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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Some journeys change far more than your destination. In Forsaking All Others, Jo Horne takes readers back to 1858 Missouri, where Annabelle “Belle” Carrington's life appears carefully planned. However, as her engagement approaches, she begins to have doubts. At the center of her world is Sudie, the enslaved woman she grew up with. Changing expectations have altered their once-close relationship, but there’s still a pull there. Soon, Noah Rydell arrives bearing news that her Uncle Daniel, her mother’s brother, is sick. She finds herself intrigued by him, even though she wouldn’t admit it. With her mother unable to go and care for Daniel, Belle is sent in her place. There, she meets Noah's spirited sister, Nan, as well as others who offer her a fresh perspective. With each new experience, Belle is forced to rethink her beliefs about family, freedom, and loyalty. She also begins to question the future she once assumed was certain. What path will Belle choose?
Forsaking All Others by Jo Horne was an amazing story full of history, hope, and most of all heart. I cared about and got attached to everyone far more than I expected. Early on, I could tell Sudie was important to Belle, but I don't think Belle fully realized just how much that friendship meant until life began pulling them in different directions. Sudie became my favorite character. I felt her fear, strength, and humanity. I admired how she always seemed to be able to forgive Belle. Belle was also very dynamic. I liked watching her grow more empathetic. Everyone else was just as well developed. Horne's writing flowed naturally. The quiet moments, especially those between Belle and Sudie, balanced the more dramatic ones. This book reminded me how people can evolve when they're willing to rethink their beliefs. As Maya Angelou said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Anyone who enjoys historical fiction with heart will want to pick this up.
