Release: March 8th, 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Diamonds Big As Radishes, LLC
Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N
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A forbidden love.
An impossible dream.
And a daring venture to open America . . .
The year is 1810. For decades men have dreamed of reaching west of the Hudson. Also, they were in search of unlocking the untold riches in America’s heartland. Yet, these people lacked the necessary skill, willpower, and political might.
Then enters DeWitt Clinton, mayor of New York City.
Then, Clinton vows to construct a waterway through the wilderness to Lake Erie. For this, he needs support from the echelons of New York society. However, it is not easy to find. And there is only one woman with the talent and connections for the job.
Eleanora Van Rensselaer, an aristocratic widow, rules a vast Hudson Valley estate. But her wealth and power will vanish once a dark secret is revealed. Clinton enlists her charm and intelligence to face his powerful opponent Martin Van Buren. When Eleanora meets Daniel Hedges, a dashing ship captain, she knows he is the key to this massive project. Eleanora’s social savvy and Hedges’ skills make them an ideal team. However, they need to fight the powerful feelings growing between them.
But as America plunges into the war of 1812, they could lose all that they have built.
From America’s stunning naval victory on Lake Erie to the British invasion of Washington, D.C., Daniel and Eleanora persist through tragedy and deep personal loss. Despite Van Buren’s plot to obstruct Clinton and expose Eleanora’s secret, Daniel and Eleanora won’t stop until they make their huge dream a reality.
And somewhere along the way, they might find a love that will change them and America forever.
About the Author:
JACK CASEY is an attorney who has handled civil, criminal, and constitutional matters for thirty years in his solo practice. In HAMILTON’S CHOICE, Casey dramatizes Alexander Hamilton’s life’s last three years and plausibly explains why he went to his first and fatal duel. Casey’s newest release, Moreover, INTO THE HEARTLAND, is a sweeping saga of adversity and triumph around the building of the Erie Canal (1810–1825). His other published historical novels are LILY OF THE MOHAWKS and THE TRIAL OF BAT SHEA.
Casey graduated with honors from Yale University and Albany Law School and has studied literature at Edinburgh and Cambridge Universities. Also, he lives in Troy, NY, and Raleigh, NC, with his wife and editor, Victoria.
Into the Heartland Review:
I always enjoy a good historical saga with dynamic characters that teaches me something new, and “Into the Heartland” delivered it perfectly!
To begin with, I loved the way the author narrated the story. Right from the beginning, the author sets the pace for a forbidden romance between Daniel and Eleanora. Even though you know that things will not end well, you cannot help but get invested in the two. I loved the chemistry they shared. Eleanora, in particular, is an enigmatic character, and I also enjoyed some of her storylines, for instance, revolving around the ejectment notice. Even the supporting characters like Clinton, J.J., Kate, and Joel were memorable. Similarly, there were characters like Van Buren that I disliked with a passion.
Moreover, I loved the historical details the author added. I had limited knowledge about Lake Erie, and the historical facts depicted in the tale fascinated me. Reading this book inspired me to research further how the Canal got constructed. The author also adds some thrilling moments, like when Canadian pirates enter their ship masquerading as customs. However, some moments that genuinely shocked me were how the British invasion impacted these characters. My heart went out to Daniel and Eleanora as they suffer tragic losses in their lives. Also, the author wrote the scenes in an intricate and detailed manner that makes you feel like you are in the timeline with the characters. The author continues the story with the political rivalry between Clinton and Van Buren that had me stuck to the story.
Overall, “Into the Heartland” is a beautifully detailed historical novel surrounding the Canal that boosted New York City, woven with a touching romance.
Giveaway:
Enter to win a paperback copy of Into the Heartland by Jack Casey!
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Book Tour Schedule:
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Into the Heartland by Jack Casey Blog Tour. The tour is hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours. Check out my post, and make sure to enter the giveaway!
