Tessa Swan was born and raised in the wilderness alongside five brothers, working hard to make a life for themselves, each day fraught with the threat of an Indian attack. The return of Lenape Indian captive and Tessa's childhood friend, Keturah, brings a whirlwind of change in the form of Colonel Clay Tygart.
Clay was taken as a young child by the Lenape, and then returned to his Quaker kin, he is a man who casts two shadows, walking the thin line between two cultures. He is captivated by Tessa's plain spoken ways, encouraged by her faith, but can he ask a woman to walk beside him in the treacherous limbo between two worlds?
A captivating read that paints a realistic picture of frontier life, the loneliness, wariness, and the close bonds of family. I liked Tessa from the start, a young woman who has only known the dangers of the wilderness, yet longs for a glimpse of finer things. She is sincere, and straightforward, taking initiative when she sees a task needing done. I admired her honesty and compassion for others.
Clay is a man shaped by his upbringing, both by the Lenape and the Quakers. His heart is with both sides of the conflict, he is a natural leader, and a man who draws respect wherever he goes. The line he walks is a hard one, and he struggles with reconciling it with his faith.
A memorable read that transported me into the early days of America, realistically showing the struggles of living in the wilderness, with aspects of isolation and fear. I loved the strong themes of friendship, family, and faith throughout. Utterly riveting, and near impossible to put down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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