Amazing story of an intelligent and resilient young woman in colonial New York

On April 8, 2018, on Amazon | 5.0 out of 5 stars

By Tara Malone

Format: Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase

This historical novel features a strong and courageous heroine who struggles to make a living for herself and succeed in the face of incredible obstacles. Sarah Da Silva and her brother Jacob are the children of a Portuguese-French Jewish merchant who becomes involved in some shady business dealings. Things don’t go as planned, and Sarah and Jacob are kidnapped and sold into indentured servitude in New York.

They survive a harrowing sea voyage, and Sarah is forced into the service of a brutal wealthy merchant. This merchant sexually abuses Sarah for nearly three years, until she holds a knife to his throat and intimidates him into setting her free, giving her a home, and inventory so she can start a business.

Though she has some success, reunites with Jacob, and establishes close friendships, the merchant continues to threaten her. Sarah is an amazing young woman who fights for her rights, stands up to injustice, and becomes a successful entrepreneur, rare for a woman of her time. The book also covers a period of colonial American history that I knew little about. If you enjoy historical novels and intelligent, resourceful and resilient women, you will love this book.