Winter's Captive

Georgia #1

by June V. Bourgo

Recently separated from a cheating husband, a pregnant Georgia leaves her home to spend a month with a childhood friend in Yukon Territory. Her stay takes an abrupt turn when she is kidnapped by bank robbers. She escapes into a vast area of north western British Columbia, known as ‘the last frontier’. Against all odds, Georgia is forced to make decisions to endure the cold, harsh winter. Will she make the right choices to not only ensure her survival but that of her unborn child?

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2011

Reviews

[E. Billups · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter’s Captive is book one of the Georgia Series and the first book I’ve read by Ms. Bourgo. I love stories that throw flawed characters into dire circumstances, test their will for survival, and see them grow line by line, emerging stronger characters. Well, this is what Ms. Bourgo has done in Winter’s Captive.

Pregnant and amid a separation from her cheating husband, Georgia is about to face the biggest challenge of her life, one that will change her forever. Call it fate, or bad luck, but Georgia finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time when kidnapped by criminals fleeing a bank robbery. Moments before, she’d had a pleasant revealing conversation over lunch with a friend. And minutes later, she’s a kidnap victim cowering in the backseat of a getaway car. Georgia knows if she doesn’t escape these men they will surely kill her. Finding the perfect moment, Georgia escapes her assailants into the heart of Yukon Territory. She races through a treacherous forest in the dead of winter surrounded by wildlife more dangers than the men she’s running from. Stumbling upon a cabin, Georgia finds a safe haven. Snowbound for several months, her will to survive is tested. With plenty of time on her hand, Georgia reflects on her past, her flaws, and her mistakes. She discovers a newfound strength she’d never had as she struggles to stay alive for her unborn child. As I read the story, I felt as if I were trapped with Georgia, struggling mentally and physically through day-to-day challenges. The spiritual presence with Georgia on this journey to self-discovery added another enlightening dimension to the story, crafted well by Ms. Bourgo. As a reader, I believe Georgia’s journey is fate, a road to self-enlightenment with cosmic consequences—understanding and reconciling the past, leading her to a new and worthy love.

Winter’s Captive is a well-paced story told in the first person POV. For fear of giving the story away, I’ll just say this is a page-turner that will capture your interest and heart to the final word. The ending is what I was hoping for and other readers will as well. Thank you for the wonderful read, Ms. Bourgo! Now I must check out the series second and third installment.

[R.P. Dahlke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't believe that I've ever read anything quite like this book. The first few pages start with Georgia discussing her cheating husband with a friend. I admit, I was about to put it down in favor of a really interesting mystery I'd been reading. But then something really unexpected happens--and I'm not talking about Georgia's unexpected pregnancy, either.
Georgia is forced into a van with two vicious bank robbers and she is thrown into survival mode. Her escape from her captors shows a young woman who will fight to the death rather than to give up, not only for herself, but for her unborn child.
After a bitter night alone in the woods, Georgia stumbles on a remote cabin and she is given a chance to make it through the harsh winter. Wolves and the harshest winter that one could imagine aside, Georgia gets help in the form of an extraordinary native American spirit. Few authors can make me dispense with belief about spirit guides, and the reader can choose to believe that it was simply the result of deprivation. Or you can go with it. The author makes this unusual relationship work.
I always ask myself in a book, what's the worst thing that could happen? For one, the clock is ticking. Can Georgia survive the winter long enough to give birth to her child, and do it completely alone?
There is a late in the book love relationship that ran second fiddle in my mind to Georgia's stunning story of survival. But it did help to round out the story re: the Native American spirit guide for Georgia, and a happy ending.
Highly recommended!

[Patricia Puddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It starts with Georgia's world falling from under her when her husband gets another woman pregnant and runs off with her. Georgia goes into a deep depression, but summons the strength to leave and visit her best friend. On her way, she finds out that she's also pregnant to her scoundrel of a husband but is determined to keep it. The dialogue and thought here are quite hilarious and will appeal to all wronged women.


Just before her trip she witnesses a robbery and is kidnapped by the crooks. Tied up in the back of their smelly car, she overhears them plotting to kill her while they think she's asleep, so as soon as they stop for a toilet break, Georgia summons up her courage and manages to escape. Trouble is, she ends up in the wilderness with no food, car, money or anything at all except the baby she's carrying. With the crooks still looking for her, she runs into the snow and the wilderness not knowing what will become of her or how she or her baby will survive with no food. The setting is fabulous and actually makes you feel cold and hungry.


Winter's Captive is full of twists and turns and will have you on the edge of your seat. Georgia is quite a character and very witty in her thoughts and her speech. This story will have the reader squirming, laughing and crying, all the ingredients for a good novel in my eyes. A suspenseful story that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend it!

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good afternoon read. Took me about 2 hours. I won this book so I thougt I would review for the authors sake. Feedback makes us all better writers.

It's not easy to write an interesting story about an isolated character but Bourgo was able to make it happen. There are other characters as well in their own setting dealing with the standard emotional issues related to the main character, but they don't get a lot of time, nor is it necessary to the story to have more time.

I thought the romance part was introduced and occured too quickly, but then it was also more realistic in it's own way as opposed to many books written with a standard fantasy romance. The romance does not get silly or over the top.

The chances of the main character finding everything she needed for survival was a bit unrealistic, however her days of survival seemed like exactly what a person in that situation would have dealt with. I don't want to give too much away but I found the angel/hallucination the character spoke with an interesting addition. I think the authors intention was to have the angel/hallucination real, theres still enough to have it a consequence of the characters isolation. This book would have gained another star from me had it been written in partial journal form.

[Emily Stanton Wolfpack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is an exciting, inspirational story about a single, pregnant woman overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The vast, isolated setting makes the novel hum with electric drama, an unforgiving but harshly beautiful landscape that serves as Georgia's ultimate salvation. I enjoyed watching Georgia develop and grow, and finally earn what she deserves in the end--she becomes a strong, capable character worth cheering for. Bourgo's plot is brilliantly-paced and beautifully imagined, full of adventure, romance, and captivating characters that undergo remarkable changes. I can't wait to see more of Bourgo's strong writing, and what else our main character Georgia will face down the road. Bourgo proves herself a compelling and enjoyable author.

[Sandra J Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a very empowering story and I can't wait for book #2.

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia was a victim of circumstance. Her husband left her for another woman who was carrying his baby. He was unaware his wife was also pregnant. She was returning home when she found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caught up in a desperate retreat by two bank robbers she is taken hostage. Fearful, and filled with concerned not only for the life growing within her but her own she realises she must do whatever she can. It took everything she had to escape, but it would take more than she knew she was capable of to survive.

June V. Bourgo's Winter Captive is an immersive, gripping, survival tale and book one in the Georgia series. I loved every moment of Georgia's story, her trials and hardships, the challenges and desperation. It was fascinating watching this meek woman's transformation from submissive wife to a strong independent woman. But she didn't do it alone. This captivating tale takes surviving in nature and living on the land to a deeper level as she connects with a native spirit who helps her with the transformation into the person she needs to be to survive. This is a truly inspiring and satisfying tale that has earned a place on my recommended books list. Written in a combination between first and third-person perspective, you will be engaged with not only Georgia but snippets of life as it continues without her. Fulfilling beginning to end with strong and relatable characters.

[Maylea Monnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up...
This started out interesting, with the kidnapping and the surprise pregnancy by the delusional husband who had been extremely dismissive and unpresant in the relationship and was on the verge of divorce already... then everything else was so extremely boring. I understand how everything played out to be the bulk of the book, because if she had died, there would be no bulk of the book lol but seriously, she just so happened to find a cabin in the middle of no where that no one else had found... it was extremely well stocked, and the owner was not occupying the cabin... she happened to find the cellar and fresh water... she had a neighbor that never saw her and she never saw the neighbor????... and then the spiritual aspect. I did find the conversation about the spiritual help with her mother actually insightful, and it made everything make sense from Georgia's perspective, but it was all too miraculous. Everything just happened to work out... not saying I didn't want it to, but it seemed unrealistic. And of course the owner of the cabin was a divorced attractive male interested in the main female character from the get-go...
All that being said, it wasn't bad. Just not my personal favorite!

[Lajet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with this book. At first I thought it was going to be a crime drama of some sort. then it turned into a survival story. I wasnt' sure when to stop worrying about the criminals and get into the survival story. Then it seemed like it was really a YA book, or aimed at teens. But then there were sex scenes that I didn't think belong in YA genre (it was very mild and limited, but beyond kissing and fantasies. Maybe I haven't read YA in a long time and it's now more present in YA). And I'm not sure I'd want to scare YA readers with a violent kidnapping. There are other ways to talk about a young woman surviving on her wits. I wondered if maybe the story was a gimmick to talk about the spirit traditions and beliefs of another group of people, which was sort of interesting. In the end, maybe a romance novel? At times it seemed preachy about morality. The grammar seemed to be about 4th grade reading level. Lots of short sentences. Trite at times.

I liked the spirit part of it.

I did not enjoy the narration. It seemed stilted. But it wasn't so bad as to keep me from following the story.

[Reggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! This story is of one woman’s discovery of inner strength and survival in the wilderness. Reeling from her husband walking out on her for his pregnant secretary...then discovering that she was pregnant, Georgia decides to spend a month with a friend in the Yukon. She doesn’t count on getting kidnapped by escaping robbers. She doesn’t count on eluding the robbers, only to find herself lost in the wilderness just before a snowstorm. Fortunately, Georgia stumbles upon a well-stocked cabin. As the brutal winter sets in, can Georgia survive the loneliness and primitive living...and childbirth?
While the story focuses on Georgia, we do get snippets of life, while she’s missing, of her loved ones...and witchy MIL and douchie ex. I really enjoyed this story and narration and looking forward to the next book.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Doug Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Courageous Woman
Georgia is kidnapped by two bank robbers because she saw the face of one of them as they were getting into their getaway car. If this wasn’t terrifying enough, she has to listen to her captors discussing whether they are going to kill her or not. She seizes her first opportunity to escape and is successful. Unfortunately, she escapes into an area of dense bush with no knowledge of where she is or where to head, and winter is rapidly approaching. She eventually stumbles upon a cabin in the wilderness and discovers a hidden key to unlock the door. The cabin is well stocked with supplies so she knows she will not starve to death too soon. Winter hits with a vengeance so she concedes she is there for the long haul, then discovers she is pregnant. This proves to be a blessing because her unborn child brings her the courage to fight to live instead of just giving up.

[Sondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is of one woman’s discovery of inner strength and survival in the wilderness. There were sections that really made me think about my own inter-dialogue and insecurities. Her growth to be strong enough to survive and give birth on her own through harsh conditions was very inspiring.
Georgia Charles had just discovered that she's pregnant with her cheating, soon-to-be ex-husband's child when she finds herself kidnapped by bank robbers. She manages to escape and finds refuge in a remote cabin. Stuck in the cabin during the harsh winter, Georgia goes on a journey of self-discovery and comes out stronger, wiser, able to take responsibility for her past, and well-equipped to face the future.This is an inspiring, fast-paced, well-written story full of twists and turns that ends with a HEA. No cliffhangers.

[Elaine Milks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Captive, The Georgia Series - Book 1, by June V. Bourgo, is the first in series about a woman named Georgia, whose husband leaves her for his pregnant girlfriend. She soon discovers she is 5 months pregnant. She decides to leave and stay with a friend in the Yukon. Bad goes to worse when she is kidnapped and then escapes into the wild frontier of British Columbia where she faces the brutality of survival against the elements for herself and her unborn child. As the story unfolds it is both intense and full of danger, with never a dull moment as Georgia endures an incredible journey. During this time she finds out who she really is and is tested to her limits. A great read, and one which holds you captive.

[Monica Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia Charles had just discovered that she's pregnant with her cheating, soon-to-be ex-husband's child when she finds herself kidnapped by bank robbers. She manages to escape and finds refuge in a remote cabin. Stuck in the cabin during the harsh winter, Georgia goes on a journey of self-discovery and comes out stronger, wiser, able to take responsibility for her past, and well-equipped to face the future.

This is an inspiring, fast-paced, well-written story full of twists and turns that ends with a HEA. No cliffhangers.

The narrator Kathleen Li was a pleasure to listen to- she did a fantastic job breathing life into all the characters.

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.

[Eve Gaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recounted the events from this book to several friends because the story-telling, the tension buildup, the characters, and everything about it are amazing. This author tells a compelling story about kidnap victim, Georgia Charles who winds up in a remote cabin north of Dease Lake, outside of Vancouver. In other words, she’s in a frozen place, on native lands, where she finds a crystal, and knows in her heart that she will “never be the same.” While the main character tells us about her extraordinary debacle, the reader is drawn to a place of dangerous wolves, bears and evil men. “Words can’t do justice to internal vision,” she muses to herself, one day, in the future. Which is how I feel about this review. I have no words for a perfect story. Except this: Read it!

[Kathy Zuercher Diveley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgia

Georgia's husband wants a divorce, they have grown apart. While visiting a friend, she finds out she is pregnant. While shopping, she encouters robbers who take her captive. She escapes from them and ends up in the wilderness, finds a cabin. The cabin is on native land and she experiences a connection to a native spirit that helps her survive and deliver her baby girl on her own. She keeps a journal of her experience and when she is rescued, decided to write a book.

[Diana Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful tale of a young woman who didn't know she was pregnant when her husband abandoned her. An escape from kidnappers meant that she ended spending a winter alone in a log cabin in the middle of nowhere.
The visitations from a spirit from the indigenous people, the sense of being at one with nature and her determination to survive against all odds was remarkable and had me gripped, unable to put the book down. (or Kindle)

[Jettiep Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

I started reading this book yesterday and just had to finish it. I could understand the anguish and fear of being lost with No one to help and having to do it all on your own
Yes there are some misspellings and punctuation errors in this book, but it doesn't detract from the story at all, and if mistakes are all your looking for, why read.

[Barbara Vasconcellos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent distraction from life...

With everything going on in the world today, this book was an excellent distraction. Fast moving and great for the self quarantined crowd like me. Kept me wanting to go back to it every chance I had. Loved it. Different from any I've read. Has crime, love, suspense and mystery.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This story was such an inspiration to me. A pregnant woman gets kidnapped by two bank robbers. She escapes into the forest and finds a lot cabin to stay in. This story describes how she survived until she was rescued. Very well written and very deep. Very insightful and spiritual. Definitely a winner. They should make a movie of this.

[teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Such an enjoyable well written piece of literature. This book was just amazing. Filled.with mystery, grief, family conflict, love distrust, just plain life we deal.with everyday. Live thru these compelling times with characters so real you are seated right next to them.

[Will Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! While there are parts of the story that disappointed, overall it's a strong 5 star effort. I won't mention the disappointing elements for fear of dropping spoilers. The characters are strong and believable, the editing is clean, and the writing style superb. Bourgo did her research on every aspect of this story and it shows. Good job!

[Kathleen Gandley · Rating 5 out of 5]

captivating

I read a lot books, it was very hard to put this one down. Down for sleeping for eating and for working until I had finished it. It was clean wholesome and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Could not wait to see what happened next. I recommend this book for everyone who loves reading.

[Janis R. Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book interesting and a wonderful read. I like the journey of self discovery and your inner voice. I like to call this woman's inner voice. Seems like I feel something telling me this not good choice for me to make a decision and this book really help me understand this is me learning to think before I panic.

[Alyson Fitsimmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put to face your fears.

This was a book I could not put down. The characters are real and show the struggles we all face. The visualization of the country was so interesting, I could see it all in my minds eye. There were sections that really made me think. Especially the part about fear. Thanks

[Mary Pummill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Capti (The Georgia Series Book 1)

The book captures your interest right from the start as you first wonder if she is going to survive being kidnapped and the if she is going to survive being lost in the wilderness. Hard to put down without finishing the book to the end

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of inner strength, determination and will is found in this book. I cannot imagine going through what happened in this book and the struggle it took to stay alive as well as flourish in these conditions. Definitely a very inspiring and gripping tale. I really enjoyed this book.

[Susan Waclawski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This book was riveting. It held my interest firmly. By the end I was fully in love with Georgia. What a strong women she became through this journey... I can’t wait to see what is next for her and Sean

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down!

Winter's Captive is definitely a page Turner. Very descriptive. The storyline makes it hard not to feel connected to the main character, Georgia. I can hardly wait to continue reading this series and see how Georgia's story ends up.

[Jessie hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book for the solitude it detailed.

This is a really good read if, like me, you value your own solitude. So peacefully described and so enjoyable to read. Loved every element, even the paranormal inclusion.