Dangerously Courageous

Isabella
The Belle Of Ironwood
A Novel by: Andrea Wren

I must admit this novel came as a huge surprise to me. At first it was very slow and sort of boring, but then it really picked up. And once it picked up I was pleasantly surprised that I just DID NOT want to put it down! It is definitely a book that you want to give the chance even though it takes awhile to really pick up. You won’t regret it. This novel is definitely making a place on my bookshelf of favorites. Now there are some parts that I just did not understand or follow well. For instance there are parts that sort of just skip ahead without much warning, and then the main character finds herself reminiscing on times past and it sort of throws you back and forth. Usually I don’t like this, and find it a huge downer of any novel, but surprisingly when happening in this novel I didn’t find myself lost at all. It was really easy to understand what exactly was going on, and I didn’t feel like I was way off track. Once the novel picked up I was totally immersed. I dreaded putting it down, and looked forward to picking it back up again. There are many things one can gain from reading this wonderful debut novel: strength, courage, respect, perseverance, faith, etc. I think the author, Andrea Wren, did a wonderful job, and I am mightily surprised that this is her first novel. I look forward to any other novels she may write, and hope there are more in the future from her.

In this debut novel we follow Isabella Carbet from the age of fifteen throughout her entire life. Sent away by her parents in hope of protection in a drastically changing world and a better life her journey starts rather unfortunately when she is kidnapped and sold into slavery before she even really gets the chance to begin her life’s journey. Isabella becomes sold into slavery and experiences heart-wrenching hardships and misfortunes, as well as finds friendships and love that sustain her through terrible times. Persevering through what most believed the impossible Isabella doesn’t give up the hope or fight for freedom nor does she allow herself to be browbeaten into giving up her passion for teaching. At all costs she remains herself and lives life the best she can, carving out a life for herself. This book holds intrigue, romance, struggle, a great sense of history, courage, admiration, and you will literally feel as if you are right there with Isabella the entire journey. Due to Isabella’s suffering there is placed a generations long curse that needs to be lifted, and the journey to find those responsible and seek forgiveness is truly something to behold.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. All opinions expressed are mine alone.To purchase your copy of this book please visit this LINK