Marta's Promise

The setting is uncommon, the plot based on historical facts not well known, but I found the story of Marta’s Promise to be compelling.

Set in 1766, the book takes us through the determination and horrors faced by Lutheran refugees leaving their German homeland and starting a new life in Russia. Though very familiar with the church history of Martin Luther, I had not known of the plight of the Reformers and the history behind the story fascinated me. Occasionally the story dragged but I found the information from the slow part to be important to fully understanding what happened. Authors Jeanne Dennis and Sheila Seifert head-hop a bit but it doesn’t distract from the storyline of young reformer, Marta Ebel.

Alone in the world, emigrating after her parents have died and all her brothers taken from her, Marta is thrown together with a small boy she must keep safe and a handsome rogue of questionable character with unexplained actions. Nothing is as it should be but as she draws closer to God, Marta learns He has a different viewpoint on many things.

If you like historical fiction that it authentic, you will enjoy Marta’s Promise.