THE CAPTURED BRIDE by MIchelle Griep, reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

This series has become one of my favorites.

The story is totally captivating. It is reminiscent of The Last of the Mohicans by Cooper only infinitely more readable. In this case the scout is Mercy Lytton.

Mercy Lytton is one tough lady. She is the offspring of an Indian chief and a captured, Christian, white woman. Mercy is very independent and she has exceptional eyesight, a good trait in a scout. She is chosen by Brigadier General Bragg to accompany a shipment of gold, hidden in two wagons, to a fort back East. Elias Dubois is a traitor to the British who escapes hanging by being forced to pose as Mercy’s husband on their trip to Fort Edward. Will this small band of travelers complete their dangerous journey intact? What has Elias hidden in the crates of supplies? Mercy was brought up with Huron ways, Elias knows the rival Wyandot. Will this help or hinder their progress?

The rich historical detail shines through. Michelle Griep is climbing near the top of my favorite authors list. Listen to the lyrical way she describes the sunrise: “Night faded like a bruise, the predawn darkness lightening in increments from black to indigo, painting the world in deep blue”

The faith of the main characters is part of them. Where Elias is a Christian and sometimes questions if he is compromising God’s principals, Mercy has learned of Jesus from her mother but is hesitant to trust God. Her faith is growing as is evidenced in this scene where she is comforting Mary Shaw who has lost an infant.

“Oh, dear one, “ The words, her own mother’s, slipped past Mercy’s lips unbidden. “I don’t know how many babes you have lost, and I don’t need to, but what I do know is this kind of grief isn’t made to fit inside your body. You must allow your heart to break so that the sorrow runs out. My mother used to tell me there’s more love in Christ for us than can ever be brokenness. Only in turning to Him can you be healed on the inside.” She then realizes the true strength and faith that her mother had.

This book has so much excitement, from confronting Indians to fording a swollen river. Michelle also pens a poignant love story with a solid portrayal of growing faith and trusting in God’s provision. I loved learning the history that was the underpinning.

I recommend this to fans of Colonial American fiction. If you enjoyed books by Jocelyn Green, Beth White and Laura Frantz, then by all means try this book! It is wonderful!

BACK COVER BLURB:

Mercy Lytton, a scout with keen eyesight raised among the Mohawks, and Elias Dubois, a condemned traitor working both sides of the conflict, must join together to get a shipment of gold safely into British hands.
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

A War-Torn Countryside Is No Place for a Lady
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 team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.  Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, 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?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.*

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