Book Review & Giveaway: A Different Kind of Courage

A Different Kind of Courage

written by Sarah Holman

266 pages, teen/adult fiction
published in 2014

My Review...

A man holding mysteries and secrets. Political battles shattering lifelong friends and neighbors in Boston. A new nation collapsing to gain independence. British tea tossed into the harbor. A royal government stifling the cries of its child country... This is the setting for "A Different Kind of Courage".

William Landor, the son of a merchant, has returned to Boston from time spent in England. His family, being Tories, are loyal to the King, and approve of the royal ownership of the colonies. Upon his reentry in 1774, William is shocked at the rifts between neighbors and the political disagreements that could erupt in the most polite of friendly chatter. Boston is not the childhood hometown he grew up in. Especially because his mother isn't there anymore.

While visiting England, William experienced a life quite unlike his own in Boston. Attempting to leave behind traces of this other new-found life when he departed from European shores, he is hoping to renew his father's love and acceptance at home. "A Different Kind of Courage" doesn't just tell you about the events taking place in the late eighteenth century, but immerses the reader there and provides key examples of the emotions and turmoil wrecking the relationship between the colonies and the overruling country.

This is one of the best historical fiction books I've read in a very long time. Sarah Holman does such a good job at including crucial historical details to make the story come alive. She really pulled out deep and extensive research on the topics she wrote of. I cannot stress enough about how much I personally learned about the birth of our country by reading this book; I now understand, in so much more depth, the political views on both the Loyalists and Patriots' sides. Many of the authentic men and women who strove for America's freedom are included in the story. One of my new favorites is featured, Dr. Joseph Warren, along with iconic people such as Paul Revere, Abigail Adams, and even Benedict Arnold, as well as other recognizable names.

One of the main aspects of why I enjoyed this tale so much, is because it also exhibits a profound amount of Christian beliefs. Bible verses are often quoted; coming to understand God better is one of the chief elements of the story. When the characters share religious discussions, they not only talk about their beliefs, but the people themselves are clearly molded by their Christianity.

There is some subtle romance in the story, and although I wasn't expecting this element in this particular book, it truly added strength to the growing plot.

Sarah Holman is a talented writer, and I look forward to reading more of her books. If she were to write a sequel to "A Different Kind of Courage" to continue William's story, I most definitely would enjoy it.

Best recommended for teens and adults.

"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power to his people." (Abigail Adams)



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Author bio:
Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of five published books and counting. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

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