Buy Cassia by Susan F. Craft on Amazon Kindle $1.99
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September 2015
Lighthouse publishing
of the Carolinas
Historical fiction
From the publisher
The Xanthakos family’s
voyage from South Carolina turns ugly when the ship’s captain maroons Lilyan
and her family on an island along North Carolina's Outer Banks. There, the
family is captured by pirates and taken to a secret island hideout where they
witness a mock trial and a hanging.
Forced to rebuff the
advances of the murderous pirate, Captain Galeo (The Shark), and fearful that
her children will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, Lilyan forges an
escape plan. Meanwhile, her husband, Nicholas, calls upon his skills as a
captain in Brigadier General Francis Marion’s militia to devise a battle plan
to save his family.
Will the couple’s
faith be enough to see them through? Or will their declaration to rescue the
infant slave girl, Cassia, from the pirates prove too high a price?
My review
This third story of
the early American historical family saga starting with The Chamomile wraps of
the story of the Greek Xanthakos family. Plenty of references to their past
adventures didn’t interfere with the telling of this adventure. If you like
pirates, ships at sea, family love and sacrifice, you’ll love this gentle,
faith-based tale of strong women who are willing to do what they must to save
not only their own family but the lives of strangers.
Lilyan’s life is an
adventure as one experience builds upon another. Her daughter has reached marriageable
age, and Lilyan and Nicholas wonder if they’ve done well enough as parents. She’s
attracted to men of valor in their own way, and both have declared their
intentions. Both are capable men who would be a good match, both could save
her, but only one can hold her heart. On the ship, the family witnesses a
dreadful event when a slave ship dumps its dead and dying. She demands they
care for one of the dying at the risk of the entire ship and ends up put ashore
on a pirate island. Deciding reluctantly to separate, Lilyan waits while
Nicholas goes for help, but neither realize the danger that waits when the
pirates see who’s been set ashore on the other side of their island.
The title of this
story refers to a promise as much as a character who plays a subtle, circular
role rather than an overt one. Lilyan is a good judge of character and proves
it when her life and that of her children are at stake.
An epilogue wraps up
the family saga. Told from Lilyan’s point of view throughout, This novel is
recommended for those who are fans of early American history and love the
references to everyday objects, the lifestyle, and costuming. Those who read Cassia before the others will find their
interest piqued and want to pick up the other stories.
Cassia follows The Chamomile, currently available only in Print
and the second book in the series, Laurel, available on Kindle, sale, .99, and Amazon Print
My second daughter's name is Cassia. So, of course, I had to order the book! Now I see she's also written a book called Laurel...which just happens to be my third daughter's name! I like her taste in names! I'm looking forward to the stories.
ReplyDeleteHi, Martha, thanks so much for stopping by. I really loved Susan's other books besides this series. I hope you enjoy these books.
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