No Safe Harbor, by Elizabeth Ludwig, is the first book in the Edge of Freedom series.  I enjoyed this read, as it was not at all a cliche fiction plot, or even just your typical sweet story.  While it is definitely an easy read, this book draws you in to a story that begins at Ellis Island.  There are secrets, murders, revenge, and lies, all set in the historical time period of the late 1800s.

Before this book, I had never heard of the Fenian brotherhood….actually I knew very little at all of Irish history.  Elizabeth Ludwig intertwines the history with her story.

“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.”  (taken from the back of the book)

One thing that I appreciated about this book (which, if you have read several of my reviews, you might know what’s coming) is the way that the characters held onto their Christian values.  Consciences were pricked at the lies and deceit, and revenge was shown for what it truly is: a horrible pit.  While some of those themes could have been taken farther, in my opinion, I appreciated that this book is Christian fiction that actually had characters living out things clearly spelled out in the Bible.  (So many authors give things like that up in the name of a good story.)

As I posted last week, my favorite quote from the book is one that was repeated a few times.  “God’s help is nearer than the door.”  The first time I read it, I just stopped right there to ponder it.  I love that.  God is so close that we can turn to Him in an instant!

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for this review.

-Bonnie