This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In Spanktown Papers by Jane Hulse, Sarah constantly finds herself caught between opposing viewpoints and difficult choices. She is an ambitious young newspaper employee during a time when women are rarely welcomed into public affairs. As the American Revolution unfolds and British forces approach Philadelphia, Sarah finds herself in the middle of competing loyalties amid rising political tensions. She works for a fiercely patriotic publication but lives with a kind Quaker family whose beliefs place them under increasing suspicion because of the Spanktown Papers, a set of documents that accuse members of the religious sect of treason. At the same time, Sarah worries about Tom, the man she loves, who is believed to have died in the war. As time passes, Ethan Ripley gradually becomes important to her. When everyone around her seems certain, how can one young woman decide what’s right? And is she willing to open her heart to someone new if Tom is truly gone?
Spanktown Papers by Jane Hulse had me hooked from beginning to end with its mix of historical events, mystery, politics, and drama. I know a good amount about the Revolutionary era, but this story had me learning so much more, like how negatively Quakers were viewed. I found it even more impactful that I read the book in the year America turns 250. One of my favorite surprises was encountering recognizable historical figures along the way. There was a good balance between suspenseful moments and quieter ones, like when Sarah reflects on her relationship with Tom. Her friendships with Emma and Tess were endearing, and I loved the chemistry she had with Ethan. I truly admired Sarah’s intelligence, curiosity, and willingness to challenge the status quo. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. Readers looking for books about the Revolutionary War with a strong female lead will enjoy this book.
