It was interesting to see the Underground Railroad in action. I liked reading about that and how runaway slaves were helped. Also, this novel was extraordinarily researched. I felt like I was walking through New Hope or through Jack’s mansion. The characters—though distinct—were not completely developed as they could have been. I know how this author writes and she always does a good job with character development. But with this one…the characters just fell short. The novel felt as though it was…rushed.
I wanted to know more about Andra and Ansel—Ellie’s siblings. Though there were a few scenes told from Ansel’s point of view, I’m not quite sure why that was. I know that the next book is going to be about him, but I believe there could have been more conversation between Ellie and Ansel and I would have gotten to know him just as well. I really liked Andra, though she seemed bossy and overbearing. She will need someone special to help her be all she can be!
Like always, Laura created highly emotional, highly tense scenes in this book. Poignant and heartbreaking, I couldn’t believe that one of the characters died. She can always get to the heart of the reader in her books.
Laura always does a remarkable job with her novels and has a unique writing voice. I think if I read twenty books without knowing the authors, I would be able to pinpoint her style of writing. Though not as good as it could have been, I did enjoy Love’s Awakening. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
* I received an e-book copy of this book from Revell publishers through Netgalley. This review is my honest opinion of this book.