I had never known that many Irishman were sold as slaves. I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel filled with love and bigotry and pirates. I loved how inspirational this was. I loved Avalina and Josiah and how each of these characters found faith as they made it through many trying times. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Exceptional historical that takes place primarily in Barbados in 1816.
Ms. Johnson has done a stellar job of presenting her heroine Avalina as a selective mute. Avalina wants to speak but for some reason cannot. She does, however, speak to a very few people she trusts, including Josiah Holland. Avalina became a slave. When,as a child, she survived a shipwreck she was taken into a sugar cane plantation by the evil Cyrene Hastings. She met Josiah when he and his father visited from S.Carolina to do business with Hastings. Turmoil erupted and Josiah and Avalina have to flee for their lives.
The characters are well written and the story educates about the time and customs.
I like the way Josiah is shown as a godfearing man who had a conscience. He is compassionate and wants Avalina to be able to read and write. He also sees that she knows very little about God and tries to help her grow to recognize Jesus as her Savior.
A skillfully written book and a heartfelt story that exposed the cruelty of slavery and highlighted the fact that the Irish were also brought to the western hemisphere as slaves. Well worth the read.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are mine alone.* ( )

I love this book—another powerful, compelling story from gifted storyteller Tara Johnson. The skillfully plotted storyline grabbed me with the first line and kept me immersed to the last. The superbly crafted characters are complex and fascinating. I have added Josiah and Avalina to my list of favorite fictional characters and favorite fictional couples. Amazing historical detail adds depth and intrigue to the story. I especially enjoyed and appreciated the strong spiritual thread woven throughout the story and especially Avalina’s inspiring journey to faith. With a theme of redemption, this book is everything Christian Historical Romance should be. The masterful intertwining of characters, plot, history, and faith make this an outstanding, inspirational fictional work running the gamut of emotions. To Speak His Name commences The Wings of the Morning series, and I am anxiously awaiting the second book. I recommend this book as a must read especially for historical romance fans.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )