Publisher's Weekly Review
Christy Award--winner Franz (A Bound Heart) takes readers on a romantic adventure in 1770 Virginia in this enjoyable work. Tessa Swan lives with her mother and five brothers on the outskirts of Fort Tygart where tensions run high between the whites and Native Americans. Several years earlier, one of Tessa's best friends, Keturah, was captured by the Lenape Natives, and recently, Tessa's father was killed by them, as well. When Col. Clay Tygart, also a former captive of the Lenape, returns to the fort with the long-lost Keturah, the young woman struggles to return to her previous life. Tessa and Clay experience an immediate connection, but Clay fights his feelings for her due to his own belief (and experience) that everyone he cares for ends up getting hurt. But thanks to Tessa's influence, Clay begins to rediscover the faith of his youth, which he will need as he struggles to keep the fort safe from attack. When Clay realizes he and Keturah are connected through their shared history living among the Lenape tribes, he fears the whole community, especially Tessa and her family, is at risk. Franz captures the challenges of life on the frontier in this skillful though straightforward inspirational romance. (Jan.)
Booklist Review
After her father was killed in an encounter with Native Americans, Tessa, living on a homestead in 1770 West Virginia, has to help her ma feed and clean up after Tessa's five brothers, so she's in no hurry to marry. But then Colonel Clay Tygart, raised by the Lenape and fresh from the French and Indian War, appears with Keturah, Tessa's long-gone childhood friend who had also been captured by the Lenape. Clay and Tessa are attracted to each other, but, knowing that his life is ill-suited for a wife and family, Clay tries to keep their relationship platonic. Just as they're ready to admit their feelings, Tessa is kidnapped and Clay is in pursuit. This is a fascinating look at life in the wilderness, and Frantz does an especially good job depicting the uneasy dynamics among the Native Americans, settlers, and the returned captives, who often find their loyalties divided. Tessa makes a worthy heroine, and Clay is both honorable and courageous in this satisfying, historical tale by the popular Christy Award winner.--Candace Smith Copyright 2020 Booklist
