I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing and Michelle Griep via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I liked how the story was based on what happened when US was still in the begininng stage of development. I love when the main characters who are multiracial (Elias is half french and half english, while Mercy was raised among Mohawk indians, but her mother was a white woman, if I am not mistaken)!

While I liked the summary (a group is created to transport gold safely from a fortress to another in a very dangerous path when there was a war beetwen british and french for land and also some hostility from native americans against the colonists) I felt that the story was written in a rush, except the romance between the main characters, because I couldn't know much about the characters' backstories. I mean, I still had some questions about some things but there were no answers for my questions.

Overall, since it was my first time reading Michelle Griep's book I was gladly surprised by her writing and because of that, I liked reading the book.

I was going to forgo this series after being disappointed by the last book, but I have loved Michelle Griep’s work and am fast becoming a big fan of her novels. So how could I pass on the chance to read The Captured Bride?

Here was a book that drew me into the dangerous and sometimes savage world of “Hawkeye” and “Last of the Mohicans”—with a rugged landscape being carved into civilization, and a war being fought between the British and French armies, with the Native tribes somewhere in the middle.

Our main characters, Mercy and Elias, embark on a treacherous journey through this wilderness, in which they have small hope of surviving. Mercy has lived in a man’s world for so long, serving as a scout for the British, that she despises the idea of ever settling down in marriage and family. I loved her character. She is full of spunk and strength and courage, but she has a soft heart as well that may actually be open to those things she claims to despise—if it is the right man who will appreciate and love her.

Elias is drawn to Mercy, and his desire to see her standing beside him for the rest of their lives, tackling the challenges of life in this wilderness together, grow stronger throughout their journey. How can he let her walk away when they reach the end of it? But the challenge of keeping them alive until then is all he can manage to focus on. He has a secret mission of his own, and Mercy already doesn’t trust him—the man everyone calls a traitor. His character is to be admired—in the way he treats Mercy with respect, and the way he balances her capabilities and independent streak with his need to protect her.

Also, as Mercy’s distrust of him begins to melt away, the banter between them as they learn about each other is both humorous and endearing!

The faith elements are subtle, as both learn not only to trust each other, but trust in God as well. The violence is mostly mild, with some scenes of blood and death and some examples of the brutality of the Natives.

Another great read that I would include on my home bookshelf. The author concluded with some historical facts that she used as inspiration for this story, so be sure to check that out as well!

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5*

I love diving into books. I especially really love diving into books because of the characters. They are what make a great book for me. If I can connect with them and go on their journey with them, feeling the emotions they must experience, watching the struggles, witnessing the joys and growth. That is why I come away from books absolutely loving the experience. Yes, I love the storyline as well. If I'm honest, the storyline is what initially draws me to a book. But, in the end it's the characters who create the story and the experience.

The more books that I read by Michelle Griep, the more I really enjoy and appreciate her ability to create beautiful characters. I love the journey she leads me on as she writes these characters' stories. The Captured Bride is definitely another great novel by this author where I enjoyed the journey and came to truly feel invested and connected to the characters. I love redemption and the power behind redemption. Michelle Griep is able to capture and portray redemption in a very moving and personal way.

The two main characters of this book are Mercy Sutton and Elias Dubois. They are two very strong characters right from the beginning of the novel. We meet them at a pretty critical time in their lives and right before they meet each other. Or maybe I should say, right before they are forced to be "married" to accomplish a mission. At first glance they are complete opposites, but I loved all the little moments where they were stripped down to become their complete and unhidden selves.

This book takes place during the French and Indian wars. These characters are in some pretty stressful situations and there is plenty of tension throughout the book showing those moments. But, if I had a word to describe this book and characters, it would be gentle. I know, you're probably thinking I'm crazy for using the word 'gentle' to describe a book about war time. Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. But for me, these characters (not just Mercy and Elias, but a few others) and their storyline, 'gentle' is the word that I would use. There is so much past hurt, sorrow and struggles that these characters are holding onto and trying to hide away. But with the gentleness and kindness of friendship they are able to heal and feel that gentleness. This book is Christian fiction, so much of that healing is by the characters allowing healing to come from Christ. I loved the journey of watching redemption and peace to come into their lives.

Mercy is a character who is very strong (or possibly hardened might be another word to use). She has quite an interesting history and as the reader we don't know much about it until quite a ways into the story. She has so many walls of protection up that it is in those gentle moments with Elias and her friend Matthew that we see her true self and not the facade she puts up for everyone else. The same is true of Elias. I don't want to say much about him though because of not wanting to spoil anything for the story. Just know that I loved he and Mercy's characters and friendship a lot. There is a sweet romance in this book. It wasn't the insta-love and sparks flying type of love story. It was a slow, friendship and trust building relationship that grew to love. And even then, it took time for them to recognize that love. Sweet is definitely another word for this story and characters.

Those of you who enjoy some action, there are plenty of those moments in this book. Plenty of suspense, tension, anticipation, unknown peril, to keep you turning the pages. It is a well rounded novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. And that ending. Yes! I loved it! If you've been reading the Daughters of the Mayflower series, I think you'll definitely enjoy this one. If you haven't been following the series, that's ok, you can read them all as stand alones, and enjoy this one now! If you're a fan of Michelle Griep, get ready to dive in and enjoy another well written novel!

Content: Clean. Moments of war, talk of death, some fights, nothing overly graphic. Religious aspects are very mild, a character thinks and talks to God and talks to another character about God. No sex scenes. This is a book I'd let my teenage daughters read. I'm pretty conservative in what I read and what I allow them to read but I'd still say read it first to see if you're comfortable letting your teenagers read it.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

I also won an official kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway! Yay! Thanks Goodreads!

Happy Reading!!!

I think one of the things that really attracted me to this story was the setting. I haven't read many (or any?) book set during this time of the French/Indian War. It was fascinating to me! This author is one of my favorites so I knew going into this book that I would be fully immersed in a story that was textured and exciting.

This story starts off right in the thick of the conflict. It has a steady pace and felt well balanced between moments of action and moments of stillness where we come to understand the characters better.

Mercy is troubled and conflicted in so many ways. When you add that to her strong personality and determined nature, she comes across as volatile and aggressive. Only a select few who truly take the time to know her see her other strengths and beauty. I loved getting to know Mercy throughout this book. It felt like a journey for me as a reader as her layers were slowly pulled away to reveal the heart at her core. Watching Mercy through Elias's eyes also helped me understand her better. I just loved Elias.

Information in this story came slowly but I never felt frustrated as a reader. I knew enough to keep me going, trusting that more would come. It really helped me develop a deeper connection to these characters and feel their growing connection to each other.

I connected to so many emotions throughout this book and enjoyed it so much.

Content: war time violence, death, kissing. This is a Christian fiction book so there is talk of God, praying and forgiveness.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher at my request. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was another addition to the Mayflower Bride's Collection. I loved this book.

Mercy, raised by the Mohawks and dealing with two cultures in her life plans to help in defeating the French. She will be a scout helping on a dangerous mission.

This book shows a woman of valor and strength. Love that in a woman of that day and age. It's also a love story. You will enjoy the great adventure that is imparted in this really great book!

I really couldn't put this book down for a minute. Had to keep on reading it!!!

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

This is my third Michelle Griep story. I can now safely say I will read anything she writes. She has the capability to write well during various historical time periods, and she writes from the perspective of both male and female characters with ease and authenticity. Mercy and Elias are no exception.
A common thread for several of Ms. Griep's characters is a struggle between duty and faith, and duty and the heart. Elias Dubois, branded a traitor by the British, carries a heavy secret - and with it the ability to save countless lives in the midst of the French and Indian War. After meeting the strong-willed and firey Mercy Lytton, the weight of his secret becomes harder and harder to bear as he longs to reveal his true character to her. His strong sense of duty prohibits him from abandoning his cause, but soon his affections for Mercy force him to choose between protecting the woman he has come to love or caring out his mission

It takes a good author to make a great romance featuring the Colonial period. Laura Frantz is one of my favorites but now I suggest you add Michelle Griep to that list.

The Captured Bride is the third in the "Daughters of the Mayflower" series. I really enjoyed it and plan to go back and read the ones I missed. It is fast paced and enthralling. Mercy Lytton, a mixed breed Mohawk woman, is scout for the British. She, along with her long time partner, a British Ranger, are drawn into a detail to pretend they are a family along with two other men, one a french prisoner and traitor to the cause.

Elias Dubois, offered a deal to spare his life if he assists in getting a shipment of gold into British hands--agrees; but he quickly finds out that he is to play Mercy's husband. Neither is happy about the arrangement. Along the way, they encounter many dangerous situations revealing that Elias is more a man of integrity and courage than one would expect of a traitor. Both Mercy and her Ranger partner come to trust Elias more and more but still there remain secrets about their past and their mission that Mercy and Elias keep from each other.

As they lose more of their hearts to the other, Mercy is captured and Elias must risk his life to save her and that of a child hostage. They both have lost family members in the past and have learn to trust no one. And there remains a true traitor in their midst.

I give this a 5 star review and recommend it for your reading list. I received it from Netgalley for an honest review.

Book #3 in the series Daughters of the Mayflower, The Captured Bride can be read without knowledge of the previous books, as it is written by different authors.
Mercy Lytton is the daughter of an English lady with a Mowhawk chief. Raised among this tribe, Mercy has the gift of a keen eyesight, characteristic which allows her to be a scout. Her current mission is a dangerous one: to scout a cargo of silver and gold from a fort to another, through a war-torn area. Elias Dubois, considered a traitor, has the chance to escape from the gallows if he helps Mercy fulfill the mission.
Actually, Elias and Mercy's mission is much more than transporting good. They are both good people, but with flaws and in search of redemption.
I'm not into Christian fiction, but I enjoyed reading this book very much, since Ms. Griep did a good job developing these characters.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I love historical romance and, The Captured Bride did not disappoint. This takes place in 1759, five years into the French and Indian War, normally not my preferred time to read in historical fiction but since I have enjoyed the other books in the series and Ms. Griep is one of my favorite authors, I knew that I wanted to read this.

The author takes you on a journey where you truly get to know the characters as, Mercy and Elias are on a mission to deliver a shipment of gold to a nearby fort, posing as husband and wife. Of course they have a couple of traveling companions with them, Matthew and Rufus and along the way they meet other families and they encounter quite a few challenges along the way.

I liked the chemistry between Mercy and Elias but I liked that she isn't written as a starry-eyed woman in need of rescue. She is pretty fearless and spunky. It's refreshing to find a female character that lived the life that she did.

Overall, this is a wonderful addition to The Daughters of the Mayflower series, although the third book this can be read as a stand alone, as can the other two in the series. I loved the characters and the storyline. Most of all, I loved the descriptive writing and time spent with The Captive Bride.

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

The Captured Bride, by Michelle Griep is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I was initially drawn to this series by the fabulous covers, The Captured Bride being my favorite (in both cover design and content) of the series. What I like about this series is every novel is written by a different author and you don't need to read all of the books in order to enjoy each one of them individually. They are tied together through the history of the Lytton family tree. By reading this series I have been introduced to three "new-to-me" authors, and I would definitely read a novel written by Michelle Griep again.

Set in 1760 during the French and Indian War, the setting reminded me of one of my favorite movies, The Last of the Mohicans. The Captured Bride was absolutely riveting, full of danger, intrigue, adventure and deception. I was glued to the pages from beginning to end. Mercy's "father/daughter" relationship with Matthew was endearing and heartwarming. I loved the chemistry between Mercy and Elias and their measured caution as they worked to establish trust between one another. Their love story simmers throughout the novel as they come to realize "loving someone isn't a show of softness, but of strength, for there is no stronger bond". I highly recommend this novel. I would definitely read it again.

The Captured Bride will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer
June 2018.

Thank you Net Galley and Barbour Books for the free e copy of The Captured Bride to read in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Captured Bride, by Michelle Griep, is my favorite Daughters of the Mayflower now.
Loved the characters! Mercy was a piece of work. What strength and courage this woman carried for a young lady of that time. Elias...wow...wasn't sure what to expect out this one, but thoroughly enjoyed each page!
Definitely, a must read!
I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own!

This book is in the genre I really enjoy....historical fiction with some fact based truths included in the story. I love the characters of Mercy and Elias. They were like fire and water at times. Each coming from a broken back ground and trying to find forgiveness and a way to let the past go. They are brought together to complete a mission of transporting a gold shipment and not be captured by the French at the same time avoiding enemy Indians. Each has strengths and skills to give to this assignment. There is mystery, suspense, romantic emotions and danger. Completing the mission is a challenge with many setbacks. Mercy questions the faith her mother raised her with...."Maybe-just maybe-faith did not have to mean weakness." "Would she never be free of wishing things had been different? Be released from the anger her mother's faith still bubbled inside her?" "Trust Daughter. Trust in a God who is big enough to make the universe, yet kind enough to dry each of your tears." I found myself yearning for Mercy to trust God and the man He put her together with to finish the mission....Elias. I enjoyed the story very much. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC copy of this book via Netgalley.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series is wonderful! This was a great addition, set during the French and Indian War, with excellent characters, Elias and Mercy were well developed, as well as the other characters. The plotline was refreshing and original - and there were no boring parts in this book. Wonderful story with a great writer!

The Captured Bride is book 3 in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I’m not sure how many books the series will hold, but I love that they are written by various authors, giving each book it’s own voice and unique feel.

When stories merge fiction and history, I’m interested. Just as in biblical fiction, when imagined accounts incorporate true biblical events, I feel as if I’ve not only been entertained, but have learned something as well. I know very little about the 1700s French and Indian War, but got a taste of it in Mercy and Elias’ stories.

With flavors of loyalty, adventure, and a developing romance, this story fills my literary hungers. A fast and filling read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. (And what a gorgeous cover!)

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

I was not allowed to give a review on Amazon. I don't understand it. However, I thought the book was excellent with good characters that were well-written and were very believable! Mercy and Elias were great with their own viewpoints that were again so real! I enjoyed this book even more than the first one in the series!

The Daughters of the Mayflower Series is such a wonderful premise. Historical romance novels written in chronological order by different authors. And the covers are lovely.

In The Captured Bride, readers are taken to the French and Indian War set in 1760. Mercy Lytton has lived an unusual life. Her white mother was taken captive and married a Mohawk Indian. Mercy was raised among the Mohawk tribe and taught about Jesus by her mother. She is definitely not an easily broken female and is more comfortable in pants in the outdoors than in a dress in a ballroom.

The entire novel is about a mission she is charged with and as part of the cover story she is to pose as a traveling family. Traitor Elias Dubois poses as her husband. They meet a number of challenges along their journey.

It was a lovely tale and I enjoyed my time with Mercy and Elias.

Even though this wasn't my favorite book in the series (it's the third and completely stands on its own) I found it a well-written and interesting story. It had its ups and downs but overall I enjoyed it.

The story started off a bit on the slow side and it took awhile to gain momentum. When the story finally got going the pace was good and there was always something happening to keep me interested and turning pages. I was able to read over half of the book in just one sitting but then with around one hundred pages to go, I thought the story lost a bit of the momentum it had and slowed down.

The characters are likable enough and both Mercy and Elias have their secrets though none of their secrets were earth-shattering when revealed. Some of my favorite parts were those that included the Shaw families as they camped out with Mercy and Elias. I enjoyed these families as they helped the reader get a good glimpse into the personalities of Mercy and Elias.

Overall this was a good book that I enjoyed reading. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction as I think they will enjoy the story as much I did.

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

This was an adventure-filled and exciting Christian historical romance! Although this is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, it can easily be read as a standalone. In fact, the series is designed so that the books can be read independently, which is a feature I appreciate, although I intend to read them all.

In addition to being filled with action, another thing I especially enjoyed was the unique setting of the frontier during the French and Indian War. I liked that the character Mercy Lytton was not only a scout but part English and part Mohawk. Also intriguing was that the handsome and appealing Elias Dubois was a condemned traitor.

I think this would be an excellent book choice for anyone who is looking for an exciting Christian fiction read, as well as for anyone who is thinking about trying a historical romance that is also Christian fiction. This is also a great introduction for anyone who wants to try the Daughters of the Mayflower series.

The Story of Elias and Mercy pulls you in from the very first chapter to the very last word!! It captures the essence of what it would be like to live in that era so well and the personal stories are well written. Love the main characters in the story. You will absolutely not be disappointed in picking this book as your next read, it will be your summer favorite!!
~I received a free copy to review~

Five stars for this outstanding story by Michelle Griep. This was a book that I was eager to finish reading to find out how everything comes together, but sad because I finished it. I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go.

A storyline that’s full of action and adventure, and yet the pace of the book is perfect. I felt like the complete story had been told and the ending was not rushed.

The characters are strong, feisty, and honorable. Their faith fuels the story and drives their choices. The personalties of Elias and Mercy are perfectly suited to each other. (I keep wanting to use the word “perfect” all through this review.

A note to parents: This is a clean book without any bad language or embarrassing scenes. Just be aware that this might not be the best book for a younger teen girl to read. Even though it’s written about in an entirely appropriate way, there’s some descriptions during their time on the trail and during Mercy’s captivity that makes this more appropriate for older teens. (I don’t want to give examples because that gives away details in the plot.) Read it yourself before passing it along to your daughter.

This is an excellent example of good Christian historical fiction. Well-written, entertaining, and historically accurate. Michelle Griep knows how to write a pm intriguing spy/adventure story, and she’s fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.