***Well Written Story of Faith, Pioneers, Indians &
Harsh Reality***
Publisher’s Synopsis: Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa
Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western
Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned
with.
Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.
Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.
My Thoughts: This story is a deeply intense reminder of how difficult it was for the settlers to carve out a life for themselves in an often hostile territory where the land was harsh and the natives could be even harsher. In response to “the white man” encroaching on their lands, native people could be swift in trying to protect their way of life, which often meant brutal results. I cannot imagine living in that time when both sides gave up so much; “Everyone on the frontier had a chair that sat empty, a place unoccupied. Who would be next?” This story, for me, has a heaviness to it. It squeezed my heart acknowledging the ruthless reality of it all. Good historical details intertwined with faith here, giving me much to think on. I especially found Keturah interesting; captured as a young girl, raised as an Indian, trained in healing and then traded back to the white people as a grown woman. What a complex part of the story.
Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.
Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.
My Thoughts: This story is a deeply intense reminder of how difficult it was for the settlers to carve out a life for themselves in an often hostile territory where the land was harsh and the natives could be even harsher. In response to “the white man” encroaching on their lands, native people could be swift in trying to protect their way of life, which often meant brutal results. I cannot imagine living in that time when both sides gave up so much; “Everyone on the frontier had a chair that sat empty, a place unoccupied. Who would be next?” This story, for me, has a heaviness to it. It squeezed my heart acknowledging the ruthless reality of it all. Good historical details intertwined with faith here, giving me much to think on. I especially found Keturah interesting; captured as a young girl, raised as an Indian, trained in healing and then traded back to the white people as a grown woman. What a complex part of the story.
*Hester served sassafras tea. “Two Swan spinsters are too
many.” She began her familiar rant. “Tessa breathed in the beloved scent of sassafras as her own
cup was filled, shutting out Hester’s timeworn words. Spring tonic, sassafras.
When sweetened with maple sugar, no finer remedy could be had.”
**Closing her eyes, she took a sip of fine English tea from
Morris and Willing of Philadelphia. Her childish delight tickled him. She was
used to making do with nettles and sassafras, likely. City tea was a luxury.
***Her small part was helping Ma bring the gleaners the noon
meal and enough switchel to drink.
****Though they were not given to emotion, their eyes were
nonetheless damp. She sat woodenly at the table as Ma poured her a cup of dittany
tea.
I researched both Switchel and Dittany: “switchel” is a
drink made of water, vinegar and ginger, often sweetened with something like
molasses, honey, sugar or maple syrup. It helped keep people from getting sick
the way they can if overly heated and drinking cold water. It has been making a
comeback in the U.S. and Canada over the last five years. “Compounds of Dittany
are powerful antioxidants. The essential oils have also antiseptic and
anti-fungal properties and are often used in ointments to treat burns and skin
ailments. Tea made from dittany is used to relieve tension headaches and as a
relaxant. Dittany is also used to relieve indigestion, colic, stomach cramps
and bloating. It is also thought to be a diuretic and to combat
fever.”
I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for
my honest review with no further compensation or expectation. All opinions
expressed are my own.
© 01-07-2020 Revell Publishing
4 stars
 |
| CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR at LAURAFRANTZ dot NET |
 |
| Right Click Here to Open Free in Separate Window |
Until next time,
Hugs and a cup of tea!
