No Safe Harbor (Edge of Freedom, #1)

Mar 04, 2013 Ganise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bestbooksread-in-2013, read-in-2013

YES.

I picked this book just when I wanted a really good read and No Safe Harbor satisfied and thrilled this reader who finished it in 3 days.

Elizabeth Ludwig, YOU have a gift.

Readers beware as you step into a territory where deception will make your hairs stand on end as Cara navigates through lies and hypocrisy – an adventure in which eyes have to be kept opened like those of a predator because no one and absolutely no one can be trusted.

At first at least.

Be still my heart. I think I almos...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Rissi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour

While reading this historical work of fiction, I was surprised to learn that Elizabeth Ludwig has published novels prior to this since I’ve not yet uncovered the gem that was her style of writing. Under the assumption that Ludwig was another of the fabulous debut authors from 2012 (in my defense, this is her first pairing with Bethany House), imagine my further surprise when I realized I actually own one of her novels from the “Love Finds You” series. Before I reveal what I thought of this story...more While reading this historical work of fiction, I was surprised to learn that Elizabeth Ludwig has published novels prior to this since I’ve not yet uncovered the gem that was her style of writing. Under the assumption that Ludwig was another of the fabulous debut authors from 2012 (in my defense, this is her first pairing with Bethany House), imagine my further surprise when I realized I actually own one of her novels from the “Love Finds You” series. Before I reveal what I thought of this story, here is how the story goes: New to America by way of Ireland, Cara Hamilton is searching for someone. The man she meets on the docks upon arrival at Ellis Island wants to know who. Rourke Walsh has been driven by revenge for his father’s death for so long that he has forgotten what it’s like to live with peace – to be God’s servant… to accept love again. He desperately wants to learn the whereabouts of Eoghan Hamilton and Cara is his only lead. He knows that the man who killed his father had a twin sister but the more he gets to know Cara, the more he wishes she had nothing to do with the man whom Rourke has promised to visit his revenge on. Will there ever be truth between Rourke and Cara?

Historical prose is a tricky business. There’s a fine line between “accurate” and downright boring. Sometimes historical novels do bore me because of their “dry,” overly-detailed capacities but with this novel, I was thoroughly enchanted. It reads like a “dark” story – because the protagonist is driven by hatred – that includes some interesting history tidbits but uses each of its characters to the full advantage of the story. I loved the bustling boardinghouse chatter – with exception to one or two of the “bad apples,” I wanted to know more about each of the inhabitants, characters that Ludwig dropped bread crumbs into their pasts, teasers that I suspect will someday become a full-blown novel (Anna is already being given voice in the sequel). The characters are empathetic but we aren’t given much room for Rourke and Cara to develop a “solid” relationship, something that doesn’t detract from the overall story – one that’s touching and a sweet example of God’s grace. Through Cara, Rourke remembered what it meant to forgive and in that, he found love.

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Dec 27, 2012 Jennifer Defoy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

I really liked the idea of this book. An immigrant sets off to America after learning that the brother she thought was dead is alive an well. She arrives in America and try to immerse herself so that she can support herself until her brother finds her. All the while she falls in love with the one person she shouldn’t. It was a pretty good plot. And it was executed fairly well. There were some slow spots to the story but there were lots of places where the story moves very fast and keeps you turn...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, but sometimes the stories can run together because they are so similar. Well that certainly isn't the case with "No Safe Harbor" by Elizabeth Ludwig. I was drawn in from the beginning pages with this one, because I just couldn't imagine coming alone from Ireland to America like Cara Hamilton did. She had believed that her twin brother was dead, but when she receives a letter from him urging her to come to America but to trust no one. Well she embarks on a j...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Anne Baxter Campbell rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this one!

Cara Hamilton braved the Atlantic crossing from Ireland for one purpose: To find her twin brother Eoghan. Her twin, who until a couple of short months ago, she thought was dead. With no parents or guardians to prevent her, she boarded the first ship to America she could find.

The letter from Eoghan had contained a specific warning: Don't trust anyone and don't speak to anyone until he could tell her who to trust. But he didn't meet her at Ellis Island as she expected, and...more

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Dec 14, 2012 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

If you’re partial to turn-of-the-century romantic suspense with a touch of Irish charm, you’ll enjoy Elizabeth Ludwig’s No Safe Harbor. The story begins on Ellis Island in 1897, where the heroine, a young lass named Cara Hamilton, has just arrived from Derry. She meets the hero, a fine braw lad named Rourke Walsh, on the ferry to the mainland. Rourke finds himself quite taken with our Cara’s red hair and innocent eyes. Too bad he has vowed to kill her brother.

At first unaware of the intrigue su...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Crystal Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars

I fell in love with Cara from the get-go. She is one of those characters that is full of vulnerability yet tough and independent. She was able to set out on a journey to a new country in search of a brother she thought dead.

Rourke is one of the characters that is devoted to seeking revenge but you still can’t help but root for him. He has an idea of who Cara is yet he still wants to care for her and wish her identity away. I really liked Rourke in this story and found myself hoping for him and C...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Amy Bradsher rated it 4 of 5 stars

No Safe Harbor is full of twists and turns! Cara's journey is a difficult one as she tries to find her brother without knowing whom she can trust, and that makes the entire book suspenseful. It seemed as if every other person she met had some kind of possible connection to her brother, and not knowing whether she's safe keeps the reader on her toes.

My absolute favorite aspect of the book, though, was that of Cara's Irish heritage. I loved hearing the references to her homeland, to searches throu...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Patricia Kemp Blackmon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bethany-house-review-copy, christian-fiction, litfuse-review-copy, historical-fiction

Ireland, 1897. Cara Hamilton has lost everyone in her family including her twin brother. She can't fathom why God would leave her so alone. Then one day she received a post from America, it was from her twin brother Eoghan. He was alive and hiding out in New York. But where in New York. All he said was for her to come, he would be waiting for her. She was not to mention to anyone why she the journey to America or admit she she knew him. Their lives were at stake.

As she gets her first look at Lad...more Ireland, 1897. Cara Hamilton has lost everyone in her family including her twin brother. She can't fathom why God would leave her so alone. Then one day she received a post from America, it was from her twin brother Eoghan. He was alive and hiding out in New York. But where in New York. All he said was for her to come, he would be waiting for her. She was not to mention to anyone why she the journey to America or admit she she knew him. Their lives were at stake.

As she gets her first look at Lady Liberty as the ship arrives at Ellis Island a kind old gentleman that befriended her on the voyage gave her a recommendation to the owner of a boarding house that helps Irish women to find employment and provides them with room and board. Cara had brought every penny she possessed to make the trip and to live on until she could be joined with her brother. As she is taking the fairy from the Ellis Island to the mainland a gentleman close to her age takes the seat next to her. He strikes up a conversation with her giving his name as Rourke Walsh. But being a lady she tries to stay to herself. He offers to safely escort her to the boarding house since he was familiar with the area. She decided to trust him to get her to her destination.

When they arrived at the boarding house she kindly thanked him and he told her he hoped to see her again. As she entered the boarding house she received a warm welcome thanks to the elderly man's recommendation and gladly paid her first months rent in advance. She also was to start a new job recommended by her new Land Lady Amelia.

Ellis Island, 1897. Rourke Walsh got word that the sister of the man that murdered his father was on a ship headed for New York to connect with her brother. His vengeance against Eoghan Hamilton was eating him alive. He and the rest of his clan wanted the Hamilton family dead. He finally spots a woman of her description and he is in awe of her beauty. He must make sure she is Eoghan's sister before taking any action.

Rourke starts spending more time with her but she speaks guarding her words. The more time he spends with her the more he is attracted to her and wants to protect her from his family. He can tell she is also attracted to him. This was not going as he had planned.

This story has all that I like in a book. It has intrigue, romance, and most importantly reconciliation with God. The author uses Cara's kindness and vulnerability to protect her from the bitterness Rourke has felt since his father's murder. I feel as if this is the most critical part of the story.

God will heal his children if only they believe and trust in his will. There is a Way. God has a plan!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Baker Publishing/Bethany House and Litfuse Group for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.
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Nov 27, 2012 Rambling Readers rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Ludwig begins the “Edge of Freedom Series” with a suspenseful adventure in the pages of “No Safe Harbor.” An intricate web of revenge and lies captures and holds the reader until the end.

Ludwig introduces a wide range of characters, many with hidden agendas. In the beginning, part of the mystery is discovering which characters pose a threat to Cara and in whom she can place her trust. The story is told through the perspective of several different characters, so the reader gradually ga...more Elizabeth Ludwig begins the “Edge of Freedom Series” with a suspenseful adventure in the pages of “No Safe Harbor.” An intricate web of revenge and lies captures and holds the reader until the end.

Ludwig introduces a wide range of characters, many with hidden agendas. In the beginning, part of the mystery is discovering which characters pose a threat to Cara and in whom she can place her trust. The story is told through the perspective of several different characters, so the reader gradually gains insight into the motives of the primary and secondary characters. Danger lurks through the pages as Cara ventures into New York City in search of her brother. Initially, I was concerned the political intrigue element of the novel would be too heavy, but the pace of “No Safe Harbor” steadily propels the reader through the pages. The political unrest is the underlying cause of the threatening environment that Cara finds herself forced into. Ludwig delves into the political undercurrents without bogging down the plot. Action is interspersed throughout the novel, but really picks up near the end.

The love story between Cara and Rourke is somewhat unconventional. It is clear at the start of the novel that both main characters have divergent goals. Both Rourke and Cara withhold information from each other, but Rourke is motivated by revenge. As Ludwig reveals more of Rourke’s motives, he becomes a likable character. I found myself hoping that Cara and Rourke could find a future together, but one question lingered through each scene: how can a relationship based upon Rourke’s false pretenses ever succeed? Ludwig finds a satisfying resolution. The plot is complete enough to be read as a stand-alone novel, but hints at possibilities for future books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Nov 27, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Title: No Safe Harbor
Author: Elizabeth Ludwig
Pages: 331
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany House
Elizabeth Ludwig has created an interesting first novel in her series Edge of Freedom with No Safe Harbor. The chapters are not lengthy and the style is easy to read. The novel is in the genre of fictional historical romantic suspense, and it is set in 1897 in New York City.
The story begins with Cara Hamilton, an Irish immigrant, aboard a ship approaching Ellis Island. She has left her homeland of Irelan...more Title: No Safe Harbor
Author: Elizabeth Ludwig
Pages: 331
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany House
Elizabeth Ludwig has created an interesting first novel in her series Edge of Freedom with No Safe Harbor. The chapters are not lengthy and the style is easy to read. The novel is in the genre of fictional historical romantic suspense, and it is set in 1897 in New York City.
The story begins with Cara Hamilton, an Irish immigrant, aboard a ship approaching Ellis Island. She has left her homeland of Ireland in response to a letter her twin brother sent asking her to come to America so they could be together and start a new life. Their parents died in a train accident and they have no other relatives; it’s just the two of them now. Cara hasn’t seen her brother in over two years. She believed him to be dead as the result of becoming involved with a revolutionary group called the Fenians. She is overjoyed to learn he is still alive and immediately sells everything she has and sets sail for America. Upon landing, she realizes she knows no one and wonders how she will find her brother. As she exits the medical inspection station to board a ferry bound for the city, she meets Rourke. Her brother has warned her in his letter not to trust anyone and that another family from Ireland, the Turners, is out to kill him for his involvement in a death in of one of their family members. Can she trust Rourke with her secret? Will she ever find her brother and reunite with him? Is Rourke the man she thinks he is? While searching for her brother, she begins asking questions that are better left unasked. Attempts are made on her life because she is a Hamilton, but she finds herself unable to stop searching. She also finds herself falling in love with Rourke. Cara has learned about religion from her father, but she learned about a relationship with Jesus from her mother. Is he a God follower?
Rourke Walsh has been in America almost two years and does odd jobs to earn his keep. His family has been searching for his father’s killer as he fled Ireland and came to America they believe. They have a watch set up at Ellis Island to monitor if the killer and/or any of his relatives arrive in America. Rourke learns Cara is a Hamilton, but is not sure if she is related to the man he is looking for. He befriends her, helping her search for her brother, walking her to work, and touring the city, thinking to find out exactly who she is. Along the way, he falls in love with her. He also discovers she is indeed the sister of his enemy. Now what is he going to do? His family is after revenge, but Cara is innocent in the whole situation. Can Rourke go against his family? Can he put aside two years of anger, shame, vengeance, and guilt to forgive? Will he realize he is not the man his father or God wants him to be?
My rating is 3 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
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Nov 25, 2012 Catherine rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, read-in-2012

Summary from: http://elizabethludwig.net/Home_Page.php

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend - Rourke Walsh.
Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circul...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

Cara Hamilton has arrived in America looking for her brother. The year is 1897 and this young Irish immigrant knows nothing of her brother's location or what drove him to cross the ocean two years before. She only has his letter, warning her of dire danger if she tells anyone that she is his relative. He'll find her, he insists. Now alone in New York City waitng for him, Cara forms new friends, some who are sincere and some who are befriending her for more sinister reasons.

I had several problems...more Cara Hamilton has arrived in America looking for her brother. The year is 1897 and this young Irish immigrant knows nothing of her brother's location or what drove him to cross the ocean two years before. She only has his letter, warning her of dire danger if she tells anyone that she is his relative. He'll find her, he insists. Now alone in New York City waitng for him, Cara forms new friends, some who are sincere and some who are befriending her for more sinister reasons.

I had several problems with this book. I had a very hard time getting into the author's narrative voice, as I kept getting distracted by thinking of how I would have changed sentence structure or word choice had this been a paper or report from one of my students. It just didn't flow well in my mind's eye. The use of similes was also overemployed, in my opinion. I didn't need to know how this or that was "like a wave on the sea," "like a wraith," or "like a sheet." My imagination doesn't need that much guidance. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I understand she has won awards and is an accomplished speaker, so I don't know why it seemed to me like she was trying too hard.

It seemed beyond incredible that Cara should meet, within hours of disembarking on Ellis Island, not one but two separate people who were trying to hunt down and kill her brother. That is awfully convenient. It bothered me morally that Cara spent so much time lying about who she was and why she was in America. I understand she was supposed to keep her brother a secret, but secrets and lies were quite emphasized all throughout the book. I saw another reviewer state she found all the secrets to be romantic, which I do not agree with at all. Keeping secrets from your friends is not a bonding force, and is in fact a relationship killer. I don't like seeing it portrayed otherwise.

The story did have an interesting and diverse cast of characters, some of whose stories were reserved for telling in subsequent novels in this series. The plot held a good amount of suspense to keep you turning pages. While the drawbacks kept me from being fully engaged, they didn't prevent me from enjoying the good parts of the story. Fans of historical fiction might find something to keep their eye on with this one!

I received my copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.

This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com (less)

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Nov 17, 2012 Chelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. I am not exaggerating at all when I say this. I finished this book before I had even started it! I wanted so badly to get an answer to Cara’s problem and I was scared and biting my nails for Cara and Rourke’s safety throughout the whole novel. Cara is looking for her brother that she believes to be dead and she finds danger lurking around every corner and dark alleyway. Cara meets up with Rourke along the way, and finds out that...more This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. I am not exaggerating at all when I say this. I finished this book before I had even started it! I wanted so badly to get an answer to Cara’s problem and I was scared and biting my nails for Cara and Rourke’s safety throughout the whole novel. Cara is looking for her brother that she believes to be dead and she finds danger lurking around every corner and dark alleyway. Cara meets up with Rourke along the way, and finds out that his intentions are not exactly what she expected.

Cara and Rourke’s journey is not something that I can easily express in words. This book is full of twists and turns and many unexpected turn of events. This was like following a high speed police chase and I almost had to resort to biting my nails! Cara was such a timid character, in my opinion, and I honestly questioned if she could handle the task at hand. I now doubt questioning her, ever! She proved me wrong and I was genuinely attached to her and Rourke by the end of the book. At first I had hesitations about Rourke too. I thought he would take advantage of Cara, being that she was so timid and meek. Again, she proved me wrong. I love characters that can do that! This tells me immediately that Cara grew tremendously as a character. I just chalked my relationship with Rourke up as a love/hate relationship that would never be solved. I wanted to believe him and trust him with Cara, but my gut told me otherwise. By the end of the book I did have a better understanding of him, however.

Cara was an Irish immigrant and this was a different persona that I greatly enjoyed reading about. We are given an inside look at Irish heritage as well as life in New York City in 1897. I love all things Irish, probably just because I love the way they speak. I loved the descriptions of the New York City life as it is just how I always imagined it would be. Even though we are going back in time a good ways, the streets are still as treacherous in certain parts as I imagine they can be today and if you cross the wrong sort of characters. The writing was rich and the language/dialogue was suited well to the 1800’s; that is always an important factor for me.

***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Bethany House in exchange for my honest review***
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Nov 14, 2012 Shari rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was given the chance to check out Elizabeth Ludwig's newest novel, No Safe Harbor:

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend-Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming...more

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Oct 29, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romantic-suspense, historical-romance, irish-immigrants, new-york-city, ellis-island

NO SAFE HARBOR by Elizabeth Ludwig is a compelling inspirational romantic suspense/historical romance set in 1897 Ellis Island and New York City. It is book #1 in the " Edge Of Freedom" series and what a beginning. "No Safe Harbor" follows an Irish immigrant,Cara Hamilton, in search of her brother she thought dead until she receives some scribbled words. What she finds is someone she believes to be a friend,Rourke Walsh,intrigue,a house full of strangers in New York City,subterfuge,danger,love,r...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a power-packed historical fiction of Ireland and NYC in 1897! Political unrest, murder, and revenge transport the Turner family from Northern Ireland to America to order to find the snitch/alleged murderer of their father and a husband.

Elizabeth Ludwig’s book, No Safe Harbor, is an intriguing story of inconsolable revenge festering from the shores of Ireland to the shores of America to find Eoghan Hamilton. The author keeps us hoping that Cara Hamilton finds her brother before he is comprom...more What a power-packed historical fiction of Ireland and NYC in 1897! Political unrest, murder, and revenge transport the Turner family from Northern Ireland to America to order to find the snitch/alleged murderer of their father and a husband.

Elizabeth Ludwig’s book, No Safe Harbor, is an intriguing story of inconsolable revenge festering from the shores of Ireland to the shores of America to find Eoghan Hamilton. The author keeps us hoping that Cara Hamilton finds her brother before he is compromised and killed. She’d been warned by her brother not to trust anyone in America, yet she falls for Rourke Walsh and puts her trust in him.

Little does Cara know that Rourke wants her brother dead also to avenge his father’s death. His conniving ways puts him in a bad light for me most of the time, yet there’s a hint of his faith that keeps him cautious. He’s secretive and lies to Cara to get his hands on her brother, and Cara does likewise to protect her brother. Thus the dilemma that runs throughout the storyline. Both feel betrayed by the other. Yet their attraction is very palpable.

Elizabeth does an excellent job of twisting the plots almost page by page to keep your head spinning. One page you’re ready to trust Rourke, and the next you can’t. Little do Cara and Rourke know there were more sinister activities going on outside the rim of their romantic yearnings.

Elizabeth’s use of metaphors makes for vivid, picturesque descriptions that fit the scenarios to a ‘T.’ The Irish brogue adds to the realistic storyline, as well as the in-depth descriptions and inner thoughts of the characters. Without the luxury of electricity, walking at night was dangerous, even deadly. Add the explosive intermingling of the women at the boardinghouse at times, especially between Cara and Deidre, and the story is ripe for suspense and intrigue. We aren’t privy to the reason until close to the end of the story.

It’s a story that demonstrates the ravages of man’s vengeance instead of forgiving and leaving vengeance to the Lord, and the host of other maladies that afflict man when politics tears Ireland apart and the skirmishes are brought to America. One realizes that life in a new country may not be any different if they don’t resolve the issues that caused them to leave the first country.

This book was provided free by Amy Lathrop and Christen Krumm of the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received.(less)

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Oct 21, 2012 Avery rated it 5 of 5 stars

A page turner!
Step back in time and get a glimpse of life for the immigrant Irish in New York.

No Safe Harbor begins with the historical setting of Ellis Island in the year of 1897. The heroine, Cara Hamilton finds she is all alone when she reaches America and her brother doesn’t come for her.

Page-after-page, this story is filled with intrigue and dark characters.

As Cara needs to trust those around her while she searches for her brother, she is thrust into a culture of Irish Americans who may not...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Louise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Story Description:

Baker Publishing Group|October 1, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7642-1039-6

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter. Cara Hamilton sets off from 1897 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she’d thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend – Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother’s warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and re...more Story Description:

Baker Publishing Group|October 1, 2012|Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-0-7642-1039-6

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter. Cara Hamilton sets off from 1897 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she’d thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend – Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother’s warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara’s desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke’s true intentions come to light.

My Review:

Cara Hamilton is on the ship “Servia” in February of 1897 crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland to America. She is coming to find her twin brother Eoghan whom she thought to be dead until she received a letter from him. Thinking of Eoghan she clutched the leather bracelet she wore on her wrist, Eoghan had an identical one, they were given to them by their father on their sixteenth birthday.

As Cara disembarked the ship and made her way to a boarding house she thought about the warning in her brother’s letter to “trust no one. Speak to no one until I can come for you.” Then she meets Rourke Walsh whom she ends up loving and confides in him the secret of why she has come to America and the disappearance of her brother Eoghan. Little does she know that Rourke is not who he professes to be.

At the boarding house she meets the other women living there, most of whom are pleasant and appear above board except for Deirdre. From the get go she seems to have a problem with Cara and appears to dislike her very much. Cara goes on a bit of an investigation to find out who Deidre really is, where she goes and what she is really up to. Then she finds Deidre snooping through her room and confronts her but Deidre will admit nothing other than saying she thought she saw a rat scampering into Cara’s room and went in after it.

Cara is getting more and more worried as Eoghan has not yet contacted her. Where can he be and why is he taking so long to make contact with her?

No Safe Harbor is filled with mystery, danger, and suspense and will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next calamity. A great historical romantic suspense.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

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Sep 19, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Cara Hamilton arrives from Ireland at Ellis Island...she got help getting through customs from a kind man she met on her ship? As soon as she is through she begins searching the crowd and looking at all faces for her brother.
She thought her brother Eoghan was dead, and when she receives a precious letter from him, she set off to America. He has told her to "trust no one!"
The trust no one rings true throughout the story. No one really seems to be whom they present themselves as.
We travel around l...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Beth Withers rated it 3 of 5 stars

No Safe Harbor is an historical Christian novel that follows Cara as she leaves Ireland in 1896 in search of her twin brother, who she thought was dead. She doesn't know why he left Ireland and doesn't find out until well into the novel. While this is considered Christian fiction, it is not a preachy book - in fact, the religious message is not particularly strong, although it is present. While I did get caught up in the story in the end, I had some problems with some details that just made the...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, mystery

There is absolutely nothing like a good romance, a good mystery, and the gospel all tied together. Yes, this book hit the mark with absolutely no problem. From the very first page all the way through the end, I was mesmerized. Elizabeth Ludwig is one of my favorite authors, and this is a book that will keep you completely intrigued and enthralled. The style is readable, and the characters are 3-dimensional.

There are two things I especially relished in this book. Rarely do I get to read a myster...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Ludwig in her new book, “No Safe Harbor” Book One in the Edge Of Freedom series published by Bethany House takes us into the life of Cara Hamilton.

From the back cover: New York City, 1897

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she’s found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims t...more

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Nov 16, 2012 Patty rated it 3 of 5 stars

This books starts with young Cara Hamilton sailing from Ireland for New York after receiving a mysterious letter from her brother. A brother she thought had been dead for the last two years. He left their beloved country under a veil of suspicion and Cara did not completely know why or what happened. She only knows that he is alive and he has warned her to trust no one.

As she lands at Ellis Island she is found by a handsome Irishman who helps her get settled in a boarding house. Little does she...more This books starts with young Cara Hamilton sailing from Ireland for New York after receiving a mysterious letter from her brother. A brother she thought had been dead for the last two years. He left their beloved country under a veil of suspicion and Cara did not completely know why or what happened. She only knows that he is alive and he has warned her to trust no one.

As she lands at Ellis Island she is found by a handsome Irishman who helps her get settled in a boarding house. Little does she know that he has ulterior motives as he is searching for her brother to seek revenge for the killing of his father. Rourke (Turner) Walsh soon finds himself falling in love with Cara as his duty to his dead father and living family wars with his desire to keep her safe.

From the very start this was a book full of suspense and tension as Cara looked upon everyone she met as a possible enemy because of her brother's admonition to trust no one. Since she found herself alone in a strange country knowing no one it made it awfully hard for her to do anything about finding her brother since he didn't do much about finding her in the beginning. He was then detained (no spoilers here) and Cara was left adrift with her feelings for Rourke growing despite her fear of trusting him.

As she does what she can to discover her brother's location bits and pieces of why her brother is in hiding come to light and this, I think is where the story falls down. Too few bits. For a reader not familiar with the political situation in Ireland at this time in history there is simply not enough information provided about the factions for the story to make sense. I have limited knowledge so I could understand the Home Rule versus British Rule arguments going on but someone who had never encountered a Fenian would be lost. I understand there's "the google" but that should be for someone yearning to learn more not needing to learn more to understand motivation.

This is the first book in a series and it should be laying the groundwork and in that I think it falls a bit short. The characters, though are engaging and I was left with enough interest in them to want to follow their adventures into the next chapter. I want to know if all does indeed end well with the Hamilton family.
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Feb 07, 2013 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook-challenge-2013

A gripping thriller that kept my interest since day one. The tale of Cara is one of intense feelings. Hurt, anger, hope, love, lost, and redemption are what she feels on a daily basis. She has been alone in Ireland for two years since her parents have died and her brother disappeared. Til one day in 1897 she receives a letter from her brother. The letter states that is she to come to America and wait for him but not to tell anyone why she has come, and to trust no one. Cara ends up meeting an ol...more

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May 15, 2013 Paula-O rated it 4 of 5 stars

No Safe Harbor is book #1 from series "Edge of Freedom" by Elizabeth Ludwig

Its 1897 in Ireland and Cara Hamilton has lost all hope of seeing her twin brother again until the letter gives her the Hope that he is alive and in American and she feels she must go find him and bring him home..Now she stands on the deck of a ship headed for America and wonders has she lost her mind.
Traveling such a long way by ship in those days was not an easy task, she was lucky to have been befriended by an older ge...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Jan Drexler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Set in New York City in 1897, No Safe Harbor is the story of a young Irish woman searching for her twin brother.
For the last two years, Cara Hamilton had thought her brother was dead, a victim of political violence in Ireland. But when she receives a letter from him with instructions to meet him in New York, Cara boards a ship and starts a perilous journey.

But once she arrives there is no sign of her brother, and she must find her way with the help of strangers who want to befriend her, even tho...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Tammi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: elizabeth-ludwig, book-review, christian-fiction, historial-fiction, mystery-suspense

I Was Hooked Straight Through To the End

No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Ludwig. I was drawn to the book at first by the cover and then the description. Once I started reading it I was hooked straight through to the end.

The story was full of twists and turns that kept drawing the reader further into the story. Cara Hamilton is in search of her twin brother, Eoghan, but she doesn't know who to trust, and it seemed that every...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Anne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Ludwig's Now Safe Harbor will tug you in like a tugboat into the harbor! Setting the stage, she layers her plot masterfully until you'll find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat. Plot-driven and suspenseful, Elizabeth paints the picture of the Irish immigrant's world in old New York City.

Setting: You'll want to remember that 1897 New York City saw Ellis Island built just five years before and New York Harbor had only been under the watchful eye of the Statue of Liberty since 1886...more Elizabeth Ludwig's Now Safe Harbor will tug you in like a tugboat into the harbor! Setting the stage, she layers her plot masterfully until you'll find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat. Plot-driven and suspenseful, Elizabeth paints the picture of the Irish immigrant's world in old New York City.

Setting: You'll want to remember that 1897 New York City saw Ellis Island built just five years before and New York Harbor had only been under the watchful eye of the Statue of Liberty since 1886. The times were heavily influenced by the large influx of European immigrants, overcrowded tenement houses, an under paid labor force, and New York City's corrupt Tammany Hall political machine--all things in which the Irish were deeply involved!

Characters:
Cara Hamilton has left her Irish homeland, once believing she’d been orphaned, she glides into New York Harbor clinging to only a letter and the hope of finding her long lost brother. Her only instructions are to trust no one—talk to no one.
When her path crosses that of Rourke Turner, she yearns to entrust her secrets to someone who cares. But can Rourke choose between his clan and his heart to overcome the past that left him fatherless?

Romance & Plot:
Rourke is a bad guy you want to love, while Cara is an innocent you don’t want wounded—and yet Ludwig masterfully entwines their future, wrapping their paths to redemption into a cord that only the Lord’s strand between them can save. Forces beyond immigration far from their homeland, their penniless state, their fragile trust and clannish loyalties seek to divide the two. At one point, Cara’s actions not only surprised Rourke, but surprised me. However, true to her character, Cara is pressed to desperation to find her brother. So like Rourke, I saw this in Cara and had to forgive her foolishness. Be patient while Elizabeth introduces you to the cast of characters on this stage, there are none who aren’t essential!

Writing:
A few favorite lines: (promise, no spoilers here!)
“She studied him critically. His cheeks were ruddy, but that could easily have been caused by the brisk walk…..Certainly he didn’t look to be lying. Traitorous tears burned the back of her eyelids, accusing her of longing to believe him.”

Overall:
--Fresh new era & setting
--Intense & suspenseful
--Satisfying romance & ending(less)

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Oct 05, 2012 Michelle Griep rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ready for a historical thrill ride that will keep you teetering on the edge of your seat? NO SAFE HARBOR is the book for you! Author Elizabeth Ludwig not only weaves intrigue with historical fact, but creates memorable characters that will leave you begging for more. Good thing this is the first in a trilogy (The Edge of Freedom).

Hero Rourke Walsh is everything a hero should be. Handsome. Strong. Completely trustworthy...or is he? Cara Hamilton has a hard time figuring that out, yet doesn't real...more

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No Safe Harbor (Edge of Freedom #1)

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