Diamonds in the Indie Rough
One recent Goodreads poll asked readers how they selected books to read. I'm one of those readers who goes from a classic, to a YA, to a bestseller to a book that just catches my fancy. Peni Jo Renner's Letters to Kezia is one such book.
Letters to Kezia is from "The Puritan Chronicles" series and takes place in Hereford Connecticut right after the infamous Salem Witch Trials (which is covered in the first book of the series, Puritan Witch, the Redemption of Rebecca Eames). While the novels are based on actual characters and events, Renner weaves fictional aspects into the story that are so believable, it is like peeking into their diaries.
Kezia is the "baseborn" daughter of Mary Case, spinster daughter of a Puritan minister. After discovering letters her mother had kept hidden, Kezia discovers who her real father is.
Letters to Kezia is a very satisfying read on so many levels. Renner's imagery and tone has an economy and craftsmanship that her Puritan ancestors would applaud (if Puritans ever applauded!). The story line has the twists and turns of a mystery and the sweetness of a romance.
What is most satisfying about both books is how they portray the Puritans in an evenhanded way instead of the indictments given in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and Miller's The Crucible, making them more enjoyable to read. English and History teachers should consider adding "The Puritan Chronicles" as resource books.
Love to hear from readers who have their own diamonds in the rough!
Letters to Kezia is from "The Puritan Chronicles" series and takes place in Hereford Connecticut right after the infamous Salem Witch Trials (which is covered in the first book of the series, Puritan Witch, the Redemption of Rebecca Eames). While the novels are based on actual characters and events, Renner weaves fictional aspects into the story that are so believable, it is like peeking into their diaries.
Kezia is the "baseborn" daughter of Mary Case, spinster daughter of a Puritan minister. After discovering letters her mother had kept hidden, Kezia discovers who her real father is.
Letters to Kezia is a very satisfying read on so many levels. Renner's imagery and tone has an economy and craftsmanship that her Puritan ancestors would applaud (if Puritans ever applauded!). The story line has the twists and turns of a mystery and the sweetness of a romance.
What is most satisfying about both books is how they portray the Puritans in an evenhanded way instead of the indictments given in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and Miller's The Crucible, making them more enjoyable to read. English and History teachers should consider adding "The Puritan Chronicles" as resource books.
Love to hear from readers who have their own diamonds in the rough!
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