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07 July 2015

Bonnie Roof Reviews 'To Capture Her Heart' By Rebecca DeMarino

To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino
Revell 2015

Set in 1653, "To Capture Her Heart", is book 2 of the Southold Chronicles—a series inspired by the author, Rebecca DeMarino's, ninth great-grandparents, Barnabas and Mary Horton. Rebecca transports the reader, with adventure and suspense, to the wild land that eventually becomes Long Island, New York. 

The conflict between its people - Dutch and English settlements, as well as tribes of the Montaukett and Narragansett - play an important part in the development of the story. There is much doubt and unrest as to where one's loyalties should lie - word traveling slowly from the court in New Haven, Connecticut, and the English uncertain as to whether they are at war with the Dutch, who are giving the Indians firearms. The English are concerned their interests will be compromised if the natives interfere. Having suffered much in their homeland, they want the peace of worshiping in their own way, without interference from others. They hold a strong belief they must keep those who profess a different faith-out of Southold.

Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, and her groom, Keme, are celebrating their wedding feast when the village is attacked by the rival Narragansett tribe - murdering Keme and others, as well as kidnapping Heather Flower and thirteen other women of her tribe. Even though her ransom is paid by Englishman, Lion Gardner, Heather Flower is bound by her captors and left to die.  

There is an attraction on the part of both, when Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren is chosen to lead a militia to rescue her. Still grieving from the loss of Keme, and not yet ready to return home to the scene of the massacre, she stays with her aunt Winnie at the Corchaug village in Southold, near the home of English friends Barnabas and Mary Horton and family. As she heals, Heather Flower finds herself torn between her affection for Dirk and her long-time friendship with Ben Horton, son of Barnabas. At the same time, she worries she will lose a part of herself by living in the white man's world; her mother is much more concerned with their race being obliterated through intermarriage than about Heather Flower's heart and love.  

I became thoroughly engrossed in the characters of "To Capture Her Heart", and enjoyed learning more of the history, customs, and people of that era and area. Rebecca DeMarino paints a story rich with heart-warming family scenes, realistic characters, and vivid descriptions that capture the reader's heart and imagination - there is inspiration from the strong element of faith in trusting God to provide. It is a beautiful story of romance - a woman torn between her heart's desire, uncertainty, and feelings of obligation. A shocking twist in the final pages provides a heart-warming conclusion - "To Capture Her Heart" definitely whetted my appetite and desire for reading books 1 ("A Place in His Heart") and 3 of the series, also!

You can find this treasure at AmazonCBD, and BAM.

Giveaway: We're giving away a paperback copy this week on OWG blog. You'll have two opportunities to enter the drawing. So leave a comment on this blog and on Diana's review on Thursday to get two entries for winning the book!




43 comments:

  1. Great review, Bonnie! Your review captured my heart, I cannot wait to read this!

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    1. Thank you, Regina!! It's a beautiful story!!

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  2. Beautiful cover, sounds like a good series!

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    1. It IS a beautiful cover, isn't it - Patty?? The story is just as beautiful!! Thanks for your comment!!

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  3. Captivating review, BONNIE! As was the book...loved it!

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    1. Thanks, Diana!! Yes, I loved the book, also - I'm looking forward to reading the 1st book in the series!!

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  4. Great review!! This looks like a good one!! Would love to read it!! Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  5. I enjoyed the history as well as the romance in the book, Sydney. Good luck in the giveaway - I hope you get the opportunity to read "To Capture Her Heart". Thanks for stopping by!!

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  6. Great review Bonnie! I've not yet read any of Rebecca's books. To Capture Her Heart sounds wonderful!

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    1. Thank you, Caryl!! This was the first I'd read of Rebecca's books - however, it certainly won't be the last. I loved everything about "To Capture Her Heart", and found it hard to put down!!

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  7. Wonderful review, Bonnie! Thank you so much! This one sounds like a dandy and I would love to read it!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi, Melanie!! You're welcome - it was my pleasure to read/review "To Capture Her Heart". The descriptions were vivid and realistic - I could picture them, the language was interspersed with just enough Native American words to enhance the story. If you enjoy history and romance, you should love this book!!

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  8. Thank you for this post. It looks like a great book and would love to learn more about this period in our country's history. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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    1. "To Capture Her Heart" portrays a bit of history that I knew nothing about until reading this, Susan. I never enjoyed history when I was in school, but now love learning bits of history through reading Christian Fiction. I think you will love the book, thanks for your comments!!

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  9. I really didn't need another book on my "want to read" list but your review of To Capture Her Heart has placed it there. Since it's a part of a series, and it's so hard for me to only read a part, the other books have to go on the list too. It really does sound like a terrific book. I like knowing it is inspired by the lives of the author's several times great-grandparents.
    Thanks for the chance to win this book.

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    1. Lol, so glad I was able to persuade you, Pam!! "To Capture Her Heart" sells itself - I actually had no problem reading the book as a stand-alone, however, it probably would have been even more meaningful had I read book 1, and I look forward to having the opportunity to read it. I, too, enjoy books that have a connection with real people. As with you, I didn't need anymore books on my "want to read" list either, however - that never stops me from adding to the list, lol. There are so many wonderful authors and books in Christian Fiction - we, the readers, are blessed!!

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  10. Bonnie, I haven't read any of these, but now I want to. That's kind of a lost time period, and setting for historical fiction. Both my Doyle/Swartwout ancestors (I've got a little Dutch in me!) and Dave's family came over twenty years before this story takes place, and it's fascinating to think of the courage and conviction that took! Imagine the difference, between comely England, stately Holland, and a rough, rustic bands of Native Americans... Every time I head down the Hudson and/or Mohawk River valleys, I imagine what it must have looked like, and what kind of strength it took to come across an ocean... and settle a new land, all for the love of religious freedom. Then I wonder: would we have the courage it takes? Or is our life too comfortable and easy?

    Thanks for this wonderful and tempting review!

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    1. Ruthy, thank you for taking the time to stop by - I appreciate it greatly. I always love reading your comments!!

      "To Capture Her Heart" actually relates some of those struggles involved for people immigrating to our country. They, and other generations before us paid sacrifices so that we could have lives of comfort and continued religious freedom. I can't imagine myself being bold/brave enough to deal with the hardships they endured, although I would love to time travel and spend a day with some of them.

      Thanks for your beautiful comments, so glad you enjoyed the review!!

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  11. As Ruth says just above, this is a wonderful and very tempting review!! You have me hooked as well Bonnie! :) Sounds like a place and era that's incredibly rich in history and emotion. Looking forward to reading this!

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    1. Yes, there was lots of history and emotion in "To Capture Her Heart", Noela. As well as wonderful family scenes, lots of spirituality, lovable characters, beautiful descriptions, and touching romance. Thanks for your sweet comments, I think you will enjoy this book.

      Speaking of enjoyment, I hope your birthday was filled with it!!

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  12. Wonderful review, Diana - I do believe I would love to read this series :)

    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. BETTI, as much as I would like to take credit for this lovely review, Bonnie Roof wrote it. I know it can get a wee bit confusing with 5 of us writing reviews for this blog. Thx, BETTI, for coming by!

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    2. I'm honored that my review was confused with Diana's, Betti - her reviews are always so beautiful!! Thank you!! Southold Chronicles is a beautiful series, books 1 and 2 are ready for you to enjoy, book 3 is yet to be released.

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  13. I need to read book 1 first. Sounds wonderful.

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    1. Hi, Mary - thanks for stopping by!! I would encourage you to read both books, as I'm sure book 1 is just as wonderful as "To Capture Her Heart", and would probably add to your reading enjoyment. However, I had no problem in keeping up with the characters by reading only book 2, and loved it!!

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  14. I love books from this time period! This will be a new author for me, looking forward to her words!

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    1. Thank you for your comments, Melody!! Rebecca DeMarino's writing in "To Capture Her Heart" is full of history, faith, romance, realistic characters, vivid descriptions, touching emotions, beautiful wording - in an uncomplicated style. I loved the history involved!! Enjoy!!

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  15. I have read book one A Place in His Heart. It was an amazing read! Just starting book two, but it will be tough to beat the debut! :)

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    1. I haven't read "A Place in His Heart", but can't imagine it being any better than "To Capture Her Heart". I'm thinking you will probably find book 2 just as amazing!! Thank you for your wonderful comments, R Merr - so glad you stopped by!!!!

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  16. Hi Bonnie. This was a great review with such heart-felt feelings in your descriptions. I love the books like this with Indians in them. I read them all of the time many years ago. Also had two Indian Grandmothers , but don't know how far back. I would be so happy to be a winner of this book. I don't have one of Rebecca's yet. And, again thanks for a great review. GOD bless you. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  17. Thank you, dear Maxie!! Always enjoy your comments. You will love "To Capture Her Heart" - Rebecca's writing is beautiful, and reveals much info re: Heather Flower's tribe and faith/customs, as well as her conflicting emotions re: her friendships with the white man and their faith/customs.

    I've always had sympathy for the Native American, feeling so many of them were mistreated. I had a white ancestor, known as Blue Jacket, who was captured and made a Shawnee war chief - he loved them and fought for the return of their land. I also had a cousin who dedicated his life as a missionary to the Seminole in Florida.

    Blessings to you, also - Maxie!!

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  18. If you love history and romance - you will love "To Capture Her Heart", Kim. Thanks for your comment!!

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  19. If a hero on a cover ever made me buy a book, it's this one!

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    1. Doesn't he make you swoon, Melissa?? I must say that you have some swoon-worthy heroes on your novel covers as well, aka Silas. Hope I did justice to him in my review of "A Bride At Last" - here at OWG last week!! I loved your novel, and so appreciate your taking the time to stop by - thank you!!

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  20. Great review Bonnie.
    I have not read anything by this author-yet, but from the book's description & your review it will be added to ever lengthening to-be-read list. I so enjoy books in this era. One of my great, great (not sure how many "great"-grandmothers back) grandmother was an Indian. We never figured out what tribe though.

    Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
    Blessings, Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net

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  21. LOL, how well I know that feeling, Tina - "ever lengthening to-be-read list"!! If only we could read 24/7, we'd make more progress on whittling our beautiful lists down, eh?? This is the first of Rebecca's books I've read, I will definitely be reading book 1 and placing it near the very top of my list, as well as book 3 - when it is released, and following releases from Rebecca. Good luck, and thanks for your comments!!

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  22. What a lovely review - I know I would greatly enjoy this book!

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    1. Thank you so much, Betti, I appreciate your comments!! I learned a lot about the relations between the English, Dutch, and Native Americans from "To Capture Her Heart" - as well as their customs, etc., and difficulties immigrating to the USA. I wasn't aware of Southold, N.Y. - it has a historical connection which everyone should be aware of, the beautiful romance in the novel is added "icing on the cake". I think you will find it hard to put down, once you start reading it.

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  23. Thank you so much, Bonnie - such a wonderful review! And thank you to everyone who left a comment - I wish you all the best!

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    1. I'm thrilled you stopped by, Rebecca - I know you've been very busy traveling to conferences and book signings. "To Capture Her Heart" has certainly inspired me to visit Southold, I so hope I will have that opportunity - I loved the novel and look forward to the others in the series. I'm honored that you enjoyed my review, I so wanted to do justice to your novel. Thanks for penning such an inspiring novel. Blessings!!

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  24. Bonnie, I left a comment on Diana's review above and just now saw yours. Excellent thoughts! I started on this one last night and am enjoying being reunited with Mary, Barnabas and Winnie from Rebecca's previous book. Character driven, my favorite type of book. Also, the Colonial period is my favorite historical setting. Thanks for sharing, Miss Bonnie!

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  25. Hi, Carole - so glad you took the time to stop by, thank you so much!! So glad you enjoyed the review, I also enjoy the ones you post on your blog - always beautiful. "To Capture Her Heart" has certainly enticed me to read book 1 in the Southold Chronicles, as well as next year's book 3 - I'd love to see Southold now, after reading the book and seeing pictures of it on Rebecca's Facebook page. I loved the characters!!

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