Title: To Love Anew

Author: Bonnie Leon

Publisher: Revell Books

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3176-2

Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Romance

 

Hannah Talbot has lost her mother, her business, and her home. Forced to go to work as a scullery maid, she is only there a brief time before her employer brutally rapes her. Hannah has nothing left but her dignity. Unfortunately, she soon finds herself banished to an Australian prison, and is positive that even God has turned His back on her.

 

John Bradshaw is a successful businessman, but it’s a business he doesn’t want. He dreams of traveling to the Americas and finding fame and fortune. However, a drink with his cousin ends with John being convicted of murder, and his cousin running off with John’s wife. Now John has lost everything, even his freedom. His life is no longer his own. 

 

When John and Hannah meet aboard the prison ship, they are attracted to each other, but neither is free to find love. Is it possible that God might have planned to bring these two together in a new land?  

 

To Love Anew is the first book I’ve read by Bonnie Leon, though it appears she has several books out. The story is masterfully told. I dreaded turning pages because it seemed that just when things couldn’t possibly get any worse, she upped the stakes and the unthinkable happened. I hated having so many bad things happening to these unsuspecting characters. Ms. Leon is certainly a talented author—she made me care. 

 

Hannah is certainly realistic, as was John. Both kind and considerate, even in the midst of adversity. I found myself cheering for them, hoping they could rise above their circumstances and find happiness in whatever place they found themselves, even as prisoners of crimes they weren’t guilty of. It certainly gives a new idea about who the people might have been who were transferred from the United Kingdom to Australia back in times past. $12.99. 297 pages.