At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?
The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.
On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida … across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.
When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both–Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?
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I don’t know why it took me so long to read a book by Lori Benton. But I’m glad I finally did! This story is a rich tapestry of the era peopled with characters who will draw you into their world. Benton does a very credible job – and it’s a difficult one – of balancing the relationship between white settlers and natives. Too many authors want to make the former all evil and the latter all saints. Benton didn’t do that. Her characters are all true-to-life with warts and all. That’s what makes it easy to slip into sync with them as you read. I highly recommend this on to all readers who enjoy historical romance at its best.
What an amazing saga, and I’m so glad I’m only halfway through it since this is the first in a two-book series! Lori Benton’s ability really shines in this novel (as it does with all her others). I was so impressed with how she was able to span from the end of the French and Indian War to the beginning of the Revolutionary War by following the twisting tales of two families tied together by one impulsive act. Never did the book feel rushed. There were several POV characters, and she nailed the voice for each one. This book was full of history, love (without sap), and heart-pumping drama. Watching each character grow and develop was a genuine treat, and the ending was incredibly satisfying, while still leaving enough unresolved to compel me to read the next book. Well done!!
This is a novel that is historical fiction. The time is Colonial America in the 1700s. It is the story of different cultures–Colonials, Indians, and the British. The main plot revolves around twin babies (one white and one Indian) born the same time as a British Soldier’s wife has a baby who dies. The dead son is exchanged for the live one. The secret cannot be kept forever and the plot has many twists and turns that will surprise you.
Author Lori Benton’s lyrical prose brings to vivid life the conflicts of cultures and the struggle for power that shaped the expansion of the American Frontier. “The Woods Edge”, set in the New York Territory of the late 1700’s, richly details the consequences of one irrevocable decision made during a father’s moment of profound grief. The lasting effects of his actions will ripple through many lives until they become a pounding wave of tormented emotion. Major Reginald Aubrey thinks to spare his wife’s health and sanity by switching their own dead newborn son for the living child of a former captive woman who had given birth to twin boys–one Indian and one white. Giving the blonde infant to his wife brings her peace, but this deception will bring tumult to all those involved. As their personal lives unfold, so does the history of America, as the frontier’s bloody battles will ultimately merge with the great upheaval of the Revolutionary War. The people of the Oneida Nation faced severe repercussions for allying with the British, and their place in American history is given due attention. Stepping back into history to touch our roots is of immeasurable importance to our present day and our future. Splendid storytellers like Lori Benton who revere history and have a deep, abiding faith are to be treasured. “The Woods Edge” refers to a ceremony in which strangers approaching a community were met at the “town limits” or edge of the woods by a delegation who would approve their entry or send them on their way. This book is the first in “The Pathfinders Series” from wonderful writer Lori Benton.
Book Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press via Blogging for Books
One of my favorite authors who leads us down trails not normally trodden. Everything she writes is excellent due to her studious search of history to weave into her stories.
The story made me consider what it was like when the colonists moved into Indian territory destroying their way of life forever. It seems to be unfair, but in the story the merger of the two people groups is handled with tenderness.
I can’t say enough how excellent this book was!
Loved this book!!!
I really enjoyed reading about life during the pre – Revolutionary war era
Heartfelt. Makes you wonder what you would do in this situation. Good read.
Very good. I am not one to read stories of Indians but found it very interesting. The author did great research on her history, very talented with her words.
Loved the history in the story line
Lori Benton did a fantastic job taking us through a span of 20 years, following the characters dealing with struggles, guilt, and loss. Seeing them find a new path with hope, love and forgiveness in the most truest and purest form – the only one able to mend any brokenness.
But not all is finished. No, what Lori left at the end was just the beginning of a journey that will test the new faith and foundation found by each character.
The writing was beautiful. There were many characters to keep track of. However I found myself so immersed in the story that I never felt like I had missed an important detail about someone or had forgotten who even that small character was.
This is a story about a British soldier and an Indian woman. We learn a bit of history while during the book. I enjoyed how life was after Fort William went down.
It about a forgiving of what happen to an Indian woman who has twins and one is taken. One twin is white while the other is brown. So a soldier takes the white baby. He seems to not want to upset his wife and tell her baby had died.
Anna makes a friendship with Two hawks when her brother goes to college in Wales. What will happen to Anna when she finds out the truth about her. What will happen when her brother William finds out. What will happen when William finds out.
I couldn’t put it down .
It’s about forgiveness and learning to lovr
I HAVEN’T FINISHED THE BOOK YET BUT I AM THOROUGHLY ENJOYING IT. CAN HARDLY PUT IT DOWN.
I love this series!!!