We trust the good God and seek His leading. - Sees Far

This is an incredible story of what might have been when the first colonists came from England. Some of the natives became friends even as they worked to assimilate their beliefs to what they learned about the one true God. Spring brought new life to Cora Banks and Virginia and her friends loved to run and explore. Unfortunately for the three of them, it ended very differently than they expected.

Kidnapped and learning to live with many different customs forced Ginny and her friends to live their beliefs out in the everyday. What would you give up to save a friend? This 4th book in the Daughters of the Lost Colony will stretch your imagination of what one can survive through and maybe even thrive.

An early copy was received through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

“Her firstborn, taken by the People. Just as she herself was, all those years ago…“

Any history buff with the slightest interest in the lost colony of Roanoke should read this series, Daughters of the Lost Colony, and this book in particular, Virginia. Shannon McNear has outdone herself on this one. I loved every minute of this heart-rending, suspenseful book! I would encourage you to read the prior three novels so you have a better base for understanding some of the background and people involved.

Barely a young woman, Virginia Dare, who lives in the village that is a mixture of Kurawoten and English, is taken captive, along with two young male friends. Encouraged beforehand to do what they must to survive if such a capture by an enemy occurs, how far must they go?

Will the Skaru:re tribe that took the young people make them slaves, torture them, or assimilate them into their culture? Why are Sees Far and others not coming to the captives’ rescue? How can God turn something so tragic into an instrument for good? This is a major question that resounds throughout the book, very timely in our country today.
Many people argue that tragedy shows an absence of a loving God. Not so, says Ginny as she shares her mother’s belief. “He is God, regardless. The good things we enjoy, the little miracles that come, they come because He is good and loves to bless us. But the lack of blessings does not prove His absence or lack of care.” I loved the way that McNear shows that faith has to become real and personal for each individual. I loved the heartfelt prayers of Ginny and others as all they can do is cry out to God for help.

Danger, romance, history, and a fair look at different people groups are all present in this fast-paced story. But so are the plan of salvation and an impassioned plea to see God as a loving Sovereign when all we can see is tragedy. Will we have the faith to trust God when we cannot see what only He can? “We must trust that He is able to weave our past into good for us, and indeed does so. And we must trust Him with each day. This day. And then the remainder of our lives.”

Is this easy? As Master Johson encourages Ginny, it is not. “…if ’twere easy to trust, then where would be the need for faith?”*

Don’t miss this exciting conclusion to the Daughters of the Lost Colony Series! Expect a few surprises!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit and Netgalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“But love is as much a choice as it is a feeling. Mayhap more.”

“Perhaps the difference lies in a counterquestion. What is your present commitment to Christ and to His ways? It matters not if you were born and reared a Christian, if you abandon your faith upon reaching your majority.”

“Their coming to the New World, they said, ’twas more than uprooting in body and soul and trying to make a home in a completely different country. There was a clash between old ways and new ways, between old gods and the one true God, a conflict not just of thought and ideals but of spiritual forces. How many times had she heard Master Johnson and others read the verse about not wrestling with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers? And yet … she had never truly comprehended.”

Virginia is my favorite installment from the Daughters of the Lost Colony. I loved the first three books from the series, but I loved this one even more. Shannon McNear’s use of vivid details made me feel as though I was right there with Ginny. I was intrigued with the “what ifs” of her story and were very much believable for me. I could not put the book down until I was completely done in one sitting.

I am giving Virginia a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction, particularly those set during the American colonial period. I am hoping there will be more to come from Daughters of the Lost Colony series.


I received a paperback copy of Shannon McNear’s Virginia from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

I really liked this historical fiction romance of the lost colonies of Roanoke.The character of Virginia Dare was, I believe to be, a true person there at that time. Though most of the story was fictional the author tried to portray as close to what may or could have happened at the time. It was a most interesting important story of what truly happened to others in that time period. I truly enjoyed this story and am going to try to read her other books in the series. Thank you Net Galley and publishers and author for the opportunity to read and review Virginia by Shannon McNear with my honest thoughts and opinions.

Virginia, daughter of Elinor, is bored at the council meeting at the Cora Banks settlement. She quietly leaves the building and is followed by her friends Henry and Redbud. The three are found. captured and carried away by warriors of the people known as the Mangoac. The three experience terrifying days of travel until they are brought to their 'new home'. Virginia is given over to Granny Dove and is expected to serve the elder. Would the three young people survive? Would they ever see their families of English and Kurawoten people again?!
I received an advanced reader's copy of this fourth book in the "Daughters of the Lost Colony" series from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my own opinion of the story which is based on the true events of the lost colony. This is a very intense book. Shannon McNear writes so descriptively that a reader can 'feel' the time period, clothing, foods and demeanor of a people long gone from our modern time. She has such well-developed characters, including Blackbird, Granny Dove, Henry, Redbud, along with series regulars. I was caught up in feelings, fear, faith and sorrows. Switching from the activity surrounding Virginia (Dare) she writes of the terror Elinor and the other parents of the missing threesome are going through. This is an excellent addition to the series.
It was very interesting to me historically. The lost colony has never been a big interest of mine, but I was certainly aware of stories from the time period in the very early days of this country. The series has been quite interesting in a 'this is what it may have been like' work.
My one negative is language used when the minister talks to the character Filipe about salvation and belief in Christ. This is a young Spanish man who was also taken by the Mangoac at age 9 and immersed in their language and customs to adulthood. I don't feel he would have had the command of the English language which would be necessary to understand all that was being said to him. It doesn't influence my score of five stars though.
I do have to mention trigger warnings, kidnapping, violence and extreme torture/death that could be quite disturbing to some readers.

Virginia Dare is the 1st recorded, English Child born in America. Shannon McNear has written her "coming to womanhood" 📙, "Virginia (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book 4)".

This Finely Crafted, Awesome, Poignant, Historical, Christian, Romance, is a Gem💎. It's best understood by 📖ing the SM's Series Chronologically.. I Loved the Characters, the Plot, & the setting!

I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Engrossing 📙!

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.*

What a wonderful imagining of what could have happened to the lost colony of Roanoke. The author does a great job of using historical information and weaving a story with heartfelt characters and beautiful writing. I truly felt as though I was able to feel what Ginny may have felt when captured and how courageous she was. The faith intermingled all throughout the book really brought the story to life and made me think about my own faith in the face of hardship.

Such a great read. I highly recommend this series if you love historical fiction/Christina fiction.

This is my 1st book by Shannon McNear and I'll absolutely be reading the rest of this series! This is the 4th book about the lost colony of Roanoke and its 1st English born child, Virginia Dare. I was able to read it as a standalone and would recommend to read the series in order. While entirely fictional, the rich and historical details of the various native cultures, as well as that of the,English and Spanish and how they related to each other was excellent and thoughtfully presented. When "Ginny" and her 2 companions are captured, realistic and compelling characters are portrayed and a beautiful faith filled journey is displayed under trying circumstances for all involved. There is some cruelty and a graphic scene that is appropriate for the situation. In addition, there is a clean and realistic romance, prejudice, deep family ties, forgiveness and a Christian theme woven throughout that is a testament to the realness of their faith. I highly recommend this Christian historical book to those wanting to be immersed into well written story about the possibilities of the lost colony of Roanoke. A big note of gratitude to Barbour Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a privilege to receive it and all opinions expressed are my own.

Virginia Dare sneaks out of a town meeting with her friends Henry and Redbud only to be snatched by a rival band of natives. She's soon claimed by Blackbird as his third woman, but when Virginia refuses him, she escapes with Filipe, a former captive from Spain. But Blackbird isn't satisfied with her refusal, and he's out for blood.

I initially started reading this book without reading any previous ones in the series. That really didn't work, so I had to go back and read Elinor in order for this book to make sense. It wasn't my favorite read at the beginning, but it got better towards the end. It took me a minute to relate to Ginny.

Shannon McNear quickly captured my attention when I heard she was going to pen a series about the missing colony of Roanoke. She skillfully wove an incredible amount of historical detail from her prodigious research. My imagination was quickly captured by the conjectures of what might have been if even one colonist survived.

As I read Ginny's story, I was happy to revisit beloved characters from the earlier novels of this series. While each book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend you read the books in order.

The story speculates on what might have happened if Ginny had been captured as a young woman. It follows her through months of captivity and her courageous stand she takes for her faith. The series has focused on the relationship between the English and the spiritual battle between Christianity and the religions of the native peoples of America.

As with her mother before her, Ginny quickly wins respect for her gentle heart and her strong and courageous spirit. I loved the hero's journey of faith. This is the perfect blend of history and fiction, of tragedy and loss, of love and friendship. Most of all it tells a compelling story of sacrifice, grace and redemption. Readers will find themselves lost within the pages, drawn into the world of early colonial America.

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.

Daughters of the Lost Colony is a wonderful series. In this fourth and final book I have enjoyed journeying with Shannon McNear in her speculative story of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, who disappeared along with the entire population of the Roanoke Colony. The story was so powerful and vivid that I had to remind myself that, while well-researched, it is a speculative story as nothing is known in history of Virginia following her grandfather's leaving the colony when she was only nine days old to return to England for additional support for Roanoke. McNear portrays her as a young woman of faith who displays great courage and integrity, if also on the untamed side. I highly recommend this book, and suggest reading the first and second book of this series prior to reading this one. The third book feels like a bonus book to the series as it isn't as strongly linked to the Roanoke Colony or the characters we came to know in the first two books. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I was enthralled from start to finish by this captivating story. McNear has truly created a Christian fiction series that should be beloved from years to come- Elinor, Mary, Rebecca and now Virginia. The characters grip at your heart, the relationships are so real, the challenges heartbreaking, the romances nuanced, yet full of passion and redemptive threads are weaved through each of these tale. What a gift McNear has shared with her readers. Virginia is the perfect addition to this compelling series.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC.

Virginia, fourth book in the Daughters of the Lost Colony Series by Shannon McNear brings the reader to probably the most famous of the Lost Colony members. It explores not only what could have happened to the baby Virginia, the first English child born in the New World but to the entire colony.

I live in a part of the US that speculates much on the strange disappearance of the colony. More than one theory claims to be the truth here where I live but none proven without huge doubts. I love that this series takes on a Christian perspective because it must have taken great faith to have ventured such a journey. A beautiful blend of what is known historical fact with excellent fiction writing. A classic novel in the making that the “white Doe” would approve.

As a big fan of historical fiction, I am always looking for new additions to my reading.

Virginia has been quite a journey, back to those times when the colonists were arriving in the new world and how the intersections between different cultures developed.

I certainly didn't expect it to have a Christian background when I started reading it, thanks to my dislike of reading synopses of anticipated readings, but it was enjoyable and I think it added a nice touch to this story.

A book to get to know a little more about Colonial America in a fictional setting.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for providing my honest opinions.

Shannon McNear has written another outstanding installment to her Daughters of the Lost Colony series. In Virginia, we have the story of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in North America. And, goodness, does McNear ever deliver a powerful story! Filled with a mix of tenderness and danger, Virginia is a tale of deep emotion that continues to encompass your very being as the book progresses. McNear did an exceptional job of melding history and fiction, embedding the truth of Christ every step of the way. The complexity of the characters and the genuine fight for truth was mesmerizing. Truly, this is a story you FEEL deep within your core.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone

Very little is known about what happened to the settlers of Roanoke in the late 1500s. But with extensive research and her fertile imagination, Ms. McNear has woven a captivating story of Virginia Dare, the first English baby born on North American soil.
Since their disappearance, with the only clue the word Croatoan carved on a tree, the colony is thought to have moved inland and assimilated into a friendly indigenous tribe. The story fleshes out what could have happened as Ginny grew up, was captured by a rival tribe and how God furthered His kingdom in the New World.
Great faith was shown by the colonists as they rely on God for provision and as they convert the tribe to Salvation in Christ. “Twas God, the Lord of every tribe, tongue, nation, whether they owned Him or not, who held them in His hands, after all.”
A wonderfully crafted story full of danger, villainy, but also of love, integrity, sacrifice and redemption. It was a true joy to read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Virginia by Shannon McNear is a well written historical book. Very good plot and character dynamics. If you enjoy historical novels you would probably enjoy this book. I received an ARC from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

book 4 of 5 - This is the story of Virginia Dare, of the Lost Colony. I found it very interesting. It's a time of early American history. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. This review is my feelings towards the book.

Virginia by Shannon McNear is Christian Historical Fiction about the famous early American Lost Colony.
I read an historical account of Virginia Dare as a child and her story has fascinated me since that time. Shannon McNear writes from a Christian perspective with historical facts and weaves a fictional story of what might have been. The characters are portrayed from their own cultural backgrounds. I loved the examples of how many people came to a personal belief in Christ because of the life lived by believers and after the Gospel was shared with them. The complete faithfulness of God is evident in the life of each character, even in the lives of unbelievers. I have enjoyed every book in the series Daughters of the Lost Colony.
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

It is very apparent that the author cares a great deal about the history of this time period and the extensive research that must have occurred for this book and previous ones in the series. I agreed to read and review, in part, as an avid Colonial America enthusiast.

When researching this series, I chose to skip the first three books due to the brutal reality of English vs Native tribes sometimes were. I gathered from the book blurb for this book that although the main character had native lineage, this storyline would be Virginia's experience beyond that reality.

My mistake. When the book began, I knew I may be in trouble because a glossary was included - that's needed for the native words and such.

However, the brutal scene midway turned my stomach. I know why the author included the 'act' as a picture of the faith message, but did not like the scene just the same. I am simply not the right audience intended.

I enjoyed the author's writing style and the faith message was deep and wide and I commend the author for that!