Average rating:

Reviewed by Brian, Utah
February 27, 2008



READ THIS BOOK!
I am a "fan" of this time period. The great intracacies in the story are interwoven so smoothly that the book is a great read. There is plenty of adventure, intrigue and romance to satisfy everyone. i certainly hope we don't have to wait too long to find out what happens to each of the characters in this book.

Reviewed by Heather
December 18, 2007



Captivating!
I absolutely fell in love with this book. It is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Now I just want to know when the next one comes out!

Reviewed by kay
October 25, 2007



This book is wonderful.
When I finally got to read this book I couldn't put it down. With a busy job, and family I read this book in 3 days. It has a great story line, the characters were very interesting and made you want to read more. The story line was exciting and very moving. I can't wait for the next book to follow. I got to meet this author on my 25 anniversary of going to the temple and she signed my book. She seems as exciting and moving as her book is and I can't wait to read more of her book.

Reviewed by Ashley
August 7, 2007



A great book all around!
I read this book as fast as I could with three kids. It is a great book. It isn't one of those books you can guess the outcome of. The characters are very well put together and the pace is perfect. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the second installment.

Reviewed by Rebekah
July 25, 2007



Historical fiction at it's finest!
This was a great book! I was intrigued by the first page. There were so many different things happening...yet, they all were very relevent to one another. The second book of the series couldn't come out fast enough. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book!

Review by Author Liz Adair

Friday, July 17, 2009

Laurie Lewis, Writing as L. C. Lewis

I met Laurie Lewis for the first time this year, both in her prose and in person. I took a liking to both when she wrote a review of my book, Counting the Cost. She was immediately a friend for life because she liked my book, but more than that, the way she strung the words of that review together made me know this was a serious writer.

We met in person at a writers conference this last spring, and I came home with the first two books of her Free Men and Dreamers series, Dark Sky at Dawn and Twilight’s Last Gleaming.

These books are set in the years leading up to the War of 1812 and follow the fortunes of Jed Pearson and his family and those of his sweetheart, Hannah Stansbury and her family.

Laurie Lewis knows her American history, and she weaves bits and pieces of it into her narrative, because the forces that shape our country during this time are also shaping the lives of the Pearsons, the Stansburys, and others of their inner circles.

For instance, the issue of slavery looms large, as both the Pearsons and the Stansburys are slaveholders, but Hannah is morally and philosophically opposed to the practice. Jed is swayed by her arguments, but he has the weight of running a plantation on his shoulders, and the expediency of slaveholding is something he wrestles with throughout the two books. Through his inner struggles, Laurie Lewis teaches us the realities of how this repugnant practice was able to survive for another fifty years in America.

Laurie also loops us in to a couple families in England, and we see how, even as sabres are rattling on each side of the Atlantic, the lives of Americans and the British are still bound together by ties of common origins and mutual benefit.

But, back to the main characters: Jed is a forward-looking, pragmatic young man, sprung from a land-owning, well-to-do family that carries a social stigma because of something his grandfather did. Hannah is studious and introspective and cares nothing for the social prominence that is her mother’s all-in-all. If they lived in this day and age, Hannah’s mother would be on a strong psycho-therapeutic drug to control her erratic behavior and mood swings, but living when they do, the family just hunkers down and tries to survive with as little damage as possible. There is great damage, though, in Hannah’s personal life, because her mother sees the Pearsons as the cause of her own unhappiness and won’t stand for an alliance between the two families. Hannah has to choose between Jed and her family.

Hannah makes that choice at the end of the second book, just as the War of 1812 is beginning. The third book of the series, Dawn’s Early Light is coming out in October. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Laurie Lewis lives in Maryland, close to the areas she’s writing about. She has the ability to put the reader in the place, time, and socioeconomic riptides of our young nation. Not only does she spin a good yarn and write great prose, but she painlessly teaches American History along the way.

Through Jed and Hannah, we meet some real historical people, like Lighthorse Harry Lee and Stephen Mack, uncle to the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith. Laurie Lewis lets us see them as real people, not cardboard historical figures.

Laurie Lewis writes her historical novels as L. C. Lewis.

You can buy Dark Sky at Dawn by clicking here.
Click here to purchase Twilight's Last Gleaming.

And, after you've read them and are hooked, or even before, check out Laurie's blog. You'll see what I mean about great prose, and she sponsors fun contests on her blog, too.

Emails from other readers

12 Jul, 2009

Free Men And Dreamers Vol. II: Twilight's Last Gleaming  

Posted by Forever Friends

Free Men And Dreamers Vol. II: Twilight's Last Gleaming by L.C. Lewis

In this second volume of Laurie's magnificent story of Our beautiful Country and the courage and bravery of a few families looking to God to help protect a young America, we also find treachery thwarting Jed and Hannah's every footsteps. With the British coming closer to The Willows, Jed's home, and where a traitor lingers to ruin Jed's life and all he holds dear, he turns to God where he finds the answers to his troubles. While Jed agonizes over where Hannah and her sister Beatrice are, they are attempting to get to Stephen Mack's home in Tunbridge, Vermont and wind up battling a Typhoid epidemic.

While the Earl of Whittington tries to protect his young son from traitors, a kidnapping is prevented, but a murder ensues, causing more heartache and blame. A family secret that connects Jed with a British family causes more heartache for Jed and his sister Frannie, when a stranger is caught on Willows land by Frannie. When she and Jed learn of his identity, she feels betrayed, but Jed feels relieved. When Jed's friend and overseer of his plantation, Marcus O'Malley, leaves to go see his family he hasn't seen in years, he stays, finds the love of his life in a young blind woman and helps repair a ship to fight the British. Beatrice has decided to go to Canada to see about her husband's release from prison, but is waylaid. Dudley has turned to God and is helped by a woman in bringing books of poetry to him, then is sent to another prison in Nova Scotia.

In the last paragraph of this volume, Jed sums up what we as an American people need to understand and that if we don't look to Heaven, we won't understand God's plan for this great Country.

Forever Friends Rating 5 Stars by Teri
Until Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook.

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Incorporated
Pub. Date: May 2008
ISBN-13: 9781598113792
337pp

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July 7th, 2009

Teri Rodemen, LDS Forever Friends Book Nook,

Free Men and Dreamers Vol I: Dark Sky At Dawn by L.C. Lewis

When Laurie asked me last week if I'd done my review of this remarkable series, I felt bad, as I'd not read or reviewed it yet. I had bought our good friends this first book for mowing our 1/3 of an acre and knew they loved historical novels, so when they read it, they had three of three of their six daughters read this volume, then one daughter borrowed my Vol II and they all loved this series just because I knew they loved historical fiction. This volume starts off with Jed and Frannie Pearson's life on a large Maryland Plantation before the War of 1812. We see how shocking some plantation owners treated their slaves, even with having them in shackles during the selling period. Even though Jed and Frannie and their parents treated their slaves like family, a few still felt like running to feel more free.

Some of the high society folk thought they were above the law at the time and would stop at nothing to get their older children to do their unsavory bidding like The Stringham Family who lived on the neighboring plantation of The Pearson's. Jed loved Hannah Stansbury, his childhood friend, but had to keep his feelings hidden on account of an old family secret that caused hatred by Hannah's mother, Susannah. When a crisis occurs with Frederick Stringham and his father, Frannie, who is attacked by a spy, she is ostrcized by the community and seeks solace at a Boarding School. When Hannah's sisters attempt to come between Hannah and Jed, they believe its for the best, even to setting up a suitor they think is better.

I really like how Laurie weaves a little-known person into the story by bringing the Restoration of the Gospel to the forefront of this remarkable epic saga. Captain Stephen Mack, Lucy Mack's brother, befriends Dudley Snowden, another Captain and Hannah's brother-in-law and thus tells him how Our Country is being guided by God and that America is the Home of the Free and The Brave and will fight for its liberty and will even sacrifice their lives to keep America free. I just started reading Vol. II, Twlight's Last Gleaming and will eagerly await Vol III, which comes out in Oct. Bravo, Laurie!!!

Forever Friends Rating 5 Stars by Teri
Until Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook.

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Incorporated
Pub. Date: February 2007
ISBN-13: 9781598112580
498pp

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November 14, 2008

Dear LC Lewis,

I just finnished volume 1 and 2 of the Free Men and Dreamers series, and I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed both books.  I think you are a very clever writer with a fresh and imaginitive writing style.  I enjoyed learning the history, unrest spiritually as well as the battle to maintain their new found freedom.  Which gives a good picture of what the people of the era were like, interested in and concerned with.  I am touched by the patriotism, how the people relished their unique and new freedom.  I also liked the romance beween Hannah and Jed, I found myself falling in love with Hannah.  I would like to know how you developed your writing style, was it just how the story came to your mind?  I would also like to know when I would be able to read the 3rd book in the series.  Their is going to be a 3rd book right?  Anyway I was impressed and thought I would let you know.

Sincerely,

Richard Childs

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October 30, 2008

Laurie,

            I have just finished reading the second book in the “Free men” series.  I have really enjoyed the two books and was wondering when you might be putting out the next book?  Also how many books do you plan to have in this series so I can look forward to each one? Thanks for giving us books that help us know more about what went on during this time.  Keep inspiring us.

Dennis Butler

* * *

August 6, 2008

Dear Laurie,

I picked up the audio version of Free Men and Dreamers (both editions) the other day.  Thank you so much for writing this series.  I’ve listened to them twice now.  I’m so anxious for the third.  I intend to pick up the books now and read them as well.

I love the history of this country and of the restoration of the gospel.  I have roots deeply engrained in both.  It was so wonderful to see a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those that searched and fought for the freedoms and the truths that we take for granted today.  I have no doubt that these books were inspired! 

I have two sons currently serving in the military and as I said, my roots extend through the beginning of the founding of America, the Revolution, the Restoration and ties to England as well as other immigrant ancestry in search for religious freedoms.  I am so grateful for a look into the thought processes of the day on a more personal level.  I’ve often wondered how I would have acted and felt if I had lived during those times.  Although I know the characters are mostly fiction, I feel certain they capture the mood of the times.  

My love for this country and for the privilege and the honor to serve my Heavenly Father in the Gospel today is deeply rooted in my heart. Thank you again for the little respite into the past and I look forward with anticipation for next summer!  Also, thank you for seeding in me the desire to find out more about my predecessors on a more personal level.  I’m sure they will be grateful as I search for them.  

Sincerely a new fan,  

Shelly Pryor

* * *

July 31, 2008

Dear Laurie:

My husband and I love the Free Men and Dreamers series.  We just finished listening to the last CD today of Twilights  last Gleaming...  We loved it!

We have a question  -  when will the next CD be out to continue the story ? ? ? ?  We are frantic to learn what happens to the Pearsons.  We are totally "hooked" on the story and we will be leaving on August 26, 2008 to go to China for 10 months ! ! ! !   PANIC......

Please reply and let us know when the next one will be out?  We are anxiously awaiting..

Thank you for your time.

Regards,

Jane Halladay

* * *

July 24, 2008

Hi Laurie,

I just finished reading Dark Sky at Dawn last night and am ready to start Twilight’s Last Gleaming.  My interest is piqued.  I have enjoyed the surprises of meeting Stephen Mack and “putting two and two together” to realize he is Joseph Smith’s uncle.  My interest was really piqued and I am looking forward for Hannah and Beatrice to meet Lucy Mack Smith in the second book.

I really enjoy historical fiction!  I like reading about the peoples’ lives in different eras. It makes me also appreciate what I have and the sacrifices made by others.

I hope things keep going well for you and I hope that there are many more books to come. Do you have any idea how many books will be in this series?

I wanted you to know you have a fan in me.

Sincerely,

Wendy

* * *

July 1, 2008

Dear Laurie,

I have loved your books.  Is there going to be a volume Three?

Thank you.

Marilyn

Pleasant View, Utah

 * * *

June 26, 2008

I started your second book of Free men and Dreamers yesterday and I'm already loving being able to "visit" Jed and Hannah and I feel like I can close my eyes and see the plantation and hear the crickets. I'm in chapter 5 and still going strong. Good thing my babies are grown or I'd be a very neglectful mom. Thanks again for sharing another lifetime with us avid readers. I've been telling everyone they have to start this series, it's so great. Hope to see you here again soon.

Kelli Hansen

June 2, 2008

Laurie,

Your Free Men and Dreamers series is outstanding. I have never been so touched while reading anything! My entire family can't wait to read your book together every night before bed. When can we expect the 3rd Volume?

Lindsey

 * * *

May 20. 2008

Sister Lewis

I finished your second book in this series in about three days.  The book kept my interest throughout the reading.  I didn't want to put the book down once I got started.  The book was well written, and the history was interesting.  You kept my desire to read on.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series, and hope we don't need to wait so long for their publishing.

If the first two books are any indication into your insights with history and enjoyable reading; then I hope you continue to write for many more years.  I shall keep reading your work's with interest and delight.  Your works seem to make history come alive.

Yours truly,

Woody

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June 3, 2006

Ahhh!!!  What am I going to do????  I just finished your . . . latest installment and I am dying to know what happens next.  I GUESS I can wait until the next one comes out.  Just kidding.  It really was awesome though. 

Stacey

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FROM ONLINE AFTER THE RELEASE OF VOLUME TWO:

Feelings and Readings Blog at http://feelingsandreadings.blogspot.com/

"I also finished the second book in the Free Men and Dreamers series by L.C.Lewis the second book is Twilights last Gleaming. This is a much more serious book and historical fiction showing the state of the Union right before the church was restored to the earth. It just shows you that Heavenly Father is in charge and he knows what he is doing and the people in the book are very human and believable."

* * *

From Meridian Magazine, Review by Jennie Hansen, June, 2008, available at http://www.meridianmagazine.com/books/080619summer.html

Twilight's Last Gleaming is the second volume in a new historical series called “Free Men and Dreamers,” written by L.C. Lewis. Lewis is a tireless researcher who lives in the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area — where she has firsthand access to the places she depicts in her novels. This series begins with the events leading up to the War of 1812, and this second volume carries into the war and the senseless brutality that inflamed a struggling new nation.

Volume One left the relationship between Jed and Hannah at an uncertain point and Hannah's sister's husband a prisoner of war. Twilight's Last Gleaming begins with Jed back at his plantation facing an impending attack from his neighbor who is a British sympathizer and the corrupt British agent who follows a self-serving, evil man in England who is more interested in wealth and a personal vendetta against Jed than in his nation's best interests. The man's son discovers his father's evil scheme and first runs away then becomes embroiled in the war.

Hannah and her sister, Beatrice, set off for New England in an attempt to reach Beatrice's husband and learn of his fate. They find themselves caught up in the devastating typhoid epidemic that took as many or more lives than the war. Not only must they battle their way free of the deadly disease, but they must also come to terms with their relationships with their family and with the men who love them.

Jed faces conflicting responsibilities as he struggles to keep his plantation, The Willows, and the recently freed slaves he considers his family, safe, while worrying about his sister, Franny, and Hannah's safety. A new worry is added when he learns of the attacks along the James River, where his best friend and foreman has gone to visit his family and support the war effort by sea.

This is a complex novel that follows the fortunes of five separate families from two continents. It is centered on a war that most people know little about and tend to dismiss as of minor importance when it was of major importance in uniting the various segments of a new country and earning recognition for America as a separate sovereign nation. It also was the period of time that Joseph Smith would later refer to as a time of great religious fervor during his boyhood. This period also saw the rise of the movement to end slavery and showcased the conflicting views on this sad institution.

This second volume of the series is not as fragmented as the first volume. Whether the first volume felt more choppy than the second because of the large cast of characters to introduce (with their many settings and trials) or because the author gained experience from that first book, I don't know, but the characters are more believable in the second volume and the flow of the story is handled in a much smoother fashion.

Action feels more precise and absorbing as well. I was sometimes frustrated with the first volume, though I liked it well enough to try the second. However I found myself truly fascinated with this second volume. History buffs and all those who enjoy complex novels should be sure to follow this series.