Monday, June 18, 2012

Review for Spirit of the Rebellion by Debbie Peterson


Souls touch and emotions flare when a historian and an embittered spirit form an unlikely alliance to investigate the centuries-old riddle surrounding his death…
 

Ready for a fresh chapter in her life, Shae Lynn Montgomery accepts a job translating a cache of Civil War documents from Wisconsin’s famous Norwegian regiment. The assignment takes her to Chickamauga’s haunted Starling Plantation and face-to-face with a handsome captain—its angry ghost in residence.

Tristan Jordahl, falsely accused of treason, has no use for the living—not even the lovely translator invading his home. Despite Tristan’s best efforts to frighten her, Shae Lynn refuses to leave, and reluctantly, Tristan enlists her help to clear his name. But as they grow closer to the truth—and to each other—an evil spirit makes it clear he will do anything to stop them.

Can a love that transcends time overcome all obstacles?


******************** 

Debbie Peterson proves with Spirit of the Rebellion that love can in fact conquer all.  In this unique story a translator is desperate to prove that the ghost she's come to care for isn't the traitor history has made him out to be.  Through this unlikely love story the reader is easily drawn into this dreamlike world where suspending your disbelief only adds to the enjoyment.

The characters in this story are what make this so memorable and enjoyable.  As the lone human in the grand mansion, Shae goes out of her way to bond with the ghosts whose presence she's very accepting of.  She easily becomes a member of their little family and they become very protective of her.  Shae's easy acceptance of her ghostly roommates made her extremely likable and showed her strength of spirit.  She's desperate to get to the truth which leads to some dangerous encounters.  Each ghost had unique characteristics that made them very endearing.  From young boy Timothy waiting for his mother to nurse Amy who died caring for her patients, each of their stories brings a tear to your eye.  Tristan is the one ghost who doesn't welcome Shae with open arms because he fears her judgement when she reads what's thought of him.  After his best friend labeled him a traitor during the Civil War, he finds trust difficult.  Her strength and courage win him over and only by putting his complete trust in her can he find peace and an end to his loneliness.  Even though they can't physically touch, their romance is still sweet and full of sexual tension.  It takes a miracle to reach their unconventional HEA which is one big tearjerker but well worth the wait.

This was an enjoyable story that dragged a bit during the middle of the story but quickly picked up steam towards the end.  The ghostly characters give this story its heart and their true life actions lend a bit of believability to a rather unbelievable relationship between Shae and Tristan.  The ending brought a smile to my face and gave me renewed hope in the power of love and a new author to continue to see evolve.

My rating for this is a B.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

1 comment: