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Heirs of Cahira O'Connor #2
The Golden Cross
THE HEIRS OF CAHIRA O’CONNOR SERIES
BOOK TWO
A line of women who would be warriors for truth
“It is said that as Cahira, daughter of the great Irish king Rory O’Connor, lay dying of a wound from a Norman blade, she lifted her hand toward heaven and beseeched God that others would follow after her, bright stars who would break forth from the courses to which they are bound and restore right in this murderous world…”
To Kathleen O’Connor, Cahira’s story is nothing more than a charming legend—until her research divulges that several of Cahira’s heirs did, indeed, leave the traditional roles of womanhood to fight for right. Stunned, Kathleen realizes she herself bears Cahira’s mark. Is Kathleen destined to continue the legacy in the twenty-first century?
To discover how the histories of these women relate to her own future, Kathleen must delve deep into the past to learn the truth about The Heirs of Cahira O’Connor…
Aidan O’Connor
Aidan O’Connor was raised among pickpockets and prostitutes in a Dutch colony on Java, Indonesia. But when a world-famous cartographer discovers her natural artistic talent, she is given a chance to leave her troubled life behind. Disguised as a boy, Aidan joins her benefactor at sea and begins the work of drawing the flora and fauna of the new world. This fresh beginning leads her into adventure--and to a great love. But can this love survive the force of Aidan’s past…and her ambitions for her future?
BOOK TWO
A line of women who would be warriors for truth
“It is said that as Cahira, daughter of the great Irish king Rory O’Connor, lay dying of a wound from a Norman blade, she lifted her hand toward heaven and beseeched God that others would follow after her, bright stars who would break forth from the courses to which they are bound and restore right in this murderous world…”
To Kathleen O’Connor, Cahira’s story is nothing more than a charming legend—until her research divulges that several of Cahira’s heirs did, indeed, leave the traditional roles of womanhood to fight for right. Stunned, Kathleen realizes she herself bears Cahira’s mark. Is Kathleen destined to continue the legacy in the twenty-first century?
To discover how the histories of these women relate to her own future, Kathleen must delve deep into the past to learn the truth about The Heirs of Cahira O’Connor…
Aidan O’Connor
Aidan O’Connor was raised among pickpockets and prostitutes in a Dutch colony on Java, Indonesia. But when a world-famous cartographer discovers her natural artistic talent, she is given a chance to leave her troubled life behind. Disguised as a boy, Aidan joins her benefactor at sea and begins the work of drawing the flora and fauna of the new world. This fresh beginning leads her into adventure--and to a great love. But can this love survive the force of Aidan’s past…and her ambitions for her future?
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
33 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
271 books1,964 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 12, 2021
Goodreads asks, "What did you think?" What I think, I say, is that this was a masterpiece, perhaps the definition of perfection. But it also put a few dents in my heart, so there's that.
Setting: Begins July 22, 1642, in the Dutch colony of Batavia on Java, an island of Indonesia. The book spans probably several months, possibly even a year. Certain important locations in the Pacific Ocean are also notable landmarks. The setting is 100% central to the story, and the dichotomy between the civilized wealthy Dutch, and the so-called "underworld" is so clearly and expertly shown. Descriptions of primitive natives, ill-bred seamen, desperate women, and pompous heirs also establish the setting beyond a shadow of a doubt. But that's for the Characters section ...
Characters: What can I say, but these characters are among the best I've read about? Topping the list for me is Schuyler Van Dyck; I knew he'd capture my heart by just his name. But, rest assured, the rest of his personality and actions live up to his name. He's not just a wonderful precious Christian man; he's also a driven man, with such intense passions, a determined mind, and a unique way of seeing the world. And he's pretty bold, too. Nearly everything he does or says just made me love him that much more.
Though Heer Van Dyck is #1, 2, and 3 in terms of my favorite characters, Sterling Thorne comes in at a solid #4. He is likewise wonderful and precious, but also so unbelievably honorable. Perhaps almost unrealistically (perhaps), but his character fits so well with the plot and it all goes so well together. His protective nature and passionate motives are so heart-captivating.
Aidan O'Conner is an amazingly written character with a spectacular character arc. Though she at times gets on my nerves--no non-Christian female character can escape that--all her actions are understandable and borne out of her motivations and experiences. She is a well-rounded, intelligent girl, and she must be extremely special considering Schuyler Van Dyck's response to her.
The other characters are also excellently written, and appropriately likable or unlikable. Dempsey is a surprise, Orabel a lovely girl, Lilli a heart-capturing woman with a heart-wrenching story, and Henrick a man whose neck I'd like to wring. Abel Tasman is generally annoying, for certain unnamed reasons, but I appreciate him highly for being an actual historical figure. Everyone feels so realistic and a product of their circumstances, not being awkwardly Christian or too black-hearted, just to appease the author's Christian audience. Is the prostitution business portrayed as bad and wrong? Absolutely, and though the problems are not glossed over, the poor people trapped are not portrayed as soulless harlots. Likewise, the civilized part of society also has its big-time evil people, but let us not forget true gentlemen.
Plot: With characters like I described, the plot is almost necessarily good. The romance aspect is superb--not overwhelming the rest of the characters' problems, but also not a mere side note that's unrelated to the main plot--and every scene has major impact on the whole story. It is a unique plot, and although the direction is partly revealed by the previous book (and the crux of the series), it doesn't spoil anything. The conflict created by the antagonist(s) is also very well-done, if inspiring fear into the reader at every turn is considered "well-done." Some of the concluding ends aren't addressed much, but I didn't think they were that important, considering other events that make certain issues moot.
Faith Content: Excellently written, as well. The Christian faith of certain characters is written in such a role-model-like way, but not in an unrealistically cheesy way. The attitude toward God by other certain characters is realistic and understandable, but ultimately shows the glory of God. And the gospel is presented in one short paragraph, which, instead of being clichéd and boring, is actually quite stirring, and fully represents the extent of God's grace.
Setting: Begins July 22, 1642, in the Dutch colony of Batavia on Java, an island of Indonesia. The book spans probably several months, possibly even a year. Certain important locations in the Pacific Ocean are also notable landmarks. The setting is 100% central to the story, and the dichotomy between the civilized wealthy Dutch, and the so-called "underworld" is so clearly and expertly shown. Descriptions of primitive natives, ill-bred seamen, desperate women, and pompous heirs also establish the setting beyond a shadow of a doubt. But that's for the Characters section ...
Characters: What can I say, but these characters are among the best I've read about? Topping the list for me is Schuyler Van Dyck; I knew he'd capture my heart by just his name. But, rest assured, the rest of his personality and actions live up to his name. He's not just a wonderful precious Christian man; he's also a driven man, with such intense passions, a determined mind, and a unique way of seeing the world. And he's pretty bold, too. Nearly everything he does or says just made me love him that much more.
Though Heer Van Dyck is #1, 2, and 3 in terms of my favorite characters, Sterling Thorne comes in at a solid #4. He is likewise wonderful and precious, but also so unbelievably honorable. Perhaps almost unrealistically (perhaps), but his character fits so well with the plot and it all goes so well together. His protective nature and passionate motives are so heart-captivating.
Aidan O'Conner is an amazingly written character with a spectacular character arc. Though she at times gets on my nerves--no non-Christian female character can escape that--all her actions are understandable and borne out of her motivations and experiences. She is a well-rounded, intelligent girl, and she must be extremely special considering Schuyler Van Dyck's response to her.
The other characters are also excellently written, and appropriately likable or unlikable. Dempsey is a surprise, Orabel a lovely girl, Lilli a heart-capturing woman with a heart-wrenching story, and Henrick a man whose neck I'd like to wring. Abel Tasman is generally annoying, for certain unnamed reasons, but I appreciate him highly for being an actual historical figure. Everyone feels so realistic and a product of their circumstances, not being awkwardly Christian or too black-hearted, just to appease the author's Christian audience. Is the prostitution business portrayed as bad and wrong? Absolutely, and though the problems are not glossed over, the poor people trapped are not portrayed as soulless harlots. Likewise, the civilized part of society also has its big-time evil people, but let us not forget true gentlemen.
Plot: With characters like I described, the plot is almost necessarily good. The romance aspect is superb--not overwhelming the rest of the characters' problems, but also not a mere side note that's unrelated to the main plot--and every scene has major impact on the whole story. It is a unique plot, and although the direction is partly revealed by the previous book (and the crux of the series), it doesn't spoil anything. The conflict created by the antagonist(s) is also very well-done, if inspiring fear into the reader at every turn is considered "well-done." Some of the concluding ends aren't addressed much, but I didn't think they were that important, considering other events that make certain issues moot.
Faith Content: Excellently written, as well. The Christian faith of certain characters is written in such a role-model-like way, but not in an unrealistically cheesy way. The attitude toward God by other certain characters is realistic and understandable, but ultimately shows the glory of God. And the gospel is presented in one short paragraph, which, instead of being clichéd and boring, is actually quite stirring, and fully represents the extent of God's grace.
May 16, 2019
Yeah nah not doing it for me. I enjoyed the first one but not enjoying this one
July 12, 2012
Favorite book of the series! I feel connected to Aiden in some way because I love drawing and art is a hobby of mine. The only difference is Art is her life and she needs to work really hard just to get some money to afford A peice of paper. I love her determination in this book to make something out of her life. I also think that Sterling and hers romance story is my favorite too. *Sigh* Sterling is so heroic!
To go to my blog go to: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
To go to my blog go to: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
August 9, 2019
Kathleen O'Connor has done the research on the 2nd heir - Aidan O'Connor - whose Irish parents were living in England in the mid-1600's when the plague hit and the emigrated to the Dutch island of Batavia (Java). Her father died on the voyage leaving nothing, forcing her mother to become a procuress and Aidan to become a barmaid. Aidan dreams of escaping the pub and becoming an artist. Her chance comes when a Dutch mapmaker notices her and takes her under his wing. She goes with him, disguised as a sailor/apprentice on a voyage of discovery to Australia/New Zealand. When her benefactor is murdered by the natives, the English doctor Sterling Thorne, marries her. Aidan really is extremely talented, but haunted by her past. The voyage fails to find gold, but Aidan is a success and secret fails to break up her marriage.
Good story, clean, interesting/unusual story, setting, and time period. Well done.
Good story, clean, interesting/unusual story, setting, and time period. Well done.
June 5, 2017
This second book in "The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor" series is, I think, my favorite so far. The main character, Aidan, is a young woman gifted with great artistic ability who through misfortune finds herself a barmaid in a notorious harbor tavern. Feeling great shame at what she and her mother have become, she longs for a more respectable life. Finally she is given a chance when a great artist sees her drawing and takes her on as his student. However, many people want nothing more than to see her restored to the gutters from which she has escaped.
It is a story of discovering ones gifts and value as a child of God. The threats to Aidan's dreams, and life, get very intense, and I was glad to have the time to gobble this book up in two days!
It is a story of discovering ones gifts and value as a child of God. The threats to Aidan's dreams, and life, get very intense, and I was glad to have the time to gobble this book up in two days!
February 5, 2018
Finally finished this...lost it for a bit among tax paperwork. (This is the 3rd time I've read the series. interesting to read it now that I'm not a teen.)
I love the look at the Dutch & the East Indies-without the "madness" of women out look although all the things the women do in this story are considered "madness" and "immoral" at the time.
& yes, there is a theme...in order to get things done, to learn, etc. these women in the series have to go against conventions by dressing up as men and entering into a man's world to pursue their dreams. Safety is always an issue, even today with all the modern items we women have to keep ourselves safe. So I like how this character was given instruction on how to defend herself.
I love the look at the Dutch & the East Indies-without the "madness" of women out look although all the things the women do in this story are considered "madness" and "immoral" at the time.
& yes, there is a theme...in order to get things done, to learn, etc. these women in the series have to go against conventions by dressing up as men and entering into a man's world to pursue their dreams. Safety is always an issue, even today with all the modern items we women have to keep ourselves safe. So I like how this character was given instruction on how to defend herself.
January 27, 2021
It amazes me how vividly the author describes Aidan's natural artistic ability. When we use our gifts for His glory, there is true freedom and joy. Even though we come from dirty backgrounds, He reaches out in love, kindness, and tenderness.
Schuyler Van Dyck was one of my favorite characters. He is such a kind father figure and a bit impetuous, which made for a lot of laughter on my part.
I'm so grateful that the tension, misunderstanding, and keeping of secrets between Aiden and Sterling wasn't dragged out and was handled well.
Content: hints referring to a married couple, also mentions of prostitution. Nothing is explicit. There are several killings which some may find disturbing.
Schuyler Van Dyck was one of my favorite characters. He is such a kind father figure and a bit impetuous, which made for a lot of laughter on my part.
I'm so grateful that the tension, misunderstanding, and keeping of secrets between Aiden and Sterling wasn't dragged out and was handled well.
Content: hints referring to a married couple, also mentions of prostitution. Nothing is explicit. There are several killings which some may find disturbing.
September 1, 2019
This book was okay, but there were a few too many far-fetched or inaccurate historical parts. For example, Maria Sibylla Merian and her art were mentioned twice (which I loved), but this book supposedly took place in 1642...5 years before Maria was even born. Also, I don’t think an Englishman like Dr. Thorne would be impressed that Aidan was defended from Irish kings. The English didn’t like the Irish (nobility or not) and looked down on all of them because of their following of Catholicism.
But if you can get past these things, it was a decent book.
But if you can get past these things, it was a decent book.
September 12, 2025
Another entertaining and fun love story, with a woman taking on an unlikely role to discover her potential and fulfil her destiny! I am really enjoying this series! Lots of ups and downs in this novel. I enjoyed it. I didn't really feel that connected to her mother. There were many sections of her mother praying and wishing her daughter well. Although I love how her mother prayed for her, I find myself skipping over many of those sections when I read it a 2nd time. So a great book and I have enjoyed the series more than once, but I do find myself skipping some parts.
March 19, 2021
Nothing better than a romance onboard a ship, in my mind! I loved Aidan's story and especially some of her struggles--I identify with not wanting to own some of my past and fearing how people might judge me and find me wanting. Sterling's love for her in all of it touched me deeply and made me think of God's unrelenting love for us. Thoroughly enjoyed this one and might go so far as to say it's a favorite.
July 5, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t as action packed as the first in the series. I did enjoy the verbal descriptions of Aidan’s artwork. The Dutch phrases were a little confusing. But they held with the story line. The author did good research on sailing of the time and the Dutch way of life in the time period.
I look forward to reading the next one in this series ASAP. 😀
I look forward to reading the next one in this series ASAP. 😀
September 24, 2022
I didn't like this one as much as the first. The stories are loosely connected but can also stand on their own. This one had no significant historical character, but was set in mid 1600's in Dutch Indonesia and involved mapmaking and art, which was interesting. I appreciated a look into the culture of that country and time period. Definitely a romance.
June 19, 2023
I enjoyed the nautical nature of this story and the adventurous details. This book has the same attributes as the others in this series - adventure, romance, and tragedy - that it's the tragedy part that makes it a bit heavyish if you're looking for a light read. However, the historical details don't bog this story down like in The Silver Sword, so it's easier to read in that respect.
Read
December 13, 2024Vivid settings, dynamic characters, and a grand adventure! A gifted artist, an aged cartographer, and a dedicated doctor are swept into a nautical journey to undiscovered parts of the world. Will their greatest dangers lie in the unknown or within their own expedition?
A must-read tale of perseverance, faith, and redemption.
A must-read tale of perseverance, faith, and redemption.
July 16, 2020
Second in series
This was more of a predictable romance than the first. The first was full of the dramatic events of the time period. The first one had more of God in it too. I hope the third has more of history and God and less predictable.
This was more of a predictable romance than the first. The first was full of the dramatic events of the time period. The first one had more of God in it too. I hope the third has more of history and God and less predictable.
August 11, 2021
WOW. Awesome
What a wonderful tale of character qualities that make one so talented, loving, God loving, heroic. Life is tough, sad, tragic, glorious, adventure filled, terrifying, redeeming. These characters are beyond life yet realistic too.
What a wonderful tale of character qualities that make one so talented, loving, God loving, heroic. Life is tough, sad, tragic, glorious, adventure filled, terrifying, redeeming. These characters are beyond life yet realistic too.
July 28, 2022
Aidan's self discovery in this story presents itself with much adventure, danger, and love. Most unfortunate circumstances one is raised in can be overcome. An exciting read in the series. I always enjoy a high seas adventure.
December 31, 2024
I loved this book, and since I often read series books a long way apart, I like that each one features different characters.
I was so caught up in it, I stayed up well past midnight to finish it, on the last day.
I was so caught up in it, I stayed up well past midnight to finish it, on the last day.
August 4, 2017
review to come.
June 23, 2019
This was a great book! Ioved being transported into this time period!
May 17, 2020
Second in this series about strong women finding their own unique way in the world. In this case, a woman seen as worthless becomes a gifted artist. Angela Hunt does it again!
February 7, 2023
Love of God
Never boring I really enjoyed reading this book. Can wait to read more Angela's books. Thank you for your love of God.🙏
Never boring I really enjoyed reading this book. Can wait to read more Angela's books. Thank you for your love of God.🙏
January 23, 2024
This was my second time to read this book. I really enjoyed it! Just doing a quick search: Abel Tasman was a real person/ explorer.
Don’t skip the epilogue. It is the cherry on the top!
Don’t skip the epilogue. It is the cherry on the top!
February 21, 2024
This was a good story like the first one. However there were a lot of elements that echoed the first story and made this one predictable. Still entertaining though!
June 18, 2025
instant classic! 💕
October 6, 2025
Interessante storie.Die hoofkarakter was sterk en niks voorspelbaar nie
February 22, 2010
This story starts out with Kathleen O'Connor, in the present day researching her ancestor. She has inherited the trademark of her ancesters, a white swath of hair streaked through her bright auburn hair. Kathleen is researching her ancestors and finds that her descendents were very strong women who fought for what was right for women. Kathleen has to search within journals and papers to find out how these women impact her own future.
It is 1642 and Aidan O'Connor lives in poverty in the Dutch colony Java, Indonesia and has to survive being a pickpocket in a drinking establishment where her mother is a procuress for the sailors that come to find food, drink and women after a long sea voyage. Aidan is a very talented artist but untrained. She meets an elderly cartographer, Mr.Van Dyke,who encourages her talent and takes Aidan ,disquised as a boy, to sea to paint flora and fauna that they will encounter in this expeditious voyage. Their journey is fraught with danger from the sea and from enemies of Aidan, family of the cartographer,who think that Aidan is after their inheritance. There is also the chance of discovery that she is a she and not a he. One of the characters, a physician, Sterling Thorne, who is onboard as the ships surgeon sees through her disguise and Aidan fears that her past will catch up with her and ruin any chance of her becoming a wellknown artist and losing the man she loves. In this story, other famous people are portrayed, like Governor Van Diemen and Abel Tasman. This was the first expedition that Abel Tasman had and the place that was called Van Diemen's Land is now called Tasmania.
My thoughts on this book:
I enjoyed this novel, I found it to be well written and I liked how the characters were portrayed especially Aidan as very strong willed women who knew what she wanted to do in her life and fought to get it. The story was well researched and was easy to read.The only problem I had was that this is book #2 in the series and as I had not read #1,some things didn't make sense.I will definitely read more of this author. I highly recommend it.
It is 1642 and Aidan O'Connor lives in poverty in the Dutch colony Java, Indonesia and has to survive being a pickpocket in a drinking establishment where her mother is a procuress for the sailors that come to find food, drink and women after a long sea voyage. Aidan is a very talented artist but untrained. She meets an elderly cartographer, Mr.Van Dyke,who encourages her talent and takes Aidan ,disquised as a boy, to sea to paint flora and fauna that they will encounter in this expeditious voyage. Their journey is fraught with danger from the sea and from enemies of Aidan, family of the cartographer,who think that Aidan is after their inheritance. There is also the chance of discovery that she is a she and not a he. One of the characters, a physician, Sterling Thorne, who is onboard as the ships surgeon sees through her disguise and Aidan fears that her past will catch up with her and ruin any chance of her becoming a wellknown artist and losing the man she loves. In this story, other famous people are portrayed, like Governor Van Diemen and Abel Tasman. This was the first expedition that Abel Tasman had and the place that was called Van Diemen's Land is now called Tasmania.
My thoughts on this book:
I enjoyed this novel, I found it to be well written and I liked how the characters were portrayed especially Aidan as very strong willed women who knew what she wanted to do in her life and fought to get it. The story was well researched and was easy to read.The only problem I had was that this is book #2 in the series and as I had not read #1,some things didn't make sense.I will definitely read more of this author. I highly recommend it.
May 29, 2016
Very good story!
The Prologue begins with Miss O'Connor answering the phone. Professor Howard had read "The Silver Sword" & was impressed! Her research project on piebaldism had grown into a major undertaking! The professor felt that since she was one of Cahira's descendants, the stories of Anika of Prague &^ Aidan O'Connor would effect her life. The professor mentioned that Taylor Morgan, his assistant, had also read her work & would join them for lunch. He was sure he would never forget what she looked like!
She got to the coffee shop a few minutes late to meet the professor & Taylor Morgan. She was attracted to him, but concentrated on the professor. The professor wanted to know what she planned to do about her part of the linage. She felt that she was a chronicler. While the men ordered their food, she went over her outline. Aidan O'Connor lived in the middle of the Pacific, in the city of Batavia, which was like most large cities. Aidan lived in the lower class section of town, but Schuyler Van Dyck found her.
The story begins July 22, 1642, Aidan O'Connor was looking at the scenery in the distance. Nearby a ship had come into the harbor, and soon the crew would come ashore. Someone would soon come for her & she's have to return to helping at the tavern. A coach with several people aboard caught her eye, when Orabel called for her. One of the people in the carriage was Schuylar Van Dyck, an artist, who Orabel thought she should make his acquaintance. Aidan was skeptical that he would do anything for her. Orabel figured if Aidan was married, she could be the artist she wanted to be. Lili came after them to help with the work. Aidan thought that her trying to meet Heer Van Dyck was absurd.
As soon as Orabel & Aidan returned to the tavern, they were put to work serving drinks. Lili put off one of the sailors. But arranged for one of the other women to drink with him. Lili instructed Annie to talk to a sailor from Ireland. Aidan hated living like this, but it was the best she could hope for. Bram was calling Lili. She was as in control of her life as much as any woman.
The Prologue begins with Miss O'Connor answering the phone. Professor Howard had read "The Silver Sword" & was impressed! Her research project on piebaldism had grown into a major undertaking! The professor felt that since she was one of Cahira's descendants, the stories of Anika of Prague &^ Aidan O'Connor would effect her life. The professor mentioned that Taylor Morgan, his assistant, had also read her work & would join them for lunch. He was sure he would never forget what she looked like!
She got to the coffee shop a few minutes late to meet the professor & Taylor Morgan. She was attracted to him, but concentrated on the professor. The professor wanted to know what she planned to do about her part of the linage. She felt that she was a chronicler. While the men ordered their food, she went over her outline. Aidan O'Connor lived in the middle of the Pacific, in the city of Batavia, which was like most large cities. Aidan lived in the lower class section of town, but Schuyler Van Dyck found her.
The story begins July 22, 1642, Aidan O'Connor was looking at the scenery in the distance. Nearby a ship had come into the harbor, and soon the crew would come ashore. Someone would soon come for her & she's have to return to helping at the tavern. A coach with several people aboard caught her eye, when Orabel called for her. One of the people in the carriage was Schuylar Van Dyck, an artist, who Orabel thought she should make his acquaintance. Aidan was skeptical that he would do anything for her. Orabel figured if Aidan was married, she could be the artist she wanted to be. Lili came after them to help with the work. Aidan thought that her trying to meet Heer Van Dyck was absurd.
As soon as Orabel & Aidan returned to the tavern, they were put to work serving drinks. Lili put off one of the sailors. But arranged for one of the other women to drink with him. Lili instructed Annie to talk to a sailor from Ireland. Aidan hated living like this, but it was the best she could hope for. Bram was calling Lili. She was as in control of her life as much as any woman.
March 2, 2012
Angela Elwell Hunt continues her multiple-era historical saga of Cahira O'Connor's standard-defying female descendants with The Golden Cross, part two of a trilogy. Golden may share the plot element of a girl disguising herself as a guy--which has also been seen in everything from Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" to Broadway's Victor/Victoria to even the 2006 Amanda Bynes film She's the Man--with its prequel The Silver Sword but that's really the only similarity, aside from it also being historical fiction. It actually works quite well; although it did take me longer than usual to finish it, it was just as engaging and engrossing as the first volume in the series. You don't really have to even read part one to understand part two, although the prologue may seem slightly confusing. In short, if you're looking for a good Christian historical fiction book to read, give this a try.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews