Review: A Flight of Arrows

A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton is the second and final book in the Pathfinder series. You have to read these books in order since it's really one story broken into two books so be tempted to read the second book first! This book is full of historical facts during the Revolutionary War some of which I wasn't familiar with making this history loving gal happy. I especially love the author's realistic storytelling during difficult times in our past because it allows me to get so immersed in the story that I feel like I am there struggling along with them.

Reginald Aubrey is still reeling from meeting Stone Thrower and not dying from the encounter. Anna, his adopted daughter, wants him to recognize that Two Hawks loves her so they can be married, but Aubrey is still struggling from his past and isn't sure he wants them to. On the other hand, William, his stolen son, wants to be as far away from his birth and adopted family. Joining up with the Redcoats seemed like the right thing at the time, but now he's not so sure.

How will these two families be reconciled? You'll have to read the book to find out how it will end so get your tissues ready because this story puts you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The characters grew so much in the sequel and learned to rely on God through the good and bad times. I really liked how the author didn't let Anna be wrapped up in anger and bitterness throughout the book. Instead the author used close friends to speak truth into Anna, William, Two Hawks, and Aubrey during different times in the story and because of being encouraged to trust God and give Him all their fears and bitterness, they were able to let go and grow.

I thought this book was a satisfying conclusion to the series even though it wasn't without its sorrow. Everything didn't wrap up perfectly, but isn't that just like life? I admire the author's realistic writing and can't wait for more books from her.

I was given this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Author's Website
Author's Facebook

Review: The Wood's Edge

The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton is the first book in The Pathfinder's series.  It's set in the French and Indian War at the beginning of the book and by the end it's in the Revolutionary War time. This story was engrossing from the beginning, but I was sad to find out I would have to wait for the rest of the story.... :-(  At least, the book had a good resolution or else I would be screeching about the unfairness of it all. haha ;-)

During the battle at Fort William Henry, Major Reginald Aubrey's wife has her baby, but the little one dies while she rests. Reginald, torn with grief at the loss, bears another burden; how will his wife handle losing another child? Happening upon an Indian maiden sleeping with her newborn twin boys, he notices that one boy is white and the other is brown. Scared of his wife's mental state, he switches the white babies and rushes off. As the Aubreys leave the fallen fort, Reginald rescues a little baby girl, Anna, from death and takes her along as they try to escape with their lives. He views her as his one good thing since he acquired her while doing a heroic deed.

Years pass and Reginald is wracked with grief and nightmares every step of the way. Visions of an avenging Oneida warrior haunts him in the night. Will his son be taken from him after all? And what will happen to Anna if they do?

This book was filled with suspense, adventure, and love on the rugged American frontier, and I loved all the details and how historically well done it was. Right from the first page, this story drew me in and kept me on edge as I was breathlessly swept up in the tangled lies, revenge, and incredible sadness while fledgling love manages to push through it all.  The author does such a good job weaving the characters emotional, physical, and spiritual struggles into the story leaving you crying, dismayed, and cheering. What an amazing adventure with never a dull moment! It's going to be a long year....

I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Author's Site
Author's Facebook
Excerpt 

Review: The Pursuit of Tamsen LittleJohn

The Pursuit of Tamsen LittleJohn by Lori Benton is a fantastic historical book set in 1787 North Carolina. There were so many interesting things I learned about from this novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. The author seamlessly wove her story around historical facts and added in tons of information about all kinds of things especially concerning the habits of the different Indian tribes. I found this book to be just as interesting and compelling as her first story, Burning Sky.

Tamsen LittleJohn is terrifed of her stepfather so when Jesse Bird, a white man raised Indian, is willing to help her escape his clutches she gladly accepts his help. Traveling through the mountains with her rescuer, Tamsen begins to trust him more and more. When she finds out that her stepfather is accusing Jesse of kidnapping her, she comes up with a plan to save them both. Marriage.

Jesse Bird was rescued when he was three by the Wataugas. Raised as their own, it is the only life he really remembers, but Cade, his adopted father, has taught him how to be American, too. He is caught between both worlds until he meets Tamsen. Being with her makes him want to settle down and have a farm instead of roaming like the Indians. Will he be able to make a life for them both and keep her safe from her stepfather?

Jesse, a white man raised Indian who has no idea where he came from or who he really is. Tamsen, a woman with many secrets about her ancestry who was raised rich and priviliged. Running scared, Tamsen is left with one question. Will the law even allow them to be legally married?

I don't want to give away too much, but trust me! You have to read this book! It is such a rich book full of love, forgiveness, trust, and redemption. I loved reading about the Cherokees, Chickamaugas, and Wataugas. And I never knew that North Carolina was divided into two different states after the Revolutionary War! Crazy stuff! If you are a history buff, you have got to read this book. If you love a good, romantic story, you have got to read this book. If you love reading, you have got to read this book! Enough said... :-) It will be released April 15 so mark it on your calendars!

Oh, here's some extra info for you guys:

Author's Website
More Info
Read Chapter One
Author Bio

I was given this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Burning Sky

Burning Sky by Lori Benton is a historic novel set right after the Revolutionary War. I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but the plot sounded intriguing so I decided to go for it. I was drawn into the story from the very first page. The way the author writes for Burning Sky is such a mix of anguish and hope, stoic and vulnerable, love and emptiness. I was so drawn to her and her plight that I could hardly put the book down.

I was mixed about the two men who love Burning Sky. On the one hand, I wanted Joseph Tames-His-Horse to win her, and then other times I really wanted Neil MacGregor to get her! I waffled back and forth through the whole book even though I knew who she would get from the beginning. haha Now on to the synopsis.

Sneak Peak
About the Author

Burning Sky was captured twelve years ago by the Mohawks and has since lived a relatively happy life among them. Now left all alone she travels back to her parent's home. Along the way, she finds an injured man who she brings with her. When she reaches the old homestead, it's nothing like she remembered it. Then she finds out that her lands are US property now since her parents were thought to be Tories. Determined to prove her parent's innocence and keep her land, Willa fights to get the evidence she needs before the auction in the fall.

Neil MacGregor is a botanist researching and cataloging the plant life in the Americas. When he wakes up in Willa's cabin, he is forced to stay until his broken arm heals. The longer he is there, the more he comes to admire and love Willa, but will he ever be able to break through her many defenses?

This historical novel is one of the best I have ever read. It was so real, and I loved learning some new facts about the Revolutionary War. I highly recommend this book!!

I was given this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.