I enjoyed The Captive Heart and would recommend!
The Captive Heart is a thoroughly entertaining and engaging story that captures the emotions. It contains two of my favorite things Colonial America setting and marriage of convenience. My opinion of this book can be summed up in one word: more! I want more of the Colonial era, more of these characters, and more from Michelle Griep. The Captive Heart stands out in the areas that matter most to me ...
Setting The South Carolina backcountry of 1770 is so vividly portrayed and is such an important part of the story that it becomes a major character. The CBA doesn't publish many books set during my favorite period of history, the American Revolutionary era, so I was eager to read The Captive Heart. Michelle's writing is somewhat lyrical and the multi-faceted characters spring off the page. In a time where the loyalties of families and friends were split between the Crown and the Sons of Liberty, this is the first novel I've seen that focuses on the role played by the Cherokee nation. I've visited Cherokee, NC and seen the play, Unto These Hills, so this theme touched me.
Characterization Samuel and Eleanor are richly-drawn, appealing characters. And what an unlikely pair! Eleanor fled England for America with the promise of employment as a governess awaiting her, only to find herself forced into indentured servanthood and then marriage to a stranger. To me, she is the perfect blend of intelligence, femininity, strength and vulnerability. Samuel is a backwoodsman, half Cherokee, a man who "wore authority like a second skin." And he has the most precious daughter!
Romance I loved watching their relationship build over several months' time, growing from strangers uncomfortable with each other, to mutual respect, to undeniable attraction. The chemistry between them is so real and heartfelt. Michelle certainly knows how to write scenes that make you melt.
Spirituality Both Eleanor and Samuel had backgrounds that colored their present thoughts, behaviors and attitudes, and their relationship literally opened a floodgate in both of them. Samuel had come to Christ at the end of a sinful past before the story opens, and I loved seeing redemption played out in his life more through action than words. But although he had accepted God's forgiveness, he couldn't forgive himself, as many of us can relate to.
There's so much to enjoy in The Captive Heart, including Eleanor's two friends from the voyage, Biz and Molly. As I said at the beginning, I really want more of everything, so I hope this is the beginning of a series.
Highly recommended.
I received this book free of charge from the publisher.
Setting The South Carolina backcountry of 1770 is so vividly portrayed and is such an important part of the story that it becomes a major character. The CBA doesn't publish many books set during my favorite period of history, the American Revolutionary era, so I was eager to read The Captive Heart. Michelle's writing is somewhat lyrical and the multi-faceted characters spring off the page. In a time where the loyalties of families and friends were split between the Crown and the Sons of Liberty, this is the first novel I've seen that focuses on the role played by the Cherokee nation. I've visited Cherokee, NC and seen the play, Unto These Hills, so this theme touched me.
Characterization Samuel and Eleanor are richly-drawn, appealing characters. And what an unlikely pair! Eleanor fled England for America with the promise of employment as a governess awaiting her, only to find herself forced into indentured servanthood and then marriage to a stranger. To me, she is the perfect blend of intelligence, femininity, strength and vulnerability. Samuel is a backwoodsman, half Cherokee, a man who "wore authority like a second skin." And he has the most precious daughter!
Romance I loved watching their relationship build over several months' time, growing from strangers uncomfortable with each other, to mutual respect, to undeniable attraction. The chemistry between them is so real and heartfelt. Michelle certainly knows how to write scenes that make you melt.
Spirituality Both Eleanor and Samuel had backgrounds that colored their present thoughts, behaviors and attitudes, and their relationship literally opened a floodgate in both of them. Samuel had come to Christ at the end of a sinful past before the story opens, and I loved seeing redemption played out in his life more through action than words. But although he had accepted God's forgiveness, he couldn't forgive himself, as many of us can relate to.
There's so much to enjoy in The Captive Heart, including Eleanor's two friends from the voyage, Biz and Molly. As I said at the beginning, I really want more of everything, so I hope this is the beginning of a series.
Highly recommended.
I received this book free of charge from the publisher.
Eleanor Morgan is an English governess who likes her job until her boss makes unwelcome advances. She finds herself with a little money and a ticket to Charles Town. When she arrives, the family she thought she was going to work for wasn't there to pick her up. That left her with no choice but to marry a man she didn't know and one who looks almost dangerous. Samuel Heath is a tracker and trapper who lives in a humble cabin in the woods, mostly to escape the town and bad memories. He really needs a mother to help raise his young daughter but he has no expectations about having a true wife. Their agreement is a marriage in name only. But Eleanor surprises Samuel with her determination to adapt to her new life and Samuel's heart begins to stir. Samuel surprises Eleanor with his caring and protective ways and Eleanor finds herself drawn to him. But there are things Eleanor doesn't know about her new husband. Things that could challenge her growing feelings.
WOW! I absolutely loved this story! From beginning to end I devoured every page. (and isn't the cover gorgeous?) I found myself quickly immersed in action, suspense, danger and drama balanced with some humorous and tender moments. The romantic tension between Samuel and Eleanor totally sizzled, which I love, and the dialog was amazing. It keeps you completely engaged. I was totally captivated as I was taken back in time to life in the late 1700s. I will say there was one thing I had mixed feelings about that happened toward the end but it was also realistic. You have to read the story to know what I mean. I fell in love with Samuel. He was strong and wise yet very guarded. Eleanor had a good heart but there were times I got a bit frustrated with her. I loved the interaction between them. I've read other books by this author that I really liked but this by far is my favorite and has earned a rightful place on my keeper shelf. This would make an excellent Hallmark movie. The Captive Heart is one I HIGHLY recommend. Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down.
*This complimentary copy was provided by Barbour/Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A couple favorite quotes (although there were many)
"I think there is a reason Jesus said He went to prepare a place for us, that His Father's house has many mansions. Not that we were not created to fellowship with others, for we are but perhaps the desire to have a space of one's own is but a shadow of what is to come, what we will experience in eternity. A place just for us, created by the Creator. Some, like you, feel it more keenly."
"I promised you on our wedding day that I wouldn't touch you." His husky voice wrapped around her like a warm embrace, pulling her toward him. "Do you want that to change?" A foreign desire ran along every nerve. She froze, unsure if she could speak or even breath. Afraid if she did everything would change. Forever. "No," she forced the word past lips she was terrified to open. "Because if you do" - he brushed his thumb along the curve of her neck, leaving a trail of fire - "all you need to do is ask, Tatsu'hwa." His brown eyes held her in place, demanding she understand his meaning - and when she did, the implication stole her last bit of breath. Want and need charged the thin space between them, but whose? His or Hers?
For more information about this book or other books by Michelle Griep, I encourage you to visit her website at https://michellegriep.com.
WOW! I absolutely loved this story! From beginning to end I devoured every page. (and isn't the cover gorgeous?) I found myself quickly immersed in action, suspense, danger and drama balanced with some humorous and tender moments. The romantic tension between Samuel and Eleanor totally sizzled, which I love, and the dialog was amazing. It keeps you completely engaged. I was totally captivated as I was taken back in time to life in the late 1700s. I will say there was one thing I had mixed feelings about that happened toward the end but it was also realistic. You have to read the story to know what I mean. I fell in love with Samuel. He was strong and wise yet very guarded. Eleanor had a good heart but there were times I got a bit frustrated with her. I loved the interaction between them. I've read other books by this author that I really liked but this by far is my favorite and has earned a rightful place on my keeper shelf. This would make an excellent Hallmark movie. The Captive Heart is one I HIGHLY recommend. Once you pick it up you won't want to put it down.
*This complimentary copy was provided by Barbour/Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
A couple favorite quotes (although there were many)
"I think there is a reason Jesus said He went to prepare a place for us, that His Father's house has many mansions. Not that we were not created to fellowship with others, for we are but perhaps the desire to have a space of one's own is but a shadow of what is to come, what we will experience in eternity. A place just for us, created by the Creator. Some, like you, feel it more keenly."
"I promised you on our wedding day that I wouldn't touch you." His husky voice wrapped around her like a warm embrace, pulling her toward him. "Do you want that to change?" A foreign desire ran along every nerve. She froze, unsure if she could speak or even breath. Afraid if she did everything would change. Forever. "No," she forced the word past lips she was terrified to open. "Because if you do" - he brushed his thumb along the curve of her neck, leaving a trail of fire - "all you need to do is ask, Tatsu'hwa." His brown eyes held her in place, demanding she understand his meaning - and when she did, the implication stole her last bit of breath. Want and need charged the thin space between them, but whose? His or Hers?
For more information about this book or other books by Michelle Griep, I encourage you to visit her website at https://michellegriep.com.
Adventure in American colonies before the Revolutionary War
Following an ugly encounter with her employer, Eleanor Morgan fled England on a ship bound for the American colonies. When her tiny bit of money disappeared on the ship along with her letter of recommendation to her prospective new employer, she was unable to pay for her passage or to verify her credentials. Samuel Heath needed a woman to care for his toddler daughter Grace so he planned to marry again. Unfortunately rumors that he murdered his late wife abounded in Charles Town so he chose to select someone from the newly arrived ship. Thus began a marriage of convenience that became so much more.
Eleanor was a survivor, tenaciously working through whatever trial she faced. She tried to make the best of her new life when she knew nothing of frontier living. She cared for Grace and attempted to cook. She learned to shoot and tried care for the house while not understanding Samuel's way of life. She persevered in challenging circumstances.
Samuel was a man in conflict. He acted as tracker for the British army when called upon but tried to keep his personal convictions unrevealed because there was potential danger from both sides. He needed to leave Eleanor and Grace to continue trapping to make a living for the family, but he still showed his care for them both in various ways.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic, the descriptions were vivid, the emotions were intense. The Christian aspect was woven throughout, but it was not pushy or overbearing. There were some suggestive scenes and dialogue between Samuel and Eleanor, nothing offensive or distasteful, but I probably not recommend it for young teens because of that. Otherwise, I would recommend this book to anyone interested.
I received a copy of this book through Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Following an ugly encounter with her employer, Eleanor Morgan fled England on a ship bound for the American colonies. When her tiny bit of money disappeared on the ship along with her letter of recommendation to her prospective new employer, she was unable to pay for her passage or to verify her credentials. Samuel Heath needed a woman to care for his toddler daughter Grace so he planned to marry again. Unfortunately rumors that he murdered his late wife abounded in Charles Town so he chose to select someone from the newly arrived ship. Thus began a marriage of convenience that became so much more.
Eleanor was a survivor, tenaciously working through whatever trial she faced. She tried to make the best of her new life when she knew nothing of frontier living. She cared for Grace and attempted to cook. She learned to shoot and tried care for the house while not understanding Samuel's way of life. She persevered in challenging circumstances.
Samuel was a man in conflict. He acted as tracker for the British army when called upon but tried to keep his personal convictions unrevealed because there was potential danger from both sides. He needed to leave Eleanor and Grace to continue trapping to make a living for the family, but he still showed his care for them both in various ways.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic, the descriptions were vivid, the emotions were intense. The Christian aspect was woven throughout, but it was not pushy or overbearing. There were some suggestive scenes and dialogue between Samuel and Eleanor, nothing offensive or distasteful, but I probably not recommend it for young teens because of that. Otherwise, I would recommend this book to anyone interested.
I received a copy of this book through Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
First read by this author. Interesting setting with an Englishwoman on the rugged frontier unprepared for the rigors of life there. I liked the idea of events directing you to an unforeseen future, living a life you didn't think you could have and realizing the blessings in it. Strong theme of redemption from previous life choices.
Loved Grace, she was a fun character to break up the seriousness of life. To me it never seemed that Eleanor really accepted the Cherokee part of Samuel, she was barely adjusting to the frontier lifestyle. Biz and Molly were nice additional characters.
Religious aspects didn't feel well woven into the story.
Lots of restrained passion, some kissing, essentially clean and left for the reader to understand the behind the scenes parts.
Loved Grace, she was a fun character to break up the seriousness of life. To me it never seemed that Eleanor really accepted the Cherokee part of Samuel, she was barely adjusting to the frontier lifestyle. Biz and Molly were nice additional characters.
Religious aspects didn't feel well woven into the story.
Lots of restrained passion, some kissing, essentially clean and left for the reader to understand the behind the scenes parts.
