This book is a very well written tale with a surprising twist at the end.
I appreciate the ways in which titles and spellings are kept in the original context of this time in history.
Based on what should be a well known early part of our history, the birth of the first white European girl in “the new land or world”, Virginia Dare, the lost Colony, and the completely unknown fate of its people.
With so much mystery surrounding this part of history and with multiple Indian tribes inhabiting the area and responding differently to the white peoples who brought sickness and a threat to their ways of life, anyone can take great leeway in weaving a story of how this era of history ended.
I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the known facts and then read this book with an open mind. Enjoy the parts that are as historically accurate as possible and then let your imagination enjoy the storyline.

Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke another great historical from Shannon McNear. I thought this was a fabulous read. I have always been fascinated by the Roanoke mystery and this book really fed into my curiosity. I adored Elinor right from the start and had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.

Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction based on real events. I can not wait to read more by this author in the future.


I received a copy of Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Elinor was not my favorite Shannon McNear book. There was a lot going on between England and the colonists as well as the colonists and the Natives already on the area where they wished to settle. While I believe the novel did a good job of staying true to history all the names of people, tribes and places got mixed together in my mind. The faith of the English came through as Elinor in particular embraced it and often prayed and sang hymns in trying times.
While this was not my favorite, I did finish the book though I found myself taking more breaks than usual while reading it. I give it 4 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

You may remember hearing about the lost colony of Roanoke in the 1500s. What little is known about the colony has been used as a stepping off point for Shannon McNear to write Elinor. Elinor was the daughter of the governor of Virginia & wife of Ananias Dare. They set out to help colonize the new world. Their troubles, joys, their faith, and dealing with the natives are woven into the story.

Elinor was made to memorize many Bible verses, and those came back to her as she was captured by a native. Can faith and forgiveness help the English and natives live together?

Elinor by Shannon McNear begins with John White, who is the governor of the new colony. In 1587, he, along with this daughter Elinor Dare and others make the journey to the new world. This fictional adventure lands them in a strange new place in Roanoke. Their fascination with surrounding natives was very interesting. You can really feel the atmosphere with their daily lives, heartaches and struggles. Full of drama and excitement, it was very descriptive and well written. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

What really happened to the "lost colony" of Roanoke? Shannon McNear proposes a fictional, but well-researched, account that explores the question. In 1587, a pregnant Elinor--a character based on a real historical figure--arrives in the New World. But tensions rise as hardships ensue...

I've long been interested in the mystery of the Lost Colony. I appreciated the thoroughness of the author's research, and I found the endnotes to be particularly fascinating. The language used by the characters and the slow plot development made the story a little bit hard to get into, but this is a well-told, well-researched story of what could have happened to these 16th century settlers.

Elinor by Shannon McNear imagines the mystery behind the disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

1587, Elinor Dare is the daughter of John White, who is the appointed governor for the new colony. They do not land where they were supposed to and their journey from settling at a new place to survival is a plot-driven story which has a slow progression.

I prefer character-driven stories. I wished the characters were more developed and from the beginning. We get some tiny bits of who they are, but for most of the part it’s about their journey.

I don’t mind religious faith being woven into the story, but I found the God being used too often. At some points, the religious faith overwhelms the story.

The story certainly offers original historical background, presenting interestingly the time and the place. I believe the best audience for this book is the one that reads Christian fiction on a regular basis.

Credibly and compellingly speculating on what could have happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke, this story is an interesting combination of historical fact and fiction. With her expressive prose and attention to detail, Ms. McNear transports the reader back to the late 1580s to experience the trials and triumphs of the English colonists as they seek to establish their home in the New World. The historical aspect of the story is amazingly well-researched and makes the fascinating fictional story come alive. The author’s historical notes and glossary at the end of the book were helpful in navigating all the Native language and keeping track of the characters. The complex storyline was challenging to follow but intriguing enough to keep me reading. I especially appreciate how the strong faith of the colonists was aptly portrayed. This book was a good, albeit slow, read for me. I recommend it especially for American History lovers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A wonderful story about the lost colony of Roanoke! I have always been interested in it and the author does a great job at what could have happened. First off. the foe of the English: the Spanish - the laid claim to ALL of America but other European nations thought otherwise. The constant threat of Spanish attacks was real and scary, keeping everyone at Roanoke of their toes. Secondly were the native peoples. Some were kind and welcoming, others were very hateful and violent. There was a lot of fear of attacks. And third - their own Queen abandoned them! She decided to 'forget' Roanoke and thus left her subjects there to any fate. Elinor Dare is a brave nineteen year old wife, with a child on the way. Her faith and good upbringing keeps her strong and she works with her hands without complaining. The Native, Sees Far is interesting. His feelings for Elinor show how we are all human no matter our language or religion. Reading how his hate turned into love was beautiful. As we don't know exactly what happened, I honestly feel the author's chosen ending was well done and to me, the real outcome.

Richly Detailed Historical!

As an avid reader of inspirational historical fiction and romance, I am eager to read about new-to-me topics, so when the opportunity arose to read and review this book I did not hesitate. I have only read one other book by Shannon McNear and really enjoyed it. Elinor is a fictional tale about what might have happened to those who were part of the lost colony of Roanoke. The amount of research that went into this book is astounding and the author explains in detail at the end of the book her process of how she came to include specific details in her narrative, as well as a glossary of indigenous language and passenger lists. This fictional yet historically-based novel imparted not only facts and background of the late 16th century Virginia and North Carolina, but wove a heart wrenching and poignant story of love, loss and deep faith that was truly inspiring. This novel wove a very reasonable and plausible tale of what could have happened to the lost colony of Roanoke. I highly recommend checking out this book and other books by this author!

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Elinor
A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke
by Shannon McNear
Pub Date 01 Dec 2021 | Archive Date 01 Feb 2022
Barbour Publishing, Inc., Barbour Fiction
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance




I am reviewing a copy of Elinor through Barbour Publishing Inc, and NetGalley:



Elinor White Dare sailed from England heavy with her first child but full of hopes in 1587. Her Father renowned artist and experienced traveler, has convinced her as well as her bricklayer husband Ananias to make the journey to the New World. Land, they are promised, more good and beautiful than they could begin to imagine.





But nothing goes as planned after they land at the wrong location. They face starvation to the endless wait for help to arrive. And beyond her comprehension Elinor finds she is completely alone.



The colony at Roanoke disappeared into the shadows of history. But, what if one survived to leave a lasting legacy?



I give Elinor five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I really enjoyed this book—the Lost Colony of Roanoke has always fascinated me and I was very excited to read this book. It did take a bit to get used to the language I did feel like the book ended rather abruptly but that being said, overall I thought this was an excellent book.

Elinor is a work of Christian and Historical Fiction about the lost colony of Roanoke. I missed the fact that it was a work of Christian fiction in the description. This genre is one I had given up on after every book I read lacked depth, substance and historical details. This novel suffers no such problem! Though there are frequent prayers and scripture readings they are appropriate to time and the characters. The earliest settlers often left England due to restrictions on practicing their religion. They were extremely devout and I imagine they often turned to God as they faced an uncertain future.
It is a well crafted story offering a plausible explanation for what happened on Roanoke Island. Through Ms. McNear’s vivid prose one sees the New World in all its majestic glory. I was able to feel the settlers’ excitement as they took their first steps on land to start their new journey. But I also felt their fear over the unknown reception they would receive by the natives. The historical details the author includes not only adds to the story but reflects the extensive research she has done. The novel includes a forward and afterward author’s note further validating the books authenticity.
The story centers on governor John Smith, his daughter Elinor and her husband Ananias. The characters are well drawn. The love that each feels for the other is evident and will draw you into the story. I felt their joys and their sadnesses as they tried to build a settlement not only with the other settlers but with the natives they met along the way. The author tries and I feel succeeds at answering the questions that remain to this day. What was the colony’s fate? Did they die at the hands of hostile tribes or did they move further into the wilderness? The book offers a very interesting theory!
In the Authors’ forward she asks the reader to take the journey with her. I highly recommend you do! It’s one heck of a ride!,

I was unable to read this book because it did not capture my attention. The first chapter is centered around a captain of a ship on the sea, and his crew. I wasn’t able to keep the characters straight, and it just lost my interest very early on.
I’m sure for people who enjoy mystery on the high seas and pirate themed books, this would be good, but as didn’t end up finishing it

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my review,

The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island has always been a fascinating subject to me. I live within two hours of the historical site so this is a story, along with it's possible theories, I'm familiar with. Elinor by Shannon McNear is the first book I've every come across on the topic, so I knew I wanted to read it both for it's historic portrayal and it's speculative fictional point of view

The story of Elinor fell into three parts; the first lays the groundwork for the facts as history records them. The author's desire to stay true to the language of the day had me using the historical terms and glossary available in the back of the book a lot. I was challenged to adapt to this style of writing as I am not well versed in the language of the 1580's, but once I did the story flowed right along.

The second part we really start to get to know Elinor and Ananias Dare, their newborn daughter Virginia and the other colonists. I was intrigued by the way they lived and interacted in the mist of such hardship. There's a good amount of scripture references, many prayed in the form of desperate prayers as the book progresses. I especially appreciated one poignant quote Elinor remembered her father Governor White saying to her about learning the Bible when she was young,
"Read it now, Daughter, while there is yet time and opportunity. You know not when you may need it, laid up like treasure in your heart, when there is not the written word to come to." This need proved to be true in Elinor's life and served her well as she was able to pray the scriptures in the hardest of times.

By part three I was totally invested in Elinor's life and will have to say it was my absolute favorite part of the story! The inspirational thread was at its strongest here and I loved how the author convinced me of the spiritual impact the early colonists had on the land and its people.

Elinor is a well told, well researched gem of a story. Readers of early American historical fiction will truly enjoy it and I highly recommend it. I appreciate Barbour Publishing making a copy of Elinor available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

Elinor, her husband, father and a great many others, sailed from England to Roanoke Island, Virginia. But it was not a direct route, they traveled through Spain, Morocco and the West Indies, they thought they were going to Chesapeake, but they were rerouted by force to Roanoke Island to start a colony.
As their boat drew near the island, the Indians who'd watched their relatives being slaughtered and killed by disease by the previous group of Englishmen planned their revenge.
Elinor's father, husband and companions went out to explore the island and found a long-dead English soldier and further inland, a small group of abandoned houses, overgrown by vines and other plants.
Elinor and her shipmates landed on the island and started fixing up the homes and planting seeds, and learning how to live on the island. It was especially helpful to have an Indian shipmate , Manteo, who showed them all how to fish and collect food the Indian way.
Elinor and her friend, Rose, had an added challenge to settling on the island- they were both pregnant!
Wanchese and his friends decided to ambush and kill one of the colonists, in hope that they would go home.
The colonists decide to send a party to go and speak with one of the friendly tribes in the area, Manteo's tribe. They asked the tribe elders about Wanchese and his tribe and the other tribes who had attacked the former colonists and George Howe, their shipmate. They were told that the tribes were intent on killing all of the newly arrived colonists. The group asked Manteo's tribe to contact the other neighboring tribes to accept the colonists' friendship and meet them on Roanoke or give them an answer and they agreed to do so.
Then, Elinors' father, Governor White, was chosen to travel back to England for supplies.
What will he find on his return?...

Beautifully written, Shannon McNear's "Elinor" explores what may have happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke in the late 1580s. This intriguing premise is a fascinating blend of fact and fiction.

McNear's research of this unresolved mystery is detailed and thorough. The primary English characters actually existed, and their imaginary fates are disclosed. Interactions with various Native Americans range from acceptance and friendship to hostility and violence. The broad brush with which the "savages" were painted then was entirely prejudicial. Some opened their minds and hearts to Jesus, and it's both lovely and believable. Old-fashioned spellings abound, which adds to period authenticity.

This compelling novel prompted me to research the Lost Colony on my own. The author, however, did such impeccable fact-finding I uncovered few more pertinent details.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this engrossing novel.

If you love historical fiction this is the book for you. Shannon McNear has presented us with a very believable story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Her hours of research, along with a vivid imagination yields us a exciting read. I was so captivated from this tale, I did my own research afterwards and found out, there is very little known about this lost colony.
I want to thank Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for allowing me to read this interesting book. The opinions in this review are my own.

This is a riveting historic fictional account of the Lost Colony and how the fate of one instrumental member may have played out. The author incorporates some of the most commonly-believed theories of what happened to them, plus historic detail, to create a fascinating story. I love how she incorporates all of the little details, including the historic spellings, to make you feel as though this is truly what happened. As someone who grew up near Roanoke, with the legend of the Lost Colony, I was impressed with her level of research and hooked until the very last page!

Elinor by Shannon McNear is a stunning historical fiction that weaves true historical elements with a fictional narrative to give the reader a wonderful story about the first colony of Roanoke. Just wow!

The author has a true talent of taking what facts and true historical knowledge that we have concerning the mysterious, and ultimately a failure, end and disappearance of the first attempt at a colonial settlement by England in what is now the US, Roanoke.

We are transported back to 1587, where the author takes a real life figure, Elinor White Dare, and weaves a tale of adventure, bravery, fear, hope, longing, suspense, mystery, and survival. She takes her extensive research and creates a what if scenario of what might have happened to the doomed colony. So many mysteries and questions surround this lost colony still to this day. I guess that is what makes it so intriguing and interesting.

I loved her attention to detail, her descriptions, and the development of her characters. It was just all around a stunning piece of literature.

I also truly appreciated her Author’s note at the end listing what she knew as true fact, what she used as inspiration, and what fictional elements she introduced to create the story as it is.

I really loved this book and I look forward to more from this author.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Barbour Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 12/1/21 per publisher request.