I found this book very challenging to read. I respect the author's attempts to use real native names and titles, but I found that I could not always figure out contextually what the word meant, and I spent way too much time and energy trying to get the words to make sense that I kept losing track of the narrative.

This is a shame because I liked the narrative as far as I could tell, and it is a time period that I am very interested in. Unfortunately, this would not be the first title that I would recommend for my patrons who are interested in historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC. My opinions are my own.

I loved this book. The romance was so sweet. I absolutely love historical romance and this book was no exception. I would highly recommend this book!

A poetic, compelling story, rich in history.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Well written. An interesting take on a less written about part of history. Unique and delightful. I can't wait to read the other books in this collection.

What a fascinating book! What a great way to learn history! Most of us are familiar with Princess Pocahontas and John Smith. I am impressed with the author's research of historical facts. Some new information is horrifying. Most give insight. Of course, this is a fictional account of historical events, and the imagination needed to tell the story that is what makes a good author! There is even a fictional link to the lost colony of Roanoke! The account of how Pocahontas grows up, meets the settlers, learns of Christianity, realizes her personal link to God, how she marries, adjusts to a new way of life and sails to England are just remarkable and worth reading!
I appreciate being able to read this book, compliments of the publishers. The thought expressed are my own.

Well Written and so Moving!

Oh How This Book Broke My Heart



I have not read the first two books in the series. This book is not a nice Disney movie, not that I expected it to be. So much was hard to take in. The brutality. Yes, I know this was fiction based on historical data.
Let me say I’ve read many books that have had both sides of this great tragedy surrounding the Native Americans. Being 1/4 Native American it breaks my heart. This will sit with me for awhile.

I felt Shannon McNear did a great job at writing a hard story. I will be seeking out the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Rebecca is a fascinating, complex story of the Indigenous woman known as Pocahontas. Drawing from Indigenous history and records in addition to the English documentation, Shannon McNear draws on myth and record to create an accessible and accurate-adjacent narrative about this historical Indigenous woman. McNear’s interest in including several perspectives and documentation, then fictionalizing the account and drawing inferences to make this story accessible to readers. McNear does not shy away from the previously sanitized and romanticized accounts of Pocahontas and her encounters with Jamestown, John Smith, and John Rolfe, and McNear, while discussing these challenging topics, does so in a graphic, realistic, yet moderate way. The characters and the multiple perspectives draw the story forward; while Pocahontas’s narrative and perspective are the central focus of the story, the perspectives of Rolfe and Pocahontas’s mother and father provide further clarification and a larger scope to the narrative. McNear’s characters evolve, and their experiences shape their growth over the course of the novel, making them realistic and fascinatingly complex. McNear also uses the Powhatan language throughout the book in what appears to be a respectful and enlightening way, adding to the atmosphere of the book, which is an emotional, educational, and complex novel.

I am a huge fan of history, so absolutely love a good historical novel- what better way to learn about a period of time or historic event? I am fascinated by Pocahontas and the lost colony of Roanoke, so this novel was right up my alley! Shannon McNear did a fantastic job bringing a difficult chapter of history to life. The characters were brilliant and the whole thing was so well researched. Definitely keen to read more by this author in future!
A big thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy I received in return for my honest review.

Her story is that of history...

Like millions of others I have been fascinated by the lost colony of Roanoke and by the tragically short – but eventful – life of Pocohontas. In this third Daughters Of The Lost Colony novel, Shannon McNear takes on the what ifs and might-have-beens with both stories and the fictional thread that binds them together in Rebecca.

I can tell you straight out that this story ain't no Disney film. There is no colorful animation or catchy songs. No, Rebecca is a look into the past with all of its warts. Just as the real people would have been, Shannon McNear's characters deal with fear, prejudice on all sides, and there are good and bad people in all colors. Those who strive for good lean on faith and family to see them through dark times while others give into their own darkness and do the unpardonable. The toughest part was really liking some of the characters and knowing what was going to eventually happen...

There were times that this Daughters Of The Lost Colony was a bit hard to read, but, then again, history so often is just that. However, it is also a story of love and hope. Two things that have allowed people to overcome the most insurmountable of odds.

Rebecca is quite the story and if you have read the previous Daughters Of The Lost Colony it's one you won't want to miss. Great for fans of history and historical fiction, Shannon McNear has done well with it, just as she did with the first two...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Rebecca is a novel filled with historical facts mixed in with a perspective of real life people we have read about in textbooks. McNear brings to life the pages of a history book to get to know these people firsthand. It helps the reader to get a first hand look at the New Colony and the struggles of the people, both the English and the natives already present near Jamestown.

The book is about more than Pocahontas. The book includes the perspective of so many characters which helps the reader to become fully immersed in the world around them. There were many events over a long time span within the book. There were times that I forgot I was reading a fiction book because it was so well-researched. While reading the book, I looked into some events and characters for more information. I love when the book leads me to my own research.

I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

Another incredible story full of suspense in the New World and the clashes of two cultures and two faiths. I loved how well-researched it is and thought the characters were wonderful, Rebecca ( who we know as Pocahontas ) is such a unique historical figure and worthy of having her story told over and over. I love how this book is connected with the Roanoke mystery! Excellent historical fiction!
Thank you to the publisher for this arc.

Do you enjoy a good historical fiction novel? I do. Though I have to say I don’t often read a lot of historical fiction novels about the Revolutionary War era or before. This is well before as it’s about the time of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Not much is known about this colony. This author has several books about it and really seems to dive in deep and research the time. In this book, we grab a glimpse of Jamestown and the famed princess Pocahontas.

This is book three in this series, the Lost Colony series. You really should read the series in order. However, if you don’t have time you can read this as a stand-alone novel without much difficulty.

Rebecca is a wonderfully written novel. You get history and speculation mixed together with some pure fiction that ties it all together into a spectacular example of what might have happened and what the day-to-day life might have been. The book flips from the perspective of one character to another several times throughout. So make sure you try to keep everyone straight!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This is an alternate view of the life of Pocahontas using known history of the settling of the new world in the 1590’s. In this third book of The Lost Colony of Roanoke, McNear writes a very interesting book on what Pocahontas’ life was from childhood as a princess daughter of a Powhatan Chief until her death and burial. It is hard to imagine the struggles of these brave men and women of both peoples. Each doing what they felt was best for their own people. I can say here in 2023 that the English won. But oh the cost of victory for both the natives or naturals as they were referred to. Rebecca/Pocahontas was instrumental in helping to navigate the turbulent waters between Native culture and that of the English. It has a bittersweet ending but I certainly enjoyed the reading of how all this came to be, as I know you will also. Lots of action and glimpsing into the lives of our forefathers as they bravely risked their lives for religious freedom and the great life we now have in The New World….I was graciously gifted a copy by the publisher, Revell and this my review of this most interesting book

This third story in the Daughters of the Lost Colony continues the What if? possibility and connects the story of Roanoke with the story of Jamestown. Particularly the historical figure of Pocahontas.

I will admit this story was difficult to read as the Native names were hard to pronounce and remember. And they had different names for the same person as well, sometimes bestowing a new one on someone. However, the author notes on this story are quite helpful and do help with the understanding of this unique culture.

One thing I will note as I was reading was all the historical detail that was described. From the Native America camps to the Jamestown settlement. The people and the trouble were both rounded out. So, while at times this was a more difficult read with the names and customs, it was interesting and gave me more to think on about this lost colony of Roanoke. I would like to visit both Roanoke and Jamestown sometime for my own walk through. What if? My thanks to the author for her imaginative story.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Rebecca
by Shannon McNear
Pub Date 01 Jul 2023
Barbour Publishing,Barbour Fiction
Christian| Historical Fiction


As a member of the Netgalley review team, I am reviewing the book Rebecca by Barbour Publishing, Barbour Fiction.



You'll be transported to Roanoke's Lost Colony by reading this book:


Mato'aka is the daughter of a Powhatan chieftain and a woman of unknown descent. Initially, she regards the strange men from across the eastern waters as mere curiosity. After a while, though, she finds herself torn between fascination with one of their leaders and her own people's opinions and ways, becoming a pawn in their delicate and dangerous game of politics. Having shared the grief of a husband and baby daughter who have sadly passed away, she is drawn to a young Englishman, John Rolfe.



Is it possible for her to live among the English of Jamestown, accepting their ways and even changing her name? Could her destiny be linked to the Lost Colony of Roanoke?


Authenticity and vividness are hallmarks of Shannon McNear's portrayal of history.


I give Rebecca five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Shannon McNear has a talent for bringing details of history to life for modern readers. Her copious research shows in her story as she explores the lives of both the “Naturals” who inhabited America and the English interlopers who came to settle in the new world. We witness their struggles to understand each other and their ways as well as to trust one another. This narrative gives a clear insider’s view of the Natives’ side and evokes much sympathy for them. The strange words add authenticity but feel awkward to read. This novel explores the life of the woman known as Pocahuntas or Mato’aka of the Powhatan. It included many things I hadn’t heard before. This text would be helpful for students of American history to provide a different world view and insight into the time period and life then. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #Rebecca #NetGalley

Rebecca by Shannon McNear is book three of the Daughters of the Lost Colony. From the very beginning, McNear draws you into this historical world that she has created and you find yourself experiencing life alongside the characters.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I am looking forward to reading many more! So, if you enjoy historical fiction books, then Rebecca is a book that you will undoubtedly enjoy!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I thought this was a good book. I liked how the author told the story of Rebecca aka Pocahontas in such a way that it was engaging but stayed true to the historical facts that we know. I liked seeing her journey as she learned from the English both in learning their customs and their faith. I also liked how this author showed the Native People and the English interaction as they tried to get along. I thought this story was well done and a great historical fiction. I feel like I have learned a lot about Pocahontas and that I have been made to ask the question “what if?”

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Rebecca–the story of the founding of one of America’s first settlements, the incredible struggles faced in establishing it, and the heavy cost exacted from that colonizing.

For me, a three star indicates that I thought the book was just “all right.” That’s how I felt about the beginning of Rebecca. With so many character names (and complicated ones!) I struggled to wade through the first part of the book.

The second half read a lot faster, and I finally mastered all the important names, so I’d rate that a four stars. Thus, the book averages out to 3.5 stars.

Rebecca is based off the true history of the Jamestown colony and the woman that most of us now know as Pocahontas. In her book, Shannon McNear delves into the “what if” questions and brings the real-life characters to life, speculating on the motives and feelings that drove their actions.

Ironically, my dad is currently reading a non-fiction book about the New World during this time period, so I enjoyed comparing the notes that he shared with Shannon’s fictional story. She did an excellent job of drawing out obscure historical facts and also of sharing the not-so-flattering parts of history (such as the Englishmen’s aversion to bathing).

Sometimes, history can be exceedingly violent, so on a note of warning, this book does contain some hard subjects, including rape. I was a little taken aback at parts because I thought I knew the story well (Pocahontas was a special interest of mine when I was younger). However, considering the story with a little more age on me, I believe that Shannon’s interpretation of history is probably correct. Abortion also poses a content issue.

Overall, this is a book that is perfect for anyone up for a challenge and interested in prodding back the veil of history to live out the settlement of Jamestown.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Entrusted with such a peculiar treasure - he could only pray they would prove worthy.

This is a wonderful story of what ifs, well researched and giving plenty of historical detail. A natural progression from reading Elinor and Mary, this novel stands alone, but completes the story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. What if there are those who can trace their roots back to that settlement?

There were those who wanted to learn more about the Natives, or Naturals as they were referred to, but unfortunately there were many who took advantage of them. The story of Pocahontas is not new to us, however the author takes her incredible research to bring us a different story of how she may have become such an important part of our history.

An early copy of this 3rd book in the Daughters of the Lost Colony was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.