Charter to Redemption by D.J. Blackmore
Cover blurb At the close of 1821, the penal colony of
Newcastle looks to be every bit as black as it’s painted. Emma charters a ride
to Australia with a promise of marriage to a man she has never met. But
appearances aren’t always as they seem. And with an unavoidable betrothal, Emma
learns that shackles are not always forged from iron.
Tobias
Freeman longs for redemption and hope. After a rough journey to New South
Wales, Tobias learns the rations, regulations, and the reprisal of being a
convict in Australia. But when Emma and Tobias meet the unexpected happens. Neither of them expect the repercussions.
My review
This story is
set in the Newcastle region of New South Wales in the 1820s, and has
great historical insight about life in that time and place, not only
in regard to convicts but also about the life of military personnel and the
privileged immigrants. History enthusiasts and those with family connections in
this area of the colony will find this story intriguing. Blackmore has done her research well and
weaves the historical aspects through the story with flair and attention to
detail.
This is above
all a love story and the characters of Emma and Tobias are very engaging. As a
reader I was easily drawn into Emma’s dilemma in being betrothed to a man she
does not love, and her growing feelings for a man her society would deem unsuitable.
Her conflict involves not only her emotions but also her faith, and this
struggle is woven through the story with sensitivity. Her influence on those
around her in regard to faith is realistically portrayed and gives a sense of a
light in a dark place. Gideon Quinn is a thoroughly dislikable character, and
well written so that the conclusion of the story is satisfying. Readers who
enjoy a touching and exciting romance will love Blackmore’s debut novel and be
looking for the next, I’m sure.
I was a
little distracted by a few errors in paragraphing of dialogue and by
missing or added small words in the text. This did not take away from the
enjoyment of the story but did remind me how easily these things can be
overlooked and how important that extra edit is.
Overall this
is a story set in a fascinating time and place, with engaging characters, who
have challenging life issues to deal with. It highlights the power of love and
also the importance of faithfulness and integrity despite tragedy and hardship.
Charter to
Redemption is available in paperback and on Kindle through Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Charter-Redemption-D-J-Blackmore/dp/1921632887/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402460115&sr=1-1&keywords=charter+to+redemption
And also EvenBeforePublishing http://www.evenbeforepublishing.com/index.php/our-books/fiction-books/168-charter-to-redemption
And all good bookstores.
Carol writes historical novels based on her family history,
set in the early colonial days of Australia. You can see more about Carol and
her novels on her website, Amazon page or FB page.
www.carolpreston.com.auwww.facebook.com/writingtoreach
