Book Review: The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep

This is a 'captivating' American Revolution romance with wonderfully strong characters.

The Captive Heart
by Michelle Griep

File Size: 1318 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (October 1, 2016)
ASIN: B01DQ93D32
Genre: Historical, Christian
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Proper English governess Eleanor Morgan flees to the colonies to escape the wrath of a brute of an employer. When the Charles Town family she’s to work for never arrives to collect her from the dock, she is forced to settle for the only reputable choice remaining to her—marriage to a man she’s never met. Trapper and tracker Samuel Heath is a hardened survivor used to getting his own way by brain or by brawn, and he’s determined to find a mother for his young daughter. But finding a wife proves to be impossible. No upstanding woman wants to marry a murderer.

Review:
Eleanor is a proper English woman who had a difficult life with her father. She became a governess who had to reject the advances of her employers. Shevwas helped by her lecherous employer’s wife to escape to America. Unfortunately, the ship’s captain is corrupt and puts Eleanor with other women to be sold when they reach America. Along the way someone steals the money and reference letter that Eleanor was relying on for a new start. Instead Eleanor and two shipmate friends are carried off to a remote community in South Carolina where they each are placed in an 'indentured' situation. Before she can catch her breath, Eleanor is ushered into a marriage of convenience with a rustic man who needs a mother for his young daughter.

Samuel Heath is a multi-personality man. He is a frontiersman, trapper, tracker, friend of nearby Native Americans, a father of a toddler and once a proud British gentleman. Now he looks like a savage living in the wilderness and his loyalties no longer lie with Britain -- but that is a well-guarded secret. Samuel is haunted by memories of his first wife but now he needs a wife for his daughter, Grace. Even though a lovely young Native widow wants to be his mate, Samuel wants a woman who can raise Grace with proper ‘English ways’.

Eleanor and Samuel are an unlikely pair. She has no idea how to live a woodman’s rustic life. But Eleanor adores Grace, she is brave and willing to learn if only Samuel would stay home long enough to teach her. She soon discovers that he is the target of a bitter rival and he has secrets that he holds tight. But she also sees his warm love for his daughter and his steady provision and respect.

I was immediately pulled into this warm story first in England and then in the 1770 American frontier. Ms. Griep gives a vibrant portrayal of frontier living and pre-Revolution tensions. The characters are strong and well developed with a lovely passion that grows between strangers who show respect and care for each other. I enjoyed the faith foundations of both characters which is shown through their struggles and strengths.

This is a clean, American revolution historical romance, not to be confused with the sensual Regency romance genre. I highly recommend this captivating and delightful story. I will definitely look to read more by Ms. Griep.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.