I was completely impressed with how organically Lisa T Bergen connected the elements throughout this story.
Keturah Tomlinson knows the depth of hurt and grief. What she is not prepared is how much this will influence her towards good when she is challenged to live in a society surrounded by prejudice, slavery, and injustice.

Loss has blackened the Benning household and the sisters decide the best is to sail towards the West Indies and salvage their father`s legacy there. But the land is enfolded by secrets which will test the girls to choose between bitterness or forgiveness, acceptance or isolation, rage or kindness.
The historical aspect was really well done and the love story grew sweetly and tenderly.
I`m surely looking forward to the next one,

In eighteenth century England, men and women had distinct roles in genteel society. Men provided, and women acted as showpieces. When Ketura, The recently widowed Lady Tomlinson, receives word that her father has passed away on his far away West Indies plantation, she feels as if she has just one choice. Her choice flies in the face of convention, though. She has vowed to never marry again, and so she intends to travel to Nevis herself and take change of the sugar plantation herself. He younger sisters decide to accompany her. 

Gray Covington, Keturah’s childhood friend, offers to escort her and protect her on her journey. And only manages to anger Keturah. He finds subtle ways to help her on the long voyage to Nevis, and he discovers that the more he knows about his grown-up friend, the more he admires. He admires her enough to let her speak for herself and wait for her to seek a friendship with him. He just hopes that one day, maybe she’ll change her mind about men. 

Will Keturah and Gray learn to trust God as they struggle to succeed in a new and dangerous land? A beautiful story of how God will restore the years the locusts have eaten if we willingly surrender to him. Fans of Roseanna M. White and Deeanne Gist will love this book.

About the Book:
In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world. 

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives. 

Set on keeping her family together and saving her father's plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

My Thoughts:
I have to admit- Keturah was a difficult read for me. It was a challenge to move through the pages as the plot unfolded in sobering detail as this was not a "light" read. However, the characters drew me in with their strength, grace, and growth. Keturah's journey to find herself by digging deep past her heartbreaking past to resurrect the internal strength long buried by an abusive husband was inspiring. Gray's understanding that he needed to remain in the shadows as she found her way evidenced his intimate knowledge of both her character and vulnerabilities, and his willingness to let her lead the way demonstrated his deep love for her. Even Verity and Selah showed great growth from their drawing room days in England as they rose to the occasion standing side by side with Keturah fighting for the success of the family plantation in Nevis. Although there was a dark undertone throughout the novel, I commend Bergren for bravely facing some of the more difficult aspects of humanity while providing an excellent story of strength, courage, and devoted love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work.

Loved "Keturah" so much. What a delightful read! I fell in love with the characters and setting- getting invested in their struggles and triumphs and relationships. I loved every bit of it, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!! I think this series will have a special place in my heart :)

I have been hooked on Bergren’s writing since the River of Time Series, and Keturah did not disappoint. I appreciate the strong female characters and the sisters’ bond. As the Banning Ladies set sail to Nevis to bring new life to the sugar plantation left behind by their late father, you will be swept away in a world that will make it impossible to put this book down!