Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Honor

GIVEAWAY

COTE, LYN
HONOR

When unexpected circumstances leave Honor Penworthy destitute after the death of her grandfather, she is forced to leave her Maryland plantation—and the slaves she hoped to free—and seek refuge with a distant relative. With no marketable skills, her survival hinges on a marriage arranged through the Quaker community to local glass artisan Samuel Cathwell. Samuel is drawn to Honor, but he has been unwilling to open his heart to anyone since scarlet fever took his hearing as a child.

A move west brings the promise of a fresh start, but nothing in Honor’s genteel upbringing has prepared her for the rigors of frontier life with Samuel. Nevertheless, her tenacity and passion sweep her into important winds of change, and she becomes increasingly—though secretly—involved in the Underground Railroad. Samuel suspects Honor is hiding something, but will uncovering the truth confirm his worst fears or truly bring them together as man and wife?

Set against the backdrop of dramatic and pivotal moments in American history, the Quaker Brides series chronicles the lives of three brave heroines, fighting to uphold their principles of freedom while navigating the terrain of faith, family, and the heart.

My Review:

I was first drawn to this book by the stark one word title and the incredible cover art. The model is the perfect match for the book's heroine. The set of her shoulders, the proud tilt of her head, the determination in her eyes. I took one look at Honor and knew I had to read her story. And then when I scanned the description on the back of the book and discovered that Honor joins in the fight against slavery I was ready to swoon right there in the bookstore! Needless to say, I devoured this book in a day.

Honor and Samuel have such a difficult start to their marriage. Both have pasts that have affected them deeply, leaving them wary of any kind of union. And if that isn't enough of a handicap to start a marriage with, they are immediately thrust into a series of dire situations, one following after another in an endless stream of difficulties.

Honor has to be one of my favourite heroines of all time. She really captivated me. Her faith in the Lord, her passion for doing right even when the personal cost is crushing, her yearning for love and acceptance from her husband.  A backbone of steel and a heart filled with grace. She's both strong and vulnerable but always carries herself with a genteel dignity. Such a complex character and I love her!

Samuel is quite the opposite. His deafness has embittered him and he has turned away from his Quaker faith and spent years building up walls around himself. He lives in his own world, having as little to do with others as possible. Acquiring a wife sends his well-ordered life into a tailspin. Such a complicated romance! Full of sorrow and fear and tenderness and passion. Sublime!

Honestly, one of the best books I have read this year.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Honor please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 19 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

29 comments:

  1. I heartily agree about the cover. What an art!
    And, you know, I love raw, complicated and passionate. And dignity in person! This sounds like my kind of a book.
    Count me in, please!

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It's sooooo good. If I was artistic I think I'd like to be a book cover artist. Good luck, Janka.

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  2. This sounds like a book not to be missed. Thank you, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  3. I like that you said Honor has to be one of your favorite heroines of all time. It is sure to be a very good book!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. I love it when I can relate to a character so easily. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  4. I've heard great things about this book! I can't wait to read it.
    bookwormgal2011 at yahoo dot com

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  5. Its been a while since I've read a Lyn Cote story, and I've read a lot of them already ... I know this one will be just as good. rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. She's a fantastic author, isn't she? Good luck!

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  6. That's high praise to say it's one of the best books you've read this year. Now I feel like I really want to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!
    garfsgirl AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. I love underground railroad stories and you don't get many in adult fiction. Honor is the perfect heroine for this tale and I just got swept away. Good luck, Lis.

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  7. Oh Kav. I need this book. so many parts of it interest me, and I know I will love it. I love hearing about the people who put themselves in danger to help the slaves escape. When I was growing up, they weren't slaves anymore, but were still limited to what they could and couldn't do. Sad! Please put my name in.GOD bless you. Love these give-aways.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  8. Sounds like a great read--love a strong heroine & the historical setting! Have read some of Lyn Cote's other books, and enjoyed them. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

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    1. My email is kjrochon40(at)msn(dot)com

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    2. Very strong heroine but every inch a lady. Good luck, Karen.

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  9. One of your favorite heroines of all times... I think I need to read this book!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hope you love Honor as much as I do. Good luck, Patty.

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  10. Great review! Now I definitely want and need this book. I've heard of the author, Lyn Cote, but have not read any of her books. Thank you for the review and the chance to win a copy of Honor.
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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    1. She's an awesome author, Karen. Good luck!

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  11. I love Lyn Cote's writing, and like you, Kav, I was totally draw in by the cover! It's been on my wishlist ever since I first laid eyes on it on FB, and I thank you for the opportunity to win it here. Your review really enticed me! Now I REALLY want it! lol

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. I've been eying this one for awhile now. Sounds really good from your great review!

    Thanks for the giveaway! : )

    sunshine6892 at hotmail dot com

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  13. If it's one of the best books you've read this year, Kav, I'm in! Sounds amazing!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  14. Stunning cover for sure. One thing that really pulled me in with your review was this:
    "Honor has to be one of my favourite heroines of all time."
    That is a pretty incredible endorsement of course it is a work from Lyn Cote. I love that she is tackling such a tremendous subject and such complicated characters. Looks like a gem. Please include me. :)

    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I really connected with Honor. She's what I think of as a noble woman. She's by no means perfect, but there's just something about the way she handles herself in any situation...whoops, there I go talking about her as if she's real. Good luck, Kelly.

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