Book Review: A Different Kind of Courage by Sarah Holman

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Title: A Different Kind of Courage

Author: Sarah Holman

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical

Audience: Young Adult - Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Why did my life have to be full of secrets?”

After three years in England, William Landor returns to Boston in 1774, little knowing the events that are about to unfold.

England has issued an ultimatum: pay for the tea that was destroyed in the Boston Tea Party, or the Port of Boston will be closed. William knows that this will have a devastating effect on his hometown, which is so dependent on the sea. However, he finds himself in the middle of the political struggle he wanted to avoid.

William’s father is a merchant and loyal to the king and is furious at what the rebels of Boston have cost him. He would like nothing more than to rid the city of their poisonous influence. Meanwhile, William’s best friend, Dr. Joseph Warren, is one of the leaders of rebels, or Whigs as they call themselves.

As if his life was not complicated enough, he meets a fiery indentured servant who tugs at his heart as well as his loyalty. When he is confronted by the consequences of his many secrets, he has to make a choice weather or not to tell the truth. Does he have the kind of courage it will take?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4.5 stars**

Ah, this was such a wonderful story! A Different Kind of Courage by Sarah Holman brings us back to the 1770s, where unrest is brewing between England and the thirteen colonies. William Landor has spent the last four years in England, but he finally decides to return to Boston alongside Lt. Mark Layton, and a host of other British soldiers. He arrives at his hometown to find his Loyalist father as hard to satisfy as ever; and tempers high as colonists endeavor to take a stand against their mother country.

William must decide. Who is he really? And for whom does he stand?

I quite enjoyed journeying with this young man and his dark-skinned, young friend, Matthew. We explore the American Revolution, and some of the reasoning behind it. We see thoughts from both the Loyalists and the Patriots. And though I myself can tend to get a little fiery alongside the American colonists’ cause; I was appreciative of how Sarah Holman showed that all Loyalists and British soldiers were not wicked, selfish pigs, ha! They truly had concerns and reasoning as well. So it was good, (not to mention, a bit heart-rending), to see normal people from both side; but ultimately end up crying out for freedom!

The history—great! I love a good historical, and A Different Kind of Courage is just that. I could see that the author did her research. This book had an authentic feel, and historical depth. I loved meeting Dr. Joseph Warren, who is a real figure in history. And Paul Revere, Abigail Adams, John Hancock, Benedict Arnold, and other such people. It was also very neat how Sarah Holman put some of their quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Memorable historical moments are touched on. Meetings between some great men of the Whigs peeked in to. Wonderful travel through history! I love the 1700s/Revolutionary War era, and this book definitely did not disappoint! Though Sarah Holman explains what happens in history after A Different Kind of Courage ends, I do rather hope there’ll be a sequel someday! *smiles*

There was an altogether sweet romance—all clean and quite beautifully come about. Lively midnight escapades with “The Door”, (you’ll just have to read the book to figure out what that’s all about! *wink*). We had some poignant themes of finding your worth in God alone, and other such faith matters. It was all very soul-touching. So very happy to have read another book that shines a conservative view and glorifies God, while also providing exciting adventure and rich history.

So yes. An amazing novel! I enjoyed it thoroughly and totally recommend!