Native Son

American Patriot #2

by J.M. Hochstetler

Caught between two worlds at war, he could lose everything—his country, his faith, and the woman who holds his heart captive.

Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton has pledged his allegiance to the cause of liberty, his service to General George Washington, and his heart to fiery Elizabeth Howard. But when Washington takes command of the American forces, he orders Carleton to undertake a perilous journey deep into Indian country and persuades Elizabeth to continue her work as a spy.

Captured and enslaved by the Seneca, Carleton is stripped of everything but his faith in God. At last rescued by the Shawnee, he is taken deep into Ohio Territory and adopted as the warrior White Eagle. When he rises to become war chief, he is drawn unwillingly into a bitter war against the white settlers who threaten to overrun the Shawnee's ancestral lands.

Meanwhile, as General William Howe gathers his forces to attack the outmatched Continental Army in New York City, Elizabeth despairs of ever learning Carleton's fate. But as the western frontier explodes into flame, the name of White Eagle begins to spread beyond the borders of Ohio Territory.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Native American, American Revolutionary War

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

I am the daughter of Mennonite farmers and grew up in central Indiana. I am a publisher, professional editor, award-winning author, and proud member of Daughters of the American Revolution. My American Patriot Series is the only comprehensive historical fiction series on the American Revolution. The Northkill Amish Series, coauthored with Bob Hostetler, is closely based on the story of our Hochstetler ancestors, who came to this country in 1738 seeking religious freedom, only to be caught up in the savage clashes of the French and Indian War. Book 1, Northkill won Foreword Magazine's 2014 Indie Bronze Award for historical fiction. Book 2, The Return, won the Interviews and Reviews 2017 Silver Award for historical fiction and was chosen as one of Shelf Unbound's 2018 Notable Indie Books. One Holy Night, a modern-day nativity story, was selected as Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year.

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly disappointed. The American Patriot saga continues. The background and storytelling are still good, at the young adult reader level. But this is one of those books that just stops; it doesn't finish.

A few quibbles: No one can pick up a handmade weapon (bow or rifle, loaded by someone else or an arrow made by someone else) and make a bulls eye with the first shot. Weapons don't work that way. That's why famous marksmen had their "Ole Betsy" that they fired over and over until they knew exactly how it behaved. Walk across northern Ohio in the 1775 in four days? I don't think so.

Excellent telling of the plight of Native Americans, trying to include several legitimate points of view from their side.

A good read.

[Elaine Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I was swept away by the first book in the American Patriot series by J.M. Hochstetler, I was thoroughly grabbed emotionally as well by this second in the series, "Native Son". This book picks up where "Daughter of Liberty" leaves off. The newfound romance between American spy Elizabeth Howard and patriot Jonathan Carleton suffers an abrupt interruption: While they are planning their wedding, General Washington is sending them on dangerous missions that will separate them by hundreds of miles. Their intense love is put to a test. Can they put the needs of their new country struggling for freedom over their personal desires? It is a heart breaking, thrilling, and gut wrenching journey on these pages filled with rich historical detail that will be visualized with clarity in readers’ minds. I am so anxious to pick up Book Three in this series, as my own heart wants resolution for this couple. A definite “Must-Read” for lovers of American History—as well as for lovers.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn between two worlds, and a love that is unreachable

Now known as White Eagle, he longs for Elizabeth but she's not a part of the world he is in. What do you do when your torn for one love but your duty bound to another?

This story is riveting and has strong characters! You're transported back to the days of the American Revolution . You'll travel from Boston, to New York, and to Indian Country. A country that is unsettled and at war.

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling Read

By necessity this book, Native Son, recounts bits of information from the first book, Daughter of Liberty. J.M.Hochstetler neatly weaves those bits into this sequel by following the journey of Elizabeth and Carleton separately. Thus the reader flips back and forth between their two perspectives which can be difficult to sort out, but thankfully, a short addendum of terms and historical data in the back helps a lot. Now to read the next book in this enjoyable series.

[Anke Nijdam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bij vlagen een echte pageturner. Maar ook veel langdradige stukken. Wel interessante geschiedenis, maar weinig vaart in het verhaal. Vooral de laatste hoofdstukken, waarin de hoofspersonen vast zitten in hun situatie, lijken zich voort te slepen. Af en toe denk je: gebeurt er nog iets spannends? En dan sla je de bladzijde om en dan: nee, toch niet..
Toch vraag ik me sterk af hoe het verder gaat met de personages en dus heb ik deel 3 alweer klaar liggen...

[Kerrie Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the series. I find Carlton quite a hero. Elizabeth, though, is too much for me. I understand she needs to come across as quite competent, but sometimes her actions verge on silly and melodramatic. That the author has researched extensively is a plus. And as an historical fiction, this is a worthy book to read.
Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read #nativeson by #jmhochstetler

[EileenNH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good Series, but way too much Religion incerted

The author has written a really good series, but in this particular book she used religion where I fell was not necessary. The characters used religion as their guide in life, which as far as I am concerned is fine. What I object to is the author inserting religion for instead of moving the story line along.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed to spend more time on Elizabeth than it did on Jonathan. Also disappointing that it wasn't a stand-alone book. It was obvious though that there was a lot of research done on the historical content of the book.

[Gloria Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohio valley

What starts out as a project for Washington turns upside down. Carleton goes to Ticonderoga. From there everything goes arye. Elisabeth has her own set of misadventures. Boston to New York.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is a good book, I wish I had not read it as it is a pain to be left hanging at the end. I would advise you to take this into consideration when you are looking to buy it.

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting and romantic take on the American Revolution. Full of interesting intrigue that will keep you reading this story.

[Millie]

Can't wait to start the next book in the series

[Holly Yeatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Well written recommend to all interested in history. Combined history with the story. I am lookin forward to the next book

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Native Son #2 American Patriot by J. M. Hochstetler

The American Patriot series takes the reader back to the days of the American Revolution, traveling from Boston, to New York, to the Ohio Territory and into Indian Country: an unsettled country that is at war. Although each book in this riveting series can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in chronological order as the storyline builds with each book. This book picks up where the first book, Daughter of Liberty, leaves off.

I am not sure I would place myself in the midst of the enemy in order to spy on their activities and learn their plans as Elizabeth Howard does. She did not seek to become a spy but love of her young country prompts her to bravely step out to do just that. I love her spirit, determination and dedication to her mission. She is a beautiful woman, a beauty that comes from within from her love of God.

Patriot Jonathan Carleton (known as the warrior war chief White Eagle by the Shawnee) is caught between a war with white settlers and his adopted Shawnee nation. His loyalties are torn and I could feel his grief and anguish as he prays for guidance in this difficult, turbulent time. He could lose everything: his country, his faith, and the woman who holds his heart captive.

I love watching the budding romance between Elizabeth and Johnathon, however, their romance and wedding plans are abruptly interrupted when they are separated for a time and hundreds of miles, as each are sent on separate dangerous missions for General Washington. Will they survive on their respective missions and wed or will they be lost to each other for all time?

Native Son is filled with strong characters set on a dangerous journey during the American Revolution. I love how the author weaves historical details within the storyline and characters lives so vividly I felt as if I was transported into the midst of the events and danger. I appreciate the spiritual elements in the story and characters lives. A riveting, heartwarming, and often heartbreaking, story. Another favorite on my favorite book shelf.

[Ciam7578 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains mild Spoilers




This book was wonderful in the descriptions of the Patriots, the English, and the Natives. I appreciated the accurate glimpse of "good and bad" in every group. This was well-written historical fiction.

However, while I tend to find a love story holds my interest in a book, I've lost patience with Hochstetler's drawing it out so painfully and predictably having the main characters face peril at every single turn.... And then not rectifying anything at the end of the book. Instead of being in a hurry to read the next book in the series (Windspirit), I find myself done.

I'll end on a positive note. This book weaved God into the story seamlessly and was beautifully described to the Seneca tribe in a way that respected their traditions without sacrificing truth.

[Avellina Balestri · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to be able to catch back up with the characters after leaving them, newly escaped from prison, in the first installment. A whole knew atmosphere has opened up when it comes to Native American tribal traditions and warfare along the frontier. Needless to say, Jonathan is going through a lot of changes, first straddling British and colonial sides, now straddling settler and native identities! Meanwhile, Elizabeth rubs elbows with Gentleman Johnny again (who in this universe might be better dubbed Cruella Burgoyne), and it seems he's bucking to get canceled by the #MeToo crowd. The Earl of Percy is also still a recurring character, which pleases me, as he is a favorite of mine. I commend the author for continuing to churn out installments in this setting.

[GEORGE · Rating 3 out of 5]

one of the great American classics of a young black man dealing with growing up, & trying to make good decisions. its a very well written book, & the author speaks to you about the feelings of uncertainty & insecurity that we all have experienced at one time or another.