The cause of liberty brought them together. Will it also tear them apart?
Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies...and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart.
William Abbott always keeps his promises. He vowed long ago to never abandon those in need like his father did. So when new British acts of Parliament threaten Boston and endanger his family, he throws himself into serving the Patriot cause, using his position at the printing office to gather and spread intelligence. But when his clandestine role in the newly formed spy ring causes him to cross paths with the apothecary’s beautiful daughter, he may find himself fighting for more than the cause.
As tensions in Boston reach a breaking point, Will and Hannah find their bond deepening even as the noose tightens around the spy ring. When promises and determination are not enough to protect the ones they love, they’ll need to trust God if they are to survive what is to come.
Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories filled with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. Her debut series, Harbor of Spies, is set in Boston at the start of the American Revolution.
I learned a lot about what happened in Boston between the Boston Tea Party and Lexington/Concord that I had never known or considered before. The twists in the plot really surprised me. I loved how central faith was to the story and how it showed up on every page. A great book, and I highly recommend!
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I am now a fan. She has woven a believable tale about Will and Hannah and how their love blooms despite the impending Revolutionary War.
The author's ability to weave actual events from history along with fictional aspects is amazing. It made me feel like I was there experiencing it. The storyline contains times of grief, intrigue, mystery, love of family, and a very present sense of faith in God.
I admired Will and Hannah's strength, courage, and faith. The story kept me engaged within the pages, and I couldn't put it down. It's a page-turner as well.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Megan Soja has given readers another sweet, faith-filled, historically authentic story of Boston on the eve of the American Revolution. The history really comes alive, and I wasn’t surprised to read the author’s note and find that her fictional spy ring was based on the exploits of the famed Culper Spy Ring. Unlike some books, Secrets of the Revolution doesn’t sacrifice historical fact in favor of fiction—even down to the way Will and Hannah think of each other as Mr. Abbott and Miss Pierce until they have reason to do otherwise.
As soon as I finished Spark of the Revolution, the first book in the Harbor of Spies series, I was looking forward to Will’s story. He’s such a gentleman, and that aspect of his character only grows stronger in this book as he tries to do the honorable thing in every situation and protect the women under his care, even when he’s protecting them against such complicated people as Sergeant/Lieutenant Harrison. Of course, Will is a gentleman who also helps smuggle cannon under British noses and sneak printing presses to safer locations. How could you not like a hero like that?
The apothecary shop is an interesting setting, and Hannah is such a kind, gentle, strong soul, doing all she can for the men she loves. I was a bit concerned that when Will and Hannah both joined the spy ring, grand misunderstandings and miscommunication would ensue. I should not have feared. Instead of misunderstanding and frustration, we get teamwork and higher stakes…and even higher stakes as Hannah’s family gets involved. Her relationship with her father is so sweet and poignant as she tries to support and protect him despite his failing mind and the confusion of occupied Boston.
Secrets of the Revolution captures the tension of daily life in Boston on the verge of the “shot heard ’round the world.” From the blockading of the harbor and lack of supplies to the billeting of British soldiers in private homes and the difficult choice to stay or flee, we see firsthand the uncertainty and hardship early Americans endured.
But we also see firsthand the faith that enabled them to endure. The biblical faith woven into this book is where the story and characters really shine. They’re not perfect as they sort through all the emotions and reactions of seeing their homes commandeered and wondering whom to trust, but I love to see characters challenging and encouraging each other (and themselves) with Scripture and trying to walk by faith when everything around them is complicated and murky. We need more books like this!
Any reader of sweet historical romance with strong faith themes will love Secrets of the Revolution. And now, I am very much looking forward to the story of Will’s stepsister and a certain British officer…
After reading the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to read Secrets of the Revolution. This story picks up where the second book left off, covering the time between the Boston Tea Party and the first battle of the Revolutionary War. At times, I felt as if the plot was slower, then realized it skillfully portrayed the impatience of the colonists as the tempest that would become the Revolution was brewing. The author inserts expertly researched historical detail that highlights a time most history books gloss over. One of Britain slowly tightening its grip of power on a people who were struggling for freedom.
As Will willingly enters the cause for independence, he meets a young woman who is trying to care for the family business and elderly father whose health is failing. Against a backdrop of political unrest, they discover that each harbors secrets that must stay hidden to protect those they love.
I loved the way the author instilled a strong faith in her main characters, sharing their struggles and disappointments, their faith and hope that their reliance on God would bring them through. I cannot wait for the next bookman the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I am learning I really enjoy spy stories 😊 AND much more so when they include historical events! There were also a number of quotes from speeches and other real people during that. That added so much and made the birth of our country come to life for me. I have never been to Boston, but now I really want to go!
Having read Spark of a Revolution, I knew at least one of the main characters already (though this could be read as a standalone, I think it’s more enjoyable in order). William and Hannah were both great leads. Not perfect, but likeable.
The beginning was a little slower, but not boring. However, the story really picked up midway through and I wasn’t sure how things would pan out though I did expect/hope for a HEA 😆
If you enjoy historical fiction with solid faith content, you’ll want to read Megan’s books!
Content: a man leers at women, some peril, dementia
While I just read this book for the first time in June, I decided to jump back in when my Patreon friends started it. I couldn't help it. I'm enamored, y'all.
Fantastic.
If you want a fabulous Christian fiction story that lets you peek into a (historically accurate), believable, sweet journey from the Boston Tea Party to the Lexington/Concord conflict through the eyes of some incredible characters (on both sides), start this series.
I've christened it: ✨ Grown-up Liberty kids with faith and sweet romance! ✨
Right now it's a two-book series with books three and four coming next year. But don't delay - start with book #1 - Spark of the Revolution.
Bravo, Megan Soja! Now, can we have book #3 early please?!?!
I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The dual points of view provided a well-rounded perspective, and the balance between the characters’ story arcs and historical events was skillfully handled. I gained valuable insight into the Revolutionary era while reading, and I appreciated the thoughtful integration of spiritual elements throughout the narrative. I found the pharmaceutical themes particularly engaging. Overall, this was an easy yet rewarding read, and I highly recommend it!!
Love this sweet story! The characters are admirable and it was a good reminder of how uncertain political stability has always been, in every age. Our hope and trust rest in God while we look to Him for courage to stand for what is right. I thought the storyline about Hannah’s father, who suffers from the early stages of dementia, was handled so poignantly and compassionately. Look forward to what’s next in the series and hope we’ll get some more glimpses of these characters, too!
It’s rare that the second book in a series surpasses the first, but this book did just that! I was pleasantly surprised at the fast-paced, romantic plotline that immersed me in 1774-1775 Boston. As the author said in her author’s note, not much attention is paid to the entire year between the Boston Tea Party and the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy. I did not know about the battle of Menotomy and how it was the bloodiest part of the day. I love when I can learn little-known history through fiction.
The romance between Hannah and Will as well as thier involvement in the spy ring was also exciting. I was cheering for them to get together the whole time, and their love for each other was tender and passionate. My heart went out to Hannah as she’d not only lost both her brothers but her father was getting dementia and though he was an apothecary, he knew no cure for what troubled his mind. I’d not seen this condition explored in historical fiction before so I appreciated that.
The side characters were very compelling, especially Libby and Mary, Will’s stepsister and stepmother, who were both also in the first book. I liked Libby’s encouragement of Hannah & Will’s romance and her own attachment to the British officer quartered with them. Their romance will be the topic of the third installment, which I am looking forward to!
Thanks to the author for allowing me to be on her ARC team. I would recommend this book to American Revolution and Christian Romance fans!
[Thank you to the author, Megan Soja, and the publisher, Wild Heart Books, for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
After reading Spark of the Revolution, the first book of the series, I could hardly wait to get my hands on the second book, Secrets of the Revolution. Now that I’ve finished, I’m already counting down until the third book is released! This series is phenomenal.
Secrets of the Revolution is set in early America in the time between the Boston Tea Party and the first battles of the Revolution in Lexington and Concord. There were so many British Acts of Parliament passed during this time, and I learned a lot of history that is often brushed over in focusing on the bigger events of this conflict.
I loved getting Will’s story after meeting him as Patience’s brother in the first book of the series. As Will, ever-more a Patriot, continues his work at the printing press, new involvement in the Patriot cause brings him closer to Hannah, the apothecary's daughter, who is looking for answers about her brother and becoming entangled in the Patriot cause herself. I absolutely loved their love story (sweet/clean,) and their involvement in a famous spy ring was thrilling to read.
The author does a wonderful job weaving strong faith themes throughout these stories, and the historical research put into these books is obviously so thorough. Truly a fantastic series.
I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend!
If you haven’t read Spark of the Revolution yet, it is already published and also available on Kindle Unlimited!
You can pre-order Secrets of the Revolution now through this link: https://a.co/d/34KmzFN *affiliate
Secrets of the Revolution is Megan Soja's second book in the Harbor Spies series, and it tells the story of William Abbott, a young man who arrived in the colonies with his sister not long before the Boston Tea Party happened.
In Secrets, the town of Boston is anxious about how England is going to retaliate after such an act of rebellion. Any information is vital, so a spy ring is formed and Will becomes part of it. So does Hannah Pierce, a daughter of the local apothecary. And somehow in the middle of this uncertainty and danger love finds a way to bloom.
Will and Hannah bring to the reader the many events in Boston and elsewhere in the colonies between the time of the Tea Party and the first shots on the Lexington Green. It is amazing how much history can happen in about sixteen months. I liked a lot how Soja brings the various happenings to the reader by involving the characters directly in the events or by reporting about the events in the characters' dialogues.
Secrets is also a story of faith: Will's and Hannah's challenge to trust God to carry their worries about the well-being of their family members, the future of colonies, their own personal lives, and their love for each other.
This heartfelt story set in the turbulent, threatening time in the US history is told with accuracy, vividness, and gentleness.
*I received an advanced reader copy, and all opinions about the book are my own.
Like the first book in the series, Secrets of the Revolution beautifully brings to life one of the most important times in American history and helps readers remember how much of a blessing it is to live in this incredible country.
I loved the characters in this novel!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hannah's patience and perseverance were quite inspiring, and I feel like a lot of people could relate to her feelings of caregiver role strain. Will was an incredible love interest!!!!!!!! I love how he looks to protect those around him and how considerate he is of Hannah's needs. It's also so cool how he's able to forge important relationships that help him later solve conflict.
As I mentioned earlier, this book helped the American Revolution come to life for me. For example, I hadn't really processed how... devastating? the quartering act could have been before reading this book.
Overall, Megan Soja wrote an incredible story that will keep readers rooting for the main characters while getting a beautiful reminder of the goodness of God.
I received an advanced copy of this book. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
I enjoyed getting a glimpse into spy work during the American Revolution. Learning about the techniques the spies used (invisible ink, secret signals, etc.) was fascinating.
Every letter, every signal, and every mission kept me on edge. Just like the characters, I could feel the tension increasing.
Despite knowing the colonists would eventually be successful, Will and Hannah didn’t know. And that uncertainty really made me feel for them. Especially when they were already concerned about their respective families.
Having to choose what to take or leave when you flee your house (knowing it’s probably not going to be there, if you’re even able to return) must have been painful.
But despite the uncertainty they were facing, Hannah and Will displayed quiet strength, patience and thoughtfulness through it all. I adored their romance and how straightforward yet sweet it was. No misunderstandings, no third-act break up, just two people who love each other and want to do everything they can to help each other during difficult times.
Libby’s story is up next. And I can hardly wait to see how things unfold between her and Isaac!
Favorite Moments 🇺🇸 first meeting 📰 tincture of cardamom 🇺🇸 walking home after seeing the soldiers 📰 blueberry cake 🇺🇸 a Sunday afternoon walk 📰 hiding from Sergeant Jackson 🇺🇸 reading Lawrence’s letter 📰 after Hannah’s illness 🇺🇸 the latest missive 📰 proposal 🇺🇸 tending to Will
Content Notes: death, a man struggles with his mental faculties, noticing and awareness, mention of a woman’s figure, blood, mention of possible starvation, mention of murder, mention of guns and ammunition, mention of cannons and gunpowder, kissing, mention of dragons, mention of “muttering oaths” (none specified), use of devil, some extremely mild innuendo, mention of a man leering at a woman, mention of “crass comments” and “suggestive remarks,” touching, mention of opium, mention of the Boston Massacre
Another riveting read from Megan Soja. Secrets of the Revolution is full of little known history following the Boston tea party and before any battles for freedom began. The protectiveness of Will, not only to Hannah, but to everyone he holds dear, is so endearing and so reminiscent of the protectiveness of Christ for us. Having to fully give over trust to God for survival and protection in the midst of uncertainty and spy rings made this book a page turner. I love getting little snippets of what life might have been like back in the days of history that our country was founded on. Will and Hannah’s story to love based on fully trusting each other and keeping each others secrets. The depth of characters in her stories makes for such great storytelling. There are some twists and turns that I should have seen coming, but did not. Will be recommending this book to everyone I meet.
I like to read of the history of our country, whether official history or fictional, and this story is filled with it. We are given an invitation to step into the start of the Revolution that gave us freedom and live with Will and Hannah through their struggles. I couldn’t help but contemplate if my respect for my country is as great as Will’s and Hannah’s who gave up their personal safety to help their countrymen. Could I trust God with my family’s safety and the uncertainty of the times as consistently as they did?
I feel this is a very good depiction of this time in history; I felt part of the story and could sense the tension of living in these conditions and circumstances. Will and Hannah do fall in love and have a happy ending, but their love is not the fairy tale ending; they still face many hardships as the country changes.
I’m looking forward to the next addition in this series. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
The beautiful cover art and first line drew me in, but the story kept me hooked. After enjoying the author’s debut earlier this year (the first book in this series), I had high expectations for the characters in Secrets of the Revolution, and I'm pleased they are just as compelling.
Hanna and William are so easy to connect with. I just love Will ‘s honesty and honor, and Hanna’s strength and courage are so inspiring. The historical parts are entertaining and taught me a thing or two as well!
I appreciate how this story weaves in meaningful and inspiring faith elements, and I’m eagerly looking forward to Libby’s story in the third book!
First Line: William Abbot had never broken a promise, but now he had no choice. Series: Harbor of Spies, book 2 Genre: Christian Historical Fiction Author: Megan Soja Page Count: 374
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
This new to me author wrote an interessting historical fiction novel that covers the first beginning of the American Revolution. Will Abbott is the owner and editor of a newspaper in Boston. He foresees what lies ahead after the tea dumping took place in Boston, and England retaliates by sending soldiers and ships to shut down all entry into Boston's harbors. He feels he must stand up for his country, so he joins a spy group that sends messages between other dissenters. In order to receive his coded messages, he involves Hannah Pierce the daughter of the local apothecary to be the drop off and reception person for pasage of the coded messages. As they get to know one another, friendship develops into something more as they get more deeply involved in the spy ring.
Well written historical novel that kept my attention from start to finish. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Boston churns with spies and conspiracies curing the American Revolution. Patriots step into the fray to confuse and outsmart the greatest military of the time.
This is book two in a great series about the struggles leading up to the Revolutionary War. Book two picks up with Will and Hannah and the secrets they must keep even from the people they love. As they grow closer the risk increases. I could say so many things about this book but, No spoilers.
This book weaves history with a fictional story and it is really good. I enjoyed it and am so anxious for book three.
Secrets of the Revolution by @megan.soja Book 2 in the Harbor of Spies series. Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Release Date: June 10, 2025
Megan Soja is now an auto buy author for me. I really enjoy history and I like how accurate Soja is with historical details. This book is proof that you can in fact learn from fiction. This story takes place in the time between The Boston Tea Party and ends with the battles of Lexington and Concord. I enjoyed learning about what the Patriots were up to during this time leading up to the start of the Revolutionary War.
I also really enjoyed the two main characters, William Abbott (who we met in book 1) and Hannah Pierce. I felt that they were very relatable. As a reader you could feel and understand the tension they felt with joining the spy ring, working, and taking care of family. You could tell they were taking their roles in the revolution very seriously and they understood they were part of something bigger than themselves. I also really enjoyed the sweet romance that developed between them.
Soja’s book helps to paint a picture of what many people on both sides of the political spectrum would have gone through at this time in our nation’s history. Sonja’s books do a good job of bringing history to life.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Secrets of the Revolution" by Megan Soja is a fast paced follow-up to her debut release earlier this year. This one continues with the characters we met in the first book so I'd highly recommend that anyone looking to read this one reads "Spark of the Revolution" first though I feel that this book is even better than the first one.
This book starts just before the Revolutionary War and is full of danger, spies and intrigue. I liked seeing the romance between William and Hannah. I also liked seeing more character growth in William's step-sister Libby who has a big part in this book as well. Hannah's father is an interesting character as he is an apothecary dealing with dementia, having both good and bad days.
This is a faith-filled book so readers looking to read a historical Christian fiction book will enjoy this one. It adds to the story and strength of the characters.
Thank you to the author for a chance to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to leave a positive review and truly enjoyed this book.
Secrets of the Revolution is the second installment of the Spies of the Revolution series by Megan Soja. I really enjoyed this novel, maybe even better than the first! This story focuses on William, Libby’s brother, and Hannah, Libby’s friend and daughter of the apothecary. Hannah is attempting to locate her brother, as well as care for her father as he deals with worsening dementia. Will continues to care for his stepmother and stepsister Libby. Excitement builds when both Will and Hannah are recruited to help with a spy ring for the patriot cause. As events happen over the course of the novel, Will and Hannah must trust God with their loved ones and their own futures. I really enjoyed the portrayal of their relationships with God. No doubt this was a tumultuous time to live in, and their struggles were realistically portrayed. I also enjoyed the focus of Hannah caring for her father. Her example is exactly what God would have us do were we in that situation. And of course I enjoyed their romance. I felt it was historically accurate, and also sweet and sacrificial. I was thrilled for their happy ending! I am looking forward to reading book 3 next year! Thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy; I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts above are my own.
“That protest had been the spark, and it seemed each day, the flames grew stronger. How much would this fire of independence consume?”
I love a good historical fiction novel about the Revolutionary War period, and Megan Soja’s Secrets of the Revolution does not disappoint! Despite it being book two of the series, Harbor of Spies, Secrets stands alone well, while still leaving me with a desire to go back and discover the delights of book one.
Hannah Pierce is a young woman who is the sole support for her ailing apothecary father. With her oldest brother in England, unable to return, her mother’s death, and one brother who disappeared trying to reach the older, emotions are fragile in the Pierce home. Hannah’s father has been a wonderful, godly father, but his mind is becoming unsteady as it struggles to deal with the multiple losses. Hannah must care for the home, her father, fix any mistakes her father makes in medicine preparation and hide her father’s increasing mental lapses from the public. What a strong person Hannah is, and she is stronger as she remembers that God cares for the sparrows, and He will care for her. Wish: As more books are beginning to deal with dementia, and this can be a trigger, I wish these books would offer a trigger warning on their back cover description.
I love how Hannah and Will meet. Will works for a printer that supports the colonists’ cry for representation in England. Will is a man who is determined to take care of his stepmother, Mary, and step-sister, Libby. Before much time has passed, he has discerned a like-minded heart in Hannah and begins to fall for her a little more with each interaction. They encourage each other. “Thankfully, we serve a patient God whose grace is steadfast, even when we wrestle with the same doubts and mistakes time and again.”
Will promises to protect those he loves, and that circle quickly grows to include Hannah. But with the Redcoats first blockading the harbor, then arriving in Boston by the thousands, can he keep that promise?
Will has resented his father for years, for decisions his father made repeatedly, not putting his family first. But will Will do the same, as his desire to help the Patriot cause could prohibit his promises to Mary, Libby, and Hannah? My takeaway from this thread is that our perception of our earthly fathers can easily color our perception of our Heavenly Father.
Soja includes Will’s blended family as secondary characters and I believe we’ll see a few of them in book three, as well as some more of Hannah’s family. With some great twists, historical facts, smooth writing, relatable problems, and a cautious romance, plus truth nuggets, I highly recommend Secrets of the Revolution.
This isn’t a cliff-hanger, but, certain situations are definitely ripe! Bring on the Revolution! I need more!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“It was not a failure to close one chapter of her life and begin another. Sometimes the wisest decision was to walk away.”
“I refuse to allow my fear to keep you from doing what is right.” - Hannah
“God, You know the worries I wrestle with, the fears that keep trying to take root. Please pull them out. Keep them from growing in my heart and mind.”-Hannah
“Perhaps it is the times of weakness and lack that help us see our need for Him even more. When we cannot rely on ourselves, we must depend wholly on Him.”
I really enjoyed watching the story of Will and Hannah unfold on the backdrop of history between the Boston Tea Party and the start of the Revolutionary War. Having always loved the human side of world events, I found the story engaging and a fascinating look into the way the Colonists struggled for their writes. And the love story was both realistic and sweet, with a beautiful faith message of learning to trust God in the midst of very challenging times, especially for people who have long sought to carry their own way through life.
I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the interaction between the hero and heroine. They met early on and was great. I also really enjoyed the historical background the author included on early Rev War battles.
Secrets of the Revolution continues the Harbor of Spies series, covering the year between the Boston Tea Party and the battles of Lexington and Concord. Tensions are high, requiring ever-more sacrifice, bravery, and cunning from the Patriots, who are trying to stay one step ahead of the British.
Against this backdrop is the story of William and Hannah, who have their own heavy family challenges and responsibilities. Woven through it all is the theme of trust: How to release control of their lives, and the lives of those they love, to God.
This is a sweet, satisfying historical romance. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an advance copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
I was very excited for Secrets of the Revolution to be released after meeting Will in Spark of the Revolution. He was easily my favorite character and I was looking forward to him having his own story. He did not disappoint. Secrets of the Revolution remained true to his personality and added depth to his character of selflessness and warmth.
Will is a Christian gentleman through and through. He is self-sacrificing, protective, loyal, and patriotic. I was truly impressed by his desire to provide for his step-family as his own, and care so deeply for Hannah's father. His respect for a man whose mind is starting to slowly slip away spoke volumes of his character, as he sought to do right by Mr. Pierce concerning his daughter. And his bashfulness when first meeting Hannah--adorable.
Hannah is also so self-sacrificing and loyal, with a heart to serve and care for her own. She has a fiercely protective and tender love for her family. Hannah is the perfect complement to Will as they are both self-sacrificing, dedicated and loyal to their Lord, family, and the cause. I really admired the pure approach to their relationship. I loved how they chose to trust each other and share their secrets, rather than misunderstandings ensuing. I loved how Hannah accepted Will's care for her, even welcomed it, rather than being headstrong and trying to do everything by herself. She trusted him when he didn't share information for her own safety. I appreciated how Hannah was portrayed as a strong and able woman, but a woman that fit the time period she lived in, fulfilling her role and battling with how to make the correct decisions for her father while respecting him as the head of the house. Their relationship was a breath of fresh air amidst so many relationships in novels that are filled with confusion that could be avoided by communication.
Secrets of the Revolution is filled with so many wonderful conversations concerning faith and a relationship with the Lord. The theme that stood out to me the most was that of true selflessness. Will and Hannah both considered the motives and consequences of their actions. They asked themselves how it would affect those that relied on them and didn't lightly enter into something out of selfish reasons. Both are providers and protectors in their own way, but they learned to trust the Lord with those that relied on them. These matters of faith, trust, and selflessness were lived out so clearly by example in this book as Will and Hannah encouraged each other in them.
Lastly, although perhaps this should have been first, Secrets of the Revolution contains so much rich historical depth. This book truly felt authentic. Not a book based in a historical time period but with a modern feel. Oh no, the reader truly felt the tension in Boston and saw history through the lens of one who lived there during that time. And I learned a few new things as well! I so appreciate this window into a glossed over section of the war that would inevitably come. I enjoyed this book so much! Even more than the first, and I am surely looking forward to the third book in the series. Libby is so sweet and deserving of her own story. It was so hard for me to leave them in Boston, although I know it is necessary for the setup of the third book!
“Secrets of the Revolution” is a fantastic follow-up novel to “Spark of the Revolution”.
It’s rare that the second book in a series can live up to the first, but this one exceeded all of my expectations.
The transition from book 1 to 2 was really well done. Important information was conveyed in a subtle way that gave credit to the reader’s memory, while also refreshing those of us who may have needed a reminder on the facts from book 1.
The story picks up with William Abbott’s perspective (Patience’s Brother) and introduces a new main character, Hannah Pierce. Hannah is almost instantly likable and relatable and her relationship with her father is heartwarming and bittersweet. The tension and obstacles in the way of Hannah and Will’s relationship kept me reading and rooting for them. The romance in both books so far has been wholesome and satisfying.
The flow between perspectives in “Secrets” is seamless and the plot builds steadily toward the Revolution. As readers, we know the outcome of the war but the more we grow to care about the characters the more real everything feels.
The spy aspect of the book was familiar to me because my husband and I enjoyed watching the AMC show, Turn: Washington’s Spies. It is so interesting how the revolution was fought not just in battles, but in information and ingenuity.
I loved that this book had even more historical context than the first book. Megan gives readers a great feel for the time period, expertly weaving important events, facts, and historical figures into the story. I had never heard of the battle of Menotomy before reading this book and it was very interesting viewing it from the perspective of the characters and then reading more about it in the Author’s Note. I also enjoyed reading about the job and responsibilities of an apothecary during that time period. I loved the parallel that Megan drew between the elements of medicine and the events of the Revolution.
“Hope and fear mingled like herbs under the mortar and pestle—a precarious balance that could bring either help or harm.” *Excerpt From “Secrets of the Revolution” Wild Heart Books
Overall “Secrets of the Revolution” was a satisfying romance set in the midst of an exciting and important period of American History. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!
2.5*, I was very impressed with the first in this series but this one dragged so much for me. I don't know if it was because it covers a year of events, but without much happening, that I lost interest multiple times and considered not finishing it. I was surprised too that after two months I couldn't remember much of the first book despite liking it so much. Patience and Josiah are very briefly in this one but it is very much Will and Hannah's story.
Hannah's father seems to have Alzheimer's and neither of her brothers are there to help with him or the apothecary. Will is involved with news printing which I found less interesting overall. A third book is planned about Libby, Will and Patience's step sister, but I don't have interest in continuing the series after this one.
"She hadn't realized how heavy the weight of her secret was until she'd been forced to reveal it. And instead of the condemnation she feared, she'd been met by understanding and kindness...her situation had not changed, but she no longer bore it alone." pg 52
"Perhaps it is the times of weakness and lack that help us see our need for Him even more. When we cannot rely on ourselves, we must depend wholly on Him." pg 86
"The mounting tension seemed to have no end in sight, and yet in some ways, life continued on as normal. It was a strange balance, hovering between the uncertainties of the future and the same basic needs that each day held." pg 132
"To linger upon the voices and faces and everyday moments that had seemed so commonplace at the time but now felt infinitely precious. A treasure that could never be restored." pg 149
"He certainly would never trust Lieutenant Harrison, but that didn't mean he was an inherently bad man. He'd not let down his guard, but perhaps there was more to the lieutenant than the uniform he wore." pg 198
"Though he still hated the law that allowed Harrison to occupy their home, Will could no longer say he utterly disliked the man. Bit by bit, he'd caught glimpses of the person who dwelt behind the red coat, a person who was not always wrong or intent on evil." pg 253
“Thankfully, we serve a patient God whose grace is steadfast, even when we wrestle with the same doubts and mistakes time and again.”
This amazing story set in the Revolutionary Era is a friends to love and best friend’s brother rolled into one. It’s packed with faith, spy ring work, and history. I really enjoyed this view of Boston during the time of the Intolerable Acts and the short glimpse of the battle at Menotomy. I appreciated the author’s notes on the historical points.
William is protective, selfless, and kind. I loved how protective he was of not only Hannah but of Mary and Libby too. I appreciated his struggle to surrender their safety to God. His willingness to do anything for his family and the patriot cause was incredible. Hannah is brave, strong, and compassionate. I loved her determination to keep her father’s struggles hidden, but that she trusted William and his family to help her in the process. I loved her growth especially in her trust in the Lord. I enjoyed her friendship with Libby and I loved how her friendship with Will grew and their love blossomed. What a beautiful love story! I loved seeing William and Hannah’s rolls in the spy ring and how even the smallest acts make a huge difference. Also, what a surprise twist with the spy ring! The little glimpse of Patience and Josiah (from book 1) was a wonderful addition too.
A few more quotes: “When we cannot rely on ourselves, we must depend wholly on Him.”
“Perhaps many memories hold a touch of the bittersweet, but I believe that makes them all the more precious. They remind us of the experiences that shaped us. And in recognizing how fleeting and fragile life is, they spur us on to fully live each day that God gives us.”
“We all worry sometimes. God knows we will—that’s why His Word talks about it so often.”