Waterbrook Press, Apr. 2015
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars~*****
In The Wood's Edge, author Lori Benton has penned a mesmerizing, emotionally charged colonial era novel of forbidden love and dark, long buried secrets that transpire between two diverse families of the Oneida tribe and British colonists – and of the beautiful, young white woman who finds herself caught between both worlds.
A grief-stricken Major Reginald Aubrey takes it upon himself to switch his dead baby for one of an Oneida woman's newborn twins (one born white and the other brown) as both mothers sleep after childbirth. Fearing for her sanity, Aubrey places the white baby in the arms of his sleeping wife and they raise William as their own son. Major Aubrey's adopted daughter, Anna, dearly loves both her brother, William, and Two Hawks, an Oneida boy she meets in secret at the wood's edge. When the truth finally comes to light, an angry Oneida father lusts for vengeance as Reginald is wracked with pain and regret. When both worlds collide, will Anna lose all she holds dear, including her mysterious friend, Two Hawks? And will she ever be able to forgive her loving father for the haunting decision he made years ago?
When I first read the blurb for this spectacular novel I didn't see how this premise could work, but it does and realistically so! Ms. Benton is a brilliant writer and her research of this particular era in history is impeccable. I thoroughly enjoyed my trips back and forth to the Oneida village, and witnessing William's birth parents' point of view was intriguing to say the least. So much history in such vivid detail, but nothing at all like my boring history classes in school! From the very outset to the surprise twist at the climactic conclusion, I was completely enthralled by this poignant, hauntingly beautiful story of love and redemption. I already miss the stunning cast of characters, but am thrilled that many will be returning in the second book of the Pathfinder series releasing in 2016. Sure to win many an award, The Wood's Edge is on my list of 2015 faves…and it's only April!
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GIVEAWAY: Two copies of The Wood's Edge will be given away to two blessed commenters on any of the posts this week! International entrants -- ebook only.
I just saw yesterday that this new book by Lori Benton was releasing this month! SO excited to read it and would love to win a copy. If I don't win, I'll definitely purchase. :) Lori is one of my favorite historical authors. Congrats, Lori!! This story sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elaine!
DeleteIt is more than amazing, ELAINE! There are really no words, but I sure gave it a shot above, didn't I? lol
DeleteSo good to see you here, ELAINE!
PS: Hope it's okay to mention it here but the best way to know when my books are releasing is on my Facebook Author Page. I keep that updated more than anywhere else. https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLoriBenton
DeleteIt's more than okay, LORI! Thank you for the link to share with our viewers!
DeleteGreat authors write great books!! That is definitely Lori Benton, and I would love to read The Wood's Edge. Thank you for the opportunity! I love to follow this blog!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
MELANIE, we love having you here!! It is an amazing story and I so hope you get the chance to read it ASAP!
DeleteThank you for this review! I look forward to reading The Wood's Edge.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to OWG, APRIL! Be sure to put this one at the TOP of your wishlist! :)
DeleteDIana dah-ling what a mah-velous review!! �� LORI really blessed my socks off with this one. Well, she has with all the others too and just when I think I have a favorite one she writes one I love even more. How can that be?? She is an anointed writer that's how. I am very "impatiently" waiting on the next one too. lol
ReplyDeleteThank you, TERESA DAH-LING. Here we are two southern belles writing reviews about the frontier? teehee
DeleteAn amazing book it is...however will we wait for the next one? LORI is a brilliant author, no doubt about it. Now go get your fan and sip your lemonade, dah-ling.
This book loks great! One of my friend got an ARC and loved it!!!
ReplyDeletesierrafaith327(at)gmail(dot)com
It is more amazing than I can say. I'm certain you'll love it, SIERRA! What a beautiful name by the way! Sounds like the perfect name for a book heroine! :)
DeleteI am really looking forward to reading this one!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, MIA! Throwing your name in my cyber hat! ;) Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteSounds like a good one !!! Blessings ,DanaGirl
ReplyDeleteOh so good, DANAGIRL! Blessings back at you and good luck!
DeleteLoved this review, Diana. You make me want to read it all the more now. I think The Wood's Edge is making a quiet roar in cyberspace just by word of mouth. By that I mean, it doesn't seem to be on the main marketing runs -- you know how you see the same books being offered up on different blog tours and, for a while, the blogosphere is inundated by a certain title. But this one seems to be front and centre by sheer reader popularity. It's all of us talking behind the scenes that keeps The Wood's Edge in our minds. When I offered a reader's choice giveaway last week, this book was the most popular request. Hope this makes sense. My mind is still reeling from waking up to more snow this morning!
ReplyDeleteThank you, KAV! So nice to see you here on OWG! I got a compliment from the queen of reviews? I'll be floating on the clouds all day. Lol Yes, you absolutely make sense! My hubby gets most of his work from word of mouth, whereas when he ran an ad he got two responses. Have you ever read a book so amazing that you just felt you couldn't write a review to do it justice? That's totally how I felt with this one. I gave it my best shot, tho. I can't wait for you to get the chance to read it!
DeleteGroan. You poor thing...not more snow! Gasp!
DeleteKav, you've no idea how encouraging that is. Thank you so much.
DeleteI have never read anything by this author. Would love a chance to win a copy of the book It sounds really good
ReplyDeletePam Myers,
PAM, her books are all fantastic! And this one, oh my!
DeleteGreat review! I absolutely can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
HEIDI, it was such a joy to read a book such as this! Good luck!!
DeleteThank you for this wonderful review, Diana. You ladies sure have blessed me this first week of TWE's release month. Thanks for starting this celebration rolling here. :)
ReplyDeleteYour book is such a blessing to us, LORI! Thank you for writing it. :)
DeleteLove stories about Native Americans. This story definitely has some conflicts that will potentially cause problems and suffering for all involved. I hope to win but have this on my wish list to obtain in future as it is a very enticing read. All the best to Ms. Lori Benton.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you, SUSAN! Ms. Bentons research was so precise, you would think she had lived amongst the Indians during that era. lol I loved the reality of this setting!
DeleteWonderful review! I would love to win this book. Looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
Thank you, BETTI! Good luck in the drawing, my friend!
DeleteLori's writing is truly something special. :) I love the way she pens her stories, they become real in the eyes of the reader! I cannot wait to see more of The Wood's Edge, it has totally captured my heart. Great review, btw! God bless!
ReplyDeleteddoru_05(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thx so much for sharing, MANUELA! I like your phrase, " they become real in the eyes of the reader." That is so true. I got so immersed in the book, for awhile I was right there in the Oneida village. AWESOME READ!
DeleteGreat review, I agree that when I read the blurb I wasn't sure I could quite imagine that happening! Lori is a great author and I can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(com)
She does make it totally believable, PATTY, bc of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Thx for sharing!
DeleteI am so looking forward to reading this book from Lori Benton. It sounds wonderful. Thank you for offering a copy!
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee [at] yahoo [dot] com
Oh, it most certainly is, KAY! Hoping you get a copy ASAP!
DeleteWhat a teriffic review. I am so excited this book is out. I have been looking forward to this one. The rich historical details make me think of the Cassie Edwards I used to read years ago. I haven't read one of her Indian romances in years. This is a winner and I hope to read it soon !
ReplyDeleteDeanne Cnnamongirl(at)aol(dot)com
Hi, DEANNE! I don't believe I have heard of Cassie Edwards, but oh my, this sounds right up your alley!
DeleteQuite the decision she made! I certainly want to read this one... Thanks for the giveaway & chance to win a copy..
ReplyDeletedkstevensne AToutlookD OtCoM
You're welcome, DEANNA! The luck of the Irish to you in the drawing! ;)
DeleteThank you, Diana, for your review! I SO want to read this book, and your review REALLY makes me want to read it now! LOL! This type of story line has always intrigued me. Glad to hear it's going to be part of a series! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeletebookwarp(at)gmail(dot)com
You're welcome, ANGI! I would love to see them make a movie out of this novel...it would be spectacular! I can't wait for you to read it and get your thoughts on it! And consider yourself entered. :)
DeleteOh yes, a movie! That would be awesome! There are so many books that I would LOVE to see in movie form. I'd never run out of things to watch. LOL!
DeleteMe neither, ANGI! I think I'll contact Michael Landon Jr about this one. I'm serious! Maybe he'll give me a part playing an old Indian woman. Now I'm not being serious. A young Indian woman hehe
DeleteHehe! I like your way of thinking, Diana! I love the movies, and now TV series, he keeps making. I think you would make a wonderful young Indian woman! ;)
DeleteAs long as I don't have to sit cross-legged on the floor of a teepee. lol Ty, tho!
DeleteThe Wood's Edge sounds amazing! I love books set in the colonial era. Thanks Diana & Lori for sharing this chance to win! Robin in NC rw620 at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteROBIN, you are so in for a treat! This book is a colonial lover's dream! It's so much better than I could have ever imagined!
DeleteI really enjoyed BURNING SKY, and would love to read THE WOOD'S EDGE.
ReplyDeleteMe too, KAYE! Lori is a magnificent author and this one is even better if that is possible!
DeleteI like how these O's join together on the cover and am eager to hear of these two brothers' meeting. Would love to win a copy of Wood's Edge by Lori Benton. Thank you for this review. Lori will be keeping us guessing and ready for the second installment! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed she will and you have a surprise in store for when you read it, KATHLEEN, and that's all I'm going to say! lol You are very observing, bc I never thought a thing about the two "Os." Thank you for pointing that out! Cool!
DeleteMy clever cover artist at work (with those interlocking Os). :)
DeleteThat was very clever, Lori! I'm just wondering how I missed the significance of that. Smh
DeleteThanks for this review. The book sounds terrific! My want-to-read list is growing so long! Thanks for the chance to win The Wood's Edge.
ReplyDeleteMake sure to put this one at the top of the list, PAM! You won't regret it!
DeleteThis is how I like my history.
ReplyDeleteOoh, me too, MARY!
DeleteSounds like a fantastic story, I can't wait. Thanks for your review, Diane!
ReplyDeletegwen(dot)gage(at)gmail(dot)com
It really is, GWEN! You're so welcome and here's hoping you'll get a copy of TWE soon!
DeleteCan't wait to read this book Diana!! ESPECIALLY after yours and Teresa's high recommendations! Thank you for your wonderful and enticing review!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, NOELA! Put this one at the top of your list, my dear friend!
DeleteSounds like a fantastic book, would love to have a copy ( e-book as I'm international ). Can't wait to find out how it ends!!
ReplyDeletelientjiehuman@yahoo.com.au
ANONYMOUS, thank you for coming by. Lotsa luck to you in the giveaway!
DeleteThe cover draws you in............and makes you want to read this book!
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
Absolutely, SUSAN! And the cover fits the story perfectly!
DeleteLori Benton is a new-to-me author & I love discovering new Christian writers! "The Woods Edge" sounds like an out of the ordinary book for me...and I DO like those kinds of books. *grins* Such a fascinating sounding read. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Hi, TRIXI! All of Lori Benton's books are awesome and you won't go wrong with any of them, but this one is my favorite thus far. She gets betterer and betterer. LOL Did I just say betterer? ;)
DeleteLol Diana, she does get better and better! She's a very talented and gifted author! I like your new word-betterer! Hehe
DeleteI have been known to make up a few words, REGINA! lol I had better leave that one out of my review writing, tho. ;)
DeleteOh Diana. This book will be so good and I can't wait to get to read it.By the way, that sitting cross legged would definitely leave me out for an old Indian woman too. Diana, you and Teresa crack me up with your southern talk. I never tho't I sound like I do until my young girls recorded me talking on the phone with their older sister. I wouldn't have believed it was me if it hadn't been what I had to say while on the phone. I told them if I sounded like that I just wasn't going to talk. Well, you can just bout figure how long that worked. LOL My little girls laughed. I sounded just like loretta Lynn, the singer. Glad I don't sound like that to my own ears. Lori, sounds like you get better each book. I hate when you have to wait a year for the next book tho. Sure hope I can win this one. GOD bless you all. (((Hugs))) to all of my OWG girls. Nite.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
MAXIE, lol about sitting cross legged! You sound like Loretta Lynn when you talk? Do you sing like her, too? lol Actually I like her voice, but I don't care for mine when I hear it recorded either, sooo....
DeleteI really dislike having to wait a year on this next one--I'm surprised as intricately as Lori writes it doesn't take two! Blessings, lostsa love, and hugs, and a blessed Easter from all of us girls at OWG, Maxie!
Diana, you wrote a beautiful review of Lori's book! I was able to read it myself, it is a very emotional and gripping book! Hard to put down!
ReplyDeletePlease don't put in the hat.
Thank you for sharing, REGINA! Won't you just drop everything when the 2nd installment is released? I know I will!!
DeleteLoved your review, Diana - thank you - it only intensified my already "chomping at the bit" desire to read "The Wood's Edge"!! Looks like many people agree with me. Everything about this novel intrigues me - title, cover, and especially the story line. As I am a descendant of a white man abducted and raised by the Shawnee tribe, my desire is increased even more!! I know, even before reading it, "The Wood's Edge" is going to be another award-winner for Lori!!
ReplyDeleteI just gifted a friend with Lori's "Burning Sky" this week, after telling her about Lori's other 2 novels - she is going to order those.
BONNIE, how thoughtful you are! I'm sure not only does your friend appreciate it, but Lori Benton as well. You have some of the most interesting stories to tell! You should write a book! Can't wait for you to get the chance to read this one!
DeleteLOL, you/'re not the first person to make a comment about my experiences, Diana, and the fact that I "should' write a book. I'm pretty open about my life experiences, at times - I wonder if some people may think I'm speaking fictionally. However, some of the experiences are inherited through the characters in my family, some by the length of my life, and others from unwise decisions made before I started following God's plan for my life - some humorous, some heart-breaking. God has definitely given me a testimony.
DeleteRe: my ancestor captured by the Shawnee - numerous books have already been written about him, as well as an outdoor drama about his life, which ran for 20 years in Lima, Ohio. His given name was Marmaduke VanSwearingen, the Shawnee renamed him "Blue Jacket" - reportedly because he was wearing a blue jacket when captured. He willingly became a part of their tribe in order that they would release his brother, who had been captured with him. The Shawnee became so impressed with his bravery, they made him a war chief. In the last few years, there has been a controversy re: the validity of this story, some other people claiming to be descendants of Blue Jacket and also claiming that DNA supports evidence that Blue Jacket wasn't a white man. Guess I will never know for sure, however, Laura Frantz has done research on the VanSwearingen's and feels the story is true - perhaps Lori has come across pertinent info about them also?? Truth is often stranger than fiction, LOL!!
That is so interesting, BONNIE! I wonder if he ever tried to escape? I'm sure it would be hard to do unless they got ahold of some of the white mans rum and all fell asleep at the same time. lol
DeleteAccording to everything I've read, he loved the woods, admired the freedom the Shawnee had and vowed to live that kind of lifestyle when he became an adult, having learned their language from a trapper who was a friend to the Shawnee, when was young. He was supposedly captured at the age of 17 years, becoming a well-known chief - leading battles against settlers overtaking the Shawnee land in Ohio. He killed his own brother in one battle, the one for whose escape he bargained - with the Shawnee when they were captured. When it was finally acknowledged there was no way for the Shawnee to win the battle against the settlers, a treaty was signed - which lasted 15 years. Blue Jacket died around that time, Tecumseh then took up the battle for the Shawnee land.
DeleteWell, then he WAS a traitor! :o Maybe he got brainwashed. Remember when Patty Hearst got kidnapped and ending up robbing banks with her kidnappers? They tortured her (which I'm sure happened to Blue Jacket at first) and break down their minds that way and then it's almost like a "if you can't beat them join them" thing. But since he was enamored of them when he was young, I don't know.... All this Indian talk is making me want to reread this book! lol
DeleteLOL, guess I may be a traitor, also, as I've always had sympathy for many of the Indian tribes - feeling their land was taken from them unjustly. I know there have been many vicious Indians, caring nothing about the whites. But, there were also friendly ones - think Thanksgiving - and many instances of them being abused and forced off land that they inhabited first. I'm an equality person - feeling all people should be treated equally, unfortunately, inequality existed (and still does), not only among the Indians - but among numerous sectors of people. My father's first cousin was a missionary who devoted his entire life to working with the Seminoles in Florida. I relate to your feeling of wanting to reread "The Wood's Edge" - just wish I had a copy so I could read it for the first time!! Oh, well - good things come to those you wait, right, LOL??
DeleteCorrection: Good things come to those WHO wait, right, LOL??
DeleteAwesome Bonnie. Thank you so much!
DeleteRight, Bonnie! :)
DeleteAnd I also agree with what you said about how poorly the Indians were treated as well. They were here first. And there were some good Indian tribes as you will read about in Lori's book! But to fight against the colonists knowing my family was among them...that I couldn't have done. Course he was only 17 when taken, so the Indians became more his family than his real family, I suppose.
Well dang, I wrote a big ol' comment this morning (okay, it was 8 lines) and it was hysterical as usual (okay, it was mildly amusing...maybe) and I even signed in, and "published" it, but it never showed up. Pfffft!
ReplyDeleteWell here I go again...maybe this time I'll be successful.
tojoleen@gmail.com
Actually this one is quite hysterical, JOLEEN! LOL Don't you just hate when that happens? And the second comment is just never as witty as the first. Although you did a pretty good job! Not 8 lines, however. hehe
DeleteFantastic cover and review would love to have a copy. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletesabra.almah@yahoo.com.au
Thank you and welcome to OWG, SABRA! The cover fits the story to a "T" and I know you'll love it as well!
DeleteAs an avid reader, I would love to win a copy of this book. The review was interesting and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteDonna Sanders 19dgs56@gmail.com
DONNA, thx so much for coming by and for your kind words! This is an amazing historical read that will be hard to put down!
DeleteThis is definitely on my to-read list.
ReplyDeleteHi, BJM! I hope you put it on the very top! Tossing your name in the hat!
DeleteEnjoyed reading this review---wonderful way to put it: reading Lori's book ever so much better than boring old High School history classes--Ha! Ya got that right! Sounds like this book would make a marvelous movie, eh? Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I happen to know and love Lori personally as a friend and she is one pretty special lady inside 'n out! That usually is a problem for me--when I love a book and sortakinda just wanna know the author so much. In this case, I really do! <3 pattiiverson@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWell, you are one blessed lady, PATTI! I have been Lori's FB friend for quite some time, and have never known her to be anything but warm and gracious. This book would make an awesome movie and after the series is done I am going to contact Michael Landon Jr. I'm serious! He may not even respond, but then again...
DeleteWow, what a premise, indeed :) I think Lori may be coming to the North Texas Book Festival next weekend! So I hope to get to meet her in person :) Glad to have read your great review, Diana! HUGS and BLESSINGS!
ReplyDeleteLucky you, CARYL! If you don't win here, make sure to buy The Wood's Edge at the festival! You won't be able to put it down!
DeleteThx for your kind words! Hugs and many blessings right back atcha!!
Beautiful review! I've seen so many fantastic reviews of this book, I'd love to be entered in this contest.Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteNANCEE, thank you! I would love to see you win as I know how much you would love this, and also would in turn write an even better review! lol Will have to wait and see who random number. org wants to bless this week! :) Happy Easter to you and yours, NANCEE!
DeleteThanks for all the wonderful comments! I do hope you will enjoy The Wood's Edge as much as my previous books. Oh, and be on the lookout for some familiar characters popping up in TWE. Those of you who have read Burning Sky should spot them. :)
ReplyDeleteI may have to reread Burning Sky to remember them, by the time your new one comes out, Lori! lol I read so many books in between. I'll be anxiously awaiting the 2nd book in this series to be sure. TY!
DeleteIt's me again trying to leave a comment. I loved the review, Diana, and it is because of your review that I'd so love to win this book Also because it is about "Love and Redemption" and is about a historical period that I am not that familiear with. Thanks for this contest. flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI know this is one you will thoroughly enjoy, MARY LOU! So intriguing...
DeleteI think I HAVE to wait for the next book to come out before I read them both back to back because I don't think I can stand the suspense of waiting, Diana!!! So I'll have to mark out time on my calendar for that next one and then hide in the guest room and read! Thanks for another awesome review, sweet Angel!
ReplyDeleteThx so much, CARRIE! I can just barely stand the suspense of waiting myself. You'll have to hide out a good while considering that will be about 800 pages you'll have to read. LOL Clark and Jeff will have to fend for themselves for awhile! haha
DeleteCONGRATS to Susan Fletcher and Beth Harbin for winning a copy of The Wood's Edge! Thx to all for your great comments and a special thanks to author Lori Benton for coming by!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana! :) I can't wait to read it - Lori is definitely one of my favorite authors and I've heard only good things about The Wood's Edge!
ReplyDelete