The Backcountry Brides Collection: Eight 18th Century Women Seek Love on Colonial America's Frontier

A great history lessons amid eight novellas written about Colonial America. These authors bring to life a time period that captures how difficult life was for Backcountry Women. Carrie Fancett Pagels lets her unique style of writing shine in Shenandoah Hearts. I loved this quote, “Let's pray.” Mama bowed her head. Her heartfelt prayer, spoken in German, went beyond that which Magdalene had offered up. But she knew in her soul, that God heard even the unspoken requests. With characters that jump from the page into your heart you will quickly turn the pages to see the outcome. Well researched and great characters. Hearts of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor has the lovable character of Mabel Walker. She is strong, independent, spunky, and weary of men who want to marry her for the lumber mill. She is a force to be reckoned with. Her Redcoat by Peg Thomas, who is a new author to me , is a tender, heart touching account. Motherless and isolated in a cabin for months, Laurette is drawn to an injured Redcoat. Her loneliness and desire to learn to read her mother's Bible endears her to me. A Heart So Tender by Debra E Marvin is so descriptive you can imagine the style of clothing and feel the heart palpitations as the different tribes converge at Fort Niagara. Will Miss Kimball be able to keep her promise to herself to never marry? A Worthy Groom by Angela K Couch deals with an abused widow who is weary of her new husband arranged by her father in law. Add the mystery of things disappearing and other occurrences and you have the makings of an outstanding novella. Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer is a sure fire winner. Jenny White is brought to life and leaps from the pages into your heart. She is respected for her strength and ability to care for others, but sees herself as the wallflower compared to the beauty of her sister. You can feel her inward struggle from the well penned words, “ He might admire her spirit and strength, but when it came to picking the wife he would want to wake to every morning, like the Morris brothers, like all men, he would choose a Hester over a Jenny every time.” Oh the angst she must feel. The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear is a tale of pretense for the sake of war and a brave young lady who learns to trust a stranger over the strong handedness of her family. She is brave and strong in the face of danger. Love's Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer is last but not least in this collection. It is a story of prejudices and finding yourself amidst the cruelties of them because of your skin color. A must read. Each story brings light to the times and troubles of this Era. It is a compilation of strong women in difficult times and lets you see history unfold through their eyes. An outstanding Barbour Collection. I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.