During a long day of solo driving I started and finished this audio book and besides keeping me awake, it entertained and uplifted me. I liked the emphasis on trying to do your duty and doing your best to follow what God would have you do. I also like the continued theme of relying on God during the tough times in life. In this book, Nicole agrees to travel to England to learn how to become her uncle Charles' heir. Her "sister" Anne faces a tragedy that almost overwhelms her before she finds renewed purpose and love when she joins Nicole in England. The time period is at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and it is interesting to see that conflict through the eyes of loyal British subjects in both Canada and Britain.

Thoughts on the entire series.

With these novels, I joined the ranks of readers who know what it is to be in the midst of a series, waiting, even with bated breath, for the next book in the series to be published.

I appreciate the style and language that Bunn clearly brought into this co-written historical fiction saga with Oke. I remember being totally engrossed and on edge during a certain crucial stretch in The Meeting Place and was floored by the unembellished end to that nerve-racking rush: “And then it began to rain.” I grew attached to the characters over the course of the series, though I’ll admit I got a bit weary during the fifth novel, as while some of the characters were yet making more grand departures from one another, I lost the sense of what they were actually getting done, apart from moving around the globe.

I might’ve been missing and/or forgetting things, though, weary in general after doing so much waiting, and I don’t regret a minute I spent with this saga.

Continuing story of Nichole and Anne. Nichole has been offered the chance to travel to England as heir to Sir Charles' estate. Anne has married her doctor and is now pregnant.
Nichole does travel to England and is "thrust" into high society. Meantime tragic news from home prompts an invitation to Anne to come to England. After much prayers, the answer comes in the form of a patient needing companionship to London.
Although the story kind of dragged where partying and teas were concerned it still held my interest and emotion on the America side.

I thought this book was every bit as good as The Sacred Shore. I have not read The Meeting Place. It looked like Charles was going to give up his huge mansion that he really doesn't need, but right at the end of the book, it is revealed that Anne's mother-in-law is a cousin to Charles, making Anne's son, John, the perfect heir for Charles' wealth. I was really hoping Charles would give up Harrow Hall and settle in a smaller home. In Matthew 19:21, Jesus told a rich young man to sell all he had and give the money to the poor. This passage is mentioned in The Sacred Shore, and apparently Charles was not paying attention. I was really disappointed that Cyril died so young. I barely got a glimpse of his character, and he was gone. I was glad to see that Nicole was released from her obligation, because she would have stayed there as Charles' heir all her life, in a place where she doesn't belong, had Charles not given her that chance. I don't think there's another book after this, but I wish there was, so I could see how things turn out for Nicole. *Edit* I just looked up the series, and there are two more books after this, so I look forward to reading those.

Couldn't put the books from this series down! Excellent!

The story of the daughters moves on to England. Still captivating!

Ooh, I loved all the twists!!! What an exciting book! While I'm not partial to England's nobility, this story focuses enough on the characters to not blind me with all the balls and formality!

Nice and quiet, with the usual Janette Oke daily activities. It does have plenty of action and conflict--it's just written in a quiet-like way.

Setting: Nova Scotia (formerly Acadia), about 1775, spans about a year or two. Also Great Britian, including London and Wales. The greater conflict revolves around the brewing war with the American colonies; rebel American sentiments don't directly affect the main characters, as they are removed from those most passionately involved, but it is interesting to see the Revolution from a non-American perspective. The vast difference between a wealthy British estate and Nicole's simple experiences is clearly demonstrated, and I also liked the representation of the rigid British laws regarding heirs and estates (I should hope it accurately represented the laws of the time). I also loved the explanation of the Tory and Whig political parties. Surprisingly, this book has good historical information regarding colonial politics (probably the reason my rating was solidly bumped up to four stars).

Characters: For about half of the book, I really related to Nicole. She is a very well-written, unique character. She is well-written for the whole book, and her character arc and development are wonderfully done--very smooth--but I did stop relating to her. Her character arc just goes a different way than I expected. Anne is a bit more cliche, and I didn't feel much of a connection to her. But their sister-friendship is very precious, and I do love how that is written.

I like Lord Charles quite well. I'm sort of glad that I don't remember the previous book well, because in this book Charles is just a great, strong Christian man, whereas he's pretty unrealistic if combined with the last book's un-Christian-ness. His struggles and simultaneous determination to do what's right are beautifully written, and his only flaw is that he doesn't really have a flaw.

Plot: It's an interesting plot, and of course continues the French-English girls-switched-at-birth story. Anne and Nicole have their individual plotlines, and they nicely come together as the book progresses. The ending is wrapped up a bit too conveniently, which doesn't bother me too much (here I will refrain from a long diatribe defending such convenient, perfect endings that actually show God's perspective and demonstrate God's promises to those who love Him). I love Nicole's posture throughout the whole ordeal, and I found myself actually sympathetic toward the option of staying in Britain. (I still don't know how Oke and Bunn accomplished that!)

There is a little romance, but not much, especially not until the end, and is not shown as a necessitated end--just as a natural, God-given progression of life.

Faith Content: The main characters' faith is strong, and the value of spending an early morning in God's Word is highlighted. The plot also emphasizes the peace of God which comes when one follows His will.

Oke, Janette/Bunn, T.Davis PB

I will probably finish this series, but it is getting a little too preachy and the stories are not as enjoyable as when first started the series.

I've listened to this whole series at least twice (pre-Goodreads), and it's one of my favorite Janette Oke series. I chose this particular book again because it's on the Audible Escape package and I'm trying to complete the Category challenge. Also, next year I plan to finally get started on the spinoff series written by Davis and Isabella Bunn (Heirs of Acadia). So a refresher of the last few books in this series is not only enjoyable, but helpful.

I'm really enjoying this series. The authors did a beautiful job of developing authentic, believable characters. I love seeing their struggles and successes with living a faith that's real. Now, that said, this particular book (#3 of 5) was not my favorite. The plot was way predictable and the ending tied up too neatly and too far fetched for my taste. But the characters completely compensate for lackluster plot :) I wish I could have a conversation with Anne and Nicole!