Book Review: Goddess Born by Kari Edgren

Summary: 
Pennsylvania, 1730

Selah Kilbrid keeps a dangerous secret: she has the power to heal.

A direct descendent of the Celtic goddess Brigid, it's Selah's sacred duty to help those in need. But as the last of the Goddess Born living in the New World, she learned from an early age to keep her supernatural abilities hidden. The Quaker community of Hopewell has always been welcoming, but there's no doubt they would see her hanged if her gift was revealed.

When a prominent minister threatens to try her with witchcraft unless she becomes his wife, Selah has only one hope--that her betrothed, a distant cousin from Ireland, arrives as planned. Marrying Samuel would keep her secret safe, preserve her sacred bloodline, and protect her from being charged as a witch.

But when news of Samuel's death reaches the Colonies, Selah is truly on her own. Terrified, she faces an impossible choice--forfeit her powers and marry the loathsome Nathan? Or find an imposter to pose as her husband and preserve her birthright?

Release Date: May 19, 2014
Age Group: 

Source: Review copy from author

Review:
Goddess Born was such a surprisingly awesome read!  I loved everything about this book, and found myself sad when it was over.

First of all, Goddess Born is historical fiction, which is my favorite genre.  There's just something about going back in time and reading about people living in simpler times, that draws me in.  I love picturing the characters in the past.  Historical fiction novels always feel deeper and more nuanced to me.  I love that.  Well, not only was Goddess Born historical fiction, it blended mythology, mystery, and romance into one fantastic read.

I liked Selah right from the start. She's strong, independent and resourceful; and all of those traits made me admire her from the first scenes of the book.  What I liked most about Selah is her hidden identity as one of Brigid's daughters. She has to hide who she really is to fit into society.  I know how hiding traits about yourself feels, as I hid my chronic illnesses from my friends and acquaintances for years before taking the leap and living more authentically.  Unlike me, Selah faces mortal consequences for revealing her true nature: she could be tried as a witch and even hanged for having her healing abilities.  She's always trying to balance her abilities by using them to heal people while keeping them secret.

While I love a good, steamy romance as much as the next reader, there's something to be said for a slow-building, clean love story.  Goddess Born had exactly that.  I love it when an author can impart so much emotion into just a look, or a touch between two characters.  The emotions mean more when the romance builds slowly.  Henry was an enigma, and I loved getting to know him, and fall in love with him as Selah slowly did.  His true identity was such a well-timed shock, and it added another layer of depth and intrigue to the story.

Goddess Born is the perfect blend of love, mystery, and fantasy.  It's a beautifully written story that stayed with me for days.  This was my first time reading Kari Edgren and I'll definitely be reading her work again.  I highly recommend Goddess Born!