A well-written historical story... The Wood's Edge by Lor Benton (Review)

The Wood's Edge (The Pathfinders, #1)The Wood's Edge
(The Pathfinders #1)
by Lori Benton
Christian Historical Fiction, Romance
Paperback & ebook, 400 Pages
April 21st 2015 by WaterBrook

Summary

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 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?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22822928-the-wood-s-edge http://amzn.to/297fcUz http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-woods-edge-lori-benton/1120019739?ean=9781601427328 http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Woods-Edge-Lori-Benton/9781601427328/?a_aid=tresswishendi-20
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My Review

THE WOOD'S EDGE was a masterfully woven tale of three different families or individuals within those families as their lives cross in unexpected and bittersweet ways. It was full of danger, regret, longing, inspiration, friendship, family, difficult choices, and love. The historical setting, specifically referring to the Native Americans, was vert well-drawn. The ending was especially poignant and beautiful. Ideal for those who enjoy Christian Historical Fiction or Christian Historical Romance.

These characters were amazing and also had it fairly rough with their circumstances in some ways. I was especially caught up with  Lydia's and Anna's stories and their deep love and faith. I loved how Anna and Two Hawks develop a friendship and learn to lean on each other and how that grows into something else even though they are worlds apart. I also thought it was interesting seeing how the choices or lives of the characters intertwined with others and affected future choices of others.

The story had some lulls, but also a lot of tension due to the entire situation. Reginald carries his guilt for so long and then there is Two Hawks family that carries so much pain and hatred. So many lives altered by one rash action, but also seeing the good things that came because of it.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I think I would have liked not as many storylines all at once, although I also understand the reason for having them. There were also a few places that dragged for me, but these would be my only complaints. The writing was excellent, the characters realistic and easy to rally behind, and the story one of bittersweet turmoil and love while also being inspiring. I'm planning on reading the sequel and continuing the story.

Content: Religious strife, some violence and innuendo.

Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the INSPY's, which did not affect my review in any way.


Have you read this book or the sequel, A Flight of Arrows?

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