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Westward Sagas #1
Spring House
The Mitchell family left Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1762 for North Carolina. Their story is chronicled by Mitchell descendant David Bowles, beginning when 17-year-old Adam Mitchell arrives in North Carolina with his family. The Mitchells just wanted to be left alone to farm their land, practice their faith in the Presbyterian Church, and raise their family. But the way they responded to the extraordinary circumstances of life on the new frontier, politics, and war made heroes of these ordinary citizens. Adam fought the British in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, while his mother Margaret Mitchell, his wife Elizabeth, and their children endured deprivation and danger on the family farm in the midst of the battle. The story of Adam's two loves – his first wife Jennetta who died bearing their firstborn child and his second wife Elizabeth who bore him twelve more children – creates the human backdrop to the dramatic historical events of Revolutionary War times.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2006
25 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 13, 2012
Based on historical facts and real people, this well-written, fictional account of the Mitchell family during the American Revolutionary War is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Through good times and bad, they stick together, and along with their neighbors, fight for independence. Lots of interesting history about early settlers in North Carolina and the important battle of Guilford Courthouse.
September 25, 2022
The Review
This was a powerful and moving historical fiction read. The intimate look into the lives of these ordinary families just trying to make a home for themselves and how the events of the Revolutionary War would impact them was so moving to read about. The atmosphere and tone the author struck in his writing allowed for some engaging moments between the reader and the narrative, giving a sense of urgency and the scenes themselves had some depth thanks to the great use of imagery in the writing.
Yet it was the balance the author struck between history and character-driven narratives. The story of protagonist Adam and his pursuit of what would later be known as the “American Dream” was great to see, and whether intentional or not, showcased every immigrant’s dream of finding a place to call home, free to be themselves and without fear of persecution. The detail of historical events and figures made the story feel much more alive, and the captivating moments where these families were able to set aside their differences in everything from politics to faith and instead focus on surviving together against insurmountable odds showed the true heart of what this nation’s foundation was meant to be.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, entertaining, and character-driven, author David Bowles’s “Spring House” is a brilliant historical fiction novel and the best introduction novel to the Westward Sagas series. The rich setting and historical facts layered into the personal character growth and emotional narrative allowed readers to feel connected to both the story and the period of time in a really unique way.
This was a powerful and moving historical fiction read. The intimate look into the lives of these ordinary families just trying to make a home for themselves and how the events of the Revolutionary War would impact them was so moving to read about. The atmosphere and tone the author struck in his writing allowed for some engaging moments between the reader and the narrative, giving a sense of urgency and the scenes themselves had some depth thanks to the great use of imagery in the writing.
Yet it was the balance the author struck between history and character-driven narratives. The story of protagonist Adam and his pursuit of what would later be known as the “American Dream” was great to see, and whether intentional or not, showcased every immigrant’s dream of finding a place to call home, free to be themselves and without fear of persecution. The detail of historical events and figures made the story feel much more alive, and the captivating moments where these families were able to set aside their differences in everything from politics to faith and instead focus on surviving together against insurmountable odds showed the true heart of what this nation’s foundation was meant to be.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, entertaining, and character-driven, author David Bowles’s “Spring House” is a brilliant historical fiction novel and the best introduction novel to the Westward Sagas series. The rich setting and historical facts layered into the personal character growth and emotional narrative allowed readers to feel connected to both the story and the period of time in a really unique way.
September 13, 2022
Revolutionary War Historical Fiction
As a history buff and lover of historical fiction, I found this book a fast and entertaining read. A unique blend of academic rhetoric with warm storytelling, it was easy to get lost in this fact-based tale. It was also a new view of the American Revolutionary War, which made it more personal and less political.
What I liked was the community found among the Mitchell family and their friends. I was moved by their strength, passion, and most importantly, their compassion. Their ability to put aside politics and religion for the sake of humanity is something we all should do.
What I didn't like was how the text was sometimes "telling." There were moments when I felt very drawn into a scene only to have it turn into more of a narrative. It worked because the author wanted to stay true to facts, which I appreciate. However, there was potential for the writer to make the text emotionally more powerful had they fully embraced their creative liberties.
This story is well researched and presented. It was easy to connect with the characters and knowing they are real people, who actually lived through these events, just makes you care about them more. It adds another layer to America's history.
I recommend this book. I'm looking forward to discovering more in this series as well as more works by David Bowles.
As a history buff and lover of historical fiction, I found this book a fast and entertaining read. A unique blend of academic rhetoric with warm storytelling, it was easy to get lost in this fact-based tale. It was also a new view of the American Revolutionary War, which made it more personal and less political.
What I liked was the community found among the Mitchell family and their friends. I was moved by their strength, passion, and most importantly, their compassion. Their ability to put aside politics and religion for the sake of humanity is something we all should do.
What I didn't like was how the text was sometimes "telling." There were moments when I felt very drawn into a scene only to have it turn into more of a narrative. It worked because the author wanted to stay true to facts, which I appreciate. However, there was potential for the writer to make the text emotionally more powerful had they fully embraced their creative liberties.
This story is well researched and presented. It was easy to connect with the characters and knowing they are real people, who actually lived through these events, just makes you care about them more. It adds another layer to America's history.
I recommend this book. I'm looking forward to discovering more in this series as well as more works by David Bowles.
January 2, 2024
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I am not usually into books set in this time period of time being Native American but this book was all about family and friends and the struggle to keep the family together even moving west at the time. It was a fact-based tale mixed with wonderful storytelling. Looking forward to seeing what happens to the family on their journey.
June 23, 2024
Such a great combination of story and historical facts! The author blends his family history and genealogy with historical records to tell the story of one family who made a big impact on the American Revolution and future generations of Americans.
I appreciate the attention to historical details with footnotes and official records. Looking forward to book 2!
I appreciate the attention to historical details with footnotes and official records. Looking forward to book 2!
December 28, 2019
History brought to life
The book is historical non fiction but narrative. I found the author's fiction story to be believable and intriguing. He writes a strong female 1700's character that I enjoyed. Looking forward to book 2!
The book is historical non fiction but narrative. I found the author's fiction story to be believable and intriguing. He writes a strong female 1700's character that I enjoyed. Looking forward to book 2!
March 24, 2013
A free book I've had on my kindle for a while and I'm trying to clear the older ones off. I think this is based on a real family and their lives/events in North Carolina during revolutionary times. It's interesting to see what life was like and how hard it could be. But the book seemed more like it was written as a history for the family, to preserve their heritage so parts of it were slow for me.
July 1, 2011
The writing on this book was so dry. Barely any descriptions were included at all. It was written for his children so help them know their family history. Half of the book was a list of genealogy names of his family. I read it only because it was written by someone with the same name as my husband.
July 2, 2009
Though the characters are Revolutionary War heroes, the story is more a family and love story than a war story. Spring House is Book 1 in the Westward Sagas, and the entire series will be consistent with known facts.
Disclaimer: I edited this book; I edit only books that I like.
Disclaimer: I edited this book; I edit only books that I like.
February 1, 2016
I liked this book but the writing was not very inspired. It was very straight forward. But if you enjoy history this is a fairly quick read. There are several lists at the end of the book that would prove interesting to anyone who thought they may be related to the family discussed in this book.
May 1, 2012
Quite interesting after getting through so many names, places and dates at the start. This is what you can do with your family tree!
September 17, 2012
This book is from a great local author
March 8, 2016
Wonderful historical fiction book based on family journals. Based on experiences of the family during the Civil War.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews