The final book in the Victoria Chronicles Trilogy won a Gold IPPY (Independant Publisher Award) in June 2007!
In Loyalty's Haven, new challenges await as Nancy continues her charity work in aid of wounded soldiers, widows, and orphans through musical concerts in Seattle. In 1918, as the war appears to be slowly coming to an end, renewed hope that the end of the war will bring prosperity and a new beginning, are dashed as tragedy strikes in the form of the deadly Spanish Influenza Epidemic. Then, news of a special event finally brightens life in the Brown household.
Whittle again brings us the true story of history through the final chapter of his popular and engaging Victoria trilogy - a book brought about by the insistance of his fans. Even history buffs find themselves hard-pressed to discern fact from fiction in Whittle's brilliant page-turning novels set in and around his new hometown of Victoria, BC.
Whittle's research, as told through this book, dispels any thought that the Pacific Northwest and it's people were not affected by this dreaded disease.
*Also available in Hardcover on Author's website.
Excerpt
During the summer and early autumn of 1917, reports began reaching the Pacific Northwest of an illness called Spanish Influenza that was ravaging the war-torn cities of Europe. In the following months, local newspapers carried reports of British hospitals full to overflowing and, with no sign of a cure, the number of deaths reported was terribly alarming, even from so far away.
“Do you think it will reach Victoria?” Nancy asked Dr. Arthur Price, the city’s health officer, when he called for a meal at the Wounded Soldier Restaurant in early March of 1918.
“Oh I’m sure it will,” he gruffly assured her, “there seems to be no stopping the epidemic.”
“But by then you’ll know how to treat it, won’t you, doctor?”
“We’re working on it, girl,” Dr. Price replied sharply, “but cases have already been reported in Quebec, Boston, and Philadelphia.”
“How is it spreading so fast?” she asked, a look of great concern wrinkling her brow.
“Soldiers are bringing it home with them,” Dr. Price replied shaking his head sadly. He paid his bill and, offering no further comment, left the restaurant.
Nancy watched through the window as the bowed figure slowly crossed the streetcar tracks and disappeared inside the hospital across the street. He’s more tired than usual, she thought.
“What are you looking at?” Kate asked, coming up behind her with a cloth to wash the table. “What did Dr. Price have to say? Nothing good, by the look on your face.”
“He said the flu has arrived in Quebec and the United States already.”
“We live in troubled times, Nan. The war is not over yet and now this terrible influenza thing is killing thousands of people. At least we have the happy preparations of your wedding to keep us from going crazy with worry. I’m so glad you decided to have it in May rather than last September.”
“It certainly has given us more time to organize everything; I never imagined there would be so much to do!” Nancy exclaimed.
“Oh, we have lots of time now, we only have the influenza to worry about, it seems!”
“Don’t even think of it, Kate, I’ve waited long enough to be Mrs. Dan Brown!” Nan retorted. “I’m not going to let a health emergency get in my way!”
Dana Blozis, VirtuallyYourz.com
“Loyalty’s Haven is even more riveting than the first two installments … followers of the lifelong romance between Dan and Nancy will love Loyalty’s Haven …. Once again, he has written a magnificent and compelling epic within the historical backdrop of post-World War I Victoria, BC and the US Pacific Northwest. (This episode) will delight even the most discriminating of readers.”
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Reviews for "Loyalty's Haven, Book 3 Victoria Chronicles Trilogy"
Reviewed by Dana Blozis
12/18/2006
Whether you are an avid follower of Robert Whittle’s work or a newcomer to his brand of historical fiction, Loyalty’s Haven will delight even the most discriminating readers. In the third installment of the Victoria Chronicles, or the “Nancy and Dan books” as loyal fans have affectionately dubbed them, readers are transported from current times to the tail end of World War I in British Columbia, Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. As the war trudged on, tensions ran high as needy families desperately sought financial support and emotional aid. As hopes diminished for a swift end to World War I, the world was faced with another harsh threat, a deadly influenza known as the Spanish Flu.
In Loyalty’s Haven, as the disease spreads throughout the region, philanthropist Nancy Wilson attempts to carry on with life as usual. Nancy, a talented singer and master businesswoman, plans her wedding to Dan Brown as she works and schemes to raise money to support service families. Meanwhile, Dan assists the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian government to keep the Puget Sound safe from violent rum runners while also keeping his adopted family safe from sickness.
Rich with historical detail and unwavering passion for family and country, Loyalty’s Haven is even more riveting than the first two installments of the Victoria Chronicles. Whittle deftly finds his stride, further developing Nancy and Dan’s relationship while honing in on the desperation of the late 1910s. With a sprinkle of romance and a dollop of history, Whittle’s storytelling style is fluid as he skillfully transitions from one storyline to the next. Leaving room for a possible fourth novel with his ambiguous ending, Whittle masterfully brings his quirky but likable characters together in a magnificent and compelling epic of bravery, commitment, loyalty and love.
For anyone who loves romance and historical fiction, Loyalty’s Haven reigns victorious!
Reviewed by Wendy Dyer
12/4/2006
Hi
I am a big fan of both Joyce and Bob and eagerly await all new books and as usual they deliver in Spades. Loyalties Haven does not dissapoint , Dan and Nancy fans. ALthought it's the last of this series it leaves you with good feelings and hope for their future (Dan & Nancy). I can hardly wait to read whatever comes next. I know it will deliver.
I will miss Dan and Nancy but will also enjoy re-reading the series.
Thanks
Wendy DYer
Kincardine Ontario.
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