Review of Elizabeth’s Cross

[Mayang Bature]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Elizabeth's Cross" by Londa Hayden.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Londa Hayden's fantastic novel, “Elizabeth's Cross (Book 2 of the Washington's Woods Series),” focuses on a family in the eighteenth century and the same family two centuries later. In the first part, Elizabeth Proctor is an adult ready for courtship in a rural Virginia colony, but rather than settling down and getting married, she would rather ride horses and dress in manly attire. She is imprisoned for rescuing a slave, and Deputy Harris is tasked with periodically inspecting the family farm for any unusual activity. Will she find comfort in the hands of the deputy she must see every week, or will she look elsewhere, given her mother's desire for her to settle down?

In the modern part, set 200 years later, Nicole Durham, a widow raising her biracial twins, must fight to protect both her children and the family farmstead from Judge Beck, the father of the man she eloped with. Judge Beck previously attempted to murder Nicole and her father but was unsuccessful. He was sentenced to five years in prison; he got released on the counts of good behavior, and now he is returning to exact his revenge on Nicole and her family. Will she be able to protect her family's farmhouse, as well as her twins, JB and Jasmine?

I really enjoyed this book. When the author first began to tell two stories at different times, I was skeptical about how she would make it work. However, the novel was smooth all through and exhilarating near the end, when everything fell into place. The novel was engaging and kept me from getting lost in it because each chapter began exactly where the previous one ended, with no unexplained forward progress. There is romance in the first part, when Elizabeth has to choose between Master Davis and Deputy Harris, and in the second part, when Nicole and Justice are in love.

"Elizabeth's Cross" also includes mystery and suspense. One example is when Nicole's daughter, Jasmine, had to undergo surgery for a brain tumor; that turned out to be a very dramatic situation. These small details elevate Hayden's novel to a level of excellence. Nicole's family, particularly her grandmother, provided her with support during her difficult times and helped her see the light of Jesus Christ, and that was something I resonated with. Nicole benefited greatly from her grandmother's advice, which allowed her to see things more clearly and avoid overreacting in times of trouble.

I rate this book five out of five stars because I enjoyed it and it was expertly edited with no errors. “Elizabeth’s Cross” was a gripping novel full of unexpected narrative twists and both tragic and beautiful moments. This is an excellent book for everyone who loves drama with a touch of romance. I believe Christians would appreciate it more because it exemplifies how to maintain faith in the face of adversity.

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Elizabeth's Cross
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[Amira M 1]

Your review is so well-written and insightful. It's clear that you truly connected with the story. I would love to read the book.

[Kristin Cowan]

Books split in time can be hard to follow but this sounds like a great book.

[Shinshinshin]

Based on the review, "Elizabeth's Cross" by Share Londa Hayden seems to be a fantastic read. The reviewer found the novel engaging, with smooth storytelling and exciting moments that kept them hooked until the end. They praised the author's ability to seamlessly weave two stories set in different time periods and applauded the inclusion of romance, mystery, and suspense. The reviewer also appreciated the strong Christian elements in the book and found the characters relatable. Overall, "Elizabeth's Cross" received a perfect five-star rating and was described as an excellent book for those who enjoy drama with a touch of romance.