What do you think?
Rate this book
Blood In The Valley
Catherine flung out her hands as if her flesh could protect the children huddled behind her from musket balls and tomahawks. She raised her head and stared into the war-hardened eyes of a Mohawk warrior. A weapon clutched in each hand, his body smeared with grease paint and blood; he had come to wreak destruction he had come to kill. In 1753, Catherine Wasson and her extended family depart placid New Hampshire to settle in the raucous Mohawk Valley of New York, in search of fertile land and a better life. It doesn’t come easy. Catherine must adapt to a multicultural frontier society of wealthy Dutch settlers, hardscrabble Germans, Scots-Irish, African slaves and the original inhabitants; the fiercely independent Iroquois confederation. Within months of their arrival, conflict with their age-old enemy, the French, erupts into a war that threatens their homes and lives.When peace returns, Catherine and her new husband, Samuel Clyde, make their home in the idyllic but remote Cherry Valley, perched on the edge of the Indian frontier. Their peaceful life is short lived. Americans demanding their freedom break from the mother country. As conflict escalates, the Mohawk Valley descends into guerrilla warfare; brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor; everyone must choose a side. On a frigid November morning, Catherine finds herself face to face with Mohawk warrior, Joseph Brant, War Chief of the Iroquois. Once her childhood friend, he is now her greatest enemy; her life is in his hands. This is the story of my ancestor Catherine Wasson Clyde, wife of Revolutionary War hero Colonel Samuel Clyde. Catherine’s singular life is one of bravery, determination and survival.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
275 pages, ebook
First published January 19, 2019
12 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Jean M. Roberts
7 books188 followersHey readers! I am a lover of history, witchcraft, magic, mystery and all things women. I write about powerful women who help each other, who band together for the greater good. This a common theme throughout all my books. This does not mean I don't like a great romance, but the girls come first.
I live outside of Houston, Texas where I can be found either at my desk writing or out in the garden, growing flowers and veggies!
I live outside of Houston, Texas where I can be found either at my desk writing or out in the garden, growing flowers and veggies!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 26, 2019
Blood In The Valley is a fascinating, rich, and layered read - it tells the story of Catherine Wasson/Clyde and her immediate and extended family through several decades, through some of the key points in America's history. This story is based on true people.
I do not read much historical fiction, and as a Nothern European myself, I knew only the very basic timeline of the events described in this book. Much of it was wholly unknown to me. Therefore I am even more fascinated that this kind of story could capture me with such interest.
This is not an easy read - I mean that for as much as the issues of war and wartime cruelty, but for the text itself. In regards to the story/text, though, "not easy" means... a lot to grasp. A lot of detail, a lot of descriptions; it paints in vivid detail life in the late 1800s. And I mean that with the highest compliments; a lot of research has gone into this book, about the persons, their lives, their times, their practices... It feels like I am there, living the story with them. That's commendable.
There are some punctuation and grammar issues to my eye, persisting as the same through the book, but while I would normally deduct a star for them, making this a 4 star review, I have chosen not to do so this time because I found they did not mar my enjoyment, which is kind of rare. I think the story details and the intrigue worked to make me not care about them. As a story, I think this one was pretty close to perfect, and that's coming from someone who does not enjoy historical fiction with any kind of frequency.
Other than that, I would have loved to know what became of these people... so I confess, I went googling! An entertaining story. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially if you're an American, I'm sure this would be a perfect read as well!
I do not read much historical fiction, and as a Nothern European myself, I knew only the very basic timeline of the events described in this book. Much of it was wholly unknown to me. Therefore I am even more fascinated that this kind of story could capture me with such interest.
This is not an easy read - I mean that for as much as the issues of war and wartime cruelty, but for the text itself. In regards to the story/text, though, "not easy" means... a lot to grasp. A lot of detail, a lot of descriptions; it paints in vivid detail life in the late 1800s. And I mean that with the highest compliments; a lot of research has gone into this book, about the persons, their lives, their times, their practices... It feels like I am there, living the story with them. That's commendable.
There are some punctuation and grammar issues to my eye, persisting as the same through the book, but while I would normally deduct a star for them, making this a 4 star review, I have chosen not to do so this time because I found they did not mar my enjoyment, which is kind of rare. I think the story details and the intrigue worked to make me not care about them. As a story, I think this one was pretty close to perfect, and that's coming from someone who does not enjoy historical fiction with any kind of frequency.
Other than that, I would have loved to know what became of these people... so I confess, I went googling! An entertaining story. For anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially if you're an American, I'm sure this would be a perfect read as well!
August 28, 2022
Jean M. Roberts’ wonderful writing voice coupled with an exquisite attention to historical detail dropped me right into the western edge of the frontier in New York before and during the American Revolution. This novel really made me think about the confusion, the indecision and, ultimately, the choices that settlers had to make before turning on their motherland and moving forward with the fight for freedom. Because that was the case, divisions between family, friends and neighbors occurred when sides were drawn and the time period was fraught with trauma and heartbreak, hence the title. The historical timeline, carefully laid out, serves as the constant backdrop to the plot. I never questioned the accuracy of any of it---it was that spot on. The characterization of the protagonist, Catherine, is perfectly drawn out so that, by the end of the novel, it feels like Catherine is an old friend----a friend we walked with on her journey into adulthood. Kudos to Roberts for terrific historical fiction!
January 28, 2022
Life in 18th Century New York State
A chance encounter with future Mohawk leader Joseph Brandt and his sister proves fortuitous for pioneer Catherine Clyde and her family. Seeking a better life than their hardscrabble existence in New Hampshire, Catherine, the oldest daughter, travels to the frontier settlement of Cherry Valley, New York. When the violence of the Revolutionary War strikes, Catherine has a growing family of her own and they are all in mortal danger. Harrowing escapes and defences are interspersed with family life and a touching correspondence among Catherine and her wider circle of friends and relatives. The long war years test the meddle of an intrepid woman you won't soon forget.
A chance encounter with future Mohawk leader Joseph Brandt and his sister proves fortuitous for pioneer Catherine Clyde and her family. Seeking a better life than their hardscrabble existence in New Hampshire, Catherine, the oldest daughter, travels to the frontier settlement of Cherry Valley, New York. When the violence of the Revolutionary War strikes, Catherine has a growing family of her own and they are all in mortal danger. Harrowing escapes and defences are interspersed with family life and a touching correspondence among Catherine and her wider circle of friends and relatives. The long war years test the meddle of an intrepid woman you won't soon forget.
February 1, 2022
Blood in the Valley takes a family from their decision to emigrate to the Colonies up through the American Revolutionary War, culminating in a visit by George Washington. The central character, Catherine Wasson/Clyde is a woman of courage, intelligence, character, and not a little stubbornness :).
I loved Roberts character and world-building - she makes you feel right there in the midst of the fray. While more graphic than say, The Last of the Mohicans, she shows respect for Mohawk and Seneca cultures and weaves a fascinating tale that focuses away from the usual battles and events of the Revolution.
The depth of grief and struggle that the people of the time experienced comes through clearly, along with the romances and dreams of the main characters.
An enjoyable read, highly recommended.
I loved Roberts character and world-building - she makes you feel right there in the midst of the fray. While more graphic than say, The Last of the Mohicans, she shows respect for Mohawk and Seneca cultures and weaves a fascinating tale that focuses away from the usual battles and events of the Revolution.
The depth of grief and struggle that the people of the time experienced comes through clearly, along with the romances and dreams of the main characters.
An enjoyable read, highly recommended.
June 9, 2020
Elizabeth Merry's review of "Blood in the Valley" by Jean M Roberts, historian, genealogist, blogger and novelist.
I was sorry to come to the end of this book. Although it finished in exactly the right place I was loathe to leave behind all the characters I had come to know. This is a story about the birth of the United States, and although I briefly studied the American War of Independence at school (a long time ago), it was so interesting to read about it in a novel, and to see what it must have been like for the families who lived through it.
When we first meet Catherine, the main character, she is minding her baby brother, so we see her first as a loving, caring and kindly girl and as she grows to womanhood her personality doesn't change - although during the war she taps into parts of herself she didn't know existed! Her husband, Samuel, is a decent, hard-working man who loves his family, and when the war begins he proves himself to be brave, steadfast and intelligent and plays an important part in the outcome of the war. The other characters, their family and friends, are people anyone would like to spend time with.
The narrative drive in this book is very strong and I was drawn into it straight away. The writing is clear and precise - there is no padding here. You can see the families and hear them talking and you understand how they feel. There are also some beautiful descriptions of the countryside:
"The falling water sparkled like gems reflecting the early morning sunshine. The river flung itself over the falls, cascading seventy-five feet or more into a boiling cauldron before rushing away in swirling eddies toward the Hudson."
God, religion and the community is of extreme importance and the base of all social life for these pioneers and settlers. It's where Catherine met Samuel, and there are some romantic occasions, which I loved, and which make you aware of how different life and language was then. Samuel says to Catherine:
"Miss Wasson, I have had a delightful day . . . I hope you will allow me the pleasure to call on you."
At the advice of Catherine's uncle, three related families decide to move to New York where land is "plentiful and cheap". These are big families with a lot of children, many of whom bear the same names. I could easily imagine the family gatherings with all ages present; the feeling of belonging to a clan; everyone with the same objective - to live and love and farm and bring up their children in peace and safety.
The journey to New York is hazardous; there are always maurading Indians to watch out for and the journey itself is dangerous and arduous by land and sea. But they make it, and eventually Samuel builds a wonderful house in Cherry Valley where they settle down and run their farm. But there is now the threat of war and I'm aware that some of these familiar and well-known characters are going to die. I read on with trepidation . . .
The families are separated by the war but for me this was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book - so many letters going forwards and back, so full of love and hope and encouragement. There is a fantastic occasion (referred to above) when Catherine takes to the ramparts of the fort where they are staying, with a rifle, an unheard of thing for a woman to do, and she earns herself a place in history.
And so, to a perfect ending when the war is over: The United States comes into being and American citizens can rebuild their houses and their lives and their families again.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical novels and family sagas, and a book with a strong narrative drive. The pace and shape of the book is so good; there is no slump in the middle, no part is too long or too short.
I give this book 5 Stars.
Elizabeth Merry
09/06/20
I was sorry to come to the end of this book. Although it finished in exactly the right place I was loathe to leave behind all the characters I had come to know. This is a story about the birth of the United States, and although I briefly studied the American War of Independence at school (a long time ago), it was so interesting to read about it in a novel, and to see what it must have been like for the families who lived through it.
When we first meet Catherine, the main character, she is minding her baby brother, so we see her first as a loving, caring and kindly girl and as she grows to womanhood her personality doesn't change - although during the war she taps into parts of herself she didn't know existed! Her husband, Samuel, is a decent, hard-working man who loves his family, and when the war begins he proves himself to be brave, steadfast and intelligent and plays an important part in the outcome of the war. The other characters, their family and friends, are people anyone would like to spend time with.
The narrative drive in this book is very strong and I was drawn into it straight away. The writing is clear and precise - there is no padding here. You can see the families and hear them talking and you understand how they feel. There are also some beautiful descriptions of the countryside:
"The falling water sparkled like gems reflecting the early morning sunshine. The river flung itself over the falls, cascading seventy-five feet or more into a boiling cauldron before rushing away in swirling eddies toward the Hudson."
God, religion and the community is of extreme importance and the base of all social life for these pioneers and settlers. It's where Catherine met Samuel, and there are some romantic occasions, which I loved, and which make you aware of how different life and language was then. Samuel says to Catherine:
"Miss Wasson, I have had a delightful day . . . I hope you will allow me the pleasure to call on you."
At the advice of Catherine's uncle, three related families decide to move to New York where land is "plentiful and cheap". These are big families with a lot of children, many of whom bear the same names. I could easily imagine the family gatherings with all ages present; the feeling of belonging to a clan; everyone with the same objective - to live and love and farm and bring up their children in peace and safety.
The journey to New York is hazardous; there are always maurading Indians to watch out for and the journey itself is dangerous and arduous by land and sea. But they make it, and eventually Samuel builds a wonderful house in Cherry Valley where they settle down and run their farm. But there is now the threat of war and I'm aware that some of these familiar and well-known characters are going to die. I read on with trepidation . . .
The families are separated by the war but for me this was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book - so many letters going forwards and back, so full of love and hope and encouragement. There is a fantastic occasion (referred to above) when Catherine takes to the ramparts of the fort where they are staying, with a rifle, an unheard of thing for a woman to do, and she earns herself a place in history.
And so, to a perfect ending when the war is over: The United States comes into being and American citizens can rebuild their houses and their lives and their families again.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical novels and family sagas, and a book with a strong narrative drive. The pace and shape of the book is so good; there is no slump in the middle, no part is too long or too short.
I give this book 5 Stars.
Elizabeth Merry
09/06/20
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Riveting Tale of Courage, Conflict, and Heart
"Blood In The Valley" is one of those rare historical novels that not only immerses you in the grit and complexity of the American Revolution but also tugs at your heart through the eyes of a fierce, resilient woman.
Jean M. Roberts brings history to life with rich, immersive detail and an emotional depth that’s impossible to ignore. Catherine Wasson is a heroine to root for brave, vulnerable, and deeply human. Her journey from the peaceful hills of New Hampshire to the war-torn Mohawk Valley is filled with danger, love, loss, and impossible choices.
What I loved most was the balance between sweeping historical events and intimate personal struggles. Roberts doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of frontier life or the brutal consequences of war. And yet, there's beauty here too in the relationships, the loyalty, and the quiet moments of hope.
If you're a fan of historical fiction with strong female leads, morally complex characters, and vivid settings that transport you straight into the past, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended for anyone who believes history isn’t just dates and battles, it’s about the people who lived it.
A Riveting Tale of Courage, Conflict, and Heart
"Blood In The Valley" is one of those rare historical novels that not only immerses you in the grit and complexity of the American Revolution but also tugs at your heart through the eyes of a fierce, resilient woman.
Jean M. Roberts brings history to life with rich, immersive detail and an emotional depth that’s impossible to ignore. Catherine Wasson is a heroine to root for brave, vulnerable, and deeply human. Her journey from the peaceful hills of New Hampshire to the war-torn Mohawk Valley is filled with danger, love, loss, and impossible choices.
What I loved most was the balance between sweeping historical events and intimate personal struggles. Roberts doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of frontier life or the brutal consequences of war. And yet, there's beauty here too in the relationships, the loyalty, and the quiet moments of hope.
If you're a fan of historical fiction with strong female leads, morally complex characters, and vivid settings that transport you straight into the past, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended for anyone who believes history isn’t just dates and battles, it’s about the people who lived it.
August 2, 2019
I loved this book! The story is gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader back in time to the beautiful Mohawk Valley. It is set in the years leading up to and during the American Revolutionary War - the birth of our nation. It is an amazing story of resilience and shows a side of the war that I had not heard of before. It captures far more than just the war. It is really a look at the daily struggles and harrowing conditions that people endured as they forged their identity as Americans. I found myself fully invested in the fate of the main characters. The images of life on the edge of the Indian frontier were fascinating and enlightening. I did not fully understand the role of Native Americans during this struggle and their relationship with both British Loyalists and American Colonists. This story humanizes the war and the struggles that led to the founding of our country. The fact that it is based on the lives of real people made it that much more compelling. I read an earlier book from this same author and I found her attention to detail, research and historical accuracy impressive. Highly recommend.
October 24, 2019
This book pays wonderful attention to detail, bringing to life the lives of the peoples who endured the American Revolution. As a result, Blood in the Valley is a spellbinding read. I felt totally immersed in the historical times when Catherine and her extended family lived, and I was caught up in their daily struggles as they dealt with the hardship and loss of home and loved ones that war brought. The strength and perseverance of those early settlers can only be described as extraordinary. One is reminded that the American experience is a unique one and remains so today, not only as a result of what leaders such as George Washington accomplished, but also because of people like Catherine’s family who strived to make their homes on the edges of the frontier. A well written book and truly enjoyable to read. I intend to pursue Jean Robert’s other work that is set in early Massachusetts.
June 28, 2022
Blood in the Valley is a well-researched historical novel that takes place during an unsettling time of American history. Catherine Wasson and her family leave the comfort and all they've ever known to settle in central New York's Mohawk Valley. Their hope is to forge a new life on what was then known in the 1750's as the wild frontier, but the life-and-death struggle is worse than they could ever have imagined. Since I live in the area Roberts is writing about, I can honestly say she's done a fabulous job of capturing the essence of the landscape, the history and the struggles, pain and triumphs of living in a wild land.
November 17, 2021
The revolutionary war frontier is relived
While much is written about the revolutionary war major battles, little is portrayed about the lesser known frontier life during this period. This gives the reader a vivid picture of the life and tragidies in this remote part of the country.
While much is written about the revolutionary war major battles, little is portrayed about the lesser known frontier life during this period. This gives the reader a vivid picture of the life and tragidies in this remote part of the country.
October 19, 2025
Jean M Roberts brings history to life with vivid detail. I was instantly drawn into Catherine’s journey from peaceful New Hampshire to the harsh reality of frontier war. The twist of facing Joseph Brant, once a childhood friend now an enemy, adds deep emotion to the story. This is more than history it is a tribute to resilience and family.
May 23, 2022
Well researched and presented. In places a little too wordy but still a very good read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews