Beyond the Tree Line

by Lauren S. Christopher

Early in America's history, a young Puritan couple arrive in the New York state area to begin their life on a frontier farm. Immediately, they encounter the Mohawk people who seem to want little more than to make their presence known. One Mohawk, an unconventional female warrior takes an interest in the wife, Alexandra Turner. The more they interact the more they fall in love despite finding themselves constantly kept apart by historical circumstances and the religio-social conventions of both cultures. Yet neither woman can ignore the complicated pull they feel toward each other.

This epic adventure is told in a classic style with no shortage of passion and battles. It is a story about boundaries and the worlds we create and accept for ourselves. It is about learning who you truly are and having the courage to fight for what you want. Most of all, it is about Love being the shield we use against Fear.

Genres: Historical Fiction

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2016

Reviews

[Mirtha Siblesz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story!

I totally enjoyed this story! It shed light on a time period that we really don't read much about. The two main characters were stunning. Nantane's love for Alex was so strong, and pure. Alex on the other hand, was weak because of the pressures of the times. She broke Nantane's heart on more than one occasion but ultimately, her love for Nantane was equally strong and pure. A lovely story and looking forward to more books from this author!

[Calliope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book early last year, and actually re-read it again at the end of 2017. Maybe I'm a sucker for love stories...but I enjoyed this book. The period concept was ingenious, in my opinion. I haven't stumbled across many period pieces about f/f relationship, so this was a surprise for me. It takes great character description from a novel to actually get me to picture characters in my head. For me, it played out like a mini movie. I know some readers may not like the slow parts of the novel, but I felt that they were important in submerging the reader in the story line, helping to focus on the emotions of the 2 main characters. The sex scenes aren't overpowering the book, but the ones in here are memorable. It's definitely a butch/femme vibe...back in the pilgrim days..lol. Crazy shit, right? But it works! I'm not going to get into depth of what the book is about, a quick glance at the synopsis will give you a general description. I will however recommend this book as a great read. Give it a chance, you'll enjoy it.

[Rae Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

From time-to-time I thought the dialogue was off and weird but over all this was a really good super-epic slow-burn that drove me batty, in a good way. The angst was strong with this one, and gave me all kinds of feels. I found myself getting so angry with Alex, she was so selfish and infuriating! Likewise, I found myself crying with Nantane's pain.

I loved these two lines, they evoked so much within me:
"...here, in the feral forest among an entirely different people, the English world's social dictums and expectations of matrimonial fealty fall away like flecks of ash catching wind from a long-since burned-out fire."

And

"What was left of Nantane's heart now? After it strained, ached, and broke so many times, it had to be little more than pulsating dust."

[Maze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good I hated it. I routinely found myself pausing for a minute and then coming back to it because I felt so exasperated by both Alex and Nantane. Alex for her selfishness and Nantane for her lack of self preservation. I would root for them in one moment and wish them space apart in another. It was exhausting! Which means that it was very well written and lasting. I would read more from this author.

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent descriptions and characterizations really create the world of this book, but rather than being able to immerse myself completely, I found it hard to get past some of the plot points. At times I couldn't read fast enough because the plot was compelling and the characters so lovely. Other moments, though, felt more contrived and difficult to accept. The romantic plot really struggled to come to fruition for me because the odds seemed insurmountable.

[Jo Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This was the first book i read about native Americans and their lives with the first "modern " Europeans ,it's a wonderful love story and i know it's fiction but it peaked my interest in Native American life and i have since read several early american history books,

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this author and am thrilled for her.

[Sheen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, I couldn't put it down. The only reason i didn't give it star is because of the ending. It felt rushed.

[Ginger Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.

Pretty darn good. Certainly different. Nice to read something never done before. Great character descriptions. Good story. Some true heartache involved for everyone. Had a serious problem with one choice Alex made. Would never have believed her capable of that. That was really the only problem I had with this book. Give it a try.

[Jane Barcklow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done.

This was a slow build. It made it more believable. The historical content seemed realistic to me, and made this book that much more amazing. Alex. Natane and Jacob are three extraordinary folk in a time when commonality, complacency and conformity ruled. The ending has a lovely twist that you will enjoy leaving you praying the author will grace us with a book two.

[cathey dejager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic and inspiring

All emotions ran through me as I continued to read but the desire for the two main characters to come through such diversity with unwavering committed love from each other was unfailing.

[Heather Henkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I highly recommend this book. I thought it was wonderful, with good characters and storyline and I really loved the ending.