"You don't have to be afraid to face your past if you're certain of what you're about now."
Fast forward to Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth, a woman whose loyalty to the U. S. Navy prompts her to seek what no other woman has ever achieved; induction into the Navy SEALs, promising a military career over the freedom to reach beyond its boundaries. Emma and Hayley's lives become inextricably entwined when Hayley is gifted with an antique tea chest that has valiantly preserved the voices of the past and offers her an opportunity to unlock the doors of her future.
"Liberty. 'Twas a strange notion. . . . . . . I hadn't pondered the full extent of the sacrifices . . . . If I tallied them up, . . would it be worth the cost?" - Emma
"I had refused to fail, and yet, what if failing - surrending - was the beginning of finding my true self, of finding real strength?" - Hayley
What a wonderful book! 4.5 stars
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was so pleased to find this story available on audiobook. It's rare I read a story until it's been out for a few years. First of all I was a sucker for this cover. The moodiness of the sky, the dress, the ship. Always the ship!
While I've been a historical fiction fan all my life, I was initially drawn more into Hayley's story. But by the time both storylines were well underway, I found it hard to keep up with the emotional pull both timelines had for me! (IOW, it was hard to walk away from!)
I loved being in both present day and Revolutionary Boston and the author did an amazing job of balancing each story while keeping me always eager to get back to the other. Dear Beloved Boston is hard to beat for that feeling of being in both centuries at once, after all. I've longed heard the high praises for Heidi Chiavaroli's fiction and now, finally, I've understand why. Lovely prose, deep-really-deep conflicts, wonderful story details. Plus...there's so much skill in the parallel emotional battles of the heroines and the pondering of the big question - how do you choose between liberty and loyalty? Not sure what Rebecca and I are talking about? Read the book!
**Highly recommended story and narration!
I listened to this story via my Hoopla app and was under no obligation to review it.
BackCover Blurb:
Boston, 1773
Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer’s assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fiancée, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her—as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace.
After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel’s wife.
Present Day
Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.
Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith.
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy The Tea Chest at Christianbook.com
Buy The Tea Chest at Amazon
Lovely reviews, ladies! I have read and loved all of Heidi's other books, and I cannot wait to read this one! 😍
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