This is the first book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series that I've read. Having read a couple of novellas by this author, I was happy to dive into this novel. It didn't disappoint! I was transported back in time to the backcountry of Kentucky, surrounded by the magnificent landscape, and immersed in the lives of those brave pioneers who risked it all to settle the land.

Author McNear didn't sugar-coat the experience. She drags the reader into a river, over a mountain, and keeps them looking over their shoulder for hostile natives. She also does a very good job of balancing the differences between those natives and the settlers. And one of the things I really like is the author's notes and historical notes at the end. I love learning how much of the story was true.

I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book and am under no obligation to post a positive review. The above review reflects my honest opinion of this novel.

Excellent journey!
Kate makes me think of how I was as an older teenager. I was awkward around others my age, since there were few who lived around us, and I thought I was always saying the wrong thing in the wrong way. Like her, my heart was true though and I felt things deeply. And I so loved being out in the woods. The area they travelled through Tennessee and Kentucky was beautiful with rolling hills. I used to imagine how it was for the Indians, for Kate's travelling group they were a current reality. I loved camping, so it's easy for me to imaging pioneers moving to another place to live. But I never like to think of the cruelty of the Indians to those moving into lands they had lived on for generations. I really enjoyed this story, told so well that you easily picture it all. And I like the way the characters think. Kate finding her way to be around their trail guide Thomas, and Thomas sorting out his feelings for Kate and her family, since he missed his own sisters. Dangerous journey requires bravery and cool thinking, all wound up with romance. Christian Historical Fiction

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Author and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#TheCumberlandBride #NetGalley

Well written story following Kate and Thomas as they travel the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap, falling in love along the way. This a sweet, standalone HEA historical romance.
I enjoyed this story, engaging with the characters and their trials along the trail, the slow building romance and the realistic touch of the past showing the strength and tenacity of the adventurous people who blazed the trail for a new way of life.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is the latest in The Daughters of the Mayflower series; each book can be read as a stand alone. It is set in 1794 as many settlers move westward and conflicts with the Shawnee and Cherokee, as well as other tribes, are inevitable.
Thomas Bledsoe has been hired as a guide to assist the Gruener family along with others on their trek across the Cumberland Gap to land in Kentucky for a new start. There have been Indian attacks along the route but will that be their greatest hardship? Kate Gruener loves to write though her father believes it is a waste of paper, ink and time. Will his attitude change as she chronicles their adventures?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is a lot of historical details interspersed along with the fictional story to bring the journey to life. The families are Christians but not all of their guides choose to join worship services. Will hearts be changed as the journey continues and the travelers feel they must rely more and more on God? I was very engrossed in this story from the beginning; I was hoping all of the families made the trip successfully. It would be unrealistic and not make for a very exciting story if everything went perfectly so you know there will be mishaps along the way. The characters and their individual flaws are written so that I felt they could be right here telling their story. I give this book a 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

'Ah, Lord God! The world You made us very fair indeed.'
If you are a history lover, as I am, this series will please you very much! This one, set in the American frontier, is very well written, with wonderful descriptions of the land, the customs and the people. Very enjoyable and interesting. The romance element was so sweet and the spiritual theme was also very good. Recommended.

*My thanks to Barbour Books for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not required to leave a review and the opinion stated here is entirely my own.

Almost all the authors in the Daughters of the Mayflower series are familiar to me, but Shannon McNear, the author of The Cumberland Bride, was not, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

At first, the book dragged horribly, and I found myself skimming the pages waiting for something to happen. The action finally picked up around chapter thirteen and McNear kept me intrigued and reading until the end.

Her research was very well done and painted a clear picture of the rigours settlers went through to make new lives for themselves amidst the perils of Indian attacks. Unfortunately, it was the details of the trail that bogged the book down for me.

I did love how she developed the character of Thomas Bledsoe. There is a backstory to him that is slowly revealed, and as the story progresses, we see his faith in God begin to grow. We also see his relationship with Kate start to grow and their romance is charming.

I look forward to the final book in this series.

I have read all of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, and they have been delightful. The Cumberland Bride is book 5 in the series. The story follows Kate Gruener and her family as they travel to a new land to start a new life. They travel with a large company made of other families and are accompanied by Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas has been hired by Kate's father for protection through hostile Indian territory. They face many hardships and trials along the way. Thomas proves invaluable as a guide and protector. After many weeks together, Thomas and Kate can't help but fall in love.

I didn't like the book at first. I felt Kate was a bit ditsy and the author seemed to give her one catastrophe after another with no break. I think the author did this to show that Kate has grit and perseverance. But it was exhausting. And nothing bad happened to the others in the same company.

After the first few chapters, though, I began to enjoy it. The setting is very well described and the plot line is excellent. I like the change in Kate from girl to woman, and I like the deepening love between Thomas and Kate.

Overall, I recommend The Cumberland Bride as your next read!

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.

I love books about history. I usually read Regency/Victorian England romance, but i am so glad I started reading Daughters of the Mayflower series. This book is the best so far in my opinion. The descriptions of the land, Indians, pioneers trying to forge their way were incredible. I worried i may become bored by the length, but i was glued to the pages. This story draws you into the lives of all the people in the book and the locations. I am so glad i got this copy to read. Thanks to the author and netgalley.

I was given a copy through netgalley free to read and the opinion i have expressed is my own and freely given.

I will also post reviews on other sites, but was unable due to timing.