✨BOOK REVIEW ✨

Book: Rebecca
Author: Shannon McNear
Genre: History; Historical Fiction; Christian

One of my favorite genres is historical fiction that tells a great story within the boundaries of actual historical events/people—and Rebecca fits the bill. The care for research is unparalleled in McNear’s novel. Paired with storytelling that is both musical and compelling, the story of Pocahuntas was full of triumph and tragedy. Nothing like your Disney princess.

This novel shared more about the Native Americans during that time period, and I wondered if it was possible that any could come to Christ after seeing the terrible examples of settlers that would steal, kill, and destroy while hiding behind the veil of Christianity. This novel doesn’t flinch from reality of those historical accounts, but neither does it stray too far from hope. All in all, the novel invites you to see how one soul can be reborn, and how that spark may kindle a revolution.

Story: 4.0./5
Worldview: 5/5

I rated Story at 4.0 because of the confusion in numerous switches in perspective. With jumping between five characters, it was hard to tell who was speaking sometimes. The ending also felt rushed for such a buildup, but I imagine there was probably a lot of historical details that had to be cut for the novel. Also, note that this is #3 in a series, so though it stands alone, there were references that aren’t entirely explained.

In terms of worldview, there are numerous perspectives presented, and it really works. We see their gods and spiritual practices contrasted with Christianity, and even within the realm of Christianity, you see religious people versus those who really want to share and live the gospel. The author also makes a clear distinction between other gods and the God of the Bible.

Overall: 4.5/5

Note: there are references to murder, rape, and drugs (tobacco).

Wonderful conclusion to the Daughters of the Lost Colony. Shannon MCNear proves once again that she is a master at weaving historical detail into a fictional account of what-might-have been. While this is the third novel in the series, it can certainly be read as a standalone. This account delves into the story of Pocahuntas. The author includes a timeline and glossary that readers may reference as needed. Ms. McNear gives a realistic account of the interactions between the Native Americans and the early colonists. What I loved most is the overarching theme of the series, one of the spiritual battle between Christianity and the religions of the Native Americans.
At times heartbreaking, at times inspirational, readers will find themselves lost within the pages, drawn into the world of colonial America and the story of Pocahuntas.

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

Not only is this book very well written, it is extremely well researched. Shannon McNear spent a great deal of time reading and comparing historical sources concerning the settlement of Jamestown, Pocahontas, John Smith, and the Powhatan among other related topics. The lengthy Historical Note following the story contains in-depth information and explanations of how McNear made decisions between conflicting information.

As Pocahontas' (in the book spelled Pocahuntas) story unfolds, McNear reveals the highly spiritual nature of the Naturals as well as how the struggle between pride and greed and the call to make disciples of all nations impacted the English colonists' interacting with them. Do not those same struggles impact evangelism in our own life? While the author entertains her readers with this historical tale, she challenges us to answer God's direction to share the gospel without expressing this theme in a way that would be off-putting to non-Christian readers.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Rebecca from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Rebecca by Shannon McNear is a wonderful continuation of her Daughters of the Lost Colony series. Rich in history, this novel focuses on the story of Pocahontas – although it is told from a perspective different from that of our elementary school textbooks and Disney movies. I found this new twist refreshing as I glimpsed into the life of a young woman and the myriad of circumstances that marked her life. McNear presented her story with vivid descriptions, careful research, and powerful emotion. My history loving heart quickly ate this book up!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Shannon McNear for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Rebecca coming out July 1, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Born the strong daughter of a Powhatan chieftain and a woman of unknown birth, Mato’aka lives her life freely. When strangers from across the eastern shores appear close to her home, she regards them at first as a mere curiosity. Soon, though, she finds herself torn between her interest in one of their leaders and the customs of her people. She becomes a pawn in their fragile and dangerous game of politics. Drawn to a young Englishman, John Rolfe, who has lost a wife and baby daughter, she shares his griefs. . .and perhaps something deeper.

Could she have a life among the English of Jamestown, accepting their traditions and even changing her name? Could her future be a part of the history of the Lost Colony of Roanoke?

The colony at Roanoke vanished into the shadows of history. But, what if at least one survived to leave an everlasting legacy?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Overall, I loved this book. The early relationship between Native Americans and settlers is interesting history to me. I thought it was well-researched and authentic to the time. It felt historical and true while still being speculative about what really happened. I think the first half of the book was more interesting to me. I was thinking there would be a little more action. I lost some focus in the second half and it seemed to be more telling than showing. But I really enjoy the writing and I’m interested in other books by this author.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys early Americas historical fiction!

Rebecca, book three of the Daughters of the Lost Colony by Shannon McNear is not your Disney version of Pocahontas. I was unclear of how this would fit into the Lost Colony of Roanoke, but all is made clear as you read. Careful research and masterful writing blends real facts with speculative history into a captivating fictional tale.

This book begins with Pocahontas’ father and ends with him. He was a man of legend in the history books so that was fitting. Her Pocahontas’ life and the life at Jamestowne is all here in vivid detail, along with both the good and bad of her people along with that of the English.

The entire series is breathtaking reading, but Pocahontas is a little more special. Perhaps because it is so very different from the animated version that we all grew up. It seems so much more honest while still being fiction. To God be the glory.

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

A fascinating historical read! Rebecca is the story of how a Powhatan princess named Pocahontas came to fall in love with an Englishman named John Rolfe. While we all learned the basics of Pocahontas’ story in history class, McNear’s in-depth research and storytelling offers readers a view of what the rest of her life might have looked like. This was the third book in the series, but it reads well as a stand-alone. (Though the first two books would add additional detail to the Lost Colony linkage.) If you love deep diving into history with all its details, Rebecca is for you.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a fitting ending to the excellent Daughters of the Lost Colony series! I love history told by largely forgotten voices - women who might not have written their stories, but who deserve to be heard. Details of “the Naturals” lives were interesting, but the most moving part of Mato’aka’s story for me was her coming to faith in Christ. Her eagerness to understand the salvation story with “fresh ears,” and her openness to the changes it meant for her life, were amazing. I realize this is a fictional account of an historical figure, but the ample author’s notes make it clear McNear has done her research carefully. I was grateful to receive a copy of this ebook from NetGalley and was not required to post a review.
*TRIGGER NOTE: there is an implicit account of repeated gang rape ; important to the story, but very difficult to read.

This final book in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series is interesting and thoroughly researched historical fiction. I feel like I have more insight into who Pocahontas might have been and the struggles she likely faced. As with the other books in this series the story was a slow starter for me simply because of trying to learn unfamiliar vocabulary and difficult names. Once I got characters straight in my mind the story flowed well and definitely held my interest. This story isn’t a “light” read but it is both thought provoking and compelling. Good end to a good series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

Historical fiction from a new perspective. Rebecca by Shannon McNear is a retelling of the story of Pocahontas from her point of view. It presented me with a take on her story that I’ve never thought of before.
This is Book 3 in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series. Having not read the first two books, I now want to return and read them.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What a great finish to the Lost Colony series! As she linked the lost colony with the Jamestown settlement and Virginia Colony, I felt like saying “OKAY!” I know there is tons of research (as evidenced by the bibliography in the back), and McNear makes lots of suppositions in her story, but I think she pulled it off in a believable manner. The novel can certainly be read alone, but reading the first two would make this one a richer experience. The glossary and list of characters would be easier to read at the front of the book instead of the end (especially in the e-book version). The story is based on the Indian princess Pocahontas who met John Smith, converted to Christianity, married John Rolfe, and died at an early age in England—all facts we know from our history books. But the author did a lovely job fleshing out her life!

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

Rebecca is a well written historical romance. Fantastic plot and great character dynamics . I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

An emotional tale! I was excited to read this one, and it turned out to be a lovely historical fiction! I know this is a sequel/companion story, but even as a stand alone.

What a marvelous story based on tons of research and the talented writing of Shannon McNear. She portrays history so powerfully. And to take a real person and real events and breathe a vivid "what if" story into them, especially one so heartbreaking and inspirational, I found it very compelling. Rebecca is another wonderful story in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series. I have enjoyed each and every one!

If you enjoyed Elinor and Mary, Rebecca is a must read!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

This is an interesting take on the story of Pocahontas. The story takes some concentration to read and follow.
As stories are passed down, legends expand. What is real and what is Embellished blur together.
I thought this story had a good portrayal of the white man religion being pushed on a Natural so that there would be link between the two. The author states in the backstory that only the Holy Spirit draws one to true repentance.

Rebecca is the next book in the series of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. There is continuing conflict between the English settlers and the Native Americans as the English begin settling near Jamestown. Some of the Natives are accepting Christianity. There are a lot of Native names to keep straight and they change them at times mainly due getting older and becoming an adult. This story focuses on Pocahontas who was the daughter of the Powhattan chief. She has grown into a beautiful woman and caught the eye of many. Who will she choose and will her father agree? If you are a history buff you already know the answer.
I have read all three books in this series and enjoyed them. I find this one to move a bit slow at first and was tempted to put it down but it picks up the pace quickly and is a great read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rebecca is the final book in the Lost colony series by Shannon McNear. It is the fictional historical account of Pocahontas. The story is obviously well researched and weaves in many accurate historical accounts. Having not read the previous books I didn’t feel as though I was “lost” and felt that it could be read as a stand alone book. This is a good book for anyone who is interested in Native American and United States colonializational history. There were places that I found were a little dry though. I would give this a 3.75 stars

Thank you to Net galley and Barbour Fiction for allowing me to review the book. The opinions are my own.

I wasn't sure I could keep all the Native names straight in my head after the first few chapters. But delving further into the story I was able to appreciate the realness of the storyline. Even the "fillers" were realistic (dialogue, logistics of the events...). I do not usaly4read this type of book (real known historical characters) but would be willing to read this particular one again.

So much of this genre of historical christian fiction can be fluffy- which has its place, but this series by Shannon McNear is hardly fluff. Rebecca, like its predecessor Mary, is thought provoking, intelligent, creative, captivating work that holds your attention from the first words to the book's final words. The characters are gripping, compelling, endearing...the romance tender and heartfelt. McNear handles this period of history with a deft hand. not shying away from the hard truths, but also full of compassion in her portrayals. I simply loved it- I couldn't put it down until it was finished. Hard, but beautiful...well done!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Barbour Publishing for the ARC.

Rebecca #3 Daughters of the Lost Colony by Shannon McNear

1607 The Lost Colony.
As a young girl I was fascinated by Pocahontas and wondered what happened to her and the people she met from the colony near her village. Shannon McNear gives the reader a glimpse of what could have possibly happened and weaves historical facts within the storyline and fictional characters.

I couldn’t get into this story until I read a few chapters. As a young girl, I never realized Pocahontas had a different name (or names): Mato’aka. I had a little problem figuring out whose name was changed and had to reread the area to clarify the name. I was glad there is a glossary in the book to refer too. I also enjoyed the map, (which I referred to several times while reading), a time table and historical notes. A fascinating read and book series.

Daughters of the Lost Colony:
Book 1: Elinor
Book 2: Mary
Book 3: Rebecca

~I received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~