My Thoughts:

Set during America’s Revolutionary War, The Messenger by Siri Mitchell tells the story of Hannah Sunderland, a young Quaker woman who struggles between duty toward her parents and religion, and her desire to help her  brother imprisoned as a war soldier. She becomes embroiled in a spy mission with Jeremiah Jones, a wounded soldier and now Colonial spy.

Siri Mitchell tells this story in first person, which is not my favorite, but the way she switched the point of view between Hannah and Jeremiah at every chapter break made it easy to get deep into their character. I thought it a brilliant way to see inside their struggles, hopes, desires, and fears.

I particularly loved the spiritual journey of both Hannah and Jeremiah. Through her brother’s imprisonment, she has to confront her religion’s strictures and measure them against what Jesus taught. Jeremiah has his own journey of healing that he must walk and it was beautiful to follow his path and see the healing that Hannah brings him.

So far this is my favorite book of Siri’s and I’m sure any reader of historical fiction will absolutely love it too!

Back Cover Copy:

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith…until her twin brother joined the Colonial cause and ended up in jail. She longs to bring some measure of comfort to him in the squalid prison, but her faith forbids it. The Friends believe that they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. She is not allowed to visit him, even if she were able to secure a pass.

Jeremiah Jones, a Colonial spy, needs access to the jail to help rescue men important to the cause. Upon meeting Hannah, a plan begins to develop. Who would suspect a pious Quaker visiting a loved one?

But Jeremiah is unprepared for Hannah, for her determination to do right, to not lie. How can one be a spy and not lie? Hannah, in turn, is surprised by Jeremiah…for the way he forces her to confront her own beliefs, for the sensitivity and concern that he shows her despite the wounds he still carries.


I’m giving away a copy of The Messenger by Siri Mitchell, so if you would like to be considered for the random drawing, please leave your email address in the comment section. If you do not leave an email address, you will not be eligible. Drawing will be held Sunday, April 29. I’m sorry, but only US citizens are eligible. 

This book was provided by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.