Where Hearts Are Free

Darkness to Light #3

by Golden Keyes Parsons

Bridget is in love with one man...and promised to another. Amid the liberty and promise of the New World, Bridget Barrington and Philippe Clavell fall in love. But nothing about their love seems possible. To pay for the Clavell family's passage from France, Philippe, a former member of French royalty, worked as an indentured slave to the Barringtons. Bridget is the heiress of the prominent plantation. When Bridget's parents discover the budding Romance between their daughter and their servant, they quickly orchestrate her engagement to an older, more advantageous match. But Edward Moorehead has a secret. And he's anything but a good match for Bridget. Separated from her true love and in danger from her betrothed, Bridget must rely on God to deliver her from darkness into light.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Christian Romance, Christian Historical Fiction

350 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 2010

About the author

Golden Keyes Parsons is a popular retreat and conference speaker, author of historical novels and an ordained pastor.

Her book, "In The Shadow Of The Sun King," (Thomas Nelson Publishing), first in a four-book series based on her family genealogy, released Fall 2008, and was named a finalist in the ACFW's Book of the Year Debut Author category. The book chronicles the saga of the Clavell family in 17th century France, where, as French Huguenots, they suffer persecution at the hands of Louis XIV's Catholic government.

The second book, "A Prisoner Of Versailles," was released September 2009. It was a finalist in RWA's Daphne contest as well as a Golden Scroll finalist.

Book Three, "Where Hearts Are Free" released in November of 2010 and was selected as a Women of Faith Library Selection.

His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, which released in 2011 was named a finalist in the Readers' Choice Awards.

Parsons' biblical novella series released as ebooks through 2012 - 2013 and released as a compilation, Hidden Faces: Nameless Women in Scripture in April of 2014.

Reviews

[Annelies - In Another Era · Rating 3 out of 5]

In dit derde deel verhuist de setting van Frankrijk naar Amerika waar de familie Clavell een nieuw leven moet opbouwen. Philippe en Charles moeten echter eerst hun schulden afkopen door als knecht te gaan werken. Bridget, de dochter van de familie waar Philippe terecht komt wordt verliefd op hem. Maar hun standen en godsdienst maken het moeilijk en Bridget ouders hebben een ander huwelijk in gedachten voor hun dochter.

Dit verhaal is even wat anders dan de vorige twee boeken. Ik moest eraan wennen dat het verhaal switchte naar Philippe, Bridget en Charles en dat Madeleine en de rest van de familie maar heel af en toe opduiken. Het was fijn om te lezen hoe het hen vergaat in Amerika.

De nieuwe personages zijn sterk neergezet, misschien soms wat te zwart-wit. Maar ik had een klik met Bridget en Edward is een goede schurk.

Ja, het is soms wat zoetsappig en het gaat snel en religie speelt een belangrijke rol. En toch was het zeer verslavend om te lezen. De laatste paar pagina's waren het perfecte einde voor deze fijne serie. Ik ga de Clavells missen.

[Rachel Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

The love that Bridget and Philippe have for each other is not respected by their society, she being the heir to a promising plantation and he a mere indentured servant. Philippe is well aware that their relationship cannot go anywhere, so when he is offered his freedom in return for separation from Bridget he leaves the Barrington estate without a second glance. But little does he know that this will plunge Bridget into a marriage of convenience to a disreputable man. Will Philippe discover this in time to rescue her from the clutches of her husband-to-be? Will God provide a way for these star-crossed lovers to be together?

This lovely historical romance definitely surpassed my expectations! I'm a history geek and a romantic at heart but I will admit that the blurb sounded a bit cheesy, even for my standards. However, once I was a third of the way into the story I became entirely immersed and didn't want to put it down. I wanted to find out whether Bridget and Philippe would ever get together, and if Edward would be outed for being the scoundrel that he truly was. I will admit that it took me a while to warm up to Bridget and I would have preferred more interaction between the couple before they were separated to fully convince me of their love for each other. Because of this, it took me a while to be come completely interested in their conflict, but by the end of the novel I definitely thought that it was worth the read.

This is the third in a series about a noble Huguenot family from France who escape Catholic persecution during the 17th century, but it can easily be read as a standalone book. And as I've studied this particular period of history at university I can say that Parsons has clearly done her research and produced an authentic novel. Bridget's marriage of convenience, I felt, was particularly appropriate for the period and the conflicts she encountered were probably quite common for a woman in her situation. I was also impressed that the author dared to deal with the historical conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, and did so without favouring either side. This is an issue that few authors dare to attempt in the Inspirational genre, for fear of offending people, but Parsons was incredibly delicate yet honest with her examination of the topic. I will caution that this is definitely a Christian novel, and the characters frequently seek God's guidance and pray to him in difficult situations. I thought her portrayal of faith was excellent, but non-Christians may find this unappealing.

I would definitely read more from this author and I'm interested in the rest of the Darkness to Light trilogy. This is more than your typical inspirational historical romance, dealing with some difficult situations and a time period that's not commonly featured in romantic novels. If this is a genre or topic that you're interested in then be sure to put Golden Keyes Parsons on your wishlist! 8/10

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Christine Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Hearts are Free, the third book in Golden Keyes Parson’s Darkness to Light trilogy, is a book I recommend heartily to any of my female friends between the ages of 15 and 95 who like a fairly fast read, and who like things to HAPPEN in a story.

If you’re looking for an exciting, historically accurate, romantic, inspirational novel that has some ‘teeth’ to it, then this is one for you. The author doesn’t shy away from difficult issues but meets them head on, but in such a delicate, God-honoring manner—much like her hero and heroine who face hardship with tenacity in spite of their authentic human frailties.

And all the while, the author enchanted me by blending the beauty of four seasons in Philadelphia of the late 1600’s with the cultures and Christian denominations of immigrants in the newly birthed Americas. The details of a Dutch Christmas, the elegance of France brought by the Clavell family, the stalwart faith of the Quakers, and the majesty of the silent Lenape, a local Algonquin tribe who aid the Clavell brothers delighted me.

In this story we focus on Philippe, the son of Madeleine Clavell. Young Bridget Barrington has been in love with Philippe since they were children. He alone carries her deepest secret—a dark memory that tantalizingly stays out of reach so she cannot comprehend what the evil memories mean, or the face behind them.

Philippe denies his feelings for Bridget. After all, he is an indentured slave to her father. To keep the young people apart, Bridget’s father offers Philippe his freedom if he leaves the vicinity. Her father then arranges a marriage for Bridget to a wealthy man who also has secrets.

We follow the thwarted lovers as they are separated. The author then takes her characters on an adventure with the very believable weaving of a forced marriage, the brokenness of lost love, the harshness of an abusive relationship, and even a dash of gun smuggling.

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book of the Darkness To Light series may be my favorite but then again maybe just a tie with the second one as I loved that part of the story. This one takes up with Madeleine's oldest son, Phillipe. In the previous book the family escaped religious persecution by coming to the new world - America. They are French Hugeunots who went through the anguish of losing everything they owned, including Madeleine's beloved husband, and having to flee their country in the previous books. Because their trunk with all of their money was stolen on the voyage, both Phillipe and his brother Charles were sold into bondage. Phillipe has worked for six years for a good and kind family where he became close friends with their daughter, Bridget. As a child she shared a secret with him of something terrible she had witnessed when she was younger, but as she grows into a young woman he draws away from her and becomes distant. Bridget believes she is in love with Phillipe but he denies any feelings for her. I won't do spoilers here, but the two are separated by distance and time and the customs of the period come into play. Bridget is engaged to a wealthy man at the bidding of her parents and the story of who and what he really is and Phillipe's part in the ongoing story is a compelling read. The author based the story on her own ancestors and turned their history into a well researched fiction series.

If you like Christian historical novels, a really good read, insight into the past and how people had to deal with religious persecution this is an excellent book. Although it could stand alone, I heartily recommend starting with the first book, Shadow of the Sun King. This book has an appeal for all ages. My daughters in law love this series as do my granddaughters.

[Misha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where Hearts are Free is third in the Darkness to Light Series. But this can be read as a stand-alone, like I did.
Though I love historical fiction I have never read historical romance. But this one was a very well-written book. The author has painted a beautiful picture of Colonial America. Its apparent that there has been much research involved.
Though this book is not my usual read, but its engrossing enough. Contrary to my expectations, the plot moved sufficiently fast.
Apart from the romance, the author has handled some social issues too, like a woman's place in the society and religion.
Bridget is a very likable character.She is a strong , brave woman, who despite societal constraints , can stand up for herself.
There were things that I found too dramatic and clichéd . It is a "boy and girl meet, fall in love, overcome obstacles and have their fairy-tale ending" kind of story. But overall I can say that Where Hearts are Free is a good read. Not being a very religious person, I had some problems relating to some situations. However after some point of time, it didn't bother me too much because the author doesn't overdo the religion part.

Overall:
Enjoyable Romance and a quick read

Recommended?
To fans of historical romance

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I'd say this book was a success, since I appreciated many parts of the story, and I read it in less than a (very busy) week. For it being the 3rd book in the series (and I've read it first), I realize I missed some things that likely make this book more significant in certain aspects. Still, it was a complete story in itself.

Setting: This book is a pretty good example of not judging a book by its cover, since that cover image is the worst depiction of a 17th-century lady I've seen in a while. But inside, I was generally satisfied with the historical representation; the prologue is set in 1681 on a plantation on the outskirts of Philadelphia, and the book itself takes place a few years later in the same area (also in Philadelphia itself). The dialogue is not obviously of an older English style in most cases, but neither is it modern. I was not jarred, though at times I wondered about the copious use of "thee" in both nominative and accusative forms ("Thou" is the nominative case, and "thee" is the accusative). But I appreciate the inclusion, as well as the use of "mister" and "mistress" addressed appropriately--but again, I was surprised to see no one as an esquire. But I'm not especially well-versed on the different classes, so it might not be an inaccuracy.

The representation of different classes and faith "denominations," as it were, is also included. The story provides a look into the religious haven that the New World was for all kinds of immigrants. I enjoyed reading about the plight of indentured servants. Early America is just generally represented like ... early America. No one is involved in extravagant activities ahead of their time; just farming, dealing with their simple new businesses.

One quick criticism that appears in so many 19th-century-and-earlier romances: the "I'm too young to marry" protest used by girls over the age of 16. In this novel, especially, it was totally out of place, since 18-year-old Bridget was in fact already thinking of marrying. But I shall end my pet-peeve-rant with that.

Characters: Bridget, as with many heroines, is quite annoying at times, but as the novel progresses, she actually becomes a bit more relatable. I enjoyed her (limited) submissiveness, which nicely balances out the obligatory "feisty" character she presents to Edward. Her decisions are reasonable, and she has a fairly consistent character.

I appreciated Phillipe in a variety of ways. First and foremost, his initial humility and focus upon actually important things (i.e., people who are already family). His brotherly relationship with Charles delighted my heart. His gentlemanly ways are likewise endearing--not only a result of his French courtly upbringing, but almost more so in his servant-like manners. His later actions did not please me as much, but I guess he becomes a little touched in the head due to those "romantic feelings."

Edward Moorehouse is an excellently written character; he has a depth to him, and is not in any way a 2-dimensional villain. Amos and Sarah are decently written, and although Sarah did get on my nerves, I suppose she acts within character. Auntie Margo is a fine addition to the cast of characters, but I'm not sure what she adds to the plot. The other minor characters, like Bradley and Ella and Jacob Moorehouse, likewise don't have important additions to the story, but they do serve to add a layer of realism to family life.

Plot: The plot is interesting, unique, and engaging, thus I finished it quickly. It is fairly straightforward, with clear problems and wishful solutions. I was mildly disappointed by its ending, particularly by the lack of justice and the unanswered questions surrounding the guns. That part of the plot is completely forgotten in the hurry of the romance part of the plot, which is generally done well. There are several aspects that are included (for example, Auntie Margo, some of Zwicken's actions and intents, the Lenape Indians, Vangie's illness) that don't seem to affect the plot at all. It's not terribly annoying, because it does establish the setting well, but the fact remains that there are loose ends.

Negative Content: Just because there are a tad more sexual details than is appropriate, I wouldn't recommend this to younger adult readers. There is an on-page rape scene, and although it is brief with few details, it is still there.

Faith Content: The Catholic-Huguenot conflict is present, and a hurdle, but ultimately not a big deal, and no details are given. One aspect of Quaker life is also included, but again, nothing is addressed in detail. All the characters are Christians, and they pray (yes, one Catholic scene displays a rosary), and all is quite harmonious.

[Lynn's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Hearts Are Free brings the "Darkness Into Light Series" by Golden Keyes Parsons to a close by plunging into the theme of what it means to have true freedom. After living life on the run from King Louis XIV during three years of intense religious persecution, you may think the Clavell family would know the blessing of being free. But freedom can be experienced many different ways in life, and in this novel, the family must learn another aspect of the thing they’ve longed for - freedom on the inside.

Just outside of Philadelphia in the late 1600’s, Philippe Clavell works on a plantation as an indentured servant. When his family escaped France, they couldn’t afford everyone’s passage and so Philippe and Charles became indentured servants to pay their fare. Where Hearts Are Free, is Philippe’s story. He’s almost come to the end of his contract, and more than anything, he longs to be free. On the other hand, the owner of the plantation, Mr. Barrington, has a daughter, and she longs to marry him!

But she’s Catholic. The very religious system his family spent three years trying to escape.

To make matters worse, her parents are forcing her into a marriage with an older man who is very, very bad. In this story, Philippe has to learn what it means to choose between doing what is right versus doing what his family expects of him. Philippe’s mother, Madeleine, also has to learn what it means to let go of the past and not judge a person's heart based on their religion.

Conclusion: I love how Parsons made her characters in this series so real. A family who escaped religious persecution - you would think they were super saints, right? Not exactly. The author painted a portrait of godly, but still very human, people. For me, that took the story to the next level and I really felt connected to the emotions and feelings stirring in the plot. When a cruel word was spoken, I sighed and thought, “How could they say that? After all they’ve been through!” But a golden truth came shining through each page - no one has reached perfection. Even after the most brutal trials, people still have much to learn in life. I saw that in Madeleine. The afflictions she endured in France made her stronger, but then, she had to learn more in the New World - to extend compassion for those who were not persecutors, but still Catholic. She had to experience freedom in her heart. Then there was Bridget. There came a point I wondered why the author didn’t send a character to rescue her in a time of great need. Then I realized life isn’t always about being delivered from bad things, but learning how to move on after tragedy. That’s the lesson I think the author was teaching through Bridget’s story. What a lesson! What a great book! Wonderfully written with many new, enjoyable characters and a few bad guys. If you pick this novel up, I highly recommend reading the series in order. But with that said, you could probably read Where Hearts Are Free as a stand alone because the setting and characters are different from the first two in the series. Either way, if you enjoy historical fiction with a deep theme, you will love this book!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find Madeline Cavell's position very hypocritical in this novel for Christian fiction. Bridget also undergoes a horrific event towards the end of the novel, which barely seems to phase her and definitely is well too accepted for the time period this novel takes place. I feel that the author didn't really write parallel with the historical time period and this took away from the novel.

[Jenn H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Dorry Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

You were never quite sure what would happen next in this book. Lots of twists and turns. I found it interesting what part status in life played in choosing a mate.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 1687, in the burgeoning town of Philadelphia, and for seven years, Bridget Barrington has watched with growing affection as Philippe Clavell worked as an indentured servant for her father, a wealthy landowner.

Her father rejects her request for Philippe to be a potential suitor as he has none of the qualities Mr. Barrington hoped for his daughter's future husband, the least of which is a respectable income.

Heartbroken, Bridget accedes to her parents' wishes and gets engaged to a man she does not love. However, Bridget's husband-to-be does not love her, but only her wealth.

But there's always light in the midst of darkness for those who have faith. This stunning historical romance concludes the gripping Darkness to Light series.

My Take: The story is a nice little introduction to the colonies at that time in history and the conflict between Catholicism and the Hugeunots (French Reformed Protestants). It is also a good introduction to the power of a woman's will at this time which is very little. Bridget loves Phillippe, a childhood friend and indentured servant but he's never considered a relationship with her. When offered freedom, he takes it and a fine horse and goes home.

Meanwhile, Bridget's biological clock is ticking - she's all of 18, you know - and needs to be married off suitably. Her parents and cousins combine their forces and choose an old man named Edward. Not Rochester. This Edward is 30 years old and probably has some baggage that should be addressed which never is. Regardless, he happens to be a man with secrets and unscrupulous business dealings. His reasons for wanting to marry Bridget are very evil, indeed.

Phillippe gets home and finally discovers Bridget's fate in her engagement to such an unsavory fellow and decides he really does have romantic feelings for her. But he is a Hugeunot and she is Catholic.

I didn't mind the story but I it didn't come together very well for me. I didn't develop much of an attachment to any of the characters. Certainly I wished for Bridget to exit her bethrothal and Phillippe to free his brother Charles, but the characters didn't develop into people for me. There is also no indication how the couple overcome their religious differences which is a big deal at this time. They were characters in a book that I will forget tomorrow.

It's not a bad book. It has a lot of good qualities. The story is good. The dialogue is cheesy but not bad. The historical aspect is accurate, although I would have liked to have that part explained in more depth. I appreciate the research the author did in order to portray the time period and also the description of the art of gun making, care of horses, and the furrier trade.

[Rachelle Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liberty. Romance. Darkness. Light. All of these are intriguing elements that comprise the third title in Golden Keyes Parson's debut trilogy.

Headstrong and naive Bridget Barrington falls in love with Philippe Clavell, an indentured servant on her family's estate. She has entrusted him with a dark secret and eventually discloses to him her feelings for him, but it is not to be. They are of different classes and different faiths. It will never work.

So Bridget relents and releases her hope of a future with Philippe. Her parents arrange a marriage for her with a hurricane of a man who is gentle one moment and a villain the next.

He truly is a villain as Philippe soon discovers. The strangling strands of scandal tighten around Bridget as the true identity of her future husband is found out, a secret from her past returns to haunt her - and there is nothing she can do about it.


I loved the heavy plot in this novel. The series of events constantly twisted and turned. "Where Hearts Are Free" was full of surprises, secrets, hopes and disappointments. There was never a dull moment and the pages turned almost of their own volition as I sought to devour every word. The characters were captivating, interesting, and demanded my compassion.

The story was suspenseful, frightening, and romantic at times.

The descriptions were fresh and lively and drew pictures in my mind (an element I always appreciate in a good book). The scenes were real and believable. Set in the late 1600's before the Revolution, a time period that is one of my favorites, the main conflict is that of a young girl in love with one man and betrothed to another (also one of my favorites). These facts contributed to my overall opinion of the book: thoroughly entertaining.

This novel is not without its problems. I felt like some things were disconnected. For instance, the circumstances surrounding Bridget's birth seemed inconsequential to the story. Philippe's sister, Vangie, was portrayed as ill yet her condition never progressed past weak and sickly - she never got better either. The development of the characters was a bit unbelievable. I didn't like how Bridget dropped the possibility of a future with Philippe so quickly.

Maybe I'm just too much of a romantic. :)

I wish there had been a little more development in the faith of the hero and heroine. I suppose I like books with a little more challenging faith message.

Still, this was a very good read. I recommend this book to others seeking an interesting read.

Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Booksneeze.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was better than I could have ever imagined. I did not realize until the end that this was the third book in a series. My early reservations of the book finally made sense since I had not read the first two books in the series.

Let me say first that this book is definitely able to stand on its own two feet. The only thing I noticed was that the mother and father of the hero were not what I would call round characters. I realized that their characters were dealt with more in the first two books. And as I continued in the book, those characters grew on me. I began to understand who they were, so they no longer detracted from the enjoyment of the book.

You will notice my five star rating. Yes, this book touched me in a way a fiction book had not since I was in high school. I loved the main female character--Bridget. She drew me in from the first page, and she was the reason I continued to read. I only read a chapter or two at a time at first, but that all changed once I got about halfway.

I read this as I was substitute teaching in classes this week, and the past couple days I could hardly put the book down. I had to know how the story would end. And I will not hint in this review at the end--no spoilers from me!

I was impressed with how the author handled the history of this book. I love historical fiction, and I knew nothing about the French Huguenots. I had heard about them before, but I had no idea about the persecution they faced. I was greatly intrigued with the way the author brought her history into this book.

I was also impressed that the author, though Christian, made the story realistic. There was a point in the book where I believed that something had to happen, but I figured the author would sugarcoat it since it was a Christian novel. No, my friends, she wrote the story as it had to be written.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book. I plan to look up more by this author. I appreciate the fact that she writes excellent Christian fiction where the people have to face serious situations. Without the Lord, the characters in the book would never have fared as well as they did. I was reminded that the Lord can do anything He wants, and no one can thwart His will.

[Raina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where Hearts are Free is third book in the Darkness to Light Series by Golden Keyes Parsons, however it can be read as a stand-alone book since it was the best in the series of three.

The author has painted a beautiful picture of Colonial America. Its apparent that there has been much research involved. Contrary to my previous reviews, the plot of this book moved sufficiently faster.
Apart from the romance, the author has handled some social issues, like a woman's place in the society and religion.

Bridget is a likable character. She is a strong, brave woman, who despite societal constraints, can stand up for herself which I appreciated.
There were things that I found too dramatic and clichéd such as the whole "boy meets girl, they fall in love, overcome obstacles and have their fairy-tale ending" kind of story. But, overall I can say that Where Hearts are Free is a good enough read.

The basics of the plot deal with Bridget Barrington and her arranged engagement to Edward Moorehead. She really wishes she could marry Phillipe, an indentured slave of the Barrington's. With his background being Protestant, French royalty and Bridget's being Catholic and a different class, their love could not be. With this in mind and after learning of Bridget's love for Phillipe, her father quickly releases Phillipe from his contract, allowing him to be free and out of the picture. However, Bridget is not in love with Edward, but knows she must do as her parents wish. But her future husband is not whom he appears to be and is hiding dark secrets from his soon-to-be wife.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but I just couldn't get into it as enthusiastically as I had hoped to. Mainly, I had issue with the overwhelming amount of religious implication and felt like I was being preached to at times and at others had felt like I was being beaten over the head with it, but if you can look past all of that, in the end this is a pretty basic historical love story.


I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of honor, betrayal, pain and forgiveness--this novel brings you through several emotions that will sweep you away to early colonial America. While Phillipe Clavell tries to do what is right, his lack of action inadvertently causes the downfall of Bridget Barrington who desperately loves him. I like the way Bridget stands up to her family and goes after what she wants. When things don't turn out as she hopes, she doesn't give up, but she makes up her mind to make the best of her circumstances.

Due to his position as the family's indentured servant and their opposing religious denominations, Philippe must resist Bridget. He almost hid his feelings for Bridget too well.

Overall, Where Hearts Are Free is an enjoyable fast read with a sweet faith-based romance that blooms into true love. You get a real sense of how indentured servants were seen by society and treated. Yet, one can see the hope and fresh start these families experienced once their indentured service was over--a chance at the American dream to be free. The characters are memorable, the story realistic and moving, and the faith of the characters is inspiring. It is a wonderful conclusion to the Darkness into Light series.

Back Cover Description
Amid the liberty and promise of the new world, Bridget Barrington and Phillipe Clavell fall in love, but nothing about their love seems possible.

To pay for the Clavell family's passage from France, Philippe, a former member of French royalty, worked as an indentured slave to the Barringtons. Bridget is the heiress of the prominent plantation.

When Bridget's parents discover the budding romance between their daughter and their servant, they quickly orchestrate her engagement to an older, more advantageous match. But Edward Moorehead has a secret. And he's anything but a good match for Bridget.

Separated from her true love and in danger from her betrothed, Bridget must rely on God to deliver her from darkness into light.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Where Hearts Are Free to be a breath of fresh air! You'll not find your typical fairytale in these pages. Parsons has the refreshing ability to draw on real to life relationships that are not always easy. The answers are not always clear and sometimes we just don't know the way.

This book reminded me that faith can overcome all things and that Gods grace can and will make clean those things that stain us. I am not an avid reader of this time period but found myself drawn to the characters and their lives especially Philippe's family life in the Schuylkill Valley! I was delighted to see this setting as I briefly lived in the Schuylkill Vally several years ago. It is quite cold and snowy in the winter!

While it did take me a bit to really get into the book, once I was in I was hooked! I couldn't put the book down until the last 50 pages. All of a sudden I wanted to shelf the book because I just didn't want it to end. Reading those final pages would end the story too soon for me.

This one is definitely a page turner, a delightful read and chocked full of encouragement all along the way. You will battle right along side with this cast through varying emotions, mistakes and secrets! Oh the secrets that these characters have hidden away. I don't think there were a handful of them that didn't have a secret! Some will shock you and some you will completely understand.

In the end faith, love and honor could be lost. But will it?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.â€

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Hearts Are Free is a historical romantic fiction that takes place in Pennyslvania in 1681.
Bridget Barrington, the daughter of a plantation owner,falls in love with the families indentured servant, Philippe Clavell. She had basically grown up with Philippe, and had shared a secret with him that she felt she could tell no one else. When she tells Philippe of her love for him, he discourages her, explaining to her that because of religious differences and the difference in social class it would never work.
When Bridget's tells her family of her feelings for Philippe they release him from his contract and send him home, making him promise to never contact Bridget again.
Her parents soon find her a more eligible suitor, who has a past that no one would ever guess. Will Bridget be forced to marry someone she doesn't love ?
I really enjoyed reading this book, even though it is the third book in the series of A Darkness To Light, I really had no problems following the characters and was quickly immersed in the story.
Bridget was such a charming character unconcerned with the trappings of wealth, and Philippe was a true gentleman and his faith in God was refreshing to read, I found it commendable that the author had him forgive his enemy.
The one character I had a problem with was Bridget's mother, her reaction about the wedding seemed a tad ridiculous, and actually almost as if she didn't care as much for Bridget as she had proclaimed instead worrying more about what she wanted, than what was in Bridget's best interest.
I would have to caution that there was a sexual situation in the book, and a bit of violence, to me it was ok, and didn't take away from the story.

[Mindy Detweiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Third in a series but you don't need to read the first two to enjoy this book. I have already bought the first book in the series though just because this book got me curious about what happened before.

First off I just love the author's name. And then the cover for this book is just wonderful.

Bridget has basically grown up with Philippe. She has told him of her deepest fears and told him her secrets, including one of witnessing a murder on her parents land. She has grown to love him. Although Phillipe is of noble blood, in this country he is just a servant so Bridget's parents are against the match.

Bridget confesses her love to Phillipe but because he is honarable he denies his true feelings for her and she is left now other recourse than to become engaged and marry Edward Moorehead.

But something is sinister about Edward and he has alot of questionable business dealings going on.

This book kept my interest and had me holding my breath with anticipation of what was going to happen next. A word of caution hear there are some unsavory things that happen in the book and although the author does not go into to much detail they are still there so I would not recommend this book for a a girl until she was a mature teenager.

An excellent book and I cannot wait till I read the first two book. If you like historical fiction I would highly recommend this book.

I received this book as part of the Book Sneeze Program by Thomas Nelson. (I must confess to not reading this in a timely manner having had it for several months.)

[Anna Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Instantly, I was drawn to the fact that it took place a long time ago, "New World" and I love reading about romances back then. Not sure why, but they just appeal to me.

I loved Bridget, the main character. She loves her parents, who have taken really good care of her, but she does not want them to pick who she marries. Can you blame her? I sure as heck don't. I would not want an arranged marriage either and that's why she is one of my favorite characters! She's in love with her family's indentured servant, Phillipe, and you also fall in love with him. The two are perfect for each other and you can see that throughout this entire book. The man that her parents set her up with, Edward, he's not exactly a prize. He may seem like one, with all of his land and money, but deep down he's just like all of the other men who are too obsessed with their money: selfish & inconsiderate of anyone but themselves.

Bridget is determined to make Phillipe hers, but she struggles with this, and this romantic novel captures your interest the ENTIRE TIME. You are desperately clinging to the pages, turning them fast, waiting to see what happens next. I can honestly say I did not want this book to end. I loved it!


I have received this book for free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book reviews bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are MY OWN.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book for my eReader in a mad frenzy of gift card inspired purchases. Where Hearts Are Free was a pretty good read. I enjoyed the storyline, and the romance was well done and subtle. Phillipe is the upstanding, moral nobleman-turned-servant who loves Bridget, but refuses to give in to the feeling in order to spare both their families grief.

The characters were good, but I must admit that I spent a lot of time frustrated with Bridget. She is impetuous, petluant, and often whiny for the first half of the book. She gets a little better, but even when she’s resigned herself to a loveless marriage to Edward, her comments, meant to sound despairing and hopeless still come off rather whiny.

I also understood the reason behind an act of violence pertrated on Bridget, but I was a bit turned off by it. The characters deal well with it at first, although I feel like after a few chapters it was pushed into the background. The climax of the story seemed to lack something, even though there was action and high emotion. It seemed a little too easy for hte characters to get away and live happily ever after. I don’t know if this is because another book is to come involving the character left behind or not. The author has set it up for this to occur, and I would be interested to see what would happen. Three stars.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

On one hand I enjoyed this story. There were circumstances that propelled the story forward and kept me wondering just how it was going to come together and the end is a bit of shocker-I never saw it coming.
Though the third book in a series, I had no trouble picking this up to read. I think it would have a richer context knowing other characters from previous books, but I never struggled coming in at the end. The heroine is strong and determined, but also has a sweet vulnerability.

I thought settings were well described and the emotions of the heroine clearly shown in a way that made me empathize with her.

But I also thought certain aspects of the book could have been heightened for a greater reading experience. There were a couple times when conflict was resolved too easily and some of the actions, emotions, etc, were “told” to me as a reader instead of letting me “experience” them. When I read I like to be brought right into the middle of the story and while I still think this story as a whole was good, I wasn’t drawn into it. I also would have liked the hero’s emotions for the heroine evocated a great deal sooner than it was, that seemed abrupt.

But overall, I still liked the story. It has a good setting, characters, a noble circumstance and flowing plot.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I did not read the first two books in this” Darkness To Light Series” I feel this book can be read alone and it was better than I could have ever imagined. This book was set in the outskirts of Philadelphia, and it is about Bridget and her love for Philippe her father's indentured slave, but when she told her parents they rejected her request for Philippe to be a potential suitor as he has none of the qualities that they had hoped for their daughter's future. Philippe was set free so that he would not be around Bridget, but the love they had for each other stayed in both of their young hearts.

Her parent's picked Edward a man they wanted her to marry, not knowing his ugly past, but little do they know the danger ahead. Will Phillipe get there in time to prevent the disaster from happening? or Will her parents finally realize their mistake and set their daughter free to find the happiness and love that she longed for? This one is definitely a page turner, and a delightful read chocked full of encouragement all along the way.

I was intrigued with the way the author brought her history into this book. I would highly recommend this book to all my friends.

[Pegg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book set in Colonial America. It is build around the historical practices of indentured servants and arranged marriages. It also encompasses the desire and ability of immigrants who came to this country in that time period to blend into the new culture emerging here. The characters are believable and appropriate for the time period. I recommend the book to people who enjoy fiction of this time period.

This is the third in a series and I have not read the first two. The amount of backstory at times was distracting for me. If I had read the books in order, it probably wouldn't have been.

Bridget is the dutiful daughter who desires to please her parents. She agrees to marry an older man she doesn't like because it is the desire of her parents. Her real love, Philippe, is released from his indentured servitude early when her father learns of her attachment. Philippe goes back to work on the family farm and stays there until he learns that Bridget's future husband is selling guns to the Indians. He mounts a rescue attempt to save the woman he belatedly realizes is the love of his life.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story kept me up till 4 a.m. to finish but it was well worth the journey. I read the previous book, Prisoner of Versailles, so was curious to see the continuation of the Clavell family's journey. Although it's no longer Madeleine & Pierre's story, it was enjoyable to see them in their happily married life. I was so intrigued throughout the story to know how much was based on Parsons' actual family ancestors and how much was fiction, so I was gratified that she reveals this information at the back of the book.
I really enjoyed the story of Madeleine's son, Philippe, and how he deals with life as an indentured servant. Parsons describes a truly honorable young man, who denies his feelings for his master's daughter, because of his own station in life, the difference in their religions, etc. Bridget is a wonderful spirited heroine, whose love wins the day. There is a strong spiritual thread throughout, which sustains both hero and heroine when they must face some tough challenges before they can be together.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of emotions! I would first like to say that I was hoping that the story was going to be about Vangie, but in the end I was very happy with the story of Phillipe and Bridget. My heart ached again for the Clavell family when their money was stolen on the boat and the boys had to be sold as indentured servants. It was such a different twist from the previous stories of French court and masque balls. I very much enjoyed the dynamic of the brand new colonies and what that meant for each of the characters. One thing I really appreciate about this series is that while you will feel your heart break in your chest many times for the characters you love, their sorrows are taken with a trust in God and a reality that makes you appreciate the strength they have to get through to the other side. Edward was an excellent villain. Each character was woven into the story beautifully to culminate in a dramatic and satisfying ending. It was a very enjoyable book, and if she were to write more about the characters who have not found their loves yet, I would be quick to read them.

[Kristine Coumbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where Hearts Are Free is the third book in a series called Darkness to Light. I did not read the first two before this book and have come to the conclusion that the books stand on their own. Where Hearts Are Free is based on author's personal history. Parsons was inspired by her French Huguenot heritage. Before this book I can honestly say that I never heard of the Huguenots so I did a bit of research. The Huguenots were French Protestants who were not accepted by other French and the Germans.

The author uses the Huguenot history sparingly. I wished she had more about them in the plot. The book cover was attractive but the blurb was not as enticing. The plot is fairly predictable but the author is good at getting the reader interested in her characters. I would say Parsons had a good start and could have tweeked it. The book is totally appropriate for youth readers as well as adults. I still would reccommend this book inspite of some of its failings.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was a quick, suspenseful read and I finished it in one day. Phillipe is a Huguenot in love with Bridget, a Catholic girl, in the 1600s. This combo made for fresh conflict, completely different than anything I've read before. I prefer my bad guys really, really bad and the antagonist in this novel fit the bill. Edward was well drawn and a great danger to the heroine. He was the reason I had to finish this book in one day. I just couldn't put it down until I found out what happened.

As a gripping historical, they don't come much better than this. However as a romance, this novel was a little on the light side. Bridget and Phillip are apart for most of the book, and when they finally get together, they go straight to the marriage without much build up. But the way Parsons builds tension with her writing more than compensates for my one minor quibble. This one is recommended for fans of historical fiction.

[Linore · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a good read that is gently inspiring, look no further, as this book will fit the bill. It is well-written with the exception that much of the dialogue sounds Victorian rather than early Colonial American. The author does include Quakers who speak properly for the time period, but other than these characters, I wasn't able to stay in the period all that well. Aside from that, the read is surprisingly quick and compelling, and the plot will keep you turning pages until the end. There is one disappointing scene that is bound to be controversial, which I mention only because it is not gentle and those wanting only truly light-hearted romance may wish to avoid on account of its inclusion. But I award the author five stars for a well-paced, smoothly flowing story; one I enjoyed more than her previous books.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in series but can easily be read as a stand alone. It is a quick read and in my opinion an improvement over the first two books in the series.

This book continues the story of the Clavells six years after their arrival in the New World, but shifts focus from Madeline to the next generation of Clavells.

Bridget is in love with Philippe who is her family's indentured servant. Her parents disapprove of the relationship and arrange for her to marry a man within her station. Bridget soon finds herself trapped in an engagement with a man who is not all that her family thought she was.


I receive this book free through goodreads first reads

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always I enjoy reading historical books, especially those set in early America. I have not read the first two books in this series, and would love to read them to find how we got to the third book. I was a little disappointed in Bridget Barrington's fatalistic outlook. I would have liked to see her fight a bit more against what she thought the inevitable was, but at the same time, I know that women at that time were subject to the whims and plans of the their families, especially what their fathers thought was best for them. Bridget's father was no exception.

Overall it was a pretty good book. Perhaps I'll be able to read the first two soon.