Book Review: Charter to Redemption- D.J. Blackmore

Title: Charter to Redemption

Author:  D.J. Blackmore

Publisher/Year: Even Before/2014

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ePub from publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Juicy Stuff:

At the close of 1821, the penal colony of Newcastle looks to be every bit as black as it's painted. Emma Colchester charters a ride to Australia with a promise of marriage to a man she has never met. But appearances aren't always as they seem. And with a commitment unavoidable Emma learns that shackles are not always forged from iron. Tobias Freeman longs for redemption and hope. After a rough journey to New South Wales, Tobias learns the rations, the regulations, and the reprisal. But neither Emma nor Tobias expect the repercussions.

How It Made Me Feel:

This book was definitely my cup of tea.  From the very beginning with the harsh and somewhat rude encounter with the felon, to the very end, I was entranced.  I have found that I am drawn to historical romance books that have the premise of the main character being promised as the bride to a man she's never met.  Generally, those stories never work out right in the beginning and she finds, and falls in love with, someone completely different.  I love having the chance to read through their story, and this book was no different.  It really stood out for me as I had never read a story set in Australia and I wasn't disappointed.  I loved the characters, I loved the quirks the author gave the prisoners, and I love how much time and effort was clearly put in, and noticed, to create this wonderful book. 

What I Thought Worked:

I was greatly amused with the amount of character and personality the author gave to the prisoners.  I couldn't help myself but really enjoy Kevin's character. His conversations made me laugh and want to someday meet someone who speaks Cockney.  I also enjoyed how much history was written into the book.  I know it was a historical fiction book, but sometimes, I have found authors that are more interested in the love story, than the history the book is set in.

What I Thought Didn't Work:

I don't have anything of importance that I would have changed about the book.  I loved it, cover to cover.

Rating

Why It Got That Rating:

This was a book I was easily sucked into.  I loved Emma's character and I also loved how she stood for what she believed, despite what might have been considered improper.  I also loved how much I learned about Australia's history, especially when it came to Newcastle.  This is a book I will have to buy a physical copy of to place on my bookshelf.

Who Would I Recommend To:

I would recommend to anyone who loves a great historical fiction book.  It had everything included for a great novel.  History, romance, adventure, and even humor.