The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

Overview: 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?

ISBN-13: 9781601427328

Publisher: Crown Religion/Business/Forum

Publication date: 4/21/2015

Series: Pathfinders Series

Pages: 400

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

Read an Excerpt.

My Review: "...if knowing God in my heart means losing a little of what it means to be Oneida...I think it is only what must be remade in every man who comes to Creator through His Son, Jesus. White, black, red and any other sort of man. If I have lost anything, what I have gained is a trade in my favor." 

Despite the fact that it took me so long to read this book, it was excellent. I loved the story from beginning to end. The descriptions of life in Colonial America before the war of Independence was exceptional. You can tell the author did her research. I loved the setting, the characters, and the story. I loved that the story was told through several points of view of a time span of 20 years or so.

The author did an amazing job with the description of the characters and their emotions. I was able to connect with each one on a different level and really feel what they were feeling. Their hurt, anger, love, regret, pride, and their faith each resonated with me. Hearing the story through Reginald, Anna, Lydia, Two Hawks, and Good Voice kept me captivated and turning page after page.

The quote up above, to me, represents so much of what the message of the story was. We are all people, created by One God, and our only way to heaven is to repent our sins to Jesus, His Son. When we accept that, we can let go of all our anger, bitterness, and hatred against those who wronged us and find the joy, love, and acceptance in life. Each character had to go through a journey of coming to accept what God was offering them and each story was unique. I absolutely loved that.

Overall, this book was heart-wrenchingly honest and raw. I look forward to reading more by this amazing author.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About the Author: Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, and The Wood's Edge. Connect with Lori.