In this Christian Historical Romance Rebecca DeMarino beautifully recreates life in 1653 on Long Island. There is a settlement from England living peacefully near the American Indian Montauk tribe, yet uncomfortable with the Dutch settlement nearby. You enter their homes and lives with detail of thought as well as surroundings. It's easy to see yourself there and become part of the characters' lives - some of whom are based on the author's actual ancestors. Her writing style reminds me somewhat of Lorraine Snelling in the Red River series. I have been researching my ancestry and some of my family came over during this time. I try to picture what it must have been like for them, and this helps.
This is the second book in the series. Although I wish I had read the previous book, there was enough fact provided to pick right up on the story. An Indian princess is captured at her wedding by another tribe and forced to watch as they murder her new husband, who was also a lifelong friend and companion. She is then taken into the woods in Connecticut and left to die even though her father paid the ransom. A Dutch Lieutenant tracks and rescues her, and they come to care for one another on the way back to her family, even though the girl is in shock and mourning. She also has friends amongst the English, and two of them intercept their return home to escort her the rest of the way.
The return is difficult for her to come to terms with after the brutal murder of her husband, so she goes to stay with her Aunt who lives near the English settlement. The story is about the girl, Heather Flower, learning about God and regaining her life, being loved by two men whom she deeply cares about. She is at home with the English as well as her own native customs, but there is still a cultural separation between the people. You will feel torn with her as she struggles with her love for both men and learns to live again, finding out where she fits. This was a page turner for me. I eagerly waited to see what would happen next and it was filled with real life happenings in the settlement and other characters lives as well. I very much want to read the next story in the series (there's an excerpt included at the end of the book). Isn't that cover just gorgeous?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Revell/Baker Publishing Group - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Celebrate To Capture Her Heart with a Giveaway on Rebecca's blog!
Grand Prize: $75.00 Gift Card of choice (Amazon, Target, iTunes or Google play), Signed copy of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart.
Runner Up Prize: $25.00 Gift card to Barnes & Noble, Signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart
Second Runner Up Prize: Signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart
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