Freedom’s Price concludes the Keys of Promise series by Christine Johnson.  This book takes place in the decade prior to the Civil War.  This particular story focuses on Key West and Louisiana.  It is quite an intense story.

Initially, one is drawn by the desire of the protagonist, Catherine Haynes, to find and be accepted by her family.  Her spunk and tenacity encourage readers to uncover the rest of her story.  Much can be said about this novel, but it is best for readers to discover the characters for themselves.

Many serious topics are addressed in the book, but there is also some lighthearted banter and romance.  Those who want a simple romance with mostly superficial subjects and flirtation will not enjoy this story.  The reader will experience outrage and annoyance not just once but many times.  The romantic parts of the book are sufficient for those who like stories where the romance is not the primary focus, but a part of the plot.   Come sail the seas and join Catherine and her male companion Tom Worthington on an adventure not soon to be forgotten!

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Revell

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  Implication that a slave was beaten; a man whips a woman and draws blood; a man grabs a woman and drags her along; report of a man beating a woman to death; a man holds people at gunpoint; several instances in which a man strikes a woman with his hands; a man drags a woman into a room and is intent on rape, but it does not occur; a man is thrown into a room and held hostage; a fire kills several people and destroys a building. 

Sex/Nudity:  Woman indicates she has been raped repeatedly; non-married characters voluntarily kiss and embrace; non-married woman unwillingly kissed by a non-married man.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of parents, human trafficking, slavery, rape, abuse.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

A man purchases another man alcohol in a bar so the man will share information.