Valley of the Shadow Book Review

Valley of the Shadow

The American Patriot Series Book 5

by J.M. Hochstetler

Can he save them both from the Valley of the Shadow?

Following a humiliating defeat at Philadelphia and a stunning victory at Saratoga, Washington’s army faces yet another bitter winter, this time at Valley Forge. Meanwhile, General Jonathan Carleton races to save Elizabeth Howard from the horrors of the prison ships in the British stronghold at New York, while British General William Howe plots to execute them both.

From heart-pounding battles on the high seas, to the rigors of Valley Forge and the Shawnee’s savagely fought wars to preserve their ancestral lands, Valley of the Shadow continues the thrilling saga of America’s founding in an inspiring story of despair, courage, and triumph.

My Review:  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

In Valley of the Shadow, Jonathan Carrington is in a difficult situation, General Howe has captured the Elizabeth Howard, the woman he adores, and is threatening to execute her if Jonathan doesn’t turn himself in. Because of past experience, Jonathan knows the British general won’t keep his word. Howe will hang Jonathan and then kill Elizabeth anyway. What’s more, it’s doubtful Howe will even allow Elizabeth to know Jonathan showed up. This is the impossible situation with all the heartbreaking emotion that would go with it is what this novel is about.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, both fictional and real, as they navigated through the events of the American Revolution. I loved the historical accurate, well-researched setting. The author did her homework. I especially was impressed by the portrayal of General Washington and the description of the British Prison Ships. The author transported me to that time.

This is the first American Patriot Series novel I’ve read. That being said, there was enough information weaved into the story that I didn’t miss a beat. I am anxious to read the earlier stories. One word of warning I could add is that this story ends with threads not tied up. Basically it’s a to-be-continued story. I look forward to the next novel. I highly recommend this series.