Monday Book Review: The Thorn Bearer by Pepper Basham

I’m going to take another brief break from my usual middle grade and YA book reviews to bring you a beautiful inspirational historical fiction book by one of my “publishing sisters” (as I like to call her) Pepper Basham. Pepper is also a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), and our books both recently released in Kindle from Vinspire Publishing. In fact, it just so happened that my Angelhood released in Kindle and paperback on Amazon on the same day that Pepper’s The Thorn Bearer released on Kindle. The paperback version of The Thorn Bearer will release on May 7, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania (’cause her book has to do with the sinking of the Lusitania!).

Title: The Thorn Bearer

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Inspirational historical fiction

Synopsis: Ashleigh Dougall has endured more than is one woman’s share. First, horrendous sexual abuse at the hands of her own father. Then, being jilted by her fiance when he learns she is a “tainted woman.” Not too mention, there’s a long-standing coolness between her and her sister. Seeking a fresh start, she decides to take her nursing skills overseas to England where she will start an orphanage after caring for the wounded soldiers of World War I. Unfortunately, the problems with her plan are multiple. First, Ashleigh’s ex-fiance is on the same boat. Second, also on the boat is her sister’s ex-fiance for whom Ashleigh is developing feelings. Third, the boat they’re all on is the ill-fated Lusitania.

It’s pretty rare I pull my head out of middle grade and young adult fiction to read something intended for actual adults, but how could I resist this story from my “publishing sister”? And I’m glad I didn’t. Pepper’s characters are vivid and fun! Definitely people worth caring for! During the sinking of the Lusitania, she’ll have your heart pumping. I never like to give too much away, but if you enjoyed the movie Titanic and enjoyed the World War I episodes of Downton Abbey (when they were caring for the injured soldiers right at the house), you’ll enjoy The Thorn Bearer.

You can find Pepper on her website here and find The Thorn Bearer on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It’s currently only $2.99 for the Kindle and Nook versions. (Rumor has it the price will be going up, so buy now!)