I loved this story. The story flowed well and it was very difficult to put it down. I could see the mountains as Kate and Thomas made their way across them. Kate was a strong independent woman that found a way to make things work out. Thomas was a man of mystery and a heartbreaking past. I loved getting to know each one as they and Kate's family traveled. This story addressed the friction between the Native Americans and the settlers as the white's started to move westward into Native American territory. I enjoyed learning more about the history of the United States. The growing feelings between the couple was evident and delightful to read. I loved how they each fought their attraction to one another. I would recommend this book to those that love early American history and romance.

Are you a sucker for the lore of the Kentucke wilderness around the time of Daniel Boone? Do you love the style of Laura Frantz or Michelle Griep? Shannon McNear has been added to my list of names who can paint that period so well, you can feel the splash of the river as the horses ford it, sense the cold and wet of the mountain dressed with thick fog. Be overtaken by the fear for safety as you vicariously travel the Cumberland Gap.





What an intriguing supposition McNear starts out her narrative with. A Hessian siding with the Americans. The real question I saw, over and over throughout the book, is where does one end viewing another as an enemy? How does the forgiveness offered by one affect others around him? Or will an attempt at reconciliation between obvious enemies bring shame, betrayal, and untold danger?



How I loved these characters. Some followed their upbringing, some followed their hearts, and all followed dangerous trails. Who will have the strength of character to survive a time and place given to unrest and danger?


Worthy quotes:



“It always seemed the more willing a body was to share their story, the more likely that story wasn’t worth hearing.”


“God could protect them...And if they could not put their hope in Him, then—what else was there?”


My heart is full after reading The Cumberland Bride. May we all learn to view conflicts from angles other than our own. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions. I am not required to leave a positive review. I DID, however, pre-order my own copy for my keeper shelf.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I read 60% of this book in one day. It is that good. I would give this one 4 1/2 stars.

It is the story of a guide, Thomas Bledsoe, who takes the Gruener and Jenkins families from Virginia to Kentucky, through the Cumberland Gap. But it is Kate Gruener, who captures his eye. Even though he is determined not to let a woman cry over him as he is undetermined in what his future may hold. But it is Kate's inquisitive nature that brings him to the point of whether he cannot live without her. The trials along the way also bring them closer, especially once Thomas is confronted by some Shawnee Indians, who appear to be from his very secretive past. As he vowed never to let a woman cry over him, it is exactly what he has to do, to survive.

This is the latest in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I think the stories are building, each one getting better and better. This could be read as a stand alone, as it does not really tie into previous books, only the mention of her grandparents who came over on the Mayflower. I would recommend it to all who is reading this series, those that are interested in settlers coming though the Cumberland Gap, and how those trials brought the unrest with local Indians. Cannot wait for the next book to come out.

I received this from Netgalley, Barbour Publishing, Inc, and author Shannon McNear for my honest review.

Kate Gruener and her family are moving westward in the wild Kentucky wilderness in the year, 1794. They have a young guide, Thomas Bledsoe who helps them through all the hardships and facing the possibility of an Indian uprising by the Shawnees. This Christian historical romance is well-written and a great way to experience life in the early American frontier. This book is the fifth in the series of "Daughter of the Mayflower".

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear will be available October 1, 2018 by Barbour Publishing. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

The Cumberland Bride was my first book by Shannon McNear and won't be my last.. I chose to read this book because I enjoyed all the previous books in the series. This one did not disappoint. What I enjoyed most was the thorough research the author did to write a realistic and historically accurate tale.This page turner is filled with adventure, faith and romance. Two quotes I loved, that the heroine Kate stated in the book: 'Each person has their own story." "What makes folks who they are.". An important theme throughout the book and one I hope to incorporate in my life is to get to know the stories of the people in my life. As the author writes "Life is too short, too- fragile- and we leave so little behind. If it is in your heart to say something of our own story , for others to perhaps better understand our lives..."

Shannon McNear did an excellent job keeping my attention. A little adventure and a little romance made it a truly enjoyable read. I always enjoy these historical fiction. This one even made me get my tablet out and do a little searching to find the path the family took. So far I've enjoyed this entire series! I'm looking forward to the next one.

The Cumberland Bride
By Shannon McNear
This is the 4th book of the Mayflower Bride series, however, I feel like it could be read as a stand-alone novel as well. This series has been following the Lytton women through the generations. This story follows Katarina (Kate) Grace Gruener during the year of 1794- between the American Revolution and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Jemima Lytton Gruener is Kates mother and Kate’s tie to the Lytton women. Kate’s family hires on a young man to scout their journey from Tennessee to Kentucky. The wilderness between is still a wild land. The settlers during their journey are far and few between with Indian scattered throughout. The journey is not likely to be a simple move and Thomas knows it. His vigilance and focus continue to get diverted by the Gruener family; specifically, by their eldest daughters mishaps. With Kate’s inquiring mind and Grueners quiet and observing personality these two butt heads during their travels until they are forced to work together to save not only themselves but Kate’s family.
This was such a fun read. McNear did such a wonderful job telling this story. The details of the family tree at the beginning and McNears shared notes of the history behind this story were thoughtful touches to make this book stand out. I would have loved to have an added map to trace the travels of this tale. The book was easy to read but hard to put down. Everything worked well coming together and I appreciated the authenticity of the different encounters with the Indians. I think that the only thing I would change is the title. I think The Settler Bride or The Westward Bride would have suited more. But alas this did not affect my desire to read the book. Just something as I read that I thought on.

Yet, another incredible addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. The details were so well done that you feel like you are right there in the mist of things. The chemistry between the main characters are very believable and you can't help but fall in love with their story.

This is my third book to read in this series and the first book I've read by Ms. McNear. I enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were believable and I love how the history from other books is included. Kate and Thomas are hardy people that would have been necessary for settling on the Cumberland Road. I love the interactions with the natives that were respectful. I thought the cover was misleading - throughout most of the book, Kate would not have worn such a fancy dress. For that reason, I would give it only 4 stars, although the storyline was an interesting read.

The Cumberland Bride is the latest book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I really.loved this book. Inspiring and captivating. I live historical fiction and this is one of the best I have read this year. Thank you netgalley sand Barbour publishing for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion

Once again this is a wonderful addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower Series. I was not familiar with Shannon McNear's writing, so I did not know what to expect. Within the first few pages she takes you on an unforgettable journey. Her description of the territory, terrain and the hardships faced, places you right in the middle of Thomas and Kate's adventure.

Ms. McNear develops her characters so well, you feel as if they were real people you want to get to know. I found both Thomas Bledsoe and Katarina, “Kate”, Gruener to be perfect heroes. She is a strong, beautiful, brave young woman, that does not realize her own beauty or charm. Yet she is not perfect, She tends to talk to much and ask too many questions, “only a silly, chattering female”. Thomas makes a wonderful “next book boyfriend”. He is smart, strong, good looking with a secret side to him. He becomes very tender and protective over Kate.

The story, has tender moments as well as lighthearted ones. One of my favorite lines in the novel comes towards the end. “Do you two wish to marry today, or would you rather simply admire each other?” came the older man's voice. Sharing a laugh, both of them blushing a little, Kate took Thomas's hand more firmly and stepped forward to face the preacher.”

I enjoyed Ms. McNear's book. I appreciated the way she brought faith and family morals alive throughout her story. It is quit obvious of her love for history. The research that she has done must be phenomenal. I learn so much from these Historical Romance Novels. Ms. McNear gives us great detail and more information at the end in her credits. If this is an interest of yours, do yourself a favor and take the time to read it. I find myself on the internet researching further.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this book are my own.

The Cumberland Bride is the fifth book in The Mayflower series, which follows the descendants of the Mayflower throughout historical American events. Each book is written by a different author, and this one is by Shannon McNear.

It takes place on the Kentucky Wilderness Road in 1794, a time of great unrest between the frontiers and native Indians. Kate Gruener’s dad is ready to settle his family in the west, where he can get a piece of land. His family and two other families are coming too, and they are being led by Thomas Bledsoe, a quiet scout with many secrets. Kate is the opposite: she loves to get to know people and to find out their stories. Will Thomas be able to resist her persistant prodding when it is acompanied by huge innocent eyes? And there are more dangers down the road...

If I had the time to finish it in one sitting, I would have! The story is very addictive, you just need to know what happens next! Kate is a wonderful character, she is really brave, curious, strong in her faith and adaptable. She can be happy in any situation which is truly a gift. The road has many dangers, and she haa to trust on others a lot, especially Thomas. The romance is a slow burn, set in the time span of many weeks. I absolutely loved it! Thomas slowly opens up and comes to care for this girl, but he has to face his past first before he can truly care for someone. His story arc is very well done and believable. The story of the Indians is woven into this book and I loved that it’s not us versus them but that it is much more complex - and I love that complexity! All in all, I loved this book and I can recommend it very much.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Cumberland Bride is a fabulous addition from the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This fifth installment takes the reader on the Wilderness Road to Kentucky. I enjoyed being taken back in time and experience what it was like for the new settlers the. The danger and adventure was intriguing. I enjoyed getting to know Thomas and Kate and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen to them.
The Cumberland Bride is so far my favorite of the series. I will be looking for more by this author in the future.
I recommend this clean historical and give it 5 stars.

If you have ever dreamed of going back in time to travel west through the Cumberland Gap, then you should read The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear.  From near drownings to kidnappings to daring escapes from Indians, be sure to prepare yourself for adventure before you read this book. And you should read it because it's an adventure you don't want to miss. Here the top reasons why I recommend this book.

It's very fast paced. You're just escaping one danger with the characters when you find yourself in another danger. 
The descriptions of the areas the group is traveling through is absolutely beautiful. The author gives just enough detail that you can see it without slowing the story down.
The historical aspects of the Shawnee culture, the construction of the Cumberland Gap and traveling west before it was settled are all interesting.
So, pack you bags for the trail, but pack lightly. Only so much will fit on your pack horse.  

I would recommend this book for people who enjoy adventures, especially adventures that take place in historical times. I would also recommend this for those who enjoy sweet romances.

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

This book was incredible. I loved every word of it and will be telling friends about it. I'm so glad I requested this book to read. I definitely will be looking for more books from this author. It's been a while since I've read a book that I just had to stay up and read to "find out what happened".

The Cumberland Bride is a must read.I do a lot of reading and this book stands out.If you like historical romance with feeling and detail this is the book to read.You will not be dissapointed!

This book is book five in the series and continues with another descendant of the Mayflower, Kate Gruener. It is the late 1700’s and Kate’s family is traveling the Wilderness Road with a guide, Thomas Bledsoe. Through difficult situations, Kate and Thomas get to know one another. Will they become more than friends? Will they be able to face their hardships and survive through this difficult journey to free land? I have really enjoyed this historical series! This book doesn’t disappoint! I highly recommend you read this book and the entire series if you have not read the others. The book was very entertaining and provided the reader with historical content from that time period.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Having read a story about a young girl captured by Indians when I was younger, I was curious to read this new Christian romance about another young woman whose family is travelling to Kentucky through Indian territory.

Given the topic, there was plenty of action and suspense as Kate Gruener and her family, along with other settlers navigate the dangerous route to their new home. Thomas Bledsoe, a reticent but experienced post carrier and scout captures Kate's eye as they travel together. Thomas is captivated by Kate's beauty but is reluctant to be drawn into a friendship.

A sweet little romance that could easily be enjoyed by both YA and adult readers.

This is the first book I've read in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series and also the first time to read a book by Shannon McNeer, it was an excellent book. You felt like you were right there with the characters of the book. I stayed glued to this book until the very end, it will have you laughing, crying, holding your breath and cheering. I felt she stayed very true to history and I really enjoyed reading the Author's Note at the end of the book. I look forward to reading more of the books in this series and more by this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.

Having gone to college in TN and being familiar with the Cumberland Gap, I found the setting and history to be interesting and well done. The cover is gorgeous, as all in this series have been. The writing itself was good, the author having a firm grasp on craft. However the story started slow and didn’t really pick up until 60% in. There wasn’t much to set it off in way of uniqueness either, but, then again, I’ve read so much that it is hard to find a story that is truly unique. Overall, this is a well-written story and fans of this series will really like this addition.