Summary from GoodReads:

In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin’s household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of his part in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. A love story and a tale of courage, The Wolves of Andover confirms Kathleen Kent’s ability to craft powerful stories of family from colonial history

My Review:

While I haven’t read Kathleen Kent’s previous books (that apparently give the ending to the story of The Traitor’s Wife), I was intrigued enough to pick this one up and give it a shot.  To give you an example of how much I loved this book, I’ve now purchased Kent’s other book.

The Traitor’s Wife was originally published under the name The Wolves of Andover – and in a way, I wish that title had stuck.  I picked up this book thinking that the title would make sense, and.. while it does in a very subtle way, I just think it gives the wrong impression.

This is the prelude to Kent’s The Heretic’s Daughter.  It explores the relationship between Martha Allen and Thomas Carrier and I loved every single sentence of the book.  I was completely immersed in history, surrounded by lush descriptions and found the heroine to be strong, stubborn and strong-willed without having any of the cloying, disgusting whimpering that historical heroines in these types of books can often end up having.

The love story between Martha and Thomas was so realistic as well.  Not always is love all titters and secretive looks and sneaking out into the barn,  it’s also harsh, it has to be worked at, and there has to be mutual respect between the two people.  Although there was not a whole lot of affection shown, I never once doubted that these two were in love with each other and that the marriage would work.  A strong relationship like that speaks well for both the characters and the author who puts them to paper.

Kathleen Kent has a prominent place in my “authors to watch for” list.  A good historical fiction writer, especially one writing about the early days of America, is not easy to come by but Kent has knocked it out of the ballpark with The Traitor’s Wife.  Put this one on your list to read.

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