Cover Image: Rebecca

Rebecca

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Rebecca, book three of the Daughters of the Lost Colony by Shannon McNear is not your Disney version of Pocahontas. I was unclear of how this would fit into the Lost Colony of Roanoke, but all is made clear as you read. Careful research and masterful writing blends real facts with speculative history into a captivating fictional tale.

This book begins with Pocahontas’ father and ends with him. He was a man of legend in the history books so that was fitting. Her Pocahontas’ life and the life at Jamestowne is all here in vivid detail, along with both the good and bad of her people along with that of the English.

The entire series is breathtaking reading, but Pocahontas is a little more special. Perhaps because it is so very different from the animated version that we all grew up. It seems so much more honest while still being fiction. To God be the glory.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

Was this review helpful?

A fascinating historical read! Rebecca is the story of how a Powhatan princess named Pocahontas came to fall in love with an Englishman named John Rolfe. While we all learned the basics of Pocahontas’ story in history class, McNear’s in-depth research and storytelling offers readers a view of what the rest of her life might have looked like. This was the third book in the series, but it reads well as a stand-alone. (Though the first two books would add additional detail to the Lost Colony linkage.) If you love deep diving into history with all its details, Rebecca is for you.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fitting ending to the excellent Daughters of the Lost Colony series! I love history told by largely forgotten voices - women who might not have written their stories, but who deserve to be heard. Details of “the Naturals” lives were interesting, but the most moving part of Mato’aka’s story for me was her coming to faith in Christ. Her eagerness to understand the salvation story with “fresh ears,” and her openness to the changes it meant for her life, were amazing. I realize this is a fictional account of an historical figure, but the ample author’s notes make it clear McNear has done her research carefully. I was grateful to receive a copy of this ebook from NetGalley and was not required to post a review.
*TRIGGER NOTE: there is an implicit account of repeated gang rape ; important to the story, but very difficult to read.

Was this review helpful?

This final book in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series is interesting and thoroughly researched historical fiction. I feel like I have more insight into who Pocahontas might have been and the struggles she likely faced. As with the other books in this series the story was a slow starter for me simply because of trying to learn unfamiliar vocabulary and difficult names. Once I got characters straight in my mind the story flowed well and definitely held my interest. This story isn’t a “light” read but it is both thought provoking and compelling. Good end to a good series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Historical fiction from a new perspective. Rebecca by Shannon McNear is a retelling of the story of Pocahontas from her point of view. It presented me with a take on her story that I’ve never thought of before.
This is Book 3 in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series. Having not read the first two books, I now want to return and read them.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

What a great finish to the Lost Colony series! As she linked the lost colony with the Jamestown settlement and Virginia Colony, I felt like saying “OKAY!” I know there is tons of research (as evidenced by the bibliography in the back), and McNear makes lots of suppositions in her story, but I think she pulled it off in a believable manner. The novel can certainly be read alone, but reading the first two would make this one a richer experience. The glossary and list of characters would be easier to read at the front of the book instead of the end (especially in the e-book version). The story is based on the Indian princess Pocahontas who met John Smith, converted to Christianity, married John Rolfe, and died at an early age in England—all facts we know from our history books. But the author did a lovely job fleshing out her life!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Rebecca is a well written historical romance. Fantastic plot and great character dynamics . I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

An emotional tale! I was excited to read this one, and it turned out to be a lovely historical fiction! I know this is a sequel/companion story, but even as a stand alone.

Was this review helpful?

What a marvelous story based on tons of research and the talented writing of Shannon McNear. She portrays history so powerfully. And to take a real person and real events and breathe a vivid "what if" story into them, especially one so heartbreaking and inspirational, I found it very compelling. Rebecca is another wonderful story in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series. I have enjoyed each and every one!

If you enjoyed Elinor and Mary, Rebecca is a must read!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is an interesting take on the story of Pocahontas. The story takes some concentration to read and follow.
As stories are passed down, legends expand. What is real and what is Embellished blur together.
I thought this story had a good portrayal of the white man religion being pushed on a Natural so that there would be link between the two. The author states in the backstory that only the Holy Spirit draws one to true repentance.

Was this review helpful?

Rebecca is the next book in the series of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. There is continuing conflict between the English settlers and the Native Americans as the English begin settling near Jamestown. Some of the Natives are accepting Christianity. There are a lot of Native names to keep straight and they change them at times mainly due getting older and becoming an adult. This story focuses on Pocahontas who was the daughter of the Powhattan chief. She has grown into a beautiful woman and caught the eye of many. Who will she choose and will her father agree? If you are a history buff you already know the answer.
I have read all three books in this series and enjoyed them. I find this one to move a bit slow at first and was tempted to put it down but it picks up the pace quickly and is a great read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Rebecca is the final book in the Lost colony series by Shannon McNear. It is the fictional historical account of Pocahontas. The story is obviously well researched and weaves in many accurate historical accounts. Having not read the previous books I didn’t feel as though I was “lost” and felt that it could be read as a stand alone book. This is a good book for anyone who is interested in Native American and United States colonializational history. There were places that I found were a little dry though. I would give this a 3.75 stars

Thank you to Net galley and Barbour Fiction for allowing me to review the book. The opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I wasn't sure I could keep all the Native names straight in my head after the first few chapters. But delving further into the story I was able to appreciate the realness of the storyline. Even the "fillers" were realistic (dialogue, logistics of the events...). I do not usaly4read this type of book (real known historical characters) but would be willing to read this particular one again.

Was this review helpful?

So much of this genre of historical christian fiction can be fluffy- which has its place, but this series by Shannon McNear is hardly fluff. Rebecca, like its predecessor Mary, is thought provoking, intelligent, creative, captivating work that holds your attention from the first words to the book's final words. The characters are gripping, compelling, endearing...the romance tender and heartfelt. McNear handles this period of history with a deft hand. not shying away from the hard truths, but also full of compassion in her portrayals. I simply loved it- I couldn't put it down until it was finished. Hard, but beautiful...well done!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Barbour Publishing for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Rebecca #3 Daughters of the Lost Colony by Shannon McNear

1607 The Lost Colony.
As a young girl I was fascinated by Pocahontas and wondered what happened to her and the people she met from the colony near her village. Shannon McNear gives the reader a glimpse of what could have possibly happened and weaves historical facts within the storyline and fictional characters.

I couldn’t get into this story until I read a few chapters. As a young girl, I never realized Pocahontas had a different name (or names): Mato’aka. I had a little problem figuring out whose name was changed and had to reread the area to clarify the name. I was glad there is a glossary in the book to refer too. I also enjoyed the map, (which I referred to several times while reading), a time table and historical notes. A fascinating read and book series.

Daughters of the Lost Colony:
Book 1: Elinor
Book 2: Mary
Book 3: Rebecca

~I received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~

Was this review helpful?

A fascinating retelling of the story of Pocahontas, the third in the Daughters of the Lost Colony by Shannon McNear. Even without reading the other books you will find yourself totally immersed within the plot and the characters, diving into a story so woven with the rich history and beautiful backdrop of the early years of the United States, while also not shying away from the horrors that also occurred. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this advanced copy of the novel.

Was this review helpful?

I loved reading the previous books from the Daughters of the Lost Colony series, Elinor and Mary. I was excited to have the opportunity to read the third installment, Rebecca, but sad to see it will be final book of the series. I was far from being disappointed and found that this one is my favorite. It was interesting that Rebecca is actually based on the famous historical figure that many Americans know as Pocahontas and John Rolfe. The details of the story were so vivid that they were believable. I thought it was fabulous!

Rebecca will be getting five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction, based on unsolved mysteries. I hope Shannon McNear will be releasing more books based on true events to come.

I received a paperback copy of Shannon McNear's Rebecca from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

What a captivating conclusion to the Daughters Of The Lost Colony series!
Amazing storyteller Shannon McNear masterfully blends real and speculative history into a believable, riveting fictional tale probing a possible link between the Lost Colony of Roanoke and Pocahontas. Vivid detailed descriptions help you experience the story as you read. Superb characterization drives the multilayered plot. The glossary, time table, and historical notes at the end of the book are interesting and helpful in navigating the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I think fans of colonial American history will enjoy and appreciate this book and series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Well written, well researched, and overall an enjoyable read. My primary critique is in regards to the names, which were difficult for me to keep track of, as many kept changing. Once you get beyond the learning curve, however, it's an engrossing story, and I found that it was nearly as informative as it was entertaining.

Was this review helpful?

What a sad story - Pocahontas is introduced as a bright young girl, full of life and a sense of humor. Her mother was taken as a child into the tribe and she became the leader's wife.
The Indian lifestyle is shown to be lively and free - but the lifestyle of the English invaders is shown to be power hungry and ruthless, except for a few.
John Smith's life is introduced as a soldier and an explorer. He even studies the Native American language before he comes to America.
John is captured by Pocahontas's father, he learns that this tribe is generous and wants to be friends with him.
Pocahontas gets married and has a child, but then she is kidnapped, raped by many of the soldiers and forced to wear English dress and learn their language.
What a horrid commentary on the English and their ruthlessness!

Was this review helpful?