Louis Lestarjette, a Frenchman, arrives in Charles Town, South Carolina, in 1772 without purpose or plans. He encounters a society on the brink of revolution and is forced to make decisions that include finding meaning and direction in his carefree life. Who can he trust in his endeavors to prosper? Will he be able to stay neutral in a battle for independence? When decisive events confront him, will he stay or leave? Running from God and commitment is a constant option.

Elizabeth Elliott, daughter of a prominent British citizen, believes God will hold her close in uncertain and changing times. Faced with making difficult decisions about her loyalties, she finds comfort in close friends, a devout sister, and her music. When the mysterious Frenchman with no commitment to God or Charles Town enters her life, her role in the political battle is challenged. Can she trust her heart in volatile situations?

Set in pre-revolution Charles Town, Hold Me Close takes the reader into the lives of immigrants, ordinary citizens, and prominent historical figures at a time in which decisions are made that will change the world.

Hold Me Close is a Revolutionary and Independence christian fiction novel. Having a background in history, I was quickly drawn to reading this book. I first went through this book with a fine tooth comb, looking for the historical points and features. Then I went back and read it with my eyes clearly open, not just in haze of history. Charles Town (Charleston) is having a visitor from France, and boy did he get me ( insert swoon). A man that felt he could do more, and needs no one. That alone is a common character to most people, he felt that he was beyond God (in the beginning).

I personally thought this book to be a very well researched historical fiction. In some parts I felt as if I were reading a historical text, with a bit of fiction, instead of the other way around. Now this isn’t a negative, in fact I read it as a positive. The author produced a top notch novel within her setting, characters, and research. I adored Louis, and Elizabeth was a character that grew on me. In the beginning I found her to be the typical wallflower, but blossomed in herself, and in love with Louis. I felt swept away into the ports, and the streets of Charles Town. I didn’t mind the cliffhanger—I’m rooting for at least a three book series from this author.

The overall effect of the book was a wonderful summer read to enjoy on the porch. Come turn a page in time and experience love in the time of unrest at the birth of our dear nation.