Rena is a young Indian lady living in India during The Great Rebellion of 1857. The British’s influence was causing utter chaos in India. Rena had married Edric, a captain in the British military, who had recently passed away, leaving her a widow. Not very long after her father-in-law Sir Alistair died leaving her mother-in-law Nell homeless and penniless. There was nothing for Nell to do but return to England and hope to find shelter with a distant relative. Rena’s family could not understand her decision to follow her mother-in-law to England, but she could not let her go alone.
Shadow Among Sheaves
by Naomi Stephens
Shiloh Run Press
April 2019
England was not what they expected. Nell’s relatives would not accept Rena and they were turned away. Both women were homeless, without any means of support and near starvation. In desperation Neva applied for work at the Gilded Crown, a shelter of prostitution. Surely there was some work that she could do. She was denied but Nell was hired to do cleaning and given a small room. It was not ideal but at least they had a place to sleep.
Out walking one day Rena heard music and followed the sound to a field where workers were gleaming sheaves. Lord Barric, owner of the property and learning they were Alistair Hawley’s family, a distant relative, attempted to help them. Nell was informed that Sir Alistair had left a second will leaving Hawthorn Glen, the family home and his fortune to Lady Hawley, but Rena must marry one of his relatives who is specifically in the Fairfax line.
Who will Rena marry – Lord Barric, Charlie or Uncle John?
Rena’s love for Nell brought to mind the Bible story of Ruth and Naomi when Ruth told her – where you lodge I will lodge, where you go I will go, your people will be my people and your God will be my God. There is no greater love.
The book was simply amazing – a page-turner. This is one that you will surely want to keep.
Highly recommended to all readers.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is a founding book blogger for BookGateway.com and has generously provided this review. She describes herself as “an 88 year young great-grandmother and an avid reader.”
This book was provided by the publisher for review.