Peni Jo Renner

I have been lucky in my historical fiction reading lately, as I've been privileged to read fictional accounts of two subjects I have always been fascinated with. One being ancient Egypt and in the case of this book, the Salem Witch trials.

Puritan Witch is based on the true story of Rebecca Eames, who experienced the trials as one of the accused. The author is a descendant, Rebecca being her ninth great-grandmother. The story is told from Rebecca's point of view and has an authentic biographical tone. One could almost believe that it was an actual written account from Rebecca's own hand.

The horrors experienced by the people accused in the trials are almost beyond belief. And anyone could be accused on a whim. If you had a vendetta with a neighbor, you could just accuse them of witchcraft. It really was mass hysteria. That's the only way I can describe it. The author tells the story vividly and so the reader really feels what Rebecca went through. The deplorable conditions in the 'dungeon', as they called it, and the shocking humiliation of the physical examination in front of all, including the shaving of the hair on the head and pubis, was almost too much to bare. One cannot read such a book without a heavy heart.

This time in our history is one that all Americans should regret. It is something that should never have happened, but it did. Books like Puritan Witch are important because they remind us of a terrible history that should never be repeated. If you are interested in the history of the Salem trials or American history in general, this is a book you should definitely read.
… (mer)

This is one of those rare books you cannot put down until you’ve finished it. The characters are based upon known facts of the author’s ancestors, and she has transformed them into a ripping tale of trust, lies, and deceit. Mary Case was a colonial woman of Connecticut, seduced into trusting a man who almost became the death of her, literally. Her daughter, Kezia, was the product of that tangled web, and Mary ultimately faced the task of telling Kezia the truth about her life and her father. The characters are rich and compelling. Their adventure is fascinating.… (mer)

Mary Case is the daughter of the town's Puritan minister in Hereford, Connecticut in 1693. When prisoners are brought in, it is Mary's job to take care of their wounds and feed them. When Daniel Eames is brought in for thievery, Mary finds herself taken with him after several visits and when Mary learns of Daniel's fate, she quickly decides to help him escape. When the escape plan goes awry, Daniel convinces Mary to leave with him. Not wanting to leave her ill sister, Lizzy, but also not wanting to marry the manipulative assistant preacher Noah, Mary reluctantly escapes with Daniel and begins an adventure and builds their relationship trying to evade the men looking for them. Years later, Mary's daughter Kezia finds the letters that Mary wrote about her time with Daniel and learns the true story of her father and her parentage.

Continuing the story of her family's history, Peni Jo Renner now turns to Daniel Eames. Equipped with only one note from his and Mary's trial, a beautiful and intriguing story has been woven. At first, I was a little unsure of Mary's actions that lead her to leave with Daniel. She seemed very naive to be taken with this prisoner so quickly that she would trust him so fully and leave with him. However, looking at Mary's Puritan background, upbringing and actual history, this is a little more believable. I enjoyed reading about Mary's time on the run with Daniel and his faithful dog Riff, especially her encounters and time within the Algonquin Indian camp. It was interesting to see her perspective of the 'savages' change as she spent time with them. Mary's character grew for me as the duo was recaptured and returned to Hereford, at this point she was a much stronger person and able to stand up for what she wanted. I was glad to see the reappearance of Rebecca Eames toward the end of the story and the bond that she was able to create with Mary.

This book was provided for free in return for an honest review.… (mer)

First, I would like to thank Goodreads for making me a winner of this book. Second, I would like to graciously thank Peni Jo Renner for her timely sending of this book to me, and the lovely note and autograph (I had forgotten the contest was for an autographed copy, so imagine my delight) it got here in less than 3 days.

I managed to pace myself and spread the reading over two nights! I savored every single word. Impressive historical accuracy. I could "feel" each characters feelings, love, fear, despair and downright terror. I felt as if I could each one's voice as I read. I almost felt as if I was there. The fact that the author is actually the ninth great granddaughter of the title character resounds in Ms. Renner's writing. I understand it is a work of fiction, but the history is there, well researched and brought to the fore in a most plausible and enthralling way. I applaud Ms. Renner for bringing to light the story of her ancestor's (fictional though it is), in a most endearing and honorable work.

I was thoroughly engaged in reading this book and will not sully my review with spoilers.… (mer)