Rebellious Heart

By: Jody Hedlund

Narrated by: Mary Sarah Agliotta

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Inspired by the true story of John and Abigail Adams.

Massachusetts, 1763.

A love that would shape history forever.

Because she's a woman, higher learning was always closed to Susanna Smith. But her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. And she's determined to marry well, so she'll be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Growing up with little to his name, poor country lawyer Benjamin Ross dreams of impacting the world for the better. When introduced to the Smiths he's taken by Susanna's intelligence and independent spirit, but her parents refuse to see him as a suitor for their daughter.

When the life of a runaway indentured servant is threatened, Susanna is forced to choose between justice and mercy, and Ben becomes her unlikely advisor. But drawing closer to this man of principle and intellect lands her in a dangerous, secret world of rebellion and revolution against everything she once held dear.

©2013 Jody Hedlund (P)2016 Jody Hedlund

Heart-worthy

I love historical fiction. It is a breath of fresh air. The romance and mysterious intrigue keeps your attention riveted.

Wonderfully written & narrated!

I chose this book to read it between segments of another book. But I never got back to the other one! It’s because this one was so good. I had read historical novels about other parts of Abigail and John Adams’ lives, but never the early part when they first knew each other and fell in love.

The author did a wonderful job in her writing of this fictional account loosely based on their relationship (given the paucity of information available). Moreover, the narration was exceptional in every sense of what one would look for in a great narrator. I liked it so much that I looked up the over 50 other books narrated by Mary Sarah Agliotta and chose one of them for my next read!

WOW

This is one of the best books I have ever listened to. It will keep you riveted to the edge of your seat! It will break your heart for those treated cruelly at the hands of others. When finished, it will cause you to want it to continue. Superb in every way!!

Enthralling

Jody Hedlund is a master and tying in an exciting, edge of your seat story with a sensual romance. This is an amazing historical retelling of John and Abigail Adams. I would highly recommend!

Loved it!!!

I had no idea this story was inspired by John & Abigail Adams. It was a gripping story. I have such a soft spot for stories of liberty. Susanna & Ben were an amazing couple & they made me swell with pride for their courageous acts. Lt. Wolfe was the perfect villian. I absolutely abhorred him! The narrator was wonderful for bringing all of the characters to life. Jody Hedlund is an amazing author & I look forward to more of her books.

Fabulous

I LOVED this book. I highly recommend listening to it. The narrator was very good.

Wonderful

Such an amazing story and to know it was based off the life of John and Abigail Adams made it even better. Narration was perfect and as always Jody exceeded my expectations!

Well written and well performed

I was impressed with this book. I have read another book from this author that wasn't as well done. If I had realized it was the same author when I chose this book, I might have been a bit more cautious, but I'm glad I wasn't.

I love that it was based on the relationship of John and Abigail Adams, I'm a lover of early American history. The narrator was perfect for the book, as well. Her voice fit with the accent/ style of verbiage used in that era. She also did well differentiating the characters voices, and she did not make long, awkward pauses (as is one of the main complaints narrators receive, that I've noticed).

It had an entertaining balance of mystery, suspense, action, and romance in a good span of time that it didn't feel overdone. It was real, not a fluffy feel-good romance. The romance was, for that time period, flirty and even scandalous. For this time period, it was cute and flirty; even has a "sexy" scene in a tavern.

Overall, I would say that the combination of good writing, the base of the story being historical, and the narrator nailing her performance, it was one of the best books I've listened to on Audible thus far. Bravo!

Great

Great suspense throughout, an in depth peek into history and a moving development of true love and friendship.

Historical Romance based on true facts

Rebellious Heart is an intriguing love story built on factual events with an addition of the author’s “creative juice” in filling in the gaps.

The setting are events leading to the British- American Revolutionary War for independence . It is a touching, enlightening story portraying the tyranny and misuse of justice by some in authority from England. The American colonies were so far from England that they failed to receive proper representation, became heavily taxed to the point that only the very wealthy could survive.

A few, in authority were very cruel and unjust, thus, they even alienated many who were, originally, strong British supporters.

This is a love story, yet contains a lot of action, danger, and dramatic scenes from history .

Although Narrator, Mary Sarah Agliotta, does a fair job of narration, her performance, using various “ voices” is inconsistent and weak. She is definitely not a “first choice “ in the dramatic delivery.

The drama created around factual events was well done and quite touching.