Review of The Witness Tree by Tina St. Clair Rice

Set in Salem, North Carolina and Northwest Georgia in the early 1800s. Denise Weimer takes the reader on a remarkable journey into the past filled with detailed historical elements and painting vivid word-pictures that had me “walking” alongside the characters. I learned about the Moravian people, their way of life, faith and mission to the Cherokee people as well as the lives of the Cherokee people. Two very different cultures with their own unique customs, languages and faith. With a communication barrier and such culture differences, can these two groups of people learn from each other, share the love of God and become friends?

The two main characters, John Kliest and Clarissa Volger, certainly have a huge undertaking ahead of them as they venture into the uncharted frontier---which is daunting enough---add a wedding into the mix is sure to cause even more challenges. I wouldn’t want my husband picked for me in the way Clarissa’s was. Can they overcome their differences, learn to trust each other, allow God to lead them and find love in their new marriage?

As part of the mission, Clarissa is to record the Cherokee language and put it in a written Cherokee syllabary; which I find fascinating. There are those within the Cherokee people who do not want their language recorded and take action to prevent that. The meaning of the “witness tree” and what it represents is an interesting aspect of the story-line. I especially enjoy the historical notes the author includes in the book bringing much detail and depth to the story-line. The Witness Tree is filled with adventure, suspense, romance, dangers, heartache, fears, joys, history that comes to life and faith. A remarkable story.

https://shoplpc.com/the-witness-tree/
The Witness Tree on Amazon

Fortress America: The Forts That Defended America, 1600 to Present -- Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Fortress America: The Forts That Defended America, 1600 to Present
By J. E. Kaufman and H. W. Kaufman
Illustrated by Tomasz Idzikowski
Da Capo Press, a Division of Perseus Books Group (hardcover 2004, paperback 2007, now available in ebook, also)
416 pages


Publisher's Description:

From the earliest colonial settlements to recent Cold War bunkers, the North American continent has been home to thousands of forts and fortress structures. Seacoast forts were the nation's primary means of strategic defense from the 1790s until World War II. Almost every seaport on both coasts had at least one fort to protect it at one time or another. Inland forts were built to defend against attacks by Native Americans, or to defend against the English, the French, or the Spanish. So many forts were built-most in the 1800s-that there are few places in the continental United States more than fifty miles from a fort location. Yet, despite their prominence and importance, there has never been-until now-a single volume devoted to American forts and homeland fortification defense.As in their previous and very successful books, experts J. E. and H. W. Kaufmann include never-before-published photographs, extraordinary drawings, cut-aways, and diagrams to illustrate Fortress America.

IF you have a FORT in your story you WANT this book!!!

-- Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

This is a great compendium with some limits that I will address. What it does cover are the main forts in America with great illustrations and explanations of the forts. I was looking for specific forts and their information and I found limitations. Given that this is a book touching on so very many forts and locations, the reader is not going to get in depth information.

There is a great deal of narrative history that attempts to illustrate the uses of forts in specific instances. And there are many nuggets of information contained in those passages. However, the reader should look at this as an encapsulated overview. There is an extensive bibliography in the back which allows the reader to pursue further information from the original source.

About a quarter of the book is from the colonial era to American Revolutionary War era. This is one of the few books I've come across that had comprehensive information about forts. In the back is also a glossary of fort terms, which is handy. Having grown up near a couple of re-created forts in Michigan, I've heard much of the life at colonial forts. Don't expect that from this book. As the title says, these is more about the fort's defensive purposes.

I'm glad to have this book in my research library. I will say for researchers of specific forts, such as those put up for settlers in the backcountry of America during the French-Indian War, you're unlikely to find them in this compendium. When doing further research for my novella, "Shenandoah Hearts", in The Backcountry Brides (Barbour, Mary 2018) I happily stumbled upon a book referencing Fort Holmes, where one of my ancestors was born. It was in an Indy published book from an author local to the region where the fort stood. And for specific forts that have been re-created, some of the best books can be found in the museum's bookstores.

Recommended for: Serious writers who have fort settings in their books across time frames in America. Also, military historians should enjoy this book.

The Backcountry Brides Collection -- Review by Tina Rice & Giveaway!

The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour Books, May 2018)

The Backcountry Brides Collection: 8 Eighteenth-Century Women Seek Love on Colonial America’s Frontier

Review by Tina Rice
This is an amazing collection of novellas by eight gifted writers taking the reader “on the trail” traveling into Colonial America spanning the years of 1754-1792. We meet strong women of the backcountry who are looking for love...and hopefully husbands...strong, rugged men, with the skills and abilities to survive living in this rustic frontier land. Men who are prepared to face attacks by Indians, the fierceness and harshness of nature, unforeseen dangers and challenges or even the possibility of depleted supplies to protect their families. Can these rugged men and woman overcome the elements thrown at them and find love in the midst of it all?

The detailed descriptions of the diversity of the characters’ cultural differences and backgrounds bring to life the hardships and struggles they face. They overcome challenges and hardships, tense situations, sorrows, grief and pain and share joys and humorous moments...which had me smiling, family, hope, integrity, love and faith. I love the historical aspects of each novella and the way the authors incorporates those details within the fictional story-lines. I enjoy reading the author’s notes regarding the historical aspects of her story. This is one of the reasons I love reading Christian historical fiction, I always learn something of our history, so they are, in effect, an enjoyable “history lesson”.

1. Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754..Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
With a saddened heart Magda Sehler moves with her family to the Shenandoah Valley. The man she loves has not declared his feelings for her. What does the future hold for her without the man who holds her heart? Jacob Owens surprises them all when he leaves his prosperous business behind and moves to the Valley with them. What is the real reason for his sudden move? Is there a chance for love after all? There are some surprises, danger, joys and sorrows, decisions to be made, family strength, first love and God’s faithfulness along with historical facts woven within this heartwarming story. I was happy to see the mention of one of the Christy boys from another story.

2. Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
1757..North Carolina Colony.
Joseph Gregory is out to buy a lumber mill, but the owner will not sell. Can he convince the owner to sell to him or will he lose his heart in the bargain? Mabel Walker owns a prosperous lumber mill, which many feel is not very “womanly” even though she is capable. Will she be forced to comply with what society dictates and sell? And what of love? There are challenges and opposition Mabel faces, hard decisions to make, hope, joys and love of family at the heart and faith in this heartwarming story.

3. Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763..Fort Michilimackinac of Michigan during Pontiac’s Rebellion.
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier but trouble may be brewing and she is tucked away in her father’s cabin some distance from the fort. Henry Bedlow, an English soldier. . .hence the redcoat, is at the fort against his will. Ah, but if he had not been at the fort he would not have met the woman who captures his heart. I enjoyed the way Laurette and Henry met and how their love grew. But they come from diffident cultural backgrounds, will that difference keep them apart? Or will God answer their prayers and make a way for them when there seems to be no way? A story filled with historical facts, hope, love and faith. A heartwarming story.

4. A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764..Fort Niagara of New York.
Susannah Kimball and British Lieutenant Archibald “Arch” Walsh meet during a difficult time surrounding the fort. Susannah’s faith, attitude and caring heart soon captures Arch’s heart. With danger lurking at their door, they need to be prepared. Will their love have a chance? Historical facts bring this story to life as Susannah and Arch find themselves in the midst of an impending convergence of thousands of Native warriors. Before reading this novella, I had not heard about Sir William Johnson's Great Gathering and appreciate the historical details. Overcoming fears, prejudices and challenges, family, hope, love and faith make this a heartwarming story.

5. A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771..Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River of Tennessee.
Marcus Cowden has lived his whole life “taming” the Cowden temper simmering inside, vowing to never let it control him as it has others in his family. Can he earn his new wife’s trust, proving that he will never hurt her and thereby winning her heart? Lorinda Cowden knows all too well what can happen when tempers flare, the results inflicted upon her. But can she learn to trust Marcus, he is a Cowden after all. Will they allow God to mend their hearts? A heart-felt story about trust...learning to trust others and God’s leading, learning to control anger with God’s help, second chances, hope, family, love and faith.

6. Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780..Wilkes County, Georgia.
Jenny White is a strong, backcountry woman in every way. The local Indians call her “War Woman” and I think even admire her. She doesn’t feel pretty compared to her young sister. And she doesn’t see her worth as God sees her and a certain Scottish scout, Caylan McIntosh. Their love was slow in coming and at times seemed to stall. Tragedy, illness and death bring them closer, as it often can. I was glad to see the surprising ending.

7. The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1780..Charlotte Town, South Carolina.
This story based on historical facts bring Lizzy Cunningham and Jed Wheeler together. Jed has a job to do and as he stays at the tavern he witnesses the treatment Lizzy receives at the hands of her family. In the process he loses his heart and will protect her from those who would mistreat her. Can he do that and complete the dangerous task set before him? Encouragement, hope, new beginnings, heartbreak and joys, good verses evil, love, faith and trust in God weave a heartwarming story. I like that this story is a continuation of a previous novella, The Highwayman, though it stands alone.

8. Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792..Fur Post at Fort McCrea, on the Upper Mississippi River along Minnesota.
Abi McCrea longs to see the world outside the fort walls where she grew up. When she does, it is not what she had envisioned. However, one good thing came out of her travels. . .not saying. Englishman Henry Kingsley came to the fort on an errand and meets Abi and has to decide if the future he had planned out is really what he wants. Abi is a special, talented young woman and Henry can learn much from her. . .about life along the river certainly but of the heart as well. Everything is not smooth for them, they run into prejudices and challenges, joys, hope, love..true love, family and faith. I enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming story.

Readers, you can purchase a copy of Backcountry Brides at:

Christian Book Distributors  

Walmart 

Barnes & Noble  

Amazon 

Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of the paperback to one blessed commenter on this post!

ALSO-- Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway going on for this collection! 

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In Sheep's Clothing - a Book Review by Tina Rice

In Sheep’s Clothing by Pegg Thomas

(part of A Bouquet of Brides Collection)

1702, Milford, Connecticut...

Yarrow Fenn (I find the name “Yarrow” very interesting) is a weaver of wool and makes unique cloth with her own designs. As she waits in line at the fulling mill she hears rumors of a new journeyman fuller … a young handsome journeyman. Well, she is not there for a handsome young man, she wants her wool-cloth to be prepared as quickly as possible so she can sew garments for her family. 

Yarrow has a secret that she holds close that could very well put her in danger … as well as being "illegal.” Illegal, really?  The “illegal” part was a surprise to me, I had not heard of that until I read this novella. Besides, she ponders, what if this Peter guy is not really who he says he is but someone in disguise? She must be on her guard, especially with her heart. Can Yarrow learn to trust God in guiding her in all areas of her life or will she continue to second guess even His plans for her?

The new journeyman, Peter Maltby, has a goal ... becoming a Master Fuller as quickly as possible while he is in Milford. Then he has other plans that do not include Milford, but rather a “settling of scores”... of a sort, from his painful past. He soon finds that among the wool-cloth coming into the fulling mill, he is most impressed with the quality of wool-cloth Yarrow brings in. However, he did not plan on being impressed with Yarrow herself.  No, getting involved with any young lady would only complicate things ... yet, there is something special about Yarrow that drawls Peter to her. Will he continue down a path allowing his bitterness of past hurts to overshadow anything good that may come from knowing Yarrow? Or will he be forever blinded by his past to see God’s blessings and love?

This is my favorite story in this collection. I learned a lot of interesting information regarding caring for sheep, shearing them, carding the wool, spinning the yarn, weaving and making your own cloth, and then having to make your own clothes with that cloth. I enjoyed the descriptions of the colonial woolen fulling mill and what was involved in fulling wool. What really took me by surprise was learning of the laws limiting trade of that wool/cloth. I did not know that. I like the author's notes at the end of this story regarding some of the historical elements of the era Pegg Thomas wrote about.

This is one reason I love reading Christian historical fiction, not only are the stories fiction and entertaining but there are bits of our history woven within that fiction ... an enjoyable “history lesson”.  :-) I really enjoyed Yarrow and Peter’s story. It is a fun story filled with humor, love, hardships, learning to trust and faith, and a tense few moments with that bear - not telling any more! - a heartwarming story.

Pegg Thomas lives on a hobby farm in Northern Michigan with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. A life-long history geek, she writes “History with a Touch of Humor.” When not working or writing, Pegg can be found in her barn, her garden, her kitchen, or sitting at her spinning wheel creating yarn to turn into her signature wool shawls.

Follow me on Facebook or visit my webpage at PeggThomas.com.

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily’s Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar -- Review by Tina St.Clair Rice

MyHeart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily’s Dilemma (My Heart Belongs) by Andrea Boeshaar

Review by Tina St. Clair Rice

This story is set in 1816 Middletown, Virginia where Lillyanna “Lily” Laughlin lives with her Aunt Brunhilda “Hilda” Gunther and two younger brothers, 14-year-old Jonah and 12-year-old Jed. Since the recent death of her father, Lily now cares for her brothers as well as their small farm and home.  However things soon change when she learns she no longer owns part of the land across from her beloved home.  Her guardian, Silas Everett, sold it without even discussing it with her and her family to a stranger, Captain McAlister “Mac” Albright.  I enjoyed the way Lily and Mac initially meet, although it was rather embarrassing for Lily, and hoped maybe something more than friendship would develop between them.  Unfortunately Lily and her family's troubles were only beginning thanks to a very deceitful and evil man.  Lily and her family quickly became favorite characters.  I admire Lily’s dedication to caring for her family. Not only is she lovely and has a beautiful singing voice, she has a giving heart, strong work ethic, kind spirit and strong faith. Will her new neighbor see all those godly qualities in her?

I felt for Mac and the reason he left his family home and moved to the Shenandoah Valley.  He has had his own troubles in the past but with his friend, John Blake to help, he hopes to make a fresh start in Middletown.  Will his past troubles follow him there?  He soon became another favorite character in this story.  He is physically strong...and very handsome...which he will need in order to work the farm and orchard he just bought, and his honesty and integrity are admirable.

Mac’s friend John, Lily’s two brothers and aunt, along with some of the other secondary characters are just as endearing and bring much to the storyline.  John especially, who is lighthearted and fun and often brings smiles and laughter.  There is one character who I did not like at all, Silas Everett.  He is an evil, conniving man, out for his own selfish wants regardless how he obtains them or who he hurts in the process. 

The author certainly developed the characters in this story well...some I grew to love and one I did not like at all.  The characters experience humor, more than one sweet romance developing, adventure and suspense, deceitfulness and conniving, evil intentions, trust….others and oneself as well as trusting and learning God’s plan for each of them, love and faith. I enjoyed the spiritual aspect of the storyline.  Oh, I love the ending, perfect!

The historical details and descriptions of the Shenandoah Valley are beautifully done and invite the reader to step off the pages into the valley itself. The author has a note in the back of the story explaining the history of Middletown of 1826 which is very informative.  I like that the stories in each of the My Heart Belongs series (10 stories) are based on actual historical locations and plan to read the other 8 that I have not read yet.

~I received an e-book copy via Net Galley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

Bio: Tina St.Clair Rice is Colonial Quills' Reader/Reviewer. A former nurse, Tina lives in Maryland with her family. Tina enjoys Christian historical fiction and is a beta reader for several authors.

Review of Denise Weimer's WITCH: Book Three of The Restoration Trilogy

by Tina St. Clair Rice

Jennifer Rushmore is excited. She is about to complete her first preservation job with the relocation of the 1787 log cabin home of the first Dunham doctor—by adding the home to the already restored property of Michael Johnson's ancestors' house and apothecary shop (as we read from the first two books, White and Widow).  As with restoration of the other buildings, things don't always go smoothly. In fact, someone doesn't want her to finish her job.  Why and what lengths will they go to stop her?  There were a couple characters that I thought may be the ones trying to put a stop to the restoration but then something would change my mind about one or two of them.  As the clues unfolded and things became more dangerous they pointed to a surprising person and why—not saying who.

Through treasures (I like that they found treasure from each part of the restoration project and included it for us readers) from the log cabin we step back in time via the portal of the diary of Verity Dunham as she chronicled her experiences—including a traumatic time that left lifelong affects on her (not giving details as I don't want to spoil it) and may even shed some light on events of present day occurrences.  I really felt for this woman, her family and all they went through.

It was good to see Jennifer as she continued to grow in confidence in her abilities as a restoration professional.  Her growth in her faith was evident in how she lived in her personal life as well as her professional one—loved seeing that.  She still has struggles, that is what makes her character so real. She is so much stronger than she ever thought and when her mother shows up at her door unexpectedly, bringing past hurts and emotions with her, they both are in for some challenges, but surprises as well.

Michael continues to have struggles as well with his past.  I like the changes I see in him as he starts to open up a bit to Jennifer and God.  However, he still has secrets that he needs to deal with as Jennifer as done with him.  He runs the risk of her leaving before he shares his love for her.  Can he open his heart fully to God's healing and the love Jennifer offers before it is too late? 

I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book because of the title, Witch. However, it doesn't deal with

casting spells, etc, for which I was happy about, as I don't read those kinds of books—there is a reason for the title that I won't explain here...you'll have to read it to find out.  Denise Weimer has written a story spanning over two centuries with characters that are true-to-life with challenges and struggles much like we face today, family dynamics, career decisions which impacts life decisions, unexpected surprises, mystery and suspense, body/murder—recent or from the past?, strong community, forgiveness, learning to trust others and God, faith and love.  A recurring theme throughout the series is God's healing, forgiveness, restoration and love...which also is a recurring theme in the characters lives.  I appreciate the inspirational elements woven throughout the storyline and have enjoyed reading Jennifer and Michael's story.

~I received an e-book from the author via TBCN, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Restoration-Trilogy-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B06XS611DJ/

http://deniseweimerbooks.webs.com