I was tugged along into the perilous adventure of Gwen Morgan, an Irish lass who is separated from her only family member, a sister, when they are orphaned and sent into separate indentures. Living amid danger in the household that purchased her indenture, Gwen makes a life-changing bargain that will offer her freedom, but with it she’ll have to carry a lie for the rest of her life.
Of course, Gwen can’t really comprehend the extent of what that lie means. Can she ever marry and settle down because of her choice? If the lie is jeopardized, will she be forced back into indenture? Soon, she’ll have to decide, but perils hang in the balance no matter what she chooses to do. And how can she acquire the help of the other servants, including the young man who is interested in her on the farm? (Not the wicked one whom she dreads, but another indentured servant who is also a trusted friend. He kept me guessing too.)
Meanwhile, the author weaves in the history of a group of Quakers traveling into the Northwest Territory, and Thomas does a fabulous job of sharing their way of life with the reader. Even with the archaic language they speak, the story is easy to read and remains compelling. Plus, there remained the question of Gwen’s future. Could she live the lie with these honest people, and what about another man she’s growing to care for? How can she ever reveal her secret, or will it be thrown into the open as the past dogs her heels?
I highly recommend Freedom’s Price to lovers of American historical fiction with a dash of romance and intrigue.
