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Re-acquainting Americans with their Roots
In “Daughter of Liberty,” J/M/ Hochstetler brings to life that unique period of history when Americans won their independence from the British. In 1775, the English king has enslaved his colonies with such excessive taxation on imported goods they can’t earn decent livings to support themselves. Though the puritanical Loyalists follow scripture by submitting what they demand to the king and his governors, a growing number of colonists believe the tyrant king has forfeited his right to rule, also according to God’s directions in scripture, and they band in rising rebellion against their British masters. Central to the success of this resistance movement is Boston’s Elizabeth Howard, a stunning beauty who, by day, tantalizes British officers to charm them into revealing military plans and then, by night, transforms into the boy courier, Oriole, who delivers secret intelligence to the leader of the American troops. There is a high price on Oriole’s head, but no one suspects “he” is a woman whose parents are prominent supporters of the British Tories. Politics and adventure. Conflict and terror. All ingredients of the same conditions we face today.
Living by wit and her feisty nature, Elizabeth meets the newly appointed British officer of the Seventh Light Dragoons, Jonathan Carleton, and loses her heart to him, only to face the hopelessness of their love because of their opposing loyalties. When the British capture the notorious spy, Patriot, Elizabeth discovers it’s actually Jonathan and devises a plan for his escape. Together at last, they think they are free to wed and can openly work for the rebel cause.
J.M. Hochstetler takes us in her time machine and transforms poster-stamp names in history, such as George Washington, John Hancock or Samuel Adams, into real characters we can see, hear and at times even smell, like or dislike depending on their moods or deeds. She helps readers reconnect to the “pluck” that built her nation’s love of freedom and independent enterprise. In these difficult economic times, Americans need to be reminded of the resourcefulness and courage of their forebears, of the united spirit that rescued them from poverty and tyranny, and to show them that once again they can rise to overcome oppressive conditions.
This fictional trilogy set in the American Revolution is not only a thoroughly entertaining Five-Star read but also belongs in every library across the country, especially from middle schools to universities. As required reading, it would certainly make history the exciting study it truly is and give back to Americans pride in their heritage.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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