Keowee Valley

by Katherine Scott Crawford

Spring, 1768. The Southern frontier is a treacherous wilderness inhabited by the powerful Cherokee people. In Charlestown, 25 year-old Quincy MacFadden receives news from beyond the grave: her cousin, a man she’d believed long dead, is alive—held captive by the Shawnee Indians. Unmarried, bookish, and plagued by visions of the future, Quinn is a woman out of place… and this is the opportunity for which she’s been longing.

Determined to save two lives, her cousin’s and her own, Quinn travels the rugged Cherokee Path into the South Carolina Blue Ridge. Defying her furious grandfather and colonial law, she barters for leverage against the Shawnee with a notorious Cherokee chief—and begins building a daring new home in the Keowee River Valley, a fiercely beautiful place.

But in order to rescue her cousin, Quinn must trust an enigmatic half-Cherokee tracker whose loyalties may lie elsewhere. As translator to the British army, Jack Wolf walks a perilous line between a King he hates and a homeland he loves.

Together they journey across the Appalachian Mountains and into the heart of Cherokee country. They encounter wily trappers, warring Indians, British soldiers, desperate settlers, and a contested backcountry on the brink of changing forever.

When Jack is ordered to negotiate for Indian loyalty in the Revolution to come, the pair must decide: obey the Crown, or commit treason….

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Native American, Fiction, Adventure

354 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2012

About the author

Katherine Scott Crawford is the award-winning author of Keowee Valley and The Miniaturist's Assistant (releasing May 13, 2025 from Regal House Publishing). A recovering academic and former adjunct professor, she serves as a guest lecturer and workshop leader at conferences, writers' retreats, literary festivals, and more. As a newspaper columnist, her popular column appeared weekly across the United States and abroad, in USA Today, the Detroit Free Press, and many others. She holds an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is founder and director of MountainTop Writers Retreats. A former backpacking guide with a vagabond soul, Katherine lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband, two untamed daughters, and their trail dog.

Reviews

[KatLynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - Brilliant Debut!

… Backcountry… “Enter these enchanted woods, You who dare.” …George Meredith

Katherine Scott Crawford’s debut novel, Keowee Valley is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It held me spellbound as I traveled back in time to the Pre-Revolutionary period and into the savage, untamed, and utterly breathtaking beauty of the Carolinas and the surrounding Appalachian region. Her vivid descriptions of the Blue Ridge Mountains conveys the majestic wonder and spectacular beauty one still can find in this area today.

But this book is so much more than just the locale. It is the story of lovely, strong, gutsy Quincy MacFadden and her quest for a home and a land where she isn’t restricted by the demands society places on women; a place where she’s free to be herself and not have to live by the expectation of others. This is not a whim and this longing runs so deep to her core that this young, brave Scot is willing to sacrifice her comfort, her safety, leave behind everything she holds dear and venture into unknown territories to reach her goal.

Discovering that her dear beloved cousin, Owen, is alive after years of believing him dead opens the door to her adventure. She’s determined to find him and barter for his release from the Shawnee. And while there, she plans to make a home for herself in this wild but magnificent wilderness. In order to accomplish this goal, she will need a guide. And while waiting on the one man who can help her, she gets busy obtaining the land and building her settlement in the Keowee Valley.

Jackson Wolf, half-Irish and half-Cherokee tracker, descended from six generations of priest-chiefs, is a magnificent man. He’s handsome, strong, knows the land and how to survive. He loves his homeland and his people. In these troubled times with war brewing, he walks a dangerous line. In the past he’s served as translator for the British army and now if he refuses, he’ll be charged with treason.

Both Quincy and Jack are extraordinary people, ones whom you will come to adore, admire and respect. This book is so well written I could hardly believe it a debut. The cast of secondary characters flows beautifully with the story. The “sight” that plagues Quincy fits perfectly and is well balanced. The author does a wonderful job capturing the essence of the Cherokee people and their plight in colonial America and her love of the land and its people shines through.

I enjoy Appalachian history, colonial America and those years before the Revolutionary war. Keowee Valley is steeped in these aspects and woven throughout is a love story that captured my heart. Having grown up in this area I am very familiar with Charleston as well as the mountainous regions along with their historical landmarks. All of this added to my pleasure of this book.

While this had a satisfying ending, I am left with unanswered questions. Hopefully, there will be more books coming and we will learn the mystery surrounding Jack’s full bloodied Cherokee brother, Ridge Runner, as well as continuing the saga of Jack and Quinn.

Keowee Valley is a story of passion, courage and one filled with adventure, danger and romance. It is finding your dream, holding it tight in your heart, and never letting go. It is a keeper and one that I’ll enjoy again. Many thanks to my GR friend Jill who gave such a stellar review that led me to this one. Congratulations Ms. Crawford on a winning debut!

Sadly, the entire gorgeous Keowee Valley, along with its beauty and historical landmarks including Fort Prince George went under water in May of 1968. It is now covered by the very pretty Lake Keowee, owned by a local power company and used for many purposes. While the lake and surrounding area are still very much picturesque, it saddens me that this piece of history has vanished.

My Rating: 4.5/5
Steam: 2.5

ARC courtesy of Bell Bridge Books via NetGalley

[Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Setting: My Home: DNF :(

I'm so disappointed with this one, I had such high hopes for it. I have tried three times to read it and always got to only a certain part then couldn't continue. Boring..boring..put you to sleep boring. The characters have no personality, way too much "scenic" information and just to fairy tale unrealistic for me. Where is the hardships? Struggles? Strengths? Passion? Quincy goes from a pampered heiress to a frontier woman with no problems and gets land and food just like that? And Jack Wolf? Just as boring :( There are so many good raving reviews on this one and I'm sure it worked for them, but alas.. not this reader. I think "Into The Wilderness" by Sara Donati spoiled it for me.
I'm not putting it on my "try again later shelf" Three strikes your out, I move on. But I will give another of this authors books in the future a try because it did have a lovely prose to it.

[LeahBethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeowee Valley was a book club read and as an added bonus the author joined our book club discussion via zoom. We had such a great time visiting with her and asking questions about the novel. Keeowee Valley reminded me of the historical fiction novels that I grew up loving like Calico Palace and Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS! I have yet another author's books to obsess over. Keowee Valley is the debut novel by Katherine Scott Crawford and is filled with adventure and romance and a great historical setting. I was so disappointed when I came to the end of the book because I grew quite attached to the characters.

As an avid reader, I am a lover of words and Crawford's descriptions of the frontier of Cherokee territory were so vivid that I felt myself transported back to 18th century South Carolina.


I am quite in love with the character of Jack Wolf. I disagree with other reviewers who claim that he is too perfect. I am quite confident that Crawford shows some of the deeper and darker sides of the character.


Eagerly awaiting to find out what happens next for Jack, Quincy, Rebekah, and Ridge Runner!

Goodreads review published 2013

[Happy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really frustrated me. It had so much potential. The first 10% I'd give a 4/5, from 10-50% a 2/5 (and in a way I feel that is generous), from 50% and on I'd give a 3/5--with a sprinkling of 4/5 moments. The ending is anti-climactic. The writing was so beautifully poetic in spots but it wasn't grounded. I often felt disconnected from the characters and the plot.

I loved the premise of the book, it's similar to Into the Wilderness and The Last of the Mohicans. This book had an added more mystical feel to it. If it was done properly this book could of been truly amazing. Unfortunately the characters and plot were poorly developed. (I felt more for the main characters's horse than her. She's an unappreciative brat most of the story (a pet peeve of mine.))

I wanted to read what it was like to go from being a lady who was used to having slaves, and all the greatest comforts to being a frontier woman starting her own settlement. Frontier life is a challenge, but you never got a feel for that in this book. The author jumps right from her purchasing her lands to having a cabin and food. How did that happen? What does she do all day? Errr....

[Karla]

$1.99 on Amazon as of 12/15/12 was $9.99

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Katherine Scott
Published by: Bell Bridge Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Keowee Valley" by Katherine Scott wonderful, romantic, historical fiction read that turned out to be a amazing good read. This author really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat with this read and gave you the feeling that you were right there in this read as she has you all caught up dreaming her(Quinn's)way to her ambitions. The descriptions of this South Carolina Blue Ridge area seem to come to life being so beautifully described. The plot of this story was very interesting how this author was able to bring it all together told in first person. Many times I thought this story was going one way then before I knew what was happening it had changed which made this so intriguing. Basically this story was of Quincy(Quinn) MacFadden who"confessing to having been plagued with strange visions(dreams), of which she is positive are omens" and with this Quincy feels that this will help her find her missing cousin, Owen who she had earlier thought had been killed by the 'Shawnee.' Owen has been kidnapped by Indians. So, she decides to leave Charleston and head to the frontier to trade for Owen's life. After arriving in the Appalachians, Quinn is told of a guide named Jackson Wolf who could help her negotiate her cousins freedom.Then this story leads us to Jack Wolf who Quinn employs to track her cousin and then this story takes off from here. We find that Jack is half Cherokee and Irish who also works in the service as a part time translator for the British and a guide and from this he will have some real decisions to make. "With the impending war, Jack is to make a choice: either to be entrusted by the King as a translator, or to commit treason." Now, this is where I say you must pick up "Keowee Valley" to see what all this author will have for the reader. This will be a interesting read on how this author will get this all together for the reader. Be prepared for plenty of action, adventure, romance and the history as it all comes together giving the reader in the end a amazing good and well written read.

[Dottie Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent debut novel set in a time period and location that is interesting to visit. The descriptions of the beautiful mountains and rugged trails take me into the backcountry and on some of my favorite hikes along river beds and to waterfalls! The characters are well developed and loveable. I particularly enjoyed the glimpse into the Cherokee culture and the politics of pre revolutionary war days. This author did her research and you can tell she has spent many hours hiking and riding horses in our beautiful area.

[Deneé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn yearns for the freedom of the valley; not only does she yearn, she dreams. With the familial MacFadden Sight in tow, she dreams her way to her ambitions. While she's on a mission to find and free her cousin, Owen, from the hands of the Iroquois, she gains her own settlement, The MacFadden settlement. Her guide, half-Cherokee half-Irishman, Jackson Wolf changes her life course as she finds herself falling madly in love. With the impending war, Jack is to make a choice: either to be entrusted by the King as a translator, or to commit treason.

"'I just wonder if you've considered that by trusting this man, you are taking on two lives: one white, one savage. Can you live in that in-between world, Quincy?'" (loc. 1425)

Such a well written piece. As a debut novel, I'm taken aback at how seasoned and classic this novel feels. Told in first-person, I felt as though I was reading a diary and thus entering the inner most thoughts of Quinn. Quinn, as the strong independent woman she is, was a breath of fresh air from the usual damsel in distress. The depth this book goes into, steeped in history and culture, is wonderfully done. I admit I was a bit weary to continue, in the beginning, but I'm glad I did because the story line of war, freedom and romance caught me up in my imagination. As the descriptive scenery and vivd characterization is put before us, the author paints a glorious picture of a in-depth historical romance.

First Line: "My story begins before the fall, in that Indian summer time when the hills are tipped with oncoming old, and the light hangs just above the trees, dotting the Blue Ridge with gilded freckles." (loc. 50)

Last Line: "For the land called to me even now, in an ancient tongue, willing me home." (loc. 5350)
----------
Quotes

"In the eighteen years I'd known my cousin Owen, I'd lost him four times." (loc.102)

"It all came to this: could Grandfather send me to trade for Owen, surely a man's job, dangerous and uncertain?" (loc.184)

"It infuriated me that I remained at the mercy of Jackson Wolf, a man I didn't know and was beginning to doubt I'd ever meet." (loc. 823)

"I wanted the creek to myself, the whole valley to myself, the world--before life began again and the day wasn't wholly mine anymore." (loc. 895)

"He'd said we were meant. That we belonged together. But was it enough?" (loc. 2000)

"But the pain was only a pulsing reminder of the task at hand: I had to find out what was happening in Charlestown. I had to know if the war I'd been dreaming of had begun." (loc. 2242)


Galley Courtesy of Bell Bridge Books via NetGalley

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Desere
Book provided by: NetGalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

This was a superb debut from a brilliant author! I loved each and every moment of a truly historical and phenomenal read. I had a really hard time trying to put this one town as the author took every aspect of this book and changed it into so much more. The characters are the kind that will forever stay in my mind.

The author took me on a journey that felt unbelievably real,it was as if I could touch each character, feel every move and hear every sentence spoken. I loved that the authors landscape and other descriptions were so stunningly and exquisitely described.

Both characters were strong and determined to make the best of a difficult situation but each also has their own inner turmoil to overcome. The plot was very well laid out,and surprisingly it turned out very differently that I envisioned when I started read this book,but yes the author did a great job at bringing the plot together with precision and intrigue.

The sex scenes were very tastefully written. This was a really fantastic read. The dialogue was at times almost snippy and fun but others again so emotional that I was almost brought to tears. This book is guaranteed to transport you back in time where nothing is ever what is seems.

Excellent work Katherine!

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is clear from the often poetic descriptions of the South Carolina landscape, that the author has a deep love of the place. However, I would have loved to see a little less of these sometimes lengthy descriptions and a little more character and/or plot development. The first half of the story is a little slow moving with all of these scenic descriptions and I kept waiting to hear more about the characters. I particularly felt that something was lacking in the early development of Quinn and Jack's relationship.

I understand that the author left the ending more open for future books, but it was a little too open for my taste. I felt the ending lacked the closure that I usually need from my books.

It's difficult to read this book and not compare it to Into the Wilderness, which might be what prevented me from liking this more. For me, character development is the most important part of a book, and where ITW excelled in that, I felt it was a bit lacking in this book.

Still, Keowee Valley presents a debut from a clearly talented author. I will be interested to see how her writing progresses in future books.

[Genevieve Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing debut!

Katherine Scott Crawford let herself sink deep into Keowee Valley — she must have, because every aspect of the book is beautifully done. Her characters were multi dimensional (including secondary characters) and believable, and even though there wasn’t one clear cut “evil” guy, there still managed to be some wonderful tension and scary moments. She wrote skillfully and lovingly of the beautiful, rugged Keowee Valley and its people, going so far as to include Cherokee language in places (just enough, not too much!) and even include an index for those of us who wish they could remember those sorts of details! Her descriptions of the countryside were like masterful oil paintings. Beautiful colour and style. If you’ve read my reviews, you know I’m an “adventure” reader, not into fluffy romance and (what I call) overdone sex, but Ms Crawford’s sex scenes were wonderfully written.

There’s no denying the passion sparking between the feisty and adorable Quinn and the yummy Jack Wolf, and when they finally get together, they are delicious as a couple. I love that she left the ending open for future novels, and I will be looking forward to reading her next book!

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a little bit slow at times and I would have liked to see a little bit more background on Jack but overall it was very good. The descriptions of the scenery were beautiful but a little long winded.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely swept away into Quinn's world each time I opened this book. The love that Katherine Scott Crawford has for the area of the South Carolina mountains that she writes about comes through in every word. I am waiting as patiently as possible for the sequel.

[Cinzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keowee Valley is a beautiful historical book set in Southern frontier of what would become par of the United States of America. The historical period in fact refers to the years just before the war of independence of the new Americans.
We are in the spring of 1768, when a young woman Quincy MacFadden, of Scottish origin, grown by his grandfather since her earliest childhood, after the death of her parents, discovers that her cousin Owen is not dead, as she and her grandfather believed, but held prisoner from the Shwnee Indian.
Quincy, who is a rebellious girl, who does not accept the impositions and the judgments of a town like Charleston, against herdesire to be really herself, decides that this is her chance and she convinces Grandpa to send her in South Carolina to try to negotiate the release of her cousin, with the help of some local intermediary and, at the same time, she want to try to live the life that she has always dreamed of, in that wild frontier territory.
She challenges to fate, the dangers that await are huge, but she is stubborn and she knows that this might be her only chance to live the way she has always wanted.
Arrived at destination she trades with an Indian Chief for the ownership of the land where she wants to build her new house with the help of other settlers: she offers them land to build their own houses for their work.
Quincy managed to contact, Jack Wolf, a halfbreed man who is the only person who can help her to rescue her cousin, but this is only the beginning of a wonderful adventure, in new Quncy's life, and Jack is the surprise that the fate reserved to the woman who swore since she was small child not to marry and submit to anyman.
Jack is a man who lives between two worlds, his loyalty goes to his Indian people and this is something it will be a great problem with the arrival of war, where he'll be called to fulfil his duties towards the Crown, because in this case Jack is also a man of Irish descent. Accepting it would mean betraying his soul, to refuse it would accuse him of high treason and by this choice it will depend Jack and Quincy's life.
This the first novel by this author and she has managed to build a story that provides a well defined historical context without being heavy, and it gives a realistic view of life at the time: the difficult coexistence between settlers and native Americans, the battle that begins to arise between old Europe and new America, the very hard reality affronted by the settlers in order to achieve the dream that has pushed them into these wildlands, the lure of a new life and freedom.
In this novel are described beautiful landscapes, with details that it seems almost to be able to see those still wild land dominated by the law of nature.
Throughout this fits the story between Quincy and Jack, an unconventional love story, as the two wonderful characters. A man torn between two worlds, a wild spirit, but loyal and a woman outside the rules of morality, with a free spirit and open-mindedness, who takes her to fall in love with a world totally different from that in which she was bred. Theirs is not the usual romantic love story, but a meeting of two souls are perfect for each other, soulmate, they face a difficut path for living their unique life together.
The ending, in my opinion can be considered quite open and perhaps lead to a sequel.
Thanks Netgalley and la Belle Bridge Books for the vision of the book.

Rating: 4 stars

Keowee Valley è un bellissimo libro historical, ambientato nei territori di frontiera del sud di quelli che dovranno poi divenire gli Stati Uniti d'America. Il periodo storici infatti si riferisce agli anni appena precedenti alla guerra d'Indipendenza dei nuovi americani nei confronti dell'Inghilterra.
Tutto comincia nella primavera del 1768, quando una giovane donna Quincy MacFadden, di origine scozzese, cresciuta dal nonno sin dalla più tenera infanzia, dopo la morte dei genitori, scopre che il cugino Owen non è morto, come lei e il nonno credevano, ma tenuto prigioniero dalla tribù degli Shawnee.
Quincy, che è una ragazza ribelle, che non accetta le imposizioni e i giudizi di una cittadina come Charleston, nei confronti del suo desiderio di essere realmente se stessa, decide di cogliere l'occasione e convincere il nonno a inviarla nella Carolina del Sud per tentare di contrattare la liberazione del cugino, con l'aiuto di qualche intermediario del posto e, nello stesso tempo, trasferirsi là e dare vita alla vita che ha sempre sognato per lei, in quel territorio di frontiera selvaggio, di cui ha sempre letto nei libri.
La sua è una vera sfida al destino, i pericoli che l'attendono immensi, ma lei è testarda e sa che questa potrebbe essere la sua unica possibilità per vivere nel modo che ha sempre desiderato.
Arrivata a destinazione riesce a barattare con un capo indiano la proprietà di un terreno dove vuole costruire la sua casa con l'aiuto di persone che l'aiuteranno a coltivarla e allevare animali, in cambio a loro volta della possibilità di costruirsi una casa.
Quincy riesce a contattare, tramite il capo indiano, Jack Wolf, un uomo mezzosangue che è l'unica persona in grado di aiutarla a far liberare il cugino, ma questo è solo l'inizio di una splendida avventura, nella nuova vita di Quincy, e Jack è per lei la sorpresa che il destino ha riservato alla donna che ha giurato sin da piccola di non sposarsi e non assoggettarsi mai a un uomo.
Jack è un uomo però che vive tra due mondi, la sua lealtà va al suo popolo indiano e questa sarà una cosa con cui fare i conti con l'arrivo della guerra, dove verrà chiamato a rispettare i suoi doveri nei confronti della Corona, perché in questo caso Jack è anche un uomo di origine irlandese, con dei doveri da portare a termine. Accettare vorrebbe dire tradire la sua anima, rifiutare lo farebbe accusare di alto tradimento e da questa scelta dipenderà la vita di Jack e Quincy.
La scrittrice in questo suo primo romanzo è riuscita a costruire una storia che fornisce un contesto storico ben definito, senza essere pesante, e dona uno spaccato realistico della vita dell'epoca: la difficile convivenza tra coloni e nativi americani, lo scontro che comincia a nascere tra la vecchia Europa e la nuova America, le avversità affrontate dai coloni per realizzare il sogno che li ha spinti in queste terre selvagge, il miraggio di una nuova vita e della libertà.
I paesaggi stupendi in cui è ambientata la storia sono descritti nei minimi dettagli e sembra quasi di poter vedere quelle terra ancora selvagge in cui domina la legge della natura.
In tutto questo si inserisce la storia tra Quincy e Jack, storia d'amore non convenzionale, come i due splendidi personaggi. Un uomo diviso tra i due mondi, dallo spirito selvaggio, ma leale e una donna al di fuori delle regole del buon costume, con uno spirito indomito e una apertura mentale, che la porta a rispettare il diverso e amare un mondo totalmente differente da quello nel quale è stata allevata. La loro non è la solita storia d'amore romantica, ma un incontro di due anime perfette l'una per l'altra, che affrontano un percorso per trovarsi e vivere una vita unica insieme.
Il finale, secondo me può considerarsi abbastanza aperto e forse dare luogo a un seguito.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Belle Bridge Books per la visione del libro.

VOTO: 4 stelle

TITOLO: Keowee Valley
AUTRICE: Katherine Scott Crawford
EDITORE: Belle Bridge Books
DATA PUBBLICAZIONE: settembre 2012

[Elkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

5 stars for readability. This was a thoroughly engrossing, readable novel. I read through it eagerly.
4 stars for descriptions of place. I felt completely drawn into Quinn's world in the pre-Revolutionary Carolina wilderness. I could completely visualize it.
3 stars for characterization. On the plus side--the main characters were likable, sympathetic people. On the negative, I felt that their motivations and thoughts were shallow and often unrealistic for the people they were and the times they lived in. I craved more depth.
2 stars for the last 1/4 of the book. I felt that the ending--and the short path to it--made little sense.

However, for a first novel, it was pretty darn good. I would like to see more books from this author.

[Nicole Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This highly descriptive book that looks at the interplay between the whites and the Cherokee before the Revolutionary War.

“A Duke overpowered by a woman,” Owen scoffed, tucking his hands in the pockets of this jacket and raising a rust colored eyebrow. “Why does he allow his own mother to rule over him?” Grandfather reached out, popped him lightly on the back of the head. “We’re all ruled by women, boy—you’re just too much the bantam rooster to recognize it.”
-Katherine Scott Crawford (Keowee Valley p 281)

http://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/2018...

[Janet Ramski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific story, but the ending left so many threads untucked! It desperately needs a sequel but to my disappointment, this book was written 10 years ago with no further writings in sight. Basically, that's my only complaint, though it's a big one. If you're going to write a book, either end it or get back to that keyboard!! 10 years is too long to find out what happens to all the characters, and why did they behave the way they did.

[Searobin56 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and the author. The setting is where I live so it’s wonderful. The characters are great as well as the story and action. I was disappointed with the ending though. There is so much more to the story! The author ended much too soon even though I understand the purpose of it. And there is no sequel.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has the gift of writing. She really researched her history and put her knowledge into this story where as one learned while they were reading this book. I would love to see an sequel to this book. This book was written with love and determination. Wow what a book!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this on my shelf and decided to finally read it and I am glad that I did. An interesting story of settlers and the Cherokee. Very much enjoyed and I am hoping for a sequel - what happened in their travels... Recommended.

[Melinda Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical! Loved, loved, loved the perspective of the beautiful SC upstate way back!

[Lorree Bosworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! My only disappointment is that it deserves a real sequel!! There is so much story still to be told and questions needing answers.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was the authors first novel and it is a good one, very entertaining.

[Jen Marie Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a big historical fiction girl, but this was an enjoyable book with engaging characters and amazing descriptions. Looking forward to reading more from her.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this review, as well as many more, please visit my blog: The Baking Bookworm (bookworm.blogspot.ca)

My Thoughts: I must admit that I was impressed, and more than a little surprised, that this was Katherine Scott Crawford's debut novel. This is a well-written novel full of adventure and romance all set in one of my favourite historical settings.

That said, as I started reading this book I began to see many similarities between this book and one of my all-time favourite historical fiction series, "Into the Wilderness" by Sara Donati. Since I adored "Into the Wilderness" I knew that Ms Scott Crawford had her work cut out for her if she wanted to impress me. While the era she chose, the storyline and even her main characters were quite similar to the other series I'm happy to report that Keowee Valley holds its own and brings with it a new take on adventure/romance reads.

One of the things that struck me from the get-go is that the writing is so descriptive and vivid making it easy for me to picture exactly what it was like in the frontier. The storyline combines action and interesting characters that you want to root for.

The characters were interesting if not a little 'too good to be true'. Quinn is a very independent, feisty young woman who was able to set up her own homestead with little to no issues (which I found a little hard to believe). Seeing her struggle with her independence would have made me enjoy her character even more. I loved the 'voice' she gave to the book and seeing the new world through her eyes was interesting.

Similarly, Jack is the perfect guy. The body of a Greek god, smart, brave ... a little hard to imagine such a perfect guy. But I was OK with that because he did make for a good male lead and I enjoyed seeing his internal struggle with being stuck between the two worlds he lives in.

As many of you know I'm not a big romance reader. I honestly think it's a very hard genre to get 'right'. And by 'right' I mean not dripping with cheesy love scenes or saccharine prose. I feel all icky and honestly uncomfortable when reading 'bodice rippers' where the sexual escapades take centre stage relegating the actual storyline to the literary fringes. "Keowee Valley" balances the sweet romance (without the cheesy love scenes - just aptly placed love scenes) with the adventure and pace of the main storyline. While Jack and Quinn's romance happened fairly suddenly it's a believable relationship. Would I have preferred for them to have time to grow their relationship a little slower? Maybe. I do love me some 'will they/won't they?' between main characters to build up that lovely tension between two strong characters.

One of my favourite parts of the book (while sadly brief) was seeing more about life in a Cherokee village. Seeing their view of the impending war was interesting as was how they felt at being labeled 'savages' when they, in their daily lives, were a more peaceful (not to mention more sanitary) people who gave their woman much more freedom and respect than the white population.

All in all, Katherine Scott Crawford has impressed me with her debut novel. She has successfully combined the drama of this historical period with romance and some 'edge of your seat' scenarios. Keowee Valley ends with some unanswered questions leaving me to believe (and hope) that this is the first book in a series. I do love ending a book and not wanting it to stop. For me, that's the mark of a good read. I look forward to seeing more from this author.

My Rating: 4/5 stars

Note: My sincere thanks to Bell Bridge Books, Katherine Scott Crawford and NetGalley for providing me with this complimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Karielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keowee Valley by Katherine Scott Crawford
Release Date: September 27th, 2012
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Page Count: 348
Source: Complimentary ARC provided directly by author, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

What Stephanie Thinks: Katherine Scott Crawford's debut novel is a lush, vibrant glimpse of the budding Revolutionary War-era America, as well as an impassioned, glittering combination of adventure, romance, and suspense. The story begins with our lovely heroine, Quincy MacFadden, confessing to having been plagued with strange visions, of which she is positive are omens. She's a rebel at heart, raised to be free and to be only herself, so she knows she has to peruse her intuition, especially because she's got a niggling hunch that her mission will lead her to her missing cousin, Owen.

That's only the beginning of the long, momentous, tumultuous journey that is Keowee Valley. Heart-pounding encounters with the Cherokee Native Americans, a star-crossed romance, more visions, and the threat of Redcoats loom in her time to come. While I did find the story to drag on at times (I felt there was just too much. I didn't have trouble getting through it, but there seemed to be an infinite number of pages), it certainly doesn't lack action.

Crawford's style is absolutely exquisite; her landscape descriptions brim with glittering detail and her emotions are captured beautifully on the pages. It's told in first-person too, which is rare for a historical novel, but all-the-more personal and vivid. Normally with historical fiction, I get bored with with all the material details, but that wasn't the case with this one. I think it had just the right amount of historical content. Rather, like I mentioned, the narrative tends to drag on a bit — overly-detailed in some places and too vague in others! — but it flows perfectly and has been penned with much care, I can tell.

In terms of historical accuracy, it's clear Keowee Valley is well-researched, and better yet, well-depicted through Quincy's likable, earnest perspective. I'm not so sure about contextual accuracy, though; much of the dialogue and situational conflicts seem too casual, too 'contemporary', too slangy. Obviously, as a reader, this is favorable because it makes the book easier to read, but for some reason, I felt like I was just reading a fancier version of a Harlequin penny novel because of its shortfall in literary substance.

Oh, and one of my favorite parts... the romance! How could I forget? Jack Wolf is a fiercely charming hero, 100% male, 100% hot. Swoon! His and Quincy's interactions are steamy, realistic, and perfectly improper; historical romance at its finest. I love how Keowee Valley doesn't only focus on the romance, though. It contains much more, including sentiments on basic instinct, cultural respect, travel, and mutual understanding, that are applicable in both Quincy's world and in ours. Keowee Valley is a truly universal debut that chronicles, dazzles, and provokes. I look forward to more from this author!

Stephanie Loves: "'There's something powerful between us, and it frightens me, because I feel I might lose my soul to it, and to you, if I'm not careful. But then I know that you hold me with you, and that if we burn, lass, we burn together.'"

Radical Rating: 7 hearts: Not without flaws, but overall enjoyable.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting tale is set in the American colonial period when settlers were few and native tribes still owned the land. Quincy is an unmarried bluestocking in 1768 when news comes to her Charleston home of her beloved cousin Owen who vanished in frontier land. Defying her rich grandfather she sets out to ransom him from the tribe who hold him captive, with a trunk of trade goods.

The town of Ninety-Six is protected by a British garrison which is about to be abandoned by the redcoats. Quincy knows she cannot wander the Blue Ridge Mountains unguided. A mountain man introduces her to the chief called Carpenter in Keowee Town, and she bravely asks if she can barter for land. She has no intention of returning to the stifling Carolina society. Granted enough land to homestead several families, provided she allows the tribe to cross, she starts to make a home. When trapper Jack Wolf turns up she is scared of him at first, but with no option but to trust him, she allows him to take her trade goods and seek her cousin.

There are dangers for the hardscrabble farmers, from bears to bandits, marauding tribes and Regulators resentful of a black freedman. Jack Wolf wants to make Quincy his wife, but he is half Irish and half Cherokee, enough to banish Quincy from polite society. The majestic half-Spanish stallion she tames and the freedom to wear breeches in the cold, seem to compensate... but word of revolution reaches them, threatening to destroy the life they are building.

The history and landscape are well detailed, the smells and sights and sounds reaching off the page. This is a very believable romance between a girl ahead of her times and a man who walks in two worlds. I can recommend it to those interested in the period.

[Michelle Griep · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be blunt here…Pre-revolutionary war sagas are not usually my chosen genre from which to read. I accepted this one on a whim. And just like Quinn, my reading life changed in ways I didn’t expect. Translation: I LOVED this story! And I totally can’t wait for a sequel.

While I was sometimes annoyed with Quinn for her super independent spirit, I also love that it made her character unpredictable. I didn’t always relate to her, but that just made her more believable.

Hero Jackson Wolf is everything a hero should be. Strong. Courageous. Yet his love for Quinn—or Mac, as he calls her—is undeniable and sometimes very sweet and compassionate. He’s a complex man, with a fierce loyalty to family and his Cherokee people.

Disclaimer: this is not a “Christian” book. There are several steamy scenes that are pretty explicit, so if that’s a turn-off for you, you might want to skip a few parts.

KEOWEE VALLEY is a stellar debut novel for author Katherine Scott Crawford. She combines breathtaking description with passionate relationships amidst some intense action. Her writing is strong. Her history lessons are real and gritty. And I am anxious to get my hands on her next book!

[BonnieL · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book - very slow-paced, lots of lyrical descriptions of the scenery and wilderness, an interesting view of pre-revolutionary, colonial times. At one point, I almost put it into my "did not finish" pile since it seemed to be composed of interminable descriptions. Once it picked up, it became more enjoyable and it was interesting to see the relationship between the hero and heroine develop. HOWEVER. Nowhere in the description, from either author or publisher, was there any mention that this is seemingly the first in a series. So after all the time spent finally getting to the end, it turns out it isn't the end at all. The end is rushed as though the author had to cut off to meet her word count, everything and everyone is left in limbo and, worst of all, the book was written in 2012 - it is now 2014 and there is no hint on the author's website about the publication date of a second book in the series - given the snail's pace of this book, I don't intend to invest still more time at some undefined future date re-reading this book to try to refresh my memory about characters and events.