The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier.  Worthy story about Quaker life in newly settled Ohio when runaway slaves are making their way to freedom in the 1850’s.  Honor’s intended has ended their engagement and her sister is on her way to America to marry.  Honor decides to go with her sister, expecting quite an up and coming community in which to settle.  By the time she gets to the tiny settlement everything in her life has changed far more than she expected.  She marries rather quickly as there is no where for her in the community by herself.  She realizes runaway slaves are passing through their farm and feels she must help them, but her new family doesn’t want her to get involved. They have their reasons, more than fear of harsh punishments for harboring or helping slaves.  Good story about the early settling of our country and pre Civil War problems.  8+ out of 10.  NOT much of a romance, but it is historical.  Recommended.