As a Quaker, Flora Saferight knew she should not be bitter
or to dwell on the sins of the past, but oh, how she had
hated the taunts and teasing that Bruce Millikan had
hurled at her as they grew up together in their small
community of Greensboro, North Carolina. Despite his
handsome good looks, Flora just wanted to stay out of his
path. It was bad enough that he had called her names
emphasizing her worse features, but others had also taken
up using the horrible nickname. Now, older, she still
cannot shake off the shame of that teasing, even as she is
becoming well known for her newly acquired skills as a
midwife.
Now, Bruce is back after a dangerous mission. Why is he so
mean to her when he is kind and generous in his praise to
other young women, especially those who eagerly seek his
attention? If only he could leave her alone! At least, she
would be soon off to visit their family in Charlottesville
with her younger sister, Irene, who is so excited that they
would be travelling by train.
Then, in a flash, everything changes! Pastor John asks to
speak to them privately! He wants their help to attend to
the needs of a slave couple who are trying to escape to
freedom. To complicate things on this very dangerous
mission, the wife is pregnant and getting close to her
delivery time. Would they help? Flora's mind is
reeling!! Has she really been asked to work with Bruce?
Would he continue to taunt her as he had always done? He
said he has changed, but could she trust him?
PATH OF FREEDOM is set in North Carolina in the tense and
unsettled pre-Civil War time of 1858 when the Underground
Railway (as it was known) was valiantly working to bring
slaves to freedom by various means. While on the whole,
Quakers were usually in favour of this. Yet, not all shared
the same belief and the author very quickly and effectively
brings out the undercurrents and dangers of the times.
Jennifer Hudson Taylor is a well-known and highly regarded
writer of inspirational Christian historical novels and
PATH OF FREEDOM will certainly add to this acclaim.
While a very intriguing read on its own, PATH OF FREEDOM is
the latest addition to Taylor's Quilts of Love Series"
where every story features a quit and the story unfolds
around it, so fans will be glad to have the opportunity to
read others in the series. Written in a simple, but not
simplistic style, PATH OF FREEDOM is a great book for both
youths and adults and you can share in the journey in this
fascinating time in American history and learn how the
quit lovingly made by Flora's mother will help overcome
the most treacherous of obstacles. Enjoy!
When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on
the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their
differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave
couple. With only her mother’s quilt as a secret guide, the
foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery.
As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray
that their path is one of promise where love sustains them,
courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.