Bent Tree Bride

by Denise Weimer

Susanna Moore can't get him out of her mind--the learned lieutenant who delivered the commission from Andrew Jackson making her father colonel of the Cherokee Regiment. But the next time she sees Lieutenant Sam Hicks, he's leading a string of prisoners into a frontier fort, and he's wearing the garb of a Cherokee scout rather than the suit of a white gentleman.

As both Susanna's father and Sam's commanding officer, Colonel Moore couldn't have made his directive to stay away from his daughter clearer to Sam. He wants a better match for Susanna--like the stuffy doctor who escorted her to Creek Territory. Then a suspected spy forces Moore to rely on Sam for military intelligence and Susanna's protection, making it impossible for either to guard their heart.

[Note before buying and reviewing: while frontier action was presented with as much sensitivity as possible, fight and battle scenes are part of the plot of this novel.]

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

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2021

About the author

Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance from her home in North Georgia and also serves as a freelance editor and the Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books. A mother of two daughters, she always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

Reviews

[Connie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Denise Weimer shares an intriguing story of two star-crossed lovers who must navigate a romance during the perilous times around the War of 1812. Bent Tree Bride begins in the fall of 1813 on the Tennessee-Cherokee Nation Border, with the unexpected meeting of Susanna Moore and Sam Hicks, and their immediate connection that begs to be explored. Weimer spins a beautifully romantic tale featuring a handsome soldier who is part Cherokee Indian, and a beautiful young woman rebelling against her father's efforts to determine who she'll marry. As I followed Sam and Susanna's journey together, I felt like I was right there with them. Trying to stay alive, experiencing the sights and sounds of conflict, and fighting undeniable feelings for each other. Realizing that their two cultures might prevent them from ever having a life together.

"I cannot pretend with you, Susanna." Sam ducked his head against hers. "This love, it is almost impossible."

I am a big fan of historical fiction but I haven't read many books that deal with the War of 1812. Weimer explains in the end notes what is fact and what is fiction, and I loved reading the mentions of Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and General Jackson. These heroes help make this story come alive, along with the true account of Captain Charles HIcks, following the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. He walked among the natives and told them about Jesus and His love for all men! Hicks displayed mercy and integrity, and he took no scalps!

Bent Tree Bride is an enlightening and entertaining novel and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bent Tree Bride was a wonderful novel that I didn’t want to set down! The two main characters, Susannah and Sam, were attracted to each other from their very first meeting and began to hope that they could grow to know each other better in the future. However, the reality that Susannah was white and that Sam was part Cherokee, soon sent those hopes crashing to the ground.

I thought the author did an excellent job of showing what life was like during the War of 1812. Young women were expected to marry whoever their fathers picked out for them. The Cherokees were helping with the war effort, but were not considered equals to the white men. And danger came in many forms.

Sam tried so hard to put Susannah out of his mind when he realized that he would never have a chance to court her because of their different stations in life. However, their hearts were continually drawn to each other and their attraction developed into a true love. It was hard to read about Susannah’s father and the way he pushed Susannah toward the man he wanted her to marry, even knowing that she and Sam were in love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and definitely recommend it to fans of historical romance set in early America.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bent Tree Bride takes readers through such a dark time in history, and Weimer delicately deals with some of the more brutal parts of the war. She was able to provide insight into what was going on during the time period (War of 1812) without making me get squeamish. It was still hard to read - not because of Weimer's ability to write, simply because of the cruelty of that time period. She does note this in the book blurb (at least on Goodreads she does), and I appreciate that because then I know going in.

Weimer does a good job in balancing the war and romance. I will say that some of the war parts were a little slow moving for me. It was kind of a mix between slow scenes and action scenes, sporadically weaved throughout the book. And while I did not want to have a lot of brutal scenes, obviously, I found myself glazing over some of that a bit more. However, when Susanna and Sam were on the scene, my interest certainly piqued! Now, this could be because I wasn't in the mood for a war book at the moment. Or maybe I was just looking for the romance thread. All this to say, just because I glazed, doesn't mean you will glaze!

Susanna and Sam were just a great couple with several obstacles in their way. I was curious how Weimer was going to play their love story out, with Susanna's father already trying to have her wed the doc. Their attraction was certainly obvious to me from the very beginning, and I enjoyed their stolen glances throughout the book. But what really hit it home for me was when they were forced together because of certain circumstance (sorry don't want to spoil!), and just had to really rely on each other. Hello swoony kiss!! And really from that moment on, I couldn't wait for them to convince Susanna's father that no matter what Sam's background was, what was important was that he was an upstanding man who was a good mate for his daughter.

Historical fiction fans who enjoy romance mixed with battles scenes will enjoy this new release from Weimer. And make sure you read past the end. Weimer has included some fantastic author notes that really put parts of the book into perspective and make you want to do a little more research on what happened during that time. A history lesson I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a good book so much so that I didn't want it to end!
Weimer sure knows how to write awesome adventures and writes about the amazing sceneries that I feel like I was there!
She draws her readers in from the very beginning and I loved the romance that was included.
Suzanne and Sam are the perfect couple! I loved them dearly.
I didn't care much for her dad but there were times that I understood him as well.
I found the War of 1812 fascinating from this author's point of view she's done an excellent job.
I appreciate how she brings something different to her works. I say special because it comes from her heart and her love of historical fiction really comes the pages of her books.
Her stories leave my heart feeling full and satisfied. There are some great Christian messages throughout the story. They can be applied to our lives today.
Thank you for another wonderful story and I am looking forward to more of them. Please don't ever stop writing!
I will reread this again.
I highly recommend.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this type of story! Lots of real history, a healthy sprinkling of historical characters, and woven all through it, a beautiful love story filled with all the angst and danger and difficulty that keeps the reader turning each page. A clash of cultures with the backdrop of war is not the place to fall in love, but few people on the early 1800s frontier had the luxury of picking the time and place. Sometimes love happens amid the chaos and against the rules.

If you've read Weimer's "The Witness Tree," you will recognize a few of these characters. While a stand-alone novel, it is nice to revisit some of the friends made in that novel as well. If you haven't read "The Witness Tree," you should.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A struggle to do what is right when your faith is challenged by circumstance and your heart is at odds with family. That is at the core of this historical romance, as mistaken first impressions slowly grow into forbidden love, while duty pulls Susanna Moore and Sam Hicks apart.

In Bent Tree Bride author Denise Weimar explores history through a romance between the daughter of a white American officer and a half-cherokee lieutenant during the Creek War.
Blending fictional and historical characters, this is a fascinating fictional account of frontier home life and warfare in the early 1800's. While I struggled with Sam's involvement in the massacre of a village and the subsequent statements that he was "only following orders," there were also parts of this story that I greatly enjoyed, the scenes with Susanna's Cherokee step-mother and Sam teaching Susanna and her half-brother with knives and tomahawks springing quickly back to mind.

This is Historical Fiction centered around a slow burning romance with faith woven in. While there are light hearted moments, Bent Tree Bride is a more sober read with no excess or fluff, best to set aside time for rather than pick up here and there.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bent Tree Bride is a captivating historical fiction by Denise Weimer. Set in the early 1800s the tale brings to life history surrounding the aftermath of the War of 1812. Great historical information is woven into a story that is infused with suspense, mystery, and sweet romance. I was drawn into Susanna and Sam's romance right from the start. With characters who are strong, evocative, and realistic and a plot that is full of fast-paced action and twists and turns, the author does a great job of bringing this time period to life. Susanna is a rather privileged young woman for whom her father, a captain in the Army, has chosen a husband. But Susanna has other ideas for herself, especially once she meets Sam, a part-Cherokee lieutenant who reports to her father. Romance during wartime is often fraught with difficulties and the growing attraction between Susanna and Sam was no exception. "The expectations of family and society could destroy the dreams they'd shared." The tension of wondering what was going to happen next and would there be a happy ending certainly kept the pages turning. I didn't want to put the book down. The author has infused the message of hope and faith in God throughout this riveting historical romance. I wouldn't mind a sequel to the story to find out more about the characters' lives. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will not want to miss Bent Tree Bride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A favorable review was not required and the opinions are my own.

[Kami S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a good historical novel! This was very good. A sweet romance, suspenseful situations, great hero... I enjoyed every minute. Beware, this one does have some pretty intense, detailed violence...it is the War of 1812🤷🏼‍♀️

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lt Sam Hicks was tasked with protecting Susanna Moore, daughter of the Cherokee Regiment, it set the stage for conflict. Sam had already been warmed by her father that Susanna was meant to be married to a prominent widowed physician. Despite her father’s plans , Susanna has eyes only for Sam and he for her. It makes for a sweet love story that has a feel good ending.

[Ochegba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbidden Love!
From the start of this story you know it's going to be tough one. Not because of the way it is written but more about the circumstances surrounding the main characters and the fact that you know it would take a lot for everything to work out smoothly.
I've not read much books set in this time period and was curious to see how it would be handled.
Both Sam and Susannah come from different works of life with her being fully white and him mixed. Though there's attraction at first sight for both of them, it's hard to see how it would work out. The story was evenly paced and enjoyable and I loved how the author put things together. A fun and enjoyable read especially for lovers of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: “In the midst of the tragedy of the human struggle for land and survival [there are] examples of integrity among all people.”

SETTING: 1813-1814 on the Tennesse-Cherokee Nation Border.

CRITIQUE:
Instructive, absorbing, heart wrenching at times, this is a touching story that has lessons of humility and respect for others of different cultures that are appropriate for every generation and country.

Ms Weimer has done her research on an often neglected story in the history of our nation, the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814. Using as a skeleton for her story the actual people and events, she has fleshed it out with realistic fictional people to experience this turbulent time between Indians and the white governmental forces. The depth of research is well reflected in the rich story we are privileged to read. But it is the human struggle, the loves, the resentments, the planned treachery that will remain in my memory as we see similar struggles, albeit between different peoples, ongoing even today.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading Bent Tree Bride I felt like I was there. Especially during the fight scenes. I like that this book doesn't shy away from the challenges faced by the characters or the graphic reality of war. It does so in a convincing but not over the top way. I learned a lot about the War of 1812 and those involved in it. I enjoyed the real life characters who were sprinkled throughout to add an extra element of reality to the story. And the forbidden romance between Sam and Susanna is so touching. I loved this book!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a story set in a time in history that I don't think I have read before!
Set in the early 1800s you get to see some of the relations between the militarily and the Indians. I enjoyed that so much real history was included in the story.
The romance is a "forbidden love" between a Commander's daughter and a Cherokee.
I was really looking forward to reading it. The book was paced evenly. And there is a clear faith message throughout this story.
I didn't feel really invested in the romance, both of the main characters felt on the YA side of maturity. They were young, I just expected more maturity during this period of time.
It was a fine, sweet story, and I would recommend to someone who wants frontier romance that has a bit of action in it.
3.5 stars
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are honest and completely my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bent Tree Bride by Denise Weimer is a gripping historical Christian romantic adventure. It has its roots in historical fact, around which Denise Weimer has woven a fabulous story.
The novel surrounds the Cherokee and their interactions with the white Americans as well as battles with the Red Sticks. It was refreshing to read a novel with Native Americans as main characters as there are few on the market. Very much seen as second class citizens, the Native Americans have to fight for equality. They were viewed as savages. “Lest they give way to their baser nature and resort to brutalities.”
Likewise a strong female lead seeks equality with men. She fights to prove she is not a weak woman in need of protection.
Mirroring these battles are actual physical battles where those seen as second class or weaker are able to prove their skills are equal to or superior to the white males.
There are fathers and father figures in the novel. Some decisions, made with the best of intensions, are domineering and seen as exerting authority. In contrast God the Father is a God of love. His decisions are always the best for us, if we would just submit to him and wait on His timing. “If the work was of God, it would not end.”
A beautiful love story blossoms throughout the novel. Through Denise Weimer’s skilful writing, the reader can ‘feel’ the love, passion, emotions and tensions bursting through the novel.
Comprehensive descriptions enable the reader to ‘see’ the landscapes. We ‘experience’ battles and ‘walk’ through woods.
Bent Tree Bride is a novel to not just read but to experience. It is an assault on our senses as we travel through the novel experiencing life through the eyes of the main characters. I always love Denise Weimer’s novels but this is her best to date. There is something for everyone – action, adventure, romance, family – just wonderful.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you think and your heart to overflow with love. It is 1812 and we are in the middle of war. We are introduced to Colonel Moore and his family. Susanna is his daughter from his first wife. She is a very strong character and we will follow her and her dream through the book. Sam Hicks is part Cherokee and is assigned to protect Susanna and fight under Moore. There is a lot of hatred towards the Indians, but there is an alliance between the Cherokees and the Americans. This book will keep your interest and you will learn a lot about this period of time in our history.
I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susanna lived a life of privilege. Her future was planned out. Her father had a husband selected for her. Susanna had no say in the matter. She was to do what she was told.
Of course, Susanna was determined to live her life the way she felt she should. Throughout the book you can see the growth in Susanna as she found herself surrounded by the historical events during the War of 1812.

Sam, a mix-blood Cherokee, was caught between two worlds. He often found himself in turmoil.

Could Susanna and Sam have a life together despite their differences?

A love story that I could not put down. A historical delight that made my heart pitter patter every time Sam and Susanna were together!!

I received this book for free to give a honest review.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susanna Moore and Sam Hicks meet unexpectedly when Susanna hides from a suitor in the library where Sam is waiting orders from Colonel Moore. They are instantly attracted to each other, but Susanna thinks that Sam is white and Sam believes that Susanna is Cherokee. They discover each other's origins and realize that it will be almost impossible for them to have a life together especially when Colonel Moore forbids the relationship. Will their faith in God bring them together or will outside forces keep them apart?

I loved how Susanna and Sam's relationship grew. I was worried when Susanna interrupted Spring Frog's assassination attempt, and he kidnapped her. I was glad when Colonel Moore was convinced to allow Susanna and Sam to marry.

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written historical novel that takes place preceding and during the War of 1812. This is Lieutenant Sam Hicks and Susanna Moore's story. Although the couple are attracted to each other, Colonel Moore, Susanna's father, is Lt. Hicks commanding officer and he forbids the couple to wed as he already has someone picked out for Susanna and besides Lt. Hicks is a mixed breed Cherokee Indian. As was the custom of the time, Susanna was forced to abide by her father's wishes. Then danger comes calling and Colonel Moore has to depend on Sam for military intelligence and to protect Susanna. Will love prevail? Will Colonel Moore relent and allow the couple to marry? I really enjoyed this story and know you will too.

[Melody Mindler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved history and romance. This book has intertwined the two in such a way that you can see the parallel between the conflict of the war itself and the conflict of forbidden love. The Cherokee people were fighting to keep their land and their way of life. Sam, who is in the Cherokee regiment, is not only fighting with his people to win the war but he is also fighting for a relationship with Susanna, the daughter of the Cherokee regiment's colonel. Her father is as determined to uphold his refusal to allow his white daughter to marry a Cherokee soldier as he is to win the war itself. Once again the author's book did not disappoint me. I loved the ending of this book. I would love to see this as a movie.

[Cindy Ervin Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this story. Denise has done the research and it shows in her setting and the interaction of the characters. She doesn't gloss over the racism of the time, but reminds the reader through dialog what these star-crossed lovers are up against. The faith strand makes the story even stronger. The twists in the plot were unexpected and kept me engaged. I appreciated her historical notes in the back of the book.
Like The Witness Tree, Bent Tree Bride has a powerful message for readers.

[Janet Grunst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susanna Moore and Lieutenant Sam Hicks are immediately attracted to one another, but her father Sam’s commanding officer forbids her to marry a mixed-blood Cherokee lieutenant. It doesn’t matter that Sam, part of the Cherokee Regiment fighting in the Red Stick War, is an educated and honorable man who shares her Christian faith. This story is rich in historic detail and incorporates actual historical characters adeptly. Bent Tree Bride keeps the reader turning the pages to learn if and how these Federal-era frontier sweethearts will finally overcome the numerous obstacles they face.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. Susanna and Sam's story will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. It has just the right amount of drama, suspense and action to keep you involved with the story. If you like Christian Historical Romance you will love this book. Highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy and wasn't required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be the exact type of historical romance that I enjoy, and enjoy it I did. The length of time it took was almost solely due to the ebook version I read, but even that didn't stop my fascinated interest as the story progressed.

Setting: Began in Autumn 1813, during the War of 1812, on the Tennessee-Cherokee Nation border, and ended in the Spring of 1814. The characters traveled to multiple different places, but I had a very difficult time trying to figure out where exactly they were or how far they traveled or what the purpose was (and this is my only major complaint about the book). The historical place names, as well as Indian tribes, were used, which was great in terms of historical feel and accuracy, but it added extreme difficulty for me to visualize the setting, especially in regard to Indian lands, where Sam Hicks lived, and where Big Springs Bluff was. A bit of the plot's conflict was therefore lost on me, since "The Land" was a significant issue by the end. Even specific local settings, such as the place of the climax, was pretty hard for me to visualize.

However, the historical era and general mindset was pretty well reflected, particularly between the white men and the Indians--and including multiple native American perspectives. I really liked the makeup of Susanna's family and how she interacted with them.

Characters: Susanna was a good heroine, with a steady and generally discernible personality. I've read more distinctive female leads, but she certainly wasn't the worst. I did relate to her fairly well. Sam, as is the case with romances which I greatly enjoy, was a great hero. His character arc was realistic and not far-fetched, but also unique to the story, considering his circumstances. Of course he's handsome, too (how could he not be, with his Cherokee-black hair?), with a fierce protective nature.

The best side characters were the fathers of the two main characters. Colonel Moore was not especially likable, but boy, I loved the realism of his character and the full embodiment of a typical American patriarch's opinion of the era. His character arc was perhaps slightly rushed at the end, but I suppose it's understandable considering his wife. It was faintly disappointing that all of the (legitimate) objections weren't really addressed. And then about Sam's father ... oh, I wish he had been a significant character throughout the book, because of Sam's obvious esteem for him. But also because of the amazing, heaven-sent advice he gave Sam near the end--advice that I figured wasn't going to come (the sort of correction that technically Sam needed, but it could have been relegated to one poorly-worded statement, and I wouldn't have been overly bugged), but made the story so much richer, and Sam so much more honorable because of it. I do understand, however, why Charles Hicks wasn't so prominent on-screen, which I will mention later.

Other supporting characters, like Susanna's stepmother and half-siblings and cousin, were written fairly well, with appropriately numbered appearances. Dr. Hawkins wasn't developed very well, but I didn't feel a severe lack because of it. His role was honestly mostly to cause eye-rolls. The character of Spring Frog was very well-written, and also surprising. Standing Wolf and Bold Hunter were good additions to the cast of characters, although I confess I may have gotten them mixed up a time or two.

Plot: As a general rating, I would give it a notch higher than average, primarily because of the setting and the conflict between Indian and American, with the strategies involving the British and various Indian tribes. The national scene likely would have been more helpful to explain, and unfortunately the descriptions that were present were cryptic in the wrong way. The beginning scene was also unfortunately extremely confusing, and it took me the rest of the book to untangle it (maybe it was just me and my bad habit of reading too fast, but I didn't know who the "bad" Indians were and who were the "good"--and where certain characters were mistaken). That being said, the romance part of the plot was spot-on, and I loved the pacing. Their mutual attraction developed very well, and their communication also appeared in good balance.

Faith Content: I also thought this aspect was done very well. The characters had a strong Christian faith, having arisen from realistic sources and upbringings, and it didn't seem out of place for the era. And, as I said, Sam gained more spiritual understanding than I had expected, which was a pleasant surprise.

Historical features: I loved reading the author's note at the end and discovering the close historical accuracy much of the plot featured, and even the inclusion of real historical people (yes, Charles Hicks was a real person, and I couldn't be happier that Weimer wrote about his great influence). The fact that Weimer based Colonel Moore off of a real person also shows, and I appreciate the balance of real and fiction she managed to pull off. The many geographical places she named also lent credence to the novel, although it was confusing at times. Some references to obviously historical facts--like David Crockett and General Jackson, came across as a bit stilted, but overall it was done very well.

Recommended for all Christian romance readers who love a good dose of real historical events and people.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can they find love against all the odds?

I have been eagerly anticipating The Bent Tree Bride since first hearing about it some time ago. I've enjoyed every Denise Weimer book that I've read and I knew this one would be no exception. And, trust me, it was definitely no exception.

I've always liked the historical realism in Denise Weimer's books. The sights, the sounds, the smells, all of it captured on the printed page. And I particularly enjoy the fact that she writes about lesser known places and events in American history.

The Bent Tree Bride was even more special to me as it shed fictional light on what my own Cherokee ancestors may have experienced. I love family history, always have, so this novel was right up my alley. Not that the author romanticized the culture, she accurately portrayed the negative actions and thoughts of all of the cultures involved, but it was interesting to gain a little insight into the role of the Cherokee in the War of 1812.

The Bent Tree Bride is a little gritty, any book about the frontier in that era will be, but it lent to the authenticity and emotional aspects of the story. Because, this is one book that will truly tug at your emotions as Sam and Susanna struggle with the prejudice, the expectations of family, and trying to find their own place in a world that isn't friendly or forgiving.

Denise Weimer has a real winner with this book. I sincerely enjoyed it and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to fans of realistic historical fiction – with a little romance. Don't miss it!

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Evangeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise Weimer has become one of my favorite authors, and her new book, Bent Tree Bride, does not disappoint. She does an excellent job of combining history and fiction and provides a sweet love story between Susanna and Sam. I have read and enjoyed all of her books and look forward to her next one!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes, but all opinions are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting! The cover caught my eye and then the description. It was so good. Some of the detail with military got a little bit overwhelming for me but that is just my opinion. I really loved the dynamics of the family and the interaction of the Indians and the settlers. It was very good.
I really like Sam and Susanna. They were so much fun!

[Linda Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story! Perfect selection for those who love historical romance fiction. Believable characters and easy to read. This was a sequel to The Witness Tree, but there was little reference to it. A book that would be a nice read for men and women.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warrior's Prize

Susanna loved Sam but her father rejected her pleas to allow them to wed. He tried to push her at the good doctor who was also a white man. But she swore to remain a maid of not allowed the man of her choice.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating history…

This story is set in a time period not often talked about with prejudices and atrocities were done because of race and selfishness. A happy ending for a not so happy book, I found the tale interesting.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming historical book to read this summer. I enjoyed reading this story and it's characters were realistic enough to keep you entertained.