4.5 stars

"You mean you will let us have novels?" asked the taller one, who must be Jannetje.
"As long as you do your other reading and advance in all of your subjects, I see no reason that you should not read novels."
"Reverend Blauvelt says they give women ideas."
"Well, someone has to," said Anna.

What a story. This is more historical fiction with romance than vice versa but the intermingling of fact, real historical figures/events, and romance was amazing (I do think this was heavier on romance than the previous in series). I can see a few getting bogged down in the middle with our heroine's journey turning more toward the issues of the time, British and Americans fighting for land, but my history loving heart was all in.

The story reads a bit like a crescendo, with the last 30% providing us with answers and action that the first 70% hinted at and built towards (a bit rushed of an ending). This is part of a series but you could still start here and be fine. The connecting thread is an American woman spy nicknamed The Widow who helps Anna when she is younger and is the impetus for the journey she makes. There is also a character named Kate Grey who was featured before and makes a smallish but important appearance.

The romance between Anna and Gerrit is not the focus, like I said, but when they show up together on the pages, they spark. When we first see them together their conversation and back and forth had my toes curling, not so much because of sexual reasons but from two people attracted to each other whose intelligence, wit, and teasing caused heat. They knew each other as children, so we get them falling in love through some reminiscing and I did miss more of their romance aspect in their present. I thought the one night we got of them together could have been lengthened and emboldened more but I'm greedy like that.

This is more Anna's story than Anna and Gerrit's or the birth of America but it worked well in this capacity. The details are immaculate in this without feeling unnecessary or weighed down in minutiae; the author provides an amazing feel for the time period. The secondary characters have depth and breadth that kept them from being strictly villains or heroes.

I felt this was a little different from the others in the series in that working for the cause on the American patriots’ side wasn't the focus. You'll learn about Dutch culture and since Anna doesn't so much as have a horse in the race as she is just trying to survive, you'll get how average citizens were affected by the war. There was some great feminist thinking from Anna, which even two hundred years later still begs to be discussed, that had me wanting to quote a lot from this book.

I think this story ended in 1778 and I fervently hope the author keeps writing up to 1783 and then 1812 and then, well I hope she keeps writing historical romances until the end of time. If you like this time period and want a little romance in your historical fiction, this series is a must read. ( )

Star Rating - 4

A recent addition to the author’s body of works exploring romance and spy-suspense in the American Revolution, this work pleases on most fronts. I enjoyed it overall, even the part that made me cringe not detracting from overall enjoyment.

Thorland keeps up her talent at exploring lesser known areas of the American Revolutions and the people who populated those events. The leftover Patroon system that survived English control of New Amsterdam for almost a century is vividly portrayed. The two brothers, Andries and Gerrit, show the intimate struggle between the sweeping winds of change coming with the Revolution and how it impacted century’s old customs and families. I loved getting a window into this world and how the war impacted this corner of New York.

Our lead, Anna, was also a real treat. She’s an intricate blend of vulnerability, strength, and guts. She’s willing to stand up to frightening situations and confrontations, all the while shaking inside and clenching her fists to give her strength. I can’t speak for her skills as a spy, a Widow she ain’t. I’m actually a little surprised she was able to bring off the whole deception part amongst people she grew up with so well. Yet, she doesn’t let that hold her back and make her so afraid to do what needs to be done. I loved this blend of bravery and fear; Anna is immediately relatable due to them.

I liked that the author tended to focus on the emotional in Anna’s relationships rather than the physical. Thorland’s books have always been great romances; yet in previous works, she seemed to focus a lot on the physical aspects of the relationships, as well as the whole rape trope for storytelling. While both are present in this latest volume, they’re not nearly as prevalent. Lots of sexual tension but actual consummation is held at a great, low level.

My only cringe at this book was the ending; it happened way too quickly and pat. We had a great momentum going, tension building to a great, danger-filled climax. Sudden confrontation! Danger! Suspense! And then? A few paragraphs and pages of this person married this person, this person did this and that, the end. Wait, what?!?!

There is no resolution at all to the tense struggle between family members, Revolutionaries, and friends. We go from break-neck speed confrontation to peaceful weddings all within the span of a page. There’s no come down at all. It was all very jarring and unenjoyable. Not a great way to end the book.

I enjoyed the unique area of the American Revolution, the story, the characters, and the romance explored. The author did a great job in balancing everything into a cohesive, great whole. The ending sucked in its sudden-ness, but overall, the book was fairly enjoyable. Definitely a book to look into if you enjoy the author and her American Revolution works. ( )

The year is 1778. Do you know where your Dutch American history is? Of course, you know. Its right here in this book.

There will also be talk about layers and cake, war, and Eddie Redmayne in a cravat because its me.

Let me start by saying, Donna Thorland's books are always a terrific romp, be it through petticoats, continents, or history....usually all of the above.

Anyone who has been reading my reviews for more than a week will tell you my love for Donna Thorland's writing is fangirl legit. Ms. Thorland leads the reader through what is clearly the product of meticulous research on the author's part, disguised as masterful storytelling and her deep love of American history. (Following her on Facebook is this genealogist's dream).

Ms. Thorland's books make me think of Dorothy Dunnett or Diana Gabaldon with a dash of Julie Ann Long, Susanna Kearsley, or Lauren Willig. If you enjoy any of these authors, I highly recommend Ms. Thorland's writing.

Brothers struggling for rights, to keep...to share...to sell... land ownership was an interesting layer to this story. Add a spy to influence the sale. Throw in colonists and their role in politics in the formative years of our nation's history. This was new territory for me. I was so engrossed, especially in an Austen-esque walk through societal class, propery ownership, and patroonships. Miltary vantage is of utmost importance in any war and land and position become bargaining chips. I loved the layers to this story. Add a family feud and pretty soon youre looking at a layer on layer of story in a full-blown layer cake with diabetes frosting, non-stop reading binges, and red, white, and blue patriotic sprinkles.

I make really bad analogies when Im hungry or just hungry for cake.

Bottom line, if you love American history, Dutch or otherwise, with a dash of war, love, and intrigue and can imagine Eddie Redmayne in a cravat? (I can sooo see this) The book will be a new favorite. Its certainly one of mine.

Many thanks to the talented Donna Thorland, NetGalley, and NALPenguin for my review copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )