To gain his wife, he must break her heart.Past betrayal has turned John Kliest’s passion to his work as a builder and surveyor in the Moravian town of Salem, North Carolina. Now, to satisfy the elders’ edict and fulfill his mission in Cherokee Territory, he needs a bride. But the one woman qualified to record the Cherokee language longs for a future with his younger brother.Clarissa Vogler’s … younger brother.
Clarissa Vogler’s dream of a life with Daniel Kliest is shattered when she is chosen by lot to marry his older brother and venture into the uncharted frontier. Can she learn to love this stoic man who is now her husband? Her survival hinges on being able to trust him—but they both harbor secrets.
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A fascinating and engaging story about a historic time and place that isn’t often showcased in fiction. I was captivated by the characters from the very start. The lifestyle of the Moravians is something I knew just a little about. Their interaction with the natives – both positive and negative – kept me reading until late into the night. And – of course – the romance didn’t hurt either!
The storyline was well written, the plot flowed smoothly from page to page and the characters were written with such great detail and depth that I remained totally captivated throughout the entire book!
I truly enjoy marriage of convenience stories and I found The Witness Tree to be absolutely fascinating! I had no knowledge of Moravian culture and customs prior to this book. The combination of the traditions that the men and women of this heritage had to follow and the decidedly precarious relationship with the Cherokee nation set the stage for a real page-turner!
I thought that the author handled the feelings of the two main characters splendidly. John and Clarissa battled doubt, hurt feelings, and even anger toward each other as they worked to balance their brand new relationship as husband and wife while they were still strangers to each other. The Witness Tree was a captivating tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This story was better than I expected. I read it within a day as I was so drawn into the the life of newlyweds Clarissa and John, their Moravian lifestyle, and their mission to the Cherokee Tribes. The cultures of the Moravians and the Cherokee could not have been more different and I liked how the author fleshed out the historical part.
Now the romance was something else as well. Clarissa wanted to marry Daniel, John’s younger brother. However, John wanted to marry Clarissa and he needed a wife to go help with the mission. The elders agreed. Clarissa is not happy, though she is quite drawn to John and his dangerous vibe he gives off. These two have much to overcome, to become acquainted with one another, and to try to have a strong marriage. But as they are buffeted by many outside forces they both realize gifts they never had and a love that is worth sacrificing everything for.
This is a favorite for this year and definitely a reread. If you like authors like Laura Frantz and Lori Benton, then let author Denise Weimer take you on her wilderness adventure.
I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure. All views and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading this book! It has a great blend of history and romance with interesting and believable characters. The plot goes at a good pace and doesn’t get mired down in too many details. I love reading books where most of the events that happen are important to the story and everything is wrapped up nicely in the end. I didn’t want to put it down!
This compelling historical novel combines Moravian missionaries and Cherokee people in northwest Georgia during the early 1800s. Based on actual people and happenings, it weaves the hardships of the wilderness with trying to communicate and understand traditions. Surprising to me was the suspicion of the Cherokee about written language, considering those who worked on a syllabary (letters based on speech sounds) as dabbling in witchcraft. It relates the impact of education and faith among the Cherokee along with a well-done tentative love story when the hero needed a wife, but didn’t really want one. The Author’s Note at the end gave fascinating details about where the information came from and how the author molded it into her story.
I love the marriage of convenience trope, but this is a twist I’ve never encountered before. The Moravians believed that God’s will was revealed by the lot, so the characters enter the marriage believing it’s God’s will. But that doesn’t make the marriage easy. From the beginning, the couple faces trials, and I love the way Weimer handles this.
Not only are the ups and downs of marriage explored, but also the difficulties missionaries face. Weimer provides characters to show that missionaries aren’t perfect, and even the main characters have flaws. But she also doesn’t idealize the lives of missionaries.
And the research! You can tell Weimer put a lot of time into this. I had never heard of the Moravians. Weimer packs so much detail into the novel, I left with a better understanding of a sect I would never have known about if it wasn’t for her.
If you love reading frontier stories or are an avid fan of the marriage of convenience trope, I highly recommend The Witness Tree.
An intriguing historical.
Living in the communal of the Moravian Church Clarissa has received a marriage proposal but not from the right man. It is John the man who is being sent to the Cherokees in Tennessee. Going to the witness tree she wants to see if there is a message from Daniel. There is none plus Daniel has left town. John does not want a wife but that is what the elders want. I thought that the author showed the feelings of the two main characters in a wonderful way. This story was so interesting with surprising challenges that face John and Clarissa faced. I found this book fascinating and so different a well-written piece that I highly recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Wonderful romantic historical full of interesting, well-researched details about the Moravian’s in North Carolina and writing the Cherokee Indians’ language.
The Witness Tree by Denise Weimer
Set in Salem, North Carolina and Northwest Georgia of 1800’s. Denise Weimer takes the reader on a remarkable journey into the past filled with detailed historical elements and painting vivid word-pictures that had me “walking” alongside the characters. I learned about the Moravian people, their way of life, faith and mission to the Cherokee people as well as the lives of the Cherokee people. Two very different cultures with their own unique customs, languages and faith. With a communication barrier and such culture differences, can these two groups of people learn from each other, share the love of God and become friends?
The two main characters, John Kliest and Clarissa Volger, certainly have a huge undertaking ahead of them as they venture into the uncharted frontier—which is daunting enough—add a wedding into the mix is sure to cause even more challenges. I wouldn’t want my husband picked for me in the way Clarissa’s was. Can they overcome their differences, learn to trust each other, allow God to lead them and find love in their new marriage?
As part of the mission, Clarissa is to record the Cherokee language and put it in a written Cherokee syllabary; which I find fascinating. There are those within the Cherokee people who do not want their language recorded and take action to prevent that. The meaning of the “witness tree” and what it represents is an interesting aspect of the story-line. I especially enjoy the historical notes the author includes in the book bringing much detail and depth to the story-line. The Witness Tree is filled with adventure, suspense, romance, dangers, heartache, fears, joys, history that comes to life and faith. A remarkable story.
~I received an ARC e-book copy from the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
This story had me hooked from the very first. There is a lot of real history in this book even with the author condensing the timeline. Many characters are based on real historical figures. Very realistic with many obstacles.
I was given a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This is an amazing story that is full of history of the time period it took place. The author certainly did a lot of research prior to penning this story. The character development was excellent and there were enough twists and turns to the story to keep one turning the pages to discover that love does win in the end . I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. I will certainly be looking for future stories from this author.
In The Witness Tree, you will learn more about the Moravians! You will admire Clarissa Vogler, the female protagonist, as she agrees to marry a man she barely knows! John Kliest is a strong male protagonist who wishes to protect his new wife, Clarissa, as they travel to a mission where she will teach Native American children. The history was fascinating! The relationship between Clarissa and John was interesting as they face dangers on their missionfield! I recommend The Witness Tree to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Beautiful story of faith, trust and love. Clarissa was raised in Salem in a God fearing community. Women are forced to marry the man whom the Elders decide they should. Clarissa had been secretly sending letters back and forth with Daniel, an artist. They had agreed that when he went to Philadelphia to study under a master, she would go with him as his wife and study art also. Even though Clarissa is a teacher her passion is her art. Imagine her surprise when she is told that David’s older brother John has asked for her hand. He is 10 years older than her and she doesn’t even know him. He needs her help in his missionary work with the Cherokee in Georgia, because of her teaching abilities and her knowledge of the Cherokee language taught to her by her father. She must marry him, but their marriage starts off in name only, and Clarissa is disillusioned. John constantly seems to criticize her, the conditions on the journey and when they get there aren’t what he promised, and the chief owns slaves. Slaves are something her religion is against. There are many dangers. The chief is crazy and several other tribes are against the missionaries and the written word. The love they find through learning to trust each other and communicate was beautiful. Clarissa grows to love the Cherokees. But will they be allowed to stay?
Denise Weimer gives readers an engaging history lesson on the Moravian community and the Cherokee one with a story that immediately pulled me in. The first chapter left me with so many questions as to whether this marriage between John and Clarissa would survive. And as circumstances become more difficult, it is put to greater tests.
Clarissa’s hopes and expectations are crushed over and over throughout the book. Whether from circumstances or the people surrounding her. Then there is her marriage. John and Clarissa are holding back truths. They argue and disagree, but they also challenge each other to see their own faults and improve on them. I couldn’t help but root for them to figure it all out.
Weimer relays the fear, the heartache, the danger, and the difference one person can make amidst trying circumstances. Clarissa and John may not save the world (or even a people), but for those in their world, they can change a heart or two.
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.
Author Denise Weimer has written a captivating and intriguing historical romance in her novel, The Witness Tree. It is obvious that Weimer has done her research, as she brings to life the characters in her story that starts in Salem North Carolina in August of 1805. Although there is an underlying theme of romance and growth in the relationship between the main couple in the story, there is also a lot of focus on the different types of people and their ways of life. This story is one that will teach readers about what it was like to be a missionary and live among the Cherokee and the knowledge, as well as the dangers it brings. Readers will learn a lot from this historical novel.
Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: Smitten Historical Romance an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Publication date: September 16, 2019
Number of pages: 284
An e-arc copy of the book was provided by the publisher via the author, as well as a print copy of the book purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
The Witness Tree by Denise Weimer is a marvellous Christian historical tale. It will both educate and entertain as factual details are woven into a fictional story. The novel is set in 1805 and the reader hears about the interactions between the Moravians and the Cherokee – some good, some not so good. Over the whole book lingers the fragrance of God.
We all have dreams and desires of our heart. When God is the Author of those dreams in our hearts, they cannot fail. All will be accomplished but in God’s perfect timing.
There is the pioneering spirit as new lands open up. The desire to bring the Word of God to the Cherokees motivates a move. Moravians and Cherokees learn each other’s language so they can communicate. It is important to be able to read God’s Word in your own language.
Education brings freedom and choice. The Moravians were forward thinking in educating girls as well as boys.
At times situations seem beyond our control but we do not need to fear because God already has everything covered. “Cover this situation with prayer. God is in control.” The miracle working God of the Bible is alive and active today.
Life is a spiritual battle. We need to fight this battle on our knees. “We need to be praying right now… That is where our power lies.” We must stand firm on the Word of God. “Words are our most powerful tool for pushing back this darkness. Specifically the Word of God.”
The importance of having a heart for people shines through. “People are more important than causes.” We must make sure we see beyond the cause to the individual.
“Who will speak for the downtrodden?” – I found this incredibly powerful. It reminded me of Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (NIV) Where there is injustice and hate, we must speak up. We must speak the love of God over the people. No one becomes a Christian by being shouted out. We need to show others the love of God by how we live and how we love.
Within the book a beautiful love story buds and blossoms. This journey taken by the two individuals is mirrored by a physical journey. As the wilderness unfolds, lives open up.
I love all Denise Weimer’s novels. The Witness Tree was a great read about a period and people that I knew nothing about – but I do now. Why not travel back in time, steep yourself in history and a smattering of romance, all from the comfort and safety of your sofa. Grab a copy of The Witness Tree today.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
An exceptionally well written book and a pleasure to read. Very detailed descriptions of the way of life of the main characters, Clarissa Vogler and John Kliest and the landscapes they traveled to reach the mission site, Springplace. A fascinating, in depth portrayal of life as missionaries to the Cherokee people as well as the challenges of building a personal relationship with each other in their ‘marriage of convenience’. I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between many of the characters with their varied backgrounds, Chief Vann, Pleasant, Rosina, the young Cherokee students and the dramas that unfolded. An excellent way to spend a few hours reading such a well written story. Thanks Denise Weimer for the pleasure