The Morning Star Shines Brightest: Marie Dorion, A Daughter of The Country

by R.R. Hill

In 1813, Marie Dorion and her husband Pierre, both of Lakota and French descent, and their two small sons are part of an expedition that sets off from Astoria to establish a fur trade outpost in the wilderness of the Oregon Country. While out trapping with a small party, the men are brutally killed by a rogue Shoshone war party.

With no rescue mission coming from Astoria, Marie knows if she and her children are to survive, everything is up to her. They'll need to evade detection by the Shoshone and battle the snowy landscape of the Blue Mountain Range to get back to the great Columbia River. Once there, hopefully, a passing fur brigade will find them.

In the past, Marie had been sheltered by a man, one who had been her deliverer when her world with Pierre went bad. Now, it's all up to her to keep her family alive. But she discovers along the way the power she possesses to face the adversity and danger lurking around every corner.

Amidst it all, she is determined to solve the puzzle of who was responsible for the deaths of these men. She vows to the gods of her people-there will be a reckoning!

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2026

Reviews

[Melissa Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read a good historical fiction novel with Native American influence in quite some time but this scratched that it. I enjoyed the authors lush description of the Oregon Country during that time. Marie was such a strong character and we got to see her strength grow throughout the story as she faced unimaginable challenges. I enjoyed getting to see another side to this history and a focus on such a strong female main character as most stories I have read focus more on the Native American history than white settlers.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Morning Star Shines Brightest is a breathtaking story of survival, loyalty and love in its various and complicated forms, as we follow Marie and her two little boys, who accompany a fur trapping unit in the wilds of Oregon in 1814, and learn how this way of life was both beautiful, brutal and definitely not for the weak.

The element of the book that I enjoyed the most was the description of the setting and the way of life - the natural world and all its danger, and wonder, is woven into the story so naturally with strong visual descriptions, which makes the situations the characters face all the more real. The historical context of the time is threaded through the narrative seamlessly, without being heavy.

Marie is tough, strong and resilient. She has to be in order to endure the unforgiving life as a cook for the fur trappers - a life which does not include home comforts - and to endure the harsh realities of the landscape they inhabit. I was full of admiration for her optimism, spirit and drive, whilst all the while she is battling her inner turmoil and at times, guilt. Whilst I didn’t warm to Marie completely, I was spellbound by her - her sheer grit and intelligence leaps off the page, and her wisdom was incredibly profound: ‘I walk through the world with two ideals, both of which I have made to work together.’ Marie is a strong female lead who doesn’t need admiration - if anything she would probably downplay it. She puts everyone before herself, and I have no doubt that she’d be the same if she could meet anyone who read this book - most likely she would brush a compliment aside and ask if you wanted anything to eat, check you were comfortable and talk to you of legends, ancestors, and the stars that shine the brightest.

The biggest thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for allowing me this advanced read, and to author RR Hill for a truly wonderful historical adventure full of love, life and strength.

Published on April 9th by Black Rose Writing, this novel is perfect for fans of adventurous historical fiction, sweeping adventure and awe inspiring human endurance.

[Donna's Book Addiction Book review Arc Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Book Review – The Morningstar Shines Brightest: Marie Dorion, A Daughter of the Country by R.R. Hill
This was such a powerful and gripping read—one that completely pulled me into the raw, unforgiving wilderness of early 19th-century America.
R.R. Hill brings Marie Dorion’s story vividly to life, crafting a narrative that feels both intimate and epic in scale. From the moment the expedition begins, there’s a quiet tension—but when tragedy strikes, the story shifts into something far more intense and emotional. What follows is not just a survival story, but a deeply moving journey of strength, resilience, and fierce maternal determination.
Marie is an incredible protagonist. Watching her transform from someone who once relied on others into a woman forced to confront unimaginable hardship is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her fight to protect her children against brutal conditions, grief, and constant danger is written with such authenticity that you feel every step she takes through the snow-covered wilderness.
The historical detail is rich without being overwhelming, immersing you fully in the time period—from the fur trade expeditions to the harsh realities of frontier life. The landscape itself almost becomes a character, adding to the tension and isolation.
What really stood out for me was the emotional depth. This isn’t just about survival—it’s about identity, loss, vengeance, and inner strength. Marie’s determination to uncover the truth behind the massacre adds an extra layer of intrigue that keeps you invested right to the end.
⭐ Overall: A beautifully written, emotional, and empowering historical read that highlights a remarkable woman’s story. If you love strong female leads, survival stories, and rich historical settings, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
🖤 Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

#BookReview #HistoricalFiction #StrongFemaleLead #SurvivalStory #BookTokUK

[Marci Straub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Morningstar Shines Brightest. Historical fiction has a unique way of bringing the past to life, and this novel did an excellent job of immersing me in the early American frontier through the eyes of Marie Dorion. The story highlights her resilience, courage, and determination as she faces extraordinary challenges while navigating an unforgiving wilderness.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was how vividly the author described the landscapes and historical setting. I felt transported to another time and gained a deeper appreciation for the hardships and strength required to survive during that period. Marie is portrayed as a remarkable woman whose perseverance and love for her family make her an inspiring historical figure.

The pacing was steady, and the historical details added richness without overwhelming the story. I especially appreciated learning about a woman whose contributions are often overlooked in history. This book blends adventure, history, and emotion in a way that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, stories of strong women, or the history of the American West. It is both entertaining and educational, and I finished it with a greater appreciation for the remarkable life of Marie Dorion.

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Morning Star Shines Brightest” by R.R. Hill is a historical novel set in 1813 in the unspoiled wilderness of Oregon, and it follows the life of Marie Dorion (whom I didn’t know until after reading this book was an actual person) as the only woman in a fur trading party—working as the cook. Marie is trapped in a bad marriage to cruel and drunken Pierre, but has fallen in love with with a kind man, who sees her for who she really is. Unfortunately, all the men in the party are killed by a Shoshone war party and Marie is left with her two sons to navigate the wilderness and bring them back to safety. And at the same time, she seeks revenge for the killings.

I know very little about this time period and location of the story, but I was captivated by the author’s description of the beauty (and also cruelty) of the nature. I almost felt as if I were seeing the land through the eyes of Marie, well before our modern civilization moved in and tried to tame it. I didn’t always like Marie, but I admired her strength and courage and determination to protect her sons at whatever cost. Now I am quite interested in reading more about this time and place.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hill's novel transported me to the wild, beautiful Oregon of 1813, thanks to its vivid imagery and authentic feel. Here, I discovered Marie Dorion, part Native Indian and part French Canadian. A warrior. A survivor. A mother determined to protect her young children at all costs. Now she is doing it alone after a Shoshone war party brutally killed the men in her fur trading expedition, including her husband, and another man whom she truly loved. The untamed wilderness presents many dangers, from predatory cougars to the bloodthirsty Shoshone tribe, especially for a lone woman with two small boys. And in winter. As Marie confronted danger head-on, I couldn't help but feel she was one of the most formidable protagonists I'd ever encountered in my reading. The Morning Star Shines Brightest is a gripping tale spotlighting a truly remarkable historical woman.

[Lacey Acklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Morning Star Shines Brightest is a really meaningful story that brings Marie Dorian to life in a way that feels both personal and powerful. What stood out to me most was the strength and resilience in her story, and how it shows a side of history you don’t always hear about. It didn’t feel distant or hard to connect to. It felt real and human. Even though this isn’t typically the genre I gravitate toward, I found myself really drawn into the story and thinking about it after. It’s a beautiful blend of history and heart.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

lots of history.

Very good story about believable people, flaws and all. Loved the detail and the era and life in early Oregon. I am an Oregon native and love it here. In my younger years spent as much time as I could in the least populated areas, especially mountains and forests.

[Patsy Huggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

the morning star shines brightest

The best book I have read in a long time. Highly recommend for lovers of historical fiction. The characters came alive in this book.

[tani mask · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. A wonderful story of a brave woman, willing to do anything to protect those she loves.