This was a very fast-paced race-against-time adventure, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Christianity elements were very present, but didn’t come off as obnoxious, which I appreciate. And the strong-willed heroine and secretive hero had me hooked from the start!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

My Review


Genre: Historical, Christian Fiction.


My Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars.


Recommendation: 15+ because of violence.


My favorite character/s: Deliverance (Livvy) Hunter is just sooooo sweet and trusting, normally I don't like when writers throw in a younger kid to show how their characters act with kids, yet Miss Griep did great with Livvy. I loved her and how insightful she was.

My Verse for Livvy is Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.



My thoughts: There was a little too much violence for my taste, but it wasn't overwhelming. In all this was a very enjoyable book, and I hope to (soon!) read more by Michelle Griep.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. (And I am truly happy to provide it! :-) )

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I had read the previous book in this series and was very disappointed with The Pirate Bride. It took me a while to even start this book. But once I finally started reading, it was hard to put down. Not all historical fiction is realistic when telling the story but this book was. Very enjoyable.

4.5 stars

“It is in the darkest skies we see the brightest stars.”

Michelle Griep continues to be one of my consistently favorite authors, especially when she delves into the time period of Colonial America. The Captured Bride is everything I have come to expect from a Griep novel – rich in setting and historical details, strong characters, and breath-stealing romance!

Mercy Lytton is a heroine not to be messed with – a woman with a compassionate heart and a skilled scout entrusted with the most dangerous of missions. A mission that includes Elias Dubois, a complex character in his own right and a condemned traitor with one last chance at freedom. In many cases, both Mercy and Elias walk a fine line between two worlds and watching them find common ground – and attraction – is truly a pleasure. Mutual respect, affection, and increasingly deeper feelings also walk a fine line between their cover (a married couple) and their reality, and Griep is masterful at conveying these tangled emotions with a look, a sigh, a thought.

In the middle of this swoony romance and the riveting struggle to complete their mission (and survive to tell the tale), a gentle and authentic thread of faith weaves seamlessly through the story. Elias’ faith is relatively new but strong, while Mercy has a basic knowledge without any heart roots. I loved watching her observe Elias and his relationship with God – and how those observations affected her own soul over the course of their journey.

Duplicity on many sides, as well as danger around every corner, means their journey is at times, as I mentioned a moment ago, an all-out battle for survival. Griep has truly captured the treacherous nature of the time period, yet at the same time the adventure never overpowers the characters. Rather it acts to heighten their strengths and weaknesses, and above all points to the Savior who redeems.

Bottom Line: You will not want to put this book down! Adventure, romance, history, and faith all converge on a tumultuous era in American history to tell a story that will hold you captive from word one. Mercy and Elias and a cast of intriguing supporting characters keep you strongly invested in the outcome – and may even prompt you to do some historical research on your own. Perfect for fans of Laura Frantz and Lori Benton – and of Michelle Griep herself!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I am enjoying this series, as a fan of Michelle Griep I was excited to see her name as an author in this series. As always she delivers quality intrigue and romance.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. It can be read as a stand alone novel, and it is set during the French and Indian War. Mercy Lytton is an outsider as she is the daughter of a Mohawk Indian father and an English mother and defies conventional gender roles by working as a scout. Elias Dubouis makes his living by working both sides of the French and Indian War and stole a gold shipment. Fate brings these two people together as Elias is offered a way to escape the gallows by transporting the gold he stole to a nearby fort and Mercy is unwillingly cast in the role of his wife as a way to provide cover for his previous dubious identity. Will they be able to deliver the gold, or will the obstacles in their way be too much to overcome. Fans of Laura Frantz will find another favorite in Michelle Griep. My one criticism is that most readers know little about the French and Indian War, and Griep could do better explaining the conflict in general as it helps readers better understand the setting and the challenges faced by the characters.

Mercy Lytton's sharp eyes can see farther into the wilderness than any other scout's. Half white, half Mohawk, She's been chosen, along with two other English scouts, to take a wagon load of gold to an English fort through a forest rife with French and Indians. They'll travel in company with a traitor, Elias Dubois, whose sentence to the gallows has been commuted if he helps with the mission. As cover for the journey, Mercy must pose as Elias' wife. Not surprisingly, their forced proximity ignites romantic interest between the two. When dangers mount, Mercy and Elias learn to count on each other, leaving Mercy to wonder whether Elias really is a traitor and Elias to wonder how he can bear to carry out his own secret orders if that means giving up Mercy.

The entire time I was reading this book, I felt like I was reading a Laura Frantz novel...and since Frantz is a favorite author of mine, that's a good thing! Mercy and Elias were a well-matched pair, and I loved how Griep gradually crescendoed the trust that lay between them. Both of the main characters' religious convictions played into the story, and their spiritual character development felt authentic without being over-the-top. The situations with native Americans on the warpath were nail-bitingly tense, and Elias' calmness under pressure (especially as he negotiated for Mercy's release in the Indian camp) was remarkable. This is one of the first novels I've read set during the French and Indian War, and although many of the events in the story are fictional, they felt accurate for the time and the setting.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wow, I've really loved all of the books in the Daughter's of the Mayflower series and this one is no exception! I am really impressed by how much research author, Michelle Griep puts into her books. It was fascinating to read the book and then read the carefully researched facts she added after the story pertaining to it. Historical fiction at it's best. Mercy Lytton, a half white half Mohawk knows the lay of the land. This is one woman you have to admire, she is a truly independent woman working as a scout with her older male friend, Matthew. Now this is not a romantic relationship as he sees her as a daughter and will do everything in his power to protect her. Scouting in the wilderness takes a special woman, one who has the smarts to withstand the elements and surprise attacks by man and beast alike. Elias Dubois faces the gallows as a condemned traitor . When he's offered his freedom in exchange for accompanying a stolen shipment of gold to a nearby fort. Feel the tension and drama when the buried gold disappears. The romantic tension between Mercy and Elias is apparent throughout the book. I loved both main characters, both outdoors,rough around the edges types but yet gentle with each other. Intriguing, this will capture your attention and you'll still think about it when you've completed the book.
Pub Date 01 Jun 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Captured Bride Is a very harmonious book. One book that is jam packed with information and fun. The main character is very lively and is monumental the story is in no way mundane. The story flows and the author is respectful of the characters. She brings them straight off the pages and into your room. It is historic and enjoyable. I learned a lot. The one thing they all have in common is that they all are submissive to the LORD and they need to do that especially then- to survive.

: I loved learning about the French and Indian war as this author whisked me back in time with remarkable visual images, riveting action and intriguing, realistic, fun characters I enjoyed hanging out with. The author pays attention to historical detail with rich descriptions that don’t bog the reader down but help them experience the time period. Four unlikely travelers, three men and a woman; set out on a trek through dangerous territory with valuable cargo and only a hope and a prayer they’ll make it to their destination. All the while they are banding together to use their experience and skill set to avoid French soldiers, Indians and the challenges of the wilderness.

I enjoyed Mercy a no nonsense, tough, skilled scout who you don’t want to mess with. She feels comfortable in breeches rather than gowns but can fit into a formal setting with ease when necessary. Mercy takes on this assignment at the urging of her father figure friend- a worn out soldier named Matthew. The captain has told them that they will be traveling with a condemned traitor named Elias Dubois and Rufus Bragg a sixteen-year-old boy with a gawkily build. This mission keeps gets better and better. The icing to the cake for Mercy is the fact she will be married in name only to this traitor Elias.

As their journey goes along, tensions rise as they learn each other’s skill sets, navigate natural disasters, discover each other’s temperaments and look out for ways to gather food for them all. This is a fascinating, compelling period piece I couldn’t put down. This gripping story is filled with twists, turns, surprises and action that was fast and furious with a splash of romance. I loved this author’s witty dialogue and the secrets each keeps from the other. This is how Matthew; posing as Mercy’s father describes her to Elias; her pretend husband, “This her is Mercy. …. She can be a little…Let’s just say she is a fiddle string wound tight and about to break. Might wanna ride quiet for a while. If she snaps, it will leave a mark. She’ll get out if soon enough.”

I cared deeply for these characters right from the start; as they faced the dangers of this unbelievably crazy assignment. I loved that the spiritual aspect of this story was not preachy but was woven in naturally. This is the third book in the Mayflower series. Each novel can be read as a standalone. I liked the author notes to readers where she gives you the behinds the scenes look at how this story came about. I highly recommend this for a great read and/or for your next book club pick. T

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Netgalley. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

This book held me captive as I read with its frontier wilderness setting and vivid characters. There is tension throughout the story with the dangers from the French and Indian tribes who are warring with the English. There is the sense that things are not as they seem, and the suspense is heightened as loyalties, motivations, and backgrounds are slowly revealed. The travel and action kept a swift pace, yet there was a good balance with showing the personalities and emotions of Mercy and Elias so I felt connected to them and invested in their story. They had a strong connection to each other and their chemistry only grew as they bonded through the trials they endure together. I loved the spiritual journey Mercy also takes as she grieves for her family and seeks to understand the faith of her mother. Fans of A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz won't want to miss this one!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Michelle Griep is swiftly becoming one of my favorite authors! I absolutely love the way she spins a tale! I love her strong characters, both male and female! And I love how they are never intimidated by the strength of the other but recognize how their strengths complement each other. I love the way she writes their romances as well. I love the twists and turns in her plotlines, the treachery, and the strong spiritual component in each book!

I also really enjoyed the historical setting of this book! The French and Indian War is not one I have learned much about and so I found this story fascinating. Without any hesitation, I highly recommend this book to lovers of history, lovers of adventure, and lovers of romance alike!

The Captured Bridge by Michelle Griep is book 3 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I am a fan of Ms Griep's novels and I was excited to pick up this novel. I found the time period and history behind this novel fascinating. I'd love to read more about it and I appreciated the author's historical notes at the end of the book. This book is full of adventure, action, and danger. There are some brutal killings by enemies in the book. Overall, this is an exciting book and I would highly recommend it! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is the third book of The Daughters of the Mayflower Series. Each book can stand alone but I've read each one. This book is dated in 1759 in New York.

This was an absolute delight to read. I loved the book. This story is about Mercy Lytton and Elias Dubois. Mercy is a spirited young woman who is strong and independent. Mercy needs to work through her past before she can ever find true happiness. Elias is on a dangerous mission and has to keep this from Mercy. He can not risk being vulnerable.

We often appear to others stronger than we actually are. Sometimes we believe that if we show our vulnerabilities we are weak. The exact opposite is true.

Great book! I can not wait to the next book in this series!!!! I am taking a vacation with each book and I'm not even leaving my recliner. Thank you, Michelle Griep!!!

I received this free to review.

Having been slightly disappointed by the first two books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, I was leery about wasting time reading the third book. But I was pleasantly surprised by Michelle Griep’s addition to the series!
Griep’s writing is beautiful. Her descriptions swiftly transport the reader to upper New York in the 1750s in the midst of the French and Indian War. I was surprised at how quickly I fell into the story, and how I really did want to know what caused Mercy to be captured (as the title suggests). Griep did a wonderful job of building tension; of layering and slowly revealing backstories and motivations of her characters; of creating possibilities then tossing in challenges; of developing trust between her characters; and of maintaining a realistically harsh, yet still engaging atmosphere for Mercy and Elias to work through.
I did enjoy this story and plan to read more of Michelle Griep’s work. If the rest of the series is written like The Captured Bride, I will gladly read them all! I’d recommend you grab your own copy. (*Note: you do not have to read the series in order to be able to understand the individual stories!)
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for the digital copy of this novel. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂

The Captured Bride
by Michelle Griep



I’m a huge fan of Historical Fiction. I love a good story of any kind really, but something about history intrigues me. When I read a novel that’s set in the past, I can simply imagine being in the time and place, the life they’ve lived and the love they experience. It’s a beautiful thing.



The Captured Bride is set in the time period around the French and Indian War. The book tells the story of Mercy Lytton, a young woman who was raised by the Mohawk Nation. Mercy’s stands as a link between the English and American Indian worlds, both which have a strong dislike of the French. Mercy must learn to overcome her dislike of the French in order to complete the task she’s set to do and to find the love she’s always wanted with Elias Dubois.

Elias is a French traitor who is facing hanging in the gallows. He’s accepting of his fate, only because he has God on his side. His strong faith guides him each day of his journey. Sent by the enemy to deliver Gold of his own into the English hands, he’s not sure he can complete his task with the likes of Mercy by his side.

This was an delightful story full of exciting travel and intrigue as Mercy, Elias and the others in their party travel across the land.



Michelle Griep loves writing. She began creating stories as a small child and has not stopped yet. Though her stories are mainly set in the Historical genre, she’s also written some contemporary fiction as well.

Purchase a copy of The Captured Bride through Kindle or in Paperback.

What an interesting time in our history! Native scout Mercy Lytton was so courageous scouting in dangerous territory. Author Michelle Griep wrote The Capture Bride as part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each book is written by a different author. I am happy to say that each book can be read as a standalone.



Mercy's skills as a tracker rival any man. She is an independent woman, comfortable with her skills and not willing to suffer alongside any ineptness. She is not excited, then, to be traveling with a traitor such as Elias and is keen to be rid of him at the end of the journey. The journey, however, does not go at all as planned. As I read this book I was surprised at the twists in the plot.


I have read several works written by Michelle Griep and appreciate her attention to detail. Historical fiction is an important genre for our culture. This one, set during the French & Indian War is enjoyable and adventurous, with a touch of romance.

Thank you for stopping by. I received my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.

You know, when you absolutely love a book, it’s so easy to write a review. When you’re “meh” about a book or even if you hate it—it’s also easy. It might not be easy to write a kind one, but easy enough to write.

But when you like a book… really like it, but don’t absolutely love it, things become difficult. Is it because you had unrealistic expectations? Was it just the wrong day to read it? Could you be too picky about things?

With each chapter of The Captured Bride, my confusion grew. Like I said. I liked the book. I wanted to love it as I had Ms. Griep’s other books.

But I didn’t.
I mean, I really liked it. It’s a good book. Riveting action, excellent plot, engaging and convincing characters, rich description and attention to historical detail…

I highly recommend it because it is an excellent book. The quibbles I have with it are minor… occasional lapses into speech that sound modern (regardless of whether it was authentic then, a couple of phrases sounded very now). A few repetitive turns of phrasing. Romantic moments that were just a bit much for me but most people really love.

If I could give 4.5 stars, I would. Because I almost loved it… it almost captured my heart… but I didn’t quite love it. I just really liked it.

I always want to try Griep's books. They are always very interesting. I really loved her book The Captive Heart if you liked this one you will really like that one. This book had some really strong stuff and for me some holes that made the ending a bit rushed and anticlimactic. You get this big build of all these secrets and the end does not do them all justice. The really good stuff in this book is the Characters and the story line. Mercy is amazing and complex and you need a really strong leading man to offset and build a believable romance with a woman like that and Griep does an amazing job with Elias. Mercy is a strong willed, angry, half white half Native American woman who will bend to no one. Elias is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word who's kindness and strength and trust in God wins her over. I wanted more of these two but all that happens in the story takes over a bit especially at the end and I felt like I missed something. I think I would have liked an Epilogue so we could have a look into there future. I liked learning about the history it is weaved into the story not told in long paragraphs but shown. The book was well done and had a good feel to it. The Christian element was so well done. This is the kind of Christian fiction I love to read. The characters live there religion and other people are drawn to it by there lives and example not by there preaching. The author does not try to shove her religion down your throat with long paragraphs of preaching but with actions of her characters.
What I didn't like was the things I found rushed and the holes I saw. Maybe I missed something but at one point in the story
(SPOILERS AHEAD) some characters found themselves followed and they ran into a protected area. The Bad guys had made a treaty with other tribes to not go there but the bad guys had already gone there and killed an entire village of people. Why would they stop now. It's just a giant inconstancy. There is also a part where a Indian captures a General and his son and takes them to a fort to turn them in. There is no way they would have ever listened to an Indian over an English General. Also a character breaks her toe, She is running and walking around soon after. Yes she is a crazy tough chick but people I have broken my toe and it hurts like you would not believe. I couldn't walk on it for a week and I had to wear a boot so my foot did not bend. I had a hard time with that one.(SPOILERS ENDED)
Overall I liked this book and because I liked it I think I wanted more. More romance and a little more drama at the end. This is a Christian read that has references to war, death and killing by Indian's in brutal ways. There is a couple violent deaths that are not too detailed. There is a couple of kisses but it is all very chaste.

The captured bride

Very exciting, very adventurous book. Loved Mercy and how she was a survivor of the wilderness, how she knew the country road they were traveling. Her and Elias pretended to be married while they were traveling. They really had quite the adventure traveling, met some very interesting people along the way. The book definitely kept me interested wandering what was going to happen next. Such great descriptions of the happenings in the book. Felt like I was watching a movie. Some surprises of the characters, surprises toward to end that I didn’t expect. I really enjoyed the book. I received an complementary copy of the book from NetGalley through the publisher and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post and positive review and opinions are my own.