love both historical and contemporary fiction!

      Thanks for your comment!

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  28. Heidi, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Blessings to you!
    Looking forward to reading the book.
    kykla99@gmail.com

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