Book Review: Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

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Title: Keturah

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Series: The Sugar Baron's Daughter #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined - and that's just the start of 
what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world. 

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives. 

Set on keeping her family together and saving her father's once-great plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3.5 stars**

Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren was an enjoyable read, with some lovely bits and interesting themes. As book one of this author's new series, THE SUGAR BARON'S DAUGHTERS, I was very much looking forward to it! It didn't end up being my favorite read, but I still am excited to read the next installment to the series and adventure more with this trio of sisters.

Keturah Banning Tomlinson is the eldest of the sisters, living in 1770s England. Upon word of her beloved father's death, she determines that she must embark on a journey to the West Indies and manage her late father's estate there. The endeavor turns out to be an imposing one, and fraught with new obstacles and dangers.

My least favorite thing about this book? Perhaps the slower pace of the plot and the fact that I wasn't as invested in the characters as I want to be when I read a novel.

But despite those things, I still managed to get into the story and must admit, am wondering what's going to happen next for Keturah and her sisters! Some scenes involving the ocean in the West Indies were so beautiful and tantalizingly authentic ... I wanted to be there! Keturah's past and her journey to emotional freedom was an interesting and touching one. Some aspects were so awful, but the healing so beautiful! Watching her learn to trust again was sweet, indeed. Though some parts seemed to be pushing the "independent woman" agenda a little, there also were scenes in Keturah that acknowledged, appreciated, and praised strong, kind, good men.

Slow pace, yes, but there was more than a couple emotion-filled, raw, authentic scenes that stirred my heart!

The romance was sweet and dear (well, in the end, at least). The faith theme very lovely (though not always clear. Though Christ was mentioned, when forgiveness and sin were addressed there was no talk of holy justice and needing to accept Jesus to have your sins forgiven).

All in all, I did like this book and enjoyed my time in the West Indies - despite the danger and drama! I really do look forward to reading Verity and Selah's stories!

I received a copy of Keturah from Litfuse Publicity Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review.