What do you think?
Rate this book
A More Perfect Union #2
Amy's Choice
Without a goodbye, Amy Abernathy's childhood sweetheart, Benjamin Hanson, leaves to fight in the American War for Independence. Amy chooses to pick up the pieces of her heart and leave Charles Town to help her sister who is with child.
Benjamin knows he hurt Amy, but he plans to make it up to her after his mission is completed. Then he learns that Amy has been captured by renegade soldiers. Now Benjamin faces his own choice: free the sassy yet obstinate woman he's never stopped loving or protect Charles Town from vengeful British occupation.
Benjamin knows he hurt Amy, but he plans to make it up to her after his mission is completed. Then he learns that Amy has been captured by renegade soldiers. Now Benjamin faces his own choice: free the sassy yet obstinate woman he's never stopped loving or protect Charles Town from vengeful British occupation.
231 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2014
About the author
Betty Bolté
41 books254 followersWhen I sit down to write, the goal for my historical stories is to bring the lives of people in the past to life for my readers. I write both historical and contemporary stories featuring strong, loving women and brave, compassionate men. No matter whether the stories are set in the past or the present, I love to include a touch of the paranormal. In addition to romantic fiction, I've written several nonfiction books, and earned a Master of Arts in English in 2008. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Historical Novel Society, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and the Authors Guild. Find out more about me at www.bettybolte.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 17, 2017
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
Amy's Choice, the second book in Betty Bolté's series A More Perfect Union, takes the reader back in time to when America was still fighting for its independence from Britain.
The book didn't WOW me the way other romance stories have in the past largely because the story and it's eventual outcome was apparent almost from the start.
Amy's Choice is reminiscent of Margaret O'Hare's book Gone With The Wind. Therein lies the problem with Bolté's book for me. Bolté's female and male leads, Amy Abernathy and Major Benjamin Hanson, are almost exact copies of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler.
The "copy cat" feeling lurking in the back of my mind while reading Amy's Choice was not only disappointing and distracting but also took a lot of the wind out of the plot for me with regards to the lead characters.
Bolté's secondary characters were the saving grace of the book in my opinion. Amy's supporting cast of friends - Emily, Evelyn and Samantha - allow the reader the opportunity to see Bolté's talent as a writer.
In spite of the similarities between Bolté and O'Hare's books, I would recommend Amy's Choice to readers preferring a clean romance where a "less in the bedroom" attitude is more suitable.
April 20, 2015
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
I am always hesitant about starting a book series with any other book but book 1 but in this case I think the book stood alone well enough.
The book did make me check facts about the time period and the places. They all seem to be well researched and accurate. The book and style were easy enough to get into and read and I do think a lot of people would love who love the genre will love this.
I did not love it as it was too slow paced and meandering. It would have been better if I had not read the blurb too as a lot of that takes place in the last third of the book. There was very little action in any sense for the majority of the book and although the main characters were explained I ended the book without enough to care about any of them.
I accept I am not the target audience for this book and I do think a certain generation and gender would appreciate it more than I did. It is not a bad book by any means but it never truly grabbed my attention.
I am always hesitant about starting a book series with any other book but book 1 but in this case I think the book stood alone well enough.
The book did make me check facts about the time period and the places. They all seem to be well researched and accurate. The book and style were easy enough to get into and read and I do think a lot of people would love who love the genre will love this.
I did not love it as it was too slow paced and meandering. It would have been better if I had not read the blurb too as a lot of that takes place in the last third of the book. There was very little action in any sense for the majority of the book and although the main characters were explained I ended the book without enough to care about any of them.
I accept I am not the target audience for this book and I do think a certain generation and gender would appreciate it more than I did. It is not a bad book by any means but it never truly grabbed my attention.
March 6, 2015
Amy is sticking to her guns, she will not marry. But then Ben comes back into town. He long lost love who left town without word as to why. In order to keep her pact, she will use every excuse or tale she can come up with to stay away from him. So when her sister asks her to come stay with her until the baby is born, she jumps at the chance. So she asks Emily and Samantha to go with her. She wants back up because her sister's husband is mean and she hates the house. Now the 3 girls have to take care of things but after a accident, 2 are captured by rebels. They will do anything to survive, but with 1 hurt their chances are far and few. Who will make it through the life or death struggle they have to face?
December 11, 2014
Review coming soon!
December 7, 2020
Amy's Choice book 2 in A More Perfect Union, by Betty Bolte, is set during America's Revolutionary Times. This is a very well written book, and I really enjoyed the read. Another siser that is strong and opinionated, and they can take cae of themselves. This book is a continuation of the first one. I would recommend this book to others. I was lucky enough to win the books in the series in a Facebook giveaway but am under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
November 5, 2020
Amy's Choice: A More Perfect Union, Book 2, by Betty Bolte, is set during America's Revolutionary Times. More than a simple love story, this novel explores themes of women's independence and men's respect for women in general, and especially for the women they love. Readers will appreciate the attention to historical detail as well as the suspense as characters get into dangerous situations. Readers will want to read all the books in this series.
March 12, 2020
The stone
This is a very well written book by Betty Bolte and I really enjoyed it. If you like a book full of intrigue and the war for independence of America this is the book for you. This book was so good I didn't want to stop reading. I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy this book and see what happens. Enjoy reading it.
This is a very well written book by Betty Bolte and I really enjoyed it. If you like a book full of intrigue and the war for independence of America this is the book for you. This book was so good I didn't want to stop reading. I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy this book and see what happens. Enjoy reading it.
May 22, 2019
I chose to read and review this book I read the first one in this series and as this one enjoyed it a lot everything is well written the characters are a joy to meet and their interactions were sweet I was surprised and like that as well I look forward to part 3 of this series
February 16, 2020
Great book
May 24, 2016
Nun ja, irgendwie wurde ich mit den Charakteren dieses Buches nicht wirklich warm. Ben hat Amy ohne ein Wort verlassen, als sie dachte, dass er kurz davor stünde, DIE Frage zu stellen, blieb jahrelang weg, ohne sich zu melden und wundert sich, dass sie etwas ....sagen wir mal ... zurückhaltend... ist, als er auf einmal wieder vor der Tür steht.
Davon abgesehen, dass sich auch im Hintergrund noch einiges abspielt, was eher ein wenig verwirrend ist, als zur Handlung wirklich beizutragen, irritierte Amy mich dadurch, dass sie sich permanent wiederholt, ohne wirklich überzeugend zu wirken, wobei sie, das muss ich fairerweise sagen, insgesamt ein erfreulich tougher und selbstständiger Charakter ist. Letzteres stellt allerdings in Bens Augen wiederum ein Problem dar, der der Meinung ist, dass eine Frau begeistert sein muss, dass sie im Zuge der Hochzeit gleich ihren Verstand an der Kirchentür abgeben und in Rente schicken darf, weil er eh nicht mehr benötigt wird. Fürs Denken ist ja jetzt immerhin dann der Mann da, der mit liebevoller Bestimmtheit das arme verirrte Hühnchen auf den richtigen Weg leitet - oder so.
Nachdem Amy das klar wird, beziehungsweise auch schon auf Grund der unschönen Erziehungsmethoden ihres Schwagers, der meint, sein verirrtes Hühnchen ein wenig handfester auf den richtigen Weg bringen zu müssen, weigert sie sich nicht nur, sich von Ben umwerben zu lassen, sondern lehnt eine Ehe generell und überhaupt und ganz und gar ab. Bis zum ersten Kuss. Okay, es kann auch der zweite gewesen sein. Ab da kämpft sie dann mit sich und den widrigen Umständen und zwischendurch auch gegen ein paar handfeste reale Gefahren.
Währenddessen wird Ben ganz allmählich ein wenig vernünftiger und weniger arrogant, es braucht dann aber doch noch akute Lebensgefahr, schussfeste - äh, nein, zielsichere Hühnchen und ein magisches Schmuckstück, um alle Zweifel auszuräumen und den Beiden den Weg in eine glückliche Zukunft zu öffnen.
Nun ja. Vermutlich klingt das jetzt extrem kritisch, ist es auch, allerdings bekommt das Buch dennoch knappe drei Sterne von mir, weil es insgesamt gut und flüssig geschrieben und auf seine Weise unterhaltsam ist, auch wenn ich die meiste Zeit am Schimpfen und genervt Aufstöhnen war.
Mir fehlten eine klare Linie, eine für mich nachvollziehbare Entwicklung, warum sich alles zum Guten wendet im Hinblick auf die Gefühle der Beiden (Sorry, aber ein magisches Schmuckstück, das das bewirkt? Echt jetzt? Nichts gegen Magie und dergleichen, aber das erschien mir hier eher wie der bekannte Kastenteufel, der rausspringt, damit der Autor die Kurve kriegt und die beiden Protagonisten sich endlich kriegen können.)
Auch die Nebenfiguren waren in meinen Augen nicht konsequent ausgeführt und die wenigsten sind wirklich sympathisch.
*I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.*
Davon abgesehen, dass sich auch im Hintergrund noch einiges abspielt, was eher ein wenig verwirrend ist, als zur Handlung wirklich beizutragen, irritierte Amy mich dadurch, dass sie sich permanent wiederholt, ohne wirklich überzeugend zu wirken, wobei sie, das muss ich fairerweise sagen, insgesamt ein erfreulich tougher und selbstständiger Charakter ist. Letzteres stellt allerdings in Bens Augen wiederum ein Problem dar, der der Meinung ist, dass eine Frau begeistert sein muss, dass sie im Zuge der Hochzeit gleich ihren Verstand an der Kirchentür abgeben und in Rente schicken darf, weil er eh nicht mehr benötigt wird. Fürs Denken ist ja jetzt immerhin dann der Mann da, der mit liebevoller Bestimmtheit das arme verirrte Hühnchen auf den richtigen Weg leitet - oder so.
Nachdem Amy das klar wird, beziehungsweise auch schon auf Grund der unschönen Erziehungsmethoden ihres Schwagers, der meint, sein verirrtes Hühnchen ein wenig handfester auf den richtigen Weg bringen zu müssen, weigert sie sich nicht nur, sich von Ben umwerben zu lassen, sondern lehnt eine Ehe generell und überhaupt und ganz und gar ab. Bis zum ersten Kuss. Okay, es kann auch der zweite gewesen sein. Ab da kämpft sie dann mit sich und den widrigen Umständen und zwischendurch auch gegen ein paar handfeste reale Gefahren.
Währenddessen wird Ben ganz allmählich ein wenig vernünftiger und weniger arrogant, es braucht dann aber doch noch akute Lebensgefahr, schussfeste - äh, nein, zielsichere Hühnchen und ein magisches Schmuckstück, um alle Zweifel auszuräumen und den Beiden den Weg in eine glückliche Zukunft zu öffnen.
Nun ja. Vermutlich klingt das jetzt extrem kritisch, ist es auch, allerdings bekommt das Buch dennoch knappe drei Sterne von mir, weil es insgesamt gut und flüssig geschrieben und auf seine Weise unterhaltsam ist, auch wenn ich die meiste Zeit am Schimpfen und genervt Aufstöhnen war.
Mir fehlten eine klare Linie, eine für mich nachvollziehbare Entwicklung, warum sich alles zum Guten wendet im Hinblick auf die Gefühle der Beiden (Sorry, aber ein magisches Schmuckstück, das das bewirkt? Echt jetzt? Nichts gegen Magie und dergleichen, aber das erschien mir hier eher wie der bekannte Kastenteufel, der rausspringt, damit der Autor die Kurve kriegt und die beiden Protagonisten sich endlich kriegen können.)
Auch die Nebenfiguren waren in meinen Augen nicht konsequent ausgeführt und die wenigsten sind wirklich sympathisch.
*I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.*
March 12, 2015
Another wonderful installment in this Revolutionary War series. The women are strong and opinionated but capable of caring for themselves and each other. Previously the 3 best friends had taken a vow not to get married or to depend upon a man for their support and protection. A very single minded man returns to town thinking he'll have no trouble resuming a relationship with Miss Amy. He should have thought more about that before he left town three years ago without a word, and not even a single note since.
Emily did not want to get married because bother her mother and her sister had perished soon after childbirth.
Amy's sister is in an abusive relationship with a man that she thought she loved when they married.
Samantha has her own secrets and reasons to remain unwed.
Women are not treated much better than the black slaves of the era. They are pretty much considered property.
Times are changing. The British troops are preparing to ship back to England - but not without taking anything of value they can get their hands on. They also promised any slaves that care to join them a better life in England.
Secrets and lies abound. It is dangerous to even walk the streets and Amy decides she is going out in the countryside to be with her sister as her date draws near to deliver her first child.
Amy is very brave and has been taking on dangerous missions. Her father made sure she knew survival skills as well as her brothers. Still, Amy is not without her fears.
It turns out all 3 ladies go on this adventure and get more excitement than they could imagine.
The title makes one think Amy has one choice but in fact she has choices to make at every turn, and may even change her mind now and then.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am happy I read Emily's Vow first and can not wait to read Samantha's Secret next.
Emily did not want to get married because bother her mother and her sister had perished soon after childbirth.
Amy's sister is in an abusive relationship with a man that she thought she loved when they married.
Samantha has her own secrets and reasons to remain unwed.
Women are not treated much better than the black slaves of the era. They are pretty much considered property.
Times are changing. The British troops are preparing to ship back to England - but not without taking anything of value they can get their hands on. They also promised any slaves that care to join them a better life in England.
Secrets and lies abound. It is dangerous to even walk the streets and Amy decides she is going out in the countryside to be with her sister as her date draws near to deliver her first child.
Amy is very brave and has been taking on dangerous missions. Her father made sure she knew survival skills as well as her brothers. Still, Amy is not without her fears.
It turns out all 3 ladies go on this adventure and get more excitement than they could imagine.
The title makes one think Amy has one choice but in fact she has choices to make at every turn, and may even change her mind now and then.
I did receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am happy I read Emily's Vow first and can not wait to read Samantha's Secret next.
February 5, 2017
War changes people and living in a war zone either makes or breaks a person. War changed Amy from a naive, carefree young Southern belle to a wary, determined woman who knew what she wanted. When Benjamin returns after three unexplained years away from home, Amy is in no frame of mind to accept his request to court her. Ben has fixed ideas about the role his wife will fulfil, and Amy has no intention of fitting into his plans. When Amy's sister needs her help, she leaves town, thereby missing the announcement that will bring about even more change to their lives, as well as increased danger.
This book covers a sad period in the history between the "Colonies" and Britain, bringing out all the deprivation and dangers facing the populace, as well as the risks taken to ensure that the lines of supply were kept open. Nevertheless, as a romance it was sad book to read as a certain amount of bitterness had settled on Amy, making it difficult for her to accept Ben's attentions. On the other hand Ben had a few lessons to learn, and it was well that he was faced with circumstances that made him rethink his position. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
This book covers a sad period in the history between the "Colonies" and Britain, bringing out all the deprivation and dangers facing the populace, as well as the risks taken to ensure that the lines of supply were kept open. Nevertheless, as a romance it was sad book to read as a certain amount of bitterness had settled on Amy, making it difficult for her to accept Ben's attentions. On the other hand Ben had a few lessons to learn, and it was well that he was faced with circumstances that made him rethink his position. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
May 6, 2015
This story continues on from the first book and is Amy’s and Benjamin story of how they find their way back to each other. Amy and Ben had a relationship and then one day three years ago he just left. No note or letter explaining why to Amy. She was heartbroken and decided she never wanted to feel that way again. Now Ben is back in town and intends for get Amy back. His views on marriage and a women’s role are a little off from Amy’s. Amy is afraid to lose her independence if she were to marry. Amy tries her best to fight her feelings for Ben but she is having some trouble doing that. I enjoyed this book. You get to read more about the characters from the first book as well as learn more about Amy and Ben and their past. I enjoy series where you get to continue reading about the characters in the first book in subsequent books in the series. Amy is spunky, independent, loving, and loyal. Ben is strong, loving, loyal, and a spy. Ben learns though out the book that his views on marriage are a little rough and that he may have been wrong. The more he falls for Amy the more he realizes that. This book has romance, a little danger, and a great group of characters. The book is well written and I love the characters. They drew me in and made me want to keep reading. I look forward to reading the next book and reading more about the characters in this series.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2016
"I received a copy
of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review."
This is a Regency romance that takes place at the end of the American Revolutionary War, when British and Royalists are taking provisions and valuables from the South Carolina patriots. Three women are best friends, and two are cousins besides. They are against the prevailing belief that a woman becomes the property of her husband: mind, body, and goods once they're married.
Lies and spying for the Americans behind British lines have wrenched Benjamin from Amy's side for three years. Now he's back to claim his love, but she wants nothing to do with the heartbreak and mistrust she's suffered from his sudden disappearance. He wants an obedient wife, housewife and mother of his children. She wants her freedom to be herself, to tell her imaginative stories to friends and family, and not to be a slave to any man.
Renegades determined to steal, ravage and kill two of the women cause terror, but Benjamin will do what needs to be done to protect and possess his lovely Amy.
As a new nation is born, so is a relationship between Benjamin and Amy reborn and strengthened.
A rousing read, especially for American women today. It shows us what our ancestors suffered sometimes being bent to their husband's wills, and having their own personalities trodden down.
of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review."
This is a Regency romance that takes place at the end of the American Revolutionary War, when British and Royalists are taking provisions and valuables from the South Carolina patriots. Three women are best friends, and two are cousins besides. They are against the prevailing belief that a woman becomes the property of her husband: mind, body, and goods once they're married.
Lies and spying for the Americans behind British lines have wrenched Benjamin from Amy's side for three years. Now he's back to claim his love, but she wants nothing to do with the heartbreak and mistrust she's suffered from his sudden disappearance. He wants an obedient wife, housewife and mother of his children. She wants her freedom to be herself, to tell her imaginative stories to friends and family, and not to be a slave to any man.
Renegades determined to steal, ravage and kill two of the women cause terror, but Benjamin will do what needs to be done to protect and possess his lovely Amy.
As a new nation is born, so is a relationship between Benjamin and Amy reborn and strengthened.
A rousing read, especially for American women today. It shows us what our ancestors suffered sometimes being bent to their husband's wills, and having their own personalities trodden down.
February 11, 2017
This is a fun, entertaining book. The storyline is interesting and the characters are strong and enjoyable. I didn't much like Ben in the beginning, but he sort of grows on you. Amy is bold while being vulnerable. This is the second book in the series but the first one I have read, and I look forward to reading the rest.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
July 12, 2016
Amy has made a vow not to marry. Her beau, Ben, left town years ago; without saying goodbye or any word, since. Then there's her sister, Evelyn's husband; it's obvious he abuses her sister. Amy would be a fool to marry and give up her freedom...
Ben left town serving in the military, but couldn't find the words to tell Amy. Now he's back and intends to resume the courtship; still not able to say the right words!
Adventurous Revolutionary War tale. Domestic abuse and a late, misguided trip into the woods add intrigue and mystery to this historical romance. 3 1/2 stars.
Book free for honest review.
Ben left town serving in the military, but couldn't find the words to tell Amy. Now he's back and intends to resume the courtship; still not able to say the right words!
Adventurous Revolutionary War tale. Domestic abuse and a late, misguided trip into the woods add intrigue and mystery to this historical romance. 3 1/2 stars.
Book free for honest review.
December 28, 2014
Satisfying irony is a thing.
People call me a cynic but I always say, love is not enough to make a stable, lasting relationship. Love must be coupled with mutual respect and support.
FINALLY an author got that! Praise the heavens!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway
People call me a cynic but I always say, love is not enough to make a stable, lasting relationship. Love must be coupled with mutual respect and support.
FINALLY an author got that! Praise the heavens!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway
June 15, 2015
Betty Bolte writes about strong, independent women and Amy is not what you expect of a woman living in the 1700's Another great story with solid historical details in the second book of the "A More Perfect Union" series. You will love this series.
May 29, 2016
I enjoyed read Lucy Snow story. it was hot.. some great twist and lots of adventure. Who would not want to read a story about a sassy funny Heroin. I know I do.. especially if you though in a bad boy stepbrother.. excellent story. I was given this story for a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews