Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels - 3 stars
I enjoyed the setting and characters, and some historical details. Magda's work as a silversmith was fascinating. Jacob's avoidance in communication based on fear of rejection was overly long. The transitions between scenes were disjointed and the politics were difficult to understand, making me feel removed.

Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor - 4 stars
Lumbercamps are one of my favorite historical settings, and Mabel has her hands full since the death of her brother. I appreciated the way Joseph respected her and found alternative solutions to his purpose of buying her business, based on her needs.

Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas - 5 stars
The setting of this story is quite volatile, and Laurette is constantly in danger, especially when she can't stand to be confined to her cabin alone, with only her dog for company. I loved the secret friendship she develops with Henry, recovering from sickness. As tensions come to a head, their relationship saves them both and gives them a brighter future.

A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin - 2 stars
I liked the premise, but the pace was slowed by repetitive political visits, and the interactions between Arch and Susannah were lacking chemistry. Struggled with this one because it focused more on historical details I didn't have enough background information on and I felt lost.

A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch - 5 stars
An abused young woman, a forced marriage of convenience, and Marcus's task is to get Lorinda to trust him while providing for her and protecting her against the malevolent destruction of their farm.

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer - 5 stars
My favorite of the collection! Jenny and Caylan are larger than life, their vibrant personalities bursting off the page. Jenny is strong and full of grit, named Warrior Woman by the Natives who threaten their land and lives, along with the British. This story felt full and complete, with character growth, compelling events, and plenty of emotion as Jenny's world changes around her. I loved Caylan's devotion to her over time filled with hardships and heartache.

The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear - 4 stars
This story had me biting my nails with anxiousness as Jed goes undercover to bring down the violent raiders. I couldn't stomach the things they did, but history shows how evil people can be. Jed's attachment to Lizzy is unexpected, but saves both of them in the long run. I appreciated the change in Lizzy as she finally had someone to believe in her and fight the lies from her family.

Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer - 4 stars
I enjoyed the perspective from Abi who is Métis, and learning about her role in different parts of the world and societies. Henry comes from the society who is a harsh judge of those with mixed ancestry, yet values her for the person she is.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

This Brides Collection is very good read. For the most part these stories are novellas. They are really fun period pieces.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, I was unable to get into it. The stories were a bit too shallow for my taste- maybe the short form just isn't for me. I will not post a review on Goodreads so as not to skew. the ratings.

This is a great collection of short novella's that capture your imagination. They are well written, smoothly flowing with easy dialect. The story lines of these novellas are each unique and entertaining. They are the perfect size to sit and read in one sitting and then easily pick up again with the next story when you can without feeling like you've missed anything. Great writing style, great stories, a warm and endearing collections of gems!

I cannot say enough good things about this collections of novellas and the authors. I enjoy visiting Colonial America and these stories brought me there in an instant. Each story showcases a strong and fabulous heroine. I imagine in real Colonial America these women lived but were hidden in the shadows, as it was not too popular for a woman to be strong in those days. But what sets these women and their stories apart is the way the Lord helps them get through the tough hands life has thrown at them. Although this time period is different then ours today, we can learn from these women.

What amazes me about a collection like this is the way the stories all go together, as if they were written by the same author. You can see little differences in writing styles, but overall I did not feel as if I was reading several different stories – it just felt like one really big story with lots of different subplots. I imagine that is difficult to do, but these ladies seemed to bring their stories together with ease. And a few of these authors were new to me, but I can honestly say that I felt like I’d been reading their stories for years. I was easily brought into Colonial America with the setting, the speech and the dress. I may have imagine myself among the streets in a colonial dress a time or two!

Bottom line is that this is a fantastic group of stories that historical fiction fans will devour. Seeing a taste of Colonial America from several different settings across the country was a welcome treat that I would revisit any day. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This collection of novellas is a delightful read, which I recommend to anyone who enjoys historical Christian romance. The stories take place from 1754 to 1792 and all but two are set on the eastern coast of the United States. While I enjoyed some stories more than others, each story features a unique and compelling premise that kept me reading through the entire book.

My favorite story from this collection is the one written by Angela K. Couch featuring a woman whose abusive husband has just died. Her newfound freedom is shortlived, however, thanks to meddlesome relatives who coerce her into marrying her deceased husband's cousin - a man with a temper of his own. Her new husband, however, is determined not to allow his anger to rule him. Meanwhile, a mysterious vandal brings chaos and danger to them both. Watching their relationship grow under these circumstances is fascinating and a true testament to the power of God's love.

The Backcountry Brides Collection: is the story about 8 eighteenth-century women who seek love on the Colonial America’s frontier. This amazing collection of novellas is written by eight gifted writers. These writers take the reader “on the trail” that travels into Colonial America during the years of 1754-1792: along the trail to Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, .to Fort Michilimackinac of Michigan., North Carolina Colony to .Charlotte Town, South Carolina, Fort Niagara of New York along the Holston River of Tennessee, Wilkes County, Georgia to Fort McCrea, and Upper Mississippi River along Minnesota. The 8 strong women of the backcountry are looking for love, husbands who are strong, rugged men with skills and abilities to survive living in the rustic frontier land, who are prepared to face attacks by Indians, the fierceness and harshness of nature, unforeseen dangers and challenges or even the possibility of depleted supplies to protect their families. Can they overcome the elements thrown at them and find love in the midst of it all? The writers give detailed descriptions of the diversity of the characters’ cultural differences and backgrounds bring to life the hardships and struggles they face. The couples overcome challenges and hardships, tense situations, sorrows, grief and pain while sharing joys and humorous moments, family, hope, integrity, love and faith. The authors incorporates historical aspects and the details within the fictional story-lines into each novella and notes regarding the historical aspects of her story. I love reading Christian historical fiction, I find something new and enjoyable about our history.

This anthology shows what life is like in the early days of America from pre to post Revolutionary times and living in the Back Country. The book follows the lives of 8 couples who find adventure & love through God and the struggles of life in the Back Country to become brides and grooms of the love of their lives that God has brought together.

Shenandoah Hearts Carrie Fancett Pagels Shenandoah Valley January 1754
Magdalena and Jacob have moved from Philadelphia to rural Virginia for a better life. Magdalena and Jacob have feelings for each but with her working for his family's engraving business they can't declare their feelings for each other. Living in different settlements its harder to see each other like they used to everyday. They face threats from Indians and the coming war. Jacob is part of the militia along with Magdalena's older brothers. They finally reveal their feeling and a courtship starts and when they're caught kissing a wedding is planned. Jacob's oldest brother comes for a visit and Magdalena's family take in an Indian captive. Separated by Jacob's job when an attack happens and Jacob's militia is sent searching for survivors including his brother. Magda and Jacob marry and return to live at his cabin.

Hearts of Nantahala Jennifer Hudson Taylor North Carolina 1757
Joseph wants to buy Mabel's lumber yard. She won't sell so he travels to see if he can personally get her to sell. Just before he arrives her foreman proposes marriage along with a lot of eligible men.. Mabel wants to keep the lumber yard as a memorial to her dead brother. Tensions arise when her workers don't want to work for a woman. Dangerous situations start happening putting Mabel in danger. Joseph starts to have feelings for her and being the decent man he is helps with her problems, bringing them closer together. They don't declare feelings for each other but aren't wanting to marry because of all the proposals. Mabel is suspicious of her foreman's proposal Joseph helps to modernize and fix the lumber mill When Mabel asks Joseph to the study for a meeting to tell him she's selling to him and moving back to England. Joseph reveals his feelings as does Mabel decides to stay in her home after Joseph asks to court her.

Her Red Coat Peggy Thomas North Fork of Michilianackinac River Early Spring 1763
Laurette is sent for safety to the family cabin. Feeling alone and knowing she's meant for more. She goes out into the forest looking for her dog and comes across Henry out for a walk. The doctor has told him to walk to help get his strength back from a recent illness. They become friends and spend time together and start to have feelings for each other. Laurette pulls back because of the danger it poses to them. Henry doesn't know why she has stopped coming. Her friends and father get angry with the them being involved. They help her dog who gets caught in a trap. Laurette receives a proposal she's been expecting. Laurette gets lonely. She and Henry start to meet again. When Henry and his friend see a dangerous situation their superiors do nothing. Laurette is warned of the danger. Henry goes to her father when he's worried and finds them packing up some of the store to head for safety. Laurette's father insists they marry and talks Henry out of going back. A proposal is made and accepted and love declared.

A Heart so Tender Debra E. Marvin Fort Niagara July 10, 1764
Susannah arrives at the fort with her family. Arch is the officer assigned to guard and guide them in the area. Arch doesn't believe an agreement can be made with the Indians and that a realistic view is all that's required. Susannah is tired from the trip and doesn't like the way he treats her. Arch apologizes and she doesn't want him to leave. As time goes by their feelings for each other grow and get stronger but they don't reveal them to each other. They think keeping quiet is the best for the other. On a trip to Niagara Falls Arch tries to release his hatred of the Indians. Their feelings change their minds about marriage. When looking for Arch Susannah is attacked by a red coat and saved by an Indian but Arch's superior goes after the Indian with a knife. Arch reveals his feelings and is just to go on a mission. Eight weeks later he returns and goes to Susannah's village where a proposal is made and accepted and future plans made.

A Worth Groom Angela K Couch Salisbury, North Carolina March 1771
Lorinda's abusive husband dies and she's finally free but only until her in-laws find out she's pregnant. Her in-laws send a letter to relatives looking for a new husband for her. Marcus decides even though he's not the brother they relatives want he'll go any way. Lorinda doesn't trust him and tries to leave the first night. After brining her back Marcus danger arises on the farm. When their suspect has an alibi they continue to be on guard. Lorinda risks loosing her child so all the chores fall to Marcus. Lorinda get to know and fall in love with the man who's been taking care of her. Marcus has a lot of anger hidden away. Lorinda has always felt useless. They help each other deal with their problems falling for each other along the way. Marcus goes to find out about their troubles and while gone his brother shows up wanting revenge for their father's death because Marcus didn't go and fight.. A fight takes place and a shot rings out. All is settled and a baby is born and love is declared.

Across Three Autumns Denise Weimer Wilkes County Georgia 1779
Jenny becomes known as he War Warrior by the Indians. The tribe now protects her family's fort. Caylan stops by to bring her father back into the fight. Jenny doesn't think she'll marry and is jealous of the attention her sister pays to Caylan. They go to safety but Jenny gets a feeling that something is wrong and returns home. She goes looking for Caylan and her brother and finds an inured Caylan. After recovering he returns to the declaring his feelings for Jenn. Jenny catches an enemy scout and takes him to the militia's commanding officer. They also repel an Indian attack. When Jenny's mother gets ill and dies its up to her to take care of her family. Jenny is nursed by her sister when she also becomes ill and survives. Caylan comes to take them to safety. Jenny feels something is being kept from her and its revealed at the rendezvous point. She keeps it all inside and finally lets it out, Caylan shows her what he sees and feelings are revealed and a proposal made and accepted. Arriving at their destination a question is asked and the justice of the peace found.

The Counterfeit Tory Shannon McNear 96 District South Carolina 1781
Jed is asked to take a mission to find a group of men still fighting the war. Lizzy is the inn keeper's daughter. Jed is investigating. She keeps her head down and doesn't want to have anything to do with Jed. Lizzy can' figure out what Jed is up to but to defy her family she covers for him and begins to inadvertently help him. They become closer while helps with chores. Her father and brother get a warning from the village. Lizzy asks Jed not to leave again. A proposal is made.. The village makes good on the threats and Lizzy goes to Jed's contact for help but doesn't include her family. Jed is watched closely by the leader of the group. Lizzy gives information about where her cousin might be. When men are sent to apprehend them a fight takes place and Jed is badly beaten. She takes care of him. Lizzy and Jed go to his cousins inn and help. They married and are expecting. Some one think they recognize Lizzy.

Love's Undoing Gabrielle Meyer Fort McCrea Upper Mississippi River December4, 1792
All Abi wants is to go visit her sister in the city. Her father doesn't want to loose her so he keeps her at home. Abi's estranged uncle sends his clerk Henry to send word of a death and inheritance. Abi talks her father into letting her go back with Henry and the man he's picked for her to marry. Abi and Henry are attracted to each other, He thinks he's going to marry Abi's cousin. As they become friends and get closer they realize care for each other. Her prospective groom doesn't like and it puts distance between him and Abi. Arriving in Montreal Abi meets her uncle and his family and realizes that her sister's situation isn't as she thought. Abi is put to work as a maid for her uncle. Henry doesn't like the way Abi is treated. When she realizes she and Henry can't be together she talks her sister into returning home. Henry follows her home and catches up to them and makes a proposal. Her sister and her former groom become attached. Love is declared.

The Backcountry Brides Collection by eight multiple authors is a terrific collection of eight stories about 18th Century Women who are seeking love. I enjoyed the stories and I was able to read the works of many new authors in this collection. Recommend reading for those who enjoy different styles of writing and numerous short stories.

Informational Colonial Historical Christian fiction with some of the strongest women you'll ever meet. And handsome rugged men with true hearts, to love this kind of woman. Living hard lives in harsh environments. Hope, love and faith come through each time. Excellent - makes a great summer read. You'll learn as you read.

#TheBackcountryBridesCollection #NetGalley

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers and the Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

Earlier this year I read a novella collection by Barbour Books called Small-Town Brides, and it was a great series of novellas. Now I’ve had the opportunity to read another collection by Barbour Books called The Backcountry Brides Collection. Eight stories written by eight authors who you may recognize, this collection of clean romance stories was entertaining and enjoyable. There were two that I really enjoyed: Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas and Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer. I enjoyed being able to read these novellas in the little snippets of time that I have had in the past week. Each novella is a perfect story to read in the time before bed or in the early morning minutes before everyone else has awakened.

Here are my two favorite novellas in the collection:
Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas

Her Redcoat tells the story of Laurette and Henry in Michigan during the time of Pontiac’s Rebellion. Henry was a British Redcoat soldier. I truly appreciated the significant historical narrative of this novella. Pegg Thomas did a great job making the characters and plot feel real.

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer

Across Three Autumns takes place in Georgia when the British decided to try their hand at defeating the South. Jenny is a young lady who feels like she doesn’t stack up to the beauty of other women (especially her sister), but what she doesn’t realize is that her beauty, strength, and bravery are attractive to one Scotsman named Caylan, a Georgia militiaman. Throughout the troubles they face, Caylan and Jenny find themselves slowly developing feelings for each other.

I enjoyed reading about life in the American Frontier. That is a time period that I often don’t see in fiction, and it was thoroughly enjoyable to get lost in that time and take a ride through time with some wonderful characters.

The Backcountry Brides is a collection of novellas set in colonial America. Each of the eight novellas is written by a different talented author. I enjoyed the wide variety of settings and characters in the collection. It was obvious that each author had done much research into the particular area and time period of their story, and I found the history aspect to be very interesting. The diversity of these stories amazed me. Challenges and hardships abounded during those times of colonizing the country and taming each frontier, and I found myself appreciating the creature comforts of today. As with most novella collections, I’m split in my feelings between wanting a longer, more detailed story and appreciating the fact that I can read a novella in a shorter period of time and still enjoy a satisfying tale.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A collection of eight novellas each focusing on a woman of the Revolutionary War period who was strong, independent, and knew her own mind. Each was well written and felt quite complete as a novella. Wonderful heroes to match these strong women. This is a lovely collection filled with lots of interesting history and including authors both known to me and new to me. It was obvious that each author had done extensive research into the bit of Revolutionary War history that their story focused upon. The author notes after each story also made clearer this piece of history. Overall, a well done collection that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

It is a bit lengthy so I read a few, then set it aside for another book, until I had finished. But definitely well worth reading.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Barbour Books, through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

The Backcountry Brides Collection Is eight Novellas. The first is about overcoming different things before they marry. The second is about a business proposal wink wink. The third is about a dreaded red coat. The fourth is about a soldier protection of love. The fifth is about trials and trust and forgiveness. The sixth one is a heart jumpin' blood flowin' love flowin' story. The seventh one is about spies - sound familiar? The last one is about who is the right bride.

The Backcountry Brides Collection is a wonderful set of eight stories of women finding love on America's colonial frontier that looks different in each story, such as life during the French and Indian War, fur trading, lumber mills and danger from the Native Indians. A number of new to me authors and some of my favorites too--Carrie Fancett Pagels, Debra E. Marvin, and Gabrielle Meyer. Each of the nine authors has their own delightful way of storytelling, some with a little humor, some with suspense and heartbreaking drama, but all weave faith in God and his grace and mercy throughout their stories of love and romance in a variety of situations. Through a time span during the mid-to-late-1700s the stories take readers to the frontiers of eight different states. Interesting tidbits of history and vivid scenes (even some swoon-worthy kisses) along with strong, evocative characters make these stories come alive and readers recognize that even in the despair and struggles of frontier life there is hope and goodness. Don't miss this fascinating collection of stories.
I was given a copy of this book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

If you are a fan of early colonial American fiction, then you will definitely enjoy this novella collection. Eight different authors pen novellas of our country in its infancy from the mid to late 1700’s in America. Eking out an existence during that timeframe was rough and dangerous. A bride looking for love may not find at all what she expects and she may not also have enough self-worth to see a man as he sees her. After a long day of scratching out a living, there is little time for romance and a marriage may be a quick one. The skills needed for survival alone could alienate young women hoping for love, as men were often off fighting and protecting our fledgling country. A true melting pot of pioneers makes the stories interesting from Germans, Indians, French, and Scottish just to name a few. So, pick up a tale from the Shenandoah Valley, where the author uses information gleaned from her own family tree. Or a tale about a female lumber mill owner, in a time when women certainly did not own a business of any kind, most especially a male dominated lumber mill. Another is about a Redcoat who finds more than he bargains for at Fort Michilimackinac, an Indian/Scottish biracial woman in an era where the taint of Indian blood could ruin a woman’s chances for marriage. Can you imagine a tale about thousands of Indian warriors’ tribes converging on Fort Niagara, and a young lady is caught in the middle? The story about Jenny, an exceptionally tall pioneer woman and her family desperately trying to escape a seemingly impossible situation. Could a certain Scotsman catch her eye? Or how about a spy infiltrating a Tory gang? I can’t even begin to imagine living in these times when women were truly not appreciated and treated as second class citizens. In another story, an abused woman is widowed, and there was a good chance she would no longer even own her home or land that she and her deceased husband worked so hard to survive on. She is ordered to marry her deceased husbands brother. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine a young woman living among the fur traders and looking for love, even though her tainted Indian blood could be a major roadblock? Immerse yourself in the tales as these downright plucky young women fight for the love in which they seek. These enjoyable novellas from different authors gives the reader plenty of variety and perhaps finding “new to you” authors that have published other works for you to enjoy. This is also an excellent value at a hefty 443 page volume.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. A positive review is not required of me and the receipt of a complimentary copy in no way influenced my review.

One things I can count on is the high quality stories I read in a Barbour Romance Collection. In the almost 20 years I've been reading them the authors have changed but not what I've come to expect in these works. I find high quality Christianfiction without worrying about finding swearing or compromising morals which some Christian publishers are now letting slip into what they turn out to publish. Thank you Barbour Books for staying true to your high quality standards!
Pub Date 01 May 2018
Thank you to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Overall this collection was not what I was anticipating. Because of the title and description, I was expecting more of a focus on colonial life. Instead, most of the stories are more about military life at the time. Still, I did enjoy many of the stories,

A great collection of stories. It helped me find some great new authors! Enjoyable for anyone who is a fan of historical romance.

I enjoyed all the stories of this collection, all set in the mid-late 1700's.
Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels Another wonderful story by Carrie. This one takes us to the Shenandoah Valley in the mid 1700’s. Magda moves along with her family to the Shenandoah Valley, leaving her heart with Jacob. When he and his brother join up with the families going south, she wonders if he’ll ever return her affections. Later, concern for safety among some unrest with Indians, coupled with her worry over Jacob’s safety come to the forefront.
Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor I really enjoyed this one. We meet Joe who is very interested in buying a mill from Mabel, who runs the Nantahala mill after her brother’s death. Joe travels to her mill to make an offer she can’t refuse…at least he hopes so. Two others he’d sent before him have failed after all.
Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas This is another great story. I really liked the interplay between the Indians, French and English, both tensions and friendships. Laurette meets a “redcoat” by the name of Henry that is anything but what the redcoats are known for. She has friends among the Indians as well and is somewhat familiar with the escalating tensions. Join along and see what happens among Laurette and her friends.
A Heart So Tender by Debra E Marvin This story takes us to another fort and introduces us to Arch and Susannah. Arch has been charged with keeping Susannah safe when her family travels to the fort. She, a frontier woman, he a military officer who holds a grudge against one Indian tribe, and the man who brought Susannah and her family to the fort who is trying to make peace among the tribes. I really enjoyed the interplay between the main characters and their growth throughout the story.
A Worthy Groom by Angela K Couch In this story we meet Lorinda, who is a recent widow and thankful to be free from her husbands abuse. Then she realizes she is with child and her in-laws send for a relative of theirs to marry her. Enter Marcus. He promises he will never lift a hand to her, and seems like he means it, but her deceased husband told her the same thing. When trouble brews around the farm and Marcus tries to figure out who’s behind it, will he keep his promise? She can see his anger, though he hasn’t gone back on his word….yet. A great story and one that keeps things moving at a good pace.
Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer We meet Jenny and her family first in this story. Jenny is a tall young lady and a good shot, even better than her brother. She meets Caylan and is instantly intrigued by him. When her father heads back out to battle, and her brother sneaks along, she is prompted to go look for him. This trek begins a journey of mutual interest, but will either live long enough to get what their heart desires?
The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear Jed needs to infiltrate enemy lines. He meets Lizzy at a tavern he’s been told to go to for info. Something draws him to her from the start as she looks defeated and defensive. Can he trust her to be a messenger for him?
Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer Abi would like nothing better than to leave the interior fort and travel to Montreal to see the sights and her sister again. Her father finally relents, on the condition Robert travels with her, to personally deliver a message to his brother. Abi doesn’t understand why she just can’t return with Henry, her father’s brother’s right hand man, nor does she want Robert interfering with what she wants to do. When she gets to Montreal she realizes things aren’t what she expected.