Elinor by Shannon McNear is a historical fiction, based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

John White is appointed governor of the colony. He travels, in 1587, with his daughter Elinor Dare and her husband Ananias to this New World. Elinor, who is great with child, experiences many emotions and struggles. But her trust in God proves her faith to sustain her..

Ms.McNear's research is carefully done. Even to the extent of the end notes. The Lost Colony of Roanoke is a fascinating mystery of our nation's history. I appreciated Ms. McNear's fictional account of what might have happened to the Lost Colony. If you love history, you will love this well written story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher. All thought and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Elinor and her husband braved the wild Atlantic Ocean to start a new life across the sea in the New World. However, the New World is already populated with indigenous people. How does one make a new country? The usual European way was by the force of arms.

The population in the New World has struggled for centuries with war between themselves. The primary problem with the newcomers was the radical new weapons they possessed. Therefore, it was easier to try to befriend the colonists, but the pilgrims thought that the natives were “heathens” and had no real god.

Planting, growing livestock, and building housing were the initial goals of the young colonists. The natives already had long houses that were shared by the entire tribe. The colonists set about making bricks and building stockades as well as individual houses for the inhabitants and depended upon the generosity of the natives to help them get through the first winter.

Soon the natives realize that the interlopers will not contribute but rather attempt to take everything they need by force. Another problem was the diseases that the colonists had brought to the new land, which ran rampant through the tribes. It soon became apparent that the interlopers needed to go.

Shannon McNear has written an engaging story of the “lost” first colonists to the new world. The moral dilemma faced by the principals in the story is very thought provoking. Every population throughout the history of humanity has faced such questions. This saga illuminates the struggles then and the continuing struggles now around the world. I highly recommend this story to anyone who is a student of history. 5 stars C.E. Williams

I was so excited to read this, but I really struggled with this one. The pacing is soooo slow. I finally DNF'd it. :(

I really enjoyed this beautiful story of what might have happened to the people of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. This is about the mother of the first child born in this area. I loved Elinor and her family. This showed the strength that it took to travel to a new world and try to survive. It would be nice if this is what truly happened to these people. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Elinor by Shannon McNear is one of the best books I've read this year. The characters were well-drawn and stayed true to their personalities while achieving growth and change. McNear envisions environmental forces along with threats from lack of survival skills, the inability to understand and adapt to the customs of the established native residents as contributing to the demise of the Roanoake colony. She suggests the difficulties caused by the colonists' assumed superiority and rigid religious constraints as adding to the colony's failure. McNear gives the reader an interesting insight into the kind of courage required by pioneers.

I read this engaging powerful historical fiction slowly because I didn’t want to miss a thing. McNear has obviously done her research and has imagined a heartbreaking yet beautiful story about the lost colony of Roanoke. I felt that her story was believable and it provided an inspiring picture of endurance. I appreciated the faith displayed by Elinor with her prayers, her knowledge of Scripture and her decision to trust God over and over. Certainly, this story will remain with you after you finish. I appreciated that the author included a character list and glossary. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to love this book, but it is not an easy read. Some of that had to do with the formatting of the arc I received, but in an effort to be historically accurate, the dialogue was just hard to follow.

I also thought that the author focused too much on historical events. Rather than developing the character of Elinor, we were caught back to England and what was going on with her father. Overall the whole pacing of the book was slow, and I wanted more at the end (I suppose that will be in a sequel, which I don't know that I would read).

Thank you publishers and netgalley for the free e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

What ultimately happens to Sees Far & Elinor?

Gifted Storyteller, Shannon McNear, has created another, Engrossing, Inspirational, Historical Fictional 💎 in, "Elinor"! It is based on the Lost English Colony of Roanoke. It's told from 4 main characters' perspectives: Governor White, Elinor Dare (his married daughter), Ananias Dare (his son-in-law), & Sees Far (a Native Warrior).

The Colonists were in great danger, yet courageous. How did they adjust & adapt to their circumstances? How did they live out their Christianity? Were there any friendly Natives to help the Colonists? How does God Redeem Elinor's ❤️-wrenching, & poignant situation through Sees Far?

I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Awe Inspiring 📘, to find the answers! ❤️📖 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke (Daughters of the Lost Colony) is the first book I have read written by Shannon McNear. I was interested in this book because for several years I taught NC history in which the Lost Colony was a part. I had read of many theories of what happen to this group of people, still finding this mystery extremely intriguing. What a fascinating notion this story gives. What if one did survive, what would happen?

Fact and fiction are entwined into a believable “what if” fictional story. It is a story of bravery, risk taking, hope and reliance on God. The author woven much of the known history into the story but in no way did I feel that she was trying to say this is what happened. Still, I did so enjoy imagining this story taking place even while knowing that it was a story.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

Elinor is a fictional account of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, although Shannon McNear has worked to stay within the bounds of what is known as much as possible. I appreciated the information in both her letter to the reader at the beginning and her lengthy historical notes at the end of the book. The plot of Elinor is both interesting and believable. Of greatest interest to me was the idea that the native Americans, while viewed as savages by some, were seen as behaving in a more Christ-like manner than the English by others. The natives' wariness to believe in the Englishman's God because the Englishmen's actions were often so different from the things they proclaimed about their God was something easily related to today.

I recommend this book as well as McNear's contributions to Barbour Publishing's True Colors and The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Elinor from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Elinor by Shannon McNear is a historical fiction novel taking place in 1587 as a group of travelers journeys from England to the New World in what is supposed to be the colony of Roanoke. Although based on thorough research that is described in an exhaustive historical note at the novel's end, the author has taken liberty to imagine what may have happened to the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke.

I found the history in the book to be fascinating. I read a lot of historical fiction, but I've read very little of the early colonization of America. The relationships between the colonists and the indigenous people were interesting. There was no clear "right side" or "wrong side," but some members of both groups treated each other with kindness and respect while others were fearful and violent.

I loved the ending and greatly appreciated the historical note. I was inspired to read more about the time period, which is the mark of great historical fiction!

I will recommend this to readers who like historical fiction with complex relationships.

Thank you to the publisher, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

A powerful tale based on real history! It is told with passion, authenticity, and imaginative descriptions of what might have happened to the group of British colonists left on Roanoke Island in 1587 who subsequently disappeared. The author takes all the known facts and creates plausible scenarios. It was a gripping tale that had me holding my breath at times and stayed with me for a long while after.

"The Lord had brought them thus far, and He'd not abandon them now."
Different perspectives from the main characters filled in the big picture, but the main viewpoint of the story is Elinor's. Her journey was a difficult one, with many reasons to give in to despair. Her recollections of Scripture at key moments helped her overcome hardship, feelings of abandonment, and struggles of faith; it was encouraging to read. The author sensitively handles the perspective of the native tribes and shows what may have motivated them to be both helpful and hostile. I loved witnessing the transformation of Sees Far and his open curiosity about the Christian faith. He was an interesting character.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy tales based on real history, with some grit and deep faith. 5 stars!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned so much. This is an author that I have never read before but will definitely be checking her out in the future.

I really enjoyed how the author portrayed both the settlers and the people who were already in the States. I particularly enjoyed the character of Sees Far.

I definitely got lost in this story and wanted to keep with the characters that were in it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

Oh my soul! This was my first book by Shannon McNear and I was not disappointed. A poignant tale is told giving a possible scenario of what may have happened to The Lost Colony at Roanoke, a historical mystery in the early history of English settlements in North America. It is told from the perspective of their first governor—John White, Elinor Dare—who gave birth to the first English child born in North America, and a Native American. The author was careful to work with the known history to create a story woven with the themes of anger, sorrow, vengeance, and retribution versus love, faith, determination and redemption. The ending was so heart warming. I did receive an advanced copy of this book but was in no way obligated to give a positive review on this book.

So much research was done by Shannon McNear before writing the first word. Roanoke has fascinated me for years. As a genealogy enthusiast, I have learned there is research and then there is RESEARCH. Ms. McNear did the latter. How many novels have a biography of history books? Elinor is the first book in the series, "Daughters of The Lost Colony 1587".

AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR EVERY READER of Elinor is reading the “Dear Reader” (preface) and “Historical Notes” (appendix). I recommend reading these BEFORE starting Part One. Following the notes is a Bibliography, “Cast of Characters” which includes the actual roster of those on the 1587 voyage to Virginia, plus other ‘real’ people. In addition, “Regions and People Groups” are listed (real and fictional). And a valuable list to genealogy researchers of “Historical Terms”. For those researching early Indians of the Colonial era, a “Glossary of Carolina Algonquian Words” and how to pronounce them.

The novel Elinor is the author’s conjecture on what happened to Elinor White Dare, mother of Virginia Dare and daughter of John White, the first appointed governor of Virginia. Personally, I found the premise very reasonable.

Not reading “the absolute must” portions will lessen your enjoyment of the book. McNear clearly states why she chose to write in the vernacular English of 1587-1590 and some readers may find it cumbersome. But, I believe, the author wanted us to BE in that time and felt the verbiage was important. You’ll also learn why it is Elinor and not Eleanor.

Another possible negative reaction could be to the word savage used to reference the Indigenous Indian tribes. However, McNear covers WHY the word was used. Even at times when a colonist no longer thought a particular individual was far from “savage”.

This reviewer believes when an author does the level of research McNear did, writes “Historical Notes” stating how such wording came to be used, the author shouldn’t be denied stars because the reader applied a 21st century use of a word to what those peoples would have used in the 16th century.

The story was most of the time truly riveting. The pacing did ebb at times (mostly during long treks through the woods), but having a novel so steeped in the FACTS made the read not just interesting but fascinating. Kudos to Shannon McNear for the research.

I look forward to the “next” daughter of the Lost Colony book. If you love historical fiction — if you love early American history, I highly recommend Elinor.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Barbour Publishing Inc., via NetGalley. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 5 stars.
Cover rating: Compelling.
Series & number: Daughters of the Lost Colony 1587, #1.
Pages: 320.
Publish date: December 1, 2022.

#Elinor #ShannonMcNear #NetGalley
ARC* — Advanced Reader Copy.

As soon as I saw the title of this story- I knew I wanted to read it. I did not realize at first that it was considered Christian historical fiction-however, considering the people and time period it discusses, it makes sense.

Elinor is heavy with child and on a ship headed for the New World. Also on board are her husband and father. Their journey is rough from the get go. There are the usual struggles of months at sea, then the captain insists on dropping them off at the wrong spot, and it just goes downhill from there for Elinor and her loved ones.

I loved this story because I find the Lost Colony of Roanoke fascinating. What happened to the inhabitants? Did they all die? Did they integrate and reproduce with the neighboring tribes? etc. I believe Shannon McNear does a good job of using this story to answer these questions with her imaginings of what happened.

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions.

A lover of all things history, I excitedly grabbed a hold of Shannon McNear’s Elinor, a novel featuring the lost colony of Roanoke. While I have read several accounts of this colony, each speculating on what happened to the colonists and providing alternate endings, I have never read a story quite like McNear’s. The attention to detail, inclusion of historical accounts, spellbinding tension, and emotionally charged action created an utterly captivating novel.

With ever deepening characterization and twists that left me wondering what would happen next, McNear held my attention as she crafted a story that resonated. I am excited to follow this author as a fantastic voice for historical fiction!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

An in-depth historical novel about John Smith, his daughter Elinor and her husband, Ananias during the settlement of Roanoke. The author describes life in the colony with such detail that readers will find themselves transported back into the New World. Readers will feel the anticipation, excitement along with fear and apprehension of the unknown. A tale of the fate of Roanoke Island. Fans of history will enjoy this book.

The story covers the early years of Colonial America when Britain and Spain were at war in Europe and exploration of America was in its infancy. The story centers on Elinor Dare and her experiences with her husband and daughter as she accompanies her father, John White, to Virginia in the New World. McNear’s novel is a plausible explanation for what happened to the “Lost Colony” of Roanoke. I can’t imagine how much research the author did in preparing to write this story. The end notes were interesting and helpful. My favorite character, though, is Sees-Far. His point of view (as a Native American) was both moving and insightful.

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

Elinor by Shannon McNear Is a Christian Historical Fiction story based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke. I remember as a child reading a book about Virginia Dare and being fascinated by her mystery and the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Shannon McNear gives us a new perspective from a Christian‘s view of history and life. Elinor and her family’s life is still heartbreaking in many ways but at the same time is uplifting and inspiring. The book shows how God’s plans, care and purpose will probably never be the same as ours but fulfill God‘s perfect will for us and others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars