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The Turncoat
Meet Delight Butler of Boston 1776, who is a passionate defender of the American patriots. When redcoats bring an injured Henry O’Neil to the Butler home for care and lodging, Delight despises the man. Despite having long discussions and coming to admire the man, Delight struggles to trust that he could desert the British army and join the patriot cause. What will it take to bolster her faith in God and man? Also includes a bonus historical romance, Faithful Traitor by Jill Stengl.
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
DiAnn Mills
127 books1,990 followersDiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.
DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.
A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.
Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:
Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 7, 2016
The Turncoat by DiAnn Mills is a standalone Christian romance set during the American Revolutionary War. It was originally a 2003 Heartsong Presents book, but I read the retitled version, Loves Betrayal, published by Barbour Books in 2016. I requested Loves Betrayal from NetGalley because I previously enjoyed Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills.
*I think it's worthwhile to note that at as of this review, the description of this book's characters and plot is wrong on Goodreads.
The Heroine:
Delight Butler, the oldest of seven sisters, is working in Boston to help the American soldiers in the war by delivering messages. The British soldiers have a strong presence in Boston, however, and Delight’s father decides to move the entire family to Chesterfield. Delight is disappointed to be removed from her opportunity to assist the Americans. After sixteen months in Chesterfield, Delight is to be of service again, this time nursing a soldier. Much to her chagrin, one from the British army.
The Hero:
Henry O’Neill is an Irishman from a poor family who pledged himself as a foot soldier for the British in America’s war for independance. He is a skilled weaver, as is his father. After the war, Henry wishes to live in America, where there are so many opportunities for skilled craftsmen. He ends up injured in battle, and the British take him to the Butler household to be nursed there. If he does not thrive in their care, there will be repercussions for the family.
What I liked:
*I think the author does a good job of individualizing Delight’s many sisters, and I enjoyed their sweet names: Charity, Remember, Faith, Patience, Mercy, and Hope.
*I thought the relationship between the hero and heroine with opposite loyalties was well done. And I appreciated the Revolutionary War backdrop, as it was a new and different setting for me.
What I didn’t like:
* The writing is very good, but I occasionally noticed a word that really wasn’t the best choice for the situation. Examples include “assessed” rather than “concluded,” and the odd coupling of the words “clever mannerisms.” There were a few more. While not rampant, they were distracting.
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I’d recommend this to fans of historical Christian romance or Revolutionary War aficionados. I’ll be reading another book from DiAnn Mills, as I definitely enjoyed this one.
*I think it's worthwhile to note that at as of this review, the description of this book's characters and plot is wrong on Goodreads.
The Heroine:
Delight Butler, the oldest of seven sisters, is working in Boston to help the American soldiers in the war by delivering messages. The British soldiers have a strong presence in Boston, however, and Delight’s father decides to move the entire family to Chesterfield. Delight is disappointed to be removed from her opportunity to assist the Americans. After sixteen months in Chesterfield, Delight is to be of service again, this time nursing a soldier. Much to her chagrin, one from the British army.
The Hero:
Henry O’Neill is an Irishman from a poor family who pledged himself as a foot soldier for the British in America’s war for independance. He is a skilled weaver, as is his father. After the war, Henry wishes to live in America, where there are so many opportunities for skilled craftsmen. He ends up injured in battle, and the British take him to the Butler household to be nursed there. If he does not thrive in their care, there will be repercussions for the family.
What I liked:
*I think the author does a good job of individualizing Delight’s many sisters, and I enjoyed their sweet names: Charity, Remember, Faith, Patience, Mercy, and Hope.
*I thought the relationship between the hero and heroine with opposite loyalties was well done. And I appreciated the Revolutionary War backdrop, as it was a new and different setting for me.
What I didn’t like:
* The writing is very good, but I occasionally noticed a word that really wasn’t the best choice for the situation. Examples include “assessed” rather than “concluded,” and the odd coupling of the words “clever mannerisms.” There were a few more. While not rampant, they were distracting.
-----------------------------
I’d recommend this to fans of historical Christian romance or Revolutionary War aficionados. I’ll be reading another book from DiAnn Mills, as I definitely enjoyed this one.
May 22, 2024
A historical fiction masterpiece that will sweep you off your feet again and again with each read! With its rich Revolutionary War backdrop and a swoon-worthy hero, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance.
Henry O'Neil, the dashing British soldier turned patriot, is a true heartthrob. His transformation from a wounded enemy to a devoted ally and love interest is nothing short of captivating. His kindness, bravery, and unwavering commitment to his new cause make him a true hero.
Delight Butler, the feisty and compassionate heroine, is a perfect match for Henry. Her growth from a skeptical nurse to a devoted partner is beautifully portrayed, and their romance is a slow-burning fire that will leave you breathless.
DiAnn Mills' writing is, as always, superb. She weaves a tale that's both historically accurate and engaging, with characters that leap off the page. Her ability to craft a story that's both romantic and faith-filled is a true gift.
If you're looking for a historical romance that will transport you to another era, look no further than "The Turncoat". With its rich setting, compelling characters, and sweet romance, this book is a true treasure for sure!
Henry O'Neil, the dashing British soldier turned patriot, is a true heartthrob. His transformation from a wounded enemy to a devoted ally and love interest is nothing short of captivating. His kindness, bravery, and unwavering commitment to his new cause make him a true hero.
Delight Butler, the feisty and compassionate heroine, is a perfect match for Henry. Her growth from a skeptical nurse to a devoted partner is beautifully portrayed, and their romance is a slow-burning fire that will leave you breathless.
DiAnn Mills' writing is, as always, superb. She weaves a tale that's both historically accurate and engaging, with characters that leap off the page. Her ability to craft a story that's both romantic and faith-filled is a true gift.
If you're looking for a historical romance that will transport you to another era, look no further than "The Turncoat". With its rich setting, compelling characters, and sweet romance, this book is a true treasure for sure!
September 23, 2024
I thought it was one of the better Heartsong Presents books up until towards the end. The plot was great, I was learning new facts about the time period (I often look up terms used and events to see what was historically accurate and not), and I enjoyed the characters and development. Unfortunately towards the end it took on a stereotypical turn of the characters not talking to each other about their feelings and being wishy washy about their reasoning for not talking together. That sort of ruined for me so it went from one of the better Heartsong books to a typical one for me.
January 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of fierce patriotism and a fun twist of not love at first sight. I enjoyed the passion Delight felt to fight for her freedom and protect those she loved.
My favorite line would be when Henry boldly asks Delight, “But are ye totally dependent on God?” Henry’s inquiry burned to the core of her being.
My favorite line would be when Henry boldly asks Delight, “But are ye totally dependent on God?” Henry’s inquiry burned to the core of her being.
March 1, 2010
This book is from the Heartsong Presents historical series, sweet historical romances in various settings with an inspirational theme. This particular book is set in Massachusetts during the early years of the Revolutionary War.
An ardent Patriot, eighteen-year-old Delight Butler carried messages in 1776 Boston, hoping to do her part for the cause of liberty. But then her father decided to move his family from the British-occupied city to the quiet countryside town of Chesterfield. A year and a half passes, and Delight longs to do something for American independence. When Henry O'Neill, a wounded British soldier, is brought to the Butler home for recovery, Delight resents having to care for one of the enemy. A poor Irishman, Henry had enlisted in the British army in hopes of starting a new life in America after the war. However, Henry's time in the Butler home convinces him the British are wrong, and that the colonies should be free. And soon Delight and Henry begin to fall in love, but Delight fears for the future and Henry doesn't believe she loves him.
This was a pretty good romance that fans of colonial settings should enjoy. The romance and characters were better developed then in many other Heartsong books, but the ending was rather abrupt and I wish it could have had more detail. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy sweet historical romances with early American settings.
An ardent Patriot, eighteen-year-old Delight Butler carried messages in 1776 Boston, hoping to do her part for the cause of liberty. But then her father decided to move his family from the British-occupied city to the quiet countryside town of Chesterfield. A year and a half passes, and Delight longs to do something for American independence. When Henry O'Neill, a wounded British soldier, is brought to the Butler home for recovery, Delight resents having to care for one of the enemy. A poor Irishman, Henry had enlisted in the British army in hopes of starting a new life in America after the war. However, Henry's time in the Butler home convinces him the British are wrong, and that the colonies should be free. And soon Delight and Henry begin to fall in love, but Delight fears for the future and Henry doesn't believe she loves him.
This was a pretty good romance that fans of colonial settings should enjoy. The romance and characters were better developed then in many other Heartsong books, but the ending was rather abrupt and I wish it could have had more detail. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy sweet historical romances with early American settings.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews