Review of The Messenger

The Messenger

Siri Mitchell

Bethany House 2012

ISBN 9780764207969

   Hannah Sunderland is a Quaker and is content being so, that is, until her brother is imprisoned. She wants to bring some measure of comfort to him and make sure he is well and fed. Her faith forbids her to visit the jail because they do not condone taking sides or taking up arms. How would she even get a pass because no passes are issued to visit the prisoners?

   Jeremiah Jones is a Colonial spy. He needs to gain access to the prison to help rescue men that are important to the cause. When he meets Hannah, a plan starts to develop in his mind. No one would suspect a Quaker visiting a family member, would they?

   Such a pair of unlikely allies. Hannah refuses to lie for Jeremiah. How can one be a spy and not lie? Jeremiah is not prepared for this woman who is so true to her convictions of right and wrong. Hannah is not prepared for the feelings that Jeremiah stirs in her, nor is she prepared for his ability to make her confront her faith and beliefs. 

   This is a story of the Revolutionary War and the inhumanities that humans can bestow upon one another. It is much more than that. There is an underlying love story of two unlikely individuals who are united for two entirely different reasons. Hannah is a rather strong willed Quaker who has a habit of speaking before she thinks. This frequently causes problems for her. Jeremiah is a dissatisfied and bitter former soldier who lost his arm in battle and now feels he is no longer a man. This makes him all the more determined to be a successful spy. The story is good; but there is little action. Most of the story centers around the prisoners and how Hannah and Jeremiah try to access the jail. I found it lacking in the overall aspect of the story. Since I have never read this author before, I have nothing to compare it to. It was a fairly enjoyable story even though I did not love the story. If you are a fan of the author or are just looking for a nice read, I would recommend it. If you are looking for action and an indepth storyline, you won't find it here.

   I wish to thank Bethany House for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any way except to receive the book to review.

I give The Messenger 3 out of 5 stars