This book was very different than what I expected. I really enjoyed the Scottish characters. I liked it even more since it was colonial. There were some parts that were hard to read. Overall, it wasn’t bad.




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

This was the first of Lori Benton's books I've read; I'm typically pretty picky about historical fiction, but this one sounded really intriguing. It's not a light-hearted story; it deals with some pretty heavy topics around slavery in the late 18th century, just after the Revolutionary War. The characters, especially Ian and Seona, are rich and complex, and there are plenty of poignant and heart-wrenching moments. However, while I appreciated all of the historical details, the book is very long and seemed to drag at times. This book is a sobering look at part of our nation's history, but it's not without hope, as we see can look back and see the progress we've made reflected in the courageous choices these characters make.

Another epic historical tale by Lori Benton, rich with unique characters and a beautiful narrative. The early American setting of a North Carolina plantation showed how entrenched slavery already was in a country who fought for and won freedom from England just a decade before. Part one of a series, the book was a satisfying read full of human drama, passion, and inspiration.
The author does a wonderful job of pulling the reader into the lives of the characters--both slave and free. A glimpse of the early Underground Railroad and Abolition movement came into play as the plot revolved around the plight of the characters on the Mountain Laurel plantation. I felt for Ian and Seona who were caught in between it all. The faith element is brought out in a natural way in conversations and their personal struggles. I loved old Malcolm with his Scottish brogue, sharing pearls of wisdom with Ian, helping him see true freedom comes through faith in Christ. "’Tis your own soul’s freedom ye should be worrit over...Every man makes himself a slave to someone, or something." Ian was a man in need of God's grace and guidance, for sure.
Recommend for readers who enjoy a story steeped in history with some grit and romance. Looking forward to the continued story in the next book, with a possible crossover to the author's other novels.

Lori Benton delivers another beautifully written inspirational romance with her latest book Mountain Laurel. Her characters are so very well developed. I was pulled immediately into the plot. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

Lori Benton has penned an expertly crafted tale. I cherished every word and emotion as the magic of its prose whisked me away to frontier America. Benton does not shy away from the tough subjects of right and wrong, handling the issues of slavery and immorality with grace. Mostly, it chronicles the spiritual journey of Ian Cameron, as he comes to grasps with his role as his uncle's heir on Mountain Laurel.

Ms. Benton crafts characters who wound their way into my heart. With each page, I uncovered layers of truth, revealing grace and mercy throughout. I am so grateful that this is the first in a two book series, so that I can spend more time with characters that populated the pages of Mountain Laurel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

When you come across an author of this caliber, you rush to read every book they've written. I have been an admirer and vocal supporter of Lori Benton ever since reading The Wood's Edge (2015).

One thing that endears me to her is how she consistently pens sympathetic characters who have to stumble down the wrong path in order to find their way—The Way. Often times, as it was with Ian Cameron, self-reliance and fleshly desires lead to heartache and forced humility. The destruction left in the wake of Ian's choices frequently made me wonder how his world could ever be set right. As I read, I allowed myself to imagine each character's motives and actions in light of the times. This process was made possible by the author's skill blending relevant historical details with emotionally captivating scenes.

Continue reading at https://christianshelfesteem.wordpress.com/2020/07/20/mountain-laurel/

'He went on breathing. The pieces of his heart kept beating. And on that road grace met him.'

Set in North Carolina in 1793, Lori Benton once again takes her readers on another journey to the American frontier. Ian Cameron is his uncle's heir but cannot be easy with the role of slave owner, especially the one called Seona. As a deep bond forms with them, Ian realizes his life has become incredibly complicated and finds himself in a place where generations will feel the consequences of his choices. Because all choices have consequences and a lot are very painful.

As always, Benton's prose is deeply moving and her historical detail stunning. She brings to life each character and leaves the reader richer for having read it.

*My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.

Every year, there are two or three book releases I look forward to more than any other...and Lori Benton's books are ALWAYS on that list. She is one of my very, very, verrrrry favorite authors and I truly believe she is one of the most gifted storytellers writing today. I'm really not exaggerating when I say every one of her books has felt like a masterpiece to me. So needless to say, I was so ridiculously and excitedly impatient to read Mountain Laurel...and now that I have, I really don't know how to review it in any way that does it any kind of justice! But I'll try my best...

As always with Benton's books, the writing of this novel is exquisite and the historical detail is rich and vivid. Both Ian and Seona captured my heart so quickly. One of the things I loved about Ian in particular is what a perfect mix he is of noble intentions and, at times, flawed actions. I felt his moments of desperation so deeply as I read—as well as his joy and Seona's long-suffering hope. I felt so much! And to me, that's the very best sign of an amazing book—the feelings it evokes. The emotional layering in Mountain Laurel is superb.

I also loved the plot. It went places I absolutely did not expect and took twists and turns that kept me captivated page after page. It was both heart-rending and tender, and by the end I was caught in that wonderful sort of reader exhaustion and exhilaration that comes from having journeyed with the characters. The forbidden romance, the moments of desolate hardship, Seona's gentle strength and Ian's unending desire to make things right...all of it made for a story that swept me away entirely and completely. And woven throughout is a spiritual journey—especially on Ian's part—that stirred my soul in a way I was (and still am) thinking about weeks after reaching The End.

This is the first in a two-book series, so I'm thrilled to know the story will continue! And I've heard we might see a familiar and much-beloved face from a past Lori Benton book!! (Joseph Tames-His Horse!!!! 😍😍😍)

One last note: This story takes place during an especially harsh time in our country's history, which meant it wasn't necessarily easy to read at times. But I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from portraying the ugly realities of that time period, including slavery, but also that she didn't glorify or just lightly gloss over it. She handled it deftly and in a way that personally impacted me.

No Spoilers!

Author Lori Benton has written an emotive, literary masterpiece as hauntingly beautiful as it is disturbing—the forbidden romance between its pages timeless, all consuming, and powerfully passionate—despite dire, insurmountable circumstances.

Ian Cameron is a kind, compassionate man, easy on the eyes, but uneasy with the role of slave owner—especially when he meets the beautiful, light-skinned, green-eyed Seona. I loved her grit, quiet strength, and compliant spirit, and I literally cried at the unfairness and cruelty she endured because of her pleasing looks and station in life. As a matter of fact, all the slaves became like family to me—Lily, Seona's mother, clothed with dignity & strength, Malcolm, with a tender heart for the Lord, simple-minded Ally, and Naomi, who could sure cook some good vittles! And ladies...you'll swoon over the tender love story between the romantic Ian and lovely Seona!

As I was left bereft and staring into space with tears in my eyes at the conclusion of this heartrending story, I was quickly thrown into a state of euphoria when I read the author's note. Certain memorable characters will return in a sequel and I cannot wait! This novel wasn't an easy one to read by any means because of the slavery issue, but I'd like to think it'll make better people of us all and draw us closer to Him. 'Mountain Laurel' is a beautifully written, well-researched novel, destined to win many an award. You absolutely do not want to miss this one!

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Tyndale House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.*

MOUNTAIN LAUREL by LORI BENTON is a well written Christian historical romance novel which deals with the subject of slavery on two different levels - not just the horrific practice of one human being having total control over another, but there is also the deeper meaning of us all being slaves until we have accepted the Lord into our lives. Some of the slaves on the Mountain Laurel plantation, although they have no physical freedom, are freer than their masters, because they trust in the Almighty. Seona does not know who her earthly father was, but she does know her Heavenly Father.
I love to see Seona's gift for drawing which Ian encourages, even though it is forbidden for slaves to draw or read. I also love to see her loving relationship with her mother, Lily, and the other slaves.
Ian Cameron comes to his uncle Hugh's southern plantation in 1793 hoping for a new start, after having burnt his bridges in Boston, and being injured and nearly losing his leg in Canada where he was a trapper and lived among the Indians. His relationship with his father has suffered due to what went on in Boston. He also does not have a relationship with God the Father.
There are some wonderful characters in this book together with some real villains. It is a good story which will really touch your heart.
I was given an ARC copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers by NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.