The Traitor's Wife by Kathleen Kent ~ Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Reagan Arthur / Back Bay Books; Reprint edition (September 26, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316068640
• ISBN-13: 978-0316068642
• Review copy provided by the publisher
• Want to purchase a copy of this book, click here.

About the book:

This novel was originally published under the title The Wolves of Andover.

In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin's household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and his mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of the role he played in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. At once a love story and a tale of courage, The Traitor's Wife confirms Kathleen Kent's ability to craft powerful stories from the dramatic background of America's earliest days. 

My take on this book:

"The Traitor's Wife," takes place during 1673 and is the story of Martha Allen and Thomas Carrier. Martha is twenty -three and unmarried, which makes her an old maid by standards during that time. Considered stubborn and contrary he father sends her to her cousin Patience's house to work as a servant, but also with the hope that Martha will find a husband.Martha soon finds herself interested in Thomas Carrier, one of the indentured servants working for her cousin. As they get to know each other Thomas starts revealing secrets about his past. Will Thomas and Martha have a future together, or will his past keep them apart?

It isn't very often that I read a story that takes place in Colonel times, but I found this one quite interesting. The descriptions were vivid, easily portraying the day to day drudgery of life.There is a secondary story that takes  place in England, which ultimately deals with Thomas. The author alternates between the two stories a chapter at a time, and for me I found myself often skimming the chapters about Thomas' past,and the men who were looking for him, instead anxious to read more about what was going with Martha and Thomas. 

This is one of those stories that drew me in because of the historical aspect, but the characters and plot kept me reading. I loved the setting and descriptions of life during that time. While there is a love story, it moves along slowly, but overall its still a great read for the historical element. Recommended!

rating 4/5