Every Captive Freed: Three Novellas About Human Trafficking - Review

It’s hard to comprehend that people kidnap, buy, and sell human beings—but tragically, it happens far too often, even here in the United States. These three novellas confront that heartbreaking reality with honesty, compassion, and hope. While the subject matter is heavy, the stories are not graphic. The authors handle it with restraint and grace, allowing the light to shine through the darkness.

Sara’s Story by B. D. Lawrence follows Sara, who has bounced through the foster care system and eventually decides she’s better off on her own. From there she gets sucked into the trafficking system. Her rescue feels a bit cinematic—almost too good to be true—but it still makes for a satisfying and uplifting read.

Streams of the Heart by Shannon McNear imagines Sacagawea’s life through the lens of William Clark’s journal entries. I learned several new facts about both Sacagawea and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I hadn’t realized she had been sold to her husband, Charbonneau, by the Hidatsa tribe, who had kidnapped her and killed her mother and several other tribe members. It’s heartbreaking to recognize how often Native Americans were treated as commodities rather than people.

Unbroken by Angela D. Shelton impacted me the most because it is based on true event. Nova, the young woman taken, was a good student and athlete from a loving home. If it could happen to her, it could happen to anyone.

This is an especially powerful story for teens. It offers a clear picture of what grooming can look like—something a narrative like this can illustrate far better than warnings from adults ever could. I hope this story helps young readers see that healthy relationships are open, honest, and never something they need to hide from those who love them.

I also appreciate that the authors are donating 10% of all book proceeds to the anti-human-trafficking arm of the Tim Tebow Foundation—a meaningful and generous choice.

Read this book to enlighten yourself, and then consider passing it along to a teen who may need the awareness it brings.

Every Captive Freed is available on Amazon.

Blessings,

Angela

---

Don't Miss Out on Angela's Blogs

If you'd like to read more of my blogs, join my monthly email list by clicking the "Join Now" button and providing your name and email address.

JOIN NOW

Angela L. Gold is an encourager who shares the love of Christ in her writing. She is the author of The Lion Within and Kill Shot.