G76 E-Reading: Book Review of Vanguard of Hope by Kathy Steinemann

Name of Book: Vanguard of Hope

Author: Kathy Steinemann

ISBN: 9780988089747

Publisher: self-published

Part of a Series: The Sapphire Brigade

Type of book: 1890-1895, 1912, childhood abuse, protection, marriage, mysteries, Sapphire Brigade, hiding identities, justice, doctor, racism, interracial romance, African American male/white female

Year it was published: 2013

Summary:

LISETVILLE, 1890 -- Murders are committed; homes are burned; family secrets are buried; an unexpected romance complicates lives. Amid the mystery and violence, a vigilante brigade emerges to administer justice.

Flowing through the intrigue and drama is a dark undercurrent that will touch your heart as you empathize with the victims.

Characters:

When I first encountered Hope and Peter, I did not like either one, but as I learned little by little about Hope's fears and so forth, I grew to like her. When important events are revealed, I also liked Peter and how much he went from being someone cold to someone who loved Hope a great deal and would be willing to do anything for her. Some characters I also wasn't uncertain about, just like Hope was which made it more mysterious and tense. What is the truth about a doctor that treats Hope and her sister? What really has happened to Solomon the slave? I also liked that it had an interracial romance and I really wanted for Solomon and Hope to become married. The men and women are portrayed as compassionate who care a lot for Hope and want the best for her.

Theme:

People are compassionate and will help in life no matter what darkness one hides.

Plot:

This is written in a diary format straight from Hope's point of view, although at the end there is a diary entry written by Owen Vargas, and newspaper clips written by Hope's younger sister. The story is well woven and kept my interest towards the very end. There is a lot that wasn't revealed, that I want to know and hope she will reveal in the next book. The story ends rather abruptly, but it certainly adds more to the mystery.

Author Information:
(from goodreads.com)

gender
female

website
http://KathySteinemann.com

twitter username
KathySteinemann

member since
June 2012


About this author

Kathy Steinemann won provincial public speaking and writing awards during her school years, wrote the school news column for the community paper, and was a regular contributor to her high school newspaper.

She has always eagerly embraced new technological advances, creative projects, and continuing education. Her career has taken varying directions, including positions as editor of a community weekly, computer-network administrator, and webmaster. She has also worked on projects in commercial art and cartooning.

Opinion:

Here's the most important question, first of all; where's the sequel? This was a very addictive novel for me with a strong female heroine and I couldn't really decide whether or not it was fiction. Hope is an addictive and a sort of tragic character, the story and setting are also addictive, but what surprisingly cinched the book for me is the mysterious Sapphire Brigade; who are they, why are they looking out for Hope and the family, and certain involvements and untold stories. I would be reading the story on my e-reader, and just could never stop reading. Strangely enough I didn't notice any mistakes, and the characters, both men and women change shades, so you're never quite sure of what to make out of them. I was surprised that I was addicted to this book and groaned at the idea it ended...

Quick notes: I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review the book.

5 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)