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Forts of Refuge #2
Maggie's Strength
Maggie Kerr is a survivor. Taken captive at age eleven during the battle at Fort McCord, she's learned to adapt and to trust no one. Promised in marriage to a Huron warrior she fears, Maggie risks everything in a run for her freedom.
Content to ignore the rising animosity between the British and the Ottawa villagers he calls his friends, Baptiste Geroux plants his fields, limping behind his oxen and waiting for his brother to return from the west. Until the day a woman in danger arrives on his farm.
When more tribes join Pontiac in an all-out war, Maggie and Baptiste take refuge at Fort Detroit. He’s distrusted for being French. She’s scorned for being raised by the Hurons. Together they forge a fragile bond—until Maggie's past threatens their chance at happiness.
Content to ignore the rising animosity between the British and the Ottawa villagers he calls his friends, Baptiste Geroux plants his fields, limping behind his oxen and waiting for his brother to return from the west. Until the day a woman in danger arrives on his farm.
When more tribes join Pontiac in an all-out war, Maggie and Baptiste take refuge at Fort Detroit. He’s distrusted for being French. She’s scorned for being raised by the Hurons. Together they forge a fragile bond—until Maggie's past threatens their chance at happiness.
338 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
290 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Pegg Thomas
29 books619 followersPegg Thomas lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. She creates American stories with real history and fictional characters inspired by her ancestors who immigrated here in the early 1600s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 11, 2023
Обичам да се връщам към книги, описващи живота на заселниците в Америка, изпълнения с трудности живот в Новия свят, стремежът на местните племена да запазят земите си на всяка цена. Същите приключенски сюжети като " Последният мохикан " , " Ловецът на елени" , " Оцеола " или " Синовете на Великата мечка ". Pegg Thomas ми предоставя тези теми и аз отново изживямам тръпката от юношеските си години. Животът в пограничните райони, в укрепените фортове; под постоянните набези на индианците, кражби на храна, отвличания жени и деца, убийства на белите жители - всичко, придружено с описания на живописни райони с криволичещи реки, гъсти гори, дълбоки езера и високи скали. Спирящи дъха гледки дори от страниците на книга! Срещи със силни и способни хора, решени да защитят начина си на живот или стремящи се да се укрепят на новото място, за да живеят от уменията и способностите си. Трудно, рисковано , но свободно.
Докато чета книгите на Pegg Thomas, в този случай - Maggie's Strength - винаги си представям колко чудесен филм би се получил от тях! Но както в много филми, заснети по книги, дали режисьорът би доловил всички мисли, колебания и несигурност на героите? Или бихме се любували само на природните творения и на сцените с ожесточени битки между вожда на племето Отава, Понтиак и британските войски, заместили французите? Исторически събития, човешки съдби, колоритни характери и вечната романтика, която обвива приключенските романи!
В книгата The Irish Fall в разговор за книги харизматичният ирландец попита американската туристка дали е чела " Последният мохикан "? Тя му отговари, че обожава филма. Заради щастливия край между Кора и Ястребовото око. Няма да забравя реакцията й, когато ирландеца й каза, че всъщност в книгата краят е много по - различен...
Та така за сблъсъка между екранизациите и истинските книги. Радвам се, че всъщност ЧЕТА историческите романи на Pegg Thomas. В съзнанието ми вървят сцени, режисирани от собственото ми въображение. Без чужд поглед и комерсиален стремеж. Само аз и цялото емоционално изживяване с героите от серията романи на Pegg Thomas!
* " Да бъдеш силен също означаваше да знаеш кога да поемеш отговорност и кога да отстъпиш. Кога да задържиш и кога да пуснеш. "
Докато чета книгите на Pegg Thomas, в този случай - Maggie's Strength - винаги си представям колко чудесен филм би се получил от тях! Но както в много филми, заснети по книги, дали режисьорът би доловил всички мисли, колебания и несигурност на героите? Или бихме се любували само на природните творения и на сцените с ожесточени битки между вожда на племето Отава, Понтиак и британските войски, заместили французите? Исторически събития, човешки съдби, колоритни характери и вечната романтика, която обвива приключенските романи!
В книгата The Irish Fall в разговор за книги харизматичният ирландец попита американската туристка дали е чела " Последният мохикан "? Тя му отговари, че обожава филма. Заради щастливия край между Кора и Ястребовото око. Няма да забравя реакцията й, когато ирландеца й каза, че всъщност в книгата краят е много по - различен...
Та така за сблъсъка между екранизациите и истинските книги. Радвам се, че всъщност ЧЕТА историческите романи на Pegg Thomas. В съзнанието ми вървят сцени, режисирани от собственото ми въображение. Без чужд поглед и комерсиален стремеж. Само аз и цялото емоционално изживяване с героите от серията романи на Pegg Thomas!
* " Да бъдеш силен също означаваше да знаеш кога да поемеш отговорност и кога да отстъпиш. Кога да задържиш и кога да пуснеш. "
July 9, 2022
1763 Fort Detroit
The prologue (1756) was spectacular and pulled me right into the novel. It set up Maggie's backstory for the novel.
After living as a captive with multiple Indian tribes, Maggie is able to escape and flees to Fort Detroit. Hardened by years of cruelty and neglect, will she be able to trust and love again?
Farmer and Frenchman Baptiste just wants to live in peace and work his farm. Unfortunately, living among the British and Indians forces him to choose sides.
Well written and engaging novel. It brings to life not only the French and Indian War, but also character development for both Maggie and Baptiste. And the cover...lovely.
I look forward to the next in the series.
The prologue (1756) was spectacular and pulled me right into the novel. It set up Maggie's backstory for the novel.
After living as a captive with multiple Indian tribes, Maggie is able to escape and flees to Fort Detroit. Hardened by years of cruelty and neglect, will she be able to trust and love again?
Farmer and Frenchman Baptiste just wants to live in peace and work his farm. Unfortunately, living among the British and Indians forces him to choose sides.
Well written and engaging novel. It brings to life not only the French and Indian War, but also character development for both Maggie and Baptiste. And the cover...lovely.
I look forward to the next in the series.
January 5, 2022
I love the time period, the writing style, the character development, the plot, it’s just everything I enjoy in a great novel. I feel like a kindred spirit with the author. Every time I would think the plot would go in a way most formulated fiction goes it would go in another direction and one I was cheering for! It was a longer book but it was very satisfying. It’s rare I read historical back to back even in a series but these were so good I didn’t want to stop and I can’t wait for book 3. Hopefully Henri is part or it and finds lasting love.
September 26, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! I loved how Pegg Thomas wrote this story that felt so real. I loved Maggie and Baptiste. Each of them had their own struggles to overcome. I love Pegg Thomas’s heroes! This one is going on my keeper shelf! I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 14, 2022
"If Maggie was going to survive, she'd have to do it on her own. Again."
Having been kidnapped as a young child during an Indian raid, the thoughts of escape have barely crossed Maggie Kerr's mind; it was too dangerous, but after being promised as a bride to a cruel Huron warrior, Maggie senses a sliver of opportunity and takes it. She's both terrified and hopeful that she can reach Fort Detroit and claim refuge as a British citizen. There is only one thing standing in her way, a river; swift, deep and wide.
Baptiste Geroux is caught between war and peace; as a slightly lame French farmer, he routinely gives the neighboring Indians food from his fields in exchange for allowing him to remain on land they could, at any moment, consider their own. With a British fort just across the river, he also trades with the British while remaining neutral within the area's strained relations. But the day he encounters a lovely young woman along his shore, deep down in his heart Baptiste knows that his life will never be the same.
What a wondrous story! Not only did I learn a wealth of information about the history of this area, whose inhabitants suffered greatly under the complexity of relationships between the French, Indians, and British, but the author managed to navigate the details in a way that I could easily understand . . . . . however, the historical backdrop faded tactfully into the background as the sweetest of love stories took center stage. The absolute sweetest! It's a book that I anticipate reading over and over again.
Having been kidnapped as a young child during an Indian raid, the thoughts of escape have barely crossed Maggie Kerr's mind; it was too dangerous, but after being promised as a bride to a cruel Huron warrior, Maggie senses a sliver of opportunity and takes it. She's both terrified and hopeful that she can reach Fort Detroit and claim refuge as a British citizen. There is only one thing standing in her way, a river; swift, deep and wide.
Baptiste Geroux is caught between war and peace; as a slightly lame French farmer, he routinely gives the neighboring Indians food from his fields in exchange for allowing him to remain on land they could, at any moment, consider their own. With a British fort just across the river, he also trades with the British while remaining neutral within the area's strained relations. But the day he encounters a lovely young woman along his shore, deep down in his heart Baptiste knows that his life will never be the same.
What a wondrous story! Not only did I learn a wealth of information about the history of this area, whose inhabitants suffered greatly under the complexity of relationships between the French, Indians, and British, but the author managed to navigate the details in a way that I could easily understand . . . . . however, the historical backdrop faded tactfully into the background as the sweetest of love stories took center stage. The absolute sweetest! It's a book that I anticipate reading over and over again.
July 16, 2021
The uprising known as Pontiac's Rebellion impacted not only the British and Native Americans but also the French. The French and Indian War (known in Britain as the Seven Years' War) pitted the combined French and Native American forces against the British. When the British won and the French pulled out, they left behind many of the Frenchmen who had made the frontier their home.
Heroine Maggie Kerr is a British citizen who was taken captive as a child at Fort McCord seven years prior to the story. I chose her capture there for two reasons. 1) It put her in the right place at the right time for a logical reason. 2) I found out shortly before writing this that I am descended from the McCords of Fort McCord. I am blessed with cousins and an uncle who enjoy delving into our lineage, and I love mixing some of my family history into my books.
Hero Baptiste Geroux is a Frenchman who pledges loyalty to the King of England in order to stay on his farm across the river from Fort Detroit. Friends since childhood with the Ottawa, he must walk a tight and narrow line to stay out of the brewing conflict. The Ottawa and French have been brothers and allies for many years, but that friendship is about to be stretched dangerously thin.
In Sarah's Choice, both hero and heroine are British citizens. In Maggie's story, I was able to play off the cultural differences of one British - raised from age 11 with Native Americans - and one French who is close with the Ottawa. It puts a whole different spin on the story.
My research for this book included two first-hand accounts of the siege at Fort Detroit. The first was written by a British man who was taken captive by the Ojibwe and escaped. The other was written by a Frenchman who, although we don't know his name, appears to have been living among the Ottawa. It is assumed that he was a Jesuit, as several of them were known to have lived among the Native villages. What was reassuring, as a researcher, was how closely the two accounts agreed, even though written from such diverse political points of view.
Like Sarah's Choice, I don't attempt to draw conclusions from the actual history or paint it with our 21st Century hindsight brush. The history is what it is. Maggie's story is about a young woman who must figure out who she really is, who she can trust, and how to build a life for herself after all she's been through. It's also about a man left behind by his country to fend for himself as best he can. At its heart, this book is about family and forgiveness and forging new bonds.
Heroine Maggie Kerr is a British citizen who was taken captive as a child at Fort McCord seven years prior to the story. I chose her capture there for two reasons. 1) It put her in the right place at the right time for a logical reason. 2) I found out shortly before writing this that I am descended from the McCords of Fort McCord. I am blessed with cousins and an uncle who enjoy delving into our lineage, and I love mixing some of my family history into my books.
Hero Baptiste Geroux is a Frenchman who pledges loyalty to the King of England in order to stay on his farm across the river from Fort Detroit. Friends since childhood with the Ottawa, he must walk a tight and narrow line to stay out of the brewing conflict. The Ottawa and French have been brothers and allies for many years, but that friendship is about to be stretched dangerously thin.
In Sarah's Choice, both hero and heroine are British citizens. In Maggie's story, I was able to play off the cultural differences of one British - raised from age 11 with Native Americans - and one French who is close with the Ottawa. It puts a whole different spin on the story.
My research for this book included two first-hand accounts of the siege at Fort Detroit. The first was written by a British man who was taken captive by the Ojibwe and escaped. The other was written by a Frenchman who, although we don't know his name, appears to have been living among the Ottawa. It is assumed that he was a Jesuit, as several of them were known to have lived among the Native villages. What was reassuring, as a researcher, was how closely the two accounts agreed, even though written from such diverse political points of view.
Like Sarah's Choice, I don't attempt to draw conclusions from the actual history or paint it with our 21st Century hindsight brush. The history is what it is. Maggie's story is about a young woman who must figure out who she really is, who she can trust, and how to build a life for herself after all she's been through. It's also about a man left behind by his country to fend for himself as best he can. At its heart, this book is about family and forgiveness and forging new bonds.
September 8, 2021
Book Review for Maggie’s Strength.
I so adore Pegg Thomas’ writing style. She places her characters in real historical settings during a troublesome time and readers (at least this reader) feel like they are there. I rooted for Baptiste and wanted to embrace Maggie and help her along the way as the story unfolded. Baptiste is a tall, dark, handsome Frenchman with a limp, and Maggie is a petite redheaded British beauty who spent many years as a captive of the Hurons. Her view of the world around her during the time of the Pontiac Wars differs greatly from the British women in Fort Detroit. And that helps the reader understand the turbulent times better.
Pegg weaves a story of forgiveness and trust as the war rages, and Baptiste and Maggie draw closer. I learned so much about this time in history through the eyes of these characters. The main characters in the story were fictional, but many historical figures played prominent parts.
Maggie’s struggle to forgive her family for not coming for her and her need to open her heart to forgiveness and trusting others is relatable. Baptiste struggles to stay neutral during the siege. A French farmer who grew up with the Ottawa Indians as his friends and the British as his enemy just wants to farm and be left in peace. Ultimately, he is forced to take a side.
As Pegg’s story blossoms and the characters grow closer and change it feels real and not contrived. Thomas has spent a great deal of time researching this period. I love the historical notes at the end of the book. Most of us know little to nothing about the Pontiac Wars. I found the historical information woven into the story fascinating. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
I so adore Pegg Thomas’ writing style. She places her characters in real historical settings during a troublesome time and readers (at least this reader) feel like they are there. I rooted for Baptiste and wanted to embrace Maggie and help her along the way as the story unfolded. Baptiste is a tall, dark, handsome Frenchman with a limp, and Maggie is a petite redheaded British beauty who spent many years as a captive of the Hurons. Her view of the world around her during the time of the Pontiac Wars differs greatly from the British women in Fort Detroit. And that helps the reader understand the turbulent times better.
Pegg weaves a story of forgiveness and trust as the war rages, and Baptiste and Maggie draw closer. I learned so much about this time in history through the eyes of these characters. The main characters in the story were fictional, but many historical figures played prominent parts.
Maggie’s struggle to forgive her family for not coming for her and her need to open her heart to forgiveness and trusting others is relatable. Baptiste struggles to stay neutral during the siege. A French farmer who grew up with the Ottawa Indians as his friends and the British as his enemy just wants to farm and be left in peace. Ultimately, he is forced to take a side.
As Pegg’s story blossoms and the characters grow closer and change it feels real and not contrived. Thomas has spent a great deal of time researching this period. I love the historical notes at the end of the book. Most of us know little to nothing about the Pontiac Wars. I found the historical information woven into the story fascinating. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
January 28, 2022
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for those who are interested in this period of history (between the French-Indian and Revolutionary Wars). Ms. Thomas depicted Native Americans far more even-handedly than she did in the first book in this series, SARAH'S CHOICE. Like all people groups, she noted that some were foolish, some were wise, some were evil, and some were kind. Two were remarkably loyal. I could not give it five stars because it lacked any sort of message about Jesus though it is marketed as CF (I can't recall one mention of Him unless I should count a line, maybe two, reporting that a real-life Jesuit priest tried to dissuade the Hurons from attacking Fort Detroit). I am looking forward to reading the 3rd in the series.
December 19, 2021
Book two of the Forts of Refuge series, Maggie's Strength, is a beautifully written tale set during a tumultuous time in our nation's history. Factual events cement the story and add a hefty layer of authenticity. When the hero and heroine's lives intersect, they forge a friendship that sweeps the reader into their courageous quest to survive and thrive. I can't wait for book three.
September 26, 2021
EXCELLENT historical fiction covering Pontiac's Rebellion, an uprising affecting several Native American tribes, the French left behind, and the British. This compelling story takes place after the French and Indian War, where the British fought against the combined forces of the French and Native Americans. The French have left and those who remain while they have had years of close relationships with the Indian tribes must now swear loyalty to the British. Life on the frontier was difficult on a good day. Pegg Thomas does an excellent job bringing this time period to life!
The heroine is Maggie Kerr, a British citizen who was taken captive seven years ago and has lived with one tribe then sold to another. She has had to rely on herself since she was 11. We find her mid-escape hoping to avoid an upcoming marriage to an evil man in which she had no say. Small in stature, but a real spitfire! She encounters the hero on his farm when she is seeking passage across the river to the safety of the fort and British protection.
The hero is Baptiste Geroux, a Frenchman, who pledges loyalty to the British in order to live in relative peace on his farm across the river from Fort Detroit. Handicapped yet capable and trustworthy, sweet, and handsome! What a terrific hero.
I love Author Pegg Thomas' writing style, she totally brings this frontier period to vivid life. Pegg Thomas is a very skilled writer and combined with her impeccable research skills, pens an excellent, historical fiction story that you won't be able to put down! This completely engaging story had me turning pages late into the night! I love Baptiste & Maggie!
I highly recommend Maggie's Strength!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
The heroine is Maggie Kerr, a British citizen who was taken captive seven years ago and has lived with one tribe then sold to another. She has had to rely on herself since she was 11. We find her mid-escape hoping to avoid an upcoming marriage to an evil man in which she had no say. Small in stature, but a real spitfire! She encounters the hero on his farm when she is seeking passage across the river to the safety of the fort and British protection.
The hero is Baptiste Geroux, a Frenchman, who pledges loyalty to the British in order to live in relative peace on his farm across the river from Fort Detroit. Handicapped yet capable and trustworthy, sweet, and handsome! What a terrific hero.
I love Author Pegg Thomas' writing style, she totally brings this frontier period to vivid life. Pegg Thomas is a very skilled writer and combined with her impeccable research skills, pens an excellent, historical fiction story that you won't be able to put down! This completely engaging story had me turning pages late into the night! I love Baptiste & Maggie!
I highly recommend Maggie's Strength!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
October 2, 2021
For me, a page turner is a book that I can't put down. Put off other tasks for "just one more chapter." To be sad when it ends and leaves me wanting more.
Maggie's Strength was one of those.
I have come to greatly appreciate this author's storytelling ability and Maggie's was top-notch.
The historical component along with masterfully crafted and interesting characters, a bit of humor, yummy tension and suspense, and her way addressing sensitive issues made this one go on the "it had it all list."
I can't wait for the next in the series.
Maggie's Strength was one of those.
I have come to greatly appreciate this author's storytelling ability and Maggie's was top-notch.
The historical component along with masterfully crafted and interesting characters, a bit of humor, yummy tension and suspense, and her way addressing sensitive issues made this one go on the "it had it all list."
I can't wait for the next in the series.
January 30, 2022
This was a very good historical novel. The author does an excellent job of relating the story in a deliberately slower pace, kind of like life would have been like back then. The style and theme reminded me a little of "Hannah Fowler". I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 1, 2022
Maggie Kerr was taken captive at eleven at Fort McCord. She's a survivor and she will do whatever she has to do to continue surviving.
Baptiste Geroux is lame, and he doesn't feel whole but he is content to farm the land which he grew up on. He is waiting and hoping his brother, Henri will return from the West, but he has doubts he will return.
He doesn't expect Maggie to have the effect she has on him, but he can't stop thinking about her, and neither can Maggie stop thinking about Baptiste. She is English and he's french plus the villagers look at Maggie differently because of her captivity.
Maggie and Baptiste's characters were so well-drawn. They were both strong but in different ways from their dissimilar backgrounds, but that is where their strengths come from. This reminded me of what I learned in my middle-grade history, though different countries (Canada) it was somewhat similar, the British, the French, and the Indians. I liked both Baptiste and Maggie's characters and their POVs and how they learned to trust and love one another.
Baptiste Geroux is lame, and he doesn't feel whole but he is content to farm the land which he grew up on. He is waiting and hoping his brother, Henri will return from the West, but he has doubts he will return.
He doesn't expect Maggie to have the effect she has on him, but he can't stop thinking about her, and neither can Maggie stop thinking about Baptiste. She is English and he's french plus the villagers look at Maggie differently because of her captivity.
Maggie and Baptiste's characters were so well-drawn. They were both strong but in different ways from their dissimilar backgrounds, but that is where their strengths come from. This reminded me of what I learned in my middle-grade history, though different countries (Canada) it was somewhat similar, the British, the French, and the Indians. I liked both Baptiste and Maggie's characters and their POVs and how they learned to trust and love one another.
October 24, 2021
Book 2 of the Forts of Refuge series, like Book 1 Sarah’s Choice, sweeps you away from the very beginning into the turmoil of the past conflicts between British, French and Native American tribes. 1756, Fort McCord, Pennsylvania to 1763, Fort Detroit under seige. Thomas writes in a way that leads you to feel the angst of the constant fear of attack, being killed or even worse, being taken captive…lack of supplies…lacking freedom to go home to their farms…fighting, not for a king across an ocean or even a country but for their homes…This story, while a little repetitive in the middle, flows well and keeps you engaged as one woman’s determination and courage brings her to what she has needed for seven years…freedom, safety and family.
Can Maggie learn to trust again and allow someone to love and protect her after having to take care or herself for so long? What of her lifetime until now? Can she free herself of the heartache she has endured as a captive, away from family and in a life that she did not want?
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This novel is appropriate for young adults and older. There are no overly descriptive intimate scenes and no bad language.
I received this book from the publisher/author free of charge with no expectation of a positive review.
Can Maggie learn to trust again and allow someone to love and protect her after having to take care or herself for so long? What of her lifetime until now? Can she free herself of the heartache she has endured as a captive, away from family and in a life that she did not want?
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This novel is appropriate for young adults and older. There are no overly descriptive intimate scenes and no bad language.
I received this book from the publisher/author free of charge with no expectation of a positive review.
September 5, 2022
I am loving these Forts of Refuge books! So much wonderful historical fact and heart pounding fiction packed into each story. Maggie’s Strength is set during the attacks fueled by Pontiac and surrounding tribes against Fort Detroit. Pegg immerses the reader in a captivating tale of survival, trust, and love.
Eleven years ago Maggie was taken by the Lenni Lenape, abandoned by her family, sold to the Huron, then promised in marriage to a brutal warrior. She has done everything in her power to survive captivity, her mother’s last words urging her to be strong giving her the will to go on.
Maggie refuses to be joined to Tree Sleeper, so when the opportunity to escape arises she heads to the fort. On her way, she encounters Baptiste, a French farmer, who aids her in reaching the fort safely.
Baptiste has spent years farming his land and keeping to himself, trying his best to stay neutral in any conflicts. But when Maggie walks into his life he realizes his solitary ways are no longer what he desires. This strong, resilient woman may not need him but he feels it is his duty to protect and shield her.
A fragile, beautiful bond is forged, but will her past rip them apart?
Eleven years ago Maggie was taken by the Lenni Lenape, abandoned by her family, sold to the Huron, then promised in marriage to a brutal warrior. She has done everything in her power to survive captivity, her mother’s last words urging her to be strong giving her the will to go on.
Maggie refuses to be joined to Tree Sleeper, so when the opportunity to escape arises she heads to the fort. On her way, she encounters Baptiste, a French farmer, who aids her in reaching the fort safely.
Baptiste has spent years farming his land and keeping to himself, trying his best to stay neutral in any conflicts. But when Maggie walks into his life he realizes his solitary ways are no longer what he desires. This strong, resilient woman may not need him but he feels it is his duty to protect and shield her.
A fragile, beautiful bond is forged, but will her past rip them apart?
October 6, 2022
Peg Thomas wrote another Winner.
Maggie was taken by Indians after a raid. She was separated from her whole family. She thought for a long time that her family would come for her, but it never happened. She survived as a slave for 7 years. She ran away after being promised to an evil man. Baptiste was a French farmer. He Loved farming and his cabin, but he was lonely. What a wonderful story of Fort Detroit and the long battle with the gathered tribes, led by Pontiac.
Maggie was taken by Indians after a raid. She was separated from her whole family. She thought for a long time that her family would come for her, but it never happened. She survived as a slave for 7 years. She ran away after being promised to an evil man. Baptiste was a French farmer. He Loved farming and his cabin, but he was lonely. What a wonderful story of Fort Detroit and the long battle with the gathered tribes, led by Pontiac.
February 11, 2023
A beautifully written story set around the time of Pontiac's Rebellion. Factual events are included in the story. Maggie was kidnapped by Indians as a young child during an Indian raid. Maggie never gave a thought to trying to escape as it was dangerous, but when she is promised to a cruel Huron warrior, Maggie decides to escape. She is both terrified and hopeful that she can reach Fort Detroit and seek refuge as a British citizen. But when she gets close, there is a swift, deep, wide river to cross. She meets Baptiste and he helps her get across the river and to the fort. He is a slightly lame French farmer who stayed after the French left and trades with both the Indians and the fort while remaining neutral. The Indians aren't too fond of the British as the French had given the Indians things while the British expected them to trade or buy things.
This takes place after the French and Indian war. There is a lot of interesting history about that time and a sweet romance blossoms. Maggie and Baptiste are great together.
This takes place after the French and Indian war. There is a lot of interesting history about that time and a sweet romance blossoms. Maggie and Baptiste are great together.
October 30, 2021
Loved Book 2 Awaiting Book 3
Really happy to have discovered this author. This is a wonderful mind movie of an exciting historical time. Really, well done. Characters you want to meet. Sights and smells of such believability. Love, loyalty, honor, good guys and bad alike all join in to escape and educate you…she has a great future…
Really happy to have discovered this author. This is a wonderful mind movie of an exciting historical time. Really, well done. Characters you want to meet. Sights and smells of such believability. Love, loyalty, honor, good guys and bad alike all join in to escape and educate you…she has a great future…
October 11, 2021
I finished Maggie’s Strength in two days. The house is a mess but I’m smiling. If you’ve not read book 1 in the series you should, but they can stand alone. This book, in my opinion, is even better than the first. The characters were deeper and more real to me. I absolutely fell for Baptiste. His bad-boy brother was intriguing as well. If you like that sort. *wink*
Maggie is a strong, capable heroine and I liked that. She was also vulnerable. I thoroughly enjoyed taking a journey in her head. I love the way Pegg Thomas wrote the story. I fell in love with Baptiste even before Maggie did. The ending was so emotionally satisfying and I appreciated that.
It’s not only history, or romance, or adventure but it’s all of them nicely blended and balanced
Maggie is a strong, capable heroine and I liked that. She was also vulnerable. I thoroughly enjoyed taking a journey in her head. I love the way Pegg Thomas wrote the story. I fell in love with Baptiste even before Maggie did. The ending was so emotionally satisfying and I appreciated that.
It’s not only history, or romance, or adventure but it’s all of them nicely blended and balanced
December 17, 2022
Oh Pegg! I’m so glad you reached out to suggest I read Sarah’s Choice. Both that book and this have been phenomenal. Your stories are beautiful, not predictable, and are sure to capture the hearts of readers.
Every girl could use a Baptiste in her life. ;)
Every girl could use a Baptiste in her life. ;)
July 13, 2024
A book of the American frontier, Maggie's Strength--Book 2 of the Forts of Refuge Series, is another excellent book by Pegg Thomas. Well-written and historically accurate, the book is set in Fort Detroit after it became a possession of the British and tells the story of Maggie, who has escaped the Hurons after 7 years of captivity, and Baptiste, a Frenchman, who was raised on the frontier. This is the best of historical fiction, my favorite genre.
November 3, 2021
Maggie’s Strength is a wonderful story of survival with rich historical detail, one you will not set aside until finished. Young Maggie experiences things that I wonder if I would come out unscathed. Survival is so much more than existence, which she shows throughout this story. The well developed characters, as well as the detailed surroundings, make you feel like you are right in the middle of Fort Detroit in 1763.
The upheaval of that time is well known - the French have left, the British are staying and the various tribes of Natives are banding together to express their unhappiness with this change. Baptiste Geroux is a farmer, trying to scratch a living but caught in the middle. Will he survive this war or lose everything he has worked so hard for? Can Maggie forgive those who hurt her when she was a child? Only with forgiveness can redemption take place.
An ARC of Book 2 in the Forts of Refuge series was received through Spinner of Yarns Publishing. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
The upheaval of that time is well known - the French have left, the British are staying and the various tribes of Natives are banding together to express their unhappiness with this change. Baptiste Geroux is a farmer, trying to scratch a living but caught in the middle. Will he survive this war or lose everything he has worked so hard for? Can Maggie forgive those who hurt her when she was a child? Only with forgiveness can redemption take place.
An ARC of Book 2 in the Forts of Refuge series was received through Spinner of Yarns Publishing. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
October 9, 2021
This was a true page-turner! It was full of action. I stayed up late reading. Just couldn't stop. This is a book that took place in the days of Indian Wars, hostile times full of fear and working hard for survival.
The story was amazing and I can't say enough good things about it. There were no slow parts, so no skimming pages. It was so well written I didn't want to miss anything that happened.
Maggie and Baptiste come from different backgrounds and different life experiences. Together they find ways to help each other and to form a bond.
I loved this book. It was so good!
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
The story was amazing and I can't say enough good things about it. There were no slow parts, so no skimming pages. It was so well written I didn't want to miss anything that happened.
Maggie and Baptiste come from different backgrounds and different life experiences. Together they find ways to help each other and to form a bond.
I loved this book. It was so good!
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
August 5, 2023
Better than most frontier fiction
This was an interesting novel set in the aftermath of the French and Indian War. I’ve not read much set during this time period, or at least not with this specific focus. I feel like I learned something and it brought a time period alive that I’m not familiar with so I consider that a win. Secular, but throw in a couple vague moralisms and two prayers and it would read like most Christian fiction these days lol. Clean.
I liked the writing and the characters: I didn’t want to put it down in some parts, which is my mark of a good novel. A little disappointed not to have Henri’s story for book 3, even though this and the first are standalone novels. His character felt almost too interesting to be secondary.
This was an interesting novel set in the aftermath of the French and Indian War. I’ve not read much set during this time period, or at least not with this specific focus. I feel like I learned something and it brought a time period alive that I’m not familiar with so I consider that a win. Secular, but throw in a couple vague moralisms and two prayers and it would read like most Christian fiction these days lol. Clean.
I liked the writing and the characters: I didn’t want to put it down in some parts, which is my mark of a good novel. A little disappointed not to have Henri’s story for book 3, even though this and the first are standalone novels. His character felt almost too interesting to be secondary.
October 7, 2021
Pegg Thomas has, once again, written a riveting story set during Pontiac’s Rebellion. This was a great story of survival. It was also a story about learning to forgive. I loved the characters of Maggie and Baptiste. Both Maggie and Baptiste had their own struggles. Maggie was trying to maintain her freedom after escaping captivity, and Baptiste just wanted to farm his family’s land amid growing hostility. Together, they were able to help each other and give each other the sense of family neither one knew they wanted. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. These thoughts are mine.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. These thoughts are mine.
March 6, 2022
I loved this book. Maggie was taken captive by the Indians when she was 11 years old. She learned to live like the Indians so she became a survivor. When her captor sold her to an evil warrior to be his wife she knew she had to escape and she did. The history and Maggie’s story are both excellent! Does Maggie succeed in her escape? Does she find love? Does she learn to trust again? Does Maggie ever get reunited with her family? Read this exciting historical novel to get the answers.
January 15, 2024
Everything about this book was brought to life ! Pegs words, brought a visual picture to the readers mind. I can clearly see how each person looked like. The pain and suffering all involved went through must have been horrible. And, for Maggie to think her Da didn’t care, was heartbreaking. Her and Baptiste’s breaking down of walls which they had each built up around them, just in order to survive. I’m definitely on to the next in the series. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would
July 18, 2024
So I read these books out of order but it didn’t seem to change the narrative. Another wonderful book I happened to find on kindle. I love historical fiction plus add some romance and it’s set in upstate New York! Sold. Beautiful writing. I very much enjoyed it.
September 30, 2021
Maggie's Strength has it all - Emotion, Strength in the hero and heroine as well, Strong Historical Accuracy, Romance that is realistic as well as sigh-worthy. Ms. Thomas' book 2 in her Forts of Refuge Series does NOT disappoint. I missed a Spiritual connection, but the writing is Stellar, and I read this novel all the way through - late into the night. A VERY WORTHY READ!
January 28, 2022
I always appreciate the historical accuracy that Pegg puts into her books. Maggie’s story was representative of several who found themselves captured and taken into an entirely new life. But her resourcefulness and strength brought about a different ending than many had. I greatly enjoyed her journey and the life of love and forgiveness that she finally received .
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