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Song of Acadia #3
The Birthright
The Thread Binding Them Together As Sisters Is All Too Fragile...
The bittersweet reunion of the Robichaud family and the Harrows in the land of the Acadians has brought two mothers and two daughters full circle. They rekindle those early bonds and experience restoration of those lost years, but time and tragedy have left their indelible imprints on all who have endured the decades of separation and uncertainty. Moving forward with their lives now means further farewells--not as devastating as the one long ago, but no less heart wrenching.
Their connection, which goes beyond that of "sisters" to best friends, will be tested by the coming Revolution and the lure of England--parted again, the reunited, but for how long...? Can their friendship sustain the startling revelation concerning...The Birthright?
The bittersweet reunion of the Robichaud family and the Harrows in the land of the Acadians has brought two mothers and two daughters full circle. They rekindle those early bonds and experience restoration of those lost years, but time and tragedy have left their indelible imprints on all who have endured the decades of separation and uncertainty. Moving forward with their lives now means further farewells--not as devastating as the one long ago, but no less heart wrenching.
Their connection, which goes beyond that of "sisters" to best friends, will be tested by the coming Revolution and the lure of England--parted again, the reunited, but for how long...? Can their friendship sustain the startling revelation concerning...The Birthright?
287 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2000
About the author
Janette Oke
285 books3,156 followersJanette Oke writes with a profound simplicity of what she knows best—real life, honest love, and lasting values. With over 23 million in sales, her historical novels portray the lives of early North American settlers from many walks of life and geographical settings. She also writes engaging children's stories and inspiring gift books that warm the heart.
Janette was born during the depression years to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she remembers her childhood as full of love and laughter and family love. After graduating from Mountain View Bible College in Canada where she met her husband, Edward, they pastored churches in Canada and the U.S., and they raised their family of four children, including twin boys, in both countries. Edward eventually became president of Mountain View Bible College and recently established a coalition of colleges that became Rocky Mountain Bible College.
During her earliest years, Janette sensed the desire to write. Though she yearned to be a published novelist, she devoted herself to being a wife and mother because, she says, "there is no higher honor—that is my number-one priority." She began serious writing when her children were entering their teens.
Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others. She reaches both religious and general markets, telling stories that transcend time and place. Her readers of all ages and walks of life can identify with the everyday events and emotions of her characters. Janette believes everyone goes through tough times—the key is to be prepared with a strong faith as the foundation from which decisions are made and difficult experiences are faced. That perspective is subtly woven throughout her novels.
After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.
Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.
In recent years, Janette and her siblings lovingly restored their parents' prairie farm home, and it now serves as a gift shop and museum of prairie life. Please see below for a special invitation to the Oke Writing Museum and The Steeves' Historical House. She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada, where they are active in their local church. Visits from their families, including their grandchildren, are their delight.
—[http://www.janetteoke.com/ME2/Sites/d...]
Janette was born during the depression years to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she remembers her childhood as full of love and laughter and family love. After graduating from Mountain View Bible College in Canada where she met her husband, Edward, they pastored churches in Canada and the U.S., and they raised their family of four children, including twin boys, in both countries. Edward eventually became president of Mountain View Bible College and recently established a coalition of colleges that became Rocky Mountain Bible College.
During her earliest years, Janette sensed the desire to write. Though she yearned to be a published novelist, she devoted herself to being a wife and mother because, she says, "there is no higher honor—that is my number-one priority." She began serious writing when her children were entering their teens.
Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others. She reaches both religious and general markets, telling stories that transcend time and place. Her readers of all ages and walks of life can identify with the everyday events and emotions of her characters. Janette believes everyone goes through tough times—the key is to be prepared with a strong faith as the foundation from which decisions are made and difficult experiences are faced. That perspective is subtly woven throughout her novels.
After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.
Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.
In recent years, Janette and her siblings lovingly restored their parents' prairie farm home, and it now serves as a gift shop and museum of prairie life. Please see below for a special invitation to the Oke Writing Museum and The Steeves' Historical House. She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada, where they are active in their local church. Visits from their families, including their grandchildren, are their delight.
—[http://www.janetteoke.com/ME2/Sites/d...]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 5, 2019
Nova Scotia, 1774—
Nicole Robichaud, , lives in Halifax now, with her birth parents, close to her adoptive sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Cyril. Nicole loves her newfound family dearly, but feels compelled by duty to become Uncle Charles’ heir. She sails to England, confident that she’s doing the right thing but swamped with anxiety. She forms a friendship with Emily Madden, the ship captain’s wife, and tentatively flirts with first mate Gordon Goodwind. Yet at her core, Nicole is still restless and rootless.
British high society proves intimidating. Her uncle’s grand residence feels too big and opulent, and the other nobles expect the heir of Harrow Hall to glitter like the chandeliers above. Uncle Charles has problems of his own—he’s one of the only Tories arguing in Parliament for the independence of the American colonies, which has not made him popular. The stress aggravates an already pressing heart condition. He needs to finalize his succession soon.
Tragedy drives Anne to England, with something unspeakably precious in tow. As she and Nicole support each other with sisterhood and Scripture, they wonder if they’ve got their destinies all wrong…
No content advisory needed. The book deals with mature subject matter—namely death—in a gentle, reassuring manner. Nothing here a twelve-year-old reader can’t handle if they’re so inclined.
This book relies on deus ex machina even more heavily than The Sacred Shore did, but I think that’s the point the authors want to make—God is literally present in the machine of the world, bringing unlikely cogs together for purposes only He can see. It would not work for every book, but here it works well enough.
The other parts that bothered me were minor. One is the name of Harrow Hall. In all the British classics I’ve read and period dramas I’ve watched, it doesn’t seem that grand English manor houses are usually named after their owners. The de Bourghs owned Rosings, the Darcys owned Pemberley, the Bertrams owned Mansfield, and the Crawleys owned Downton.
The other aspect I found odd was how both girls seemed to think of Catherine and Andrew as their main set of parents, even though Nicole was raised by Louise and Henri. The Robichauds disappear about two chapters in, while the Harrows are a presence throughout.
Nicole continues to be a brave and steady lead character, who grows in spine and soul. Anne never gets quite the same amount of detail, but she still has a definite personality and arc, rising from her grief strong and hopeful. It was cute how they wound up studying the Bible together in their time of need, just like their moms before them.
Cyril was sweet, . Thomas and Gordon (seriously, Gordon Goodwind is the best sailor name ever) both have potential, and I know that they’ll get fleshed out more in the next book.
John is adorable and I hope that he stays safe and healthy.
The last quibble is a matter of historical accuracy, not aesthetic quality. The characters, particularly Charles, seemed to have it in their heads that the American Revolution was about freedom of religion. The hope of religious freedom was what drove many colonists to settle in the future States—the Puritans of New England, the Quakers and Anabaptists of Pennsylvania, and the Catholics of Maryland were all driven out of Britain. The war posed a religious conflict for some of the many denominations in the colonies; Anglicans had to reconcile the Divine Right of Kings with the Declaration of Independence, while Quakers were forbidden to take up arms for either side (although some did, notably including General Nathanael Green). But the main causes of the war were secular: the colonists wanted Parliamentary representation.
Overall, while this book wasn’t as good as The Meeting Place, I did enjoy it and look forward to the rest of the series.
Nicole Robichaud, , lives in Halifax now, with her birth parents, close to her adoptive sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Cyril. Nicole loves her newfound family dearly, but feels compelled by duty to become Uncle Charles’ heir. She sails to England, confident that she’s doing the right thing but swamped with anxiety. She forms a friendship with Emily Madden, the ship captain’s wife, and tentatively flirts with first mate Gordon Goodwind. Yet at her core, Nicole is still restless and rootless.
British high society proves intimidating. Her uncle’s grand residence feels too big and opulent, and the other nobles expect the heir of Harrow Hall to glitter like the chandeliers above. Uncle Charles has problems of his own—he’s one of the only Tories arguing in Parliament for the independence of the American colonies, which has not made him popular. The stress aggravates an already pressing heart condition. He needs to finalize his succession soon.
Tragedy drives Anne to England, with something unspeakably precious in tow. As she and Nicole support each other with sisterhood and Scripture, they wonder if they’ve got their destinies all wrong…
No content advisory needed. The book deals with mature subject matter—namely death—in a gentle, reassuring manner. Nothing here a twelve-year-old reader can’t handle if they’re so inclined.
This book relies on deus ex machina even more heavily than The Sacred Shore did, but I think that’s the point the authors want to make—God is literally present in the machine of the world, bringing unlikely cogs together for purposes only He can see. It would not work for every book, but here it works well enough.
The other parts that bothered me were minor. One is the name of Harrow Hall. In all the British classics I’ve read and period dramas I’ve watched, it doesn’t seem that grand English manor houses are usually named after their owners. The de Bourghs owned Rosings, the Darcys owned Pemberley, the Bertrams owned Mansfield, and the Crawleys owned Downton.
The other aspect I found odd was how both girls seemed to think of Catherine and Andrew as their main set of parents, even though Nicole was raised by Louise and Henri. The Robichauds disappear about two chapters in, while the Harrows are a presence throughout.
Nicole continues to be a brave and steady lead character, who grows in spine and soul. Anne never gets quite the same amount of detail, but she still has a definite personality and arc, rising from her grief strong and hopeful. It was cute how they wound up studying the Bible together in their time of need, just like their moms before them.
Cyril was sweet, . Thomas and Gordon (seriously, Gordon Goodwind is the best sailor name ever) both have potential, and I know that they’ll get fleshed out more in the next book.
John is adorable and I hope that he stays safe and healthy.
The last quibble is a matter of historical accuracy, not aesthetic quality. The characters, particularly Charles, seemed to have it in their heads that the American Revolution was about freedom of religion. The hope of religious freedom was what drove many colonists to settle in the future States—the Puritans of New England, the Quakers and Anabaptists of Pennsylvania, and the Catholics of Maryland were all driven out of Britain. The war posed a religious conflict for some of the many denominations in the colonies; Anglicans had to reconcile the Divine Right of Kings with the Declaration of Independence, while Quakers were forbidden to take up arms for either side (although some did, notably including General Nathanael Green). But the main causes of the war were secular: the colonists wanted Parliamentary representation.
Overall, while this book wasn’t as good as The Meeting Place, I did enjoy it and look forward to the rest of the series.
February 23, 2016
About this book:
“The Thread Binding Them Together As Sisters Is All Too Fragile...
The bittersweet reunion of the Robichaud family and the Harrows in the land of the Acadians has brought two mothers and two daughters full circle. They rekindle those early bonds and experience restoration of those lost years, but time and tragedy have left their indelible imprints on all who have endured the decades of separation and uncertainty. Moving forward with their lives now means further farewells--not as devastating as the one long ago, but no less heart wrenching.
Their connection, which goes beyond that of "sisters" to best friends, will be tested by the coming Revolution and the lure of England--parted again, the reunited, but for how long...? Can their friendship sustain the startling revelation concerning...The Birthright?”
Series: Book #3 in the “Songs of Acadia” series. {Book #1 review Here! and Book #2 review Here!}
Spiritual Content- Psalm 77:6-19 at the beginning; Many, many (deep) Prayers; Many, many talks about God, His will & Him speaking to us; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Church going; Mentions of Bible reading; Super Strong Faiths;
Negative Content- Using a snuffbox (barely-above-not-detailed); War (up to semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- Married kisses & touches (barely-above-not-detailed, if not not-detailed); a ‘strumpet’; A teeny, tiny bit of crushes.
-Nicole Harrow
-Anne Mann
P.O.V. switches between them, Louise, Catherine, & Charles
Set in 1774 (assuming, we’re not told)
287 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Five Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Oh goodness! I guessed some of the plot, but did not see that ending coming! Janette Oke is such a great author, and this series really makes me want to try more of T. Davis Bunn’s books. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“The Thread Binding Them Together As Sisters Is All Too Fragile...
The bittersweet reunion of the Robichaud family and the Harrows in the land of the Acadians has brought two mothers and two daughters full circle. They rekindle those early bonds and experience restoration of those lost years, but time and tragedy have left their indelible imprints on all who have endured the decades of separation and uncertainty. Moving forward with their lives now means further farewells--not as devastating as the one long ago, but no less heart wrenching.
Their connection, which goes beyond that of "sisters" to best friends, will be tested by the coming Revolution and the lure of England--parted again, the reunited, but for how long...? Can their friendship sustain the startling revelation concerning...The Birthright?”
Series: Book #3 in the “Songs of Acadia” series. {Book #1 review Here! and Book #2 review Here!}
Spiritual Content- Psalm 77:6-19 at the beginning; Many, many (deep) Prayers; Many, many talks about God, His will & Him speaking to us; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Church going; Mentions of Bible reading; Super Strong Faiths;
Negative Content- Using a snuffbox (barely-above-not-detailed); War (up to semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- Married kisses & touches (barely-above-not-detailed, if not not-detailed); a ‘strumpet’; A teeny, tiny bit of crushes.
-Nicole Harrow
-Anne Mann
P.O.V. switches between them, Louise, Catherine, & Charles
Set in 1774 (assuming, we’re not told)
287 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Five Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Oh goodness! I guessed some of the plot, but did not see that ending coming! Janette Oke is such a great author, and this series really makes me want to try more of T. Davis Bunn’s books. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
October 4, 2016
And thus the series continues...
Nicole and Anne's lives change drastically. Nicole moves to England to become Viscountness for her uncle Charles, and Anne suffers a dreadful loss in her life. I could understand Nicole's character a lot. She doesn't know what is expected of her life. Even at the end she does not know what holds for her in the future, which brings you to book four!
When I read this series for the first time three years ago, book three was my favorite. I still really enjoyed it, but I didn't like the last third of the story as much. When Judith is introduced-Cyril's mother-you don't get a good insight into her character. By the end I really like her, but at first you want to know more about her life. It also seems a little odd Judith throwing the surprise at the end. It IS a surprise, but just on the side of being slightly eye rolling.
Percy and Thomas are some of my favorite characters, and every time it said Percy was perched on the sofa I snickered.
I also enjoyed seeing the British point of view concerning the American Colonies. I especially like the scene when Uncle Charles is in court fighting for the rights of the Colonies. That would make for a great movie (well, the whole book would)!
One quote that really stood out to me:
"'So long as I base my happiness upon what I have or how life suits me, it will always remain fleeting....I need to find my happiness in God, and in Him alone. By playing my life in His hands and seeking to live as He wants me to, I now have a peace that's greater than whatever struggle I might face. My frustrations and my difficulties, all these will pass. But He remains. And it's in His eternal promises that I must abide.'"
Nicole and Anne's lives change drastically. Nicole moves to England to become Viscountness for her uncle Charles, and Anne suffers a dreadful loss in her life. I could understand Nicole's character a lot. She doesn't know what is expected of her life. Even at the end she does not know what holds for her in the future, which brings you to book four!
When I read this series for the first time three years ago, book three was my favorite. I still really enjoyed it, but I didn't like the last third of the story as much. When Judith is introduced-Cyril's mother-you don't get a good insight into her character. By the end I really like her, but at first you want to know more about her life. It also seems a little odd Judith throwing the surprise at the end. It IS a surprise, but just on the side of being slightly eye rolling.
Percy and Thomas are some of my favorite characters, and every time it said Percy was perched on the sofa I snickered.
I also enjoyed seeing the British point of view concerning the American Colonies. I especially like the scene when Uncle Charles is in court fighting for the rights of the Colonies. That would make for a great movie (well, the whole book would)!
One quote that really stood out to me:
"'So long as I base my happiness upon what I have or how life suits me, it will always remain fleeting....I need to find my happiness in God, and in Him alone. By playing my life in His hands and seeking to live as He wants me to, I now have a peace that's greater than whatever struggle I might face. My frustrations and my difficulties, all these will pass. But He remains. And it's in His eternal promises that I must abide.'"
September 8, 2015
The charming conclusion in the Songs of Acadia series. Nicole finally takes her uncle up on his offer to stay with him at the Harrow estate in England, yet her heart is still torn between her new-found family home and this burning desire within her. As she adjusts to her new lifestyle as Viscountess Nicole Harrow, with all the airs and graces, society and politics, she puts her whole effort into seeking God's further direction and purpose for her life.
“She felt more whole, more at peace with who she was. Perhaps soon God would show her how the past was to be played out in her future. Surely there was some purpose for the events of her life, some way that they would benefit her, and others, in the days to come. If she could just discover what that might be, she knew she could make peace with her past.”
Anne, newly widowed and with her new baby boy, struggles to cope with a crippled heart and clings to her faith. But with Nicole's urging soon follows her dear “sister” to England for a visit. Both girls with their own seperate struggles and sorrows learn to lean on one another and on the Lord as the rumors of war change to the sounds of battle around them.
“All my life,” Nicole said, “I've measured how well I was suited to a place by how happy it made me. Only now, as I learn my way through English society, have I come to see that, although happiness is a fine thing, it comes and it goees. So long as I base my happiness upon what I have or how life suits me, it will always remain fleeting...I need to find my happiness in God, and in Him alone. By placing my life in His hands and seeking to live as He wants me to, I now have a peace that's greater than whatever struggle I might face. My frusterations and my difficulties, at all these will pass. But He remains always. And it's in His eternal promises that I must abide.”
I loved this story of growth in faith and trusting God during changing seasons of life – the joy mingled so often with the hard times. The messages of hope and strength resonated deeply with me, and I found myself growing too, along with Anne and Nicole. This is such a treasureful series!
“The desert is within you. The question is, are you ready to leave that behind?”
*My only dissapointment was the plot was slow and a little dull at times. And it was not very original – I had the entire book figured out before the halfway point. The ending felt a tad bit rushed to bring everything together. But on the whole it's the message that really shines.
“She felt more whole, more at peace with who she was. Perhaps soon God would show her how the past was to be played out in her future. Surely there was some purpose for the events of her life, some way that they would benefit her, and others, in the days to come. If she could just discover what that might be, she knew she could make peace with her past.”
Anne, newly widowed and with her new baby boy, struggles to cope with a crippled heart and clings to her faith. But with Nicole's urging soon follows her dear “sister” to England for a visit. Both girls with their own seperate struggles and sorrows learn to lean on one another and on the Lord as the rumors of war change to the sounds of battle around them.
“All my life,” Nicole said, “I've measured how well I was suited to a place by how happy it made me. Only now, as I learn my way through English society, have I come to see that, although happiness is a fine thing, it comes and it goees. So long as I base my happiness upon what I have or how life suits me, it will always remain fleeting...I need to find my happiness in God, and in Him alone. By placing my life in His hands and seeking to live as He wants me to, I now have a peace that's greater than whatever struggle I might face. My frusterations and my difficulties, at all these will pass. But He remains always. And it's in His eternal promises that I must abide.”
I loved this story of growth in faith and trusting God during changing seasons of life – the joy mingled so often with the hard times. The messages of hope and strength resonated deeply with me, and I found myself growing too, along with Anne and Nicole. This is such a treasureful series!
“The desert is within you. The question is, are you ready to leave that behind?”
*My only dissapointment was the plot was slow and a little dull at times. And it was not very original – I had the entire book figured out before the halfway point. The ending felt a tad bit rushed to bring everything together. But on the whole it's the message that really shines.
August 16, 2014
Thoughts on the entire series.
With these novels, I joined the ranks of readers who know what it is to be in the midst of a series, waiting, even with bated breath, for the next book in the series to be published.
I appreciate the style and language that Bunn clearly brought into this co-written historical fiction saga with Oke. I remember being totally engrossed and on edge during a certain crucial stretch in The Meeting Place and was floored by the unembellished end to that nerve-racking rush: “And then it began to rain.” I grew attached to the characters over the course of the series, though I’ll admit I got a bit weary during the fifth novel, as while some of the characters were yet making more grand departures from one another, I lost the sense of what they were actually getting done, apart from moving around the globe.
I might’ve been missing and/or forgetting things, though, weary in general after doing so much waiting, and I don’t regret a minute I spent with this saga.
With these novels, I joined the ranks of readers who know what it is to be in the midst of a series, waiting, even with bated breath, for the next book in the series to be published.
I appreciate the style and language that Bunn clearly brought into this co-written historical fiction saga with Oke. I remember being totally engrossed and on edge during a certain crucial stretch in The Meeting Place and was floored by the unembellished end to that nerve-racking rush: “And then it began to rain.” I grew attached to the characters over the course of the series, though I’ll admit I got a bit weary during the fifth novel, as while some of the characters were yet making more grand departures from one another, I lost the sense of what they were actually getting done, apart from moving around the globe.
I might’ve been missing and/or forgetting things, though, weary in general after doing so much waiting, and I don’t regret a minute I spent with this saga.
September 8, 2017
This book has left me so happy! I didn't think that it would be possible to cry so many times throughout the duration of one book but Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn have proved me completely and utterly wrong! These characters never cease to inspire me and as much as I cried while reading, I also grinned all throughout!
November 8, 2017
This book I liked much better than the 2nd in the series. The ending was thrilling and revealing with a secret that comes out, perhaps it was a bit coincidental but I don't mind that all. I am looking forward to the fourth of the series to find out what happens.
March 7, 2013
This book felt a bit like filler at times. The plot points, like the other books, were predictable and convenient. I did like the English setting which made it much more interesting than it would have been otherwise. However, I felt like the authors phoned it in a bit with the English social scenes. The "twist" at the ending made me roll my eyes too.
February 10, 2016
Book 3
March 31, 2017
Ugh! Why do they keep having to say goodbye? The one thing I dislike about this series is how sad it is! I want Andrew, Catherine, Henri, Louise, Anne, Nicole, and all their loved ones to all live together and share life. No more living oceans and continents apart.
Nicole has left to travel to England. Charles wishes to make her his heir, so she has agreed to a two-year trial to see if she is suited to the life of British nobility.
Meanwhile, back at home, Cyril comes down with the grippe during a particularly hard winter, and dies, just after seeing his newborn son, John. Anne becomes greatly depressed.
When Nicole and Charles hear of Cyril's passing, they extend an invitation to Anne to come and stay in England for a time. Cyril's mother lives in Wales and would then be able to meet her grandson. Anne decides to go, meaning Andrew and Catherine must say goodbye to their other daughter. (Have I mentioned that I'm tired of these emotional seaside farewell scenes?!)
England is good for Anne and having her "sister" and nephew at Harrow Hall is good for Nicole. She is doing her best, but society life is trying for her. She finds little fulfillment in her days and is still restless. Yet, she has a duty and she is fully prepared to do it.
"It has made me realize that all my life," Nicole said, "I've measured how well I was suited to a place by how happy it made me. Only now, as I learn my way through English society, have I come to see that, although happiness is a fine thing, it comes and it goes. So long as I base my happiness upon what I have or how life suits me, it will always remain fleeting. For as soon as something changes, as soon as a cold wind blows through my life, as soon as life takes an unpleasant turn, my happiness would be gone.... My studies have shown me that I need to find my happiness in God, and in Him alone. By placing my life in His hands and seeking to live as He wants me to, I now have a peace that's greater than whatever struggle I might face. My frustrations and my difficulties, all these will pass. But He remains always. And it's in His eternal promises that I must abide."
Such an apt description of why we need joy! Oke & Bunn did a wonderful job here with wrestling with this subject in Nicole's head and heart.
Anne however, eases right in to life at Harrow Hall (once she is able to put mourning aside). It seems that she would be a better heiress, but that is out of the question. Or is it?
"What does the word 'duty' mean to you, Uncle?"
" Duty is what I'm obligated to do. I have a duty to my country, to my fellow man, and to my God. These are the givens of my life. I am called to walk uprightly and to live my neighbor as myself. And I am called to love God and serve Him with all that I am and all that I have. These are not mere invitations, to alter or ignore at my whim. These are duties. These are the constants upon which I must base my actions."
During all this, Charles is dealing with heart issues that grow more severe each day and he is making many enemies with his support of the American colonies' assertion of independence.
If you are not careful, it is quite easy to get lost in this book. There are many plots all weaving together, plus the confusion of who is whose actual daughter and the like.
Anne ends up falling in love with a young Englishman with whom she shares vision and mission. She stays at Harrow Hall to become Charles' heir; despite not being actually related, Charles decides to go ahead. They discover that Cyril's mother is actually Charles' cousin, so baby John is a blood heir! All's well that ends well :)
Charles gives Nicole his properties in America as an inheritance. We leave her as she prepares to travel back to North America (Oh look, another heart-wrenching goodbye. These books are testing my will power to NOT cry, because I hate crying, and I'm currently wearing eye makeup.)
I like these books, I really do. They have great topics of faith that they explore, I love the setting, I just hate all the sadness and goodbyes. I'm not sure if I've said that yet ;)
Nicole has left to travel to England. Charles wishes to make her his heir, so she has agreed to a two-year trial to see if she is suited to the life of British nobility.
Meanwhile, back at home, Cyril comes down with the grippe during a particularly hard winter, and dies, just after seeing his newborn son, John. Anne becomes greatly depressed.
When Nicole and Charles hear of Cyril's passing, they extend an invitation to Anne to come and stay in England for a time. Cyril's mother lives in Wales and would then be able to meet her grandson. Anne decides to go, meaning Andrew and Catherine must say goodbye to their other daughter. (Have I mentioned that I'm tired of these emotional seaside farewell scenes?!)
England is good for Anne and having her "sister" and nephew at Harrow Hall is good for Nicole. She is doing her best, but society life is trying for her. She finds little fulfillment in her days and is still restless. Yet, she has a duty and she is fully prepared to do it.
"It has made me realize that all my life," Nicole said, "I've measured how well I was suited to a place by how happy it made me. Only now, as I learn my way through English society, have I come to see that, although happiness is a fine thing, it comes and it goes. So long as I base my happiness upon what I have or how life suits me, it will always remain fleeting. For as soon as something changes, as soon as a cold wind blows through my life, as soon as life takes an unpleasant turn, my happiness would be gone.... My studies have shown me that I need to find my happiness in God, and in Him alone. By placing my life in His hands and seeking to live as He wants me to, I now have a peace that's greater than whatever struggle I might face. My frustrations and my difficulties, all these will pass. But He remains always. And it's in His eternal promises that I must abide."
Such an apt description of why we need joy! Oke & Bunn did a wonderful job here with wrestling with this subject in Nicole's head and heart.
Anne however, eases right in to life at Harrow Hall (once she is able to put mourning aside). It seems that she would be a better heiress, but that is out of the question. Or is it?
"What does the word 'duty' mean to you, Uncle?"
" Duty is what I'm obligated to do. I have a duty to my country, to my fellow man, and to my God. These are the givens of my life. I am called to walk uprightly and to live my neighbor as myself. And I am called to love God and serve Him with all that I am and all that I have. These are not mere invitations, to alter or ignore at my whim. These are duties. These are the constants upon which I must base my actions."
During all this, Charles is dealing with heart issues that grow more severe each day and he is making many enemies with his support of the American colonies' assertion of independence.
If you are not careful, it is quite easy to get lost in this book. There are many plots all weaving together, plus the confusion of who is whose actual daughter and the like.
Anne ends up falling in love with a young Englishman with whom she shares vision and mission. She stays at Harrow Hall to become Charles' heir; despite not being actually related, Charles decides to go ahead. They discover that Cyril's mother is actually Charles' cousin, so baby John is a blood heir! All's well that ends well :)
Charles gives Nicole his properties in America as an inheritance. We leave her as she prepares to travel back to North America (Oh look, another heart-wrenching goodbye. These books are testing my will power to NOT cry, because I hate crying, and I'm currently wearing eye makeup.)
I like these books, I really do. They have great topics of faith that they explore, I love the setting, I just hate all the sadness and goodbyes. I'm not sure if I've said that yet ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2008
After being reunited with her birth parents in Nova Scotia and after saying a tearful goodbye to her Louisiana parents, Nicole has a yearning for more. She and Anne become close friends and Nicole loves her parents, but there is something calling to her, dividing her allegiance. Her Uncle Charles has asked for her to go to England and become his heir, and she considers doing just that. After prayer and consideration, she decides to leave.
England is a contrast to all she’s ever known . . . its glitter and bustle are almost too much for her, and she feels useless among the rich trappings and servants.
Anne, meanwhile, is dealing with some devastating news. She decides to go to England. Anne adjusts more quickly to England than Nicole.
Nicole and her uncle have to make some hard decisions. . . .
I didn’t find this book as exciting as the others in the series (especially Book 1, my favorite so far), but it is still interesting and integral to the series. The writing is still beautiful and thoughtful and this book is worth the read.
England is a contrast to all she’s ever known . . . its glitter and bustle are almost too much for her, and she feels useless among the rich trappings and servants.
Anne, meanwhile, is dealing with some devastating news. She decides to go to England. Anne adjusts more quickly to England than Nicole.
Nicole and her uncle have to make some hard decisions. . . .
I didn’t find this book as exciting as the others in the series (especially Book 1, my favorite so far), but it is still interesting and integral to the series. The writing is still beautiful and thoughtful and this book is worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2008
After being reunited with her birth parents in Nova Scotia and after saying a tearful goodbye to her Louisiana parents, Nicole has a yearning for more. She and Anne become close friends and Nicole loves her parents, but there is something calling to her, dividing her allegiance. Her Uncle Charles has asked for her to go to England and become his heir, and she considers doing just that. After prayer and consideration, she decides to leave.
England is a contrast to all she's ever known . . . its glitter and bustle are almost too much for her, and she feels useless among the rich trappings and servants.
Anne, meanwhile, is dealing with some devastating news. She decides to go to England. Anne adjusts more quickly to England than Nicole.
Nicole and her uncle have to make some hard decisions. . . .
I didn't find this book as exciting as the others in the series (especially Book 1, my favorite so far), but it is still interesting and integral to the series. The writing is still beautiful and thoughtful and this book is worth the read.
England is a contrast to all she's ever known . . . its glitter and bustle are almost too much for her, and she feels useless among the rich trappings and servants.
Anne, meanwhile, is dealing with some devastating news. She decides to go to England. Anne adjusts more quickly to England than Nicole.
Nicole and her uncle have to make some hard decisions. . . .
I didn't find this book as exciting as the others in the series (especially Book 1, my favorite so far), but it is still interesting and integral to the series. The writing is still beautiful and thoughtful and this book is worth the read.
May 3, 2017
During a long day of solo driving I started and finished this audio book and besides keeping me awake, it entertained and uplifted me. I liked the emphasis on trying to do your duty and doing your best to follow what God would have you do. I also like the continued theme of relying on God during the tough times in life. In this book, Nicole agrees to travel to England to learn how to become her uncle Charles' heir. Her "sister" Anne faces a tragedy that almost overwhelms her before she finds renewed purpose and love when she joins Nicole in England. The time period is at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and it is interesting to see that conflict through the eyes of loyal British subjects in both Canada and Britain.
January 16, 2016
I really like this series. I like the author's talent in being able to continue a story from mothers to daughters, with ease and finesse. Usually, when a book moves from the main character(s) to their children, or other people and continues the saga, I either don't like it, wish it would end, or get bored. In this case, however, I'm just as interested in the daughter's lives as I was in their mothers, in previous books. I don't know what the difference is, but it works. I will finish the series. I think there are 5 books. So, I like them.
July 6, 2014
5 stars, Beautifully written, captivating
The Song of Acadia series, written by Janette Ole, T Davis Bunn is OUTSTANDING.
The story wraps it as around your heart and you become part of the adventure of the Familes involved. There circumstances in life brings many trials and much joy as they lean on GODS love and guidance. Many lessons can be learned and shared through their life in the beginning of the colonies and the hardship of war. The adventures of characters, it is so real. A Must read.
.
The Song of Acadia series, written by Janette Ole, T Davis Bunn is OUTSTANDING.
The story wraps it as around your heart and you become part of the adventure of the Familes involved. There circumstances in life brings many trials and much joy as they lean on GODS love and guidance. Many lessons can be learned and shared through their life in the beginning of the colonies and the hardship of war. The adventures of characters, it is so real. A Must read.
.
September 25, 2014
Loved being swept away into this time period - to live in a grand mansion and have servants to take care of your every desire. Plus, wearing the pretty dresses and attending all the balls and teas. I would not have liked to travel as they did though - in a carriage over land (rough, bumpy and slow) or on a sailboat over the seas (not like the ocean liners of today). The ending was a pleasant surprise and twist to the story. Nicole and Anne have such a wonderful relationship and a very kind Uncle Charles. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 7, 2023
Continuing story of Nichole and Anne. Nichole has been offered the chance to travel to England as heir to Sir Charles' estate. Anne has married her doctor and is now pregnant.
Nichole does travel to England and is "thrust" into high society. Meantime tragic news from home prompts an invitation to Anne to come to England. After much prayers, the answer comes in the form of a patient needing companionship to London.
Although the story kind of dragged where partying and teas were concerned it still held my interest and emotion on the America side.
Nichole does travel to England and is "thrust" into high society. Meantime tragic news from home prompts an invitation to Anne to come to England. After much prayers, the answer comes in the form of a patient needing companionship to London.
Although the story kind of dragged where partying and teas were concerned it still held my interest and emotion on the America side.
May 3, 2013
I'm really enjoying this series. The authors did a beautiful job of developing authentic, believable characters. I love seeing their struggles and successes with living a faith that's real. Now, that said, this particular book (#3 of 5) was not my favorite. The plot was way predictable and the ending tied up too neatly and too far fetched for my taste. But the characters completely compensate for lackluster plot :) I wish I could have a conversation with Anne and Nicole!
June 29, 2015
I read this book not knowing that is was part of a series until after I already started it. Although the book can be read on it's own, it does leave some questions about their back story that I am assuming can be learned in the other books. I really liked this book but the whole way thru I was trying to figure out how the girls became switched in the 1st place (especially during that time period). I will just have to find a copy of the other books to find out, I guess.
November 30, 2019
I've listened to this whole series at least twice (pre-Goodreads), and it's one of my favorite Janette Oke series. I chose this particular book again because it's on the Audible Escape package and I'm trying to complete the Category challenge. Also, next year I plan to finally get started on the spinoff series written by Davis and Isabella Bunn (Heirs of Acadia). So a refresher of the last few books in this series is not only enjoyable, but helpful.
September 11, 2009
Another great installment in this series. Honestly, I felt more connected to this one than the sequel in the series. There was more historical content, which is a plus for me, and I felt like I really connected with the characters and the time period. I loved how the characters really displayed God's heart.
August 27, 2010
The beginning of this book was better then the second half. I felt it was tapered off and became a little boring. I continue to enjoy this series but this one just fell flat for me.
I liked how the author continues to add new elements to each book, making them separate and how they don't run together in my memory.
I liked how the author continues to add new elements to each book, making them separate and how they don't run together in my memory.
February 20, 2012
I was intrigued by the twist of events at the very end of the book. Nicole was freed from what she thought was her duty to her uncle as his heir, & Charles Harwood discovered that Anne's little son John was tied to him through blood in such a way that he could become the legal heir. A total unexpected ending.
February 22, 2014
Another great installment in this series. Honestly, I felt more connected to this one than the sequel in the series. There was more historical content, which is a plus for me, and I felt like I really connected with the characters and the time period. I loved how the characters really displayed God's heart.
May 8, 2017
I do enjoy Faith based novels. Not so much when everything is hunky dorey regardless of the circumstances. I am enjoying the entire series so far because the characters are a little more realistic, expressing doubts, wondering if they are doing what is correct, and being human by making human choices. I bought this novel via Kindle
January 11, 2010
Again, I enjoy this series because of it's simple, clean approach. The love of sisters, the peace that comes when you're mindful of Heavenly Father's plan, love gained and lost. I don't stay up all night reading, but I do look forward to reading it.
May 11, 2014
Book #3 of the Song of Acadiana. Christian historical novel set in England just before the Revolutionary War. Very good. Enjoyed the storyline. Religious discussions and growing faith of the characters were foremost in the story. Not at all preachy as I found book #2 to be.
January 21, 2016
Third book in the series where Nicole and Anne arrive in England at the beginning of the American Revolution to stay at Uncle Charles's estate. Will Nicole become his heir? Will Anne recover from the death of her husband?
February 8, 2017
Good Read
I really felt immersed in the lives that this story shared. The characters come to life right from the beginning. I take my hat off to the authors of this series. They have a remarkable gift of weaving mystery and hardships that lead to caring and lasting love.
I really felt immersed in the lives that this story shared. The characters come to life right from the beginning. I take my hat off to the authors of this series. They have a remarkable gift of weaving mystery and hardships that lead to caring and lasting love.
September 19, 2007
It's also a great book. *squeals* don't you just want to wear their dresses??? lol.
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