BOOK REVIEW—Volume Four in the Free Men and Dreamers Series—Oh, Say Can You See? by L. C. Lewis

I'm a fan of all Laurie (L.C.) Lewis's books, so it was no surprise for me to get that "coming home" feeling as soon as I began reading Volume Four in the Free Men and Dreamers Series—Oh, Say Can You See? All the familiar characters were racing on with their fascinating and dangerous lives, as the story continued to unfold in this epic work of historical fiction.


I think this volume will appeal to both male and female readers.

Laurie's battle scenes are so well researched and described. I felt I was right there amid the cannons, ships, and horses.

For the ladies, the sweet agony of romance between America's Frannie Pearson and England's Arthur Ramsey continues to blossom despite almost impossible obstacles. And then there's Jed Pearson, the book's hero. Will he ever be set free from his British captors and see his wife, Hannah, and their newborn baby? You'll have to read the book to find the answer, and to discover another romance developing in the background—this time for an Irish hero by the name of Markus O'Malley.

The highlight of the book, for me, was the unfolding story of Francis Scott Key, and how his glorious song, The Star Spangled Banner, came into being. The details were new to me, and gave me a rich understanding for the American national anthem. I will hear and sing it with deeper appreciation for our freedom from now on. I also appreciated Laurie's fair handling of Britain's role in those trying and perilous times. It's refreshing to hear more than one viewpoint, and to realize that while some British leaders and fighters had evil intent, there were yet many ordinary people in the British Isles living normal, productive lives with no lust for war and power.

I'm having a hard time waiting until next year for the final edition of this saga to appear. Thanks, Laurie, for creating such a satisfying and well written series. You're doing a grand job. Hope there's a movie one day.

From the back cover:

Though the capital smolders, the battered Constitution and the presidency have survived. But the British left the struggling government no home. Gone are the symbols of America - the Capitol Building and the President's House, and nearly every relic of the infant nation.

Britain's next target is the port city of Baltimore, but has the raid on Washington stiffened the Americans' backs?

As the Willows women mourn their absent men - gone to war, or wounded, or captured - they await the birth of a blessed child.

Miles away, attorney Francis Scott Key embarks on a diplomatic mission that will leave an everlasting mark on America. Proving that the pen can indeed by more powerful than the sword, Key records the fears and hopes of his embattled people. His epic poem soon set to music and titled The Star-Spangled Banner, rallies a shattered nation to rise from its knees to claim the dream of "one nation under God" during the closing hours of the War of 1812.

One of many reviews:

"This book is a magnificent love story—love between man and woman, love between friends, love between siblings, and ultimately, love between citizens and their country. While it tells the backstory of The Star-Spangled Banner, I found myself reflecting on the lyrics to another favorite song: "Oh beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.”~ Braden Bell, author of The Road  Show.

For more information about Laurie Lewis and her books, please click HERE.

Oh, Say Can You See? is sold at Deseret Books, Seagull Books, Amazon, and at your local LDS bookstore. Autographed copies are available at This Is The Place Bookstores.

BOOK REVIEW—Volume Four in the Free Men and Dreamers Series—Oh, Say Can You See? by L. C. Lewis