Review of "Dark Road Home"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: "Dark Road Home" is the exciting second novel in Elizabeth Ludwig's "Edge of Freedom" series. Ludwig takes readers back to the bustling streets of historic New York City and builds upon the plot of "No Safe Harbor."  There are many characters and plot intricacies that continue from the first novel and are essential to following the continuing story. I definitely recommend reading the two novels in order.  It has been several months since I read "No Safe Harbor," and I had some trouble recalling the motives of certain characters and the dynamics of several relationships (both good and bad).

An air of mystery and lurking danger wafts through the pages of "Dark Road Home" and creates an engaging plot.  Most of the climatic action occurs near the end of the novel, but mysterious and threatening encounters add the right amount of suspense for my taste.  Once again, Ludwig offers a well-rounded view of the plot, telling the story from the perspectives of the two main characters as well as one of the antagonists.  She also incorporates tenderness and messages of faith to lighten the "dark road."  Some of my favorite, more tender scenes of the novel occur at the Catholic Church's shelter where Ana and Eoghan find love, healing, and faith.

Just when a happy and peaceful ending seems imminent for Ana, Eoghan, Cara, and Rourke, Ludwig throws in a new twist that shows the danger that has been lurking since the beginning of the series is far from over.  The conclusion of "Dark Road Home" gives the impression that the stakes are being raised and more lives will be on the line in book three.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

Summary from Bethany House: The nightmares of her past have found Ana Kavanagh an ocean away.

Ana Kavanagh's memories of Ireland are mostly of fire and pain. As a girl she survived a blaze that left her an orphan, left her scarred, and left her angry at God. Now in New York, Ana finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who's struggling with his own anger. His twin sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with his enemy.

Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan hopes to rejoin the Fenians, an organization pushing for change back in Ireland, by securing information against Rourke, the man his sister married. Ana, Cara's friend, may be his best source, and despite the attraction he feels, Eoghan determines to use the girl's sweet nature to his advantage.

Adding to the danger is a specter from Eoghan's own past, one whose thirst for vengeance knows no bounds. Eoghan must choose which road to follow--bitterness or forgiveness--and where to finally place his trust.

Review of "No Safe Harbor" by Elizabeth Ludwig

Rating: 4 Stars

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Summary: She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she’s found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend–Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother’s warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She’s then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother–but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.
With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke… a man she’s grown to love?

Link to buy the book: www.amazon.com  

Review: Elizabeth Ludwig begins the “Edge of Freedom Series” with a suspenseful adventure in the pages  of “No Safe Harbor.”  An intricate web of revenge and lies captures and holds the reader until the end. 

Ludwig introduces a wide range of characters, many with hidden agendas. In the beginning, part of the mystery is discovering which characters pose a threat to Cara and in whom she can place her trust. The story is told through the perspective of several different characters, so the reader gradually gains insight into the motives of the primary and secondary characters. Danger lurks through the pages as Cara ventures into New York City in search of her brother. Initially, I was concerned the political intrigue element of the novel would be too heavy, but the pace of “No Safe Harbor” steadily propels the reader through the pages. The political unrest is the underlying cause of the threatening environment that Cara finds herself forced into.  Ludwig delves into the political undercurrents without bogging down the plot. Action is interspersed throughout the novel, but really picks up near the end.

The love story between Cara and Rourke is somewhat unconventional. It is clear at the start of the novel that both main characters have divergent goals. Both Rourke and Cara withhold information from each other, but Rourke is motivated by revenge. As Ludwig reveals more of Rourke’s motives, he becomes a likable character.  I found myself hoping that Cara and Rourke could find a future together, but one question lingered through each scene: how can a relationship based upon Rourke’s false pretenses ever succeed?  Ludwig finds a satisfying resolution. The plot is complete enough to be read as a stand-alone novel, but hints at possibilities for future books in the series.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

Read an Excerpt:
No Safe Harbor

Meet Elizabeth: Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author and an accomplished speaker and teacher. Her historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned four stars from Romantic Times. She is the owner and editor of the popular literary blog The Borrowed Book. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in Orange, Texas. Learn more at www.elizabethludwig.com.

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/author/ELudwig