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

Fabulous

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

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!

Suspenseful Story of Courage, Friendship, and Love

If you could sum up Rebellious Heart in three words, what would they be?

Revolution, Courage, Sensuality

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ben was my favorite character because of his conviction and courage.

Have you listened to any of Mary Sarah Agliotta’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've not listened to any of Mary Sarah Agliotta's other performances, but this one was seamless. It never distracted from the story, only drew me in further. Men's and women's voice were done equally well.

Who was the most memorable character of Rebellious Heart and why?

Susannah was the most memorable in that it was primarily her story and that she underwent the biggest change - from blindly obedient and to courageously principled.

Great

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

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!

Very well written and moving!

A compelling tale of a young woman in 1760s Massachusetts coming to terms with her pride and situation and facing the lengths we must go to help those in need and fight for the ones we love.

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.

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!

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.

Heart-worthy

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