The Captured Bride
Michelle Griep is an author I have not read before. I will look for others from this talented writer, she has a way of making words “sing.” This story is historical fiction at its best. The characters captured my attention right away. They were richly painted in technicolor right from the first paragraph. The leading role is Mercy, a female scout in the French and Indian war in 1759.
“Praise always prickled, for it usually meant she’d be asked for more than she was willing to give.” Mercy gives so much in this story. From the first chapter, she drags her mocassins into the dirt at some of what is required of her. Her character comes to life as she “ frowns at the feminine attire” that she is forced to wear and resists the role the English military ask her to play.
The author transported me into a time and place in history that I had little knowledge of the players and the events that took place. There is a bit of mystery right from the start as to what role some of the people are actually playing. I give this four stars instead of five because I struggled a bit with the mystery aspect of the story. It was so well written that did not stop me from enjoying it and reading much too late at night.
This book was provided by NetGalley, and a review is not required but freely given.

Michelle Griep is indeed a very talented author . I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book though the start didn't hold my interest but as i read on the pull of the story was so gripping that i kept on turning the pages!! This is the second book by Ms. Griep I've read and she has not disappointed & becoming one of my favorite authors. She works magic with her writing , her characters are life like , u can just visualize while reading .

The plot was intriguing, kept me guessing, and involved several twists and turns.I thoroughly enjoyed the story line. It’s full of adventure and a bit of romance. So much happens through the course of this story, yet it doesn’t feel rushed at all. loved the spy angle with the elements of surprise, danger, and deception into the plot line !!!

Mercy and Elias made a lovely pair .The settings in Pioneer is impressive, so full of historical details on culture,hardships the people at that time faced . The conflict, tension,action,drama,intrigue goes on until the very end. This is a very well written book & presentation excellent . Michelle did a wonderful job! I highly recommend this book

Mercy Lytton was a beautiful woman; strong, proud, intelligent and gifted with the eyes of an eagle. She compliments Elias Dubois as a partner, equal & love interest in the book , There was the treasure angle in the form of a wagon load of French gold to be delivered into the hands of the British, which fascinated me. Upon its safe arrival Elias faced prison time as a traitor. He was a man without a country, truly, for no one knew his secrets or when he would have to resume his real mission.
The Captured bride was a sweet but action packed read! I loved the characters and was intrigued by the history of the early East coast development! The romance was slow paced and developed gradually but it was beautiful. Only drawback i found with the book was it was too lengthy & too much descriptive as it could be avoided in some places, scenes of the book... overall a very promising book ...Pls do read.

Mercy is a scout in the backwoods of America, and has been given the mission of ensuring the safe arrival of a shipment of gold to a fort a couple of weeks' journey away. The snag is that one of her three companions for the trip is to pose as her husband for the trip - and the man chosen is a condemned traitor. Elias is due to be hung as a traitor, when he is offered the choice of making this trip and then time in jail in lieu of execution. Choosing to keep his life, he plans escape, but faces the unexpected difficulty of coming to care for Mercy. With Indians all round, the possibility of other traitors, and his own traitorous heart, will he be able to stay focussed on his true, and hidden mission - which is to save so many lives in Boston? And will Mercy ever come to accept that sometimes freedom is not worth the cost?

I'm not always thrilled with American historical fiction, but this was definitely worth a read. Combining action, romance and a bit of suspense, this book expertly draws the reader into the plights of Mercy and Elias. The last book I read by the author took a bit of getting into, but this drew me in from the first page and kept my attention throughout. Highly recommended, and I hope to read more by the author.

Characters: All well drawn, though Rufas always felt fairly 'in the background'. But the main characters were all people I came to care about, and felt realistic.
Storyline: Good - exciting and moving by turns. I very much enjoyed the ending, but really the whole thing was good.
Content and language: Some violence that might bother some people, but nothing that worried me. Otherwise no issues.
Message: Good message spread at intervals throughout about the need to trust in God, not overdone.

Note that I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This is my favorite Daughters of the Mayflower story. Mercy is a strong character that survived growing up with the Mohawks after her mother was captured by another tribe. By having a chief for a father, she was caught in the middle of the two cultures. She was a brilliant scout with a sixth sense. I liked the way the author portrayed Elias. His character was never clear until the end. Highly recommended!

“My mother used to tell me there's more love in Christ for us than there can ever be brokenness. Only in turning to Him can you be healed on the inside.” ~page 108

This is an exemplary example of why I love Michelle Griep's books; it packs all the emotions one person can feel, gives the reader an adventure edged with danger they won't forget, fills it with characters you come to care about and threads it all with solid reminders of faith. I've read many of her stories and I think this tops even her best (and she's exceptional in the first place)!

Mercy reminds me so much of myself and struggles with being independent on one hand, but craving love on the other all while trying to figure out where the balance is. A fierce warrior woman raised as a daughter of an equally fierce Mohawk chief who's not afraid to look danger in the eye. Elias is a bit of a quandary; is he traitor, French gentleman, thief, or a man after God's own heart? He possesses a genuineness that continues to shine forth throughout the story and was a fun character to try to figure out. This kept my senses heightened with danger licking at my feet as the group ventured deeper in Wyandot territory. My heart was invested in watching the story play out and I was hard pressed to put it down with the need to know what happens next. I was happily observing the romance build from the sidelines, and how valiantly Elias protected Mercy in spite of her stubbornness. I think the only complaint I have is, it ended much too abruptly for my taste...all in a good way! Because just like every book I've read by Michelle, I could read a few more chapters and still not want to come to the last page.

This is the best installment of The Daughters of the Mayflower series yet in my opinion! All stand-alone novels, so no worries about missing anything.

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

Michelle Griep is a great writer and this book is no exception, I loved it. Book 3 in the brides of the Mayflower series is a great historical novel, well written and very interesting. If you like stories of forts, wars, Indians and the wild untamed land, then you too will loved this one………A half breed woman, more Indian than white because she was raised by the Mohawk tribe and a condemned traitor paired together as scouts through hostile territory, on a dangerous mission. This book will keep you turning pages. Suspense, danger and romance, a potent combination, I was captivated right from the start, there wasn’t a dull moment, . ……My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

This novel captivated my heart and soul! This is the second book in this series that I have read. It is not necessary to read the other before but I do highly suggest it as each book will bring so much joy into your life. This novel pulled me in from the first chapter, and from there on out I one clicked this book. The glimpses into the history setting to this book was quite unique and you can tell the research for this book has been done thoroughly. There were multiple twists in this novel and I want sure where some of the story would go, but I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. There was so much heart put into the writing and I loved every word of it!5 stars from me.

I received an e-copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley, all opinions here within are my own.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep is set during the French and Indian war. It is a story of adventure, espionage, courage and love.
Mercy Lytton is not your typical lady. She has been raised among the Mohawks and struggles with where she belongs in the world. She has a gift of incredible eyesight and is chosen to assist a group of men on a dangerous mission. Elias Dubois is a condemned traitor but has been given a reprieve of his death sentence in exchange for helping the British move a shipment of gold from one fort to another; gold that was originally stolen from him. Assisting in this mission are Rufus Bragg, the general’s lazy son and a well-known scout, Captain Matthew Prinn. Will love flourish before the mission is accomplished or will all perish in the attempt?
This a story you just can’t put down. It is full of excitement at every turn. The author’s descriptions make one feel they have fallen right into the story. I could easily imagine the sights and smells surrounding the characters. There are many twists, turns and surprises as you turn each page. Are any of the characters really who they say they are? I kept hoping that the General was wrong about Elias; I couldn’t bear for him to spend his life in prison after all he was going through to help accomplish the mission. The book has a very logical ending though there are some sad moments as there always are in wars. I give this book 5 of 5 stars; Michelle Griep never disappoints me and this story is no exception. Excellent writing and lots of excitement!
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series keeps getting better. The Captured Bride is my favorite so far.

I particularly enjoyed the setting. I've read a lot of historical fiction, and I've read very few that take place during the French and Indian War. There were enough historical details to make the story interesting, but they were not presented in a way that felt like a history lesson.

The romance between Mercy and Elias was believable. I also liked the supporting characters, and thought that, for the most part, they were well done. The bad guys may have been a little too obvious.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the next one in the series!

I absolutely loved this story, and I really didn’t want it to end! The setting, the characters, it was all so real and tangible. When I had to set aside the book to go to bed, I ended up dreaming about the characters. The secrets and the mystery in the story kept me turning pages. I just couldn’t get enough!

When I was younger, my sister and I use to pretend we were Indians and see how quietly we could walk through the woods and not leave any trace we’d be there. Mercy Lytton doesn’t just play scout, she is one! Mercy is accustomed to standing on her own. She’s capable, fiery, and an expert tracker. Yet, it is her heart that makes the largest growth.

I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Elias at first. But as the story progressed and I got to know him better, I couldn’t help but fall for him. Elias has his own secrets, and he hides them well. Elias surprised me a few times but in the best way.

I was captivated right from the start, there wasn’t a dull moment, the story flowed seamlessly all the way to the end (that I wasn’t ready to see). I give this fantastic book 5 enthusiastic stars. Do yourself a favor and go buy this one on June 1st when it comes out!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

This is another great bookby Griep! The descriptions in this book put the reader in the pages. The characters are realistic and knowing the dual POV helps the reader connect to these characters. I thourouly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

This 3rd book in "Daughters of the Mayflower" series, was just as enchanting for me, as the 1st 2 stories! It's a wonderful Christian Historic American Romance by Michelle Griep, that I couldn't stop reading until it ended! The story is set during the French & Indian War, in New York Colony.

Elias' Mom had been British, & his Dad a French Voyageur. Elias was captured by the British Army while he was transporting French gold on British land. He was a traitor. Yet he strongly practiced his Christian faith in God.

Mercy's English Mom had been enslaved as an adult, by Huron Warriors, then rescued by Mohawk Warriors. Her Father was the Shaman (leader) of his Mohwk tribe. Mercy judged her Mother as weak & cowed, so she rejected her Mom, as well as her Mom's Christian Faith.

We would call Mercy a "tomboy". She's stubborn, independent, & doesn't trust easily. She was gifted with exceptional sight to see long distant things; & so excelled as an British Ranger during the War.

The British General that Mercy served under, wants the French Gold in secure British hands & in solid British territory. So he induces Elias to take the gold to another British Fort. To disguise what was happening, Elias would be traveling with his "family" of 3 other British soldiers. That's how Mercy & Elias meet, she's to be his "Wife". Her Ranger Partner, an older man, is her "Father". And the General's lazy, whiney 16 yr old son, is the family's "Son".

Elias ends up being the 1st man, Mercy's ever been attracted to; & she fights it ferociously. Elias is instantly drawn to Mercy's beauty & unique personality. Their relationship & trust grows as their adventurous & dangerous trip moves along. Elias keeps praying for Mercy & sharing his Christian faith with her.

Elias originally hid something extremely dangerous, in one of the gold crates. He needed to get it to Boston, to save many people's lives. But now, he wants to keep his traveling "family" safe also. The escalating problems/delays they encounter, put them in increasing danger from the French/Huron Warriors.

Tragedies happen, & deaths happen! Does God keep Elias & Mercy safe in His hads? Who's the Mastermind behind all these tragedies? Does the gold get to the British Fort ultimately? Who rescues who? Does Mercy finally open her heart to Jesus? Who exactly is Elias working for: the French or the British? Does the "extremely dangerous something" make it to Boston? Does love conquer & draw Mercy & Elias together, into their HEA?

You'll have to buy the book to find out! I guarantee, you'll be very happy, if you do!

I received this eBook from NetGalley I exchange for an honest review.

I've enjoyed the Daughters of the Mayflower series so far, and this one fits well with. We continue to flow through the family tree, focusing on Mercy this time, and during the French and Indian War. The author has done a fabulous job of researching her history and including many well-known, as well as lots of lesser-known, facts about the war in this story. The characters are likable and believable, and you are rooting for it to all work out well in the end!

This is was my favorite of the Mayflower Brides series so far. The first two took me a little to get into, but this one had me from the beginning.

It is the story of Mercy Lytton, a scout with keen eyesight, Matthew, Rufus Bragg (the son of the General ordering the transport) and Elias Dubois, a “traitor” raised by the Wayendot Indians, who are tasked with getting a load of gold through the wilderness safely to Fort Edward. From the very beginning, though they try to discourage any mention of an attraction, you feel Mercy and Elias are meant for each other. They encounter many trials, heartbreak, and surprises along the way, but Mercy and Elias cannot deny their attraction any more. Mercy does not understand Elias’s faith and how he can have so much trust in someone he cannot see until she comes in danger, and meets Livvy a small child with faith greater than Mercy could imagine. It is then that Mercy leans on this faith that Livvy and Elias both have, and finds that she feels so much lighter. After losing her mother’s at young ages, Mercy finally learns what her mother means by being captive and to let others help her.

I loved this book, I totally could have read it faster if I had more reading time, it was that good. If you enjoyed the first two books of the series, you will definitely enjoy this one.

Take ride through the French and Indian War. The story is compelling and the characters well developed. You will keep the pages turning as you read on to discover who is truly loyal to what side and who the traitors are.

Michelle Griep is a master crafter who can captivate her readers in any genre she chooses to write. 'The Captured Bride' is a heart-pounding, gripping story of the savage war-torn frontier, with all the elements that make for a fascinating historical journey!

Mercy Lytton is a tough as nails heroine who would rather wear buckskin breeches than gowns. To be quite honest, I never really liked her a whole lot and I don't think she really cared. lol She meets her match in the knee buckling (hers and mine), enigmatic traitor, Elias, with the smoldering blue eyes...the only one seemingly man enough to tame her. With plenty of heart-stopping danger in the form of Indians and nefarious villains, steamy (but clean) romance, and a spiritual thread of hope and redemption 'The Captured Bride' is one novel you don't want to miss!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Mercy Lytton has long straddled two worlds. As the daughter of a Mohawk leader and a captured white woman, she grew up questioning her identity, her faith, and even her role as a woman in a male dominated world. She works for the British as a wilderness scout, spurning the idea of hearth and home - reminders of her mother's passive submission. Caught between these conflicting worlds, she finds herself assigned to a mission which requires her to feign marriage to a convicted traitor whose connections are not only with her French adversaries, but also her native people's enemies.

Elias DuBois has also struggled to find his place in the world. The mission to which he has been assigned as Mercy’s “husband” is supposed to be a reprieve from his death sentence, but can he escape the network of lies and deception surrounding him?

Michelle Griep spins a tale which twists and turns its way through the wilderness. The daring heroine and her enigmatic suitor struggle to complete their mission while wrestling with their own identities. I enjoyed the characters’ development and the unique dilemmas in which they found themselves, although a couple times I felt like the plot may have been momentarily wandering a bit in the wilderness, as well. I appreciated, however, that the characters’ spiritual journey was as defined as their physical journey. Michelle Griep clearly loved these characters as she wrote them and tenderly brought their pain from the shadows into the Light. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to a friend who enjoys historical fiction.

What drives me nuts is I want to know the genealogy from William and Mary Lytton to Mercy Lytton!

Mercy's mother was captured by Wyandot braves and then "saved" by a Mohwak brave. Mercy is a "mixed breed" as people meanly call her. But while her mother taught her about God and how to be a lady as best she could, Mercy grew up to be an Indian woman. A fine scout, she works with a ranger, Matthew Prinn, to scout for the British during the French and Indian War.

Elias confused the heck out of my! His story is very complex, but I'll help you out with this - he is British <i>and</i> French. But most of the British don't know that. That's all I'm going to say.

I liked this story. It's an interesting time period, the characters are compelling, and the message of trust in others is clear. A huge problem for our characters is the hurt they have experienced in the past makes them reluctant to trust others. Mercy is used to being looked upon as less because of her mixed heritage and Elias was berated by his grandfather.

I enjoy stories with gentlemen and chivalry and sweet treatment of women. I like seeing how such treatment breaks down walls. Michelle Griep writes very nice stories. This is a fun series that I'm very much enjoying. I look forward to the next one.

Mercy Lytton is the strangest thing Elias DuBois has ever seen. A slip of a woman, both Mohawk and white, she is a renowned scout for the English. And her pride and stubbornness, ooh, la, la!! Almost as great as her talent.

Elias DuBois is perhaps the sorriest thing Mercy Lytton has ever seen. Beaten until he is half-dead, condemned as a traitor to the English, DuBois can only escape the hangman’s noose by joining an elaborate scheme. One that forces him and Mercy to work closely together, trust or not. This is the premise of The Captured Bride, Daughters of the Mayflower #3, by Michelle Griep.

Michelle Griep has earned her way onto my favorite authors' list. She can take any period of history (in this case the French and Indian War) and turn it into a living, breathing, “I-dare-you-to-escape-by-the-nape-of your-neck” experience. Griep was once a protégé of Laura Frantz; if you like Frantz, you will love Griep. She has a painter’s way with words that causes me to smile at the stunning visual images she evokes.

A couple of favorite phrases:

“An arrow once shot could not be re-quivered.”

“Strength without common sense was worse than dangerous.”

I highly recommend this book and this series for history lovers or those who want to learn what history may have been. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and NetGalley as well. (I also bought a copy as a gift.) My opinions, for which I am solely responsible, are not influenced by the complimentary copies.

The Captured Bride
Daughters of the Mayflower - book 3
by Michelle Griep
Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Barbour Books
Christian , Romance
Pub Date 01 Jun 2018


I am reviewing a copy of The Captured Bride through Barbour Books and Netgalley:

In this book we are transported back to Fort Wilderness fifteen years into the French Indian War where we meet Mercy Lytton who was raised with the Mohawks causing her to live between two cultures. Mercy was born with the gift of keen eyesight. With such keen eyesight she is asked to be a scout for a bunch of men who are on a dangerous mission. This shows her it is not her life that is threatened though but her heart just may end up broken.

Elias Dubois faces the Gallows. At the last minute he is offered to get his freedom if he agrees if he agrees to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort but it turns out he is the one who stole the gold.

The thief of his heart turns out to be Mercy who steals into his thoughts at every waking moment.

I give The Captured Bride five out of five stars...