The Wood's Edge by Lori
Benton
Waterbrook Press
Have you ever picked up
a book and before you know what has happened you find yourself so enthralled that
you don't want to put it down? This magnificent tale by Lori Benton is one of
those stories.
Ms. Benton takes us
back in time to the 1757 New York frontier, where life at the British Fort "William
Henry" is about to come to an abrupt end by the hands of blood-thirsty, marauding
Indians. What takes place during this horrific
time will forever change the lives of two families.
Amidst the fighting Major
Reginald Aubrey watched his fragile wife give birth to a son, then moments
later while she slept, he realizes the boy has died. Deciding to take him away
for burial before Heledd awakens, Reginald heads outside. On the way he sees a
young woman that was taken from the Oneida Indians who has given birth to
twins, one as fair as she is and the other as dark as his Indian father. Barely
thinking twice, the grieving father makes a decision that will haunt him for
years to come; he switches the babies.
Barely escaping with
their lives, Reginald with Heledd and baby William head for safety, on the way
they come upon a family that was all slaughtered by the Indians, except for a
little girl, who appears less than a year old. Knowing he cannot leave her, Anna
becomes a part of their family.
Years later Heledd takes
William to Wales where he furthers his education, leaving behind Reginald and a
heart broken Anna. Mourning for her brother, Anna visits their favorite childhood spot
near the edge of the woods and there she meets a young Indian brave by the name
of Two Hawks, who oddly reminds her of William. They form a fast bond and what develops
after that encounter will bring about the healing of two families.
Lori Benton is an
absolute master storyteller; with her descriptive wording she paints a picture that
you will forever want to hold in your heart. This story takes you to the deepest
depths of despair and
then to the highest heights of redemption and forgiveness. The storyline is both
captivating and emotional; there are scenes that were so moving I was brought
to tears. The ending was different than what I thought it would be but it was both
rewarding and satisfying and I can barely wait to see where this story leads as
it will be continued in the next book in this series.
*Thanks
to Waterbrook Press for supplying a copy of this in exchange
for my honest opinion.*
You may pre-order this and other books by Lori at Amazon, CBD, BAM and Barnes and Noble
GIVEAWAY: Two copies of The Wood's Edge will be given away to two blessed commenters on any of the posts this week! E-book only to International winner!