This is the second book of the Path Finders series. I’m glad I had already read the first one. I
found it very helpful in understanding the relationships and background. The author begins the book with a short
review of the story from book one, told in a folklore style.
This is a book that requires concentrated attention to
read.
It is set during the Revolutionary War in what we now call New England, more specifically, the Mohawk Valley of New
York State. The author does a good job
of portraying the confusing political and social culture of the time.
This is from the back cover:
“Hearts are Divided
Loyalties Will Be Tested
The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance
Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.
No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.
Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.”
At points the narratives seem overly long and wordy. They didn’t hold my attention and I found
myself tempted to skip them.
There are so many characters to keep track of, many of them
spies and double agents that I found it hard to keep straight who was on which
side.
Christian faith is a major theme throughout the book and the
merging of the Native American culture and Christianity is very well
presented. The romantic aspect of the story
takes a back seat to the war aspect but it is an important part of the
story. I was a little uncomfortable with
the intimacy portrayed, it was a bit too provocative for my taste.
This is a story of repentance, forgiveness, friendship,
tolerance, acceptance, choices and sacrifice.
You can read an excerpt HERE
I found the author’s notes in the back of the book, and the
map in the front to be very helpful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Press through their book
review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions
expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal
Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements
and Testimonials in Advertising.”
