Eleanor has integrity, refusing her father's command to bed a man, refusing her employer's advances, and, hoping for a better life, leaves England for Charles Town in America. There she is an indentured servant and agrees to marriage. Samuel is a gruff backwoods trapper but wants a lady to train his young, motherless daughter. Samuel's reputation as a trapper/tracker is excellent, but he is also thought to have murdered his first wife. While I could shake him for being so taciturn, leaving Eleanor uninformed most of the time and drawing incorrect conclusions, at least at the end he tells her he loves her. He reveals himself to be a man of honor. I liked the quote of, "Honor always comes at a price, else it would be worthless."

Eleanor Morgan leaves England for colonial America to take a position as a governess. However, the family never comes to get her and she has no money, so she ends up marrying Samuel Heath, a part-Cherokee backwoodsman and trapper who is looking for a mother for his 18-month old daughter. Eleanor agrees to be his wife in name only to care for the girl, but what happens when they get to know each other better and may want more?

I really enjoyed this book. Both Eleanor and Samuel were good, strong characters. I enjoyed seeing their growth and learning more about their backstory. The writing was descriptive and created great visuals of the life and landscape of 1770s-era South Carolina. This is a Christian romance, and I really liked both characters’ relationship with God. Samuel is a former brawling drunkard who has completely changed to a man of integrity after finding Christianity, and Eleanor constantly reaches out in prayer during her trials and hears His voice in her times of need.

The one con I have about this book is they were TERRIBLE at communicating. Some of it was essential, like Samuel keeping his work with the Sons of Liberty a secret so Eleanor is protected. But as their relationship grows and develops, they are both terrible at saying how they feel and assuming the worst about the other person’s actions and then getting upset. And once Samuel realized what a strong woman Eleanor was, he really should have told her more about what was going on in general. Had he said, “Stay in the cabin because there’s a rogue bear on the loose that will kill anything that comes across its path,” I’m sure she would have. But all he said was, “Stay inside and don’t leave,” and since she didn’t realize why, of course she would disobey to get water for a crying, thirsty toddler. He didn’t give her intelligence enough credit sometimes, which is strange since it was one of the things he liked about her.

Overall, it was a well-written book that I enjoyed reading. I’d give it 3 1/2 stars, but I liked it enough to round up to 4. Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook.

I loved this book!
It has started my long time love affair with Michelle Griep :)
This book captivated my attentions from the very first page, the characters have such great chemistry between them and the secondary characters. I loved the unique story line and the historical aspect of indentured service was so cool :) I absolutely recommend this book.
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing Group in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

I have loved everything that I have read by Michelle Griep and The Captive Heart is no exception. If you have never read anything by this author, you owe it to yourself to read this one. It is a fantastic read. She takes the reader to the rough frontier of the Carolina’s. The descriptions of this time in history make you feel you are right there with the characters…… Samuel is a ruggedly handsome man who has lost his wife and needs a mother for his little girl, but he has secrets. The heroine, Eleanor, fled England and endured hardships along the way only to be an indentured servant or wife to Samuel. This book takes you on a ride from one adventure to another. It is most definitely a page turner and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves history and romance……… I was given this book by Netgalley for my honest opinion, which I have given.

I really enjoyed this book: it flowed well and had a ton of heart. It is well crafted and captured my interest quickly. It reminded me a bit of the Mandy books I read when I was a little girl: mystery, intrigue, and faith in a historical setting.

Great book, great story, great author. Michelle's work always amazes me. I love her books. Highly recommend

Title: The Captive Heart

Author: Michelle Griep

Chapters: 40

Pages: 309

Genre: Christian Historical fiction, Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars

In The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep Eleanor Morgan has run away from England with little or no options. Once in the colonies she has only one option marriage. She ends up married to Samuel Heath, a trapper and tracker raised by the Cherokee. He only wants a mother for his young daughter. But since everyone in his community believes him to be a murder no one wants to marry him. Till Eleanor comes to town running for her past.
Eleanor has a hard time adjusting to life with Sam, and her new life on the North Carolina Frontier. As well as the fact that Sam's best friend is a full blood Cherokee.

The Captive Heart is a historical fiction novel with a hint of romance set in on the North Carolina frontier before the American Revaluation. At a time when the Cherokee fill that their land and way of life is being threatened. But it to me it was also a bit of a Beauty and Beast retelling; Eleanor is the beauty character and Sam with his scars both physical and emotional is the beast. Michelle has a way of making her character's come to life and jump off the page and Eleanor and Samuel in The Captive Heart was no different. Both the characters have a lot to learn not only about each other but themselves and God as well. The Captive Heart is also a story of healing, finding love and learning to trust God.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Michelle Griep continues to be one of the most competent voices in current CBA historical romance. She sets herself apart by being a master at writing accessible yet beautiful prose and creating layered characters who deserve each other ---but only after surmounting the obvious obstacles that will keep them from their Happily Ever Afters.

I quite enjoyed this one and she will always find a place on my must-read list

If I had to pick one word to describe this story--wait, two words!--I think I'd go with "rugged romance." I was swept away in the setting. The characters sort of took their time burrowing their way into my heart...in a good way. Really enjoyed this one!

I’ve only read one book by Michelle Griep prior to The Captive Heart, and while it was certainly entertaining and held my attention, this story is my favorite of hers so far. Set in Colonial America this story follows two people that come from opposite worlds and opposite ways of thinking. Eleanor is a former governess, appalled by her current circumstances and lacking confidence but determined to do her best. Samuel is a man of authority, determined to get what he wants, and right now, what he wants, and more importantly, needs, is a mother for his young daughter. Circumstances force them together, and all the while they are surrounded by hostilities from town as well as tensions that were present in the Colonies before the Revolution.

I enjoyed several aspects of this novel. In addition to romance, there is also danger, a bit of politics, such as it was between tribal nations and the colonists, as well as those suspicious of anyone who might not be loyal to the Crown. The setting of the untamed backcountry of South Carolina comes to life with a vividness that shows how key it is to the story. Constant vigilance was demanded from such a place, yet friends and allies could be found in unexpected places. Griep has a descriptive, lyrical quality to her writing style, so while I did feel like I was learning new things, I never felt like the writing became bogged down with too many details or big chunks of information.

Samuel and Eleanor are realistically portrayed, both characters endearing themselves to me quickly. Though they appear to be opposites, they play off one another’s strengths and weaknesses. Though quite a bumpy, long journey in the beginning, I enjoyed every moment of it. I love how both characters portrayed an important spiritual truth. Though God’s forgiveness is freely given, sometimes they had the most trouble forgiving themselves and finally letting go of the thoughts and emotions forged by their individual pasts.

I can’t finish up this review without touching on a couple of my favorite things – the bantering back and forth, the serious conversations and the tender moments between Eleanor and Samuel. I adored the way he called her “Red Bird” – I’m not sure why nicknames that feel genuine to the characters – and not cheesy – get me every time, but they do. My heart melted every time he used that particular endearment (although his use of “woman,” while perhaps true to character, made him a bit less endearing). Despite the businesslike nature of their marriage, it becomes so much more. I’m always captivated by a couple that I can really believe in, and I was rooting for Eleanor and Samuel the whole time.

Superb character development, a fearsome yet beautiful setting, a couple with captivating chemistry, and a strong faith element make The Captive Heart a romantic historical that I would recommend without hesitation.

I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.

Despite not wanting to have to marry, Samuel accepts the sacrifice as necessary for his daughter. Having set off for a governess position in the Colonies, Eleanor resigns herself to a name-only marriage to Samuel after both her reference and what little money she had are stolen. But what happens when they both decide they want more?

I knew from the beginning Samuel and Eleanor would come to enjoy their marriage, but I cannot say I anticipated enjoying the journey quite as much as I did. Both Samuel and Eleanor were a joy to read, though they were both sometimes stubborn and dense enough that they had their frustrating moments.

I definitely will be returning to more of Michelle Griep’s books soon.

I had wanted to read this book since reading several glowing reviews. The description intrigued me, and I was delighted to find that The Captive Heart has just the right blend of elements that I adore in mail order bride stories - though in this case she is an indentured servant with marriage thrust upon her. The wedding out of the way, the story focuses on how the relationship between Eleanor Morgan and Samuel Heath grows - and stalls - on their way to finding each other to be their perfect help meet and deep abiding love. Throw in a handful in the form of the widower's darling daughter as a bonus, present dangers and past hurts, steadfast friends and black-hearted villains - all set against the rough backwoods and tumultuous political times of the pre-Revolution colonies for good measure and you have a story that kept me riveted.

I absolutely loved this story and stayed up to 2 am twice (finally, daylight savings time is good for more than throwing off my clock) reading. Such a wonderful and well-written story of hope, faith, forgiveness, and finding love and friendship in unexpected places, I look forward to more by this author.

Highly recommended and this is definitely one of my favorite Historical Christian Romance books read in 2017.

This review refers to a print copy borrowed from my local library. An e-galley was previously received through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

2.5 Stars - I hate leaving a low star review, but The Captive Heart just didn't connect with me. The story wasn't terrible, but it wasn't very interesting (to me) either and I had a hard time making myself finish it.

The characters felt detached somehow, and it also seemed very one-sided where the British were concerned; I really don't believe that all of them were so cold-hearted. For me, this was one of those books that is not very memorable.

Even though I found the beginning of the story to be somewhat unbelievable, I did enjoy it. The adventures of Eleanor and her new rough husband are never ending. This book includes all my favorite genres a type of “mail order bride” frontier living and Native American life all rolled into one. There was not unclean language or inappropriate sex scenes so overall a very pleasant read.
I was provided an advance copy of the ebook from NetGalley. However I was not required to give a review and this did not influence my comments, they are my own.

oh my goodness!! this was an amazing book!! I seriously could not put it down!! I will be sharing a review on my blog next week

This was the first book I've read by this author and for once, I was not disappointed! This was an exciting romance that I gobbled up in less than a day - it's that good. I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author.

The Captive Heart***** by Michelle Griep

Eleanor Morgan flees London for the Colonies to escape the wrath of an angry duke where she is to work for a Charles Town family. Only to find herself married to a man she has never met and taken far into a vast wilderness. A wilderness in which she knows nothing of, with challenges and dangers she never even dreamed of—evil men included. Nothing in her former life as a proper English governess prepared her for what she is now facing. Armed with her faith and love of children Eleanor faces each challenge with courage, determination and strength. Some of those challenges were dangerous—even life threatening—but she put into practice the lessons Samuel taught her despite her fears...not sure I could have, I would have fainted right on the spot in the same situation! I love the Cherokee name Samuel gives Eleanor, Tatsu'hwa: Red Bird, because of her red hair, which later becomes an endearment.

Backwoodsman and trapper Samuel Heath needs a wife to help raise his young daughter, but ponders who would marry a man like him—whom some say is a murderer? Samuel is not the man he once was, he is a changed man as only God can change one. Now he lives his life to please God, not always easy, especially when he hasn't forgiven himself of his past. He is a man of integrity even as he comes across as a harsh man. This puzzles Eleanor at times as the days turn into weeks and they learn to live together. But can time heal the wounds they both have suffered and can they forgive others and themselves and learn to love and trust that God has a plan even in this? Will the evil that lurks, spreading its hate and destruction destroy any happiness they may have? Or will faith, love and hope cast out all fears?

In The Captive Heart, Michelle Griep takes the reader to a young, beautiful and often perilous South Carolina of the 1770's. Vivid descriptions of Eleanor's travels from London aboard ship to the Colonies, the vast wilderness of Carolina and the Indian villages, weaving a gripping story with captivating characters that bring history to life.

The true emotions packed in the novel about surviving, changing and loving in the wilderness. The main characters feels so real that I call this one of the best novels I have read in a long time.

Eleanor Morgan couldn't be a more proper British governess - yet a cruel twist of fate sent her to the colonies (1770, South Carolina), the home of an improper behaviour and wild characters. With no money and protection, she agrees to a marriage of convenience - stating that this would be a marriage in name only. She is here to take care of the child and to pay the debts for her journey.
Samuel Heath agrees. After a marriage to Mariah which had ended so darkly and painfully, he is not interested in another union. He needs a proper white woman to educate Grace for a better future, and maybe as a helper.
But they challenge each other, they learn to trust each other, they are attracted to each other. There is a connection enabling them to open their hearts and to share the hidden pain. Theirs might be the union to face the difficult yet beautiful world. If they love and trust and believe. If.

Beautiful novel. I can't pinpoint it precisely, but there is a certain closeness to the The Last of the Mohicans, and not just because of the Red Indian connection. There is a certain beauty, freedom and strength of the character - I mean, this novel is not of the same qualities as the beloved classics is, but the certain spirit is the same.
I like the idea of freedom - the freedom of spirit, enabling the characters to be just themselves without the limits of society (but not without the limits of humanity). Eleanor can breathe freely in America, she can create her own fate here, she can face her fears here and she can realize her own strength. This could be real in England too, of course - but Samuel wouldn't be here. Samuel of a untamed and savage nature, and yet a kind one. I like Samuel the best of the characters here, because he is so manly - and not manly in a way the movies tell us of, but manly as guys I know in reality - sporty, hot-headed, with a certain way of making fun, protective, proud. Hurting alone. Not able to say his heart, but very able to say his mind. They truly complement each other (in humanity, too, as they both take their sweet time to heal). I like them individually and together.
And Inoli - oh, Inoli.
Also I like the motif of facing your fears. God is holding you - so true and yet so difficult to believe to in this broken world full of real hurts.
The plot is going swiftly, there is not a dull moment. The adventures are realistic and depicting the reality of a frontier life - but also a strength one can gather when facing the uncertainties of such a life.
Read this novel. It will fulfill you.

This is a great book for a weekend away, on the beach or just a good read before you go to sleep. This is what a historical romance should be! The writing is beyond epic and poetic, the story hold you captive from the very beginnin. Samuel and Eleanor are willfully strong main characters, and their chemistry is electric.

~4.5 stars~
I liked this book a lot! The setting and time period are just something I enjoy reading from time to time :) This book had me intrigued about Eleanor's story right from the very beginning! There were a lot of things that made this book enjoyable for me, but one of my favorites was Samuel Heath's baby daughter, Grace. She was just so adorable and mischievous lol--she just made this book so much better to me. I don't know why, but if a baby or kid is in a story, it usually makes me like it more :P Especially if they add a certain amount of humor to the story...it just makes it more fun!

The romance in this book was a little different than I was expecting...well, I guess I did not really know what to expect because I decided I would go into this book knowing barely anything about it--which I think in a way made me like it even more! Although there were a few things I think could have been left out, I did end up enjoying this!