About
In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she’s ever wanted, except one thing: an education. Because she’s a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She’s determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.
Ben Ross grew up a farmer’s son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn’t see how he’ll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he’s drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna’s decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben’s growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.
Review
From the first page, I was immediately immersed in eighteenth century America. I found this novel to be captivating. First off, I loved Ben. He was a complete character with both strengths and faults. I particularly liked how he came across as so passionate about his beliefs and what he was doing. Susanna was, for the most, an equally likeable character (though there is one scene that I made me almost throw my hands up). But what I liked most about Susanna is that you could see her change throughout the novel. It was subtle and yet profound. The best thing about this book? The romance. Sometimes you are just in the mood for a romance and this book had it. It was slow, but intense (the best kind) and by the time the book was over, the reader could be assured that Ben and Susanna were a good match. Also, I found that the rest of the novel kept me on my toes. I found myself worried for several of the characters even as I told myself it would all work out in the end. Spiritually, I like how Tom teaches Susanna about letting go of the fear because fear will control you. Such a good book. Highly recommended!
**I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**
Romantic Scale: 9.5/10
remaininhislove 
Love love LOVE Jody Hedlund. If I could count on an author for an intense romance novel, it would have to be her!!!! Have you read her book ‘The Doctor’s Lady’? It’s the first book of hers that introduced me to her- fell in love with it straight away!!
Yes! I have read that one! She does a wonderful job of making her characters so real they can step off the pages. Love Her!