Lori Benton

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Reginald Aubrey didn't think his wife could handle the loss of yet another child. So once Heldidd fell asleep, he took the stillborn baby and switched it with one on the native's newborn twins. He reasoned with himself that she had two healthy babies, he prayed that he was doing right thing...was he? Will he ever come to terms with tricking his wife into believing that the little boy she loves so dearly isn't really hers? Will the ever growing affection that Lydia has for Reginald ever be acknowledged or returned?

This was a beautifully written story about love and God's timing. The story spans twenty years, so you can see love bloom between Anna Catherine and Two Hawks. You also see the internal struggle Two Hawks had with keeping who he was a secret. I loved seeing how much the Oneida clan changed once they accepted Jesus. I really hope there's going to be a book two, I would absolutely love to see the friendship between Stone Thrower and Reginald.… (plus d'informations)

Shiloh, the second book in Lori Benton’s Kindred series, has long been on my TBR list. A long hold from Libby was finally available, and I have to say the wait was certainly worth it. Picking up where Mountain Laurel leaves off, Shiloh completes the story of Seona and Ian. The historical detail of this book is great. I especially liked the references to the origins of Cooperstown, NY. The book explores the experiences of people of color in the newly formed US. Former slaves, Native Americans, and those of mixed races are all important characters in the story. Identity and purpose are strong themes, especially as those things relate to God’s perspective. I found traces of the prodigal son, Joseph, and Jacob’s stories woven throughout the narrative. There’s romance, adventure, and suspense as well. And those of you who loved Burning Sky, Benton’s debut novel, are in for a treat!

Shiloh is another recommended read from Benton. However, this book is not a standalone — you must read Mountain Laurel first.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I borrowed the audiobook from my library. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)… (plus d'informations)

In Shiloh, after suffering a great loss, Ian Cameron leaves Mountain Laurel in North Carolina to join his family in Boston. After arriving and reuniting with not only his family but Seona, the woman he was hand-fast with, and their son, Ian decides that he will settle in New York, and chooses a large plot outside of Shiloh. After payment for the land has been made, word gets out that he paid with raw gold, attracting the attention of Aram Crane, a known trouble-maker. Upon getting settled, Ian asks Seona and their son to join his settlement with the hope of winning back Seona’s heart and eventually marrying her. But after she arrives, he learns that her trust may not be easy to win back. And when troubles arise with Aram Crane, challenging his ability to keep them safe, will Seona choose to leave and return to her life in Boston?

I was looking forward to this book after having read other books by Lori Benton, and I was not disappointed. I find Lori Benton’s books so easy to enjoy, as her descriptions paint such clear pictures, and her characters are so well built and developed. I loved this story about Ian and Seona. There is so much emotion, action, and drama. I love the theme of trust, not just in others but especially in God, that serves as an undercurrent of the story. Shiloh is another beautifully written novel by an author who has become one of my favorites.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.… (plus d'informations)