Historical fiction author Blossom Turner recently released her third novel in the Shenandoah Series, Lucinda’s Defender. I previously read the first two—Katherine’s Arrangement and Amelia’s Heartsong. I love how Blossom has taken five sisters and created a story for each of them. Of the three already published, I connected most deeply with Lucinda’s Defender.
What I liked:
There is a depth to this story I didn’t find in the first two, not that they weren’t well-written, enjoyable reads. I found the character growth of Lucinda was richer than it was for Katherine or Amelia in their stories. When we first meet Lucinda, she feels her beauty gives her entitlement to a better life. Because of this, she pursues a man who she believes epitomizes all she wants for her future and ignores the warnings from her family.
We can so often judge people by their appearance, social status, and/or financial success. But God sees the heart, and often those the world deems worthy, He does not. This book exemplifies this truism by showing how Lucinda valued materialism and vanity above all. Blossom also brought to this story some taboo issues for the time—rape, physical and verbal abuse, and abortion.
Blossom beautifully wove redemption and grace throughout the pages of Lucinda’s Defender, which she does so well in everything she writes. I was captivated from the first page to the last.
What I struggled with:
Both of the main characters have conversations with God where the Lord leads them with direct words—even full sentences. And I’m not talking about the scripture references here. I know our God is more than capable of doing this, and maybe some people are fortunate to have such a relationship with Him. I understand it’s just part of the story, but I’m concerned that new believers, and maybe even some mature believers, will feel that they’re own faith walk is lacking because they’ve never experienced it for themselves. It can be misleading if taken out of the context of fiction.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this series.
Four out of five stars.
