The Captured Bride, A Book Review

I love a story that educates and edifies while entertaining, and I can always count on that when reading one of Michelle Griep's novels. What I also enjoy about her work is her characters all have a unique voice, yet one I can relate to. Her protagonists are interesting, so life-like I wish I could meet them in person. If you have not yet tried one of Michelle's books, don't wait. The Captured Bride is book three of a series, but is easily read as a standalone. Here is my review:

The Captured Bride is an exciting, fast-paced story that contains a wonderful mixture of mystery and romance. The two main characters, Mercy and Elias are complex, realistic, and I loved both of them. Mercy is strong-willed yet struggles with insecurities and guilt. Elias deals with feelings of failure and regret. As much as I love history, I don’t know more than the basics about the colonial days in America, so I greatly enjoyed the information the author weaves throughout the story. There is also an afterward that contains additional interesting historic facts. The author uses all the senses in her descriptions giving me the ability to smell the forests, horses, and campfires; hear the jingle of bridles, bird song, and raging rivers; and feel the rain on my face. The time period is rustic and rugged, and there are some violent scenes, but they are not gory or gratuitous. I was breathless by the end of the book and look forward to reading it again and again.

I received a copy of the book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Blurb:  Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause...to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a tem of men on a dangerous mission. Yet is it not her life that is threatened. It is her heart. 

Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minutes, he is offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort-but he is the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.

Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B078X5QZ6L

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone's throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. She is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. Linda serves as a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee of her local public library. She lives in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. To learn more about Linda visit her website. Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free ebook.

12 Days at Bleakly Manor: A Review

Books were everywhere in our house when I was growing up. My parents were voracious readers, and early on I learned to love escaping into a different world through the pages of a book. I was fortunate that most of my English teachers recognized my penchant for reading and introduced me to a wide range of authors, old and new. I looked forward to every Christmas when I knew I would receive at least one book as a gift. After stuffing myself at the meal, I'd curl up in a corner and begin to devour my new adventure.

Some of the classic authors I read were Poe, Bronte, Hawthorne, Stevenson, Twain, and Verne. Two of my favorites were Louise May Alcott and Charles Dickens. Not that I was raised in poverty or as an orphan, but I somehow managed to relate to the characters in their stories. 

I recently participated in a blog tour for Michelle Griep's 12 Days at Bleakly Manor.  I don't intentionally seek out Christmas books, but I read several this year, and Michelle's was one of my favorites. Here's my review: 

Clue meets Survivor in this Victorian-era story in which seven invitees be the last person standing-so to speak-to gain their hearts’ desires (which is different for each character). I loved the descriptive way the author wrote which allowed me to visualize “ancient buildings with rheumy windows” and feel the fog “cold as an embrace from the grim reaper.” Clara and Hunter are well-written complex characters with real life struggles and insecurities. I enjoyed following their journey toward a deeper faith. 

Despite the large number of characters, each was unique with her or her own voice, and thus I was able to keep track of them. I was surprised at the solution of the mystery, but perhaps I missed some of the clues along the way. I love historical novels that educate me about the era in which they are written, and 12 Days didn’t disappoint. There were a couple of “laugh out loud” moments which lightened the tension. The good news is that this is the first in a series. Dickens fans will especially enjoy the book, and it certainly should be read at any time of year.

May you and your family have a blessed New Year!

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a Trustee for her local public library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, and choir member. To find out more about Linda and her books visit http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com.