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    Love's Pursuit
    Love's Pursuit
    Love's Pursuit
    Audiobook10 hours

    Love's Pursuit

    Written by Siri Mitchell

    Narrated by Ali Ahn and Rachel Botchan

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Set in 1640s Puritan Massachusetts, this "flawlessly crafted" (Booklist) historical novel by Christy Award finalist Siri Mitchell delivers a heart-wrenching tale of true love and triumphant grace. While Susannah awaits an overdue marriage proposal, a powerful villager takes a fancy to her. But after a dashing military captain comes to town, she's unprepared for the sinister turn her life soon takes. "A richly emotional, unforgettable story."-Booklist
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateNov 27, 2009
    ISBN9781440773891
    Love's Pursuit
    Author

    Siri Mitchell

    Siri Mitchell is the author of 16 novels. She has also written 2 novels under the pseudonym of Iris Anthony. She graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and has worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Visit her online at sirimitchell.com; Facebook: SiriMitchell; or Twitter: @SiriMitchell.

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    Reviews for Love's Pursuit

    3.5/5

    51 ratings17 reviews

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    • 3/5
      Love's Pursuit is an historical romance set in Puritanical New England. The main character was developed nicely, although I found myself wanting to have a better grasp on the other characters and their relationships. Historical details seemed to be well researched, and the plot moved quite well once it finally got off the ground. I found the dialog to be somewhat stilted, and was difficult to get used to. The thing that frustrated me most about the book was the switching of point-of-view. The story was written mostly from the 1st person pov of Susannah Phillips, although it would occasionally jump to the 1st person pov of Small-Hope. The character of Small-Hope was underdeveloped, and it was frustrating to be reading from her pov without knowing much about her. There were times when I felt like it jumped to 3rd person, only to realize that it was the thoughts of Small-Hope.The foreshadowing of some aspects of the plot could have been handled a little more subtly in my opinion, while at the same time I would have liked to have some of the details about the alleged abuse made clearer. But once I got into the book, it was a fairly enjoyable read.
    • 4/5
      While I am still unsure about how I felt about the actual love story in Love's Pursuit, I will say that I really enjoyed reading a novel set in a time and place that I am not familiar with. I found the traditions of the Puritan community to be fascinating. I agree with other reviewers that the book was a little confusing in the beginning, but I was OK with that - it was Mitchell's way of making us think and keeping us engaged. I would (and have) recommend this book to others.
    • 5/5
      Siri Mitchell does what few romance writers do well: that is, write a book that is not cliche, sappy, or formulaic. She also gives enough historical detail to draw the reader into the time period - without making the reader feel bogged down in history and stopping the flow of the plot. "Love's Pursuit" is one that is hard to put down. It's characters are believable and it's plot flows right to the end.
    • 5/5
      When I started this book, I thought it was going to be a typical historical fiction romance. This book is anything but typical. There is a depth and beauty to the story that really is far beyond the norm. The writing is beautiful, and I really look forward to reading more by Siri Mitchell.I have to admit that at first I was really drawn to the cover. I am a total sucker for a good cover, and in my opinion this book has a great one! Once I started reading, I was really drawn into the story. The story is very complex and not at all a light fluffy romance. The characters are well rounded, and both the characters and the story take the reader to unexpected places. There was an incredible amount of information just about the daily lives of these early Americans.I'd highly recommend this book. While it's labeled as Christian Fiction, any lover of historical romance will enjoy the book. As I stated before, this isn't a light, fluffy romance. This story will pull you in and keep you reading. I finished the book in one day - I couldn't put it down. Definitely a book worth reading and recommending.
    • 3/5
      This is an uncomfortable read. It is fabulous story telling, and the themes are ones that need to be told. But it is not warm and fuzzy, and nor does it need to be to be told well. Siri Mitchell is an incredible author and her writing is good. She delves into the harder sides of characters lives and deals with stories that need to be told in a manner where many would just walk away from the pain and hardships. However this book is not all prickles and stings, there are the shimmers of light one needs to grab onto to keep on going. One must grab them though and not let them pass on by. In my opinion, this is one of those stories where after reading it, you do not just get up and go back into a loud world, but you sit and contemplate and let what has been experienced soak in. Love's Pursuit is a perfect title for this book. Through out you assume things to be one way, yet reading the back cover blurb another, and then as plot thickens and other things change you assume another. Yet to me, in reality, the title is meant in a different frame of view entirely. The first half of this book was a bit for me to trudge through, but I am so glad that I did and I do recommend the book. I recommend when you get to parts that you might want to put it down, that you keep on going, because the gift that you are given by accomplishing this read are well worth your effort.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book. It was an interesting insight into the life and customs in the early years of our country, especially the Puritans and more interestingly into the Puritan women. I enjoyed the love story but was so happy that it was more than that. I highly reccomend this book to any who enjoy historical romance or historical fiction.
    • 3/5
      Susannah Phillips lives in a Puritan community. She loves her family and friends. She's hoping soon to settle down and start a family of her own with John (but he has yet to ask). Then Daniel (the Captain) comes to help protect them against the savages and throws Susannah Phillips' world into a tailspin. She is drawn to him because he makes her laugh and feel things she's never felt before but according the the 'puritan' way of thinking he is a heathen. Then there is Simeon. He is not what he seems and more. His sights are set on Susannah. Who will win her hand? Or is her future chosen for her? Will she discover what real love is? How does a woman Small-hope help her?This was a good story but in the beginning was a bit confusing to read because both Susannah and Small-hope were written in first person. I have to say that I feel in the love with Daniel. He's the one that made me keep reading. The ending was good but very bitter-sweet for me. All-in-all in was a good read and worth the time.
    • 4/5
      Love’s Pursuit by Siri Mitchell is a fun-loving, involving, heart rendering, and tragic book that gently pulls you in and before you know it you are in the maelstrom. It is a book about the Puritans, not the Amish, which might be assumed from only looking at the front cover. But the belief system is similar as far as I can tell, and it did not detract whatsoever from my thorough enjoyment of this book. Love’s Pursuit is written in the voice of the heroine, Susannah Phillips, and Small-hope Smyth, a woman with a troubled past who seems to always be in the shadows of the action. Susannah tries hard to be a good Puritan, but she constantly has rebellious thoughts. She finds herself in conflict when a soldier arrives to help train the townspeople to guard against Indian attack. He is fun loving and has a freer form of belief that she is secretly yearning towards. Despite her best efforts to be married to John Prescotte, she finds herself single and drawn to Captain Daniel Holcombe, a member of the King’s army. Small-Hope is seen as a withdrawn woman in a troubled marriage. She gives a bird’s eye perspective on all the action taking place. One is intrigued by her silence and skulking in the shadows. Even though she abhors the limelight, she is never far away. She is one of the key characters to watch in this story. A third main character of note in my opinion is Simon Wright. He has blond hair. He has blue eyes. He is pleasant and the girls flock to him. He has his cap set on Susannah as he finds her the best maiden in the town. He is a leading townsperson, but there is something about him that causes Susannah to not give him a moment’s notice and to be troubled when he makes her aware of his intentions. Love’s Pursuit kept me turning pages. It almost seems as if there could be a sequel to this eye gripping want to punch the bad guy story. It is a look into the daily life of a Puritan. It is a love story. It has suspense, hope and reassurance. I couldn’t ask more from this story. I highly recommend it. It gets my big thumbs up. It was memorable for its ending and gets extra points for that.
    • 5/5
      Love's Pursuit is a Christian romance that takes place in a small Puritan community in 17th century Massachusetts. The heroine, Susannah Phillips, is the perfect Puritan woman--faithful, obedient, and kind. However, she constantly torments herself with thoughts that she is "not good enough"--either for God or for the zealous, rule-bound society she lives in. When Susannah meets Daniel Holcombe, an English (and therefore very much NOT Puritan) captain sent to protect the community of Stoneybrooke from "savages", she has to make the choice between following the rules...and following her heart.Ok, ok...it sounds totally cheesy when put that way, but Love's Pursuit is actually a very moving book. Even though it is a work of Christian fiction, it never comes off as preachy--probably because it is set in 1640 in a Puritan community, so discussions about God and the Bible seem very natural and not forced. One major religious theme that runs throughout the book is that of salvation through grace vs. salvation through works--Susannah initially thinks that by following the rules, she can prove to herself and others that she's a good Christian. Over time, she comes to see that no one, no matter how "good" they may seem on the outside, can be saved without accepting God's grace. Again, her transformation is very moving. The book also has an unexpected ending, which gives it an authenticity that I sometimes fail to see in other works of Christian fiction. I'll say it again: Love's Pursuit is a cut above the rest. It's an emotional, compelling story that I had trouble putting down.
    • 4/5
      I love historical fiction, but have never really strayed into the Christian lit area. The book is set in Massachusetts during the 1640's -- the Puritan community of Stoneybrooke. Susannah Phillips is a devout Puritan trying desperately to live a humble and good life according to how she has been raised and what she believes. Her life is turned upside down when an older man who wants to possess her vies for her hand in marriage over a young man who has been courting her.Susannah's voice is clear but scared, and is joined by another character -- Small-hope. Small-hope Smyth is a woman who was rescued from an abusive father only to join a community that shuns her because she is different. Small-hope wants to help save Susannah from her pending doom with an abusive man while trying to be a good wife to the man who saved her. Susannah finally realizes her heart is different than she thought and falls in love with a "heathen" and a "king's man".This is a story of accepting who you are, what you believe and how the grace of God works. The changes in first person voice are a bit annoying because you have to decipher who is speaking – either Susannah or Small-hope. The story is heavily Christian and scripture heavy, however it reflects the spiritual journey the characters are traveling and helps show the beliefs system Puritans lived through.
    • 5/5
      Historical fiction has never been one of my favorite genres, but that may have changed since I read Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell.Set in the closed community of Stonybrooke Towne, Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1640s, it tells the story of a Puritan woman by the name of Susannah Phillips. Susannah is at marrying age, and is anxious to marry John Prescotte as soon as his father is well enough for John to build them a house.Most of the other girls in town have their eyes and hearts set on Simeon Wright, a man of high rank in the community. But there is something about him that disturbs Susannah.Susannah's religion is all about appearances, and though she has learned to abide by Puritan regulations, she questions her ability to be a good person. When Captain Daniel Holcombe arrives in Stonybrooke to help protect the people from Indians, her belief system is challenged. Through Susannah's contact with him, she learns what love and grace are all about, at the risk of being ostracized by her family and community.Woven into this story is the subplot of Small-hope Smyth, a woman with a nightmarish past, and a heart that sees the trouble that Susannah is headed for.This story is great on so many levels. Here are a few of the things I particularly enjoyed about Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell:Realistic ToneWith a story set in a Puritan village in the 1640s, the author's ability to voice the story in the syntax of that time adds to its realism. Here's a few examples:Aye, I did tire of being good. And I did think rebellious thoughts. Often. Especially on days like this one.Would that I was like Mary who had been a hellion and constant thorn in my parents flesh.Nay. A savage could go like a spirit through the woods, leaving no sounds to mark his presence. Least that is what the men said. This ting then could be no savage. It must be a bear. One which would not be pleased to have its access to berries denied.Attention To Historical DetailIt's evident when reading this story that the author has spent hours in researching Puritan life. The chores they performed, their worship habits, their courting/marriage ritual, their clothing. This helps pull the reader into the story world in such a way, that you actually feel like you are living in 17th century America.Point of ViewI am becoming a bigger and bigger fan of first-person POV, though I understand it is difficult to write. This story is in told in first-person, past tense through the character of Susannah Phillips, and first-person, present tense through the character of Small-hope Smyth.Here's a snippet from Susannah's POV:Simeon Wright with his flaxen hair, pleasing manner, and cool blue eyes, was the object of many girls' ardor. Girls of Mary's age. That he had not yet chosen to marry only seemed to increase their devotion. At Mary's approach, Simeon looked toward her, but then his eyes moved past my sister to fix upon me. Even across the stretch of barren between us, I could feel the weight of his gaze.And now from Small-hope's POV:I am my name. I have small hopes. But the largest of my small wishes is that I be overlooked. In my experience, the less one is noticed, the less trouble one encounters. There are those by whom I have no wish to be seen. Simeon Wright is one of them.Sub-TextingMy writer's eyes have started noticing this more and more, and here's an example from the book. In this scene, Susannah's family has set a trap for the flocks of pigeons that are destroying their harvest."If only the trapped bird could warn them off." It seemed a piteous end to a creature so sleek and soft. Even if they did try to eat our grain.Mother snorted. "And a good thing that it cannot.""They can see the slaughter, but they follow another to it anyway. Why can they not see they have judged incorrectly?"She shrugged. "Because the scene is so deceptive. They cannot fathom that things are not what they seem."Needless to say, the scene above is more about the plot of this story than it is about catching birds.Strong Spiritual ThreadI love it when a story so adequately portrays a spiritual truth, that I'm left in awe of God. I so want my own writing to affect others that way. (Based on this story, I've got a LOOONG way to go.) This message is one of grace and hope that leaves your heart touched long after you've read the final page.
    • 4/5
      It has been a while since I have read any historical fiction. Saying that, it took me a while to get into this one, but toward the end, I was anxious to know what would happen to Susannah. The first person dialogue switched between two characters and I did find myself rereading several passages to discover who was speaking. Other than that, I felt like it was a good read and I also was pleased to see that Susannah accepted salvation by grace and not works.
    • 2/5
      Overall, I was pretty disappointed by the book. Especially during the first chapters, I was entirely confused trying to figure out who the first-person character currently was. I also didn't like the melodramatic feel of much of the book and thought that most of the book was too predictable. I did enjoy reading about the everyday life of the Puritans. I also appreciated the view of salvation by grace that the main character adopted by the end of the book.
    • 2/5
      I'm having a very difficult time finishing this book. I was excited to get it because I've read her other book [The Constant Heart] and thought that it was very good and for the most part well researched and written. However, this book just seems very disjointed. I'm not sure if this is just because of the breaks in the book for Small-Hope or not. The characters are very flat. Maybe this will change as I continue, but I'm over half way done now so I'm not sure. If for some reason the book improves I'll increase my rating and review. I would recommend her other books, but so far not this one.
    • 3/5
      While this book is well written I found it to be the most depressing Christian book I have read. The revelation of God's grace instead of works finally shown through. I admit that I couldn't grasp of a community like the one described here. I will read another of Siri's book to see if I can change my mind.
    • 2/5
      Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell has been one of the most well researched historical fictions that I have read in a long time. The story of a Purtian family and their day to day life was interesting reading. Susannah Phillips character is in-depth and three deminsional. Ms. Mitchell's foray into the religious thinking of the puritan is commendable. To be used as a historical adjunct is the best catagory to place Love's Pursuit in. I do not think that a hopless romantic will enjoy this story. The reader looking for God's love will find themselves hoping for a lighter tone. God's love is there, but it is overshadowed by darker edges that truly could have been life in Early America. Those looking for God's love will have to push aside the darker overtone.There are a few name mix ups in this advanced galley and some chapters could be cleaned up and mixed together.
    • 4/5
      This was a book that after reading the first half of the book I thought "well written" but wasn't real interested in the Puritan community and the story line. But I encourage all to Keep Reading!! it really all comes together at the end!!! It is a story of Susannah Phillips, who tries so hard to be good by everyones standards in her community. Then along comes Daniel, a soldier in the king's army sent to help the folks stay safe from the savages. Add to this two other men in Susannah's life, plus the lady in town called "Small-Hope", who you want to pay close attention to. This was NOT the ending I was expecting, but an ending I very much appreciated, right down to the very last page!