The Prodigal Patriot by Darlene Franklin

This week's feature book is:

The Prodigal Patriot
By Darlene Franklin
HP 911
Historical
ISBN: 9781602609044

From the back cover:


The Reids will not be scared away.


Sally Reid’s family decides on a dangerous course when the Tories of Maple Notch, Vermont, chase Patriot families from their land. They make a home in a secluded cave nearby and farm their land by moonlight, working hard and waiting for the day when they can safely return home.

When Josiah Tuttle discovers their secret and offers to help, Sally doesn’t know if she can trust him. After all, Josiah’s father is one of the Tories who forced her family into hiding.

The Tuttles have already lost one son to the hated Patriot cause. How can Josiah both honor his grieving father and protect the woman he loves? When called upon to take a stand, which side will he choose? How can Sally and Josiah battle through the barriers separating them from love and forgiveness?

 
Key verse: Be Thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; for Thou art my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71:3)
 
 
From the book:
 
Mother’s hand shot to her mouth, and she shook her head. “No, no, no!”


Bit by bit, Father pulled every last detail from Josiah. How Solomon had engaged the British sentry, how Josiah had killed him. How he had spent the night at the fort and fought with the Green Mountain Boys, and how Mr. Reid had also died.

“These Patriots and their illusions of independence. It’s evil, that’s what it is.” Father slammed his fist into the table hard enough to send a splinter into his hand. “And now we’re the ones suffering for it. At least you had the good sense to come home.” He leaned toward his remaining son. “I tell you this much. I know you have a soft spot for the Reid girl. But don’t you dare think of helping them out. Or any of those traitors to the king. I had urged moderation in the treatment of those wretched Patriots, but not anymore.”

Confusion must have shown on Josiah’s face, because Father continued, shouting now. “I won’t be satisfied until we chase every one of them off their land and get it back for King George. Including those Reids. And if you set one foot in an enemy’s house—don’t bother coming home.”

After Solomon’s death, Josiah would do almost anything his father asked.

Except neglect Sally Reid.

 
About the author:
 

Award-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin recently returned to cowboy country—Oklahoma. The move was prompted by her desire to be close to her son’s family; her daughter Jolene has preceded her into glory.

Darlene loves music, needlework, reading and reality tv. Talia, a Lynx point Siamese cat, proudly claims Darlene as her person.

Darlene has written two books previously for Heartsong Presents (Romanian Rhapsody and Beacon of Love) as well as two mysteries and two novellas with Barbour Publishing. She is also is a prolific devotional writer. Visit Darlene’s blog at http://darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com/ for information on book giveaways and upcoming titles.