1830 and we are at a slave auction. The place no human should ever be. But that is exactly where Marlene Banks takes us. She writes with conviction and passion about an era that is past, but will never be forgotten. I found this novel to be fascinating as I journeyed back in time.
This is not a book you put down and soon forget. It will stick with you as the writing is rich with emotion. It brings me to the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.
If you love historical fiction this is a book you should add to your shelf. Sometimes the writing was a bit unusual for me. The story line is rich in history and opens our eyes to a time and place where freedom was not taken for granted.
"Bo's frustrated sigh was heavy. He put his fork down. "Ruth, I want you to understand something. God has set you free from a life of uncompensated servitude and abuse to your body and soul. I will never use you in that way...never." "Dat what Massah Stanley say, but ain't stop his sons from havin' me fo dey own when dey wanted or dat rotten over-seea." The thought sickened Bo. "I promise I will never misuse you. I'd have to answer to God for treating you like an animal or dishonoring your womanhood. I know it's hard for you to believe, but I want to help you, not hurt you. Help you getused to eing free and help you feel like a lady in spite of all the mistreatment." "You sho talk like one of dem high-acting white men. You had schoolin'?"
"Mara had no hope of help coming or ever seeing freedom again. She was angry with God; she'd been betrayed, and it was God's fault for letting this happen. Why did Jesus let this man hurt and shame her? She'd been God-fearing and obedient all her life, and for what? To end up alone and rejected, abused, and now dragged back into slavery. Though she was upset with Jesus, she was desperate to get away from her captor. So Mara did the only thing she knew to do. She prayed for help from the God she felt had repeatedly let her down. Her hope was that His mercy and grace she once believed in would not be withheld this time."
Faith, love, and redemption encapsulates this novel. We see what the faith of one can do. A truly interesting read that held my attention throughout the story.
This book was a gift by Moody Publishing for sharing my review with you.
Marlene Banks lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended Westminster College in Pennsylvania and has an Associate of Theology Degree from Rhema Bible Institute in Keysville, Virginia. She is a member of Bethel Deliverance International Church pastored by Bishop Eric A. Lambert II in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. Marlene worked in nursing for over thirty years and in business as an administrative coordinator for over eight years. Her goal as a writer is to create inspiring, gripping and realistic tales with an emphasis on African American literature. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, she considers her writing a Kingdom assignment from the LORD.
