Good story with plenty of adventure, some Romantic clichés here and there, but not the usual 'fluffy' fare that one sees in this genre. The 'Fish out of water' plotline with Eleanor dropped into the wildlands of Carolina was well handled.

The only thing I will say is, had I known a little more about the political background of his story I probably would not have requested it. It was well done, and added a lot, but as a matter of personal taste, I steer clear of anything set during the American Revolution because of the racism and rabid anti-English bias which often pervades such stories. It will just annoy me, and I would rather not be aggravated in a book I want to read for pleasure.

Sadly, this book was guilty in that regard. Basically, every member of the British armed forces, and the institutions of the army and navy as a whole were vilified as evil, brutal, corrupt bloodthirsty oppressors. No nuance, or admission that there are bad eggs in every basket, but most soldiers and sailors were just ordinary people. Nope, everyone who wears a Red Coat must be the Devil Incarnate, or a minion thereof.
...and of course, whilst Samuel has a natural air of authority, which entitles him to respect, and is a positive aspect of his character, all British aristocrats are characterized as arrogant, stuffy or lecherous.

So, I fear that, whilst this story was enjoyable, its only served to re-enforce my distaste for stories set in this period.

I requested a PDF of this title from Netgalley with the intention of reading and reviewing. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

I wasn’t entirely sure that The Captive Heart would be a book that I would enjoy, but I decided that it was worth a try. I’m glad that I took the time to read this novel. The setting was interesting, ranging from England to Carolina. I was concerned that the revolutionary war theme might take over the story (I am not a fan of war settings for novels), but it was just an interesting aside and not the main point of the story. The characters were well rounded and the love story well developed. Overall, it was a satisfying novel.

Thanks to my ancestors, my heart is captive to both Cherokee and whites. I thought to live here in peace, to have a real home. But I don't think that's a possibility anymore.

Such a great historical fiction with a heavy on the romance that is clean but with all the tension that keeps you turning the pages in anticipation. I think this is the first for me on this author and I will definitely be looking for more from her if her other books are anything like this. I am not big on romance but if it deep in depth of historical and heart lessons, I am easily pulled in.

English governess Eleanor Morgan is on a journey or more or less running away from England from her father and her failures to the new colonies. Due to unseen circumstances, when she arrives, she is unable to pay her debt and has no where to go. Samuel Heath meets her need with a need of his own. A mother for his child and with that they come to a uncomfortable agreement. It is this tension that brings to the surface pain that they must each deal with. There is an attraction, a distaste and then as they come to some sort of trust, a respect. They come to see each other differently but with savages of the wild, will they be able to survive.

A Special Thank You to Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I just got finished reading this amazing historical and christian book. I love how it is set in the 1700's during a time that the settlers where building a home away from England. Also I love the fact that you get to learn about the Cherokee Indians and the trials and tribulations that they were going through.

I have to say that I loved Eleanor, she was a spit fire and didn't hold back. Also Samuel had already been through a lot in his life and he was strong yet so kind. There are many other characters in this book that I loved and disliked very much.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read a great story.

I was drawn into this book right away with Eleanor's predicament, but I think the overall feeling is one of anger. While the book is well written and interesting, Samuel just isn't the type of character I enjoy. While there is a lot of admire about him, it just made me mad that he never took the time to actually talk to Elanor. She has no idea what she's doing, and he just leaves her for days on end and never tells her anything. All he ever says is, "Trust me" and for some reason she does. I'm not entirely sure why because the dialogue between the two of them could maybe fill three pages. And most of that would be his yelling at her. I guess I just don't really like the strong silent type, and that kind of ruined everything for me. If you don't mind that type, then you will probably enjoy this book because like I said before, it was interesting and well written.

I am not familiar with author Michelle Griep and, therefore, did not know she incorporates religion into her work. These are not the kind of books I like to read. That said, I tried to muddle through The Captive Heart. It was an okay piece of work, clearly the author had taken steps to incorporate historical research into it. Her end notes simply backed up that she takes pride in her facts.

For me, the transformation of 'love' for Eleanor to Samuel felt convenient around 40% of the book. I know it was meant to be gradual, but it rang manufactured.

As for Griep's writing style, I wondered if the author would consider writing middle school novels. Reading this reminded me of my school days reading Johnny Tremain and American Girl books. I think the author could do well in that area.

an interesting marriage of convenience story. I found parts of the story very enjoyable. I really liked how Samuel cared for her. but wasn't impressed with how both of them concealed so much.

I would have liked a little more interaction between them too. it seemed he was gone a lot. it just didn't seem very plausible considering she wasn't ready to be left alone in that environment.

this was my first book by Griep though many others of hers are on my TBR pile.

netgalley provided a copy of this book. this is my honest review

Oh my goodness, I loved this book!

This was a book that was nearly impossible for me to put down, particularly the last half. I could not read fast enough and then I was disappointed when it ended. I could have been lost in Samuel and Elinor's world for a few more days, easily.


The book is set in the America Frontier before the revolution. Michelle Griep looks at some uncomfortable social issues of the time period; the indentured servant and the white man's encroachment on Native American Lands. The book is told from the character's point of view living during the time period, living through the trials. I loved how she described the life, without passing judgement. The reader is able to make their own connections and judgement. Griep did an amazing job at describing events, people, and places.

The romance is not rushed. Samuel and Elinor grow in regard and feelings for each other as they learn of each other. They respect each other before there is romance of any kind.

This is a clean historical romance. The book does contain violence and a little bit of kissing. She has other books written, I must get some of them!

Michelle Griep’s work is one of the best out there, in my opinion. With ‘The Captive Heart’ the author has reached my list of favorite-books-of-all-time.
From page one, I was spellbound. Griep has an uncanny way to draw you into her stories and care for the characters like you’re one of them. Eleanor and Samuel were certainly among my all-time-favorites.
The beautiful wilderness of South Carolina, a widowed man with a young daughter, and a young English woman who needs a new start are beginning a new life together in a small cabin in the woods, quite a distance from civilization. Having never lived in the wilderness, Eleanor is challenged on many levels; whether it is a bear or an Indian—she has never seen any of them and has to face many fears. Samuel brings a shameful past into the story and it is Eleanor’s task to unravel the mystery of the man and meanwhile protecting her heart from falling for him.
This truly was a “Wow”- story that will live on in my heart for a long time.

Such a good and endearing read. I truly loved it! This book is a great standalone!