It's the height of the fur trade in Canada, and Abigail Williams leaves her home in England and travels deep within the rugged wilderness to escape her scandalous past. With her young son in tow, Abby imagines a life on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, in the rugged but beautiful Fort Edmonton, where she can mend horseshoes in her father’s blacksmith shop and her past will not be a hindrance to her happiness.
Life has other plans. The interest of Henry, an officer at the fort, and Gabriel, a French trapper, are not what she expected. While she wrestles with what future either man can give her, her past comes to haunt her, and she and her son must flee with a ragtag group of voyageurs to Montreal. The winter journey is fraught with dangers, from raging rivers to the chaos that is Lake Superior. But Abby is determined to create a new life for herself, whatever the barriers.
The Fort features the iconic Hudson's Bay Company and rival North West Company, English-French tensions, a heartfelt love story, LGBTQ+ representation, and impeccably-researched historical detail.
Christy K Lee is a lifetime writer and storyteller. She is obsessed with stories of women who break all the rules, and is sometimes a bit of a rule breaker herself. When she's not writing, she can be found spending time in her classroom, in the local library digging through historical archives, or having a bevvie with a friend.
Christy lives in the Pacific Northwest with her three daughters. The Roads We Take is her first novel. Her second, a Canadian historical fiction set during the fur trade, will be releasing Fall 2025 with Rising Action.
“It seems to me that in this country, there is always a tragic goodbye.”
Life often unfolds in unexpected ways, challenging our plans and goals. Nobody knows this better than Abigail Williams. When we first meet her, we learn that at such a young age, Abigail’s plans have already been derailed and she’s been left with a blessing she hadn’t counted on. Rather than bemoaning her future, she grasps another chance and navigates an uncharted path she never expected…with a young son and an ailing father in tow.
I absolutely loved the theme of finding direction in the unexpected. I have a Type A personality, and I always struggle to be flexible and positive when my well-laid plans take a detour. I was inspired to see how Abby relied on her skills learned from blacksmithing to take something old and forge it into something new. She carved her own path, yet consistently put her son and father’s needs before hers.
Piggybacking on the main theme was one of the importance of community. Fort Edmonton was the Hudson Bay Company’s hub and was not only a supply base, but also an interdependent community of Metis, Indigenous, and Europeans. I loved the symbolism of the base being situated at a crossroads of these community members as well as serving as a crossroads for Abby. It’s here that her adaptation and transformation happens. It was good for me to see that sometimes the most difficult things get achieved and the most transformation happens when the going is tough.
‘Saying goodbye’ was another theme I identified with. I knew from firsthand experience what it’s like to leave the comfort of home for the unknown in another country. Saying goodbye to a former life is difficult, regardless of age. Once settled, Abby bid adieu to her preconceived ideas of a good husband and welcomed a new way of thinking, resulting in a win for both her and her family. Abby learned to part ways with Fort Edmonton and accept her new destination, Montreal. Moving on from people and places is difficult, but Abby forges ahead despite the roadblocks.
I also appreciated the focus on accepting our scars and ‘leaving a mark’. This story is full of diverse, strong women who strove to leave an imprint on the world around them. They are inspiring characters who realized that their experiences made them who they are and learned to turn their scars into badges of honour.
This 5-star historical fiction featuring Canadian history needs to spend time in the spotlight. Consider this your prompt to pick it up and see for yourself why I’m so excited about it.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Talk about a moving story. This book makes all your emotions run wild. I loved this story so much. Abby is such a strong amazing person and I loved her story. Abby finds friends in every part of her life and they help her achieve the life she dreams about. If you like historical stories about a strong woman who isn't the society norm, then this book is for you.
What Its Got ✅ Hudsons Bay ✅ Canadian history ✅ feminism ✅ elderly parent with dementia ✅ love triangle ✅ multiple POV ✅ community ✅ found family ✅ single parent
Characters Abigail- single women feeling her past in England finds herself in Quebec Henry- soldier from the Fort, eager to find a wife Gabriel- local fur trapper
Thoughts 📕 the author created detailed descriptions of the environment and conditions of the English and French communities allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the rich history of our country 📕 I was eager to learn more about the fur trade and the Indigenous people residing on the lands at the time, I would have loved more exploration and description of these communities 📕 Abby’s emotional journey and her persistence at overcoming her past and continually moving forward towards a uncertain future with her son held the spotlight of this narrative
Overall A solid Canadian historical fiction perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Donna Alward
Publishes July 15 Thanks to the author for my ARC in return for an honest review . Opinions expressed are my own
I want to thank Rising Action and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Fort. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.
4.5 rounded up to 5
The Fort is a well-researched and well-written historical fiction. It’s well-written in the fact that we aren’t bogged down in facts and figures, as some historical fiction tends to do. We can understand that the book is set in the early 1800s, and that life isn’t easy; yet, we are still able to find the characters relatable. Abigail wants to do what is right for her father and her son. Henry is trying to keep up appearances. Gabriel wants to live a life of his choosing, even if that goes against what others expect.
Another remarkable aspect of the story is the discussion of the expectations placed on women in the era in which the book is set. A woman’s place was traditionally in the home, where she took care of her family and household. Abigail understands that, but has also learned a trade to help support her family. Several of the men in the very masculine cast are surprised to learn she knows blacksmithing and is a talented smith in her own right.
My biggest issue with the book is the lack of female characters. There are a few at the fort, and a couple of others appear in other circumstances. While I understand the setting is very male-dominated, and that there would have been only a handful of women in the forts, it feels like the cast is lacking.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Fort. Who do I think it would be perfect for? Anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction with medium stakes. Or anyone who enjoys reading books set in a period and location that is not the normal historical fiction.
I really loved this book so much. I felt so close to the main character Abby in so many ways. This book made me cry tears of grief and joy. I highly recommend.
What a fascinating and captivating work of Canadian historical fiction this is!
Abigail’s journey is difficult in so many ways; through people that have disrespected her, through her loss and grief, and through the harsh Canadian winter as she travels treacherously by canoe and on foot. But I loved journeying with Abigail as she carved her own path in life and discovered some valuable truths about herself and the communities she became part of. Abigail’s scars made her strong. Some people were part of Abigail’s journey for a short time, but that friendship and trust was exactly what she needed to carry her through that point of her journey.
The historical context, the locations and the fur trade are so well researched that this book also became an enjoyable educational experience, as well as a moving fictional plot featuring the inspirational Abigail. The descriptive writing gave me such a vivid sense of time and place.
The Fort is a superb, 5 star story of hope and survival that I highly recommend.
Thank you to Rising Action Publishing for a digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
With the 19th century wilderness setting during Canada's fur trade, romance, history and adventure, this book about one woman's survival against the odds hit the spot!
This was an enjoyable read that engaged me throughout and put me in the heart of 19th century Canada with Lee's vivid descriptions of the demanding and sometimes dangerous life working as part of HBC's (Hudson's Bay Company) fur trade business.
Our main character Abby stands out with her strength and tenacity as she builds a new life for herself, her young son and her father in Fort Edmonton, a place where survival relies on collaborations with Indigenous peoples, French fur traders and military. I loved how Abby defies societal rules and puts herself and family first despite the pressure put upon her to marry and conform to societal rules for women. Abby's big secret was enticing ... I just wish it played out with a bit more tension and impact. Another thing on my wish list would be to have a deeper look into Indigenous peoples and their impact on the fur trade.
This historical fiction novel balances well-researched history, sweet/low spice romance, adventure, and delightful sprinklings of French as Lee pulls readers into 19th century Canada as she touches on a few important topics with a light hand.
This is a great pick for fans of Genevieve Graham, Bryn Turnbull, Susan Meissner or Donna Jones Alward who enjoy stories featuring strong women who put their mark on history.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book (and The Roads We Take from her backlist) that were given in exchange for my honest review.
This book is simply wonderful! Historical fiction, set in Canada in the early 1800’s… It’s the story of Abigail as she flees England with her dad and young son; they arrived in Canada and set off for the long treacherous journey to Edmonton, where her father would be the blacksmith for this military camp. Abigail made a home for them, made friends with the women and found a love interest. But something happened at the camp that forces her to flee again, leaving loved ones behind. In these times it was sometimes weeks or months or years until she might see them again and could only pray they survived. This is a story of courage, hope and love! A breathtaking journey! Enjoy this beautiful tale!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this exciting novel which takes place in the early nineteenth in the Canadian wilderness we will explore the tale of one woman's survival in order to create not only a better life for herself but also for her son as well. Our main character Abigail has recently arrived from England with her father and her son from an illict love affair. She helps her father in his blacksmith job which is quite unusual for this time period. With this new location she longs to find a husband so her son can have a father. She is first persued by an Englishman Henry who turns out to be controlling. however, she is drawn to Frenchman Gabriel who seems to understand her better. With a unexpected turn of events Gabriel has to leave to attend to business in France. Then out of nowhere someone from Abigail's past shows up and Henry still feeling sour from being jilted seems to be making things miserable for Abigail. Concerned for her son's safety Abigail and her son decide to leave the Fort to go somewhere safer. However, with all the hardships of the journey Abigail fears she will never see Gabriel again. However, unknown to her love will always find a way back. Overall this was a very sweet novel and I was indeed sad that it ended but at least it ended happily and that is what matters. I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
I really enjoyed this one (just as I enjoyed the author's first novel too!). It was a charming quick-paced read with really relatable and interesting characters, and a story arc that is both really fun/adventurous as well as heart wrenching.
While I don't read a lot of historical fiction—I often find the worldbuilding feels too much like homework—this author's books are ones I will continue to read for as long as she is publishing. She is able to worldbuild in a way that feels natural to the prose and never feels like too much, even for me, and her character's are so easy to love. The writing is quick-paced and enjoyable, and I truly enjoyed following along with Abby as she made her journey throughout historical Canada. I also really loved how the story doesn't turn out to be how you expect it might from the beginning—there are some great surprises in this little novel.
5/5 stars, definitely recommend especially for those who like historical fiction or are curious about trying the genre out.
I absolutely loved this one! Abigail is a wonderfully real and relatable character—brave, determined, but also deeply human in the face of hardship. The historical setting is rich with detail, offering a vivid look into early Canadian life during the fur trade era. I found myself completely drawn into the story, staying up late to see what would happen next. (Like actually… staying up way too late as just HAD to see how things would turn out for Abigail!) The love story was so beautiful, and the emotional journey kept me turning pages. A compelling, well-researched historical novel I’d definitely recommend!
this is the second novel that I've read by this author, and I can honestly say that her writing has reached a higher level. Whatever your knowledge on Canadian history, I think that if you have an interest on the subject matter, you would enjoy this novel.
This single mom overcomes unthinkable odds just to save her son. Reading this book was amazing, the descriptions and details made me feel like I was really back in the 1800s living in the fort and hunting in the woods. The tragedy just kept coming and this women kept fighting. I could identify with so much of her sheer determination. This is what I did as a single mom and I never gave up Definitely recommend Thank you NetGalley, publishers and Christy Lee!
I really enjoyed this story! I could not put it down as I was just so invested in Abby's journey. Lee's writing style is simple and easy to follow, but offers a ton of historical detail that I appreciated as a Canadian history nerd. Set in the early 1800s in Western Canada, Abby must do her best to survive as a single mom working as a blacksmith in male-dominated HBC and NWC forts. Multiple men compete for her attention, but in the end, she must do what's best for her future. It's a historical romance, but also a story of survival and resilience.
I wish the story was a bit longer. Some things were glossed over much too quickly - like Abby's labour at the end?? Like what?? I had to reread to see if I missed anything - and I wish there was more detail about the Indigenous peoples in the story, although they were portrayed in a very positive light. I also know that while Abby's situation was the reality of single women coming to the Canadian frontier, I hated that all the women talked about was men. I don't think this book passes the Bechdel test haha. The more I think about the things I didn't love, the more I want to lower my rating. But overall, the vibes were great, the story was fast-paced, and I could not stop reading.
The Fort is a fantastic historical fiction with a sprinkle of romance. So much happens in this one, the plot keeps moving and there’s consistency throughout with great detail! I loved that it’s a Canadian historical fiction focusing on the Canadian fur trade and Christy K Lee sets the scene perfectly.
The desolate Canadian winters, working as a farrier at a blacksmith shop, and the hustle of the Fort with its own tribulations and set of hardships make for a very interesting read.
I keep on thinking about this book and just how much I loved it. Definitely different from anything I’ve read before , so unique. I felt like I was there with her on her journey I could feel myself in the story I just loved everything about this book, I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Really enjoyed this read. Admittedly I am partial to fur trapper stories and stories taking place in or between forts during this time period. This one was no exception. Written well and easy to read. Part drama, part adventure, some sad bits. Lots of interesting characters met along the way.
I requested an ARC of The Fort as soon as I read Canadian historical fiction and I love the fact it's penned by a Canadian author based in BC. The setting is Fort Edmonton during the peak of the fur trade, with icy winters, fierce voyageurs, and that tug between English and French Canadian. Abigail Williams is a fascinating character. A single mum fleeing scandal in England, she arrives at Fort Edmonton hoping to restart her life as a blacksmith. There’s the earnest officer Henry, the rugged Métis trapper Gabriel, and even a roommate with ties to Marie-Anne Lagimodière (an actual early female pioneer in the fur trade) to add some spark.
Lee carefully blended historical detail and emotional depth. The harshness and beautiful Canada’s wilderness was described vividly, I even felt the chill during this recent heat wave.
Yes, some might question how plausible a British woman blacksmith fits into an early 1800s fur fort life, but Lee leans into that with inventive storytelling that made it totally plausible.
All in all, if you enjoy vivid and immersive Canadian historical fiction featuring strong female leads, moral dilemmas, and a sweeping wilderness backdrop, The Fort is a solid pick. Lee’s Canadian roots give the story authenticity and her pacing keeps the plot moving.
My thanks to Rising Action for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.
I had a personal reason for wanting to read this new novel, since my family heritage includes Scottish fur traders posted at Fort Edmonton, where most of the action takes place. The young single mother Abby certainly has her share of difficulties, especially where men are concerned, but she faces all her challenges with sheer grit. I appreciated the level of historical detail — for example, the description of portaging boats overland between bodies of water is very compelling. I had a real sense of time and place while reading this book. It contributes yet another piece of the puzzle to our mostly forgotten Canadian history. Thank you to Netgalley for an Advance Reading Copy.