Love In Times Of Conflict

The Backcountry Brides Collection is a delightful set of eight unique Christian tales set in the mid eighteenth century. The stories are bound by settings and themes. It is a time of conflict for the Americans with the British, French, German and Native Americans. There is distrust of others who hold different values. There are conflicts between the Loyalists and the Patriots. In spite of war, love can flourish if you know where to look.

Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a delightful tale about families, first love and the faithfulness of God. Life in the mid eighteenth century was precarious with conflicts. Families bonded together and supported each other. Those who were lost, were found and God restores the years the locusts have eaten. As a Carrie Fancett Pagels fan, I was delighted to see William Christy make an appearance in the story.

Heart Of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor is a delightful tale with a modern woman at the centre of a man’s world. She faces opposition and discrimination as well as sabotage but keeps going to preserve memories. Family is at the heart.

Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas is a story of faith and belief in God. A God who answers prayer. Who knows if we are here for such a time as this? “People are people no matter what colour coat they wear.” Good people pull together no matter what their race or religion. A delightful story based on historical fact.

A Heart So Tender by Debra E Marvin is another delightful tale of living in faith and not to be led by fear or anger. “I do not make a habit of living in fear.” If we have faith, we have nothing to fear. It is best to try to live side by side in peace with all men. “It does none of us any good to declare each stranger an enemy.” Education brings freedom. A desire to educate the Native Americans so they can make their way in the ever more dominating white man’s world is a strong theme.

A Worthy Groom by Angela K Couch is a story of new beginnings and second chances. Rivalry reminded me of Cain and Abel but love will conquer hate. There is the theme of the sins of the fathers but a generational curse can always be halted.

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer concentrates on the conflict between the Patriots and the Loyalists, also problems with the Native Americans. War makes us cherish what we have. As loss follows loss, love still manages to bloom.

The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear combines fact and fiction in this tale. Family members are not always good and someone has to take a stand against evil. Downtrodden by family, we need others to build us up. We need faith, hope and trust in God. A name change signifies a change in circumstances.

Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer is a delightful tale about priorities. For some it is family first. For others it is wealth, riches and status. The tale explores how beautiful love can be. It is far better to live with love in a shack in the wilderness than in a palace in town but lacking in love. There is racism that judges by the colour of one’s skin that contrasts with those who can see the heart. True love and family first.

I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON

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