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Anna Belfrage
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The Prodigal Son (The Graham Saga Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Anna Belfrage (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 401 ratings
Safely returned from an involuntary stay in Virginia, Matthew Graham finds the Scottish Lowlands torn asunder by religious strife. His Restored Majesty, Charles II, requires all his subjects to swear fealty to him and the Church of England, riding roughshod over any opposition.

In Ayrshire, people close ranks around their evicted Presbyterian ministers. But disobedience comes at a high price, and Alex becomes increasingly nervous as to what her Matthew is risking by his support of the clandestine ministers – foremost amongst them the charismatic Sandy Peden.

Privately, Alex considers Sandy an enervating fanatic and all this religious fervour is incomprehensible to her. So when Matthew repeatedly sets his faith and ministers before his own safety, he puts their marriage under severe strain.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of Ian, the son Matthew was cruelly duped into disowning several years ago. Now Matthew wants Ian back and Alex isn’t entirely sure this is a good thing.

Things are brought to a head when Matthew places all their lives in the balance to save his dear preacher from the dragoons. How much is Matthew willing to risk? How much will he ultimately lose?
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  1. Book 3 of 9
    The Graham Saga
  2. Print length
    393 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 27, 2017
  6. File size
    815 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The obstacles and problems pummel them one right after the other, and I'm reminded of an old lesson my creative writing instructor used to teach: "Beat up your characters, make them work for what they want, make it so dire, so desperate, and so dangerous that your audience holds its breath throughout the entire story, praying for the end result to be one resounding triumph." I can safely say that Anna Belfrage managed to do just that. I highly recommend this book and this entire series to all fans of historical sagas. " Reader's Favorite BRONZE MEDAL winner



"Next to impossible to put down!" The Coffee Pot Book Club - BRONZE MEDAL 2019 Time Travel Fiction

"I absolutely lapped up this book, it was difficult to put down and a brilliantly enjoyable read." Historical Novel Society. Editor's Choice & shortlisted for the Indie Award

About the Author

Had Anna Belfrage been allowed to choose, she'd have become a professional time traveler. As this was impossible, she instead authored the acclaimed Graham Saga, a time-travelling series set in the seventeenth century. Her latest series is set in the 1320s and features Adam de Guirande, his wife Kit, and their adventures during Roger Mortimer's rise to power.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07178Y64Z
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Timelight Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 27, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 3rd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 815 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 393 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9198324419
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 9 ‏ : ‎ The Graham Saga
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 401 ratings

About the author

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Anna Belfrage

Anna Belfrage

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Had Anna been allowed to choose, she'd have become a professional time-traveller. No luck there, so instead she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests; history and writing. These days, Anna combines an exciting day-job with a large family and her writing endeavours. Plus she always finds the time to try out new recipes, chase down obscure rose bushes and initiate a home renovation scheme or two.

Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga , set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy.

Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. Her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty and love set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales in the late 13th century.

Her most recent release, The Whirlpools of Time , is a time travel romance set against the backdrop of brewing rebellion in the Scottish highlands.

All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of several Reader’s Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.

If you want to know more about Anna, why not visit her website, https://www.annabelfrage.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
401 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an easy and enjoyable read with plenty of action and plot twists. The writing style and character development receive positive feedback, and customers appreciate the historical accuracy, with one noting how the historical detail is imparted in adequate doses. They consider it a great series that keeps improving with each installment.

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20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy and enjoyable to read, with one customer noting it's worth the time and money invested.

"This is yet another delightful read, complete with action, historical accuracy and an engaging set of characters...." Read more

"Great can’t-put-it-down read!..." Read more

"...It isn’t a fast moving book, more like a slow boil...and worth every moment." Read more

"...While waiting for her new book, I found the Graham Saga. The books are good, entertaining reading that again deal with time travel...." Read more

11 customers mention "Storyline"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, which features plenty of action and suspenseful moments, with one customer noting it is full of plot twists.

"...There is plenty of action in this book, but it is balanced by descriptive passages that makes the Scottish landscape spring to life inside my head,..." Read more

"...There are several subplots which involved the continual harassment by English soldiers as they try to catch Matthew hiding renegade minister's;..." Read more

"...It is an intimate view of Matthew and Alex. It is a drama, a very intense drama about freedom, about love, about trust, about faith or lack of it...." Read more

"All of the books in the Graham series are excellent! I love the stories and the. Hero and heroine!..." Read more

9 customers mention "Series quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series, with one customer noting how it keeps getting better with each installment, while another mentions eagerly awaiting the next book.

"...Ms Belfrage does an excellent job in describing Matthew's and Alex's feelings for each other...." Read more

"...Fortunately for me, these books keep getting better...." Read more

"Absolutely love this series. The whole series has had me enthralled from the first book. 10/10 Anna is one of my favorite authors in this genre" Read more

"Great Series. Two more of this Saga will be released sometime soon I hope. This like the others in this series is will written." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters interesting in this book.

"...is imparted in adequate doses, and this together with her well-drawn characters and a fast-paced plot, quickly hooks me, making it difficult for me..." Read more

"...However, the characters are real...." Read more

"...out while reading this book, a sure sing that I've connected to the characters and story...." Read more

"...I love the stories and the. Hero and heroine!..." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one noting it has just the right amount of descriptive passages.

"...There is plenty of action in this book, but it is balanced by descriptive passages that makes the Scottish landscape spring to life inside my head,..." Read more

"Great can’t-put-it-down read! Great flow and just the right amount of descriptive passages, allowing me to formulate my version of the story without..." Read more

"...ahead and read the next book "Serphants in the Garden".....Great Title but it didn't make much of any sense with what was contained in the..." Read more

"...I still intend to read the fourth book in the series as the author writes well and I want to see what happens next." Read more

4 customers mention "Historical accuracy"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, with one noting how the historical detail is imparted in adequate doses, and another mentioning how it deals with time travel.

"...Once again, historical detail is imparted in adequate doses, and this together with her well-drawn characters and a fast-paced plot, quickly hooks me..." Read more

"...So how did I give this 3 stars? The time period is interesting...17th century Scotland and America and the religious conflicts if the time are..." Read more

"...The books are good, entertaining reading that again deal with time travel...." Read more

"Enjoyed for the historical relevance and story line. Few moments is suspense and written so one could imagine being there." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Sofia Marlú
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yet another delightful read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is yet another delightful read, complete with action, historical accuracy and an engaging set of characters. By now, three books into the series, Matthew Graham and his wife, Alex, have become almost like close friends, and so it is with a certain amount of nail biting that I read my way through this book in which Matthew repeatedly risks his life - and that of his family - due to issues of faith.
    It is obvious Ms Belfrage knows her history - and that she is rather impassioned about the events she depicts. Once again, historical detail is imparted in adequate doses, and this together with her well-drawn characters and a fast-paced plot, quickly hooks me, making it difficult for me to put the book down. I was particularly impressed by the portrait of the minister Alexander Peden, a real -life character that Ms Belfrage depicts with respect and affection.
    There is plenty of action in this book, but it is balanced by descriptive passages that makes the Scottish landscape spring to life inside my head, complete with birds, flowers and scents. Due to the subject matter - the brutal persecution of those 17th century Scots who refused to accept Charles II as head of their church - there is heartbreak and loss, but there is also a lot of love: between Matthew and Alex, between parents and children. And then there is Ian, a confused boy who doesn't know quite where he belongs, at least not to begin with. I really liked how the author described Ian and his evolving relationship with both Matthew and Alex.
    Ms Belfrage does an excellent job in describing Matthew's and Alex's feelings for each other. Just like in real life, they have their ups and downs, with her being angry at him for risking too much, him being frustrated by not being able to make her understand. There is passion and anger, grief and fear, and so much tenderness. And when it comes to the crunch, they are always there for each other, standing side by side to meet whatever life throws their way.
    With The Prodigal Son, Ms Belfrage has earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf. It is with relief I note that the next book in the series will be out before Christmas. Thanks Ms Belfrage, and please keep them coming!
    Sofia Marlú
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  • Jess S. Hughes
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Prodigal Son - A Story of 17th Century Scotland
    Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This page turner of a story is set in Scotland during the reign of Charles II, in the middle of the seventeenth Century. I knew little about the period and even though this is a work of fiction, I learned quite a bit about repression of the Scottish people because of their beliefs in the Presbyterian church. This is not a religious book in any stretch of the imagination. It is set during a time of great turmoil, civil war and religious persecution. There were strong feelings on both sides regarding religion.

    The Prodigal Son, is the third book in a series written by Anna Belfrage. It stands on its own merit and can be read without reading the first two volumes. The story is seen through the eyes of one family, beginning 1665. The two major characters are Alex Lind, who is a 21st Century time slip-wife of Matthew Graham a rigid, staunch Presbyterian, who is determine to defend his religion, and its ministers, even at the cost of losing his life and family.

    Alex, an intelligent, strong-willed, feisty woman is just as determined to bring him to her way of thinking and make him understand that he should think of she and the children first.

    The novel is a page turner full of plot twists and emotional mine fields which tug at the reader's hearts. There are a couple of scenes in which the reader may shed tears, I won't give them away. There are several subplots which involved the continual harassment by English soldiers as they try to catch Matthew hiding renegade minister's; Matthew's brother, Luke, who hates Matthew's guts; and the relationship Matthew has with his ex-wife, Margaret--she arbitrarily dumps her son, Ian, into the lap of Alex and Matthew's and leaves Scotland to be with Luke, who is now her husband.

    It is Ian and the protection Presbyterian Minister, Sandy Peden, by Matthew, which the story revolves around. Although the book title, The Prodigal Son, is obviously about Ian, I was a little confused as it seemed so much emphasis at the beginning of the story was placed on hiding and protecting Sandy Peden from the English which is seen throughout the entire story. However, the theme became much clearer as Ian's relationship to Alex and Matthew grows stronger as the story progresses. This is but a small detail.

    This story is well-written and each character has his or her own distinctive voice. You will not want to put this story down until you reach the end.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • JennyMaize
    5.0 out of 5 stars As usual, it keeps me wanting more.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Great can’t-put-it-down read! Great flow and just the right amount of descriptive passages, allowing me to formulate my version of the story without bogging things down in detail.
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  • LoLo
    5.0 out of 5 stars A slow boil
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    How strong is your faith? Would you allow your children to die for your belief in God? There are many intense issues in this story, issues that are not black and white, issues with no solid answers. Personally, I’m not interested in political and religious views and thought I wouldn’t get very far into this book, but I’d read the prequels and wanted to continue the journey with Matthew and Alex. Fortunately for my taste, this book doesn’t focus on culture and community. It is an intimate view of Matthew and Alex. It is a drama, a very intense drama about freedom, about love, about trust, about faith or lack of it. It isn’t a fast moving book, more like a slow boil...and worth every moment.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Book Addict
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Out of the Ordinary Read - In a Good Way
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Alex loves Matthew and he loves her - but he also loves God's word - and at a time of martyrs, when preachers are executed and their faithful followers transported this places Matthew in great danger. Whilst Matthew feels he must follow his conscience, Alex can see the bigger picture and knows that Matthew's faith endangers not just him, but her and their children. Undeterred, Matthew insists on assisting preachers to evade capture, and in so doing brings heart break on his family when his daughter meets an untimely end in an accident involving a dragoon guard.
    The Prodigal Son is a sweeping novel that tackles many issues: from religious persecution to paternity rites, from wifely obedience to a husband's duty the reader is in the hands of a skilled writer. For me the book has a similar feel to the work of Diana Gabaldon, and dare I say it, I find Ms Belfrage's work far more credible. I absolutely loved the intimate scenes between Matthew and Alex - the physical attraction between husband and wife was tastefully written and utterly necessary to help the reader understand the strong bond between the couple.
    I didn't realise until reading some of the reviews, prior to writing my own, that The Prodigal Son is the third book in a saga. I was no disadvantaged by starting with #3 but I can see there would be an added richness and depth to the story if I already knew the characters.
    Bravo Ms Belfrage and I can hand on heart recommend this book to any reader who wants a historical fiction read that's a little out of the ordinary - but in a good way!
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  • Charmaine Power
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sure not to disappoint!!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 3, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Yes again Ms Belfrage draws us into the wonderful world of Matthew and Alex Graham. This book tugs at the heartstring of all who read it, and we can feel the many emotions all the character go though. Each character is give a moment to shine in his or her respective place. It helps bring the story together and give us a small glimpse into their world. The world of Alex and Matthew and their undeniable, fated love. Love, love, love this series!
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  • bookworm27
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on May 18, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the complete set of books.
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  • Susan C. Saberi-Faschingbauer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gut
    Reviewed in Germany on March 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Ich bin einfach begeistert mit Anna Belfrage's "Saga" von der Graham Familie
    und hoffe das sie noch lange weiter schreibt über die Grahams!
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  • Plain Jane
    4.0 out of 5 stars Love and choice
    Reviewed in Spain on April 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The heroine of this interesting novel is a modern woman's woman, Alex Graham: a women who has fallen through time back into 17th century Scotland taking with her a love of cosmetics, chocolate bars and pool-side vacations. Being a resourceful girl, Alex devises ways round these absences by creating her own herbal oils and a natural swimming pool in a nearby burn. The concept of living out of one's time is dealt with convincingly. Alex has a modern take on what is going on around her, but also accepts and negotiates the difficiluties and dangers of the period, when there was almost none of the medical knowledge and basic education we take for granted. This is a heroine to respect, to admire and empathise with. So when tragedy hits we feel the terrible sadness and, like Alex Graham, want justice. Justice in those days, however, was in the hands of a few high-ranking males - something Alex cannot change.
    The underlying theme in this novel is the limitations of real choice within the concept of 'free will'. Having not read any of the author's previous novels in this series, I do not know if Alex can choose to go back to her previous existence, but I suspect she would prefer to stay with her 17th century husband, Matthew, who despite causing her great worry through his religious allegencies, is in every way a wonderful husband. As a reader I wanted to know more about the origins of the relationship; how they came to fall in love. In many respects I wanted this novel to be a 'stand-alone' - it has a fascinating plot and convincing characters, but itseemed the author was holding back, not giving too much information - perhaps assuming her readers already knew the secondary characters and the established family situation. This is a great story, but it may be better to start at the beginning of the series.
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