The Turning of Anne Merrick, the second novel in Christine Blevins' American Revolution series, finds our heroine, Anne Merrick, once again using her considerable charms on the British in an effort to gather intelligence for the Patriot cause. While the series' first novel, The Tory Widow, takes place in New York City, this second book has Anne once again acting as a Patriot spy when she and her trusted servant Sally join British General Burgoyne's campaign down the Hudson Valley. With the collapse of Burgoyne's forces, Anne and Sally join up with the Patriot army to winter at Valley Forge. Once again reunited with her lover Jack Hampton, who serves as a Patriot scout, Anne hopes that she can put her spying days behind her and start a new life with Jack. General Washington, however, has other plans and calls on Anne to again assume the role of dedicated loyalist, this time in British-occupied Philadelphia where it is expected she will gather much needed intelligence about British plans. While this mission means another separation from Jack, she accepts without question knowing that any information she can gather could help defeat the British. But the mission to Philadelphia, where Anne opens a coffee house, proves to be her most dangerous yet. Not only are spies are being hung for treason, but someone from Anne's past resurfaces intent on destroying Anne and all she holds dear.

Overall, The Turning of Anne Merrick is a great read. Blevins paints a vivid portrait of life with the British army, at that time the most formidable army in the world, as well as with the Patriot army under General Washington. I found Anne's days with the British Army and as a 'loyalist' coffee house owner in Philadelphia to be especially interesting and entertaining. One of the greatest strengths of this novel is the relationship between Anne and Jack. I admit I wasn't a big fan of Jack in the first novel but after reading the second book I've grown to like him. While I didn't at first find Jack to be a good match for Anne, by the end of this novel I came to better understand their relationship. Although the events at the conclusion of this novel seemed somewhat implausible, my interest in them never waned. Before I had finished, I found myself looking forward to the events of the next book.

Although The Turning of Anne Merrick can be read as a stand alone novel, I highly recommend reading The Tory Widow first as it gives important background on the characters and events of this novel.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in the American Revolution.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel as a host for The Turning of Anne Merrick Virtual Book Tour. ( )

So, I love historical novels, but I've never really read many set in the American Revolution. I'm glad I jumped on board this blog tour, for this book was not only eye catching with a beautiful cover, it was a GREATABULOUS read! Christine Blevins digs deep into the American History and fills this book with amazing twists and turns and complex characters. Sadly, this is book 2. Happily, this wasn't confusing in away, but I will DEFINITELY go back and read book 1 for the pure enjoyment of a talented author's work.

Anne Merrick. An American spy drifting among the British soldiers. A spy who writes letters for the soldiers to their loved ones. Little did those soldiers know, she's really writing to Jack Hampton, a rebel, who will use the information to help his fellow soldiers outwit the British and conquer the war. Jack Hampton also happens to be the lovely spy's beau. A man she knows she loves, and hopes that all this information she sends to the Commander-In-Chief will help to reunite them sooner, and wholly, rather than later and dead. It's taking a toll on Anne emotionally but she will not give up!

Along with Jack and Anne, there's Sally, Anne's dear friend and maid. She's tagging along with Anne as a spy to help with the information. She's just as lovable a character as the beautiful Anne, and the charming, witty Jack. All three characters have stolen a place in my heart to stay!

This is definitely a 4 Book worthy novel and one that I am pleased and happy to recommend to everyone who loves history, who loves action, and who loves romance. It's a little of all those and so much more with the roller coaster ride it takes the reader on! I am definitely adding the first book, The Tory Widow, where we're first introduced to the amazing Anne Merrick, to my list of MUST read novels, and can't wait to see another addition to this fabtastic author's work. Her talent is beyond speakable words and her characters become family. Well done, Ms. Blevins!!!

This review originated at Reviews By Molly in part with a blog tour. ( )

http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/2012/03/turning-of-anne-merrick-by-christine.h... ( )

I loved this book. Just flat out loved it. One of my favorite historical eras -- the American revolution -- combined with a romantic triangle of sorts, great writing, and a fantabulous heroine that I desperately want as a best friend.

Set in 1777, this book is technically the sequel to Blevins' The Tory Widow which I sadly didn't get around to reading before starting this one.  However, I didn't feel lost at any time -- Blevins immediately pulled me in to Anne's story and she offered enough details from the previous book that I understood what had occurred and why people were behaving as they were.  (Word of warning, events in The Tory Widow will be spoiled for you if you read this one, so if you're a stickler for surprises, don't start here.)  Since I loved this one, I'm still going back to read The Tory Widow because I don't care if I kind of know the plot -- I need me some more Anne Merrick!

Clearly, our heroine Anne was the hook for me -- she's the kind of character I would follow for ten more books (I understand now why people get so rabid for Gabaldon's series!).  Blevins' storytelling was thick with historical detail, offered in a lovely style that didn't feel in your face.  Her history was human, and I loved seeing such a feminine side of war (so to speak).  Anne spies for the American rebels by maintaining her facade as a Tory widow while traveling with British troops.  Despite her patriotic loyalties, she's still moved and horrified by war and the results -- especially the deaths -- her actions cause.

Blevins doesn't sugar coat the historical horrors of war (even though she adjusts one military punishment for fear readers would think she was exaggerating!), but she's not blunt, over-the-top, or grotesque.  If you're not into romance, this might not be the book for you -- there's no heaving bosoms, but there is a romantic triangle between Anne, the man she loves, and the British officer who is cute and pays attention to her and is all dreamy and flirty and... (why yes, now and then I did indulge in some alternate universe day dreaming where they could be happily ever after!). 

So, long story short, get this book. Well, get this and The Tory Widow, and read them both. You can thank me later! ( )

I love a good historical fiction novel and this definitely qualifies as one. The Turning of Anne Merrick takes place during the American Revolutionary War. Anne Merrick is a widow who has infiltrated the Red coat's camp as she spies for General Washington. Anne and her companion Sally work among the soldiers and their families, desperate to find out any information that might be useful for the Americans. She leaves secret messages so that her love, Jack Hampton will find it and pass the intelligence on to wage their attack.
Anne and Jack have a complicated relationship. They are both spies as well as loyal patriots willing to do what ever it takes to win the war. This often results in long separations. However when they do get together it is so sweet. The author did a wonderful job portraying the hard ships of this time for these two lovers. They were so close at times, yet so far away.
Anne is a great character. She is strong, smart, witty and most important very brave. I also love that the author made her caring and compassionate as well. I also love Sally. Sally says what ever is on her mind and she doesn't let anyone take advantage of her.
The story line to this novel was exciting. I was so nervous for Anne while she was spying. The author kept me on the edge of my seat. This is one of those books that I stayed up late to finish because I couldn't bear to put it down. This is the second book in this series. I did not read the first book but The Turning of Anne Merrick stood on it's own two feet. I don't feel like I missed anything. I would absolutely go back and read the first book, The Tory Widow, because I adored this story so much. This is also a series that I would continue reading as well.
The Turning of Anne Merrick is a story of survival, love, loyalty and hope. It's an up close and personal look inside the war that gave America it's freedom. If you love history, this is a book that you should read. ( )