#BookReview – “Freedom’s Path” by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Blurb 

Working as a maid in the Deerbourne Inn gives freedom-fighter Sidonie Demers the perfect cover for helping escaping slaves travel farther along the Underground Railroad. The patterns in her quilts serve as messages directing them to the safest route. The cause is a personal one for octoroon Sidonie whose mother and grandmother escaped bondage years earlier. 

Army Corporal Colin Crawford arrives in Willow Springs, in disguise as a salesman, to ferret out abolitionist activity. Raised in a state that forbids slavery, he's conflicted about upholding the Fugitive Slave Act but believes in laws and fulfilling his duty. 

The attraction between Colin and Sidonie is evident and irresistible, but what will happen when their true identities are revealed?

Review

In the third novella in the Deerbourne Inn series, Sidonie Demers is working with the Underground Railroad to help escaped slaves reach Canada and freedom. It’s 1855, and even though Vermont is a free state, the federal law requires all escaped slaves be returned to their masters. Even though she’s the daughter of an escaped slave, Sidonie can pass for white and uses that to her advantage in order to help others.

As an army corporal, it’s Colin Crawford job to uncover the abolitionist movement in Willow Springs, Vermont, but falling for the pretty maid at the local inn wasn’t part of his undercover assignment. Now, he has to make a choice. Follow the law or his heart.

Sidonie and Colin are wonderfully strong-willed characters, fighting for opposite sides, but their beliefs align. Luckily, Colin is conflicted about his duties and intelligent enough to not blindly follow orders he doesn’t believe in.

I love the historical setting and the detailed environment. The story is great, but it ended abruptly with a few unanswered questions. Still, I enjoyed it and would like to read more books by Ms. Carroll-Bradd.

5 Stars

Disclaimer – I volunteered to read and review this book. Thank you, Linda Carroll-Bradd, for sending me an ebook copy. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.