ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Freedom's Call
Author: Douglas Cornelius
Publisher: Crosslink Publishing
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult Christian Historical Fiction
Just moments earlier, the steamboat at Brady's command had rounded the Mississippi river-bend effortlessly. But then a sudden explosion causes fourteen-year-old Brady to fail his cub-pilot test, shattering his dream. What's more, the explosion takes the life of a family member, and now revenge grabs hold of Brady's heart. He blames a black deck hand, William Wells Brown, who flees and becomes a fugitive slave.
Brady reluctantly takes an apprentice job for abolitionist newspaperman Elijah Lovejoy. Would Lovejoy's Christian message soften Brady's heart? Or would his fondness for mixed-race office mate Charlotte? Brady remains conflicted, and spirals to a new low. But when an angry mob seizes Lovejoy's printing press and dumps it in the river, Brady is called to escort a new press via steamboat along the river that Mark Twain would make famous. Danger lurks around every bend, whether from river pirates or pro-slavery thugs.
When Lovejoy's fate is in the hands of an enraged mob, will Brady become more than a champion of freedom of the press? Will he ever meet up with Brown again? What role will Charlotte play?
Based on true stories featuring the lives of two noted figures of the pre-Civil War era: Elijah Lovejoy, Christian newspaper abolitionist, whom Lincoln knew, and William Wells Brown, a fugitive slave who became a famous author documenting the plight of the slaves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Douglas Cornelius is retired from business careers at Target, Amex, and 3M. Except for two short years teaching in Alabama, he is a life-long resident of the Twin Cities, where winters are far more tolerable than common folklore dictates. His love of writing historical fiction came late in life—no doubt from creative urges fostered early by his inventive father, and now unbound from the shackles of the business world.
With his writing, Doug gravitates to story that reveals history, as that is the most interesting way to comprehend it. A fast-paced tale with strong characters revealing a loving and gracious God triumphs any day. Hence, Doug tries to provide quick reads with meaningful glimpses of times past—stories of faith and life that transcend their historical timelines. Hopefully, they will linger in minds longer than the time it takes to read them, as therein lies success.
A graduate of Cornell University, Doug currently serves on the Board of the Minnesota Inventors’ Hall of Fame, and when not writing, may be found in middle-school classrooms, inspiring kids to become inventors, or speaking on behalf of Feed My Starving Children. He has been married over 44 years to wife Leslie, with children Brian and Cristina, and three grandchildren.
Two of Doug’s previous books are Award-winners:
- 2018 Illuminate – Juvenile/YA Fiction – Silver Award for The Baker’s Daughter: Braving Evil in WW II Berlin (LPC Publishing).
- 2017 Moonbeam Children’s – YA Fiction-Religion – Silver Award for Da Vinci’s Disciples.
MY THOUGHTS
I read this book with my 9 year old son, who suddenly has taken a huge interest in history. This book is set in the years prior to the Civil War. Which in my opinion as a historian, are important years. The years prior to the Civil War were foundational. It helps to understand why the War happened.
In this book, we meet Brady Scott. He lost his mother in a tragic accident. Not only does the accident leave him an orphan, it leaves him VERY bitter. He ends up meeting Elijah Lovejoy, who is a writer and publisher. He is an abolitionist writer. Brady ends up working for Elijah. Brady, because of his hurt and bitterness has a hard time trusting people. I loved watching this change while working for Elijah.
When Elijah is attacked by an angry mob - can Brady save him?
This book was a great read. It was historically accurate and based on true stories. My 9 year old and I had some great conversations about this book. I love books that we can learn from.
I received a copy of this book through the JustRead Publicity Tours -- all thoughts are my own.
GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of Freedom's Call!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 28, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 5, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Enter: HERE
Good Morning! Your book sounds great and I'm glad I got to learn about it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your review! - JustRead Tours
ReplyDeleteI liked the review, sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your review, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read.
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