A Flight of Arrows | Review & Giveaway

A Flight of Arrows

The Pathfinders #2
WaterBrook Press (Penguin Random House)
April 19, 2016
ISBN-10: 1601427344
ISBN-13: 978-1601427342

Hearts are divided.
Loyalties will be tested.
The fates of two families hang in the balance.

Twenty years ago, during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry in 1757, a young Redcoat named Reginald Aubrey stole a new-born boy--the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins--and raised him as his own.

No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William's twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God's forgiveness--and her love.

Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York, and the Continentals, aided by Two Hawks and the Oneida warriors, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture but united by love and faith must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.

Read the first chapter.

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My Review: If any of you follow me on Goodreads, you know that it normally does not take me long to read a good book (2-3 days). There were several reasons it was hard for me to read this book, none of which had ANYTHING to do with the book itself. A Flight of Arrows is powerful, compelling, and intense. The story is heart-wrenching and had me in its grips from beginning to end. This is not a story for the faint of heart or those of you looking for a fun, light-hearted read.

Lori does an excellent job of describing the war between the British and Americans. She describes the scenery, emotions, and battles in vivid detail (without being too graphic). She also excels in keeping us informed on what is going on both with the menfolk and womenfolk involved in the story, even though they are not together for most of it. This story invokes a powerful feeling of the fear, anxiety, and anger present during the Revolutionary War.

The characters made the story. Lydia, Anna Catherine, Two Hawks, William, Stone Thrower, Reginald and Good Voice come together in an amazing way, and you can see the work of the Lord in each of their lives. The heartache, joys, disappointments, fear, and anger each character feels is gripping and raw and powerful. My heart swelled with emotion for each blow these characters took, and cried in joy with each moment of happiness they were rewarded with. Lori made the characters come to life in my mind with each page.

Now, the reason I had such a hard time reading this book is because of the message. It hit home FOR REAL Y’ALL. Each of these characters had to make choices that would affect the rest of their lives, for the better or worse. The paths we walk are not always clear, as each character comes to realize, but if we ask the Lord for guidance in earnest, He will direct our paths. Two Hawks says it best, “Life is a blessing, but it is also a testing. Take the one as you do the other and trust Him who allows all.”

Overall, I absolutely LOVED this powerful, emotionally challenging story. I cannot wait to read more from the Pathfinders series.

*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.*

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, and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn.

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GIVEAWAY:

I have a copy of this amazing story to give away! To enter, comment on this post: Have you read Lori Benton's books? If so, which is your favorite? 

Giveaway will end SATURDAY, JULY 23 at MIDNIGHT (EST).

*Blogging for Books provided me with two copies of A Flight of Arrows in exchange for my honest review. They are not affiliated with this giveaway.*

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

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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.

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejon by Lori Benton

Overview: Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love

In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance.

Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?

ISBN-13: 9780307731494
Publisher: The Doubleday Religious Publishing Group
Publication date: 4/15/2014
Pages: 400

 Read Chapter One

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn Extras 

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My Review: From the first page of this book, I was captured by the story. Lori Benton is an amazing story-teller. Though there were parts in the middle that lagged a bit for me, I still enjoyed this book immensely. Tamsen's struggles and her pursuers, good and bad, made for an interesting plot line. As we move toward the end of the book, the story picks up with action, danger, and a love story that I found completely enjoyable.

Both Tamsen and Jesse face trials of their own, as well as trials together, which brought depth to each character. At the beginning of the story, we meet Tamsen, who is struggling to come to terms with who she is and what she's meant to become. Throughout the book, we see the choices she makes shaping the woman she will become. Jesse, whose story is unique, is an honorable man bent on protecting the woman he loved at first sight. Their romance was slow in coming, but sweet none the less.

There were many deep and exacting truths portrayed throughout the book. The main thought, in my opinion, is well summed up by this quote (don't worry, I took out the parts that give away the plot!): "But in time God will work even the worst things men do to us for our lasting good. Eternal good. Trust in the Almighty, in His love for you, and you'll have no need to dread anything He allows to befall you. For with a test, a trial, He gives an equal measure of grace to bear it  and the comfort of His fellowship as He strengthens us. He is acquainted with suffering."

Overall, I really enjoyed this fantastic story and I look forward to reading more by Lori Benton!

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

Blogging for Books was kind enough to send me an e-book copy as well as a paperback copy of this book! I've decided to do an impromptu giveaway!  

If you'd like to win a copy of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, simply comment below with your name and email address (in this format: email(at)email(dot)com). A winner will be chosen Monday, July 28!

About the Author: Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God's transforming grace. When she isn’t writing, Lori enjoys exploring beautiful Oregon with her husband. 

Burning Sky by Lori Benton

Hello, hello, hello! Happy (late) Thanksgiving everyone! I feel like such a slacker this week. I haven't gotten nearly as much reading done as I anticipated I would. That's ok though! I finally finished Burning Sky by Lori Benton! Here's my review! :)

Overview: New York frontier, 1784 ~ Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path and she feels obliged to nurse his injuries. The two quickly find much has changed during Willa’s twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.

When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.

Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman once called Burning Sky must find a new courage—the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?

"A bruised reed shall he  not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench."

My Review: The characters in this book are awesome! Willa Obenchain (aka Burning Sky) is a complex character because of the life she had to live. Taken at a young age by Mohawk Indians, she did what she had to in order to survive. She adapted to their way of life, never forgetting her heritage. So when all was lost to her, she decides to go back to the "white world" only to discover everyone she loved is gone. "I am the place where two rivers meet, sitled with upheaval and loss." - Willa Obenchain  Neil MacGregor, despite his past, does not treat Willa like she's less than human (as some folks do because of her time with the Indians). Instead, he shows her kindness, compassion, and love. Is she willing to open her heart to him?

The story was good. I think I would have enjoyed it so much better had I not just finished a very similar book. It was also a little long, but not enough to lose my interest completely.  At one point, I caught myself saying "how much more can this poor woman go through?!" I believe even the slow parts were necessary in order to understand each character and the situation at hand. The author did a great job in describing the time period, effects of the war, and the characters actions as related to their situations.

The message was one of trust. As Neil MacGregor, in his Scottish barogue states: "Dinna put your trust in men - not foremost. Men will come and go from your life, even those you love, some before you're ready to see them go. But I'll tell you this I've learnt: the Almighty loves you more than any man could, and He willna forsake ye. Not ever." 

Overall, this was a very enjoyable book. I wish I would have read it at a later date, rather than right after another book with a similar plot. I would still recommend it to anyone!

**I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

More fun! with links:

• Read the first two chapters of Burning Sky here.
• Connect with Lori: Blog * Facebook
• Purchase Burning Sky: B&N * Amazon * CBD