Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

Book Review: The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins & Giveaway (US ONLY)

by

I am excited to say I have a new favorite author for historical fiction and that is Christine Blevins! The Turning of Anne Merrick is a wonderful blend of historical fact and fiction and I absolutely loved this book!. My only regret is that I didn’t read The Tory Widow first which is the first book in the trilogy but I can honestly say I don’t think it makes a difference if my enjoyment of the novel is any indication. I had no problems whatsoever become completely invested in the lives of Anne Merrick and Jack Hampton!

It is 1777 and the American Revolution is in full tilt. Anne Merrick and her maid Sally are spies trying to glean information from the British Army. Sally makes the best scones and Anne sells writing supplies and writes letters for soldiers – it’s a great way to pick up interesting tidbits of information and surprisingly much of it comes from the soldier’s women. Anne being quite the spitfire has a tendency to attract the attentions of men which occasionally gives her an inside track to information as well. This information is then passed along to her beau Jack Hampton who fights for the other side.

There is a lot of action in this novel. There are the scenes on the battlefield, the hardships of getting through a winter, and a more than dangerous time in British occupied Philadelphia. This novel is well researched and I appreciated learning about a time in history that I hadn’t really known a lot about previously. Blevins brings history and this war to life in a way that is very easy to read and be drawn into. While I love all the historical fiction I read about the various kings and queens I must admit it was great to read about a less talked about time in history.

As for the characters in this novel there are many to like but my favorite by far had to be Anne with Sally and Jack running a close second. Anne is the type of character that really pops off the page and into your world. She’s brave, a little mouthy, she believes in her cause; in the war, and yet she has that womanly side to her that is horrified by what the war is doing to people. Sally I loved for her sassy and mouthy personality. She had me in more than a few fits of giggles with what came out of her mouth. Jack is a man through and through. He believes in his cause and he’ll got to any lengths to protect his woman.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to historical fiction fans for sure, but even to those who are new to the genre. It’s not weighed down with historical fact – it comes across as very easy to read and follow. I know one thing for sure – I’m reading The Tory Widow as soon as possible simply because I need more of Anne and Jack!

 

I read The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins for her book tour with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours so make sure and visit all the other tour stops as well. You can find Christine on her website, Facebook, and Twitter. A copy of The Turning of Anne Merrick can be purchased here in the US and here in Canada.

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – US only

I have one copy of The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins and one Revolutionary Survival Kit (see photo) which includes black tea, liberty tea, lavender soap, lavender sachet, bayberry candles, a tin of sugar comfits, a bottle of lavender water and a lace hanky to share with my  US readers only (sorry) .

There will be two winners and to enter…

  • For 1 entry simply leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do just let me know and I’ll pass on the extra entry to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word!
  • For 4 entries, follow my blog on Networked Blogs.  You can click here to be taken directly there (it is also on the right hand column of my blog towards the bottom).  Log into your Facebook account and click follow.  Thanks!

This giveaway is open to US residents only (no PO boxes) and I will be drawing for the winners on Saturday, March 31/12.  Good luck!

Source: Review copy provided by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and Berkley Trade Publishing via NetGalley. No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are solely my own.

Share this post!
Share

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. This wonderful novel and review was captivating to learn about. many thanks. I am an e-mail subscriber.

  3. Thanks for this great historical novel which interests me very much. I subscribe via e-mail.

  5. Thanks for the giveaway. I’d love to read this!

    +2 I’m a follower
    +4 I follow on Networked Blogs.

  6. I have been seeing a lot of great reviews of this book all over the place, and I definitely have to say that I am tempted by it. I would love to read this one at some point, and that gift pack is amazing! Please enter me, Dar, and thanks for hosting such an awesome giveaway!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  8. This sounds fascinating – thanks for a great review!
    +2 Email subscriber
    +4 Networked blogs follower

  10. I’ve been seeing good reviews for this book on other blogs. Sounds like a TRB book to me.

    maynekitty//at//live//dot//com

  11. Great review, Dar! I’d love to read this as I’m partial to historical fiction.
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  14. I’m following via Networked Blogs as Patti Mercier Nicklas
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  22. You’ve given the book a great endorsement by saying she’s your new favorite in the genre 🙂

    Hope you’re feeling okay Darlene, and I enjoyed the Sunday Sammy video…

  26. Thank you for the chance to win this book, I would love to win this one.

    I am a gfc follower (griperang)
    I tweeted the giveaway (@griperang)
    I +1 you on google +
    I am an networked blog follower (Angela Holland)

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

  38. The Turning of Anne Merrick sounds wonderful — and a Revolutionary Survival Kit. What a unique idea! Thanks for thinking of all your readers! I follow you via email, Networkedblogs, and GFC.

  39. This sounds like a wonderful novel! Your enthusiasm alone makes me want to read it. Thanks for the great giveaway of the book and goodies!

    +1 comment entering the giveaway
    +2 follow your blog
    +4 I follow on Networked Blogs

  42. This looks great! Please enter me!

    Actually, if you could enter me just for the book that would be great since I’m allergic to lavender! 🙂 Thanks!

    bethsbookreviewblog2 AT gmail DOT com

  51. I read her book “Midwive of the blue ridge” and would love to win this one, i follow email too

  52. I enjoy stories that take place during the American Revolution. This one sounds good! Thank you for the giveaway!

    I follow by GFC and email.

    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  55. Very sweet giveaway Dar! I’ve been reading about John Adams and this goes along nicely.

    I also follow you email.

    cjay (at) iavalley (dot) edu