Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.
When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.
Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do — be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?
Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, Christy-nominee The Wood’s Edge, and A Flight of Arrows.
Find out more about Lori at http://loribenton.blogspot.com.
My Impressions:
Lori Benton has become my go-to author for my historical fiction fix because she not only allows the reader to step back into a completely believable time and place, but creates characters that capture both heart and imagination. Her latest novel, Many Sparrows, is a look into the frontier expansion of America in the late 1770s. With a pending war with England on the horizon, settlers are eager to claim land farther and farther to the west. But progress comes at a cost to the native Americans already living there. Tensions rise with horrific results. Based on an actual event, Many Sparrows captures the essence of life along the undeveloped Ohio River, giving equal attention and sympathies to both sides of the conflict. For fans of early American fiction, Many Sparrows is a must-read.
Clare Inglesby finds herself in the hardest position of her life. Her husband gone and on the verge of giving birth to her second child alone on the trail, Clare’s four-year old son is missing. Jeremiah Ring has been looking for the hapless Inglesby family and finds his fears have been realized. Can a frontiersman lead a determined mother to her son lost among the Indians?
The history behind Many Sparrows felt right to this reader. No, I’m not a scholar of the period, but I could sense the author’s achievement of authenticity. This is a novel that is well-researched. With each page, the reader is drawn into another world without modern conveniences and modern sensibilities. The contrast between white and Indian culture is presented naturally and with respect to both sides. Benton’s characterization is spot on as well. Main characters Jeremiah and Clare, as well as the many supporting characters, are complex and well-defined and developed. I especially identified with Clare in her determination to get her son back. I also identified with her impatience and inability to be still and wait on God. Jeremiah is a great hero (swoon worthy as well). As his own past and present collide, he acts honorably, but not without a few regrets. There is a romance between Jeremiah and Clare, and those who like a bit of romance will be happy with the results. The faith message is strong, yet not preachy. More than one character must grapple with a lack of faith in God’s plans for their lives.
Many Sparrows is another winner for Benton. It will be taking its place on my best of the best list for 2017.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: older teens and adults.
To purchase a copy, click HERE.
(Thanks to LitFuse and Waterbrook for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I’ve been anxious to read this one!
You need to. Very, very good!
I’m so glad you loved this book! Lori is one of the best! 🙂 You HAVE to read The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn now (have you?) because Wildcat is the main hero. 🙂
I have not read that one. Plus I need to read Flight of Arrows too. I’m thinking both would be great over Christmas.
I received my copy a week or so ago, and I have been waiting to finish my current book before starting it!
You are going to love it!