Cover Image: Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel

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Member Reviews

I sadly couln't get into this one. The writing was just not my cup of tea and the plot was quite slow. I have enjoyed other of Lori's books so I'm looking forward to her next one :)

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Another masterpiece by Lori Benton. Well crafted. Beautifully written. Well developed characters. Emotional.. Five stars.

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Forbidden love in the wilds of Appalachia.

Cabinetmaker Ian Cameron comes to Mountain Laurel in hopes of claiming a place as his uncle's heir, but that title comes with more than a few entanglements. Ian is a man struggling to make sense of where he stands after coming from a complicated past, and an uneasiness about becoming a slaveholder. This is a well crafted novel, with well-built, complex characters good and bad, and more than your average amount of heartache.

While I appreciated the well drawn characters and their well developed plights within the larger plot, the attention to detail and how the pieces fall, I can't honestly say that I enjoyed this book as it was a heart-rending read. There were times when I honestly didn't want to keep reading because of the direction that things seemed to be headed, but I am glad that I persevered. This book is a bittersweet one, filled with heartache, secrets, and forbidden love, and while we don't quite get a resolution in this volume it leaves the door open for a much richer conclusion when the duology is complete.

Overall, it is a bit of a mixed review from me, and I think that I will be able to form a more complete picture of how I feel about this book once I read the next one. This was a grittier read than the author's past books, but it fits the narrative of the story arc. But there is no doubt to the quality of this story, well written, with characters that had my heart breaking along with them. I liked how the events in this story force many of the characters to grow and confront their beliefs as they must reconcile their realities. A poignant and heartrending read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Wow! This was a beautiful story by Lori Benton! I have never read any of her books, so I didn't know what to expect other than what is in the book synopsis. I was drawn into the world of the characters and didn't want to put the book down. The love between Ian and Seona was beautiful yet heartbreaking. I wanted a different outcome for them, but just as it is in life, the choices we make can change what we have planned for our lives. My heart broke for sweet Judith as well. Her sister, Rosalyn and mother, Lucinda made me angry throughout the story. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I won't go into detail. I am looking forward to the sequel that publishes this year. Thank you, Lori Benton for your beautiful story.

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Mountain Laurel is an intriguing look into the institution of slavery after the Revolutionary War, and what it would be like for someone to inherit that.
Both Ian and Seona are characters with depth. Both have certain set ideas as the book starts, and those are challenged depending on the pressures around them. I liked the dynamic of Thomas’ and Ian’s relationship. I think that really displayed some of the intricacies of the period.
Because of who the characters are from the beginning to nearly the end of the book, some of the choices they made were not ones that I liked. I alternately liked Ian and then disliked him for the way he handled things and his selfishness. However, as he began to change, it really highlighted the difference that was happening in his life. The faith element played out in a real-life way that I appreciated.
I didn’t realize as I was reading this story that it was the first in a two-book series. I’m glad for that, because as I was nearing the end, I could see no way that the author could wrap everything up in a satisfactory way. In all, I enjoyed this book, but I do have to say it wasn’t my favorite novel by Lori Benton. But I’ll be looking forward to reading where she takes these characters next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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I have so many mixed feelings about this novel! As heart-wrenching as any story involving slaves author Lori strikes a cord when Ian informally makes vows to his slave and she becomes pregnant. Then she after several legit circumstances he ends up getting married to a cousin. It's all very much like an Abraham and Sarah story but may be reversed. At first, I felt sorry for the slave yet his legal wife is so pleasant my heart ached for her as well. I'm sure stuff like this did happen back when. I thought Lori would kill off one of the women for a clear pick but no. It tunes out I'll have to read the next novel to get the full story of Ian's life and I suppose the ladies. While engaging it did infuriate me at times. Prepare to go through all emotions in this book!

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I am impressed every time I read a book by this author.
Each new book I read by Lori Benton becomes my favorite by her and I think to myself she couldn't possibly top her last book but somehow she manages to do it.
The research she puts into each book is incredible and I was interested in reading more about her research in the author notes in the back of the book.
Mountain Laurel is a book written from the heart, it's the good,the bad and the ugly of the time period. While it may not always be pretty it resonates true to the time period. Just fantastic . I highly recommend Mountain Laurel.

Published September 1st 2020 by Tyndale House Publishers.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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Wow and wow. It’s hard to find words to describe this deeply moving story with amazing characters. The writing is outstanding , and takes you on quite a journey. This book deals with tough issues in our history, but the author does it with sensitivity and insight. What a story and what a storyteller.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Oh, My heart!
I cannot express the deep feelings this story evokes. It is slow starting but wow, the intensity builds and I could not tear myself away. And then it ended and I was utterly stunned. Finding out that there will be a next book continuing the story was some solace but I am still inside this story with these characters.
What beautiful prose there was in this book. I often stopped and just reread it and savored the moment
For example:
"Ian stood alone with the threads of his heart spooling out, unraveling after them and stretching thin, until it seemed his breath, his heart, even time, must stop, Or snap in two."
This is my first time reading a Lori Benton book. Let me say, it will not be my last, But I will make sure the next time, I will clear my calendar so I can savor the experience!
Thanks you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing to read this eBook. The opinions are entirely my own.

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What some readers find cumbersome is what I enjoy--an expansive novel with multiple characters' stories winding together into a painting, filled with exquisite detail, blurred in other places, waiting to be perused. I'm a Lori Benton fan, and I loved delving into this multi-faceted tale of romance, intrigues, danger, and consequences, all set in a vivid historical context. If you like big novels with all kinds of layers like these, in a story that has many unpredictable twists, you'll enjoy this book. Oh--and the fact that there has to be a sequel is exciting. Sometimes books leave you hanging in a frustrating way, but this one isn't like that. It has it's own kind of closure, yet you know the story is far from over. Looking forward to the next one!

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To summarise and review a Lori Benton novel is always a challenge! In each, she packs such emotion into so much history. She digs deep into hard topics and brings the light of Christ. “Mountain Laurel” is no exception. It tackles what it means to be family in 1793 in North Carolina. Slavery is alive and well, and so, blood is not the dividing line one anticipates.

With the central topic being such a heartbreaking one, it’s by no means a gentle read. Empathetically written, one can’t help be feel for the slaves of these plantations whether under “kind” masters or not.

Seona, as a slave, and Ian, as a reluctant slave owner, bond of over the design of his cabinets as Seona’s natural talent for art shines. Their friendship deepens to love despite discouragement from both sides’ families and the ramifications of their relationship taint the rest of the story. Whilst the ending isn’t a cliffhanger, it isn’t the end of the journey for these two and I look forward to the second novel in this series.

The writing is beautiful, the characters and settings are well-constructed and the history is carefully researched and worked in. It is a wonderful book and highly recommended, a five out of five on the enJOYment scale.

For the sensitive reader, please be aware there are scenes of physical and verbal abuse which may be distressing.

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The author says (in an interview I read), “While Shiloh is primarily the second half of Ian and Seona’s story, Joseph plays a significant role in it. If you haven’t met Joseph Tames-His-Horse, for the sake of his obviously compelling story having the greatest impact, I recommend reading Burning Sky” before Shiloh releases in 2021.
Readers will also encounter other characters from Burning Sky, twelve years beyond the point that novel ended. Such tangled webs are bound to be woven when an author lets her characters wander from book to book, as I have freely done.”

I struggled in the beginning of this novel more of getting in the rhythm of the characters and the setting. The author talks about freedom, slavery, injustice and what it means to be a family through all that. The novel centers on slavery and how different characters respond to its injustices.

The story is filled with rich history, a longing passion for love and characters that will live in your heart long after you close the book. This book would work well for your next book club pick. It’s a story that naturally leads to much discussion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

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Mountain Laurel is the first book I've read by Lori Benton, although I've heard wonderful things about her previous books and have a couple on my TBR.

I didn't really have any expectations for Mountain Laurel. I started it curious to see what the story would bring...I feel like it was one that slowly sucks you in and takes you on a journey unlike any other.

The characters were deep and felt realistic; they made questionable choices and had some challenging moments. The ending left me slightly confused and I'm eager to read the next book to see what happens next.

All in all, Mountain Laurel was difficult to read in some ways and not always a happy read, but I really enjoyed it.

Note: this story does contain some content that I wasn't a fan of and I only recommend it to mature readers.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

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What a powerful tale set in North Carolina in 1793. Plantation owners, slaves, northern relatives and Quakers who were opposed to owning other human beings. A complex story with characters making choices that had far reaching consequences, far beyond their limited scope.

Lori Benton has an amazing gift of crafting her characters into very believable people, they are real, their struggles are real. The pain and hurt of injustice bled through the pages of Mountain Laurel. Family secrets unfolded as day to day life went on as if nothing had changed, but in truth everything was changing.

This novel is bittersweet and haunting. It’s a book I was afraid to read and afraid not to read! I didn’t want this story to end. It didn’t. Now I have to wait for the sequel.

I received an ARC of this ebook from Tyndale House Publishing through NetGalley.

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I will admit to really enjoying this book. There are times I struggled with it though. It was historically accurate in the relationships but they still are harder to accept today. It also gives a great perspective and many times I was brought to tears. Beautifully and artfully written as Lori Bentons books are written. She has a beautiful way of sharing a story with her words. And I’m so glad this book is just the first! I am ready to read more of this family’s trials and triumphs. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views stated are my own.

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I have been a fan of Lori Benton’s books since her first book, Burning Sky in 2013. I don’t even read the synopsis on the back of the books anymore because I know that if Lori Benton wrote it, I’m going to love it!

Reading this story was like taking a trip back in time. I felt like I was in North Carolina in 1793. These characters wrapped themselves around my heart, flaws and all. This story has unapparelled depth, both in the characters themselves and in the very fabric of the story. I took my time reading this story, and I loved every moment. My heart may never be the same after finishing this story, and I am really excited to see what will happen in the next book!

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

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This is my first experience with reading anything written by Lori Benton, and I am amazed at her talent.
I first picked up the book and began reading because I kept hearing rave reviews from other avid readers, but the cover left me a bit unsure, and actually led me to believe that I just might not actually like it all that well.
As I began reading, the story pulled me in a bit slowly at first, but the longer I read, the more captivated I became. And I ended this book in love with this author's talented writing style. I am determined to go back and find and read her other books in the very near future!
Now, on to this story...Ian is rather an unlikely hero. He's made lots of mistakes in the past, and he's not afraid to admit this and own up to them. He's striving to be a better man. But, he continues to mess up (don't we all?!) and suffers some consequences that are rather severe.
I just loved the characters. They came to life before my very eyes. Seona was an intriguing person. And I also liked Lily. But then a few others were not quite so likeable.
This is a story about slavery. Relationships between blacks and whites back in those days were not so good, and extremely complicated. I was made aware in a new way how terrible it really was in that time period.
This book showcases humanity, slavery, relationships, and so many other things in just an absolutely beautiful way.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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I honestly struggled to read this book. The language is hard to understand and the structure of it was overall just “okay”,

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As always Benton has delivered another wonderful story! She's my go to for historical fiction.
I always look forward to seeing what she comes out with next and I'm never disappointed! She's fabulous and I highly recommend her.
I love how her research is turned into stories so that we can enjoy them too.
Her characters were so very real that I could feel their feelings coming to me from out of the book. I couldn't out the book down until I had finished Ian and Seona's story.
The many turns of this story surprised me in a lot of areas. Benton has done an excellent job with this.
I'll be honest. I dislike slavery! It's wrong in the way they were treated.
Parts of this book made me very sad that I wanted to cry.
I especially appreciated the way she described the scenes in the story that it made me feel like I was "seeing" the land for the first time.
I actually could relate to Seona on one thing and that's her love of drawing things. Such talent!
I didn't like the overseer in this story at all!
I'm glad to see that there will be another book after this one! I so can't wait!
more to come later
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own

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Mountain Laurel by Lori Benton
Publication Date: September 1, 2020 - Out Soon!
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Description from NetGalley...
“A fascinating story, rich in emotion.”- Diana Gabaldon, New York Times bestselling author of the Outlander series

“North Carolina, 1793
Ian Cameron, a Boston cabinetmaker turned frontier trapper, has come to Mountain Laurel hoping to remake himself yet again—into his planter uncle’s heir. No matter how uneasily the role of slave owner rests upon his shoulders. Then he meets Seona—beautiful, artistic, and enslaved to his kin.

Seona has a secret: she’s been drawing for years, ever since that day she picked up a broken slate to sketch a portrait. When Ian catches her at it, he offers her opportunity to let her talent flourish, still secretly, in his cabinetmaking shop. Taking a frightening leap of faith, Seona puts her trust in Ian. A trust that leads to a deeper, more complicated bond.

As fascination with Seona turns to love, Ian can no longer be the man others have wished him to be. Though his own heart might prove just as untrustworthy a guide, he cannot simply walk away from those his kin enslaves. With more lives than his and Seona’s in the balance, the path Ian chooses now will set the course for generations of Camerons to come.”
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Thank you to @NetGalley @tyndalehouse for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
This is my first book from Lori Benton. It is a Christian Historical Fiction Book. This book was more than I expected. It told a story of bondage, freedom, risks, consequences, family and faith. The faith theme was written very well into the lives of the slaves and those who were free. It definitely dealt with the tough topic of slavery shortly after the Revolutionary War. The book is long, and drawn out at times, but it was still a good read. I was able to connect with the characters and the lovely narrative. I appreciated a glimpse of the underground railroad and the abolition movement’s beginning. The author also shared her inspiration for this book.

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