Mercy Lytton captured my heart with her story. I loved this book so much! I took my time reading it, savoring every page. Mercy walks the line between the faith her mother instilled in her, that she can't quite understand and the ways of her Mohawk father. Seeing how Mercy's faith grew throughout the book was very moving.

Elias Dubois. Let me just say he may be a traitor but he is one swoon-worthy hero. He has a few secrets and a past that haunts him but he is a strong, faith-filled man.

I love the way Mercy and Elias both studied each other when they thought the other wasn't looking. I loved that Matthew saw it too.

This is a thrilling adventure filled with many surprises, twists, and turns. I held my breath during many parts of the journey. I even shed a tear or two. I did not want the book to end but at the same time, I could not wait to find out how it ended. It's just so good!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Another beautifully written historical romance from Michelle Griep. I am utterly amazed at the wide variety of historical eras Ms. Griep can write and has written about in her books. I have read 12 Days at Bleakley Manor and The Innkeeper’s Daughter this year, which were fantastic. The Captured Bride is a completely different novel set in a different place and time and yet equally enchanting and captivating. Anyone who loves a well-written historical romance will love this book (especially if you’re a fan of Ms. Griep’s writing!).

The story has tons of twists and turns in the plot with intrigue and mystery. The characters are layered and flawed, yet so lovable and worthy of the reader’s affection. The theme of grace, mercy, and forgiveness is very real in the story and Mercy’s faith journey, in particular, is quite moving.

Mercy is a half-Mohawk, half-white woman with a gift of sight. She uses this gift as a scout during the French and Indian War for the side of the British. She’s strong, too independent for her own good, fiercely loyal, and strangely tender-hearted for a warrior. Elias is a branded traitor who is captured by the British during the War. He is also strong, independent, fiercely loyal but haunted by the mistakes of his past. Elias is complex and the reader gets only glimpses into who he is until the very end when the puzzle that is Elias comes together. What intriguing main characters! Their dialogue is sharply witty and delicious; their romance is sweet and swoony.

I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing through Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.

One of my favorites sports commentators has a quote he says when a player from my favorite team gets a home run. He says, “Mercer, Mercer me.” Well in this book I found myself saying that, except about Mercy. This latest novel in the Daughters of the Mayflower series was so unique, adventurous and fun to read. Mercy is one of those characters I wish I could get to know even more of. Her heritage, gifts, and persona made her such an interesting character. I could picture myself next to her, trying to see things the way she could, and watching Elias with a careful eye.

Elias was also an interesting character. Dubbed a traitor, you can’t help but wonder what he is all about. You learn about him little by little throughout the story, and I found that the more I learned, the more I liked him. He even shocked me a time or two, totally negating my preconceived ideas about him. I enjoy reading about characters that can do that. Hats all to Michelle Griep for writing such an intriguing character.

In this book you will find strength, honor, God fearing characters, adventure, and yes maybe even a little romance. Okay, a lot of romance. This was a welcome addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. And for those of you who haven’t read the series, while I encourage you to do so, this could also be read as a stand alone. Historic and romance fans will enjoy it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Captured Bride is by one of my favorite authors, Michelle Griep, and once again I am not disappointed. The Daughters of the Mayflower series is several stand-alone books by various authors, that follows the Lytton family line through the years. The Captured Bride is third in this series and is set in the mid-1700s in New York where readers will find Mercy Lytton in the middle of the French and Indian War. The historical background portrayed in the story is interesting and informative, bringing to light a war, although I've heard the name of, I know very little about. The characters are wonderful, multifaceted and captivating. Mercy, daughter to a Mohawk father and white mother, has a unique perspective on life in both worlds. She may have keen, falcon-like eyesight but in matters of the heart, she is pretty much blind. Chosen by the fort commander to transfer stolen gold through the unforgiving wilderness, Mercy is paired with Elias, a condemned traitor, and a Frenchman, no less. His choice is either complete this mission or hang at the end of a rope. Secrets, suspense, surprises, sadness, the author has infused this story with emotions and excitement. It is a story of honor and justice and ultimately, of love. Will love survive divided loyalties in this war-torn wilderness? I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.

The second book I’ve read by author Michelle Griep, I enjoy her writing. Her style flows well and makes for enjoyable reading. This is my favorite of the Daughters of the Mayflower series. While this series continues through history, each can be read as a standalone so just jump in!

Griep has done her homework in researching this time in history. Her characters and descriptions are very intriguing. The reader vividly “sees” what is happening in the book; the heartache, troubling times, and danger. The people are flawed, realistic humans who grow as the story continues. And her descriptions of the landscape are true to what it would be like.

Mercy is torn between two worlds. Elias is condemned as a traitor. But with all the twists and turns, this story doesn’t go the way I thought it would. If you enjoy historical fiction I recommend The Captured Bride. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

What a fantastic adventure this was! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this story, from the plot that left me constantly wondering what was coming next, to the pairing of two strong lead characters, to the wonderful word smithery that brought both the story and the setting to life.

Mercy Lytton is the kind of heroine I love to read about. She’s strong, self-sufficient, intelligent, and feisty, but in a very down-to-earth way. Even more than that, I loved the way Elias won her over by giving her the space she needed and by respecting her abilities. That’s not to say they didn’t butt heads (after all, where’s the fun in strong characters who don’t butt heads?), but I loved that the friction between them wasn’t deliberately antagonistic so much as naturally arising from having two strong personalities thrown together in an endeavour fraught with danger.

There was a fantastic sense of setting to the story, too, with the majority of it taking place in the great outdoors. I’m not much of a camper in real life, and I can’t even imagine how I would handle a trip like this, but for some reason I love it when God’s creation—and all the inherent beauty and danger that can be found in it—plays a large role in a story. Perhaps it’s because it gives me the chance to experience it without giving up the comfort of my own home. Who knows? But it may as well have been a character in its own right in this story, bringing challenges, danger, and often the unexpected.

And although this is only my second novel by Michelle Griep, I am very quickly becoming a fan of her way with words. Take for example this description of Rufus Bragg, often a thorn in the side of group transporting the gold: Rufus Bragg wasn’t much of a man, for he barely held on to sixteen years. So gawkily built was he, his bones put up a fair fight to support his garments. Were it not for the knobs of his joints, he’d have to tie the shirt to his skin to keep it from falling off…Not only did he own no manners, it seemed he never intended to purchase any. It’s like a description straight out of Dickens. I love it!

If you’re looking for a historical romance with plenty of adventure, this is it!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and these just get better as the series goes on. I love reading stories set in the French and Indian war. Mercy band Elias have to learn to work together and have many adventures during their travels. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. A wonderful read. I received this from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep”s “The Captured Bride” has it all! It is packed full of adventure, intrigue and romance and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The attention to historical detail and its descriptive settings is a testiment to the authors research into this facinating time period. Set in 1760 during the French and Indian war, the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues through the harsh landscape of early America and its struggles to forge a way through new territories.

Mercy Lytton has grown up among Mohawks, and been raised alongside warriors. Her exceptional scouting abilities has brought her along side a ranger and a traitor with a dangerous task. This leads them on an unexpected and treacherous path where love, redemtion and grace is found.

I look forward to reading more from Michelle Griep and more from the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Well done!
I have posted review on both Goodreads and Amazon.

Set during the French and Indian War in the United States, 4 disparate people - an Indian woman scout both Mohawk and white, a male Ranger scout, a young, inexperienced Army soldier, and a condemned traitor, have been assigned to transport a shipment of gold between two forts.

From start to finish, there is plenty of action as the 4 main characters attempt to transport the gold, and each of the characters show their true colors. Rich with historical detail which shows Griep's obvious research into this war, the plot displays the horrors of war and the way various people handle the stresses that accompany it as well as make money off of it. Mercy Lytton was an incredibly strong woman but often filled with stubbornness and pride yet an amazing scout. Elias DuBois, the condemned traitor, has been beaten and starved, yet he has skills and abilities that make Mercy wonder who he really is. Rufus Bragg, the inexperience soldier son of General Bragg, was lazy as anything and always seemed to be plotting or planning how to get out of work. Put these four together and a difficult journey in the midst of war becomes even harder.

Griep has the ability to take any historical time period and create an amazing story within it. This is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and continues following the Lyttton family descendants. This book continues the strong stories told in Books 1 and 2.

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

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Michelle Griep presents the third installment of the Daughters of the Mayflower series – a story that had a lot of potential and plot twists but fell a little flat in the action/adventure/danger department.

I had a lot of expectations for this story, not just because Michelle Griep wrote it, but because it is part of a series that, thus far, has been well done by all the authors creating the stories. And while I felt that there was adequate attention given to the spiritual and romantic sides of the story, the historical and adventure/danger sections seemed more of an afterthought. I realize this is in the genre of “Christian fiction” but there is a way to convey a great sense of danger and fear without being gory or gross. However, I will also share what I liked about the story as well. Ms. Griep begins her story with the arrival of Mercy Lytton at Fort Wilderness after a long journey scouting for the English/colonial army. Weary from her work and ready for a little time off, Mercy brings her reports to General Bragg, only to discover she is to be sent out right away as a scout with a captured shipment of French gold to Fort Edward. Mercy is glad to hear she will be traveling once again with her friend and mentor, Matthew Prinn but her gladness turns to anger when she hears she is to travel as a “married woman” – and her husband is to be the English traitor Elias Dubois. Determined to do her duty no matter what is asked of her, Mercy tells the General she will give the mission her very best effort, even if it makes her extremely uncomfortable to ride alongside a notorious prisoner. Elias Dubois is a “French agent” who was in command of a small group of French soldiers charged with delivering a shipment of gold to a New York fort. He and his men were captured and he is scheduled to hang for his crimes against the British crown at sunrise. However, a stay of execution has been sent for him, dependent on his cooperation to deliver the gold shipment to Fort Edward alongside Mercy, Matthew and the General’s son, Rufus. Elias agrees, and is soon ready to leave with the others. But what should be a relatively easy two week journey turns into much more as they pick their way through difficult terrain, hoping against hope they will avoid the warring Mohawks and Wyandot warriors hiding in all areas of the woods. They will face numerous problems including a broken wagon wheel, helping a settler family whose wilderness guide isn’t worthy of the title, and capture by the Wyandot tribe. As they face the unending challenges that come upon them, both Mercy and Elias will have to find a way to trust each other or they will never make it through this journey alive. Mercy has been on her own for so long she is not used to having someone, besides Matthew, to depend on for anything. And she certainly doesn’t want to trust this traitor she believes will run at the first opportunity. But there is much more to Elias Dubois and his mission that meets the eye. Elias carries a secret that he cannot tell anyone or his life is forfeit, a fact that pains him greatly as he gets to know Mercy. She is the exact kind of woman he has always prayed for but has almost given up hope of finding. But her strong will and determination to do her job have pushed her away from her Biblical upbringing and Elias sees helping her conquer these traits as a challenge he has been given by God. As they make both the physical and spiritual journey together, they will come to find a love that they can both believe in – and one they can trust completely. And they will need all their faith and love to make it through to the end as each hour brings a new problem and danger to face. As I said before, this story had great potential. I was very pleased with the plot and the context of the story. And the handling of spiritual matters was well done, with no truth being withheld in order to be pleasant. The romance as well was very nice and clean with more than enough conversations and situations together to make it believably real. But when it came to the adventure/danger it was a bit lackluster. While the capture of Mercy by the Wyandots was a bit suspenseful, there seemed to be a lack of viciousness that was to be expected from the warriors. I know that it is prejudicial to portray the American Indian as a savage type of person, but Ms. Griep previously alluded to the fact that this particular tribe were a very vicious and vengeful people. Not of course that they didn’t have just cause but that they exacted their revenge in a brutal way. I did like that Ms. Griep showed how arguments were often settled by challenges to the death by the Wyandots – as was true to history. They considered it a matter of honor that when someone, or their family, was offended, the offended party would challenge the offender to a fight of choice to the death. But the way in which they simply let Elias spend time with Mercy after he mostly won without placing a guard over their prisoner was a little hard to believe. Native Americans were not know for letting their captives go easily and would often tie them to others to ensure they remained in camp. The chief even said she was not going to be allowed to leave and yet not one warrior was assigned to guard her. My other issue was the fast resolution at the end of the story. It seemed to me that more information was needed to explain Elias’s job and the reason for his long held secret. And if you are going to tell of a specialized weapon, more research and page time needs to be included to make it at all believable for this time period. But overall, I did find the story enjoyable and would recommend it to others for a good read. Not everyone cares to be as particular in the details about a story as I am and therefore I’m sure many will read this story and say it was very well done in its entirety. I’m hopeful that Ms. Griep’s next book will return to the excellence I have come to expect from her in her other works – perhaps this was a one off because she is trying to fit her story into a multi-author series and lacked page space to really delve down into the details. On to the next book!

I received this E-book free of charge from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions given here are entirely my own.

This is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series (they can be read as stand alone novels) and is my favorite so far!! If you're a fan of a Last of the Mohicans style book, with the lead being a female, you'll love this!
From page one, I was drawn in to the fast paced action of the story. As Mercy and her companions traveled across the wilderness they faced never ending danger. Even some travelers they met on the road could keep them from meeting their crucial deadline, so they were torn between helping them or just leaving them behind. Constant threats to their safety, moral dilemmas, suspicious characters, and intrigue were all part of this interesting plot. Even til the end you don't know how everything will turn out and new plot twists are revealed. I had a hard time putting this one down!
Interesting, well-developed characters can really make a novel a page-turner. Mercy Lytton is strong, a skilled scout who isn't afraid of facing the dangers around her. She is a little mysterious, which definitely appeals to her male counterpart, and doesn't back down on her mission. A character I definitely rooted for throughout the story. Elias is mysterious as well as determined and brave. All of the characters, including some of the villains, have hidden sides that are revealed as the plot goes on.
Michelle Griep did an amazing job of bringing a story about the early years of America to life. Many men and women had to face challenges just to survive, especially in the wilderness. Even in a fictional story, I could see how some of these circumstances could be true. I would highly recommend The Captured Bride.
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in order to share my honest thoughts about this book, which I did.**

"The Captured Bride" by Michelle Griep is the third book in "The Daughters of the Mayflower" series and is my favorite.  This might be because of the characters, the time period, or just that each book in this series will be my favorite as I read them.  No matter the reason, it's inspiring.

Michelle Griep creates characters in "The Captured Bride" that you want to know at a deeper level. Mercy Lytton, Matthew Prinn, Elias Dubois and Rufus Bragg are multifaceted characters with pasts that you can't wait to have exposed.  You want to understand how each came into their present characteristics and you want to know what drives them to the actions they take. For example, in the first chapter the following sentences peak your curiosity about Mercy:  "She stared at him but said nothing.  A survival tactic - one her mother should have learned."  Later in the book we learn why Mercy thought these thoughts. The character developments are not disappointing and the relationships that progress are natural and satisfying.


"The Captured Bride"  takes place in 1759, five years into the French and Indian War.  Mercy, a scout with exceptional eyesight and Matthew, a mature and experienced scout, along with two others, work together to move a wagon full of gold. It's a dangerous mission and one that weighs heavily on Elias. Will they live through the war long enough to  complete it?

Duty versus desire, completion versus comfort, the life of one versus the life of many. I loved that the internal dangers were as many as the external. Faith in God was a large part of this story and played out in one way or another. As the danger grew, quick decisions needed to be made.  They had to make these decisions based on their trust in God or trust in others.  Some worked out; some didn't.

 
 
It was interesting that after I read "The Captured Bride", I looked back and saw that "Gallimore" and  "A Heart Deceived" were among the first books she wrote and were of the first I read as ebooks. I have now listed Michelle Griep as one of my favorite authors and highly recommend "The Captured Bride".  I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars. If you want a high stakes adventure mixed with clean romance, then pick up "The Captured Bride". 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books
through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I read the first two in the series, the first one was ok, but too religious for me. The second one was a lot better and the third one here has me hooked on the series. They keep getting better and better. Though they all have the religious area that I am not horribly fond of, neither the second or the third one had as much as the first one did.

This time you are brought into the wild west. You find the main character, Mercy, a woman before her time. This woman can kick some butt. When most of the time in that period women were expected to be married and in the house, Mercy is in the military kicking butt. Even though she is half white & half Native American she does not seem to get the huge amount of backlash you would expect her to get. Other then from Rufus whom you quickly learn to dislike and distrust.

The story line keeps your reading and I will admit I read well past my normal bedtime reading this cause I could not wait to read what happened next. The best part about this series is that there is no actual order. Each book is written by a different author and other then chronological order no story builds upon the other. They can each be a stand alone book I have found. So if the one of them does not strike your reading style then look at another one in the series. Though to be honest all three so far are well worth reading.

Love this series. Love the historical detail and the descriptions of life. When I don't want to read anything heavy this is just the kind of book I go for.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Captured Bride! I nearly devoured this book...There was a natural balance of adventure and (almost) romance...to the point where it left me wanting more. All of the characters were perfectly developed and believable. Michelle Griep demonstrates a talent for not only for her character creations, but also for masterfully bringing their actions, dialog, and relationships to life. I am now a fan. I will read anything this woman produces!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast moving story set in upper New York in 1759! Mercy’s mother (a white woman who was captured by Indians) died when she was ten leaving her with her Mohawk father. Mercy has thought of her mother as a weakling for trusting in God. Elias Dubois is condemned as a traitor but is he really? Mercy and Elias are excellent main characters as they attempt to deliver a load of gold to Boston. The Captured Bride is my favorite of the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I recommend The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep to others who enjoy historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Mercy was called a "Half Breed" by strangers, but those who knew her were fiercely respectful and loyal, sure of her skills . Matthew Prinn , a ranger had been her partner for three years. He respected her more than most men he knew, but he knew her temper and fierce determination could be her downfall. An assignment had her pretending to be wed to Elias Dubois, a French traitor.
Sent on a dangerous mission, could they succeed? What would she see in the traitor, DuBois?
Michelle Griep has crafted a story of the French and Indian war, that will keep you on your toes in it's twists and turns. Satisfying and intense, it is a pleasurable read!

Possessing an extraordinary gift of keen sight, Mercy Lytton, daughter of a captured white woman and the Mohawk sachem who rescued her from the Wyandots, now works as a scout for the English alongside her ranger friend and partner, Matthew Prinn. Before now, her assignments had never included acting a part. This assignment calls for Mercy to play the part of wife to Elias Dubois , suspected traitor, accompanied by Matthew and General Bragg’s son, Rufus, who would play the part of Matthew’s grandson. Mercy had never intended to give up her independence to any man, acting or otherwise. This “family unit” would be taking a load of gold captured from the French to another English fort through hostile territory.

Elias agreed to accompany the gold that had been taken from him when he was labeled traitor in order to avoid the noose. In addition to the gold, Elias would be secretly transporting a new, and quite deadly, weapon along with a bevy of other secrets. The thing he wouldn’t be allowed to take along was a personal weapon of any kind. How long would he survive this trek through dangerous territory with no way to defend himself?

The Captured Bride is a great adventure story, filled with intrigue and a bit of romance. Michelle Griep shows us how the flames of faith are fanned during adversity, and the freedom that is won through surrender. I read during every spare moment, as cliff hangers continued to appear making me quite anxious to know the outcome. I highly recommend this book, and thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for providing a review.

Mercy, a British scout, isn’t happy about posing as part of a family in transporting stolen French gold to British Fort Edward, but she always does her duty. Elias's choice is to pretend to be Mercy's husband or to be hanged. The other members of their ‘family’ are Matthew, an aging ranger, and the general's lazy son. They need to avoid the Wyandot as well as the French. There are many unexpected dangers along their travels. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a well written suspenseful romance. Mercy, the daughter of a Mohawk sachem and a British lady, is a strong, brave independent woman. Elias, half French and half British, has a secret mission to save lives. Both of them are much deeper characters than others initially perceive. One of the reasons that I like this book is that both of them over time see and love the essence of each other rather than their appearance. This is a good series that can be enjoyed as standalones.

Romance During the French and Indian Wars

Mercy Lytton is the product of two cultures, her white mother and her Mohawk father. A very independent woman, Mercy was born with the gift of extremely good eyesight which gives her an advantage in acting as a scout for the British. She returns tired from a mission only to learn that the general has another mission for her. A wagon load of gold must be taken to a nearby fort. This is a dangerous mission, but even more threatening to Mercy is the stipulation that she must wed.

The choice of bridegroom is Elias Dubois. He’s been condemned as a traitor and is scheduled to hang. However, he’s given a reprieve to act as Mercy’s husband in the small contingent escorting the gold to the fort.

Mercy and Elias are sympathetic characters. Each is fighting inner demons. The attraction between the two is immediate, but neither is ready to accept it. I thought the author did a good job showing their growth during the novel.

If you enjoy historical fiction, this is an interesting period. The French and Indian Wars saw two cultures, the British and the Mohawks, cooperating to drive out the French. It makes for a story with lots of cultural and historical detail.

I received this book from Barbour Books for this review.