In the spring of 1817, Alcy Callen and her father visit a step-uncle they have long presumed dead; but instead of enjoying a loving reunion, they are plunged into treachery and deceit. Nothing is as they expected and little is what it seems. Even the man who helps her escape is not the reliable suitor he appears.
Alcy is caught between gratitude and fear, unable to avoid her rescuer’s … rescuer’s attentions or understand the responses they stir. Neither can she tell what sort of man he is or what he intends to do with her in the strange place they are going. Will he keep her for himself or will he sell her to the highest bidder?
Of one person only is she certain, but will he come for her before it is too late?
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This book has been in my Kindle for quite some time. As more books got downloaded it became overlooked. Finally, I made time to ready it. Why didn’t I do this sooner?! It was phenomenal.
There are so many life and spiritual messages in this gem. The author has a pleasant writing style. I was immediately invested in the story and characters. I found Alcy to be a charming young woman of immense faith. She is one of my favorite book characters ever. I want to have tea and chat with her. The other main and secondary characters are well rounded and believable, too.
The descriptions are vivid and will whisk readers back in time and away to the wilderness. I enjoyed learning about the Native American lifestyle. This would make a great movie that I would watch over and over.
I loved the scripture and Christian message. It warmed my soul and made me smile. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, and nail biting places, but there is much love and joy, also.
I highly recommend this book. It would make a great reading group selection even though there are no discussion questions. Readers will find many things to discuss in this beautiful novel. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Honestly, the cover drew me first – I have been fascinated by the American Indians since childhood. (One of my own novels, A Holy Passion, takes place partially among the Lenape tribe.) The blurb threw me a little because it promised, to me, a little more focus on romance than I usually like in a story. Hence, I have hesitated to start this book for years.
What a mistake! Flat-out, I will say this – This story, much like Alcy’s captor, snatched me and wouldn’t let me go. Written in first-person, it reads as if it’s a first-person account from the 1800s, and this shows Alcy’s growth and change in her personality and spiritual walk so well! I loved the emphasis on Scripture undergirding the main character’s thoughts and choices; I think we don’t realize how steeped in the Scriptures Bible-believing Christians were in the past, but this novel makes it clear without being “preachy.” Instead, for the most part, the Scriptural references flow out of the story incredibly naturally.
My favorite part of this novel was the way the author shows how God reveals Himself to various people groups and prepares them to receive the Gospel. The hand of God was so evident in this aspect of the novel; it was really incredible.
If you like adventure – read this novel. If you like strong spiritual themes, read this novel. If you like a unique romance that typifies Christ’s love for the Church, read this novel. If you are a history-lover – the kind who likes people-driven history – you won’t want to miss this intriguing novel.
I read this novel every chance I got until I finished it – probably within the space of about 36 hours.
I heartily recommend it for older teens and adults.
Oh my! This is one of the best books I have ever read! And I have read alot of books! If you like to read Historical fiction you will love this! I felt like I was living with the Indians as I learned their customs! You will know what I’m talking about if you read the book! Don’t miss this one if you want to learn about them! I loved this story and it never got boring! Thanks Sydney Tooman Betts for writing this book! I can’t wait to start on the second book of hers “Light Bird’s Song”!
Wonderful! One of the best books I’ve ever read! I thought the first few chapters were a little slow but once it got going I couldn’t put it down! Loved it! I recommend it to anyone who likes Christian fiction or Native-American history. You will not be disappointed.