Howdy!

I just finished a horrific week filled with tests, so I finally have time to sit back down at my computer (yay…) and do something not study related.

Last week I shared an author interview with you. I was given a free copy of Sarah Holman’s book A Different Kind of Courage to read and review. I managed to read it in several study breaks over the last two weeks and I thought I’d share my review with you.

“Why did my life have to be full of secrets?”

After three years in England, William Landor returns to Boston in 1774, little knowing the events that are about to unfold. England has issued an ultimatum: pay for the tea that was destroyed in the Boston Tea Party, or the Port of Boston will be closed. William knows that this will have a devastating effect on his hometown, which is so dependent on the sea. However, he finds himself in the middle of the political struggle he wanted to avoid. William’s father is a merchant and loyal to the king and is furious at what the rebels of Boston have cost him. He would like nothing more than to rid the city of their poisonous influence. Meanwhile, William’s best friend, Dr. Joseph Warren, is one of the leaders of rebels, or Whigs as they call themselves. As if his life was not complicated enough, he meets a fiery indentured servant who tugs at his heart as well as his loyalty. When he is confronted by the consequences of his many secrets, he has to make a choice whether or not to tell the truth. Does he have the kind of courage it will take?

This book was a great read! Set in the beginnings of the American Revolutionary War, it follows young William Landor on his journey back to America and his hometown of Boston and the struggles he faces during this tumultuous time.

I enjoy reading about this time period and wish I was more familiar with it, but Sarah Holman does a tremendous job of setting the scene. She really captures the feelings and emotions of the time. I particularly liked her depictions of the main leaders of the American Revolution. I was not familiar with Dr. Joseph Warren and really enjoyed getting a personal introduction to him.

I also enjoyed the Christian themes. Throughout the book William is challenged in his new faith by Dr. Warren and others to find God’s purpose for himself. It’s something he really struggles with and it was interesting to follow him on his journey of self discovery.
This was a tremendous story. There’s a little bit of romance, some action, and an overall sense of a greater purpose, be it the lead up to the Revolution or the events pushing William towards deciding who he really is.
I look forward to reading any other books following these same characters!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or Christian fiction. It has a really strong messages and themes. Recommended for kids 12+.