The Shopkeeper's Widow

A wonderful story about Delaney, a servant. All she wants is to be free, will that chance ever happen. Truly enjoyable. Don’t miss out once it’s released.

Historical romance. Colonial Virginia, 1775. A young girl falls into an unlikely crush with a rich landowner’s son, only to meet him years later under different circumstances.<br />My reading juices are salivating over such a description of The Shopkeeper’s Widow by Izzy James. This book’s rating was a conundrum for me, as I sorted out what I liked (a lot) and what I think would like to see different (sometime it would be fun to have an author write a story and have different people finish it, just to see the different opinions.) I would like to highlight that these wishes, especially for a different take, are MY OPINION. <br />Delaney Button Fleet, widowed owner of a toy shop in Norfolk, becomes an outspoken advocate of abolition, though it may not have been referred to as such in 1775.<br />Delaney chooses to align with the colonists when the British loot a local print shop. <br />First wish: I wished the book would have ended without the epilogue. I expected some rewarding tidbit to be uncovered but felt it was too abrupt. <br />Secondly, when I finished the book, I was left with a few loose ends, which I didn’t know how to secure.<br />For happy points, I did like that we were shown how much Delany enjoyed her nieces and nephews. A book always gains my interest when children are involved in a loving, wholesome way. I did appreciate how Ms. James shows that brothers can be very different and have very disparate values. Tom Fleet is the antithesis of his brother, Sam. Also, George and Freewill were opposites. One can only assume that children raised in the same home by the same parents still can make very different life-defining choices.<br />The novel is a little preachy in spots. I would prefer a more naturally flowing message, but I do agree it is life’s most important message.<br />I like romance but got a little impatient with Delany in her unwillingness to give Field Archer room to grow. However, Ms. James was on it. I loved that Sarah reminded Delany, “you have to allow for growth to happen at its own pace.” So, the heroine is flawed. Well and good, because so was the hero. <br /><br />Now, with the list of pros and cons presented against each other, I gladly rate this historical novel a solid four stars.<br />I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are solely my own and no positive review was required.

This story takes place in 1774, Norfolk, Virginia, a volatile time in our National history. Delany Flint is a former indentured servant who is now a widow and owner of extensive properties. She is fearful that the English will destroy or seize her shop and house. Delany departs for her other holdings in a more remote place. But trouble follows her. She is adamantly anti-slavery, having allowed her indentured servants to purchase their freedom for a nominal sum and giving them land. <br />Field Archer is a landowner, who is heir to a vast plantation. He is a patriot who will stand up for the Colony. He is torn about the question of slavery. It is a crime to free slaves. He cannot fathom the logistics of such an act, although he agrees with the principle that no one should own another human being. Delany and Field have known each other since childhood. But new circumstances threaten their connection. <br />This was a very interesting glimpse into Colonial times. Delany is shown to be independent but still needs protection. Field wants to provide that protection. He is loyal and in his own way fights for the cause of liberty. Ms. James has a way with words that puts you in the story. She writes her villains with a nastiness that has you rooting for the hero and heroine. She shows the age old quest for power but also shows the value of independence and true freedom. Faith is clearly portrayed and the Christian World View is depicted. A takeaway is: when you surrender to Christ, you find your worth in Him. <br />If you like stories set in Colonial America, I highly recommend this book. I have found a new historical Christian Fiction author! I look forward to reading more from Ms. James. <br />*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* <br />

First of all, I must comment on the era—the American Revolution. This is right up my alley in research, writing, and reading. I’m always looking for new authors and books about this time. 1774! What a time to be alive! A lot like right now, not knowing what will happen next. The unknown. The number of decisions that confront the characters daily keeps the reader engaged. Priorities shift in a time of crisis. Survival and protection move to the top.<br /><br />These characters make commitments that determine their actions. We haven’t changed much in 200 years. The flight syndrome looms. Is there a way to escape? Will the problem follow me? A flight from society, hoarding secrets, resting in an inner cave with daily familiar surroundings. The last one is what I tend to do. Find that comfortable place and hibernate. Sometimes it is flight to a different place, a book, a room, a job, a country.<br /><br />Izzy James is a new author for me. I look forward to reading more from her. If you enjoy the intrigue of the American Revolution with all of its problems with loyalties, slavery, freedom of all kinds, then this book is for you.

Strong-willed Delany Fleet owns a toy shop in Norfolk, but the British are wreaking havoc in the town. It is no longer safe to stay there and she must return her nephew, Ben, to his parents. Then Field Archer steps into her life again, a man she loved but who could never love her for she had been an indentured servant. He has a shipment of guns to deliver to Williamsburg and Delaney's trip provides the perfect cover for the dangerous mission. The times were perilous, but I enjoyed reading about the details of living in those pre-Revolutionary days. Delany doesn't like liber-tea and has a secret stash of the real thing. She was also ahead of her time when it came to cleanliness for she had a mechanical waterfall.<br /><br />Still, it was almost impossible to know who to trust back then. Both Delany and Field need their wits about them. But the most difficult thing for them is to trust their hearts. I enjoyed this sweet, but action packed historical.

<br />Jeanette's Thoughts<br /><br />Friday, September 4, 2020<br />9/05: The Shopkeeper's Widow<br /><br />I was intrigued by the cover and the title. I was delighted to find that it wasn't just another typical love story. There was a man and there was a woman. Both were attracted to each other....ok...this is common in romance stories. But the difference is that there was more to it. <br /><br />Delany had some decisions to be made. She was ready to settle down. But she had some doubts. Should she follow her heart or her convictions? Field needed Delany's help. But it appears that Delany helps him see the truth.<br /><br />This is a story that is based in the Colonial period. I love historical stories and the Colonial period is extra special as I have visited Williamsburg on more than one occasion. This Book brought me to the 1770's with all the added intrigue, romance and mystery. <br /><br />This is Izzy James' first historical romance. I hope she will write more.<br /><br />I received this for free from Celebrate Lit to review.<br /><br />About the Book<br />Book: The Shopkeeper’s Widow<br /><br />Author: Izzy James<br /><br />Genre: Christian Historical Romance<br /><br />Release Date: August 21, 2020<br /><br />TheShopkeepersWidow_w12605_750Delany Fleet, a widowed former indentured servant living in the colonial port of Norfolk, Virginia, dreams of having an estate of her own where she will never have to compromise her freedom.<br /><br />When the only man she ever loved shows up with a load of smuggled firearms, Delany is forced to leave her home and her livelihood to protect her family and property from Lord Dunmore’s raids and the conniving plots of a man who claims to be her friend.<br /><br />Now, with her destiny forever altered, Delany must find a new way to happiness. Can reconnecting with her husband’s family and a former love be the path that God has for her?<br /><br /> <br /><br />Click here to get your copy!<br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />About the Author<br />izzy_jamesIzzy James grew up surrounded by history and story in coastal Virginia. She still lives there with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />More from Izzy<br />Hello! My name is Izzy James. My new book is The Shopkeeper’s Widow. It’s about freedom and second chances. I learned quite a bit of history while researching and writing this book. Did you know that the first showers began to appear in the early 1760’s? I gave Delany one of them in Shopkeeper’s just for fun. It is not likely she would have had a shower at that time, but it is fiction and as such I thought it would be a fun detail to add. We do know that some people did rig up for themselves a semblance of a daily shower by using a bucket full of water suspended above them.<br /><br />Blog Stops<br />Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29<br /><br />Inklings and notions, August 30<br /><br />Texas Book-aholic, August 31<br /><br />For Him and My Family, September 1<br /><br />lakesidelivingsite, September 1<br /><br />Locks, Hooks and Books, September 2<br /><br />Artistic Nobody, September 3 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)<br /><br />deb’s Book Review, September 3<br /><br />Connie’s History Classroom, September 4<br /><br />Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 5<br /><br />Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 5<br /><br />Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 6<br /><br />Connect in Fiction, September 7<br /><br />Batya’s Bits, September 8<br /><br />Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 9<br /><br />The Book Chic Blog, September 9<br /><br />Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 10<br /><br />Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 10<br /><br />HookMeInABook, September 11<br /><br />Books I’ve Read, September 11<br /><br />Giveaway<br /><br /><br />To celebrate her tour, Izzy is giving away the grand prize package of a a book, a can of tea and an Ingenuitea teapot!!<br /><br />Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://promosimple.com/ps/fff4/the-shopkeeper-s-widow-celebration-tour-giveaway">https://promosimple.com/ps/fff4/the-s...</a>

If you enjoy historical fiction like me then you are really going to enjoy this story by Izzy James. This was my first book by her and I have to say that I will definitely be adding her to my historical fiction writers favorites list! Did I mention I ? Historical Fiction? I really should have a shirt with that on it! LOL! <br /><br />In this story we meet Delany who is a former indentured servant. She is a no nonsense kind of woman and is not afraid to speak her mind. She also protects herself from not being dependent on anyone. She is a very independent woman. Which makes her a bit obstinate at times and makes her seem like its her way or the highway type of person. We also meet Field Archer I must say that the introduction did not put him in my graces at all. As the story goes on you understand that they are in different social circles and he must make a decision from his heart or by society standards. <br /><br />This story definitely has adventure, a bit suspense and love. The love story between Delany and Field is superb. You see him change before your eyes as you are reading the story. Well you see how God changed his thoughts on social class and his feelings on servant hood. They both have flaws and are flawed people which made the characters for me relatable. <br /><br />Overall I would recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction. I think that the author did a great job in her research and she takes you on a journey to colonial times in which you really can picture the setting and experience it through reading. I enjoy when an author can do that!<br /><br />Favorite Quotes:<br /> "I am still a servant to the only One who never left me. The One who sent His Son to die for me. He has my allegiance, and I will not betray Him for you or anyone else."<br /><br />(I received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

Years have passed since former indentured servant Delaney Fleet's girlish dreams of marrying Field Archer were crushed by cruel words. Since then, Delaney is a widow, but a widow who has worked hard, owns a business, and owns her own property, which is no small feat for a woman living in Virginia during the Revolutionary time period. When Archer pops back into her life with smuggled firearms and war threatens everything she's worked for, Delaney must leave Norfolk to protect herself, her family and friends. As she becomes embroiled in plots against patriot and tory alike, Delaney must use all her resourcefulness and determination to survive, but one thing she doesn't expect is for her feelings for Archer to reemerge and grow. As tensions rise between America and the Crown, Delaney will have to forge her own destiny in a world that seeks to take her freedoms away from her, and she must balance that with her faith and her heart. <br />I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed The Shopkeeper's Widow. I love Revolutionary War history so much that I specialized in it for my masters, and this had everything I loved in a good historical fiction. There was intrigue, smuggling and so much romance that kept me interested. I adored Delaney as a character with her determination, her wit, her kind heart and her grit. She was a very sympathetic character who I felt very invested in. The plot itself didn't slow down in the way many in this genre do. Fraught with danger and peril, The Shopkeeper's Widow is a story about forgiveness and second chances as a young woman must fight hard for what she wants and do what her heart tells her is right at a time where lines are being drawn and war beckons. If you enjoy Historical fiction, I encourage you to pick up this book. It was very good.

I believe this is the first book that I have read by this author - and it will NOT be my last. This book is set in 1774 Norfolk, Va. The Revolutionary Time period is such an important part of history - and one that I don't get to read about as often as I like. The cover of this book is breathtaking and drew me in.<br /><br />In this story we meet former indentured servant, Delaney Fleet. She is a strong, likable main character. She now is widowed and owns several properties. Delaney was not in love with her husband. She was promised to him. However, she inherited his properties upon his death. Due to this turbulent time, Delaney is afraid that the English will destroy or seize her properties. Delaney is very anti-slavery. Her workforce are former slaves that she allowed to purchase their freedom. <br /><br />In this book you will also meet, Field Archer. He is on the fence with the whole slavery issue. He owns a lot of land, and has a huge plantation. Field and Delaney have known each other since childhood. Being a widowed woman, while she is independent Delaney still needs some protection from all that is going on. That is where Field comes in. With their history, sparks will fly. <br /><br />The author has crafted a very original story line. I have not read another book like this. Strong, likeable characters that will feel like you are standing right there with them. I loved the way that the author writes. It flows well together. I felt that the research that was done was historically accurate from what I know of this time period. <br /><br />I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.

I loved this book. I felt like the characters were very well developed. Delaney is the shopkeeper's widow and she is trying to determine her place in the world. She does own the shop now but was also an indentured servant when she was a child so her place in society is limited, at least in her own mind.<br /><br />Field is the other main character. He is the son of wealthy landowners and his place in society is established. Delaney has had a crush on Field since she was a child but Field didn't see her that way.<br /><br />The other lesser characters were also well developed. Delaney's family by marriage, the man that does want to marry her and the villains are all well portrayed.<br /><br />Delaney has to decide if she will stay in town and run her shop or if she will go to live in her country home when the British start to take over her town. Field is trying to smuggle things to his father and wants Delaney's help. Will she help him?<br /><br />This is a Christian book and very well done. I enjoyed how faith is portrayed in the book and I did not find it preachy. It is also historical fiction and that was also very well done. I felt like it was a very good representation of the times.<br /><br />My biggest disappointment was that it ended too soon, too abruptly. I have never read a book by Izzy James before and I hope this is not the last book of her's that I read. I would recommend this book to my friends. I give it a 5 out of 5-star rating. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. This was given to me through Celebrate-Lit. <br />