Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Faythe Wentworth and her family moved to North Hinkapee, owned by Miles Downing and his family. The impoverished Wentworth family leased land from the Downing family, where they settled and lived peacefully. However, things took a turn for the worse when the Downing twin boys raped Fathye’s younger sister, Chloe. The situation became complicated because Martha, Miles’ wife, took her mandate to protect the Downing legacy seriously. Her boys could not face the law if she wanted to maintain the life of affluence she enjoyed. Martha unleashed an arsenal of misfortunes on the Wentworth family, which led to irreparable damage. Faythe Emily Wentworth swore not only justice but vengeance! Faythe had neither money nor power, so how could she take down the Downing family and its cronies? Find out in Faythe of North Hinkapee by James T. Hogg.

James T. Hogg sets Faythe of North Hinkapee in seventeenth-century colonial America. In those days, it was the norm for women to remain silent and not speak up. This book centers on three formidable women (Nununyi, Faythe, and Martha) and how they disrupted the status quo. The themes explored include greed, loyalty, betrayal, deception, love, crime, and vengeance. The story knocked me sideways with its action and suspense. It was also thought-provoking because each character left me with questions. Where does the line blur between being patient with one’s spouse and becoming a doormat? Do children hate the weak-willed parent? Why do they align with the stronger parent regardless of their cruelty? I saw this pattern repeat from Martha’s parents to her son, Matt. Did the power dynamics in their parents’ relationships contribute to them being psychopaths? I felt it was a lesson that parents should never stay in toxic situations for the sake of their children because it will backfire.

Faythe was also an intriguing character through whom I saw the power of worthy relationships. She had no wealth but leveraged people like Merten, Tommy, Nununyi, Jens, Julie, Remembrance, Jones, Menon, and other allies. No matter how busy our lives are, we must learn to build a community of quality people. They are gifts. We need more Mrs. Wormers who create safe spaces for women. She was strict but kind and one of my favorite characters. Nununyi was another character I loved. She knew how to care for loved ones and was level-headed. Miles was an absolute waste of oxygen. I could not deal with such a level of weak will and playing the ostrich. How could anyone live like that? Everyone should read this book, especially lovers of historical stories. The characters, world-building, and storyline were superb. I felt the depth and emotions of this story and can attest that James is a brilliant writer. Thank you for a beautiful book.