Publication Date: January 14, 2015 iUniverse
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 208
Series: Book Two, The Puritan Chronicles
Genre: Historical Fiction
It is 1693 in Hereford, Connecticut, when Mary Case, the spinster daughter of a Puritan minister, finds herself hopelessly smitten by the roguish thief, Daniel Eames. Betrothed to a man she does not like or love, she is soon compelled to help Daniel escape from jail. Suddenly, she finds herself on the run, not only accused of being Daniel's accomplice, but also of murder.
The fugitive pair soon finds solace-and a mutual attraction-among the escapee's Algonquin friends until two men from Daniel's dark past hunt them down. After Mary is captured and returned home to await trial, a tragedy takes the life of her younger sister, revealing a dark secret Mary's father has kept for months. But just as Mary learns she is pregnant, she makes a horrifying discovery about Daniel that changes everything and prompts her to develop an unlikely bond with his mother, Rebecca, who soon saves Mary from a shocking fate. It is not until years later that her daughter, Kezia, finally learns the truth about her biological father and family.
Letters to Kezia shares a courageous woman's journey through a Puritan life and beyond as she struggles with adversity and betrayal, and discovers that loyalty can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
My Review
Four Stars
Copy Received for an honest review
I was so excited to read "Letters to Kezia" by Peni Jo Renner, I was a little worried that the book would not meet my expectations. I'm so glad to say it surpassed them. First, this is a relatively short book, only 194 pages. I was surprised that Renner was able to provide such a historically rich and emotional story. First, she grabbed my attention from page one. The inevitable has happened, Kezia has come upon letters that will giver her a lot of insight into her past and her mothers past. Mary, Kezia's mother has carried a secret for a long time and now her past is coming to light. The flashback takes places in the 1600's, the history is the Puritan's and the Salem Witch Trial. Mary is the daughter of a Puritan minister. She falls in love with Daniel. Daniel is Mary's complete opposite. She is also Rebecca Eames' son. I first became fascinated with the Salem Witch Trials when I read "The Crudible" by Arthur Miller in high school. Since then I have visited Salem many times and always learned something new. This is such a rich time in U.S. history, the effects of that point in time are still felt.
The story takes part with flashbacks and Kezia realizes that Daniel is really her father (this is not a big spoiler-it's very evident) and Kezia learns about how Mary fell in love with him, helped him escape from jail and finds herself on the wrong side of the law. I loved everything about this book. I loved reading about this always interesting time in history, loved Daniel and Mary. I was saddened to see that their love story did not have a happy ending although having Kezia is notably a great thing. I didn't read the first book in the Puritan Chronicles, Puritan Witch: The Redemption of Rebecca Eames, it didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this story. I imagine it would be more rewarding for a reader to read the first book but I was still really humbled by Mary's bravery and her courageous as she faced the wrath of her community. Very sweet, and historically rich story.
Praise for Letters to Kezia
"In the tradition of author Peni Jo Renner’s gripping debut novel, Puritan Witch: The Redemption of Rebecca Eames, Letters to Kezia recounts the tale of courageous, compassionate, and relatable Mary, whose connection to Rebecca and her family is unforeseen and profound. The reader is captivated at the very first page, as Letters to Kezia is a story of forbidden love, deep family secrets, intrigue, murder, and atonement. Another beautifully written triumph for this author, whose immense gift for story-telling transports the reader into each scene so deftly, one can almost smell the wood smoke and hear the crackling of the fire in the hearth." - Kelly Z. Conrad, award-winning author of Shaman"Peni Jo Renner enthralled readers with Puritan Witch, the ordeal of Rebecca Eames, who was condemned to hang from Salem’s gallows as a witch. Now the Eames saga continues as Peni uses her special brand of witchery to bring Mary Case and Daniel Eames to vivid life, and shows us just how much a young woman will risk for love. Letters to Kezia is a poignant, true-life tale from colonial New England’s heartland which will captivate you, and keep you guessing until the end." -JoAnn Butler, author of Rebel Puritan and The Reputed Wife
Buy the Book
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About the Author
PENI JO RENNER is the author of the IPPY award-winning novel, Puritan Witch: the Redemption of Rebecca Eames. Originally from North Dakota, Peni now lives with her husband in Maryland where she is currently researching for the third book in the Puritan Chronicles series.For more information please visit the Puritan Witch Website and Facebook Page. You can also follow Peni Jo Renner on Twitter.
Letters to Kezia Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, March 9Interview at Flashlight Commentary
Guest Post at What Is That Book About
Tuesday, March 10
Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book
Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book
Wednesday, March 11
Guest Post at Oh, For the Hook of a Book
Thursday, March 12
Guest Post at Mythical Books
Spotlight & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Friday, March 13
Review at Just One More Chapter
Review at Peeking Between the Pages
Monday, March 16
Interview at Becky on Books
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation
Tuesday, March 17
Review at Deal Sharing Aunt
Wednesday, March 18
Review at Quirky Book Reviews
Thursday, March 19
Review at Book Nerd
Interview at Dianne Ascroft Blog
Friday, March 20
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Review at Bibliophilia, Please
Review & Interview at Jorie Loves a Story
Monday, March 23
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Friday, March 27
Review at Book Babe
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