🔔⚖️⛪ “Preacher on the Run: A Novel of the Regulator Uprising” (For Liberty & Conscience #1) (2021) ⛪ ⚖️ 🔔 – Blog Tour
Blog Tour
Series: For Liberty & Conscience #1
Paperback: 326 pages
Language: English
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“STANDING FOR TRUTH COULD COST HIM HIS FREEDOM.
It’s 1771, and Robert Boothe has spent the last four years leading the tyrant-hating Regulators against North Carolina’s corrupt British government. All he wants is a safe place for his little Baptist church to live and worship God. But the established church wants him to shut up. The governor wants him dead.
FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM COULD COST HIM HIS LIFE.
Being an unlicensed dissenter preacher has already made Robert a target. Then Colonel Charles Drake comes to town with one ambition: winning the governor’s favor, no matter what it takes. And Robert Boothe just might be his last chance.
YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU CAN’T HIDE.”
EXCERPT
Robert turned away from the stream and said, “Here’s the plan, boys. We get back to Ayen Ford, we don’t go in quietly. We ride in on the main road in broad daylight, and we let Drake see every move we make. It may be risky, but he can’t arrest all of us at once, and it’s time we showed him what he’s up against.”
Saul McBraden said, “Now you’re talking my language.”
Robert smiled. Saul’s bravado was sometimes dangerous, but at the right time it became an asset. This was about to be one of those times. “Then all we’ll do is keep Drake on edge. Watch him every minute we can, and let him know it. You boys can do that on your own even if they shore up the jail, lock me up again, and throw away the key.”
“Out of curiosity,” Alec Perry drawled, “what did they lock you up for this time?”
“Preaching without a license. Officially, that is.”
“Officially is never the real reason,” Alec said.
“Unofficially, they were making a point. I say that because there was no other cause for Drake to make the arrest in front of my church on a Sunday morning.”
“I’m not saying I’m much for one set of doctrine over another,” Alec said, “but that sticks in my craw. Didn’t his mama teach him any reverence a’tall?”
“A man like Drake don’t have a mama,” Ethan Hardy said. “He just sorta crawls out of a dark hole somewhere and there he is.”
“I’m going to enjoy making this gent nervous,” Alec said.
One glance at Alec’s slitted eyes and Robert believed him.
MY REVIEW
Thank you in advance to author, Jayna Baas, for providing a complimentary review copy of the book through her blog tour. A positive review was definitely not required or requested in any way; all words are my own.
I have read a LOT of historical fiction, a genre I really wasn’t interested in up until two (2) years ago. But, here I am, reading more of it now than I have in my life …
To date, I’ve read the following types:
📚 Regency
📚 Civil War
📚 World War I
📚 World War II
📚 1960’s/1970’s
This was my FIRST Revolutionary War read, and this book is definitely a precursor to the Revolutionary War. It is also the author’s debut novel. And, what a debut it is! Her stellar writing and vivid detail almost places the reader in the past to experience history all over again.
My mother has read the John Jakes series’ Kent Family Chronicles which takes place from just before the Revolutionary War to just after the Civil War.
However as of note, that series is definitely not a clean read at all. The cover of this book is definitely on par with the early releases of Jakes’ series.
Baas has done extensive research for her pre-Revolutionary War story. And, in doing so, she creates and crafts a compelling story about a part of history and events that set in motion the reasons behind the war in the first place. As one historian (John Spencer Bassett, 1867-1928 The Regulators of North Carolina (1765-1771). [Washington]: [Govt. Print. Off.], [1895] https://docsouth.unc.edu/nc/bassett95/menu.html) wrote:
“the Regulators did not wish to change the form or principle of their government, but simply wanted to make the colony's political process more equal. They wanted better economic conditions for everyone, instead of a system that benefited the colonial officials.”
Bassett goes on to state:
“The Regulation was not a religious movement. It was rather of an economic and political nature.”
“The grievances of the Regulators were excessive taxes, dishonest sheriffs, and extortionate fees. Each of these was made more intense by the scarcity of money.”
There were some members of the public that felt the regulators were nothing more than outlaws. And, some churches excommunicated members. There are some who even debate the grievances in entirety.
Baas does a fantastic job of putting each perspective in this story. According to her notes, she finds the truth in the middle. As with most everything there are sometimes three (3) truths: side A, side B, and the actual truth. As no one who lived back then is alive now, one must take it all accounts into consideration.
Baas sticks to the the reasons for the grievances and the fictionalized character of Robert Boothe who basically wants to preach in peace and wants “fair” taxes, along with fair debt collection. Her story is set against the backdrop of some of the facts. And, the fact that the war was fought and we are not colonies of England is a big fact in and of itself.
Like Jakes, some of Baas’ fictional characters intersect with real-life historical figures. Her accuracy and attention to detail is excellent. Her characters, good and bad, are expertly created and have rich backgrounds. The dialogue brings the characters to life so well it is hard to tell where the fiction ends and reality begins.
The short chapters had me reading well past my bedtime. As of note most of this review was also drafted past my bedtime. The story also is separated into two different parts, mostly told from Robert, Mitch (Robert’s brother), Drake, Saul, and even little Susanna’s POV. Susanna’s is less than three (3) chapters.
There are some wonderful “snicker” moments with character quips that often add levity to a rather serious and perilous time. I loved Jonas’ part of a prayer “don’t let us do nothing stupid”. How could anyone not laugh at that?
Preacher on the Run has themes of government corruption, religious freedom, reference to miscarriage (quite common in that time), and a reference to slavery.
NOTE: slavery wasn’t abolished until 1863 when Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation (92 years after this story’s timeline). In December 1865, after the end of the Civil War, the 14th amendment was ratified. That was 94 years after this story’s timeline.
This is an important fact to keep in mind when reading about one of the characters; namely Robert Boothe’s “manservant” Gunning.
At no time does Boothe treat Gunning less than a full person and there is no abuse used towards him. In fact, the author makes a point of proving how integral Gunning is in protecting the Boothe family as well as a gatherer of intel.
As one of the themes is religious freedom, and this is written by a Christian author, expect heavy Christian themes and tones throughout this book – bible quotes, references and prayers to God, along with sermons. The characters use the bible and God to usually guide their decisions and activities. These are all the time not in the “epiphany” moment like some stories.
Some readers/reviewers were concerned about the relationship between Robert and Magdalen (his wife). There is nothing inappropriate at all. Some younger readers (those under 18) might find that part of the book uninteresting, older readers might not even see it as an issue.
There is also a character who is somewhat immoral when it comes to alcohol consumption.
Those with sensitivities to some of the content will want to exercise caution when choosing to read this.
The prologue is a short chapter which explains how Robert Boothe got started with the regulators.
Chapter 1 begins in March of 1771 and right off readers are introduced to trouble. Namely in the form of the Sheriff Kendall and Colonel Drake (one of Governor Tryon’s men) when they burst into a “seditious” church meeting. Due to the Riot Act (read below for notation), despite being in a church building, the men have to exit.
An elderly man (Caleb Thurmond) is in debt and Drake’s men barge in and rob the family blind to cover the debt. Which was another grievance brought up. The Sheriff takes everything of value which is more than the debt is.
Boothe is arrested for preaching without a license. Under British rule, the Church of England is the authority of God where Boothe (a Baptist) sees the bible and scripture as the point of authority.
Mitchell Boothe, Robert’s brother is introduced, he too is a preacher. A weary one. He desperately needs another set of hand and finds one – a drunk by the name of Jonas. One of Mitchell’s quips got me here – “Lord, this is not what I asked You for”.
I’m sure readers will see the humor as well as the irony in that. How often have we asked for something to help us only to get what we didn’t think would help at the time, but later it did?
Magdalen visits Robert in prison. Apparently Tryon is willing to tolerate the other religions, except Baptists.
The rest of the regulators approach Maggie to write a petition of grievances to hand to Drake. It is unusual as she is a woman, however she came from privilege and money so she has some education. The others know she also helps Robert with his sermons.
She is also instrumental in helping Caleb’s family pay their debt and get their goods back.
Jacob Chauncy is another character who is a bit perturbed by Robert’s beliefs and offers to partially help Drake.
After Robert makes a daring escape to attend a meeting, the members know they have to do something. Gunning gathers intel, after all no one would suspect him of being smart (again, another common belief at the time). The regulators learn that Drake and Kendall are definitely corrupts and have evidence of such. They’re then branded outlaws, meaning they have no rights.
At one point, to keep his wife and daughter safe, Robert leaves Ayen Ford. But, he comes back.
Just before halfway, Drake is questioning Chauncy about Boothe’s beliefs in the hopes he can use it against the preacher. Chauncy mentions that Boothe believes that the bible is the be the sole authority for faith and practice, man can have personal dealings with God and Jesus without the intervention of Church which means a local meeting of worshippers, and that the state should have no authority in the realm of the church (separation of church and state – sound familiar). To Drake, that sounds like anarchy.
Every character (especially the good ones) has something to offer. Robert’s daughter Susanna wonders why God won’t fix it. Her mother tells her it isn’t God’s fault, we make the choices. Susanna is curious and realistic for her age (7).
Two hours after the disastrous meeting at Alamance (a real-life battle), Boothe sees that 10 years worth of work has been destroyed over standing up for their homes, lives, wages, and consciences.
Part two begins with Robert making a decision. As much as he doesn’t like it – the best bet is to move his people as far away from Drake and Kendall as possible.
Of course, given the situation, it is best done in secret. And, most everyone agrees to it.
It is in part two (2) that everything goes into motion with nail-biting action, some mishaps, and of course Chauncy seeing how his loyalty to Drake pays off, or rather does it?
From broken wagons, advancing soldiers, sickness, depleting supplies – Robert is preaching faith while doubting his own. And, I am sure that is a daily struggle for most Christians. The group keeps their heads (most of the time) and their faith (nearly all the time).
It is one of the members, Alec, who finally divulges the truth about his own family. And, it is because of him they choose the city in which to call home.
After several close calls, Robert decides the only thing he can do is to turn it over to God. Without going into detail, the “I WILL …” part is dramatic, heart-wrenching, emotional, as well as inspiring.
The questions of “why” are clear. And, it isn’t too astonishing. Where Drake is for power and control, those like Boothe are for freedom – both at any cost.
This was a bit hard to get into at first and the only reason I moved it up to the top of my TBR stack (which is a bit on the scary side), was to get it over with. Not that I thought it was bad or was going to be bad. It seemed like it would be a bit overwhelming.
It wasn’t. It was a stellar read. I was honestly surprised that I read it as fast as I did.
Since this is the first book in the series, it easily stands on its own. There wasn’t a plot point that wasn’t wrapped up or if it was left hanging, it wasn’t hanging enough that I was wondering if the book was complete. I will be VERY interested to read the next titles in the series though.
Those who would enjoy a clean pre-Revolutionary War read with Christian tones and themes are sure to enjoy this offering.
Notation: The Riot Act 1714 (1 Geo.1 St.2 c.5) was an act of the Parliament of Great Britain which authorized local authorities to declare any group of 12 or more people to be unlawfully assembled and to disperse or face punitive action.
Thus, the meeting at the beginning of chapter 1 falls into that category.
The constitution which protected such rights (along with religious freedom) was not ratified until December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights. That was 20 years after the events of the bulk of the story.
Text of first amendment:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
BookBub – BOOK NOT LISTED
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
GIVEAWAY
🎉 Click image for giveaway!! 🎉
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jayna Baas (pronounced as in “baa, baa, black sheep”) lives in northern Michigan with a great family of real people and the family of pretend people who live in her head. (Yes, she does know her characters are not real. No, she does not want you to tell them she said so.) Notorious for working on several projects at once and writing her series in the wrong order, she believes German writer Thomas Mann was correct in saying, “A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than for other people.” She enjoys writing and reading in a wide range of genres, but her favorite story is this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). https://www.booksbyjayna.com/
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