The Messenger

The Messenger

by Siri Mitchell

From the back cover:

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith...until her twin brother joined the Colonial cause and ended up in jail. She longs to bring some measure of comfort to him in the squalid prison, but her faith forbids it. The Friends believe that they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. She is not allowed to visit him, even if she were able to secure a pass. Jeremiah Jones, a Colonial spy, needs access to the jail to help rescue men important to the cause. Upon meeting Hannah, a plan begins to develop. Who would suspect a Quaker visiting a loved one? But Jeremiah is unprepared for Hannah, her determination to do right, to not lie. How can one be a spy and not lie? Hannah, in turn, is surprised by Jeremiah...for the way he forces her to confront her own beliefs, for the sensitivity and concern that he shows her despite the wounds he still carries. 

Try as I might, I could not get interested in this book. I tried 4 or 5 times to latch on to some part of the book that would keep my interest, but to no avail. I was disappointed, because I have read and loved several of Siri Mitchell's contemporary fiction novels. I had high standards for this book, because I loved The Cubicle Next Door and Moon Over Tokyo. In these novels, her style of first person writing, excellent characterizations, and descriptions kept my interest the whole time. The Messenger seemed to drag, and I couldn't relate to Hannah or Jeremiah. I felt little to no emotion from Hannah's character (this might be the Quaker part of her character, but I didn't care for it). I also found it difficult to jump from Hannah's thoughts, to Jeremiah's thoughts, and back.Though it pains me to write a negative review, I will not let this keep me from reading Siri Mitchell's books in the future. And honestly, I think it might just be my personal preference. I am sure someone else would love reading this book. From now on, though, I think I will stick to her contemporary fiction.



About the author:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi. Her tenth  novel, The Messenger follows prior Bethany House releases: A Constant Heart, Love's Pursuit, She Walks in Beauty, and A Heart Most Worthy. She Walks In Beauty won the inaugural INSPY award for Historical Fiction in December 2010. Three of Siri's novels, Chateau of Echoes, The Cubicle Next Door, and She Walks in Beauty were Christy Award finalists. Love's Pursuit was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."