Quick Take

A tale of love and espionage from the author of Midwife of the Blue Ridge... She spies for General Washington, betrays the Redcoats and battles for America's independence...It's 1777, and a fledgling country wages an almost hopeless struggle against the might of the British Empire. Brought together by a fateful kiss, Anne Merrick and Jack Hampton are devoted to each other and to their Patriot cause. As part of Washington's daring network of spies, they are ready and willing to pay even the ultimate price for freedom.From battlefields raging along the Hudson, to the desperate winter encampment at Valley Forge and through the dangerous intrigue of British-occupied Philadelphia, Anne and Jack brave the trials of separation, the ravages of war and an unyielding enemy growing ever more ruthless.For love and for country, all is put at risk-and together the pair must call upon their every ounce of courage and cunning in order to survive.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Turning of Anne Merrick (Anne Merrick, #2)

Introduction

"The Turning of Anne Merrick" is the second novel in the Anne Merrick series by Christine Blevins. Set during the American Revolution, this historical fiction novel follows the life of Anne Merrick, a spy for the Patriot cause. In this book, Anne and her lover Jack Hampton are devoted to each other and their country, risking everything for freedom. From battles to espionage, Anne and Jack face challenges and overcome obstacles as they fight for the independence of their nation.

About Christine Blevins

Christine Blevins is an author known for her historical adventure stories. Born and raised in Chicago, she now resides in Elmhurst, Illinois. Blevins is passionate about writing stories set in colonial America, inspired by her research into family history. Her debut novel, "Midwife of the Blue Ridge," was published in 2008, followed by "The Tory Widow" in 2009. Blevins is currently working on the second novel in her revolutionary war trilogy, set to be published in the Fall of 2010.

Analysis of Views

Historical accuracy: Readers praise Blevins for her meticulous research and ability to bring the time period to life. The book includes historical figures and events, making it a valuable resource for those interested in American history.
Engaging characters: The characters in "The Turning of Anne Merrick" are well-developed and relatable. Anne and Jack's love story adds depth to the narrative, while secondary characters based on historical figures add historical authenticity.
Action and adventure: The book offers a thrilling blend of history, adventure, and romance. Readers enjoy the fast-paced action sequences and the sense of danger and intrigue that permeates the story.
Depth of emotion: Blevins skillfully portrays the emotional journey of the characters, including their struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs. Readers find themselves emotionally invested in the story and feel connected to the characters.
Historical setting: The book immerses readers in the historical setting of colonial America during the American Revolution. The vivid descriptions transport readers to the time period, allowing them to experience the events firsthand.

Reasons for Recommendation

Historical accuracy: Readers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, which adds depth and authenticity to the story. The inclusion of real-life historical figures and events makes it a valuable resource for those interested in American history.
Engaging characters: The well-developed characters, particularly Anne and Jack's love story, make the book enjoyable to read. Readers find themselves invested in their journey and rooting for their success.
Action and adventure: The book offers a thrilling blend of history, adventure, and romance, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The fast-paced action sequences and sense of danger keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Depth of emotion: Blevins' ability to portray emotions effectively adds depth to the story. Readers find themselves emotionally invested in the characters' struggles and triumphs, making it a compelling read.
Historical setting: The immersive historical setting transports readers to colonial America during the American Revolution. Vivid descriptions allow readers to experience the events firsthand, making it a captivating reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Historical detail: Some readers find that Blevins' attention to historical detail slows down the momentum of the story at times. While this adds authenticity to the narrative, it may not be suitable for readers who prefer a faster-paced read.
Lack of closure: Some readers feel that the book ends abruptly without providing complete closure for certain storylines or character arcs. They may wish for a more satisfying resolution or additional books in the series to fully explore certain aspects of the story.

Conclusion

"The Turning of Anne Merrick" by Christine Blevins is a captivating historical fiction novel set during the American Revolution. With its engaging characters, fast-paced action, and vivid historical setting, this book offers a thrilling reading experience for fans of historical adventure stories. While some readers appreciate the historical accuracy and depth of emotion portrayed by Blevins, others find that certain aspects of the story may slow down the momentum or leave them wanting more closure. Overall, "The Turning of Anne Merrick" is a highly recommended book for those interested in American history and looking for an immersive reading experience filled with love, espionage, and patriotism.