Description
By Rhonda Ortiz
“Everything about your life is my concern, Mr. Robb, including your betrothed.”
Boston, 1793—Now engaged, Molly Chase and new federal intelligencer Josiah Robb want nothing more than to settle into quiet married life—or as quiet as life can be when one is hunting down a ring of traitors among Boston’s elite. But the plan has one glaring flaw: Molly herself, and the madness that has plagued her since her father’s death. Until Molly proves herself an asset rather than a liability, Josiah’s investigation cannot move forward.
Intelligencer Eliza Hall thought she had left her troubles behind in Philadelphia long ago. When she is sent back to follow a suspect, she’s ready to acknowledge the truth and make her peace—except that the man she loves, who doesn’t know about her past, is assigned to come with her. Now she must outwit her fellow spy and closest friend, lest he hate her for what she had been, while they maneuver to prevent Revolutionary France from dragging the fledgling United States into a war it cannot afford.
Both women are in search of a safe harbor. Little do they expect the winds to blow them into the most tumultuous waters of all—back home.
Advanced Praise
“Weaving a captivating tapestry of history and storytelling, Rhonda Ortiz deftly builds the tension in her second Molly Chase novel, Adrift. Brimming with insight, action, and intrigue, the story fully immerses the reader in the uncertain early years of our nation and the lives of a compelling cast of characters. The satisfying ending hints of even more excitement on the horizon—a brilliant and edifying historical read!” — Stephanie Landsem, author of Code Name Edelweiss
“‘First comes love, then comes…’ a scintillating spy plot, perduring mental and emotional trauma, deep spiritual questioning, and, of course, romance. With Adrift, Ortiz provides a stirring sequel that weaves together historical detail and psychological complexity in a cloth as intricate as any from Penelope’s mythological loom.” — Eleanor Bourg Nicholson, author of Brother Wolf and The Letters of Magdalen Montague
“Full of espionage, political and social intrigue, with historically accurate details, Adrift is the exciting sequel in a series sure to have you looking at American history with fresh eyes and interest. Ortiz delves into the racial, social, religious, and mental health struggles of the time with a deft hand that leaves you aching for better for the characters but in awe of their struggle to rise above, all while serving their country. It is a must read for fans of historical novels.” — Crystal Caudill, author of Counterfeit Faith
“The second installment in Rhonda Ortiz’s Molly Chase series, Adrift, is a veritable ocean of intrigue, espionage, and swoonworthy romance. This impeccably researched adventure brings eighteenth century Boston to life in the little-known-to-me Federalist period of American history, and compelling character arcs kept me turning pages far into the night. Fans of Josiah and Molly will find much to love about the continuation of their story as well as a new equally riveting pair to root for. I’m already eagerly awaiting the third book in the series!” — Amanda Wen, author of Roots of Wood and Stone
Sydney –
Adrift is the second book in the Molly Chase series, preceded by In Pieces. This first novel captured me by its attention to detail, character depth, and multiple perspectives. The second? All of that and more. Adrift was even better with mystery, suspense, and beautiful romance throughout. Ortiz has done an incredible job with her research, drawing the reader into the immersive descriptions. I also loved the shifting perspectives throughout the story: each character’s voice so thoughtfully placed. The character development continued from In Pieces, and the tactful examination of issues within their historical context such as race, mental health, grief, and love are done so with care. I thoroughly enjoyed my read of this novel, and I truly cannot wait to read the third book in the series.
Note: I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Barb Szyszkiewicz –
Picking up right where the first book in the series leaves off, Adrift chronicles Molly and Josiah’s complicated search for a church for their wedding, Josiah’s venture into work on land, and some fascinating surprises in the lives of their friends. Some of the secondary characters in this book deserve their own novels! The espionage that figured into the plot of In Pieces is a major plot point, with two characters traveling to Philadelphia—as the yellow fever pandemic begins. A good deal of the novel’s action takes place in Philadelphia and centers on the lives, work, and social standing of biracial characters.
Rhonda knows how to tell a story, that’s for sure. I didn’t want to put this book down (and it was no different when I read the first book)! In this series, tough topics are discussed, but there’s plenty of friendly banter (so much banter—my favorite part!), nail-biting suspense, and painstakingly-researched historical detail to keep these novels from feeling too weighty. I know I’ll be rereading this book, sooner rather than later. And I’ll probably do so again when it’s time for the third book to come out
Carolyn Astfalk –
I started Adrift unsure as to whether it could match the literary magic of In Pieces. From the start, the reader knows this novel moves beyond Josiah and Molly (though they are still central) to concentrate on other characters (and romances). Once I’d read about a quarter of the book, I could confirm the magic was still there, though this book is more plot driven than character driven (the opposite of In Pieces).
By the end, I marveled at the intricate and expansive historical universe created and had become invested in other characters as much as Josiah and Molly (though their newlywed marriage may be one of my favorite marriages depicted, equal measures romantic and realistic).
Adrift is an apropos title on several levels – for the Robbs’ spirituality; the work of the intelligencers; the predicaments of Mark and Prudence Findley and Eliza Hall and Antoine Laurent; and the obvious seafaring allusion. All of which seem perfect for the second installment in a trilogy.
Looking forward to seeing where all of the anchors fall in the next book!