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 … 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.
More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (coming August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (coming October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (coming December 2018)
more
I so enjoy historical fiction, and Michelle Griep’s book, The Captured Bride, captured my attention and didn’t let go!
Mercy Lytton is a scout and tracker for the government when she is tasked with ensuring she gets a traitor, Elias DuBois, to a nearby fort. Against her better judgment, she agrees to pose as his wife.
As I read the story, I was so engrossed in it, I didn’t even realize I had read through the night (granted I didn’t start until a little after midnight, but still…!)!!
As Matthew, a ranger and fellow scout, and Mercy set out on the journey to deliver Elias, I became completely engrossed in the setting. The journey, fraught with peril, left me breathless at times, and calmer at other times.
Many times, as Mercy sets out on her scouting expeditions, I could feel the ground beneath her feet, the wind stirring the tree limbs and the birds calling to each other as she listened intently in order to separate normal sounds from those made by man.
Exhilarating, alacrifying and at times breath-taking, The Captured Bride, is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction!
The Captured Bride is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower. However, it stands-alone as I didn’t even realize it was a sequel until I was writing the review.
The story also captured my imagination because I have Native American heritage, and cousins with the last name of DuBois.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
***********************Caution*********************
There are some scenes of violence.
Can they see past their pain and suspicion?
Where to start? I’ve only read a couple of Michelle Griep’s books but that was all it took for me to fall in love with her no nonsense writing style. A little on the gritty side, which I really like, her books, The Captured Bride included, are filled with plenty of danger, intrigue, and, of course, romance. In addition the emotional tug of the characters on the reader is unmistakable and probably one of the best parts of the book.
I’ll admit that The Captured Bride is the first book, it’s actually book 3, that I’ve read in the Daughters Of The Mayflower series. I did find that while it is part of a series it can definitely be read standalone. Of course, now I have it read it I’m going to have to go back and dive into the first two.
The Captured Bride was another great read from the talented pen of Michelle Griep and I enjoyed every minute reading it. I would definitely recommend it, and this series, to any fan of historical romance.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.)
When I was 22, my mom told me a story that I will never forget. When I was a toddler, I was playing in my mom’s bedroom. My mom’s room had a sliding glass door, and I loved to play in the sunshine as it streamed through the door. One day, I was playing when I started screaming. The kind of baby scream that tells a mom her baby has been hurt. My mom ran into the room and found me holding my hand and crying. She heard a buzzing noise. She looked up and saw a bee buzzing by the door trying to get out. My mom grabbed her pillow and began whacking at the door yelling at the bee for hurting her kid. The whacking apparently went on for a good five minutes; what finally stopped my mom’s maniacal whacking was the silence in the room. My toddler-self was so dumbfounded by my mom’s actions that I just stopped crying and stared at her. Coming out of attack mode, my mom picked me up, kissed my hand, and told me she would do whatever it took to keep me safe from scary things that wanted to hurt me. In case you’re wondering, the bee totally died.
This story changed the course of my relationship with my mother. I realized that my mom did love me, she just loved me her way. This understanding shocked me to my core. And then, I felt like an absolute monster. I broke down into tears and begged my mom for forgiveness. She totally loves me, so she gave her forgiveness freely and immediately.
Why am I telling you this really embarrassing fact about my past? Because there is a moment when Mercy realizes the truth about her mother and is ashamed by her past actions, too. Mercy didn’t treat her mother well. In fact, Mercy was often downright cruel to her mother. In a FABULOUS scene, Mercy realizes the errors of her ways and cries out, “I did not see your strength because I did not look for it.” I’m not gonna lie — I balled my eyes out at this point. How Mercy feels when she makes this statement is exactly how I felt after my mom told me the Bee Story. I never stopped to really look at my mom and value her for her. I didn’t see her strengths. All I could see was how she had failed me in the ways I thought she was a failure. I was as blind and judgmental as Oedipus Rex, Elizabeth Bennett, and Mercy Lytton.
There is so much depth to this book, I didn’t even cover 1/8th of what happens. There are fantastic and timely messages about God and His faithfulness, forgiveness, and learning to leave the past in the past. There is a powerful romance that develops well over the course of the story. There are some seriously scary and evil villains. A few times, I found myself holding my breath because some scenes are just that intense. The Captured Bride really does have it all! If you are looking for a book that is highly engaging, thought-provoking, and well-written then The Captured Bride is the book for you!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I have been following the Daughter’s of the Mayflower series before the books even began to hit the shelves; when I first heard about it, I was sure it would be a wonderful series of historical reads. Thus far, my initial thoughts have proven true.
Michelle Griep penned the third in the series, The Captured Bride, and has provided readers with a story full of excitement; suspense; uncertainty; grief; adventure, and romance.
Mercy Lytton, raised by the Mohawks, yet also a lady; a lady chosen to lead a team of men on a dangerous mission. As a scout with keen insight and skills, Mercy must get the men to their destination, with the very valuable cargo, without being accosted by the French and other Native American tribes.
Included in the mission is one Elias Dubois, a traitor sentenced to die. At the last minute, Dubois is given a reprieve if he agrees to accompany the mission as a guide. Dubois has a special interest in the cargo and he must succeed in getting his discovery into the proper hands; otherwise, many could die.
Mercy has no use for a traitor and Dubois doubts her unusual and keen insights as a scout. Each must learn to trust the other, despite their misgivings. Along the way, sparks begin to fly…first rather acrimoniously then developing into something else altogether. Mercy struggles with knowing Dubois is a traitor.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Captured Bride and highly recommend it. As with the previous two releases, each book in the series can be read as stand alone novels.
I received an ebook copy of this book via Netgalley and am under no obligation to post a positive review.
Another beautifully written historical romance from Michelle Griep. I am utterly amazed at the wide variety of historical eras Ms. Griep can write and has written about in her books. I have read 12 Days at Bleakley Manor and The Innkeeper’s Daughter this year, which were fantastic. The Captured Bride is a completely different novel set in a different place and time and yet equally enchanting and captivating. Anyone who loves a well-written historical romance will love this book (especially if you’re a fan of Ms. Griep’s writing!).
The story has tons of twists and turns in the plot with intrigue and mystery. The characters are layered and flawed, yet so lovable and worthy of the reader’s affection. The theme of grace, mercy, and forgiveness is very real in the story and Mercy’s faith journey, in particular, is quite moving.
Mercy is a half-Mohawk, half-white woman with a gift of sight. She uses this gift as a scout during the French and Indian War for the side of the British. She’s strong, too independent for her own good, fiercely loyal, and strangely tender-hearted for a warrior. Elias is a branded traitor who is captured by the British during the War. He is also strong, independent, fiercely loyal but haunted by the mistakes of his past. Elias is complex and the reader gets only glimpses into who he is until the very end when the puzzle that is Elias comes together. What intriguing main characters! Their dialogue is sharply witty and delicious; their romance is sweet and swoony.
I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing through Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.
It’s 1759 and five years into the French and Indian War. If you enjoy adventure, intrigue, realistic companions, come along with Mercy, Matthew, Elias and Rufus for the ride of your life. They are on a mission to carry gold and silver in two covered wagons through dangerous and perilous territory. They take turns scouting and looking out for French soldiers and Indian warriors. Every mile could turn out to be their very last. The authors descriptions of the environment and the characters plus their thoughts and ponderings made this as though I was there hiding in the brambles watching as things unfolded. I adored Mercy and Elias, what a pair they made! I can easily see this turned into a blockbuster movie on the big screen.
This was a page turning, rapid heart beating read that I throughly enjoyed. I learned much about the history of a war that I had previously known very little about.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Traitors, spies, intrigue, war and a heroine of mixed heritage. All elements of a modern day adventure and suspense novel? No, they are a part of this new historical fiction book set in Colonial America during the French and Indian War. It is 1759 and Mercy Lytton is one of the people asked to deliver a load of gold through the wilderness to Fort Edward in Upper New York. Mercy is a scout who was raised by the Mohawk Indians and she believes that one of the men going with her is a traitor. She certainly isn’t happy to have him along and she balks at pretending to be his wife but she reluctanly agrees to accept this assignment. The journey is filled with danger and adventure but it also becomes a journey of discovery. Mercy doesn’t understand the faith that the “traitor” possesses, she finally understands the mother who died when she was so young and she learns that what seems obvious is often the most unclear!
Michelle Griep has written a story filled with great historical detail and I learned so much about a period that I don’t often read about. She was able to engage me with her description of that area and the dangers along the journey. I felt like I was seeing all of the sights that the characters were seeing and Griep’s description of the dangers to Mercy and her party, including a young girl named Livvy, seemed very real and threatening. Mercy’s questions about the God that Elias and Livvy so clearly loved and worshipped were perfectly written and her own conversion to being a believer was deeply touching. It was, however, the apparent chemistry between Mercy and Elias and the realization of their deepening feelings that captured my heart and imagination!
The Captured Bride is a wonderful addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction laced with Christian romance.
“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review”.
I absolutely loved this story, and I really didn’t want it to end! The setting, the characters, it was all so real and tangible. When I had to set aside the book to go to bed, I ended up dreaming about the characters. The secrets and the mystery in the story kept me turning pages. I just couldn’t get enough!
When I was younger, my sister and I use to pretend we were Indians and see how quietly we could walk through the woods and not leave any trace we’d be there. Mercy Lytton doesn’t just play scout, she is one! Mercy is accustomed to standing on her own. She’s capable, fiery, and an expert tracker. Yet, it is her heart that makes the largest growth.
I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Elias at first. But as the story progressed and I got to know him better, I couldn’t help but fall for him. Elias has his own secrets, and he hides them well. Elias surprised me a few times but in the best way.
I was captivated right from the start, there wasn’t a dull moment, the story flowed seamlessly all the way to the end (that I wasn’t ready to see). I give this fantastic book 5 enthusiastic stars. Do yourself a favor and go buy this one on June 1st when it comes out!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the characters especially Livy and Mercy. There was a lot of action in the story and it had me on the edge of my seat! I like how she wove the story with secrets. The characters coming closer to God to let go of the past and the faith of a little girl made me smile. This is one book you wont want to miss!
I absolutely loved this book! It’s full of adventure and a bit of romance. So much happens through the course of this story, yet it doesn’t feel rushed at all. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. I loved Mercy and Elias. Matthew was a great character as well. This is a very well written book. Michelle did a wonderful job! I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
What I loved: I loved the constant pace and tension. As usual, Michelle brings a wonderful collection of unique characters and surprises that are fun to read. The constant tension between who Elias really served made for an especially fun twist. I had my suspicions, but every now and then something would happen that would make me question who he really served.
*As a side note, I really enjoyed the author’s notes about the historical research and the bibliography so I could find out more.*
Favorite Character: Mercy and Elias were my favorites. Although, all the other side characters were a lot of fun and very tempting to select. I especially enjoyed Matthew as the overbearing protective father-figure, because who doesn’t like to believe there is a father-figure out there willing to protect you.
Who would like this: Anyone who loves adventure, women who do not fit the “standard” mold, espionage, traitors, danger, and history.
Rating and Why: I gave this a five-star rating because it was a fun, adventurous read that kept me up all night. As my time becomes more precious and lack of sleep more detrimental to productivity, staying up all night to read is a sure sign that the author has convinced me to set logic and responsibility aside.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. The review above was influenced in no way by this and the above opinions are my own.
The Captured Bride, the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series written by various authors, is an exciting, captivating read! The fast-paced, suspenseful plot takes you down the road of an intriguing mission where danger lurks around every bend. Ms. Griep’s amazing storytelling expertise and skillful use of figurative language and vivid imagery bring to life the diverse and unique cast of characters and the spectacular setting. You can feel the fear, tension, courage, and sorrow that Mercy and Elias experience as they face tremendous challenges and seemingly impossible situations. Set in 1759, the story is rich in historical detail related to the French and Indian War. The strong faith element affirming the sovereignty of God is inspiring. The romance is sweet and slow-building, but to me it takes second place to the action. Even though this book is part of a series it works perfectly as a stand-alone. This is one of my favorite Michelle Griep books, and I highly recommend it.
Michelle Griep takes you on a wild ride, and by that I mean stolen gold, Indians, a spy, a traitor, unknown dangerous weapons, and a burgeoning nation at conflict with one another. The mid 1700’s is the setting, about 5 years into the French and Indian war. The US is in it’s infancy and it is not a safe place to be, especially with many Indian tribes being pushed out of their native territory. It is especially unsafe for Mercy, a half Mohawk Indian and a female scout with keen eyesight trying to help her team get cargo of French gold from Fort Wilderness to Fort Edward a fortnight away in good conditions.
The tension/anticipation in this book is in the cover title: CAPTURED. You know at some point she will be captured but each skirmish builds the tension as to what will happen and believe me, plenty happens in this book. She is assigned to travel posing as the wife of Elias, a condemned French traitor, who is not quite what he seems. They are accompanied by a slacker that turns out to be worse than that, as well as Mercy’s beloved father figure, Matthew. There is a rescue, shootout, Indian encounters, and more that I could mention without spoilers. Both of the main characters have experience with different tribes of native Indians and those encounters prove to be quite interesting and gets them out of a bind on more than one occasion.
This is Book 3 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series but can definitely be read as a standalone novel.
I received a free advance reader copy of the book from the author. I am in no way required to give a positive review. My opinion is completely my own and in no way swayed by the free advance reader copy of the book
Time Period: 1759
Setting: Upper New York (French and Indian War)
A fake marriage to a traitor and a stash of gold take Mercy Lytton and her companions on a dangerous journey through war torn paths in Michelle Griep’s novel, “The Captured Bride.” This is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series from Barbour Publishing and all I have is high praise for how interesting and intricate this story was!
Mercy Lytton’s father was the chief of the Mohawks but her mother was taken captive from an English settlement. Gifted with keen sight, she rejects her mother’s ways and thrives on the tribal culture she grew up in. At twenty five years old, unmarried and quite feisty, Mercy is determined to make her own way in the world. On the other hand, hero Elias Dubois is captured as a traitor given a chance to redeem himself – return the cart of gold under guise of traveling with Mercy as his wife and another family, and he can go free.
To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about the French and Indian War. Perhaps that’s why I found this book so interesting! The style kinda reminded me of an “out west” “Oregon Trail” type, but with a different backdrop. It was set in the east. (Upper New York.) Certain tribes were loyal to different sides on the war front, which made travel with a bunch of gold tricky. Running into soldiers wasn’t the only worry if you were a rebel – you had to know what tribes were on which side as well. That element was written really well, I thought. The culture and ways of the American Indians have always been fascinating to me, and though I’m no expert on the Mohawks or other tribes in this story, the way the author described them felt very genuine and well researched.
Also, as well presented as the cultures and backdrop were, the characters were deep and moving too. From the first chapter, you felt like you knew everything about these characters and what their lives were like. I don’t know how an author goes about that, but it was well done here. Deeper into the novel, Mercy and Elias encountered things that stretched them as people and made them better, more capable. In the midst of all the war, there are very deep spiritual themes worth savoring in this story. (And though the main characters are supposed to be the ones you love and never forget – Matthew Primm will forever be my favorite person from this book!)
Conclusion: There’s a lot more to this story than what the back cover description implies – it’s packed with plot twists, emotion and a vividness that will transport you back to the 1700’s. I wouldn’t say it’s a “deep” read, but it’s definitely challenging and unique. To me, that makes a great book! Most importantly, I think it will leave you wiser after the last page.
“The Captured Bride” is one of my favorite novels by Michelle Griep. The characters are so unique and well-developed that I have yet to forget them, especially the strong heroine Mercy. Highly recommend!
Disclosure: I won a paperback copy of this book in an online giveaway. A favorable review was not required. Even though I won a paperback copy of the book, I Whispersynced between a purchased Kindle version and Audible (Escape Package) version.
This is not historical fiction. I hesitate to even call it a historical romance. It is a romance (a good one, at that) in a historical setting. The setting is the French and Indian War (1754-1763), specifically in the year of 1759. I’ve enjoyed this series so far, but Book 3 has left me muttering “Sweet suffering cats!”—a euphemism the hero of this story (Elias DuBois) thinks to himself (about 75% of the way in). I’ve read a few other works by Griep and enjoyed them very much. She’s a master at description, no doubt about it. However, this book is loaded with anachronisms. Perhaps that is apropos given that the heroine of the story, Mercy Lytton, who is half Mayflower descendant-half Mohawk Indian, is named Kahente also, meaning “before her time” in Mohawk. Many of the anachronisms involve Mercy/Kahente—who apparently thinks, acts, and especially talks like a woman who might have lived more comfortably in the 19th and 20th centuries rather than her own 18th century.
The first anachronism is only 11 pages in (Kindle version) referring to a British Brigadier General who “chase[s] skirts”. I counted at least seven anachronisms. Generally, in the historical fiction/romance I read, two anachronisms per book is two too many for me. (I have published my notes on the anachronisms I found.) Even though I’ve praised this author’s ability to be descriptive, there were a couple of instances where I wished she’d think up new ways to describe Mercy’s lips pressed flat and Elias’ smoky scent. There are a few instances where the reader might have to suspend belief to enjoy to story. There is one scene I would put a PG-13 rating on for violence. Euphemisms are liberally peppered throughout the book, along w/numerous references to cursing—in a book marketed by a Christian publishing house.
One of the reasons I like reading historical fiction or historical romance is that l learn something. If it’s well-written, I’m driven to do some research of my own into the historical setting. If you’re looking for a book that enlightens you on the history of the French and Indian War, this won’t be that book. I did a fair amount of research spurred by the anachronisms and suspect data in this book. It really isn’t enjoyable to be jolted out of the story that way. If this were any other book, I probably would have stopped reading about a quarter of the way in and I would not have given it a three star rating. But I like this series. And I like this author’s writing. There are real gems to be mined in this book, particularly when the two main characters deal with their emotions and their pasts. Griep is in her element in those sections. They are downright poignant.
The series itself deals with strong (strong-willed, stubborn) women who don’t shy away from adventure or danger, who learn that the strong, stubborn men in their lives are the men who have the most to offer them. I like the religious element of the series, as well. Hopefully, the rest of the series won’t be as loaded with anachronisms and suspect data as this book was. If that kind of thing bothers you, you might have to grit your teeth to read it, but I recommend this book anyway.
The Captured Bride #3 Daughters of Mayflower by Michelle Griep
Fort Wilderness, upper New York 1759….Living in the wilderness is challenging enough but to be a scout requires special skills and strength; both of which Mercy Lytton has. With her background and upbringing she is certainly qualified. She is an independent and intriguing woman of many talents and finds herself thrust into an ever growing conflict and often dangerous situations along with Elias Dubois. Their faith is tested in the midst of dangerous situations, the elements, surprises, grief and a bit of romance. I appreciate the spiritual elements woven within the story. The vivid descriptions of the area and historical details woven within the story-line is captivating. I especially enjoy the historical notes the author includes along with the family tree and examples of the Mohawk language and a Mohawk lullaby. This is book three in the Daughters of Mayflower series but can be read as a stand-a-lone. A captivating, gripping and heartwarming story.
~I received a copy of this book from the author/Barbour publishing (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
I just love this series!! And Michelle Griep!! And the line of godly men and women who tied their hopes and dreams to the founding and shaping of the United States!! I’m such a history nerd 🙂 This is for sure a work of fiction, but I love the dedicated craft and research that went into this novel. Even if you aren’t familiar with the French and Indian War, Michelle Griep does a great job showing how the many participants of this protracted territorial dispute viewed the conflict. Another marvelous link in the chain!
I’m not a history fan, but I heard so much about this book that I bought it. However, I didn’t read it for several months. The other night I picked it up and thought I would read the first couple of pages—then I couldn’t stop for hours!! I was immediately pulled into the scenes, I was riveted by the characters (who were captivating), and the entire story was unpredictable. Even if I suspected someone was good or bad, the plot never played out as I thought it would—it was so much more complex or shocking. I read the story for three nights straight way into the early morning hours until I finally finished it. I was happy at the outcome, but so bummed that it was over! Along the way, I learned so much about the English, French, and native Indians while going through the treacherous scenes with the characters, and I admired and truly fell in love with Mercy, Elias, Matthew, and Livvy. I still think about them. What an excellent book!!!
he 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