The Shenandoah Road: A Novel of the Great Awakening

The Russells #1

by Lynne Basham Tagawa

"Lynne Tagawa transports readers into the faith and hope, and sorrows and fears of 18th century colonial America. While other books feature the raw grit of frontier colonial life, this book goes deeper and reveals the heart." - Douglas Bond

John Russell's heart aches from the loss of his wife, but the Shenandoah Valley frontiersman needs to marry again for his daughter's sake. At first he believes he has found the right young woman, despite their differences, but his faith falters when time reveals she isn't quite what she seemed. Can he truly love her?

Unlike her disgraced sister, Abigail Williams obeys the Commandments. At least, she thinks herself a Christian until a buckskin-clad newcomer courts her. He treats her kindly but also introduces her to a sermon by the controversial preacher, George Whitefield. Her self-righteousness is shattered, and she wonders about their relationship. If she confesses her lack of faith, will John continue to love her?

"Raw, realistic, and historically packed, this story will make you think. If you enjoy stories with deep theological themes, you will enjoy this." - Amber Schamel

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Historical, Christian Historical Fiction, Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2018

About the author

Lynne Tagawa got her start in writing when a small school needed a Texas history curriculum. Later she branched out into historical fiction. She loves to write about both the spiritual and cultural heritage of our country, and this inspired the 18th century series, the Russells. She's a wife, mother, and grandmother in sunny south Texas.

Reviews

[Jayna Baas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I ran across this book, and it did not disappoint! With rich historical detail, Lynne Tagawa has crafted a beautiful tale of love and grace on the Pennsylvania frontier. I was astounded by the amount of research that went into this. The descriptions were full of detail, from flora and fauna to smells and sounds, yet never making the story drag. John and Abigail were both unique characters, their opposite backgrounds clearly portrayed. I enjoyed a marriage of convenience that explored the meaning of true love without making romance and innuendo the focus of the story. The dialogue was well written, the dialect smooth and easy to follow.

I loved the Christian content of this book—all I was hoping for and more. It's rare to find a novel that incorporates deep theological discussion in such a natural, conversational way. It was beautiful to watch Abigail's personal "Great Awakening," and I could feel for her confusion at ideas she'd never heard before. (Readers who don't have much background in terms like "imputation" and "predestination" may share her confusion.) I didn't agree with all of the discussion on election/predestination, but it was historically accurate to the characters. Neither John nor Abigail had all the answers; we got to see John grow as well as Abigail.

As for the writing, I really enjoyed Mrs. Tagawa's style. It flowed smoothly and was easy to engage with. There were a few times when a scene would cut off at the point of climax, switch to another point of view, and either lead back up to the climax point or summarize what had happened instead of rendering it. Because of the nature of the book, it didn't bother me as much as it would have in, say, an action story. I liked how each chapter began with a quote appropriate to the era—it really helped set the tone for the story. And I appreciated the note about the real history that was included. I always love it when authors tell me what's fact and what's fiction.

I came to this book for a unique, richly historical, deeply Christian story, and I found all of that plus a gorgeous cover! I will definitely be reading more of Lynne Tagawa's work. The Shenandoah Road is a gentle read that doesn't shy away from the hardships of frontier life, yet never lets them overshadow faith, hope, and love. Highly recommended.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

1744
Philadelphia to Shenandoah Valley

This is an amazing story of John & Abigail Russell. John lost his wife while Indians were passing through, an event gone horribly wrong. But with a daughter needing a mother, John needed to find a wife. This took him to where his father lived in Philadelphia, where he met Abigail.

The trip back to his home and farm in Shenandoah Valley with his city-bred bride was eventful and a hard yet profitable education for Abigail.

This is my first time reading Ms. Tagawa, and I was so impressed that I bought the next book in the series. This author knows the gospel and unapologetically presents it in the most amazing ways. It was like reading the Book of Romans. Clear explanations of what salvation looks like: from recognizing that our righteousness is not righteousness at all. Only Christ's righteousness is recognized before the throne of God. That repentance is necessary; whooeey, do churches today gloss over that!. The notion that simply because you belong to a church and were raised with Christian teaching makes you eligible for heaven is a false gospel. That faith in Christ's work on the cross is the only way of salvation.

Fantastic!

One character had the wrong impression of what salvation was, and patiently, over some months, her husband shared scriptures and answered questions until the truth was fully illuminated for her.

I loved that the Great Awakening of the 1700s was a part of this book (something for which I’m praying our country might experience again). Teachers like George Whitefield, Gilbert Tennent and Jonathan Edwards influenced many of the main characters. Many misconceptions were brought up and dealt with.

Loved that.

A difficult theme in this book was taking the reins in one's own hands, so to speak; acting rashly, eventually realizing God's ways are the best. Mercy and forgiveness are hard to offer when one is wronged so grievously. But, my, what lessons were taught.

Can’t wait to dig into The Heart of Courage when John's daughter Susanna is older and facing a journey and changes.

[Violet Perry (Just a Bookish Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

~I'd like to thank the wonderful author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~
I've been craving a good historical fiction for a while, and this hits it right on the spot. Written extraordinarily, this book reminds me of Janet Oke and Ann Rinaldi, both in writing style and genre. I dearly love all of the characters, their moral standards, and, well, everything! I don't think it could have been written any better.
I mean, all in all, I loved everything about this book and have no complaints! I look forward to reading more books by this author!
~Full Review To Come~

[Christin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good theology, gentle story

I so appreciate the dedication to research and the true gospel. It’s so rare to see true, Biblical theology in a book!! But, there wasn’t much driving the plot forward for me, more of a gentle observation following the daily lives from a different time. But, I so appreciate the biblically accurate and God glorifying truths it presented!

[Abigail Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I have stumbled on a book that I thoroughly enjoyed by an author I've never read before... "The Shenandoah Road" turned out to be a perfect read.

With a nice and sweet romance that didn't get kissy at all even after marriage, which I appreciated, John kindly led a life with Christ at the center showing Abigail God's love. The message of faith comes across in a way that is not too preachy nor too unenthusiastic!

I highly recommend and look forward to more from Lynne Basham Tagawa!

I received this book courtesy of the author, through Interviews & Reviews.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written and researched novel set in the early 1700s telling a story of the early life of the settlers and Christian development. I found the descriptions of the settlers' everyday lives very interesting and also the progression of Christianity within them.

The ensuing romantic relationship between John & Abigail was heartwarming and their faith struggles seemed very real. The early speech of some of the characters was a challenge but looking over the words the author provided as a guide helped a lot. Overall, a great read.

[Anna |This Curly Girl Reads| · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shenandoah Road is an uplifting story with realistic characters and spiritual depth. I loved it! Personally, I enjoyed reading more about history in my home state. It was extra fun to be able to recognize names and places that I’m familiar with, but even if you’re not a native Virginian, I think you’ll enjoy this compelling story.

It takes place during the time of the Great Awakeing, and though the characters don’t attend any large meetings with George Whitfield, I found it intriguing how the author tied his sermons into the plot. I also liked how she started each chapter with various quotes from that time. I always find that interesting when writers do that!

It was so easy to like both Abigail and John. Abigail’s spiritual journey was especially touching, and I loved how John wasn’t a perfect guy but had a heart to lead his family in the Lord. The cultural info was equally intriguing. The author had to have done a lot of research for this book.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy well written historical fiction (and if you don’t usually read this genre, then I suggest you give it a try anyway 😉). There are two more books in this series (plus a novella), so I’m eager to read more about the Russels family soon. This book is a gem and I’m glad I ran across it.

[susan bellinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

I love historical fiction and since I was born in the Shenandoah valley it was really wonderful reading about the early days of the valley. Enjoyed the well written characters and the great story line. If you love fictional history you will defiantly enjoy this book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! I loved the historical bits she included at the start of each chapter too! The author did a great job of showing how we come to true faith, as well as the difference between someone who thinks they're a Christian but aren't really saved, and someone who is. I'll be looking for any other books by this author, she's good!

[Gerri Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel moved a bit slowly at times but overall it's an enjoyable story. I appreciate the deeply religious aspects woven through the novel. As a Catholic reader, though, a couple of things bothered me - a character's consideration of the Catholic Mass as an "ungodly celebration" and characters' erronous belief that Catholics think good works bring salvation. Not true. We believe salvation comes from Christ. Good works are part of living a holy life. I realize this story is true to its historical time period, when such misinformation about Catholicism was widespread. I just wonder if it was necessary to include it in the story.

[June Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and educational historical read penned by Lynne Basham Tagawa . . .

This unique novel begins in May, 1744, in the dual locations of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Widower John Russell, father of four-year-old Susanna, is setting out on a journey to find a wife. Russell's sister, Sarah, will care for Susanna while John is away.

After a brief courtship, John and Abigail Williams, daughter of John's father's boss, are married. The emotional bond that forms between John and Abigail as the story unfolds was one of my favorite elements of this book. They share many tender moments as they discuss their lives, beliefs, and values. Though he has different religious views than Abigail, she finds John to be patient, caring, and kind. John encourages and nurtures Abigail's interest in botany and her curiosity about how various plants and herbs can be used to heal and offer first aid at a time when medicine was archaic.

The author's descriptions of their travels from Philadelphia to his home in the Shenandoah Valley are detailed and interesting. Because of Abigail's interest in botany, a lot of information is given about the trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs growing along the trails and roadways. Since I am a nature-lover myself, this fine descriptive writing enriched my enjoyment of the story.

The couple encounters many challenges, traumas, and crises on the journey home. I found the scenes describing the varied and colorful members of the Shenandoah Valley community to be interesting and at times amusing. The mention of local customs and traditions piqued my interest as a history buff, and enhanced the story for me on many occasions.

One of my favorite elements of the story was the extremely strong faith thread throughout the book. I feel this book is a theology lesson in the Great Awakening and the progression of Christianity in the New World. The author has done a massive amount of research into this subject area, and it contributes to making this one of the most unique novels I have read in the past five years.

I enjoyed the Epilogue included by the author as it brought closure to the Russell family's story, for the time being. The Afterword provided details about the author's research, characters in the book that are based on real individuals alive at the time, the author's family history, and a glossary of terms used in the story.

I look forward to reading more work by this talented author. I highly-recommend this book for fans of Christian fiction, Christian historical fiction, and Christian romance.

I received a paperback copy of this book from the author through Interviews & Reviews. I received no compensation for posting this review here or on any other site.

--------------------------------

**This book is completely clean in language and content. :0}

######################

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read from the author and I was happily surprised at the character development and the deep wrestling of faith in the characters. I'll gladly read another one by the author.

[Donna Peake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction with a little romance on the frontier.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read very many books set in this time period, so this was a very interesting read for me that I ended up really liking.

What I Liked: One thing I really like about this time period is that the chivalry of men and ladylikeness of women was prevalent and expected. Women could still blush back then in their society whereas we’ve lost much of that respect over certain topics in today’s age. There wasn’t feminism in this story, but instead the two main characters, a guy and a girl, worked together in their differing roles to make their relationship work.

John and Abigail were both very likeable characters. This author made you sympathize with both of these protagonists. Their struggles felt real to me and it was encouraging to see them turn to the Lord in those times and seek to become better people.

The message of salvation coming through faith in Jesus Christ, not through our own works, was also very well done. I felt for Abigail as she strove to discover throughout this book the true meaning of salvation. She had grown up in a strict, but loving Christian home that had more of an emphasis on works rather than just faith alone, so it was neat to see Abigail come to a knowledge that it is by faith alone in Jesus Christ that saves her.

There was also plenty of action and adventure throughout the pages. I felt the message of salvation with the action was very well spaced out. It kept my attention very well.

What I Didn’t Like: I don’t think there is anything that really stands out that I disliked about this book.

I give this book 4/5 stars for an enjoyable story.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful 18th-century novel highlighting the rugged land of early America and the stark differences between civilized Boston life and the world of the Virginian wilderness. The story also pleasantly introduces the reader into the colonial world where danger leads to death all to often, and where the blushes and romantic feelings aren't always the normal accompaniments to marriage. The story is, too, a shining example of how the gospel has laid foundations for the American nation, foundations which affect the day-to-day lives of the individual who hears it and obeys the Word, then as well as now.

I greatly enjoyed the unabashedly Christian theological tone of the story. Too often the Christian romance genre features emotions and then tries to shoehorn the truth of the gospel in through stilted sermons or pep talks. Not so with The Shenandoah Road; the serious consideration of spiritual conditions and placement of high importance on correct beliefs informed every aspect of the book, from beginning to end, which meshed incredibly well with Abigail's character arc and storyline. Though I am no strong expert on George Whitefield or the prevailing spiritual and Christian camps of thought at the time, the discussions and points of view put forth seemed to reflect well the historical era and did not impose modern beliefs on the colonial characters just because that's the "enlightened" view."

Speaking of characters, and good ones at that, I highly enjoyed the hero John and his quiet, though broken-hearted, gallantry. His gentle teaching and exposition of the Word to Abigail brought a beautiful light to the scriptural injunction to learn by asking "their husbands at home." John's thoughtfulness of gift-giving and attending to her needs supplied a lovely addition of romance to the story, though it was subtle.

The writing style focused on describing the surroundings of Virginia's natural woods, the raw wildness of unsettled territory, as well as the many outward dangers of Indians, wild animals, and such. Also many descriptions of day-to-day tasks and practical matters of long travel were the focus, and the inner struggles of the characters took roles as brief snippets in the greater story of their lives. Questions such as "Could her husband bear with a woman who didn’t have faith?" provide a peek into the inner struggles and growth of the characters, but these questions are rarely hashed out between Abigail and John.

It's a primarily gentle story, with a few obstacles and troubles dotting the way (situations usually threaten danger that never comes to fruition--but no complaints from this quarter). The major antagonist does bring with him severe threats (although I was unsure just how much of his treachery the characters knew about and when), and the conclusion to his plot was excellent indeed, tying in directly with the biblical teachings to which John was so devoted.

Many times, though, climactic moments were brushed over with unemotional descriptions of daily tasks and practical matters--sometimes even the scenes themselves skipped over and summarized later.

All in all, though, this is a sweet book drawing the reader in to reading, fast, a slow-paced book full of faith. Take Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly theme and mix in colorful Scottish brogue with 18th-century religious movements, and you get a pleasing "Novel of the Great Awakening."

[Barbara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Shenandoah Road: A Novel of the Great Awakening by Lynne Basham Tagawa, John Russell is a widower in need of a wife to mother his four-year-old daughter. Leaving his daughter in his sister’s care, John travels back to Boston, where his father lives, to do some trading and hopefully find a wife as well.

Abigail Williams is the daughter of a Boston merchant. Her father approaches her with a proposition. His bookkeeper’s son is looking for a woman to marry and accompany back to a settlement in Shenandoah. The two men are coming to dinner tonight. Would she think about the possibility?

The settlement in Shenandoah is smaller and much rougher than what Abigail is used to. But John Russell seems to be a kind man. She decides to marry him and go.

Abigail has dutifully kept the commandments all her life. But when John shares with her part of a sermon by George Whitfield, her heart is troubled. Is keeping the commandments not enough? How can she be sure she’s right with God?

As the Russells travel the long road back to the settlement by the Shenandoah River, they face dangers in roving buffalo, Indians, and a dangerous ruffian. Abigail wonders how she will adjust to life when she gets to John’s home. She feels her lack of knowledge about everyday housewifery. She wonders if John’s daughter will accept her. But most of all, she struggles to understand the words from Whitfield and the Bible that her husband shares with her.

I don’t know that I have ever read a novel from this time period, though I was familiar with Whitfield and Jonathan Edwards and such. It seems like every believer would have been thankful for the “Great Awakening.” But just like in our times, people had different opinions about the various proponents and points of doctrine. It was interesting to see some of that discussed.

I enjoyed the historical aspects of daily life, as well. Abigail loved botany, especially the medicine use of plants. It’s unfortunate that we’ve gotten away from such knowledge today.

I enjoyed getting to know John and Abigail as hey got to know and appreciate each other.

Still, I wasn’t swept into the story and characters as often happens with fiction. I can’t quite put my finger on why. But even though I wasn’t spellbound, the book is still a good one.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynne Basham Tagawa's book, The Shenandoah Road, is an impressive story about what life was like in America during the mid-1700s.

The Shenandoah Road is about traveling through the pristine woods in order to get back home, and about encountering dangers, real life situations, and how they were resolved. Lynne Basham Tagawa does have an eye for story continuity and adding pertinent content to tie the history neatly with the fiction. 

This is also about a Scottish frontiersman, John Russell, who needs to marry again, and about a woman, Abigail Williams, who finds out her faith is not all she thinks it is.  Abigail is talented  in using natural herbs to heal people.  She reads books about botany and herbals, and makes quite a useful collection of them to keep nearby when she needs to use them.  This was an interesting detail about Abigail, and I would have liked to learn more about herbal medicines used back in that time.

John is a kenspeckle (Hi, Lynne!) Scotsman,a responsible family man, and a good provider.  He has a daughter from a previous marriage, since his wife had been killed.  A faithful Christian, he consistently does his best to do what the Lord expects from him.

This book was more of a spiritual great awakening of Abigail, and in some aspects, John. Many thought-provoking bible verses and insights.   John's duty-bound devotion to Abigail, after he married her, and before he fell in love with her,  was refreshing, and something I think needs to be emphasized more to people today. I enjoyed each time John shared the bible with Abigail, and how the sermon from George Whitefield brought up very important questions in her mind. 

The way Mrs. Tagawa ends the book is genuinely sound and sensible!  All of it comes together nicely, and in a way that makes you glad you read her book.  I'm looking forward to reading more from her.

Product details
Print Length: 314 pages
Publisher: Blue Rock Press (July 11, 2018)
Publication Date: July 11, 2018
Language: English
ASIN: B07FK5ZQ5Z

John 17:3 - And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 

[Gina Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shenandoah Road will take you on a journey back into the early days of American history before the Revolution. Back to the days when the preaching of man like George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards shook the very foundations of protestant doctrine and thinking. This is where we find our characters John and Abigail. While this book would be considered a historical romance, the couple does get married and start a life together, the romance is over-shadowed compared to the redemption storyline of Abigail. Sermons and Scripture alike will challenge her thinking and will bring about regeneration.
I have never found a book too "preachy" for me and this book is no exception, but I will say that for many people this book would be considered "preachy" as Abigail's salvation is first and foremost, really more the main plot than a sub-plot.
The pacing is slow and filled with description. I will say that you will feel like you are there right along with the characters as they travel the Shenandoah Road. It is easy to mentally-picture the scenery and the historical lifestyle.
While the book is a "romance," I found the relationship between John and Abigail odd. They marry with a short courtship and neither is "in love" with the other to start with. John is still struggling to get over the death of his first wife and find peace with his decision to take a new wife, and yet, they consummated their marriage... even while sleeping on the ground surrounded by the rest of their party. I was bothered by the fact that he would make love to Abigail at the same time as he wasn't even sure if he emotionally loved her. (This is not seen, nor is it barely mentioned, only in that John is thinking about how his wife could be pregnant.)
One of my favorite elements to the story is where the characters must forgive someone who has done them much wrong. I can’t say any more or it would spoil the rest of the story.
Readers who enjoy books with historic and doctrinal depth will enjoy The Shenandoah Road.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Historical Romance, The Shenandoah Road. This is A Novel of the Great Awakening. It takes place in 1744 during Mr. Whitefield's revival. This is a great read. It is well written and full of information about Whitefield Sermons. I know you are going to love it.

John Russell is a widower with a young daughter. His wife was killed by Indians. He leaves his home to visit his father in Philadelphia to find a wife. His father introduces him to his boss' daughter. A very attractive young woman but is she a Christian? Would she be a good mother to his daughter? He courts her, reading Whitefield's sermons to her and explained them to her. She agrees to marriage and they leaves on a journey of several weeks.

Abigail Williams is a well off merchants daughter. She has led a sheltered life. She loves Botany and the sturdy of herbs and medicinals. she's not sure about the man her father has picked out for her. She is thrilled when John brings her a book from an apothecary on herbs and medicinal plants. This is something she can do. She is not much of a homemaker. Can she keep John and his daughter happy when she has always had a housekeeper? She feels very inadequate. His views on religion is very different from hers. Can she make him happy?

A long journey across the wilderness full of hardships and terrors. God has a plan for this little family; a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a book by Lynne Basham Tagawa before, and I know it won't be the last time I will buy one of her books. I thoroughly enjoyed this faith-filled Historical Romance.

John Russell has lost his wife to an Indian attack, and now after grieving her loss, he realizes that he needs a wife to care for his young daughter. He has only one requirement - that she shares his faith in Christ. So he sets out to Philadelphia, where his father introduces him to Abigail Williams. Abigail knows her catechism, and John actually quizzes her on it to determine if they would be a good fit. She passes the test and marries John. But John soon realizes Abigail knows about God, but does not know Him - a big difference. As the journey to his home becomes filled with perils, Abigail begins a faith journey that she never expected.

I loved watching Abigail grow in her faith. The author has brilliantly presented the Gospel so that anyone reading this story will have no doubt if they have a heart relationship with God or just head knowledge. John is a patient teacher, and yet, he knows how flawed and sinful a man he truly is, when Abigail's life is threatened.

While the romance part of this book was somewhat lacking, the author did show that Abigail and John grew to love each other. It also has a vast cast of characters which, at times, I found difficult to follow.

That said, this book was a delight to read. It is well-researched and very descriptive. I had no trouble picturing everything as the events unfolded. I highly recommend it.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 18th Century Colonial America, “The Shenandoah Road” is an enjoyable story centered primarily around a young couple who marry at first more due to an agreeable arrangement than out of love. The husband is a widower with a young daughter in need of a mother-figure. The new wife has spent more time lost in thought about books and botany than she has about almost anything domestic or theological. (I won’t spoil anything further in regards to how the arrangement for them to marry is made. You’ll just have to read it for yourself.)

This book is a little more overt with Christian themes, especially areas featuring details pulled from sermons by George Whitefield, so I would primarily recommend it to Christian readers. Some of the religious topics covered are a little deeper, so I would also say adult readers would be its best fit within the Christian market. I found this dip into the past to be a refreshing step into one couple’s journey, both on The Great Wagon Road and on the journey to deeper faith, and into deeper relationship with one another.

If you enjoy stories of faith growth and wagon trains … you’ll enjoy this one.

[Kathleen L. Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional history

Lynne Tagawa has brought a wonderful world to life in this sweet and sometimes perilous adventure. Widower John Russell seeks and takes a new wife to help him raise his young daughter, but is Philadelphia raised Abigail ready for the wilds of the Shenandoah?
Written with devotion to historical detail and authenticity, and with a powerful account of the early American revivalists faith, this story immerses the reader in an experience of pioneers and settlers in an untamed, bountiful and challenging world. The characters are memorable and noble, their struggles real and transcendent.
I was riveted as the narrative followed these lives in their newlywed journey, tracing the dangers of animals and natives and the sin nature of man, but revealing a triumphant resilience and determination through the guiding light of spiritual awakening. A treasure of early America!

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical novel is a wonderful juxtaposition of the physical journey of a widower to find a new wife in the mid-1700s, then their arduous trip back to his home in the Shenandoah valley, with his struggle at the same time with the nature of forgiveness. His new wife had questions about what does true faith really mean, and it's also her spiritual journey fed by her husband's poignant patience reinforced by historic preachers and their very real writings. It's also a reminder of the difficulties our ancestors faced when having to cross rivers on horseback or with big wagons and livestock, with no doctors. The Author's Note reveals which parts of the story are true and which characters really lived. The author also shares a list of resources she studied for this wonderful story.

This says Kindle Edition but I read the paperback edition.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this 3.5 stars. I enjoyed reading it and it went quickly. But it fell short on too many levels.
The good: It explored an interesting era of history and gave great insight into the culture at that time.
The courtship and marriage proposal were quite different and probably more true to the time period than most fiction. This created a lot of opportunity to build on, but it didn't come to fruition.
The missed opportunities: So many things I was hoping for never came about.
The title says "A Novel of the Great Awakening." The Great Awakening was mentioned when they drove by a church and when they read sermons. The quotations at the beginning of the chapter conveyed more than the story line. A few historical figures were mentioned in conversation, but they weren't followed up. Why did Abigail's parents oppose some preachers so much?
Abigail. She was interesting at the beginning, then she became flat. Here is she living with a man she doesn't know in the middle of the wilderness, then she gets pregnant. She never shows any emotion about the hardship, the loneliness, missing her family, fears about pregnancy.
There was no conflict in this story. I kept waiting for a build up at the end, but it was more of a tapering off.
Romance. There was none. There were hardly any tender moments between John and Abigail. They just got married and ho-hum, life goes on.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure where to begin reviewing this book, it is so good. It has taken a top spot on my list of audio books I will definitely listen to again. The truth of Scripture, the historical facts of the Great Awakening, the way to know Christ's salvation are all woven into the story beautifully. John's loving encouragement and Abigail's searching heart lead to big changes in their spiritual lives and their emotional feelings for one another. The journey is breathtaking at times. Then you add in a criminal, a few angry Indians, some adventure, and wow! you've got an amazing book to read or listen to.

The narrator on this audio (Stuart Gauffi) is amazing as well. The characters come alive with his rendition and his voice is wonderful for listening.

I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read! There were a few times words didn't make sense, like receipts for recipes, but I managed to get through! They didn't keep me from enjoying the book, and the growth of Abigail and John. Their love story is a great story, though neither tells the other they love them, they show it by their actions and the way they support each other. It gives you a look at a time that was, in many ways, simpler, but yet in other ways not. It also makes you thankful for some modern medicine, and how convenient things are now!

This is really a great read, and kept me connected and wanting to read. This is longer than some books I've been known to read, but I finished it much faster than some books, because it was so good!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Lynne is a new to me author. I didn't know what to expect in her writing style, character development, etc. I read the first page, and I knew.....I loved this book! It seemed to grow gradually from the beginning to the end. This story was like walking down the most beautiful pathway beside a rushing river with flowers to see and birds to hear. It was like coming home...that familiar, comfortable feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed this telling of a time long ago, when people worked hard and God extended grace, just as He does today.

I received this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

John and Abigail's story.
Isaac Watts hymns I like.
Found it interesting that "Robinson Crusoe" book was not considered good reading material. In todays language it is called a classic.
I liked the story (but I could see others may not.) My husband and I were unevenly yoked where God was concern and we did go our separate ways not all about God factor though.
My father was of the belief also because his family were Anglicans he was one automatically. He didn't get teachings (besides avoiding anyone who would speak of beliefs/God). I'm having a debate also from reading this, of my heart motives to surrender or rebellion?
Got to thank Laura Frantz who on her facebook page recommended this author and book (early history in Virginia) now onto book 2.....

[Sheryll H Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

This is a multilayered story about the Great ( Spiritual) Awakening in colonial America, which is paralleled in the journey of a young newlywed couple as they make their way through the Shenandoah Valley to their home on the frontier. I have visited this valley and traveled the length of it. Take your time reading about the beauty of God's creation- the flora and the fauna, and the New Creations in Christ. The glory of it all has not been exaggerated in this lovely novel!

[Susan J · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved It

Looking for more!!! She is a wonderful author who satisfies all that a great story needs. H and h are both folks you could sit down to dinner with and be at peace. Clean romance in an awesome place and time. Accurate trials for the day and place in History. Strong character development and holds your interest right to the end.. you know it is a good story when you are sad it is over…on to volume 2…can’t wait!!! a worth your time, educational and especially spiritual !!!