Review of Refuge on Crescent Hill

Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson is an exciting mystery/adventure story. Camden Bristow is at a crossroads at her life. She's just lost her job, has no money, and has nowhere to go. However, she remembers that the bright spots in her past were the times she spent with her grandmother who she hasn't visited in years. Her visit soon turns bittersweet when she discovers that her grandmother has passed away and left her historical home on Crescent Hill to Camden. Soon, strange occurrences lead Camden to believe that someone may be lurking around her new refuge. She rekindles her friendship with a childhood playmate Jenny, who seems to have something that Camden lacks- security and love. She also has to deal with her half-sister, Liza, a greedy woman who only wants Crescent Hill for the money. Her desire to sell the home to responsible owners who will restore Crescent Hill leads to Camden to meet Alex Yates, who seems to understand Camden's situation and wants her sell her home to the city. Yet could there be something more in his willingness to help?

Stories of runaway slaves, the Underground railroad, and the possibility that her new home was once a stop on the route, begins to become more and more real as Camden discovers a shocking secret kept hidden for generations. A secret that will not only change her life, but the life of the whole town.

Excellently written! I loved the mystery and history in this book. Camden was an extremely likable character, and the additional characters brought true depth. Jenny brought warmth and humor, Liza brought conflict, Alex brought romance, and the additional characters added beautifully. I enjoyed the idea of the past impacting the future, and I loved how the mystery tied together in the end. I thought I had it fairly figured out, but the author has a big surprise in the end. The main villains in the story are apparent from the beginning, but the author still manages to keep some surprises until the end. Loved it!

Some things to be aware of are mentions of domestic abuse and unwed mothers. However, all are portrayed in light that leads to restoration and hope.

All in all, I rate this book five out of five stars.

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~Paperback: 272 pages
~Publisher: Kregel Publications (March 11, 2010)

Note: Thanks for the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

Special Note: So, you like free things, right? Well, Refuge on Crescent Hill will be available on Amazon Kindle FREE for one week starting October 31! Be sure to get your free e-copy! 

Blessings,