Susanna Smith knows she must marry well if she wishes to continue to help the less fortunate, but she hasn't met a man who thinks of her as an equal, because she is a woman and denied higher education. When Ben Ross, a poor country lawyer, is introduced to her, she finally meets a man who challenges her quick mind, and listens to her opinions. When Susanna makes a dangerous decision to help an innocent woman, she asks for Ben's help, and the two must fight for justice even if it means risking their lives.

Jody Hedlund has written an inspirational romance inspired by the courtship of John and Abigail Adams. The romance in REBELLIOUS HEART is sweet and charming, but readers who like steamy scenes will find none. The murder mystery is exciting, yet expected. Readers will find themselves easily figuring out who committed the murders. Hedlund keeps REBELLIOUS HEART fast paced with tons of action, and some of this takes away from the romance between Susanna and Ben.

It takes most of the story to warm up to Susanna who is bordering on too stubborn and set in her ways to be likable. Fortunately, Susanna does grow and becomes a wonderful character. Ben is agreeable yet frustrating, and readers may wonder why he continues to forgive Susanna time and again. Readers, by the end, may wish Hedlund had written a completely unexpected twist, but the ending is unsurprising.

The theme of self worth is a good one, and the highlight of the story. All in all, REBELLIOUS HEART is an entertaining, but predictable read.

Book Summary

In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she's ever wanted, except one thing: an education. Because she's a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She's determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate. Ben Ross grew up a farmer's son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn't see how he'll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he's drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna's decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben's growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.