Thomas Bledsoe and Kate Gruener are traveling the Wilderness Road when conflicts between natives and settlers reach a peak that will require each of them to tap into a well of courage. A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.
Love and Adventure Are Discovered on the Wilderness Road In 1794, when Kate Gruener’s father is ready … Road
In 1794, when Kate Gruener’s father is ready to move the family farther west into the wilderness to farm untouched land, Kate is eager to live out her own story of adventure like he did during the War for Independence and to see untamed lands. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas’s job is to get settlers safely across the Kentucky Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naïve Kate’s inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict. Is there more to Thomas’s story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster?
Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear.
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 (August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)
more
A wonderfully done historical with romantic tension that has you on the edge of your seat. The beautiful descriptions of the Cumberland Gap down to the specific flowers blooming has you seeing the picturesque setting and feeling like you are viewing it through the characters eyes. I found myself weeping when Thomas and Kate are with Flying Clouds….shhhh I cant say more or it will be a spoiler. Well written and extremely well researched and the cover matches the detailed description of the dress used for a special occasion in the story. I’ve enjoyed all five books in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. Barbour Publishing has done an exceptional job. I also enjoyed that the author added Author’s Note and Historical Note at the end to give a better understanding of the story and time period. Excellent job and highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I have been reading and enjoying The Daughters of the Mayflower series from the beginning. Separate characters in varying stories, written by different authors, yet each one is enjoyable and informative. This novel is no exception and I was pleasantly surprised by this new author: Shannon McNear has written a fast-paced adventure set during a time I know very little about.
The author used her descriptions and the characters’ speech patterns to firmly ground the reader in another place and time. While not so much as to make for difficulties understanding the story, it does remind us that this was a different world from the one we inhabit today.
For me, this novel came with a huge learning curve. I know next to nothing about the Westward expansion despite my elementary history lessons, but I read on, fascinated. The conflict between settlers moving west and the native people already inhabiting the land made for tense reading, especially as the journey continued. I appreciated the conflicted sentiment of former captives, the “adopted” Shawnee, and how they felt as if they didn’t really belong in either community.
I enjoyed how the spiritual thread was naturally woven in and part of life for many of the characters, but also appreciated the realistic journey of those observing from the outside. Thoughts about God’s sovereignty and how He creates each of us as individuals paired well with the plotline and character development.
This is an impressive debut novel and I highly recommend it. Those who enjoy historical fiction in unique settings or stories with a Native American element will find much of interest here, but any reader with a general interest in American history will also likely be riveted from the start. Adventure seekers will be pleased as well since the tension begins mounting early on and continues right to the end of the action, all while still leaving us time to enjoy the resolution before the final page has turned.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Daughters of the Mayflower has been a wonderful series to read. In Book 5 Kate and Thomas’s story plays out slowly and wonderfully. Kate’s family is led on their travels to Kentucky by Thomas Bledsoe, Two people who appear unsuited for each other (or so they think), travel the journey and slowly come to know and respect each other – despite their doubts. And as they face dangers and challenges together, that respect begins to blossom into more. But first they must rise to those challenges and survive the danger. Full of rich history, vivid descriptions, and characters who find their way into your heart. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
Another fabulous story in The Daughters of the Mayflower collection. The incredible detail of the surroundings had me almost smelling the flowers, visualizing the mist on the hills and enjoying the growth of spring. The dangers of travel on the Wilderness Road was obviously well researched by the author causing me to hold my breath at times, wondering if this would be traversed without major scars or even death! Katarina found peace through her faith in God and His purposes, frequently recalling Bible verses she had previously learned. Thomas, on the other hand, had no time for God or faith. Would the occasion arise for each of them to trust that God had everything in control – they only needed to follow His lead?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All impressions and opinions are my own.
With the hope of settling and building a home of their own, Katarina (Kate) Gruener’s family undertakes a journey into the Kentucky frontier with like-minded families and a scout, Thomas Bledsoe. Kate’s penchant for hearing and recording the stories of others creates conflict on more than one occasion, but she is thoroughly intrigued by the handsome and reticent scout. Thomas values his privacy and determines to keep Kate at a distance. But when Thomas’ past overtakes them, it is only by leaning into the past that they can survive. Read more in The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear.
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is the fifth novel in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Like the rest of the novels in this series, The Cumberland Bride focuses on a descendant of the Lytton family (Kate), but can be read as a stand-alone novel. There were some references to one of the author’s previous novellas.
Overall, I liked The Cumberland Bride. I spent the first part of the novel savoring the descriptions of the terrain and journey as Kate and Thomas’ attraction/relationship grew slowly (maybe too slowly). However, the plot action and relationship development picked up substantially in the second half and then I happily devoured the rest of the novel. The author’s writing style is solid in spite of the slow start. Thomas’ spiritual wrestling with legitimate questions about God added depth and character development to the story. I liked Kate’s desire to explore and document the stories of others as I can identify with that on a personal level.
I think The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear will appeal most to readers looking for an inspirational novel that combines history, danger, faith, and love.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Although I’ve lived in Tennessee for over twenty years, I have not yet visited the Cumberland Gap and pretty much all I know about it is that when the weather turns cold, the forecasters warn that those in that area should expect snow.
In The Cumberland Bride, author Shannon McNear brings to life the majesty and the danger of what could arguably be called the first gateway to the west (before Lewis and Clark forged their trail). The author draws readers in with the dangers surrounding Kate Gruener, her family, and the others in their traveling party. Even something as inconsequential as crossing a river can become deadly in the blink of an eye.
As if the land and weather isn’t enough, the group must also contend with rising tensions between the Indians and the white man. McNear doesn’t skirt the issue of what travelers faced when attacked.
As Kate digs for their guide’s story, he is determined to put distance between them while at the same time desiring to protect and care for the young woman with golden hair like the sunshine.
Another winner in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, and a solid novel from McNear (who is now an author I’ll be watching for more from).
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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 am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
It is 1794 and Karl Gruener has decided to move his family from Tennessee to Kentucky and he has asked Indian scout Thomas Bledsoe to be their guide. What follows is a journey filled with hardships, danger, and excitement as Bledsoe leads the Gruener family in their trip along The Wilderness Road. They have been forced to leave most of their belongings behind and they are faced daily with the possibility of being attacked by the Shawnee Indians. Kate Gruener is one of the young women on this journey and she is especially eager to learn more about Kentucky and about scout Thomas Bledsoe. It eventually becomes apparent that he is very aware of Kate also and then the unthinkable happens! Thomas and Kate are take captive by the Shawnee Indians, Thomas escapes but it is uncertain if Kate will ever be able to return to her family.
I loved this new historical fiction book by Shannon McNear and it is very clear that she has put a lot of time and effort into researching this time period. I felt as if I was seeing this unsettled land with all of its plants and wildlife and I was thrilled to see the mentions of the early settlements of Lexington, Danville and Boonsesborough. They are all a part of this story and these places are still a part of my home state of Kentucky. I enjoyed seeing Kate’s sweet interest in Thomas from their first meeting and wondered just when he would notice her. Thomas had always declared his intention to stay away from a romantic attachment because he didn’t want to cause a woman worry and grief if he should ever fail to return from his journeys. It is only when Kate is in such danger that Thomas recalls these words spoken by his sister Truth. “One of these days, you’re going to meet a girl, get so attached to her that you won’t want to be without her.” (p. 163) Suddenly, Thomas realizes just how true these words were!
The Cumberland Bride is filled with historical facts and the reminder of just how strong these early settlers were, just how much faith they possessed and how deeply they relied on prayer. It is also a romance that features moments that take your breath away. This is the fifth book in the The Daughters of the Mayflower series but it can be read as a stand-alone book. I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance and historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
What a beautiful story that is rich in history which captures the essence of a time period that I love reading about. I loved how the author described the terrain that Kate and her family were traveling on. There was threat of Indians around them. Traveling by horses to Kentucky would take courage, stamina and hope.
I enjoyed Thomas and his commitment to Kate’s family. It was interesting to read about his connection to the Indians. His ties to them will become very important as danger surrounds the travelers. Kate finds herself in a treacherous situation and her life is threatened when the Shawnee find her in the wilderness.
I loved how the story depicted a true account of how families were willing to travel long distances to find a better life. Thomas takes his job serious and is willing to keep Kate and her family safe. There is an interesting account about Thomas’s past that really brought out the historical aspect in the story. Don’t miss this captivating story of survival and hope.
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing . The review is my own opinion.
What a story! I absolutely loved this novel and it is definitely my favorite book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This series is written by several different authors, with books that are all stand alone novels, and follows a family tree through important time periods in our history.
These characters and the setting felt so real to me. From the vivid descriptions of what traveling the trace was like, to the dangers that arose as the settlers moved on day by day, I was rivited to the page. I also was impressed with the peek into the Shawnee town and those who lived there.
I loved the way the romantic feelings developed between the two main characters, Kate and Thomas. The interest and attraction that Kate couldn’t help but feel for Thomas was sweet and her attempts to get to know him seemed realistic. Thomas’ reticence to attach himself to anyone made sense, yet it was clear that feelings for Kate began to develop no matter how he tried to resist.
This story was so interesting from start to finish and will definitely be one that I reread.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a very enjoyable read. This is the fifth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each one I’ve read seems to be a little better as the stories unfold of the beginnings of our great nation. The Cumberland Bride was full of travel, adventure, danger and sweet romance. Set in 1794, Kate and her family along with a few other settlers begin a long, grueling journey to Kentucky over rough trails using pack horses. Kate’s dad, Karl Gruener, has hired Thomas Bledsoe to scout for them. They spend weeks traveling through rough ground, mountains, rivers and Indian territory. Thomas keeps a close watch each day scouting all the areas and keeping a watchful eye. In spite of this, one night as Thomas is out looking about, he finds Kate wandering. Her causing him distraction allows them to be captured by four Indian braves. What happens to Thomas and Kate? How does the settler party continue after two of theirs goes missing? As you read you will find your heart pounding at each “fork in the road” as the unexpected happens. Grab your chair and hold on tight as you read on to find out the conclusion to this fifth adventure in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I would love to read more by this author!
The Cumberland Bride is fifth in the multi-author series, Daughters of the Mayflower. It is an exciting, delightful, faith-filled series following the descendants of a woman who met the love of her life on the Mayflower in 1620. The authors bring to life the early days of American History. In this novel, there are three families going through Cumberland Gap and the Wilderness Trail.
It is 1794 and Karl Gruener is moving his family from Tennessee to Kentucky. Two other families are traveling with them. They share the pack leader, Jenkins, and his crew. Karl hired Thomas Bledsoe, a scout, to help protect his family from the constant threat of Indian attack.
Kate, Karl’s oldest daughter; walks near the back of the column. As there are not enough horses for everyone, children and mothers with infants have priority. The only traveler behind her usually is Mr. Bledsoe. He is always alert, not relaxed like the other men. Even though fearful of attack, Kate turns it over in prayer and appreciates the beauty of the mountains, trees in bloom, and other signs of spring. Her first accident is when she misses her footing while crossing a creek and startles the horse carrying her youngest brother and sister, forcing Bledsoe to catch the horse and address her injured, bleeding feet. He is frustrated with her continued accidents, yet continues to be watch for her safety, especially when young Jacob Hughes begins to pay unwanted attention to her.
Their verbal sparring has a positive result. They begin to like each other, but neither would admit it, for when this job was done Bledsoe would move on. Bledsoe does not plan to ever marry. Kate and her family are Christians, evidenced by her fervent prayers throughout. Bledsoe is uncertain of God’s existence; it seems like God did not answer his prayers through the hardest times his family faced. Then came the true test. Kate and Bledsoe disappear, and from the few clues left behind, including Bledsoe’s gun, the travelers could assume only one thing – Indians had taken them captive. And the one secret Thomas Bledsoe had tried to keep from people his whole life is about to be uncovered.
I like Kate, especially for her love of learning and writing people’s stories. Thomas is an enigma, professional in his dealings but closed off from sharing his story and had only begun to tell little bits and pieces of his life to Kate. Kate’s family is interesting, and I would love to know more about her parents’ backgrounds. Kate and Bledsoe are people who became hard to leave when the last page was turned.
This novel of faith is very well-written and tugged me gently into the journey at the very beginning. I wasn’t sure, when meeting Thomas and watching him for a time, if he would be a safe person for the journey or someone Karl would regret hiring. This is a gripping novel of the history of the turn of the 18th century, and I loved the descriptions of where they travelled and the authenticity that rang through the pen of a talented author who loves this era. This is stunning and fast-paced, and I was satisfied with every aspect of the ending. I highly recommend this to Christian women of all ages, including mid-to-late teens, who appreciate historical Christian novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
What a good story! I really enjoyed how the author detailed the trip through the Cumberland Gap, and I fell in love with the characters. I loved Kate’s inner strength when it was needed, and I could feel Thomas’ inner struggle, both with himself and with God. I also liked how the author tried to balance the feelings of the Indians, whose lands were being encroached on and the settlers who desired to seek new land. This was a great book and I would recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
An exceptional book full of history, action, danger, friendship, love and more. From the first page, I was drawn in by the story details and descriptions. I felt dust of the dirt roads, the fear of the characters at times, the bravery of each person and the emotions of the outcome of the story. Great read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The setting of the latest Daughters of the Mayflower starts out at Bean’s Station, Tennessee in the year 1794. Thomas Bledsoe hires on with the Gruener family to move them across the Wilderness Road to Kentucky where they have purchased land. What follows is a tale of adventure, mishaps, Indian threats, secrets kept & revealed, family ties, and two hearts falling in love!
I really enjoyed this story! McNear wrote in it such a way as to engage the reader with all five senses. I felt like I followed along with the traveling party who set out to make a new life in a new land. Seeing for the first time through their eyes how the terrain changed, the emotions they felt, the camaraderie between scout leaders & family units. You could feel the excitement crackle in the air as they make their way in anticipation and also trepidation as the threat of Indian attack ever increases. As for the characters, the author creates each one with flaws like ourselves and inner struggles. Thomas carries a secret past while Kate grapples with negative feelings that can overwhelm her at times. They also fight growing feelings between them for reasons the reader will learn as details unfold. I really loved the rest of the Gruener family and you can see their devotion, strong ties and love between each member. I also enjoyed seeing history come to life. I think that’s my favorite thing about the books in this series! Watching how our great nation was formed and getting to know the people who made it happen. Each author has done a fantastic job in the retelling and I am impressed with McNear’s contribution. Well-written, engaging, wonderfully detailed, fleshed out characters, rich historic details and love found in hardship make for an adventure the reader doesn’t want to miss!
*I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *
Kate Gruener and Thomas Bledsoe are on their way westward in 1794. The historical details of the westward expansion, wagon train living (complete with Indians) made this book hard to put down. It is extremely well written. Kate’s character was very interesting – her personality & journaling. Thomas had great faith and made the perfect scout. This book is part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series but makes a great stand alone book.
A perilous journey
My rating is 4.5 stars
The language of The Cumberland Bride conveyed me into the late eighteenth century. T’was the careful selection of every word, in the conversation and in the narrative. It struck me that not many historical novels have so consistently carried the speech of the day throughout the entirety of the book quite as well as this one did.
The descriptions were so vivid and colorful. They not only evoked a wonderful mental image of the beauty of the Cumberland Gap, they had me feeling the dampness of the mist, smelling the richness of the spring and hearing the sounds of the forest. My emotions were filled with the strength of Kate’s steadfast faith and Thomas’ concern about the uncomfortable relations between the “Indians” and the settlers.
Author Shannon McNear very obviously cared about presenting the Indians in an honest light. Though there were incidents of violence in the story (not described with detail that would offend the squeamish – like me), there was no sense that the Indians were bad and the settlers were good. She did, in fact, point out that the Shawnee often adopted those they captured and truly made them family. While kidnapping someone to adopt them isn’t exactly a practice encouraged by polite society, it certainly shows a different side than the one most often portrayed. I was very touched by a comment she made in the Historical Notes:
While digging into the history of the Shawnee people, I’ve ended many a research session in tears, begging God’s mercy on those of us who did not know, who cannot change history, but who must find a way to go forward and seek peace “as much as lieth in you,” with those around us.
There is a restless watchfulness in the beginning that follows Kate’s family as they embark on their multi-week journey to their new home in the West. Though there is not much action at the onset, the pace of the story is perfect to create the sense of the weariness of the journey and the frustration over the minor incidents that caused so much inconvenience.
As I mentioned earlier, Kate’s faith was very admirable. Even when things were looking very bleak, she clung to her hope in the Lord in a way that I hope I will always be able to emulate. Thomas had not exactly abandoned his faith, he just didn’t believe that God cared particularly about answering his prayers as a result of tragic experiences he had lived through. I loved reading about his spiritual journey back to the Lord.
This was a fascinating account of an era of history that is not as often portrayed in fiction: the westward migration in the days when Kentucky was far to the West.
Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is the fifth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.
It is a thoroughly captivating story of a wilderness journey in 1794.
Kate Gruener and her family are making the difficult trek from Bean’s Station, Tennessee, through the Cumberland Gap then farther into the wilds of western Kentucky. Her father has hired Thomas Bledsoe to scout for the party. Thomas has experience with the Shawnee and Cherokee. The road is very primitive and there are many hardships and dangers along the way. But the travelers bathe their trip in prayer and trust they will make it through to a place where they can put down roots and prosper. By the end of the trip both Kate and Thomas will have answers to the questions of where they truly belong.
Shannon McNear has done extensive research and her narrative puts you into the heart of the story. The historical detail is very interesting and she sheds light on customs and myths that are often associated with this time period. The characters are rich, with hopes and dreams that make them very relatable.
If you like historical fiction that not only feeds your curiosity of the past but keeps you reading because of the exciting content…….don’t miss this wonderful book.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
The Cumberland Bride is a fabulous addition from the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This fifth installment takes the reader on the Wilderness Road to Kentucky. I enjoyed being taken back in time and experience what it was like for the new settlers the. The danger and adventure was intriguing. I enjoyed getting to know Thomas and Kate and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen to them.
The Cumberland Bride is so far my favorite of the series. I will be looking for more by this author in the future.
I recommend this clean historical and give it 5 stars.
Settle in and get ready to travel the old Cumberland road through hostile Native American territory. You’ll need to pack light because we can’t bring a wagon, only what we can put on our pack horse. Be sure to wear your sturdy shoes, and pack provisions.
Written with such depth and detail you’ll feel like you are right in the thick of the story with the characters. I fell in love with these characters and enjoyed the immersive history and storytelling. Shannon McNear pens a delightful story that kept me eagerly turning the page for more!
I give this tender love story 4.5-stars and would encourage you to snag a copy for yourself. Fans of Michelle Greip, Lori Benton & Laura Frantz are sure to enjoy this wonderful story!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Travel the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap with Kate Gruener, her parents and her younger siblings! Kate loves to keep a journal and record interesting life stories of others but her father forbids her to do so. Kate is curious about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe, as she feels he has a story in his past. When Kate’s horse slips off the trail into a river, Kate and her youngest brother are rescued by Thomas which makes Kate’s parents look at him more kindly! Thomas does not want a woman crying for him so fights his attraction for Kate until they are captured by Shawnees! The Cumberland Bride is book #5 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and one of the best so far! This was my first book by Shannon McNear but she did an excellent job. I highly recommend The Cumberland Bride to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of The Cumberland Bride through NetGalley and Barbour Books. This is my honest opinion.