Verity Banning stands in the middle—she has an older sister and a younger sister. She waits in the middle of an interrupted relationship. Torn between her loyalty to the British (her country of origin) and sympathy for the rebellious colonists in America, she doesn’t know who to believe. She even lives in the middle—on the small island of Nevis in the Caribbean—trying to make sense of slavery and island culture.

Verity’s older sister, Keturah, has established a home with her soulmate and husband, and Verity longs to find out if her blossoming romance with Duncan McKintrick holds promise for a future as well. After almost a year without word from him, she’s convinced that something has happened and she longs to know the truth.

When Verity sets out to buy supplies for her new business endeavor, she vows to find out what happened to Duncan. Some people on Nevis don’t want to see Verity succeed—at business, or romance. The white island residents resent the way the Banning sisters treat their workers—hiring free blacks and offering emancipation to their slaves.

Ian McKintrick has one goal in mind—find the man who murdered his brother and seek revenge. If he can aid the Colonies and the Sons of Liberty in the process of thwarting the British, even better. His first act leads him to jail, though—not a propitious start for revenge or espionage.

When a young woman asks to see him in jail, he never dreams that their relationship will grow into a business partnership. Nor that one day, he’ll long for more.

Although the book belongs to a series, one need not read the first book (Keturah) in order to enjoy the second one (buy why not, it’s a great read).

Bergren, as always, does meticulous historical research and includes details in the story that make the reader feel as if they learned without trying. Settle down with a cup of tea on a weekend and enjoy this slice-of-history saga.

"Verity" is a Christian romance set in Spring 1775 in Nevis, West Indies. This is the second book in a series, and it continues the story of the three sisters. However, it focused on Verity's romance and can be read as a standalone.

Verity was intelligent, resourceful, and brave. Ian was impulsive, quick-tempered, and quick to beat people up--not really ideal traits for a spy. I could see why Ian admired Verity, but I never quite understood why she fell in love with him. Yes, he supported and protected her. And they did have mutual interests and worked well together. It just seemed to me that they fell in love pretty quickly considering what she had to give up and what a future with him actually offered.

The characters were interesting, and I cared about what happened to them. The suspense came from the threat of harm from an ongoing evil character and from their spying activities. The historical details were mainly focused on the beginnings of the American Revolution and how that affected the trade to the West Indies. Ian struggled to trust God to bring justice rather than take vengeance himself. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I recommend this exciting novel.

Verity--ah yes, what a lovely tale. So heartwarming and well-paced, with colourful characters and an intriguing plotline. And that tropical atmosphere! It was nice to have a bit of a break from the typical London or New York city vibes for at least part of the book, and get to spend it on the tropical island of Nevis.
I was so sad to start by hearing of Duncan's demise--he was one of my favourite characters in the previous book, however, meeting and getting to know his brother was fabulous. I felt like the romance was...not rushed, but...just, kinda different, with Verity and Ian. Not nonexistent, but, not as prevalent as I might have hoped. However, I still enjoyed their relationship.

So far, I'm loving this fresh, adventurous series and look forward to reading Selah's book!

*free ebook copy was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Verity is a well written book that takes place in pre-revolutionary war era. This is book two in a series, and I haven't read the first book. I wish I had! It's still a good story as a stand alone, with exciting spies, being on a ship, a fascinating story throughout. The ending leaves you waiting anxiously for the third book! An excellent tale that is so much more than a romance!

Verity picks up the story of The Sugar Baron's Daughters much where Keturah left off, focusing on the middle daughter. Verity pursues her desire to become a merchant on the island of Nevis where she and her sisters reside, much to the consternation of many of the islanders. To go much past that, this review would be rife with spoilers. Something, I will not do. I can say that I most highly recommend this book, but strongly suggest reading the series in sequential order. You will be glad that you did.

Lisa Bergren gives her readers the feel of the West Indies as well as crowded colonial cities. Her dialogue is believable and evokes strong emotions and empathy for her characters. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

This book is a historical fiction lover’s dream. First of all, location, location, location: It’s set in the Caribbean! I love getting a glimpse into a historical location that’s rarely explored in fiction. Second, it’s set on the cusp of the War of Independence—or the Revolutionary War. (This Australian never knows what to call it!) The Caribbean setting enhances the political tension as the characters determine where their loyalties lie and what the consequences of those loyalties will be. Add in Ian and Verity’s personal story and I found this a difficult book to put down!

I didn’t connect with Keturah as much as I wanted to in the first book in this series, but even then I had a feeling it would be different with Verity, and I was right. While both women are strong in their own ways, Verity is a more charismatic character—someone who wears her heart on her sleeve, as opposed to Keturah who is much more restrained. I admired Verity’s determination to open her own mercantile and her business savvy in overcoming the opposition she faced—in fact, I loved her pluck in general. If I say much more than that, I might give too much away!

Ian is my kind of hero. He’s a man of strong character and sober mien, and yet his blood runs hot on certain topics and he’s definitely able to turn on the swoon factor when given the right inducement. There was an understated intensity to the development of his relationship with Verity that felt very organic to them and their situation, and I loved the balance he maintained between being protective of Verity but also recognising her ability and intelligence.

Oh, and did I mention ships? Danger on the high seas AND the land, not to mention espionage and the desire for revenge. This story really has it all, and while there’s no cliff-hanger ending, it’s clear there’s more to come in Selah’s story. I can’t wait!

VERITY is the second book in the Sugar Baron's Daughters series by LISA T BERGREN. It is an historical romance novel with a good Christian message, which takes place in 1775, between America and the West Indies. It is an enjoyable read, and it gives us, amongst other things, a good idea of life on sugarcane plantations in the 18th century. With the conflict between the British and the Patriots getting under way, and the harsh grip kept on the Americans by England, people are forced to take sides and smuggling and spying is rife.
Verity is an unusual young woman, as are her sisters Keturah and Selah, who came from England to run their father's sugarcane plantation. Verity, whose passion is for animals, horses in particular, feels led by the Lord to start Banning's Bridlery and More, dealing in horses, carriages, saddlery and other necessities, trading between New Yotk and the Indies. Whilst in New York, buying horses and other essentials for her mercantile, she meets Ian McKintrick and hears of his brother's murder. His brother was the man who had been courting her. Ian is secretly anti British, as he holds them responsible for his brother's death, and Verity becomes drawn to help him in spying for the Patriots. That is all I will tell you of the story as I do not want to spoil it for you.
It is an exciting book, the characters are very real and the description of life in that time of history is interesting, and has obviously been well researched. I can recommend the book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I loved being back on Nevis and with the Banning sister’s and their families, and this book mainly focuses on sister Verity. I would recommend that you read the first book in this series, Keturah, so good!
These are strong women and Verity is now leaving her mark and setting up her own store selling mostly horses and tack, and with the help of Ian McKintrick, brother of Duncan, she has been to NY and the Carolina’s to get her stock.
Now with British soldiers living on their plantation, and the threat of war on the horizon, these women are going to have to make changes.
There is still evil lingering on the island, and we meet the main nemesis again, and yes, I wished him ill will.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series so I can go on with the Banning woman and their loves and trial, and find out how this wraps up!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

If you love lush plantations, romantic balls, spies, and swashbuckling heroes, join Lisa T. Bergen as she takes the reader on an exhilarating journey to Nevis in the Caribbean—with the fragrance of magnolias, red bougainvillea, white jasmine, and sea salt on the air! Drawn together through mutual tragedy...the lovely, courageous, Verity, and the irresistible, Captain Ian McKintrick, share an undeniable chemistry from their first meeting. As the two join forces in colonial America to spy against the British will tragedy strike once again?

Bergen is a skillful wordsmith with the ability to create such realistic scenarios that the reader can totally visualize being there. My heart felt like it literally dropped to my stomach when Verity is detained by the suspicious British on several of her missions. And oh, the toe-curling romance. That Ian...sigh. Although the other two sisters reappear in this novel it can easily be read as a stand alone. But I highly recommend reading 'Keturah' first to become acquainted with all the wonderful characters in this series!

I received a copy of this novel from Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review.

I loved Verity. This is a series where I have really connected to the characters.
Lisa started off this series with Keturah taking us on a journey in 1773 from England to the West Indies.

In Verity we get to better know the story of a second Banning sister and experience what life was like for the daughter of a sugar baron trying to make her way through an import business in the colonies as she attempts to find information on lost beau, Captain Duncan McKintrick.
Yet again Lisa spins a vivid tale that puts you right in the moment, letting you experience the hardship and joys of Verity's adventure. This historical book is a fantastic read that left me excited for the next book in the series.. This is a book I will be reading again and I really hope it comes out on audio book as well.

I'm a huge fan of historical stories. I love reading stories woven with details of the past, so I love that Verity takes place during the beginning of the American Revolution and that Verity and Ian take action alongside the Sons of Liberty. While most historical romance isn't action-packed, this book does include a few thrills--from blazing fires and bar fights to spy codes and ship chases--which I think gave the story an extra edge that drew me into the narrative.

As with Keturah, I love the depiction of the three Banning sisters. Verity is different than Keturah, but she has her sister's stubborn and determined spirit. Despite taking place during a time where women were supposed to get married and settle down, the Banning sisters step beyond the norms of society to chase their hard fought dreams and follow their hearts. I also like that this story continues Keturah and Gray's story and we get to see what happens to them after the events of the first book. While the book focuses mainly on Verity, the other Banning sisters are not left behind and play an intricate part in the plot as well.

While I was sad we don't get to see what would have become of Verity and Duncan's relationship, I do like Ian a lot. Even more than I like Gray. There's just something about a man who smuggles goods for the rebellion that gets my heart pumping. Plus, that Scottish accent is swoon-worthy. Ian is an excellent heartthrob for a historical romance novel. 

I was also impressed that this book doesn't shy away from focusing on issues that are often seen today. Like Keturah, there are moments of racism, sexism, and oppression throughout the story. The way the characters handle these issues and stand above the people who inflict harm upon others is truly admirable. I can see how these issues will easily flow into Selah's story and hopefully resolve with the Banning sisters victorious. 

This book is published by a Christian publishing house and the characters do discuss and pray to God often throughout the story. The depiction of faith, however, felt genuine and accurate, not coming across disorienting for the time frame or the story. The inclusion of faith in the story did not impede the story in any way, but instead, added to the characters and their actions and attitude toward the events that occur.

Overall, Verity is an excellent sequel to Keturah, full of suspenseful action and heartbreaking moments. There are a lot of truths explored between these pages even though it's heavily focused on the whirlwind romance between Keturah and Ian. If you're a fan of Bergren's books or you like historical romance, I would definitely recommend you add Keturah and Verity to your list.

In the first book of this series by Lisa T. Bergren, Keturah brought her two sisters with her to the West Indies to take over the sugar plantation which was her father’s. We see how each of these three sisters are women with grit and determination.
In this second book of The Sugar Baron’s Daughters, we learn more about the three sisters, however, this book focuses on Verity, the middle sister, who wants something to call her own. She feels a bit lost and misunderstood. She has hopes and dreams of becoming one of the first women to own her own mercantile. Along the way to completing this dream, Verity is hit with many struggles and losses. She learns to stand up for herself and make choices which might not appear right by all.
Lisa T. Bergren is a wonderful storyteller. She has painted beautiful pictures in words, for us to be captured and taken to a time when life was lived day by day. Where, “tomorrow is a hope, not a promise.”
This story has lots of drama, a bit of suspense and wonderfully sweet romance. It is also full of loyalty of friends, and family, who believe in and support Verity no matter what.
I am now waiting to hear more about young Selah and her deep desires to care for others. Oh, what interesting things will we learn?! I know we will also hear more about Verity and Ian and their many adventures.
I was given this book by the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Seeing the success that her sister Keturah had on the island of Nevis, Verity decides that she too would like to run her own business. Instead of going into the sugar cane business Verity opts to open her own shop in town. Knowing that the men and women of Nevis think that the sisters are too bold and shouldn't be doing what only men should, Verity sets out to win them over with her superior products.



Traveling to the colonies Verity has a twofold plan. She wants to find the best products for her new shop, and she wants to find out what happened to her beloved sea captain Duncan McKintrick. Finding Duncan's brother Ian in jail Verity learns of Duncan's fate. Heartbroken she agrees to have Ian carry all of her goods back to Nevis.



When an old enemy attempts to put Verity out of business she and Ian escape back to the colonies. There they find that the British are clamping down on the rebels and that rumors of war are abounding.



I loved Verity's story! I actually love the Banning sisters! They are strong females that have captured the hearts of strong men that allow them to be themselves in an age when women should be just pretty ornaments on a man's arm. VERITY is filled with beautiful settings, danger, and intrigue, all set on the cusp of the American Revolution. I loved Ian's character as well. He is a man of honor bent on finding the man that killed his brother. The scenes of slavery in KETURAH were a bit harder to take than the ones in VERITY, but there is a scene that was horrifying and graphic. One of the things that make the Banning plantation and the Bannings themselves different is their treatment of their workers. Most of them are free and paid wages or working towards emancipation. That idea causes the other plantation owners consternation. A great book and I'm now looking forward to reading the last Banning sister's story, I think we already have an idea of who Selah falls in love with!

“There was nothing for it. Verity had to set aside her misgivings and do what she felt she ought. She dug her booted heels into Fiona’s flanks, and the big chestnut mare resumed their climb up the steep, rocky path. She wished her resolve could be as steady and sure as her mount’s gait. Because what was to come…well, the mere thought of it left her feeling quite ill.” - Opening lines of Verity by Lisa T. Bergren

Verity, by Lisa T. Bergren, is the second in the sugar baron’s daughters series and continues where Keturah leaves off. Whilst a story in and of itself, I highly recommend reading this series in order to fully appreciate the journey. Having loved the first, I have been anticipating this one ever since and it doesn’t disappoint!

A fine balance of romance and realism is struck in this novel. It is full of adventure, faith and hope as well as rich with historical details. Whilst life in the West Indies is harsh and the people our lead characters come up against are brutal, the beauty of the surrounds and the power of love triumphs over it all.

Our leading lady, Verity, sets her mind to selling both horses and horse-related items imported from America and her travel between the two lands is on the seas are fraught with British and Patriot fighters. Being a horse-lover, I wish to reassure future readers, no horses were harmed during the novel – I always hold my breathe whilst reading in fear an animal may be injured! – but it is packed with fascinating facts about transporting and training them which I thoroughly enjoyed!

As the conflict drew to a head between Britain and the Americas, several acts were put in place to suppress the uprising including having to allow soldiers to take up residence in one’s home, feeding and caring for them at one’s own cost! Astounding! Details like these are woven into the story which makes its fabric all the more interesting!

Christianity sits at the heart, as it did in the first book, and finding joy and hope after loss and heartbreak is the central theme. Standing apart from the world’s norms of slavery and the place of women causes strife for the whole family and finding a way to be true to God if not the way of the world is explored beautifully.

The writing is exquisite and the characters wonderful! I eagerly anticipate book number three, Selah, and highly recommend this one! It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.

If you have not read the first book in the Sugar Baron's Daughters series, Keturah, you will want to do so before reading this second book. Verity begins in 1775, and those with American roots know the significance of that date. The 3 Banning sisters living on British-controlled Nevis, get pulled into the American War for Independence in unexpected ways.

Although this book focuses on Verity, the middle sister, the reader also learns more about Keturah and her husband, and Selah, the youngest sister.

Bergren has done an amazing job of pulling together so many strands of history into a riveting, fast-paced novel that deals with love and hate, revenge and forgiveness, slavery and freedom. There are men and women of integrity facing off with brutal bullies. There are heart-stopping scenes of tragedy and suspense, as well as tender moments of love and hope. I had a hard time putting the book down, and I'll be eager to read the final book in the series, Selah, to learn more about the Sugar Baron's daughters.