The Birthright: Song of Acadia #3

Written by Janette Oke T. Davis Bunn
Review by Nan Curnutt

The Song of Acadia series began with two young women, one British and one French, who become close friends despite the fact their countries were at war. This book is about their daughters, Nicole and Anne, who share as deep a friendship as their mothers.  Nicole’s Uncle Charles wants to make her heiress to his vast property in England.  Although Nicole doesn’t want this, she feels led to join her uncle on his English estate, separating her from her family and Anne not long after being reunited with them.  When Anne’s life takes a dramatic change, she finds herself bound for England to join Nicole.  Through joys and tragedies these two young women, unchanged by the wealth that surrounds them, struggle to discover what shape their lives are destined to take.

The plot seems forced at times, and circumstances are placed rather conveniently for the major characters.  What the book lacks in plot is more than made up in historical detail.  The authors authentically describe Halifax and Georgian England prior to the Revolution.  Another strength of this work is the way affection is portrayed.  The characters’ true concern for each other is evident but not overwhelming.

This story is most meaningful when read after the two previous books in the series.