Redfield Farm by Judith Redline Coopey

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

Redfield Farm by Judith Redline Coopey

A Novel of the Underground Railroad

ISBN: 9780978924744

Paperback

Synopsis;

Ann Redfield is destined to follow her brother Jesse through life - two years behind him - all the way. Jesse is a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and Ann follows him there as well. Quakers filled with a conviction as hard as Pennsylvania limestone that slavery is an abomination to be resisted with any means available, the Redfield brother and sister lie, sneak, masquerade and defy their way past would-be enforcers of the hated Fugitive Slave Law.  Their activities inevitably lead to complicated relationships with other Quakers, pro-slavery neighbors and the fugitives themselves.  When Jesse returns from a run with a deadly fever, accompanied by a fugitive, Josiah, who is also sick and close to death, Ann nurses both back to health. But precious time is lost, and Josiah, too weak for winter travel, stays on at Redfield Farm where Ann becomes his teacher, friend and confidant.  When grave disappointment disrupts her life,  Ann turns to Josiah for comfort, and comfort leads to intimacy. The result, both poignant and inspiring, leads to a life-long devotion to one another and their cause. Author Judith Redline Coopey brings the Underground Railroad alive, giving us characters to remember -- both real and compassionate, and conflict to explore -- when belief in pacifism clashes with dedication to a cause where violence often rules the day.

My review:

Just as with the other books I have read by this author this one grabbed my interest from the first page. She does such a good job with her research that you feel as if you really learning as you read and are a part of the story. Not only do you get a glimpse into the underground railroad but into the Quaker life. It was so nice that there were people back then that would help others to escape the horrible life they had to live. The author again did a very good job with the character development as well. She has a knack for creating strong characters that you can connect with. This book is suitable for both adults and young adults to enjoy. 

About the author:

Judith Redline Coopey, born in Altoona, PA holds degrees from the Pennsylvania State University and Arizona State University. A passion for history inherited from her father drives her writing and a love for Pennsylvania sustains it. Her first book, Redfield Farm was the story of the Underground Railroad in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The second, Waterproof, tells how the 1889 Johnstown Flood nearly destroyed a whole city and one young woman’s life. Looking For Jane is a quest for love and family in the 1890s brought to life through the eyes of Nell, a young girl convinced that Calamity Jane is her mother. Her most recent work, The Furnace: Volume One of the Juniata Iron Trilogy, is set on an iron plantation near where she grew up and tells the story of an ill conceived marriage of convenience as it plays out over a lifetime. As a teacher, writer and student of history, Ms Coopey finds her inspiration in the rich history of her native state and in stories of the lives of those who have gone before.

For more information please visit Judith Redline Coopey’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Be sure to stop by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours (click here) to see all the stops on the tour.