I had high hopes for this read, but they fell quite short. I LOVED this author's previous book "The Doctor's Lady" loosely based off of Marcus and Narcissa Whitmans journey west. When I saw that "Rebellious Heart" was loosely based on John and Abigail Adams I couldn't wait to begin. That is where things started going down hill. The characters, Ben Ross and Susanna Smith, are supposedly great friends and the book's purpose was to give us a glimpse of that friendship developing. The problem was... they didn't EVER come across as friends. From the beginning the author portrayed them as having physical attraction and they often appeared interested in each other. I would have liked to see the friendship portion developed longer and then blossom into something romantic. Instead, the characters seem flat and overly romantic. Which brings me to my next point, believability. I BELIEVED "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride," I did NOT believe "Rebellious Heart." The characters didn't seem like they stayed in the bounds of propriety for that time period. Too many stollen kisses and caresses. It felt overdone and not consistent with the period era. Overall, I love Hedlund's first two books, didn't care for this one. Perhaps I will give "Unending Devotion" a shot. I hope it has better characterization than "Rebellious Heart" and that it isn't over the top romantic in a way that compromises the story. If you enjoy historical fiction, this one is for you. The author has skilfully combined historical facts with drama and romance. It doesn't take the reader long to become part of the 1763 Massachusetts community on the eve of the American Revolution. In Susanna Smith, Ms Hedlund has created an independent, intelligent and caring female main character who knows her own mind but fights against the constraints of her time. This novel is loosely based on the the early relationship of the second President of the United States, John Adams and his First Lady, Abigail Adams. Excellent research and the clever use of words brings the time and place alive on the page. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
What do You think about Rebellious Heart (2013)?
Rebellious Heart was an amazing book! I enjoyed the romance, drama and history!
—molly
A fictional account of John and Abigail Adams
—Christyboo
