"Did God so loathe her that He wished to see every bit of her once-strong foundation destroyed?" (12)
Title: Keturah
Series: The Sugar Baron's Daughters, Book 1
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction
In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.
Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.
Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.
To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?
Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.
Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.
To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?
MY THOUGHTS
I was first drawn to the gorgeous cover of Keturah, the first of The Sugar Baron's Daughters. Next, I realize that it was a novel by Lisa T. Bergren, whom I've been wanting to be acquainted with - at least with her writing. I've heard greats things about her River of Time series and the cute God Gave Us picture book series. So I was quite excited to dive into Keturah.
"Lord. . . is this you? Shall we be brave and follow where you appear to be leading us? . . . If so, make us courageous, Father. Courageous." (14)
". . . you and Verity are my lifelines. God is my shelter. I need no place when I have the three of you." (332)
Then there was always Gray. He was an interesting one. Swoon worthy and heroic, yet lots on those broad shoulders. I think the author gave him a very solid development that carried Ket, Selah and Verity's story as well. I'm a little disappointed that I couldn't truly relate nor fall in love with the novel's namesake. Keturah wasn't likable, but her background gave her a freebie to be bitter and disgruntle. However, it was a bit over the top in some areas in my opinion, and that's just what it is - my opinion. What I do appreciate is that there's no hiding the fact that all these characters are flawed, because we all are. Yet, there's the sense of trying to build something, a hope to find the home, and to see God's blessing when life's trials kept showing up.
The start was brilliant, then the story kind of lagged a bit, but by the end, I felt I had a good foundation for what to come in the subsequent stories. I don't typically do much prediction, but for this series, I think it would make sense to read it in sequential order. In all, Keturah is a very solid start to a series I plan on continuing, because there's just the right amount of spark in the story and with its characters that I would love to see through.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning Waterfall, RITA®-finalist Firestorm, bestselling God Gave Us You, and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children.
GIVEAWAY
Enter to win a copy of Keturah. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 13 on the Litfuse blog!
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Thank you for your review on "Keturah" and for being on the book part.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely sounds like a book that I'd very much enjoy.
Thank you, Kay! I think it has markings for a great series that can only get better!
DeleteI loved her book series "River of Time". I read 3 of them and do wanna finish the rest. I hope this book is equally has endearing and adventurous.
ReplyDelete