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:
published in 2014
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!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Honor, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 22 2025.
Kav's Best Reads 
For Sophia’s Heart, a Novella by Lyn Cote, was my very favorite and would have made a beautiful film. I would have loved to have seen it expanded into a continued story. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com
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I haven’t heard of that novella, Kathleen. Must check into it. Good luck!
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This is a new author to me. This story sounds SO good! Thanks for the chance! blessedmommy3x AT gmail DOT com
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it’s very different which is what I really loved about it. Good luck, Blessed Mommy!
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HONOR sounds amazing! Talk about having a name you have to work to live up to. 🙂 Like you, I would be drawn to this book by the title and graphics. Definitely sounds like an oldie and goodie to me. Would LOVE the opportunity to read it.
Thank you for the wonderful chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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It is quite a fascinating story — and the whole series is Quaker Brides — which you don’t see a lot of in any kind of fiction. Good luck, Kay!
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This sounds very good!!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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It really is. Good luck, Kimmy!
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Oh wow this sounds amazing ! I love reading about the Underground Railroad! It’s one of my most favorite parts of history! Thnx Kav! sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom
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Mine too — and this is such a fascinating story. Good luck, Sarah!
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Sounds like a great one, Kav. You’ve got me wanting to read the whole story 🙂 Include me, please! 🙂
ckbarker at gmail dot com
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Included! Good luck, Cheryl!
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Your review really captured my attention. I would love to be entered into the giveaway 🙂
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Yay! Good luck, Rebecca!
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I don’t believe I’ve ever read this author but this novel sounds very interesting! Thank-you.
tam – appletamoATyahooDOTca
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Yay — happy to make the introduction to Lyn Cote. Good luck, Tammy!
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I, like you, was drawn to the cover! I would love to read this series. Honor sounds like an amazing woman.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
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Good luck, rubynreba!
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Ooh, added this series to my TBR, sounds good!
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Yay! Good luck, Elly!
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Oh, my! This sounds like a must read to me. Blessings leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Definitely a twin kind of book. 🙂 Good luck, Lucy!
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Great review as always. I am always interested in Quaker stories this one sounds amazing. Thanks for the chance.
tighefan42atgmaildotcom
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You’re welcome, Tammy. Good luck!
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I’d love to read this one too. When I read this in your review, I knew it had to go on my TBR list for sure.
“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.”
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Yes — this book delivers on so many emotional levels. Good luck, Becky!
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