I have heard of Roanoke, the lost people, Elinor and Virginia Dare, and the mystery surrounding it. I have watched tv documentaries on it, and people's many theories of what happened. But never has anyone brought that location, those people, and brought them to life, make them feel real, based on just probability. Until now.

This is the story of Elinor Dare, her husband Aninias, daughter Virginia, and the many other settlers who came to Roanoke, Virginia colony in 1587. When her father has to sail back to England, Elinor realizes just how long those trips take, how much it longs on the heart. But the settlers are determined to make it work, to become friends with the Natives and survive. But not knowing how things grow in this new world, the disturbance from other Natives, the settlers are forced to move and live with the Croatians. There they learn the language, what crops to plant, how they grow, and make friends with them. But not always for the good. Elinor has a Godly heart, as do most of the settlers, not pushing their beliefs on the Natives, but answering when asked. When the settlement is raided and Elinor and others are taken, she longs to believe her God will keep her safe. Sees Far is one of her captors, who saw her in his dream, and is determined to keep her safe at all costs. When tragedy strikes Elinor, and she is separated from the other settlers, it is her faith and trust in Sees Far, and the determination to see her family again. But her faith and trust is more powerful than even she can believe.

Though this story is based on true events, noone knows exactly what happened to Elinor Dare and the settlers of Roanoke, though there are many speculations. But this is a very plausible outcome, one I do believe to be true, that settlers really did merge and live with the Natives at that time. But the story of Elinor and Sees Far is anticipated, and one that brings hope to the reader that she, and the others, really did live a good life.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy, all opinions are my own. Also, thank you to Shannon McNear for bringing this mystery to life.

Based on the lost colony of Roanoke, Elinor is a thoroughly researched and enjoyable historical adventure. Survival in a hostile land is central to the story, but so is reliance on God. Beautiful descriptions and interesting characters build to the mystery of what became of the colony, and this story offers an interesting theory! I very much enjoyed this book!

I've always been fascinated by the Lost Colony, and I anyways enjoy speculative fiction stemming from real events. Having also been a fan of McNear's contributions to other historical series I've read, I was very excited to see her take on the Lost Colony. Shannon McNear always does an excellent job with historical fiction. It is clear that she puts significant effort into her research and into painting a vivid and accurate portrait for her readers.
In Elinor, readers get a good sense of the Native American culture and ways of life during the colonization of the new world, and a glimpse into their relationships with the colonists.
I felt like this book was very different from my previous reads by Shannon McNear. It isn't romantic fiction, and there are multiple POVs for the story including Elinor Dare, Elinor's husband, her father John White, and some of the Native Americans. I think the broad narrative rather than a focus on just one or two central characters made this read a bit of a struggle for me. It made the plot movement seem a little slow, and made it harder for me to feel attached to a specific character.
I enjoyed the read, just not as much as McNear's other romantic historical fiction I've read.

Not only was this a captivating story about the lost colony of Roanoke, but the author adds even more depth to the history with her notes at the end of the novel. What amazing research went into the writing – taking a peak into a period most of us know little about. I found her Glossary of Terms gave me even greater insight into this history.

The author tells the history through the eyes of Elinor Dare, her husband Ananias Dare, and her father, the governor of the colony, John White. What traumatic events they had to endure, danger on the waters travelling to the island, dangers from the native peoples on the island, plus health and agricultural issues, just to name a few.

I found this novel to be one of those hard to put down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this novel. I was under no obligation to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Elinor is a fascinating novel by Shannon McNear that explores what may have happened to the Lost City of Roanoke. Elinor White Dare sailed from England in 1587 with her father and husband.to make a new start in the New World where their religious beliefs would not get them imprisoned. Crooked sea captains and murdered colonists make for difficult living and things get progressively worse as Elinor finds herself completely alone. Shannon McNear writes a completely believable account of early America. Fans of historical fiction and Christian literature will love this book. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a compelling read. Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read an ARC.

"My knowledge of American history is lacking because I don't remember learning anything about the Lost Colony of Roanoke. So it was interesting to find out about the colonists who disappeared with no ability to trace what happened to them through Elinor, though I realize that everything in this story about them after John White left the island is merely speculation.

Elinor was an interesting character. I loved the way she chose to be brave in the face of what could have been terrifying circumstances and how she chose faith over fear, even when she didn't understand God's ways or plan. Her habit of reciting Scripture, aloud or just in her heart, when she needed reassurance was lovely and had a lasting impact on her and those around her.

I greatly appreciate the extensive research that Shannon McNear puts into her fiction. It is clear she wants to be as accurate as she can with the available historical details.

I did find that parts of the story felt more like reading a historical text than reading a novel. Mainly in the portions probably taken from the diary of John White.

The author's handling of the relations between the natives and the colonists was tactful. Even the motivations behind the violence enacted by the natives were shown not to be the acts of a cruel and ignorant people. Though they were referred to as ""savages"", the author explains in her introduction that this was only because that was the common term for the natives at the time the story takes place and she did not make it appear to be derogatory.

I recommend Elinor for readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction with a somber tone.


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

We lived in NC and one of the things I regret not doing while we lived there is going to the town of Manteo and explore. They now do a Broadway type show every summer portraying the story of "The Lost Colony" which always has a different ending. This book reminded me of that. Obviously it is based on actual historical aspects intertwined with fiction and author Shannon McNear did a great job with it. The story definitely captures you and takes you on what was and what could've been. The character of Elinor was so realistic. We see her go through trials and struggles but she clings to her faith not shying away from the hard things.

The history in this book is rich. I say this because if you aren't into historical fiction then this may seem a bit boring or slow moving. Shannon McNear definitely did her research and did so with a passion. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading what she will write next!

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Elinor is a 'what if' story about the lost colony of Roanoke, an island off North Carolina. Sir Walter Raleigh attempted to permanently settle the area in the 1580s. With its failure, another attempt was made a few years later by John White. Elinor is his daughter. The author gives readers a credible story about this colony and why it disappeared. The characters are believable and their story drew me in right from the start and occasionally brought me to tears. The characteristics of strength, courage, and hope these Colonists exhibited are inspirational. At the end of the book, McNear has several very helpful notes and lists--Historical note, Bibliography, Cast of characters, Regions and People Groups, Historical terms, and a Glossary of Carolina Algonquian Words. Readers who enjoy authentic historical fiction will definitely not want to miss Elinor's story. I received a complimentary book from Barbour Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

Even though I went into this book with high expectations based on the author’s previous works, Shannon McNear still exceeded my highest hopes with “Elinor.” From the moment that I first saw the subtitle denoting this as “Daughters of the Lost Colony 1587,” I knew that I had to read it. Something about that seemingly ill-fated Roanoke Colony fascinates me and never fails to draw me in. How exciting to have a Christian author approach the subject!

First, I would like to give kudos to McNear for undertaking what is currently such a contentious topic in the U.S., that of early American history and race relations. I encourage readers to peruse the author’s historical note following the story’s conclusion, as she addresses several potential concerns relating to culture, fact vs. fiction, and the resources that she employed in writing “Elinor.” This novel is incredibly timely, and it does not seek to merely gloss over the painful events of white colonization of the New World. Instead, through ultimately focusing on three primary characters, John White, Elinor Dare, and Sees Far, this story explores how their collective journeys dovetail, and the implications thereof. The experience between the Native tribes and the previous explorers, for instance, establishes a precedent that impacts the colonists. Because of the inhumane overreaction and breach of trust of a group of prior English explorers, not all of the Native people welcome the white settlers, and in the words of Sees Far, “It was his people’s way—war and vengeance and the taking of captives. They did their best to exact justice but then were duty bound to accept what Montóac handed them. Whatever that looked like.” While reading and thinking about the wrong actions of both the English and the Natives, the many verses of the Bible that refer to the folly of doing what is right in our own eyes came to mind.

Divided into parts, the first three deal with the colonists’ ad hoc arrival, settlement, and subsequent dilemma at Roanoke, resulting in John White’s return to England for aid, while the last two sections comprise the fate of the colonists, as interpreted by McNear. While clean, “Elinor” does not romanticize the hardscrabble life of the New World. After a harrowing ocean voyage, Elinor voices to her husband Ananias the desire of the colonists: “I simply wish a place to call home.” Minister Nicholas Johnson shares some of the most memorable lines in the book, notably as Manteo receives his baptism into the Christian faith, reminding the congregants that surrendering entirely to Jesus is their calling: “Our place here in the New World means nothing if we do not both believe and live out that lordship. Our community will be for naught if we are not, first and foremost, a community of God, under God, believing what He has told us in His Word.” As is indicated by history, the colony of Roanoke likely faced serious challenges to their faith as they struggled to survive in the midst of trials.

Two Native tribes feature prominently in “Elinor,” the friendly Croatoan and the vengeance-seeking Secotan. Elinor finds herself amongst the latter, particularly Sees Far, and this is the most telling segment of the novel. I love that Elinor’s memorization of Scripture and ability to recall it and draw upon it is shown to be vital to her survival. McNear avoids idealizing the hostility between the two people groups, instead demonstrating how faith in Christ provides a stronghold and a refuge during dire circumstances. It is this expression of faith that confounds those who are not Christians and serves as a witness to the unbelieving. Even so, it is the power of God working within us to accomplish this, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). Humility is essential, as Elinor realizes while contemplating Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf and the fact that He can use any situation and any person to draw someone to Himself, “Because surely the people of this country were, indeed, as dear to God as any of the English. How arrogant they were to think they alone had obtained His favor.” The same is true today. Moreover, another section of Nicholas Johnson’s sermon resonates strongly today and seems a fitting summary of the key message of “Elinor,” and of how we should all approach one another, because truly there is only one race, the human race: “Her Majesty the Queen may have had her own purpose for placing us here, as much for the glory of England as the glory of Christ, but we have our private purpose, that we demonstrate faith and love through our own conversation, in truth and simplicity. Let us not become divided over things that have no eternal weight. We have the freedom here to choose what to eat, where to go, and how to live. Let us not abuse that, but let us also walk in love toward each other.”

An apt fictional exploration of the famous lost colony of Roanoke, Shannon McNear’s “Elinor” is a well-researched novel abounding in faith, hope, and ultimately love. It would be a wonderful choice for a book club discussion! Conveniently placed after the end of the story, in addition to the aforementioned historical note, is a bibliography, cast of characters, list of regions and people groups, definition of historical terms, and a glossary of Carolina Algonquian words.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

1587-1560 Roanoke

Such a fascinating and frightening time in North American history. It's clear and much appreciated that the author completed extensive research in preparation of writing this novel. The use of language such as "mayhap" and "thee" add to the authenticity.

Bravery, loyalty, adventure must have been part of the hearts and minds of those that wanted to travel from England to Roanoke. Week after week traveling in uncertain waters on a ship with less than ideal conditions to reach an unsettled land.

While parts of Elinor's and her father John's (Governor) story had me engaged, other parts didn't. The history though was incredibly interesting.

Can her faith sustain her through all odds?

Ever since I was a small child reading Joy Hakim's A History Of US series I have been fascinated by history and its many mysteries, particularly stories like the missing Amelia Earhart, whether Anastasia really survived, and...the lost colony of Roanoke... What really happened to 100+ people left alone who seemingly vanished into the mists of time? Were they killed off? Did they assimilate into the local tribal culture? Elinor takes the known facts and explores those tantalizing maybes...

As soon as I saw that Elinor had that Lost Colony setting I knew it was one I had to read. Shannon McNear is not exactly a new to me author so that was a plus as well. I'll admit that for me personally, the first half of the story was a bit slow but around that halfway mark or so it took off and I was in for some real surprises. I sincerely appreciated how faith was a central part of this story, both the struggle to hang on during adversity and the journey to find it in the first place. Both perspectives were interesting and well done.

One thing I would like to note is that Shannon McNear uses some historically accurate terms that have long since been, several for obvious reasons, dropped from everyday usage. I sincerely applaud her for erring on the side of accuracy. One of the things I dislike most is the current tendency to write history with a modern slant. This should never be done, instead the peoples of the time should be heard in their own words and thoughts, be they good, bad, or ugly, and history should never be sanitized to the point we can no longer learn from our mistakes.

Overall I would say that the Daughters Of The Lost Colony series is off to a good start with Elinor. It was an interesting read and I particularly liked the slightly older fashioned style of speech and storytelling that was fully understandable by modern readers but clearly took inspiration from a world more than 400 year ago. Shannon McNear has done a good job launching this series and I look forward to hopefully reading more from the Daughters Of The Lost Colony in the future...

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

The author did a marvelous job with the detailed research and authentic presentation in this historical novel based on the history of Roanoke Colony in the late sixteenth century, before America became a nation. This is a portion of American history you don’t hear much about, and this book seems totally plausible and realistic as the author tried to incorporate what actually occurred as much as possible. Shannon McNear cleverly captured the time and place as if she was an eyewitness recording the trials and tribulations of these early settlers, including the difficult relations with the natives in the land. Not only do readers gain insights into the history and life then, they also examine how to interact and negotiate in trying situations. The story includes many sorrows amid the joys and makes for an emotional journey and an exciting read as you follow the colonists’ adventures. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #NetGalley #Elinor

The Lost Colony of Roanoke has long been a mystery to history, and I have been intrigued by what happened to the people left behind as well. The author certainly gives us a detailed account of the colony, the people, and even the Native Americans who lived near them, both friendly and the enemies.

I cannot imagine leaving my home for an unknown and dangerous land, but this is what Elinor has done. Along with her husband and her father, John White who is also governor of the colony. I also understood the plight of the Native Americans who felt their home was being invaded by these colonists, who sometimes did not treat them well and often times brought diseases with them. However, in this story we are taken on a journey where certain eyes are opened, and bridges of nationalities can and may be crossed.

There was much, what I call, desperate prayer in this story. I certainly understood that, and that John White knew their survival depended only on God. Unfortunately, with man, mistakes and greed and all manner of evil can and will prevail, making the lives of all involved much harder to bear.

The author did her research of the times and of the land and the reasons why they landed on Roanoke instead of where they were first planning too. There seemed to be much political intrigue going on behind all of it. I appreciated the notes in the beginning and at the end. They were most helpful, and the atmosphere felt very authentic because of them. This was a good fictional account on what might have happened to that lost colony that seemingly just disappeared.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

It was hard to get into this book. I loved the story but it was a little slow for me. Roanoke is fascinating and mysterious but I just couldn’t keep up with the characters for this

A wonderfully detailed story that draws the reader in and hooks them on a story of what if. A story of faith and endurance, of characters with determination and grit in a time when people were forging new paths in new worlds. Elinor is a well-developed and researched story and though no one knows the truth, I found myself loving this book as I watched this colony face hardships. With excellent prose and intense detail, the author keeps the reader interested in Elinor's story. I absolutely loved the faith Elinor and her father showed. The prayers they prayed felt genuine and never forced, which made the faith element relatable as Elinor progressed through a new life. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I really wanted this book to wow me, but at 32% I had to accept that this is not the book for me. It jumps between point of views a little sporadically, and I had a hard time following who and where and what was happening. I think the subject matter is interesting, but at 32% I still felt like we were in the first intro chapter because nothing was happening.

I read, Elinor, by Shannon McNeer. I enjoyed this historical fiction loosely based on the Lost Colony of North Carolina. The first part of the book held my attention and I wanted to know what would happen next. As the book drifted away from the colony, it seemed a bit more drug out. My interest began to wane in the latter part of the book. I understand the book was about Elinor and not the Lost Colony. I also understand what a challenge it must have been to write a story based on very few facts, with ideas & opinions everywhere. I would recommend this book.

The Lost Colony of Roanoke. Did it really disappear all those centuries ago? Elinor travels from England across the ocean with her husband Ananias, her father, and dozens of others to help set up a colony in the New World. Through the underhanded ways of the captain of their ship, they are left on Roanoke Island. Elinor desires to make a life in this harsh new land. With the help of English-speaking Manteo, they are able to navigate the ups and downs of this wild land with all its dangers and secrets. However, things go terribly wrong, and Elinor must decide if she has the strength and will to survive. This was my first book by author Shannon McNear, and I was thoroughly entranced by it. Having visited Roanoke and Croatoan (Hatteras) dozens of times, the Lost Colony and the history surrounding Virginia and North Carolina, has always fascinated me. The depth of detail and the amount of research that went into this book is truly astonishing. I felt as though I were actually walking the beaches and forests with Elinor or sitting in the long house with Manteo and his people on Croatoan. The characters have such deep compelling faith and truly desire the good of the Natives that they encounter (despite that not always being the case with previous explorers). Their acceptance of a people that looked, acted, sounded, and dressed different than they did is a lesson for all of us today. The characters display courage amidst truly horrible circumstances. The mystery of what happened to that colony has long fired up the imaginations of people everywhere. Ms. McNear gives her own take on what could have happened. She seamlessly weaves together fiction with the real historical facts and evidence that we have today of the Colony. The book is written in the vernacular of that time period which took a little time to get used to. The inclusion of the language of the various tribes into the book was superb! Also, some parts of the book moved slowly but was not a detriment to the book as whole. Anyone who loves history will not want to miss this book! Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

This breathtakingly epic tale takes the parts that we already know about the first settlers in Virginia, and fills in the unknowns with a tale of hope and possibility. Elinor was such a brave, resolute woman with a kind soul, an unimpeachable faith, and a pioneering spirit. There are so many lessons to learn from Elinor and those she settles Virginia with, and those she meets along the way. Among them are God’s enduring presence, His promises, and the importance of singing through the storms of life. There is much that we do not know about the settlers on Roanoke Island, but Shannon McNear has very evidently poured her heart into researching what is known, and has developed a fascinating narrative that will hold readers captive until the last page. I did listen to this book in part on audiobook and especially loved that version. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a review.

This story is definitely written with historical knowledge as it takes us back to a time when the New World was starting. I loved being transported back to when colonies were starting and learning about the struggles that came with the unknown New World. What a shock it must have been to discover that you have landed in the wrong place.

Elinor is my favorite character because she had such compassion for others. Her faith was strong even in the midst of danger. All around her was uncertainty and a longing to be safe. This place called Roanoke was filled with many unseen treasures and enemies. I appreciate that the author kept to the original dialect of this time period to make it more authentic. I can say that at times it was hard to understand but as the story continued the flow became easier. Elinor endures a tragedy and is held as a slave to be sold. Oh that this would happen to her is heartbreaking. Will she be taken care of by this person named Sees Far?

The story is not without prominent historical figures that played important rolls in history. As I read the author’s notes at the end, I understood the struggles these people faced. The world was different with the main focus on surviving. They had to learn who to trust and how to gather food and lodging. Their faith was very prominent and sustained them through many long days. I encourage readers who love historical fiction to grab a copy for themselves.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.