The Captured Bride

The Captured Bride is great book! Once I started it, I stayed up half the night in order to finish it! I love the characters, the setting, and the plot; all elements of a good story.

The Captured Bride is about Mercy Lytton, a half white, half Mohawk Indian working as a scout with her much older best friend Matthew. One day she is chosen for a secret mission to transport gold to a fort not too far away. She is to be accompanied by Matthew, posing as her father and Elias Dubois, a convicted French spy posing as her husband. At first, Mercy can't stand Elias but their mutual attraction is undeniable. The adventures they face on their trip to deliver the gold is a definite page turner.

I loved this book and recommend anyone to read it.

I have truly enjoyed The Daughters of the Mayflower series. While I was mildly disappointed with The Pirate Bride after really enjoying The Mayflower Bride, this third book, The Captured Bride, redeemed the series. Full of adventure and intrigue, this installment by Michelle Griep was fast paced and a joy to read. I literally did not put it down from start to finish, and it’s not a short book!
The characters were engaging and lovable, while the plot twisted and turned in a beautifully crafted adventure tale. There was not a single character that I disliked reading, except, of course, those I loved to hate. The heroes and heroines were intensely endearing and the villains were just the right amount of villainous. The encroaching darkness was described enough to make the reader ache for the characters, without being overly graphic or hyper emotional. The characters raced through, each on their own journey yet holding hands with the others. And, of course, fought through to the other side with no little amount of loss and difficulty.
I am thrilled I got the chance to read this one, and am once again anxiously anticipating to the next installment.
The Captured Bride is available now for pre-order, and will be released officially on June 1st, 2018.
Thanks so much to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy in order to supply my honest opinion.

This was an amazing book. I couldn't put it down. I loved Mercy's spunk and her determination throughout the story. Elias was a very lovable character. He had an air of mystery to him, yet he was strong, had integrity, and was a man of faith.. The story was well written; I felt like I was on the mission with Elias and Mercy. I loved seeing how they survived during the 1700's in early America. I recommend this to anyone that loves history, romance, adventure, and a little intrigue. I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

Oh my goodness! What a journey! This book was an amazing story of frontier life during the French and Indian war. The heroine was a half breed named Mercy and she was a scout because of her amazing vision she had. She was beautiful and feisty. The hero was a French/English man who was on a mission as a spy. The sparks flew and so did the attraction between the two. I can't even imagine living in the wilderness like that. Or worse traveling through the wilderness like that. This was a wonderful story for all historical readers. I highly recommend it. 4 and a half stars.
*I was given a copy by Barbour publishing and was under no obligation to leave a reviww.

Get your handssss on The Captured Bride! I loved Mercy & Elias--what a power couple yikesssss. Just stunning, they were. So much love for them!
The plot was well paced & kept my attention throughout--the romance, check! The characters, double check. The Captured Bride--just yes. Yessss.

"If the world had an end, she'd find it and fling herself off the edge, putting a stop to all the ragged emotions burning inside."

The year is 1759, the place is Fort Wilderness in upper New York, and the French and Indian war is raging. Elias Dubois is a condemned traitor, offered a chance to escape the noose by helping haul a shipment of gold to another fort. He takes the offer, but he must go along with three others: one a no account, one an old scout who must pretend to be his father in law and Mercy Lytton, a scout herself with a gift of keen eyesight, who must pretend to be his wife.

Mercy Lytton was raised among the Mohawk Indians, so she knows her business. But she balks at taking Elias Dubois along on this mission. Why would anyone want to keep company with a traitor, for that's exactly what Dubois is. Still, she agrees to the bargain and off they go. Not far into the trip, they encounter difficulty and they only continue. Doubts arise as to whether they will reach their destination. Soon Mercy realizes it's more than her life she is risking on this journey; it's her heart that's in just as much danger.

I absolutely love history and this one will satisfy any history lover, especially those who love the frontier time period of America. Grieps descriptions of everything: flora, fauna, wagons, cookware, clothing, etc, ingrained themselves into my mind and I felt as if I were there in the novel. I love it so much when an author manages to involve me in the story. And I was completely invested in this story. Totally. I couldn't wait to finish but wanted it to last longer! I could barely tear myself away to necessary duties.

I love all Michelle Griep's books. She is very adept at switching genres seamlessly, proving herself a wonderful talent. I devour everything she writes. This one captivated me from the very first page. Seriously, this was a crazy good book! Highly recommended! Worthy of more than the 5 allowed stars.

*My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

I loved this book! I started it one morning and kept finding reasons to sit and read another and then another chapter and then stayed up too late to finish. I quickly got caught up in the characters and the story. Each person was likable while still being flawed. The plot moved quickly while still giving me time to get to know the characters and learn their stories. I thought the romance was believable and didn't feel rushed. The Christian elements were important to the story without being forced or too heavy. I will keep this one on my "to read pile" to revisit again. I will have to pick up the other books in the Daughter's of the Mayflower series since this is the first one I have read.

I liked the setting as I’ve not read many books set during the French and Indian war and the covers of this series are so gorgeous. Overall this book was interesting and light, if not a little cheesy with the romance and heavy with the telling vs. showing. A good book when you’re looking for a little adventure in your reading but you don’t want to be consumed by your fiction.

The third and final book in the Mayflower Bride series! Each book had it's way it stood out. The first had the most history and felt the most real and relatable. The second was the most adventurous. The third, this one had the best romance. Not weak or silly, but imperfect strong and capable characters the kind you want to emulate. Another thing I really liked about this story is that too many romance novels have the actual romance start just as the book ends! This one you saw the romance and admiration grow all throughout. This one I did have a little more trouble getting started because each of their personal history is not explained up front. Like how the main character or her mother ended up with the Indians as a captive and that it ended up her mother was the captive bride not her? I wish some things had been explained better early on but hang in there most everything was explained! The right balance of adventure and romance!

That Captured Bride is another wonderful story in the daughters of the Mayflower series. I thoroughly enjoyed this inspirational adventure back in history before our nation was formed. The author weaves an engaging and well written action packed story with many twists and turns. The main characters Mercy and Elias make for a wonderful team and romantic couple. Elias was dedicated to serving God and country with dignity and honesty and found a way to help Mercy find forgiveness and healing,
My favorite quotes are: “Not many men besides my brother and Matthew ever look past my independent streak to see me....the real me.”
“God will dry each of my tears one day.” And “Loving someone isn’t a show of softness but of strength, for there is no stronger bond.”

I absolutely fell in love with this book! I’ve been a long-time fan of Laura Frantz’s frontier novels, and The Captured Bride had a similar feel.

This novel brings together a unique setting in a commonly known time in history, a sweet romance, and a can’t-put-it-down plot.

The characters in this book are so compelling. Mercy is very independent, and having been raised in two worlds, not a little confused as to where she fits. Her feelings towards her mother also brought this character alive. Elias is a man of mystery, not all is as it seems with him, but he has a faith that carries him through. Both of them are such strong characters, and they complimented each other so well. The story they make up and play out to keep them all safe made for some fun moments! The secondary characters were unforgettable as well.

It’s been a long time since I read a book in one day. But I could not put down The Captured Bride, not until I found out what happened!

If you’ve been following this series, you’re in for a treat with this novel! If you love historical fiction, romance, and sweeping tales similar to what Laura Frantz delivers, then you MUST read The Captured Bride! One of my top 10 reads of 2018 so far!

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

I loved the cover of this book. It was a good read with strong and interesting characters. The story line was well paced and enjoyable. The book seemed to have been expertly researched and believable. Very recommended!

Wonderful historical story that I could not put down. I read it in one sitting. Lots of history, gospel truths, some intrigue and love. The love of God is evident throughout the book. Each characters life is in some way touched by God. I have enjoyed every book by Michelle Griep and each book is very different.

Another awesome read by Michelle Griep.
Great characters and I just love Elias don't you?
Michelle has the knack for bringing her characters to life and befriending them.
I really enjoyed the plot because there was just so much going on that kept you to the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next.
I just can't wait for y'all to read this book!! It's so exciting that it makes you feel like you're in a movie setting and believe me I bet this would be a great movie!!!
I received this book for free. All opinions are my own

Absolutely loved this third book in the Mayflower series! Set in 1759, New York during the French and Indian War, this exciting story held my attention from the first to last page with plenty of action, danger, and romantic tension. Snappy dialogue between the main characters including their own struggles towards personal redemption and faith. Perfectly paced with a satisfying finish. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this one, based on some true events, reminiscent of classic Colonial era tales.
A solid 5 star read!

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the characters especially Livy and Mercy. There was a lot of action in the story and it had me on the edge of my seat! I like how she wove the story with secrets. The characters coming closer to God to let go of the past and the faith of a little girl made me smile. This is one book you wont want to miss!

Oh my goodness! This is a new favorite book of mine. I loved the story line. I'm a huge fan of stories that take place in the wilderness and this was a great story. I liked the tension between the main characters. I liked the adversity took place. This is one book that I did stay up late to read. I don't do that with many, but this one I did. I was very happy with the way the book ended. There were a couple of things I would change, but it sure wouldn't stop me from reading another by this author.

This is a complex book depicting a highly-volatile time in history.

In true Griep fashion, the sense of setting is immersive, so full of historical details and behavior. The conflict and tension doesn't let go until the very end, only shifting in nature (will she go one way or the other)?

Elias and Mercy are very different. At least, they think they have nothing in common with each other. As the story progresses, they discover they are bound by the same sense of honor and justice.
Elias is a true gentleman disguising as a traitor and Mercy is a woman of great moral character, even when she believes she's not deserving.

I really liked the way their relationship developed to the point where they're so worried about the other and making deep sacrifices. Such a deep love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am loving this series. Michelle Griep is one of my favorite authors. What a beautiful different way she uses her words. I whole heartedly give this book five stars. It has something for everyone. There is history, intrigue and excitement, adventure with twist and turns. Throw in a budding romance and you have The Captured Bride. Our main character and heroine is Mercy Lyntton. What a brave, strong, intelligent and beautiful women. Mercy is a scout with an usually keen eyesight. She was raised by the Mohawk's and is struggling between her two cultures. Her male counterpart is a condemned traitor, Elias Dubois. He is offered his freedom if he helps transfer a shipment of French gold across the war torn countryside to the fort. This was a story that kept me guessing until the end and left me wanting more. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Captured Bride is a great addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I have loved this series so far and this third installment did not disappoint. I liked Mercy and Elias's story. A good, sweet, and clean read. I give it four stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review 100% my own honest opinion.

THE CAPTURED BRIDE by MICHELLE GRIEP is an historical romance novel with a good Christian message, and a good dose of suspense. It is an interesting and exciting read.
The story takes place in 1749 during the French & Indian war.
When General Bragg sends four people to take two wagon loads of stolen French gold from Fort Wilderness to Fort Edward, posing as a grandfather, a married couple and a nephew, he certainly chose an interesting foursome! Mercy Lytton is a scout with incredible eyesight and Matthew Prinn is a dear friend of hers who has worked with her for some years. Matthew is to pose as the grandfather, and a man who narrowly missed being hanged, Elias Dubois, is to be Mercy's husband. Rufus Bragg, the General's son is to make up the party as Matthew's nephew.
The author has obviously done a great deal of research into the period in which the story takes place. The story is good and the characters are captivating.
I was given a copy of the book by Barbour Publishers Inc. from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

I have a confession to make. When it comes to series books I try to avoid them. Why? Usually, it is because by the time the next one comes out I've forgotten what went on before with the other books and I have to reacquaint myself with the characters. But in Daughters of the Mayflower, each book can be read as a standalone and each book is written by a different author. While they follow the basic premise (they are all descended from the Mayflower), each book therefore, is unique.

The Captured Bride, the third book in this series, by Michelle Griep, (a new author to me) did not disappoint. Mercy Lytton was raised among the Mohawks after her mother was captured by them. While her mother kept her faith and never once turned from it, Mercy grew up listening to her father and his ways, despising her mother for her beliefs, which she considered weak. I love how, throughout the story, Mercy grows to realize that her mother's faith was not a sign of weakness but of strength.

In contrast, the character of Elias Dubois is considered a traitor by his companions, but it is his belief in God and his Christian character that help Mercy see that faith in God is not a weakness as she believed, but a strength. The romance that develops between the two is all the more endearing in the end.

I look forward to continuing on with this series and reading more books by Michelle Griep.

Mercy Lytton is the strangest thing Elias DuBois has ever seen. A slip of a woman, both Mohawk and white, she is a renowned scout for the English. And her pride and stubbornness, ooh, la, la!! Almost as great as her talent.

Elias DuBois is perhaps the sorriest thing Mercy Lytton has ever seen. Beaten until he is half-dead, condemned as a traitor to the English, DuBois can only escape the hangman’s noose by joining an elaborate scheme. One that forces him and Mercy to work closely together, trust or not. This is the premise of The Captured Bride, Daughters of the Mayflower #3, by Michelle Griep.

Michelle Griep has earned her way onto my favorite authors' list. She can take any period of history (in this case the French and Indian War) and turn it into a living, breathing, “I-dare-you-to-escape-by-the-nape-of your-neck” experience. Griep was once a protégé of Laura Frantz; if you like Frantz, you will love Griep. She has a painter’s way with words that causes me to smile at the stunning visual images she evokes.

A couple of favorite phrases:

“An arrow once shot could not be re-quivered.”

“Strength without common sense was worse than dangerous.”

I highly recommend this book and this series for history lovers or those who want to learn what history may have been. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and NetGalley as well. (I also bought a copy as a gift.) My opinions, for which I am solely responsible, are not influenced by the complimentary copies.

Absolutely perfect!
I have enjoyed the Regency novels that this author has written, but I enjoy her new world writting way more. This story jumps up and runs from the first page and never slows down.
I love that about a book. I love how the author captured the rugged rawness of the frontier in vivid words, and made me feel like I was there, smelling the forest and Earth. I have read the first two books in this series, but this one is my favorite by far. The interplay between the two main characters was well written. I love a love story with a element of danger to it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep is a master crafter who can captivate her readers in any genre she chooses to write. 'The Captured Bride' is a heart-pounding, gripping story of the savage war-torn frontier, with all the elements that make for a fascinating historical journey!

Mercy Lytton is a tough as nails heroine who would rather wear buckskin breeches than gowns. To be quite honest, I never really liked her a whole lot and I don't think she really cared. lol She meets her match in the knee buckling (hers and mine), enigmatic traitor, Elias, with the smoldering blue eyes...the only one seemingly man enough to tame her. With plenty of heart-stopping danger in the form of Indians and nefarious villains, steamy (but clean) romance, and a spiritual thread of hope and redemption 'The Captured Bride' is one novel you don't want to miss!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Mercy Lytton has long straddled two worlds. As the daughter of a Mohawk leader and a captured white woman, she grew up questioning her identity, her faith, and even her role as a woman in a male dominated world. She works for the British as a wilderness scout, spurning the idea of hearth and home - reminders of her mother's passive submission. Caught between these conflicting worlds, she finds herself assigned to a mission which requires her to feign marriage to a convicted traitor whose connections are not only with her French adversaries, but also her native people's enemies.

Elias DuBois has also struggled to find his place in the world. The mission to which he has been assigned as Mercy’s “husband” is supposed to be a reprieve from his death sentence, but can he escape the network of lies and deception surrounding him?

Michelle Griep spins a tale which twists and turns its way through the wilderness. The daring heroine and her enigmatic suitor struggle to complete their mission while wrestling with their own identities. I enjoyed the characters’ development and the unique dilemmas in which they found themselves, although a couple times I felt like the plot may have been momentarily wandering a bit in the wilderness, as well. I appreciated, however, that the characters’ spiritual journey was as defined as their physical journey. Michelle Griep clearly loved these characters as she wrote them and tenderly brought their pain from the shadows into the Light. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to a friend who enjoys historical fiction.

This is was my favorite of the Mayflower Brides series so far. The first two took me a little to get into, but this one had me from the beginning.

It is the story of Mercy Lytton, a scout with keen eyesight, Matthew, Rufus Bragg (the son of the General ordering the transport) and Elias Dubois, a “traitor” raised by the Wayendot Indians, who are tasked with getting a load of gold through the wilderness safely to Fort Edward. From the very beginning, though they try to discourage any mention of an attraction, you feel Mercy and Elias are meant for each other. They encounter many trials, heartbreak, and surprises along the way, but Mercy and Elias cannot deny their attraction any more. Mercy does not understand Elias’s faith and how he can have so much trust in someone he cannot see until she comes in danger, and meets Livvy a small child with faith greater than Mercy could imagine. It is then that Mercy leans on this faith that Livvy and Elias both have, and finds that she feels so much lighter. After losing her mother’s at young ages, Mercy finally learns what her mother means by being captive and to let others help her.

I loved this book, I totally could have read it faster if I had more reading time, it was that good. If you enjoyed the first two books of the series, you will definitely enjoy this one.

This 3rd book in "Daughters of the Mayflower" series, was just as enchanting for me, as the 1st 2 stories! It's a wonderful Christian Historic American Romance by Michelle Griep, that I couldn't stop reading until it ended! The story is set during the French & Indian War, in New York Colony.

Elias' Mom had been British, & his Dad a French Voyageur. Elias was captured by the British Army while he was transporting French gold on British land. He was a traitor. Yet he strongly practiced his Christian faith in God.

Mercy's English Mom had been enslaved as an adult, by Huron Warriors, then rescued by Mohawk Warriors. Her Father was the Shaman (leader) of his Mohwk tribe. Mercy judged her Mother as weak & cowed, so she rejected her Mom, as well as her Mom's Christian Faith.

We would call Mercy a "tomboy". She's stubborn, independent, & doesn't trust easily. She was gifted with exceptional sight to see long distant things; & so excelled as an British Ranger during the War.

The British General that Mercy served under, wants the French Gold in secure British hands & in solid British territory. So he induces Elias to take the gold to another British Fort. To disguise what was happening, Elias would be traveling with his "family" of 3 other British soldiers. That's how Mercy & Elias meet, she's to be his "Wife". Her Ranger Partner, an older man, is her "Father". And the General's lazy, whiney 16 yr old son, is the family's "Son".

Elias ends up being the 1st man, Mercy's ever been attracted to; & she fights it ferociously. Elias is instantly drawn to Mercy's beauty & unique personality. Their relationship & trust grows as their adventurous & dangerous trip moves along. Elias keeps praying for Mercy & sharing his Christian faith with her.

Elias originally hid something extremely dangerous, in one of the gold crates. He needed to get it to Boston, to save many people's lives. But now, he wants to keep his traveling "family" safe also. The escalating problems/delays they encounter, put them in increasing danger from the French/Huron Warriors.

Tragedies happen, & deaths happen! Does God keep Elias & Mercy safe in His hads? Who's the Mastermind behind all these tragedies? Does the gold get to the British Fort ultimately? Who rescues who? Does Mercy finally open her heart to Jesus? Who exactly is Elias working for: the French or the British? Does the "extremely dangerous something" make it to Boston? Does love conquer & draw Mercy & Elias together, into their HEA?

You'll have to buy the book to find out! I guarantee, you'll be very happy, if you do!

I received this eBook from NetGalley I exchange for an honest review.

I've enjoyed the Daughters of the Mayflower series so far, and this one fits well with. We continue to flow through the family tree, focusing on Mercy this time, and during the French and Indian War. The author has done a fabulous job of researching her history and including many well-known, as well as lots of lesser-known, facts about the war in this story. The characters are likable and believable, and you are rooting for it to all work out well in the end!

I absolutely loved this story, and I really didn’t want it to end! The setting, the characters, it was all so real and tangible. When I had to set aside the book to go to bed, I ended up dreaming about the characters. The secrets and the mystery in the story kept me turning pages. I just couldn’t get enough!

When I was younger, my sister and I use to pretend we were Indians and see how quietly we could walk through the woods and not leave any trace we’d be there. Mercy Lytton doesn’t just play scout, she is one! Mercy is accustomed to standing on her own. She’s capable, fiery, and an expert tracker. Yet, it is her heart that makes the largest growth.

I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Elias at first. But as the story progressed and I got to know him better, I couldn’t help but fall for him. Elias has his own secrets, and he hides them well. Elias surprised me a few times but in the best way.

I was captivated right from the start, there wasn’t a dull moment, the story flowed seamlessly all the way to the end (that I wasn’t ready to see). I give this fantastic book 5 enthusiastic stars. Do yourself a favor and go buy this one on June 1st when it comes out!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

The Daughters of the Mayflower series keeps getting better. The Captured Bride is my favorite so far.

I particularly enjoyed the setting. I've read a lot of historical fiction, and I've read very few that take place during the French and Indian War. There were enough historical details to make the story interesting, but they were not presented in a way that felt like a history lesson.

The romance between Mercy and Elias was believable. I also liked the supporting characters, and thought that, for the most part, they were well done. The bad guys may have been a little too obvious.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the next one in the series!

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep is set during the French and Indian war. It is a story of adventure, espionage, courage and love.
Mercy Lytton is not your typical lady. She has been raised among the Mohawks and struggles with where she belongs in the world. She has a gift of incredible eyesight and is chosen to assist a group of men on a dangerous mission. Elias Dubois is a condemned traitor but has been given a reprieve of his death sentence in exchange for helping the British move a shipment of gold from one fort to another; gold that was originally stolen from him. Assisting in this mission are Rufus Bragg, the general’s lazy son and a well-known scout, Captain Matthew Prinn. Will love flourish before the mission is accomplished or will all perish in the attempt?
This a story you just can’t put down. It is full of excitement at every turn. The author’s descriptions make one feel they have fallen right into the story. I could easily imagine the sights and smells surrounding the characters. There are many twists, turns and surprises as you turn each page. Are any of the characters really who they say they are? I kept hoping that the General was wrong about Elias; I couldn’t bear for him to spend his life in prison after all he was going through to help accomplish the mission. The book has a very logical ending though there are some sad moments as there always are in wars. I give this book 5 of 5 stars; Michelle Griep never disappoints me and this story is no exception. Excellent writing and lots of excitement!
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This novel captivated my heart and soul! This is the second book in this series that I have read. It is not necessary to read the other before but I do highly suggest it as each book will bring so much joy into your life. This novel pulled me in from the first chapter, and from there on out I one clicked this book. The glimpses into the history setting to this book was quite unique and you can tell the research for this book has been done thoroughly. There were multiple twists in this novel and I want sure where some of the story would go, but I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. There was so much heart put into the writing and I loved every word of it!5 stars from me.

I received an e-copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley, all opinions here within are my own.

Michelle Griep is a great writer and this book is no exception, I loved it. Book 3 in the brides of the Mayflower series is a great historical novel, well written and very interesting. If you like stories of forts, wars, Indians and the wild untamed land, then you too will loved this one………A half breed woman, more Indian than white because she was raised by the Mohawk tribe and a condemned traitor paired together as scouts through hostile territory, on a dangerous mission. This book will keep you turning pages. Suspense, danger and romance, a potent combination, I was captivated right from the start, there wasn’t a dull moment, . ……My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Very interesting and adventurous tale of love, history including French/Indian war evolving around hero who is a spy disquised as a traitor and a heroine who is an Indian scout. There is so much more to the story and the author weaves all the plots, characters together in a fascinating and educational tale that is well worth reading. I usually read Regency historical romances, but i can't wait to read more from this author. I'm glad i decided to read this. I recommend it without hesitation.
I received this copy from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest review given voluntarily.

“My mother used to tell me there's more love in Christ for us than there can ever be brokenness. Only in turning to Him can you be healed on the inside.” ~page 108

This is an exemplary example of why I love Michelle Griep's books; it packs all the emotions one person can feel, gives the reader an adventure edged with danger they won't forget, fills it with characters you come to care about and threads it all with solid reminders of faith. I've read many of her stories and I think this tops even her best (and she's exceptional in the first place)!

Mercy reminds me so much of myself and struggles with being independent on one hand, but craving love on the other all while trying to figure out where the balance is. A fierce warrior woman raised as a daughter of an equally fierce Mohawk chief who's not afraid to look danger in the eye. Elias is a bit of a quandary; is he traitor, French gentleman, thief, or a man after God's own heart? He possesses a genuineness that continues to shine forth throughout the story and was a fun character to try to figure out. This kept my senses heightened with danger licking at my feet as the group ventured deeper in Wyandot territory. My heart was invested in watching the story play out and I was hard pressed to put it down with the need to know what happens next. I was happily observing the romance build from the sidelines, and how valiantly Elias protected Mercy in spite of her stubbornness. I think the only complaint I have is, it ended much too abruptly for my taste...all in a good way! Because just like every book I've read by Michelle, I could read a few more chapters and still not want to come to the last page.

This is the best installment of The Daughters of the Mayflower series yet in my opinion! All stand-alone novels, so no worries about missing anything.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *

This is my favorite Daughters of the Mayflower story. Mercy is a strong character that survived growing up with the Mohawks after her mother was captured by another tribe. By having a chief for a father, she was caught in the middle of the two cultures. She was a brilliant scout with a sixth sense. I liked the way the author portrayed Elias. His character was never clear until the end. Highly recommended!

Mercy is a scout in the backwoods of America, and has been given the mission of ensuring the safe arrival of a shipment of gold to a fort a couple of weeks' journey away. The snag is that one of her three companions for the trip is to pose as her husband for the trip - and the man chosen is a condemned traitor. Elias is due to be hung as a traitor, when he is offered the choice of making this trip and then time in jail in lieu of execution. Choosing to keep his life, he plans escape, but faces the unexpected difficulty of coming to care for Mercy. With Indians all round, the possibility of other traitors, and his own traitorous heart, will he be able to stay focussed on his true, and hidden mission - which is to save so many lives in Boston? And will Mercy ever come to accept that sometimes freedom is not worth the cost?

I'm not always thrilled with American historical fiction, but this was definitely worth a read. Combining action, romance and a bit of suspense, this book expertly draws the reader into the plights of Mercy and Elias. The last book I read by the author took a bit of getting into, but this drew me in from the first page and kept my attention throughout. Highly recommended, and I hope to read more by the author.

Characters: All well drawn, though Rufas always felt fairly 'in the background'. But the main characters were all people I came to care about, and felt realistic.
Storyline: Good - exciting and moving by turns. I very much enjoyed the ending, but really the whole thing was good.
Content and language: Some violence that might bother some people, but nothing that worried me. Otherwise no issues.
Message: Good message spread at intervals throughout about the need to trust in God, not overdone.

Note that I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Michelle Griep is indeed a very talented author . I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book though the start didn't hold my interest but as i read on the pull of the story was so gripping that i kept on turning the pages!! This is the second book by Ms. Griep I've read and she has not disappointed & becoming one of my favorite authors. She works magic with her writing , her characters are life like , u can just visualize while reading .

The plot was intriguing, kept me guessing, and involved several twists and turns.I thoroughly enjoyed the story line. It’s full of adventure and a bit of romance. So much happens through the course of this story, yet it doesn’t feel rushed at all. loved the spy angle with the elements of surprise, danger, and deception into the plot line !!!

Mercy and Elias made a lovely pair .The settings in Pioneer is impressive, so full of historical details on culture,hardships the people at that time faced . The conflict, tension,action,drama,intrigue goes on until the very end. This is a very well written book & presentation excellent . Michelle did a wonderful job! I highly recommend this book

Mercy Lytton was a beautiful woman; strong, proud, intelligent and gifted with the eyes of an eagle. She compliments Elias Dubois as a partner, equal & love interest in the book , There was the treasure angle in the form of a wagon load of French gold to be delivered into the hands of the British, which fascinated me. Upon its safe arrival Elias faced prison time as a traitor. He was a man without a country, truly, for no one knew his secrets or when he would have to resume his real mission.
The Captured bride was a sweet but action packed read! I loved the characters and was intrigued by the history of the early East coast development! The romance was slow paced and developed gradually but it was beautiful. Only drawback i found with the book was it was too lengthy & too much descriptive as it could be avoided in some places, scenes of the book... overall a very promising book ...Pls do read.

The Captured Bride
Michelle Griep is an author I have not read before. I will look for others from this talented writer, she has a way of making words “sing.” This story is historical fiction at its best. The characters captured my attention right away. They were richly painted in technicolor right from the first paragraph. The leading role is Mercy, a female scout in the French and Indian war in 1759.
“Praise always prickled, for it usually meant she’d be asked for more than she was willing to give.” Mercy gives so much in this story. From the first chapter, she drags her mocassins into the dirt at some of what is required of her. Her character comes to life as she “ frowns at the feminine attire” that she is forced to wear and resists the role the English military ask her to play.
The author transported me into a time and place in history that I had little knowledge of the players and the events that took place. There is a bit of mystery right from the start as to what role some of the people are actually playing. I give this four stars instead of five because I struggled a bit with the mystery aspect of the story. It was so well written that did not stop me from enjoying it and reading much too late at night.
This book was provided by NetGalley, and a review is not required but freely given.

This was an adventure-filled and exciting Christian historical romance! Although this is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, it can easily be read as a standalone. In fact, the series is designed so that the books can be read independently, which is a feature I appreciate, although I intend to read them all.

In addition to being filled with action, another thing I especially enjoyed was the unique setting of the frontier during the French and Indian War. I liked that the character Mercy Lytton was not only a scout but part English and part Mohawk. Also intriguing was that the handsome and appealing Elias Dubois was a condemned traitor.

I think this would be an excellent book choice for anyone who is looking for an exciting Christian fiction read, as well as for anyone who is thinking about trying a historical romance that is also Christian fiction. This is also a great introduction for anyone who wants to try the Daughters of the Mayflower series.

The Story of Elias and Mercy pulls you in from the very first chapter to the very last word!! It captures the essence of what it would be like to live in that era so well and the personal stories are well written. Love the main characters in the story. You will absolutely not be disappointed in picking this book as your next read, it will be your summer favorite!!
~I received a free copy to review~

The Daughters of the Mayflower Series is such a wonderful premise. Historical romance novels written in chronological order by different authors. And the covers are lovely.

In The Captured Bride, readers are taken to the French and Indian War set in 1760. Mercy Lytton has lived an unusual life. Her white mother was taken captive and married a Mohawk Indian. Mercy was raised among the Mohawk tribe and taught about Jesus by her mother. She is definitely not an easily broken female and is more comfortable in pants in the outdoors than in a dress in a ballroom.

The entire novel is about a mission she is charged with and as part of the cover story she is to pose as a traveling family. Traitor Elias Dubois poses as her husband. They meet a number of challenges along their journey.

It was a lovely tale and I enjoyed my time with Mercy and Elias.

I was not allowed to give a review on Amazon. I don't understand it. However, I thought the book was excellent with good characters that were well-written and were very believable! Mercy and Elias were great with their own viewpoints that were again so real! I enjoyed this book even more than the first one in the series!

The Captured Bride is book 3 in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I’m not sure how many books the series will hold, but I love that they are written by various authors, giving each book it’s own voice and unique feel.

When stories merge fiction and history, I’m interested. Just as in biblical fiction, when imagined accounts incorporate true biblical events, I feel as if I’ve not only been entertained, but have learned something as well. I know very little about the 1700s French and Indian War, but got a taste of it in Mercy and Elias’ stories.

With flavors of loyalty, adventure, and a developing romance, this story fills my literary hungers. A fast and filling read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. (And what a gorgeous cover!)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series is wonderful! This was a great addition, set during the French and Indian War, with excellent characters, Elias and Mercy were well developed, as well as the other characters. The plotline was refreshing and original - and there were no boring parts in this book. Wonderful story with a great writer!

I think one of the things that really attracted me to this story was the setting. I haven't read many (or any?) book set during this time of the French/Indian War. It was fascinating to me! This author is one of my favorites so I knew going into this book that I would be fully immersed in a story that was textured and exciting.

This story starts off right in the thick of the conflict. It has a steady pace and felt well balanced between moments of action and moments of stillness where we come to understand the characters better.

Mercy is troubled and conflicted in so many ways. When you add that to her strong personality and determined nature, she comes across as volatile and aggressive. Only a select few who truly take the time to know her see her other strengths and beauty. I loved getting to know Mercy throughout this book. It felt like a journey for me as a reader as her layers were slowly pulled away to reveal the heart at her core. Watching Mercy through Elias's eyes also helped me understand her better. I just loved Elias.

Information in this story came slowly but I never felt frustrated as a reader. I knew enough to keep me going, trusting that more would come. It really helped me develop a deeper connection to these characters and feel their growing connection to each other.

I connected to so many emotions throughout this book and enjoyed it so much.

Content: war time violence, death, kissing. This is a Christian fiction book so there is talk of God, praying and forgiveness.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher at my request. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was another addition to the Mayflower Bride's Collection. I loved this book.

Mercy, raised by the Mohawks and dealing with two cultures in her life plans to help in defeating the French. She will be a scout helping on a dangerous mission.

This book shows a woman of valor and strength. Love that in a woman of that day and age. It's also a love story. You will enjoy the great adventure that is imparted in this really great book!

I really couldn't put this book down for a minute. Had to keep on reading it!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

This is my third Michelle Griep story. I can now safely say I will read anything she writes. She has the capability to write well during various historical time periods, and she writes from the perspective of both male and female characters with ease and authenticity. Mercy and Elias are no exception.
A common thread for several of Ms. Griep's characters is a struggle between duty and faith, and duty and the heart. Elias Dubois, branded a traitor by the British, carries a heavy secret - and with it the ability to save countless lives in the midst of the French and Indian War. After meeting the strong-willed and firey Mercy Lytton, the weight of his secret becomes harder and harder to bear as he longs to reveal his true character to her. His strong sense of duty prohibits him from abandoning his cause, but soon his affections for Mercy force him to choose between protecting the woman he has come to love or caring out his mission

It takes a good author to make a great romance featuring the Colonial period. Laura Frantz is one of my favorites but now I suggest you add Michelle Griep to that list.

The Captured Bride is the third in the "Daughters of the Mayflower" series. I really enjoyed it and plan to go back and read the ones I missed. It is fast paced and enthralling. Mercy Lytton, a mixed breed Mohawk woman, is scout for the British. She, along with her long time partner, a British Ranger, are drawn into a detail to pretend they are a family along with two other men, one a french prisoner and traitor to the cause.

Elias Dubois, offered a deal to spare his life if he assists in getting a shipment of gold into British hands--agrees; but he quickly finds out that he is to play Mercy's husband. Neither is happy about the arrangement. Along the way, they encounter many dangerous situations revealing that Elias is more a man of integrity and courage than one would expect of a traitor. Both Mercy and her Ranger partner come to trust Elias more and more but still there remain secrets about their past and their mission that Mercy and Elias keep from each other.

As they lose more of their hearts to the other, Mercy is captured and Elias must risk his life to save her and that of a child hostage. They both have lost family members in the past and have learn to trust no one. And there remains a true traitor in their midst.

I give this a 5 star review and recommend it for your reading list. I received it from Netgalley for an honest review.

Book #3 in the series Daughters of the Mayflower, The Captured Bride can be read without knowledge of the previous books, as it is written by different authors.
Mercy Lytton is the daughter of an English lady with a Mowhawk chief. Raised among this tribe, Mercy has the gift of a keen eyesight, characteristic which allows her to be a scout. Her current mission is a dangerous one: to scout a cargo of silver and gold from a fort to another, through a war-torn area. Elias Dubois, considered a traitor, has the chance to escape from the gallows if he helps Mercy fulfill the mission.
Actually, Elias and Mercy's mission is much more than transporting good. They are both good people, but with flaws and in search of redemption.
I'm not into Christian fiction, but I enjoyed reading this book very much, since Ms. Griep did a good job developing these characters.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I love historical romance and, The Captured Bride did not disappoint. This takes place in 1759, five years into the French and Indian War, normally not my preferred time to read in historical fiction but since I have enjoyed the other books in the series and Ms. Griep is one of my favorite authors, I knew that I wanted to read this.

The author takes you on a journey where you truly get to know the characters as, Mercy and Elias are on a mission to deliver a shipment of gold to a nearby fort, posing as husband and wife. Of course they have a couple of traveling companions with them, Matthew and Rufus and along the way they meet other families and they encounter quite a few challenges along the way.

I liked the chemistry between Mercy and Elias but I liked that she isn't written as a starry-eyed woman in need of rescue. She is pretty fearless and spunky. It's refreshing to find a female character that lived the life that she did.

Overall, this is a wonderful addition to The Daughters of the Mayflower series, although the third book this can be read as a stand alone, as can the other two in the series. I loved the characters and the storyline. Most of all, I loved the descriptive writing and time spent with The Captive Bride.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Captured Bride, by Michelle Griep is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I was initially drawn to this series by the fabulous covers, The Captured Bride being my favorite (in both cover design and content) of the series. What I like about this series is every novel is written by a different author and you don't need to read all of the books in order to enjoy each one of them individually. They are tied together through the history of the Lytton family tree. By reading this series I have been introduced to three "new-to-me" authors, and I would definitely read a novel written by Michelle Griep again.

Set in 1760 during the French and Indian War, the setting reminded me of one of my favorite movies, The Last of the Mohicans. The Captured Bride was absolutely riveting, full of danger, intrigue, adventure and deception. I was glued to the pages from beginning to end. Mercy's "father/daughter" relationship with Matthew was endearing and heartwarming. I loved the chemistry between Mercy and Elias and their measured caution as they worked to establish trust between one another. Their love story simmers throughout the novel as they come to realize "loving someone isn't a show of softness, but of strength, for there is no stronger bond". I highly recommend this novel. I would definitely read it again.

The Captured Bride will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer
June 2018.

Thank you Net Galley and Barbour Books for the free e copy of The Captured Bride to read in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Captured Bride, by Michelle Griep, is my favorite Daughters of the Mayflower now.
Loved the characters! Mercy was a piece of work. What strength and courage this woman carried for a young lady of that time. Elias...wow...wasn't sure what to expect out this one, but thoroughly enjoyed each page!
Definitely, a must read!
I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own!

4.5*

I love diving into books. I especially really love diving into books because of the characters. They are what make a great book for me. If I can connect with them and go on their journey with them, feeling the emotions they must experience, watching the struggles, witnessing the joys and growth. That is why I come away from books absolutely loving the experience. Yes, I love the storyline as well. If I'm honest, the storyline is what initially draws me to a book. But, in the end it's the characters who create the story and the experience.

The more books that I read by Michelle Griep, the more I really enjoy and appreciate her ability to create beautiful characters. I love the journey she leads me on as she writes these characters' stories. The Captured Bride is definitely another great novel by this author where I enjoyed the journey and came to truly feel invested and connected to the characters. I love redemption and the power behind redemption. Michelle Griep is able to capture and portray redemption in a very moving and personal way.

The two main characters of this book are Mercy Sutton and Elias Dubois. They are two very strong characters right from the beginning of the novel. We meet them at a pretty critical time in their lives and right before they meet each other. Or maybe I should say, right before they are forced to be "married" to accomplish a mission. At first glance they are complete opposites, but I loved all the little moments where they were stripped down to become their complete and unhidden selves.

This book takes place during the French and Indian wars. These characters are in some pretty stressful situations and there is plenty of tension throughout the book showing those moments. But, if I had a word to describe this book and characters, it would be gentle. I know, you're probably thinking I'm crazy for using the word 'gentle' to describe a book about war time. Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. But for me, these characters (not just Mercy and Elias, but a few others) and their storyline, 'gentle' is the word that I would use. There is so much past hurt, sorrow and struggles that these characters are holding onto and trying to hide away. But with the gentleness and kindness of friendship they are able to heal and feel that gentleness. This book is Christian fiction, so much of that healing is by the characters allowing healing to come from Christ. I loved the journey of watching redemption and peace to come into their lives.

Mercy is a character who is very strong (or possibly hardened might be another word to use). She has quite an interesting history and as the reader we don't know much about it until quite a ways into the story. She has so many walls of protection up that it is in those gentle moments with Elias and her friend Matthew that we see her true self and not the facade she puts up for everyone else. The same is true of Elias. I don't want to say much about him though because of not wanting to spoil anything for the story. Just know that I loved he and Mercy's characters and friendship a lot. There is a sweet romance in this book. It wasn't the insta-love and sparks flying type of love story. It was a slow, friendship and trust building relationship that grew to love. And even then, it took time for them to recognize that love. Sweet is definitely another word for this story and characters.

Those of you who enjoy some action, there are plenty of those moments in this book. Plenty of suspense, tension, anticipation, unknown peril, to keep you turning the pages. It is a well rounded novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. And that ending. Yes! I loved it! If you've been reading the Daughters of the Mayflower series, I think you'll definitely enjoy this one. If you haven't been following the series, that's ok, you can read them all as stand alones, and enjoy this one now! If you're a fan of Michelle Griep, get ready to dive in and enjoy another well written novel!

Content: Clean. Moments of war, talk of death, some fights, nothing overly graphic. Religious aspects are very mild, a character thinks and talks to God and talks to another character about God. No sex scenes. This is a book I'd let my teenage daughters read. I'm pretty conservative in what I read and what I allow them to read but I'd still say read it first to see if you're comfortable letting your teenagers read it.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

I also won an official kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway! Yay! Thanks Goodreads!

Happy Reading!!!

I was going to forgo this series after being disappointed by the last book, but I have loved Michelle Griep’s work and am fast becoming a big fan of her novels. So how could I pass on the chance to read The Captured Bride?

Here was a book that drew me into the dangerous and sometimes savage world of “Hawkeye” and “Last of the Mohicans”—with a rugged landscape being carved into civilization, and a war being fought between the British and French armies, with the Native tribes somewhere in the middle.

Our main characters, Mercy and Elias, embark on a treacherous journey through this wilderness, in which they have small hope of surviving. Mercy has lived in a man’s world for so long, serving as a scout for the British, that she despises the idea of ever settling down in marriage and family. I loved her character. She is full of spunk and strength and courage, but she has a soft heart as well that may actually be open to those things she claims to despise—if it is the right man who will appreciate and love her.

Elias is drawn to Mercy, and his desire to see her standing beside him for the rest of their lives, tackling the challenges of life in this wilderness together, grow stronger throughout their journey. How can he let her walk away when they reach the end of it? But the challenge of keeping them alive until then is all he can manage to focus on. He has a secret mission of his own, and Mercy already doesn’t trust him—the man everyone calls a traitor. His character is to be admired—in the way he treats Mercy with respect, and the way he balances her capabilities and independent streak with his need to protect her.

Also, as Mercy’s distrust of him begins to melt away, the banter between them as they learn about each other is both humorous and endearing!

The faith elements are subtle, as both learn not only to trust each other, but trust in God as well. The violence is mostly mild, with some scenes of blood and death and some examples of the brutality of the Natives.

Another great read that I would include on my home bookshelf. The author concluded with some historical facts that she used as inspiration for this story, so be sure to check that out as well!

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep is a captivating page turner. I really enjoyed and recommend this book. I received an advance readers copy and have voluntarily reviewed the book..

Mercy Lytton is a scout and was raised with the Mohawk. Her next job as scout is to help transport gold to a fort with the help of her long time friend Mathew, an accused traitor, Elias Dubois and another young army man.

There were so many twist and turns to this story, it kept me enthralled and I was not able to put it down. I don't want to give any more away, but it is definitely a keeper.

The Captured Bride is book three in the Daughters of the Mayflower and all of them have been wonderfully written. They can easily be read as standalone books.

In The Captured Bride, Mercy Lytton, is a scout who travels with her friend, Matthew. They go on missions that they are sent on for British forces. In The Captured Bride, they are asked to deliver a shipment of gold that was taken from the French. They are also asked to welcome a condemned traitor to their team, Elias Dubois. As they journey, they realize all is not as it seems. For one, Elias becomes someone they put their trust in and Mercy and Elias find themselves fighting an attraction to one another.

Mercy was raised by the Mohawks. Her mother was taken captive by them, yet her mother clung to her faith in Christ and she shared that love with Mercy. Mercy struggles with her feelings regarding her mom and why she was so submissive as a captive. She also struggles with her relationship with the Lord. As the team is attacked and Mercy finds herself in the same position her mother was in, something happens. Mercy meets a special young lady and Mercy begins to see the strength her mother showed. Elias also has to decide if his love for Mercy is worth not fulfilling the duty he was sworn to carry out.

The book keeps you engaged throughout. It is well written with exciting and complex characters. I received this ARC through Netgalley and I am giving my honest opinion of the book.

Mercy was called a "Half Breed" by strangers, but those who knew her were fiercely respectful and loyal, sure of her skills . Matthew Prinn , a ranger had been her partner for three years. He respected her more than most men he knew, but he knew her temper and fierce determination could be her downfall. An assignment had her pretending to be wed to Elias Dubois, a French traitor.
Sent on a dangerous mission, could they succeed? What would she see in the traitor, DuBois?
Michelle Griep has crafted a story of the French and Indian war, that will keep you on your toes in it's twists and turns. Satisfying and intense, it is a pleasurable read!

Possessing an extraordinary gift of keen sight, Mercy Lytton, daughter of a captured white woman and the Mohawk sachem who rescued her from the Wyandots, now works as a scout for the English alongside her ranger friend and partner, Matthew Prinn. Before now, her assignments had never included acting a part. This assignment calls for Mercy to play the part of wife to Elias Dubois , suspected traitor, accompanied by Matthew and General Bragg’s son, Rufus, who would play the part of Matthew’s grandson. Mercy had never intended to give up her independence to any man, acting or otherwise. This “family unit” would be taking a load of gold captured from the French to another English fort through hostile territory.

Elias agreed to accompany the gold that had been taken from him when he was labeled traitor in order to avoid the noose. In addition to the gold, Elias would be secretly transporting a new, and quite deadly, weapon along with a bevy of other secrets. The thing he wouldn’t be allowed to take along was a personal weapon of any kind. How long would he survive this trek through dangerous territory with no way to defend himself?

The Captured Bride is a great adventure story, filled with intrigue and a bit of romance. Michelle Griep shows us how the flames of faith are fanned during adversity, and the freedom that is won through surrender. I read during every spare moment, as cliff hangers continued to appear making me quite anxious to know the outcome. I highly recommend this book, and thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation for providing a review.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Captured Bride! I nearly devoured this book...There was a natural balance of adventure and (almost) romance...to the point where it left me wanting more. All of the characters were perfectly developed and believable. Michelle Griep demonstrates a talent for not only for her character creations, but also for masterfully bringing their actions, dialog, and relationships to life. I am now a fan. I will read anything this woman produces!

I read the first two in the series, the first one was ok, but too religious for me. The second one was a lot better and the third one here has me hooked on the series. They keep getting better and better. Though they all have the religious area that I am not horribly fond of, neither the second or the third one had as much as the first one did.

This time you are brought into the wild west. You find the main character, Mercy, a woman before her time. This woman can kick some butt. When most of the time in that period women were expected to be married and in the house, Mercy is in the military kicking butt. Even though she is half white & half Native American she does not seem to get the huge amount of backlash you would expect her to get. Other then from Rufus whom you quickly learn to dislike and distrust.

The story line keeps your reading and I will admit I read well past my normal bedtime reading this cause I could not wait to read what happened next. The best part about this series is that there is no actual order. Each book is written by a different author and other then chronological order no story builds upon the other. They can each be a stand alone book I have found. So if the one of them does not strike your reading style then look at another one in the series. Though to be honest all three so far are well worth reading.

"The Captured Bride" by Michelle Griep is the third book in "The Daughters of the Mayflower" series and is my favorite.  This might be because of the characters, the time period, or just that each book in this series will be my favorite as I read them.  No matter the reason, it's inspiring.

Michelle Griep creates characters in "The Captured Bride" that you want to know at a deeper level. Mercy Lytton, Matthew Prinn, Elias Dubois and Rufus Bragg are multifaceted characters with pasts that you can't wait to have exposed.  You want to understand how each came into their present characteristics and you want to know what drives them to the actions they take. For example, in the first chapter the following sentences peak your curiosity about Mercy:  "She stared at him but said nothing.  A survival tactic - one her mother should have learned."  Later in the book we learn why Mercy thought these thoughts. The character developments are not disappointing and the relationships that progress are natural and satisfying.


"The Captured Bride"  takes place in 1759, five years into the French and Indian War.  Mercy, a scout with exceptional eyesight and Matthew, a mature and experienced scout, along with two others, work together to move a wagon full of gold. It's a dangerous mission and one that weighs heavily on Elias. Will they live through the war long enough to  complete it?

Duty versus desire, completion versus comfort, the life of one versus the life of many. I loved that the internal dangers were as many as the external. Faith in God was a large part of this story and played out in one way or another. As the danger grew, quick decisions needed to be made.  They had to make these decisions based on their trust in God or trust in others.  Some worked out; some didn't.

 
 
It was interesting that after I read "The Captured Bride", I looked back and saw that "Gallimore" and  "A Heart Deceived" were among the first books she wrote and were of the first I read as ebooks. I have now listed Michelle Griep as one of my favorite authors and highly recommend "The Captured Bride".  I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars. If you want a high stakes adventure mixed with clean romance, then pick up "The Captured Bride". 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books
through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Michelle Griep”s “The Captured Bride” has it all! It is packed full of adventure, intrigue and romance and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The attention to historical detail and its descriptive settings is a testiment to the authors research into this facinating time period. Set in 1760 during the French and Indian war, the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues through the harsh landscape of early America and its struggles to forge a way through new territories.

Mercy Lytton has grown up among Mohawks, and been raised alongside warriors. Her exceptional scouting abilities has brought her along side a ranger and a traitor with a dangerous task. This leads them on an unexpected and treacherous path where love, redemtion and grace is found.

I look forward to reading more from Michelle Griep and more from the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Well done!
I have posted review on both Goodreads and Amazon.

Set during the French and Indian War in the United States, 4 disparate people - an Indian woman scout both Mohawk and white, a male Ranger scout, a young, inexperienced Army soldier, and a condemned traitor, have been assigned to transport a shipment of gold between two forts.

From start to finish, there is plenty of action as the 4 main characters attempt to transport the gold, and each of the characters show their true colors. Rich with historical detail which shows Griep's obvious research into this war, the plot displays the horrors of war and the way various people handle the stresses that accompany it as well as make money off of it. Mercy Lytton was an incredibly strong woman but often filled with stubbornness and pride yet an amazing scout. Elias DuBois, the condemned traitor, has been beaten and starved, yet he has skills and abilities that make Mercy wonder who he really is. Rufus Bragg, the inexperience soldier son of General Bragg, was lazy as anything and always seemed to be plotting or planning how to get out of work. Put these four together and a difficult journey in the midst of war becomes even harder.

Griep has the ability to take any historical time period and create an amazing story within it. This is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and continues following the Lyttton family descendants. This book continues the strong stories told in Books 1 and 2.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Wonderful characters with realistic issues, a mission that turns out to be different than expected, and some characters are not who they seem to be.
I absolutely loved the storyline, I loved Mercy and Elias, the setting, the tension, the mystery. I love this author's books; the way she spins a tale, the development of characters, how the story comes to life. Ms Griep paints with words and I love her artwork!

Another great addition to the Mayflower Brides series. I was given this book to review, and I wasn't disappointed. Like the "Pirate Bride," book #3 offers a lot of adventure and unpredictable plot twists even though I'd still put it in the classification of Historical Fiction or Christian Romance. 

Set during the French and Indian War, all of the main characters are fictional, but I truly enjoyed the bits of real history entwined in the story line. Each of the characters is very well developed and easy to relate to. Plus the mystery surrounding at least one of the main characters remains intact clear till the very end. 

I highly recommend this book to Christian and non-Christian readers.  If you like romance and Historical Fiction, I believe you'll enjoy this book.

What a great adventure story; Full of action, intrigue, mystery, love and loss! Ms Griep is a wonderful storyteller who captures her reader and doesn’t let them go. She weaves mystery into a story that leaves you at the end of your seat at every twist and turn. Love the slow love that develops between Mercy and Elias. There were hooks that I never expected and tons of action that kept me reading hours into the night. I questioned the addition of a few of the characters that just showed up for what seems like such a brief part of the story. I wish they would have been tied back in again at the end. They seemed like the served no strong purpose. This is my favorite of the Daughters of the Mayflower series yet! Loved this story as I have every Michelle Griep book I’ve read so far. She doesn’t disappoint. Her characters are so deep and richly developed. Her stories are layers deep and captivating.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no compulsion to write a review.

This book brought to life the time period and difficulties of living in the midst of unrest in North America during the mid-1700s. Mercy Lytton, who is a child of a captured English woman and a Mohawk chief, serves as a scout for the British. Her keen vision and daring has served her well, but she may have encountered obstacles beyond ability to survive. She and Captain Matthew Prinn as assigned to accompany Elias Dubois, who has been accused as a traitor, as they deliver a shipment of gold. Elias has a secret mission too. Thwarted by those who would steal the gold, the party hardly knows whom they can trust. Will they succeed amidst the dangers they encounter? The characters all seem quite true and three-dimensional. The story contains some surprises too, which enriches the reading experience. This was a part of history I didn’t know much about, so “living” it through the novel created a memorable encounter. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

The Captured Bride, by Michelle Griep, is the 3rd book of the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This series is different from most, in that the books are written by different authors, but all follow the adventures, triumphs, and tragedies of the daughters of the Lytton family through several generations as this country is being established.

Set during the tumultuous and dangerous years of the French and Indian War, The Captured Bride explores this time in American History, not only as a political and territorial dispute, but as it affected individual lives.

Mercy Lytton is the adult child of an English mother and a Mohawk father. Mercy, having been raised with both cultures, is fed up with being seen as a half-breed by both sides; and although her mother raised her in the Christian faith, she has none, and resents her mother’s “weakness”. Born with unusually good eyesight, Mercy becomes an excellent tracker and scout, and prefers the outdoor life.

Captain Matthew Prinn is a Queen’s Ranger tasked, along with Mercy, with delivering stolen gold to an English fort. Matthew and Mercy have worked together for years.

The handsome, courteous, and Christian believer, Elias DuBois, is labeled a traitor by the English, and is scheduled to hang – his French surname doesn’t help. He is offered freedom in exchange for accompanying Mercy and Matthew. Elias has many secrets. Can he be trusted?

The Captured Bride explores human foibles that have existed since the beginning of time:
• prejudice against innocent bi-racial children;
• depression suffered by a mother who lost her baby;
• the plain-spokenness of men vs. the catty remarks often made by women who feel threatened by another woman;
• the assumption that women should not be independent;
• the need to make peace with our parents, even after they are deceased;
• recognizing that Christ has far more love for us than we can ever find in brokenness; and
• recognizing that loving is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.

What Makes This Book Reviewer Grumpy?
• using “begs the question” in place of “raises the question”: an error that began in the late 20th century;
• using “bring” in place of “take”: another bad habit of the 20th century;
• “Handfuls” should be “handsful”; and
• a large number of split infinitives.

Colonial and Revolutionary America are two of my favorite time periods and the inevitable clash of loyalties and cultures never ceases to amaze me! Michelle Griep skillfully conveys the atmosphere of unrest and conflict both on a wide scale and at an intimate level.

Mercy Lytton is a fascinating character and formidable lady warrior. Despite her tough, no-nonsense approach to life (and men), Mercy possesses a generous and compassionate heart. Fierce female leads like Mercy demand an equally clever, skilled, and exceptionally patient male counterpart and Elias Dubois is that man and much more. Elias is a complex and captivating character with authentic faith and a healthy dose of smoldering.

An adversaries romance is difficult to pull off without compromising the integrity of one or both characters yet this story is a delightful success!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

It was a good thing that I waited until I had a full Saturday to read The Captured Bride because I wouldn’t have been able to put it down for long. Mercy and Elias’ story is a very gripping adventure interspersed with spiritual truths.

As a “half-breed”, Mercy knows what it is like to experience prejudice. As the daughter of a proud Mohawk chief, she knew how important it is to be strong and faulted her mother for the way she appeared so weak. She needed to learn the lesson her name taught.

Elias had grown up under his grandfather’s care after being deserted by his father and never felt like he could measure up to his grandfather’s expectations. Regardless, he had discovered the joy of an intimate relationship with God. I loved the way that when he was on his way to be condemned to death as a traitor, he surrendered his future to the Lord.

Author Michelle Griep immerses her readers in the time period of her stories. She had me ducking so I wouldn’t hit my head on branches overhead and cringing from the arrows that flew in my direction. If you enjoy historical adventures through the Colonial-era forests of the East Coast, you should pick up a copy of this wonderful book.


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net.

Be sure to read Michelle's Guest Post and get a preview of The Captured Bride at AmongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

Mercy Lytton captured my heart with her story. I loved this book so much! I took my time reading it, savoring every page. Mercy walks the line between the faith her mother instilled in her, that she can't quite understand and the ways of her Mohawk father. Seeing how Mercy's faith grew throughout the book was very moving.

Elias Dubois. Let me just say he may be a traitor but he is one swoon-worthy hero. He has a few secrets and a past that haunts him but he is a strong, faith-filled man.

I love the way Mercy and Elias both studied each other when they thought the other wasn't looking. I loved that Matthew saw it too.

This is a thrilling adventure filled with many surprises, twists, and turns. I held my breath during many parts of the journey. I even shed a tear or two. I did not want the book to end but at the same time, I could not wait to find out how it ended. It's just so good!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Another beautifully written historical romance from Michelle Griep. I am utterly amazed at the wide variety of historical eras Ms. Griep can write and has written about in her books. I have read 12 Days at Bleakley Manor and The Innkeeper’s Daughter this year, which were fantastic. The Captured Bride is a completely different novel set in a different place and time and yet equally enchanting and captivating. Anyone who loves a well-written historical romance will love this book (especially if you’re a fan of Ms. Griep’s writing!).

The story has tons of twists and turns in the plot with intrigue and mystery. The characters are layered and flawed, yet so lovable and worthy of the reader’s affection. The theme of grace, mercy, and forgiveness is very real in the story and Mercy’s faith journey, in particular, is quite moving.

Mercy is a half-Mohawk, half-white woman with a gift of sight. She uses this gift as a scout during the French and Indian War for the side of the British. She’s strong, too independent for her own good, fiercely loyal, and strangely tender-hearted for a warrior. Elias is a branded traitor who is captured by the British during the War. He is also strong, independent, fiercely loyal but haunted by the mistakes of his past. Elias is complex and the reader gets only glimpses into who he is until the very end when the puzzle that is Elias comes together. What intriguing main characters! Their dialogue is sharply witty and delicious; their romance is sweet and swoony.

I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing through Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.

One of my favorites sports commentators has a quote he says when a player from my favorite team gets a home run. He says, “Mercer, Mercer me.” Well in this book I found myself saying that, except about Mercy. This latest novel in the Daughters of the Mayflower series was so unique, adventurous and fun to read. Mercy is one of those characters I wish I could get to know even more of. Her heritage, gifts, and persona made her such an interesting character. I could picture myself next to her, trying to see things the way she could, and watching Elias with a careful eye.

Elias was also an interesting character. Dubbed a traitor, you can’t help but wonder what he is all about. You learn about him little by little throughout the story, and I found that the more I learned, the more I liked him. He even shocked me a time or two, totally negating my preconceived ideas about him. I enjoy reading about characters that can do that. Hats all to Michelle Griep for writing such an intriguing character.

In this book you will find strength, honor, God fearing characters, adventure, and yes maybe even a little romance. Okay, a lot of romance. This was a welcome addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. And for those of you who haven’t read the series, while I encourage you to do so, this could also be read as a stand alone. Historic and romance fans will enjoy it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Captured Bride is by one of my favorite authors, Michelle Griep, and once again I am not disappointed. The Daughters of the Mayflower series is several stand-alone books by various authors, that follows the Lytton family line through the years. The Captured Bride is third in this series and is set in the mid-1700s in New York where readers will find Mercy Lytton in the middle of the French and Indian War. The historical background portrayed in the story is interesting and informative, bringing to light a war, although I've heard the name of, I know very little about. The characters are wonderful, multifaceted and captivating. Mercy, daughter to a Mohawk father and white mother, has a unique perspective on life in both worlds. She may have keen, falcon-like eyesight but in matters of the heart, she is pretty much blind. Chosen by the fort commander to transfer stolen gold through the unforgiving wilderness, Mercy is paired with Elias, a condemned traitor, and a Frenchman, no less. His choice is either complete this mission or hang at the end of a rope. Secrets, suspense, surprises, sadness, the author has infused this story with emotions and excitement. It is a story of honor and justice and ultimately, of love. Will love survive divided loyalties in this war-torn wilderness? I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.

The second book I’ve read by author Michelle Griep, I enjoy her writing. Her style flows well and makes for enjoyable reading. This is my favorite of the Daughters of the Mayflower series. While this series continues through history, each can be read as a standalone so just jump in!

Griep has done her homework in researching this time in history. Her characters and descriptions are very intriguing. The reader vividly “sees” what is happening in the book; the heartache, troubling times, and danger. The people are flawed, realistic humans who grow as the story continues. And her descriptions of the landscape are true to what it would be like.

Mercy is torn between two worlds. Elias is condemned as a traitor. But with all the twists and turns, this story doesn’t go the way I thought it would. If you enjoy historical fiction I recommend The Captured Bride. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

What a fantastic adventure this was! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this story, from the plot that left me constantly wondering what was coming next, to the pairing of two strong lead characters, to the wonderful word smithery that brought both the story and the setting to life.

Mercy Lytton is the kind of heroine I love to read about. She’s strong, self-sufficient, intelligent, and feisty, but in a very down-to-earth way. Even more than that, I loved the way Elias won her over by giving her the space she needed and by respecting her abilities. That’s not to say they didn’t butt heads (after all, where’s the fun in strong characters who don’t butt heads?), but I loved that the friction between them wasn’t deliberately antagonistic so much as naturally arising from having two strong personalities thrown together in an endeavour fraught with danger.

There was a fantastic sense of setting to the story, too, with the majority of it taking place in the great outdoors. I’m not much of a camper in real life, and I can’t even imagine how I would handle a trip like this, but for some reason I love it when God’s creation—and all the inherent beauty and danger that can be found in it—plays a large role in a story. Perhaps it’s because it gives me the chance to experience it without giving up the comfort of my own home. Who knows? But it may as well have been a character in its own right in this story, bringing challenges, danger, and often the unexpected.

And although this is only my second novel by Michelle Griep, I am very quickly becoming a fan of her way with words. Take for example this description of Rufus Bragg, often a thorn in the side of group transporting the gold: Rufus Bragg wasn’t much of a man, for he barely held on to sixteen years. So gawkily built was he, his bones put up a fair fight to support his garments. Were it not for the knobs of his joints, he’d have to tie the shirt to his skin to keep it from falling off…Not only did he own no manners, it seemed he never intended to purchase any. It’s like a description straight out of Dickens. I love it!

If you’re looking for a historical romance with plenty of adventure, this is it!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series. This series focuses on different time periods, but on strong female characters that are born in a common family line. This book focuses on Mercy Lytton. Mercy was raised with the Mohawks and has been taught how to scout due to her amazing eyesight. She meets Elias due to their having to pretend to be married to deliver items to a neighboring fort during the French and Indian War. This suspense filled novel is engaging and makes the reader believe they are living in that time. Not only do Mercy and Elias have to learn to trust each other, but they experience a spark between the two. This romantic historical novel is a must read! I highly recommend you read this book and the other books in the series! This is my first book to read of Ms. Griep, but will not be my last. You will not be disappointed in the book!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

This title is misleading there may be a captured bride in this story, but really the readers a captured into a world and story that holds their attention and mind till the very end. It was a delight to dive into this historical fiction novel, that had characters facing death in many ways. Though facing death these characters were strong and persevered through adversity.

One thing that truly stood out to me was the dialog between the characters. I felt as though I could hear the words in my mind being presented on the stage of the story. It was pretty cool to really play this novel out in my mind.

I think many types of readers will like this novel. It has adventure, love and faith. Back then faith got people through everyday struggles but also some of the harshest wars our young nation ever faced. It was cool to have a different perspective from the normal war setting and move into a more sneaky undercover setting.

The Captured Bride (2018) by Michelle Griep is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This book is SO good, I could not put it down. Every single page of this book is engaging and full of adventures, twists, and turns. There is virtually NO way to get bored reading this AMAZING story.

In the play Oedipus Rex, the title character suffers from an intense case of pride and arrogance. There is a stubbornness to Oedipus that prevents him from seeing truth until it is too late. Sight is a predominant symbol in the play — while Oedipus has sight, he is incapable of seeing truth, but blinded he can “see” everything. The Captured Bride does a phenomenal job of using sight as a metaphor just as Sophocles did in his play. Mercy, the heroine, has eagle-like eyesight. She is able to close off the distractions of the world, and hone in her sights to telescopic levels. It’s actually a really cool gift — one that serves her well as a scout. However, Mercy’s stubbornness and pride time and time again prevent her from seeing truth. Like Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice, Mercy passes judgement on others without really knowing their full stories. One of the most relatable moments in this book for me is Mercy’s struggle with her mother. Mercy treated her mother abominably as a young girl and teen because of how she perceived her mother to be.

My mother and I struggled from the time I was 9 until I was 22. I fought my mother ALL the time. I thought my mom was hard and cold and distant. I never felt like she understood me. I could never figure out what I needed to do so she would be proud of me. Straight A’s, making the Varsity Girls soccer team in high school, getting into college, having a job and paying my own way — none of it seemed good enough. Honestly, I always felt like I was a disappointment to my mom, so I just gave up. I figured it was just the way it was going to be between me and my mother. Some women have close relationships with their mothers, and some don’t. I hated it, but what could I do?

When I was 22, my mom told me a story that I will never forget. When I was a toddler, I was playing in my mom’s bedroom. My mom’s room had a sliding glass door, and I loved to play in the sunshine as it streamed through the door. One day, I was playing when I started screaming. The kind of baby scream that tells a mom her baby has been hurt. My mom ran into the room and found me holding my hand and crying. She heard a buzzing noise. She looked up and saw a bee buzzing by the door trying to get out. My mom grabbed her pillow and began whacking at the door yelling at the bee for hurting her kid. The whacking apparently went on for a good five minutes; what finally stopped my mom’s maniacal whacking was the silence in the room. My toddler-self was so dumbfounded by my mom’s actions that I just stopped crying and stared at her. Coming out of attack mode, my mom picked me up, kissed my hand, and told me she would do whatever it took to keep me safe from scary things that wanted to hurt me. In case you’re wondering, the bee totally died.

This story changed the course of my relationship with my mother. I realized that my mom did love me, she just loved me her way. This understanding shocked me to my core. And then, I felt like an absolute monster. I broke down into tears and begged my mom for forgiveness. She totally loves me, so she gave her forgiveness freely and immediately.

Why am I telling you this really embarrassing fact about my past? Because there is a moment when Mercy realizes the truth about her mother and is ashamed by her past actions, too. Mercy didn’t treat her mother well. In fact, Mercy was often downright cruel to her mother. In a FABULOUS scene, Mercy realizes the errors of her ways and cries out, “I did not see your strength because I did not look for it.” I’m not gonna lie — I balled my eyes out at this point. How Mercy feels when she makes this statement is exactly how I felt after my mom told me the Bee Story. I never stopped to really look at my mom and value her for her. I didn’t see her strengths. All I could see was how she had failed me in the ways I thought she was a failure. I was as blind and judgmental as Oedipus Rex, Elizabeth Bennett, and Mercy Lytton.

There is so much depth to this book, I didn’t even cover 1/8th of what happens. There are fantastic and timely messages about God and His faithfulness, forgiveness, and learning to leave the past in the past. There is a powerful romance that develops well over the course of the story. There are some seriously scary and evil villains. A few times, I found myself holding my breath because some scenes are just that intense. The Captured Bride really does have it all! If you are looking for a book that is highly engaging, thought-provoking, and well-written then The Captured Bride is the book for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

As the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, Michelle Griep’s The Captured Bride continues the fictional trek through America’s history. This story sweeps readers away to the time of the French and Indian War, where Mercy Lytton and Elias Dubois have quite an adventure, and I had a hard time putting it down. Grieps crafts her characters, conveys the history, and threads a faithful theme through it all so very well, and I just loved it. Fans of historical, romantic fiction, be sure to add The Captured Bride to your to-read lists—it’s worth it, and I highly recommend it.

I love reading books by this author because she is able to paint a picture with her beautiful writing style. An example is this sentence in the book; " Rain tapped a tattoo against the canvas'" Readers are able to visualize the rain falling while making a design . That's the kind of writing that keeps me coming back to the author. The story is well written and is vivid in detail and history.

Mercy is a woman to be reckoned with. She is very strong willed and doesn't like being told what to do by anyone. Her job as a scout is perfect for her. She has a special ability that will help her on the journey. Along the way the group encounters danger which heightens the story. At first I wasn't sure who to trust in the story. Elias is a traitor and sure is quick to make a deal to save his life. Is he interested only in honoring his deal, or does he have his eyes on something more valuable to him?

The story is filled with enemies, danger and intrigue that keeps readers attention. I loved reading about the rough terrain they traveled and the unknown that awaited them. There are several scenes in the book that describe an attack that were well written and showed how dangerous it was during this time period. The journey to their destination will turn into a fight for their lives as they encounter enemies that have blood in their eyes. Can Elias keep Mercy safe? I did like the story line where I wasn't quite sure who was a spy and who could be trusted. The story overall is good and I liked how trust and faith was weaved throughout the book. Make sure you grab a copy of this book and travel back to a time when the French and Indian War was dangerous and history making.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Whether the setting of her books is America or England, Michelle Griep never fails to bring history to life. In book three of The Daughters of the Mayflower series, Griep once again delivers a story rich with historical facts, adventure, romance, and memorable characters.

Mercy Lytton in a woman of strength and courage—she has to be to exist in the man’s world she’s chosen to reside in—but also of stubborn determination. Tasked with transporting gold to a British fort during the French and Indian war, Mercy and her partner have a traitor and a n’er-do-well companion to contend with along the way.

Elias Dubois doesn’t take his responsibility lightly. He also cannot share his mission with the two people he’s coming to respect. And in Mercy’s case, his emotions encompass much more.
Griep does not gloss over or diminish the harsh realities of traveling through country that is fraught with danger of all kinds—nature, Indians, duplicitous men, and more. And her characters learn that, while life is full of uncertainties, heartache, and loss, relying on God’s provision and grace strengthens them during the difficult seasons.

Another must-read from this author and addition to the series. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, you will not miss them. While each book follows the lineage of the heroine in the first book, the new books each stand on their own.

If you haven’t had the privilege of reading any of Griep’s work yet, The Captured Bride is an excellent excuse to add another book to your TBR pile.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This book is part of the Daughter of the Mayflower series. The cover is absolutly beautiful. I have read the previous books in the series so I was excited to see this one come available. I have read this author before (you can check my review out Here). In this story, you are transported to a forgotten area of history. The French and Indian war (1790). The plot is very intriguing and took me on an adventure and I could not read fast enough. I always love getting a history lesson as I am reading. This book is well researched, beautifully crafted and a great story to read.

I received a book through the Net Galley and Celebrate Lit Blogging Program -- all thoughts are my own

The captured bride

Very exciting, very adventurous book. Loved Mercy and how she was a survivor of the wilderness, how she knew the country road they were traveling. Her and Elias pretended to be married while they were traveling. They really had quite the adventure traveling, met some very interesting people along the way. The book definitely kept me interested wandering what was going to happen next. Such great descriptions of the happenings in the book. Felt like I was watching a movie. Some surprises of the characters, surprises toward to end that I didn’t expect. I really enjoyed the book. I received an complementary copy of the book from NetGalley through the publisher and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post and positive review and opinions are my own.

The Captured Bride
by Michelle Griep



I’m a huge fan of Historical Fiction. I love a good story of any kind really, but something about history intrigues me. When I read a novel that’s set in the past, I can simply imagine being in the time and place, the life they’ve lived and the love they experience. It’s a beautiful thing.



The Captured Bride is set in the time period around the French and Indian War. The book tells the story of Mercy Lytton, a young woman who was raised by the Mohawk Nation. Mercy’s stands as a link between the English and American Indian worlds, both which have a strong dislike of the French. Mercy must learn to overcome her dislike of the French in order to complete the task she’s set to do and to find the love she’s always wanted with Elias Dubois.

Elias is a French traitor who is facing hanging in the gallows. He’s accepting of his fate, only because he has God on his side. His strong faith guides him each day of his journey. Sent by the enemy to deliver Gold of his own into the English hands, he’s not sure he can complete his task with the likes of Mercy by his side.

This was an delightful story full of exciting travel and intrigue as Mercy, Elias and the others in their party travel across the land.



Michelle Griep loves writing. She began creating stories as a small child and has not stopped yet. Though her stories are mainly set in the Historical genre, she’s also written some contemporary fiction as well.

Purchase a copy of The Captured Bride through Kindle or in Paperback.

4.5 stars- I had heard great things about this book and was looking forward to reading it. It definitely did not disappoint. I loved Elias and Mercy and Matthew. The story was exciting from the start and didn’t let up until the end. Mercy and Elias were both deeply hurting people that were looking for redemption in different ways. I loved being transported back in time to the French and Indian War. It’s a war I don’t know a lot about, save what I learned in “The Last of the Mohicans” (one of my all time favorite movies!).
Mercy and Elias’ relationship seemed to be on warp speed from the beginning but I guess when the next day is not guaranteed, you’ve got to go for the gusto. I loved their connection and how the author just drew you in right away with her words and descriptions. I have another Michele Griep novel on my TBR pile. I think I will move it to the top.
I received this book for free from NetGalley. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

This is the third book of The Daughters of the Mayflower Series. Each book can stand alone but I've read each one. This book is dated in 1759 in New York.

This was an absolute delight to read. I loved the book. This story is about Mercy Lytton and Elias Dubois. Mercy is a spirited young woman who is strong and independent. Mercy needs to work through her past before she can ever find true happiness. Elias is on a dangerous mission and has to keep this from Mercy. He can not risk being vulnerable.

We often appear to others stronger than we actually are. Sometimes we believe that if we show our vulnerabilities we are weak. The exact opposite is true.

Great book! I can not wait to the next book in this series!!!! I am taking a vacation with each book and I'm not even leaving my recliner. Thank you, Michelle Griep!!!

I received this free to review.

The Captured Bridge by Michelle Griep is book 3 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I am a fan of Ms Griep's novels and I was excited to pick up this novel. I found the time period and history behind this novel fascinating. I'd love to read more about it and I appreciated the author's historical notes at the end of the book. This book is full of adventure, action, and danger. There are some brutal killings by enemies in the book. Overall, this is an exciting book and I would highly recommend it! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

Michelle Griep is swiftly becoming one of my favorite authors! I absolutely love the way she spins a tale! I love her strong characters, both male and female! And I love how they are never intimidated by the strength of the other but recognize how their strengths complement each other. I love the way she writes their romances as well. I love the twists and turns in her plotlines, the treachery, and the strong spiritual component in each book!

I also really enjoyed the historical setting of this book! The French and Indian War is not one I have learned much about and so I found this story fascinating. Without any hesitation, I highly recommend this book to lovers of history, lovers of adventure, and lovers of romance alike!

: I loved learning about the French and Indian war as this author whisked me back in time with remarkable visual images, riveting action and intriguing, realistic, fun characters I enjoyed hanging out with. The author pays attention to historical detail with rich descriptions that don’t bog the reader down but help them experience the time period. Four unlikely travelers, three men and a woman; set out on a trek through dangerous territory with valuable cargo and only a hope and a prayer they’ll make it to their destination. All the while they are banding together to use their experience and skill set to avoid French soldiers, Indians and the challenges of the wilderness.

I enjoyed Mercy a no nonsense, tough, skilled scout who you don’t want to mess with. She feels comfortable in breeches rather than gowns but can fit into a formal setting with ease when necessary. Mercy takes on this assignment at the urging of her father figure friend- a worn out soldier named Matthew. The captain has told them that they will be traveling with a condemned traitor named Elias Dubois and Rufus Bragg a sixteen-year-old boy with a gawkily build. This mission keeps gets better and better. The icing to the cake for Mercy is the fact she will be married in name only to this traitor Elias.

As their journey goes along, tensions rise as they learn each other’s skill sets, navigate natural disasters, discover each other’s temperaments and look out for ways to gather food for them all. This is a fascinating, compelling period piece I couldn’t put down. This gripping story is filled with twists, turns, surprises and action that was fast and furious with a splash of romance. I loved this author’s witty dialogue and the secrets each keeps from the other. This is how Matthew; posing as Mercy’s father describes her to Elias; her pretend husband, “This her is Mercy. …. She can be a little…Let’s just say she is a fiddle string wound tight and about to break. Might wanna ride quiet for a while. If she snaps, it will leave a mark. She’ll get out if soon enough.”

I cared deeply for these characters right from the start; as they faced the dangers of this unbelievably crazy assignment. I loved that the spiritual aspect of this story was not preachy but was woven in naturally. This is the third book in the Mayflower series. Each novel can be read as a standalone. I liked the author notes to readers where she gives you the behinds the scenes look at how this story came about. I highly recommend this for a great read and/or for your next book club pick. T

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

This book held me captive as I read with its frontier wilderness setting and vivid characters. There is tension throughout the story with the dangers from the French and Indian tribes who are warring with the English. There is the sense that things are not as they seem, and the suspense is heightened as loyalties, motivations, and backgrounds are slowly revealed. The travel and action kept a swift pace, yet there was a good balance with showing the personalities and emotions of Mercy and Elias so I felt connected to them and invested in their story. They had a strong connection to each other and their chemistry only grew as they bonded through the trials they endure together. I loved the spiritual journey Mercy also takes as she grieves for her family and seeks to understand the faith of her mother. Fans of A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz won't want to miss this one!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

The Captured Bride Is a very harmonious book. One book that is jam packed with information and fun. The main character is very lively and is monumental the story is in no way mundane. The story flows and the author is respectful of the characters. She brings them straight off the pages and into your room. It is historic and enjoyable. I learned a lot. The one thing they all have in common is that they all are submissive to the LORD and they need to do that especially then- to survive.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. It can be read as a stand alone novel, and it is set during the French and Indian War. Mercy Lytton is an outsider as she is the daughter of a Mohawk Indian father and an English mother and defies conventional gender roles by working as a scout. Elias Dubouis makes his living by working both sides of the French and Indian War and stole a gold shipment. Fate brings these two people together as Elias is offered a way to escape the gallows by transporting the gold he stole to a nearby fort and Mercy is unwillingly cast in the role of his wife as a way to provide cover for his previous dubious identity. Will they be able to deliver the gold, or will the obstacles in their way be too much to overcome. Fans of Laura Frantz will find another favorite in Michelle Griep. My one criticism is that most readers know little about the French and Indian War, and Griep could do better explaining the conflict in general as it helps readers better understand the setting and the challenges faced by the characters.

Mercy Lytton's sharp eyes can see farther into the wilderness than any other scout's. Half white, half Mohawk, She's been chosen, along with two other English scouts, to take a wagon load of gold to an English fort through a forest rife with French and Indians. They'll travel in company with a traitor, Elias Dubois, whose sentence to the gallows has been commuted if he helps with the mission. As cover for the journey, Mercy must pose as Elias' wife. Not surprisingly, their forced proximity ignites romantic interest between the two. When dangers mount, Mercy and Elias learn to count on each other, leaving Mercy to wonder whether Elias really is a traitor and Elias to wonder how he can bear to carry out his own secret orders if that means giving up Mercy.

The entire time I was reading this book, I felt like I was reading a Laura Frantz novel...and since Frantz is a favorite author of mine, that's a good thing! Mercy and Elias were a well-matched pair, and I loved how Griep gradually crescendoed the trust that lay between them. Both of the main characters' religious convictions played into the story, and their spiritual character development felt authentic without being over-the-top. The situations with native Americans on the warpath were nail-bitingly tense, and Elias' calmness under pressure (especially as he negotiated for Mercy's release in the Indian camp) was remarkable. This is one of the first novels I've read set during the French and Indian War, and although many of the events in the story are fictional, they felt accurate for the time and the setting.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wow, I've really loved all of the books in the Daughter's of the Mayflower series and this one is no exception! I am really impressed by how much research author, Michelle Griep puts into her books. It was fascinating to read the book and then read the carefully researched facts she added after the story pertaining to it. Historical fiction at it's best. Mercy Lytton, a half white half Mohawk knows the lay of the land. This is one woman you have to admire, she is a truly independent woman working as a scout with her older male friend, Matthew. Now this is not a romantic relationship as he sees her as a daughter and will do everything in his power to protect her. Scouting in the wilderness takes a special woman, one who has the smarts to withstand the elements and surprise attacks by man and beast alike. Elias Dubois faces the gallows as a condemned traitor . When he's offered his freedom in exchange for accompanying a stolen shipment of gold to a nearby fort. Feel the tension and drama when the buried gold disappears. The romantic tension between Mercy and Elias is apparent throughout the book. I loved both main characters, both outdoors,rough around the edges types but yet gentle with each other. Intriguing, this will capture your attention and you'll still think about it when you've completed the book.
Pub Date 01 Jun 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 stars

“It is in the darkest skies we see the brightest stars.”

Michelle Griep continues to be one of my consistently favorite authors, especially when she delves into the time period of Colonial America. The Captured Bride is everything I have come to expect from a Griep novel – rich in setting and historical details, strong characters, and breath-stealing romance!

Mercy Lytton is a heroine not to be messed with – a woman with a compassionate heart and a skilled scout entrusted with the most dangerous of missions. A mission that includes Elias Dubois, a complex character in his own right and a condemned traitor with one last chance at freedom. In many cases, both Mercy and Elias walk a fine line between two worlds and watching them find common ground – and attraction – is truly a pleasure. Mutual respect, affection, and increasingly deeper feelings also walk a fine line between their cover (a married couple) and their reality, and Griep is masterful at conveying these tangled emotions with a look, a sigh, a thought.

In the middle of this swoony romance and the riveting struggle to complete their mission (and survive to tell the tale), a gentle and authentic thread of faith weaves seamlessly through the story. Elias’ faith is relatively new but strong, while Mercy has a basic knowledge without any heart roots. I loved watching her observe Elias and his relationship with God – and how those observations affected her own soul over the course of their journey.

Duplicity on many sides, as well as danger around every corner, means their journey is at times, as I mentioned a moment ago, an all-out battle for survival. Griep has truly captured the treacherous nature of the time period, yet at the same time the adventure never overpowers the characters. Rather it acts to heighten their strengths and weaknesses, and above all points to the Savior who redeems.

Bottom Line: You will not want to put this book down! Adventure, romance, history, and faith all converge on a tumultuous era in American history to tell a story that will hold you captive from word one. Mercy and Elias and a cast of intriguing supporting characters keep you strongly invested in the outcome – and may even prompt you to do some historical research on your own. Perfect for fans of Laura Frantz and Lori Benton – and of Michelle Griep herself!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I am a huge fan of Michelle Griep's writing and The Captured Bride did not disappoint!

It's 1759, during the French and Indian War. Mercy Lytton, a scout for the British, finds herself at a crossroads. Her friend, father-figure, and captain is retiring and she must decide if she wants to continue doing the job without him. If not, then what will she do next? For now, she finds herself bound by duty to help transport a condemned traitor by pretending that he's her husband, which she's vehemently opposed to.

Elias Dubois is the condemned traitor headed for jail, but in order to stay alive he must pretend to be Mercy's husband and make the trip to the fort where he'll be held. It doesn't take long, however to realize there's more to Elias Dubois than we're first told. These two must learn to work together, they begin to appreciate each others strengths, and ultimately help each other deal with their difficult pasts.

I enjoyed The Captured Bride a great deal and am looking forward to the next book in the series!

“The Captured Bride” is an engaging, action-packed novel. The readers should be aware that it is Christian fiction and the references to faith and God are common occurrence in the book.

The novel takes place in 1759 during the French and Indian war. The main character is a girl named Mercy Lytton, whose mother was a Christian before she died. The girl’s father, Black-Fox-Running, is a sachem (a leader) of the Mohawks. Mercy feels like she doesn’t belong anywhere. She is not sure about her faith and place in the world. She doesn’t know what the future will bring.

Mercy is a scout for the British and when she comes back from one of her missions to Fort Wilderness, General Bragg asks her and her fellow scout Matthew Prinn to fulfil the most challenging mission so far. She is requested to enter the enemies’ territory with the precious load of gold and transport it safely to another fort. What’s more, she and her companions need to travel under the disguise, pretending to be a family, in a company of a French traitor, Elias Dubois. Mercy is enraged when she discovers that Elias is supposed to act as her husband during their dangerous journey. She is self-sufficient and wild and hates the idea of belonging to anyone and even a fake husband is getting on her nerves.

There are many dangers on the road and at one point Mercy is captured by Indians, Wyandots, allies of the French. During their quest feelings develop between Mercy and Elias, despite of their differences and fears. The characters were interesting and the writing was beautiful. Overall, it is a very well-written Christian fiction.

I received " The Captured Bride" from the publisher via NetGalley. I would like to thank the author and the publisher for providing me with the advance reader copy of the book.

The Captured Bride is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, but it can be read independently. I love the concept of this series, 5 different authors all wrote a book that follows American history from 1620 up to 1794. Each book has new characters, but they are all from the same family tree.

The Captured Bride features Mercy Lytton and Elias Dubois during the French and Indian War in 1760. Mercy is a female scout, and even though she's very good at it and has amazing eyesight, men don't take her very seriously and second guess everything she says. She comes along as a very strong independent character, but underneath she is struggling. It seems she is always in between things: she struggles between her Indian and British heritage, between female and male because of her profession and independence, in between religions, but most of all she doesn't know what she wants next. Then we have Elias Dubois, who seems to be a traitor and is sentenced to die, but he gets a second chance. And there is a large shipment of gold that needs to get to another ford. Both Elias and Mercy get to go on this mission and go undercover as husband and wife. But something doesn't seem quite right about this entire mission, and it might just be that the traitor is more honorable and kind than Mercy could have imagined possible.

Michelle Griep has an amazing writing style, it just flowed and you have to keep on reading. The writing style also made the story seem more authentic, the phrases that were used feel like they belong in that time, but it is still very readable and pleasant to read. The story was really well done, there was a lot of action to keep the plot going, and there was also plenty of room for character development and interaction between Mercy and Elias. I love character driven plots, so this was perfect for me. Right from the beginning you get the feeling that this mission is not what it seems and that Elias is keeping some secrets, but you can't imagine entirely why. Slowly you find out more but it takes a grand finale for all the pieces to come together. The secondary characters were also well thought out, I especially loved Matthew. The romance is also a slow burn and not the focal point of the story, it is more about how love and new insights changes them both (it plays a nice part though). The book was really well paced, not a boring moment, and the ending is very satisfying. I really liked this book!

This e-ARC has been given to me by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Michelle Griep is one of my *very* favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint. The French and Indian War is not a part of history I remember studying much in school, so I really enjoyed learning about this time before the American Revolution. I love it when a book presents a time period in such a compelling way that I do more research about it -- and that is exactly what I did while reading this book. This book was a great mix of history, mystery, and romance. In case you're reading reviews because you haven't made up your mind, you need to read this book! Thanks so much to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy in order to supply my honest opinion.

The Captured Bride by Michele Griep is a story about the French and Indian war. Mercy is a scout for the English and is paired up for a mission with Elias, a traitor. I love the dialogue between Elias and Mercy, it is witty and entertaining. Both are strong characters and well able to stand on their own. The story flows well with a few plot twists. I always enjoy the way Michele crafts a story. Although The Captured Bride is part of a series by different authors, it can be read as a standalone book. So grab a cup of spruce tip tea and settle in for a great read.

In this beautiful story, will Mercy trust her heart? Or go a step further and mistrust both men? I loved this book! The suspense at the beginning of THE CAPTURED BRIDE, captured me and would not let go. The more I read, the more the intrigue, like a magnet, kept pulling me in. Then there was this very discreet touch of romance. It was more like a whisper to let you know that something was pulling these two together, that came in a little later. This part led me even deeper into the story, and kept me mesmerized right up to the end. Because I kept wondering, would something or someone bring them together? Or will something happen to keep them apart?
Then there was the character build, which was amazingly detailed as Mercy Lytton and Elias Dubois took me on a wonderful adventure with them. Will Elias prove himself to Mercy? If so, how? Will Mercy slowly begin to mistrust Matthew too? That part of the story will stay with me for a long time.
Michelle Griep, with her wonderful writing skills, came through with yet another remarkable story that was so moving it literally touched this reader's heart.
One part on page 73 held a lot of excitement as Mercy was explaining about two wagons approaching and how she knew about it. Then in chapter 20, when Matthew tied Elias to a tree, and was going to leave him behind, what will happen there? The plot really thickened there, and held my interest. A very interesting and heart-warming read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I am not real familiar with Michelle Griep's writing, however, after reading this book that is going to change.

This book is set during a tumultuous time in American history, one I don't know much about, which made reading this interesting and captivating. I found myself riveted to each page. The romance is swoony which is something I just love. One of my favorite things about historical fiction is how the historical theme encourages me to do some of my own research.

I highly recommend this book!

The Captured Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #3)
by Michelle Griep

Release Date: June 1, 2018

My rating: 5 stars

SUMMARY: This third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series can be read without reading the first two. (But, if you’re into family trees, you’ll want to!) In this book, Mayflower descendant Mercy Lytton is a scout in the wilderness of New York during the French and Indian War. Her father was a Mohawk Native American and her mother was British. During a mission, she encounters traitor Elias DuBois and must work with him to help deliver a shipment of gold to the British.

MY THOUGHTS: This is my first story by this author, but I think I’ll be looking up some of her other books. I really enjoyed it because of its historical adventure, clean romance, and interwoven Christian faith. I especially liked Mercy’s development throughout the story in regard to her mother and in finding where she fits in her world. The twists and turns of Mercy and Elias’s adventures kept me turning the pages.

I ended up buying two copies of the paperback. One copy was for my church’s library, and the other is for a giveaway for our library’s monthly drawing. I decided to purchase the giveaway copy because of the author’s note at the end of the book. The story was partially based on the legend of the lost French gold, a well-known local (Minerva, Ohio) story.

This book is recommended to anyone who likes frontier adventures, clean romance, or genealogy. I’m looking forward to book 4!

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

A gripping story set against the backdrop of the French and Indian War, The Captured Bride grabbed my interest and wouldn’t let go. Michelle Griep has certainly done much research for this story. It shows in the rich historical details and her knowledge of the different cultures involved—the Indians, French, and English. Brimming with suspense, intrigue, and even a little romance thrown in, this action-packed, unique tale kept me turning the pages late into the night. Griep is a master at creating deeply layered, realistic, engaging characters and putting them into a story where they can grow, heal, and become stronger. The tender messages of forgiveness, faith, and hope woven throughout the story add a measure of depth and inspiration to it. I’ve read several of Michelle Griep’s books and enjoyed them all. I give this book 4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars.

I I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing/NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.

“The Captured Bride” is a novel from The Daughters of the Mayflower series by Michelle Griep. This novel is set during the French and Indian War and takes place in Upper New York in 1759, about five years into the war. Actually the British fought both the French and Indians for control of more land.

At this point in history, the British and American colonists fought against the French presence in the Ohio River Valley. The Native Americans tribes aligned themselves at various time with the two sides, frequently changing their allegiance. The colonists were moving farther into the Ohio Valley and were not welcomed by the Indians and French trappers.

In this story set during this time, we follow Mercy Lytton, a half-breed scout raised among the Mohawk Indians, her fellow scout Matthew Pinn, and a condemned traitor, Elias Dubois. No one is sure which side Dubois is on, but he is forced to see a gold shipment to its destination. Mercy, Matthew, and a young, brash private are required to go also, posing as a family travelling to a new land.

This novel is fraught with tension as the group heads into hostile territory. Not only are they trying to evade the French, but also hostile natives. At one point, Mercy is captured by the Wyandot Indians, and Elias diverts his focus on rescuing her instead of accomplishing his mission.

I’m sure you will enjoy reading about this perilous time in history. I found that I was more interested in this time period after reading this story and decided to research a little more into that conflict. Ms. Griep is an excellent author whose characters have a depth of faith, loyalty, and compassion that will draw you in to the story.

I enjoyed every page of this look. I was captured from the first moment. The heroine Mercy drew me in. And the mystery of Elias and what he was all about! That kept me wondering until the very end, along with Mercy! I think I was on the edge of my seat with her living her emotions! That’s how much I got into this book. Running through the woods away from Indians, I can not imagine, yet the author does that for us. Having stories like this with the history embedded within the pages helps us respect our past and those who came before us and shaped the families and nation we are today.

This was the first book I have read in Daughters of the Mayflower series and my first By Michelle Griep. I had a hard time at first getting into this book and to be honest I don’t know why.

Elias Dubois makes me think of my Husband because they are silent at first and hard to read of who they are, plus with all the scuff and blue eyes. Ha ha
Elias is not as he seems he has many secrets and does not give them freely. I love he was not at he seems. He is a good man and he has great Love for God. I love how it is so important to him what God thinks of Him and that he wants to do right by Him.

Mercy Lytton wow what a women. She is strong, smart and can move with out anyone knowing except Elias. But she is very feminine under all her toughness. She is half Indian and half white. Her love for God is equally as great as Elias’s. She has secrets of her own. She has a very hard time letting her feelings be known.

These two are thrown together and told they are to portend to be Married. Which I can only imagine how hard that would be. He is a prisoner and she is a scout. He thinks she is beautiful form the first moment he sees her. She sees him as a prisoner before she even know he is who she will have to pretend she is married to him.

Mercy starts to feel things forElias she has never felt for anyone before. But she try’s her hardest to push it away. He cares for her so much that he can’t leave her even when he could end up dead. They end up having to really trust each other and learn that they can. They also learn how strong their love 💕 for each other is.

It was a very Clean read. I wish the end was more expanded upon, them being married and their life after settling down.

It was a very good book. Once I got into it I really enjoyed it!

*I received a copy from Barbour Publishing, Inc through NetGalley. All opinions are my very own.

This is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series but it can be read as a stand-alone. The story is set during the French and Indian War in 1759 and features Mercy, the great-great-granddaughter of the couple from book 1. I thought this book was the best in the series yet. The heroine was born into in the Mohawk community, when her mother was taken captive, so she is comfortable living in the wilderness. Elias was an honorable character but he had some secrets. I liked how the author slowly revealed that not everything was as it seemed. The tension started to increase as the characters set out on their journey but I think after the halfway point is when the action and danger really escalated. There's much to keep your interest--whether it's the suspense, romance, and/or spiritual content--this story was an excellent entry in this series. I recommend it to readers who like strong MCs with redemptive character arcs that make you root for the HEA.
* I received this book free of charge from NetGalley.

I love history; however I'm not a big fan of studying wars and violent times. I think they should be studied because they were important times, but I just have a hard time with vivid descriptions of violence. When I chose to read The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep, I had mixed feelings about it. The description sounded as if it would be an interesting book, but I knew it was set during the French and Indian War and thought there would be a lot of violence in it; and there was. But The Captured Bride still captured my interest from the beginning. Here is why.

The expert storytelling drew me into the story, even as I was trying not to get too deep into the story. When I read, I usually get so involved in the story, that I really feel like I am there in the story, but if I know the book might be a little too scary or intense for me, I try not to get too involved in it. I guess it is more like I’m observing the action, than right there in the middle of it. I really tried to just observe this story, but that didn’t work out like I thought. No, I was there, escaping Indians, crossing flooded river, and keeping an eye out for any other dangers right along with Mercy, Elias, and Matthew. Skillful storytelling will do that to me, and The Captured Bride definitely did.  The thrilling adventure kept me reading on. Yes, I’ll admit that sometimes the violence level was a little too high for me, but I kept reading because I had to find out what happened next. While I wish that the violence had not been described in such great detail, it was not enough to make me stop reading. There was too much going on to stop! So, in spite of too much violence, I did enjoy reading this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially fiction set during the French and Indian War. I would caution you though, that there is violence in this book so you can decide if you can handle it or not.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

So good! I am a new fan of Michelle Griep and I want to read everything she writes. Most striking is the attention to both historical and sensory detail. This story was filled with adventure, espionage, romance, and God’s truth. I so enjoyed experience this journey with these characters as they grew in their understanding of God and in their love for each other.

I am really enjoying this series! I think it is such a unique concept to follow the family lineage of characters in a series and utilize different authors within the series. Loving it! This latest release in the Daughter’s of the Mayflower series was a great addition! I loved the characters of Mercy and Elias. I loved how strong and unconventional Mercy was. She was the perfect heroine for this story. Elias was my favorite character in the story. He was quick witted, smart, and had so many layers that were revealed as this story unfolded. This book was packed with adventure and danger at every twist and turn. The crew of misfits had a difficult mission. They traveled through rugged terrain, and faced numerous unforeseen situations and obstacles. All of these things were what kept the pages turning! I would definitely recommend this book to historical fiction fans, especially those who like a little adventure and some danger!
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This is the second"bride" book I have read. The story continues the excellent story telling I enjoyed in the first book. There is enough action and adventure to keep it from being a romance yet has enough romance to interest romance genre readers too. I love the ending and can't wait until the next book is released!

This is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, but it can be read as a standalone. Mercy Lytton and Elias Dubois are an unlikely team, considering they are at odds with one another from the minute they met. Along with the ranger Matthew Prinn, they are tasked with moving crates of silver and gold to an English fort during the French and Indian War. Though Elias has been branded as a traitor and Mercy is half Mohawk, half white, they have to band together for a common cause. When things go wrong and it becomes clear that they have been betrayed, both must fight for their lives. In the process they become attracted to one another, must learn to put aside assumptions, and must learn to trust in each other and God as they try to survive ambushes by the French and a rival Indian tribe, the Huron.
This was such a good book. I couldn't put it down because of the characters' constant peril and the unstoppable action. The writing was so descriptive and vivid that I felt like I was experiencing the events firsthand. There are some sad occurrences and violent situations that happen in the book, but they are handled well. The Biblical truths about God and trusting Him alone were so encouraging to me. There aren't many Christian authors who can apply Biblical principles in such a powerful and relevant way, but Michelle Griep is one of them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction and needs some encouragement.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Captive Bride

By: Michelle Griep

This is #3 in the Mayflower Brides series and my favorite so far. Although it is part of a series I think that you could easily read this as a stand-alone novel.

The story is set 5 years into the French and Indian war. Without giving too much away Mercy Lytton, and Elias Dubois are thrust together in attempts to complete a mission of transferring gold from one fort to another. It seems simple but in 1759 wartime such travel is dangerous as is the difficulty of knowing who to trust.

I really enjoyed how easy it was to read this book. Griep did an excellent job at storytelling, giving the right amount of detail to each area of this story and, allowing you to understand the plot and characters without lacking in description or being wordy. Information was delivered to the reader at just the right moments to keep this story stimulating. I did not want to put this book down.

I received a copy of this book for free in return for my honest opinion, which I gave.

This is a fantastic historical romance!

The characters are incredibly well developed and easy to connect with. This is true of many of them, not just the two main ones. Both Mercy and Elias has deep seated wounds from their pasts. They were shaped by things they were told by family members raising them, just as we all are. The journeys there are on are shaped by those wounds and will hopefully bring them healing.

The action and adventure is fabulous. They face many dangers that require them to work together to survive. At first they are so at odds with each other that their ability to do so is really in question. They discover strengths and weaknesses that they didn’t know they had. There are also strong believers in God that are working with them. They step up and and help point them to Him.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The Captured Bride is the third book in the multi-author Daughters of the Mayflower series with heroines linked by a family tree, and is the reason I began reading this series. I have absolutely loved the novels I’ve read by Michelle Griep, and this, as I expected, was no exception.

Exploring issues of trust, faith, and loyalty while placing a resourceful heroine and an unarmed hero in difficult situations, this is a story that will thrill lovers of adventure, romance, and of stories set during the French and Indian War. Mercy Lytton, as the daughter of a Mohawk chief and a white captive, is an interesting character and I enjoyed watching her and Elias Dubois, a man with a few secrets of his own, grow and learn and, eventually, love.

While the writing of this series is slightly uneven, not so with The Captured Bride. The writing, the characters, the history, and the plot are all enjoyable. Easily, and predictably, my favorite of the first four books of the series.

This review refers to a NetGalley e-galley read courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the second book I read from Michelle Griep and it had me riveted!
It's a great historical novel set during the French and Indian wars. Even if I'm not an expert, the description of the scenery, customs and context feels accurate and well researched.
Mercy is a unique woman, half mohawk, half white, with a special gift, she has the keenest eye, which becomes very handy for a secret mission in this war. She is assigned with Elias Dubuois, considered a french spy and traitor and condemned to death, to take a french cargo of stolen gold in a wagon to a not so nearby fort. They must fake to be husband and wife in this adventure. Elias is promised deliverance after that. But Elias hides something to...
The story has a very engaging plot that captivated me until the end. There's adventure, intrigue and suspense, danger and peril, sweet romance, and even witt and humor.
The characters are so well defined, they felt real and relatable. I liked Mercy's strong and compassionate character. And Elias was a brave and caring man too. I liked that the relationship slowly grows along the story, and it was not love at first sight, but getting to know each other and discovering the depth and beauty of their personalities.
There's some violence and death, but not overly described.
The story also has a message of faith and trust in God that I liked. It left me inspired!
It's a beautiful story that I recommend to all historical lovers!
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. This is my voluntary and honest opinion.

What was life like in pre-Independence times for those who ventured beyond the established colonies? In 1759, frontier life was hugely impacted by the French and Indian War. This military action was named for the two enemies the British faced, although the Indian tribes were divided in their support of the warring nations. Support depended on allegiances, which often changed. Nowhere is this more clearly demonstrated in The Captured Bride than by Mercy’s backstory.

Having lived in western Pennsylvania and western New York, I am familiar with some aspects of the French and Indian War. I knew almost nothing about action around the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. I had to look up a couple of locations – because that’s the sort of person I am – and so it was a touch confusing that Michelle Griep chose to use both real and imagined places in her narrative. The Captured Bride is, however, a good look at the realities of life in the wilderness. You had to keep your wits about you, as you never knew quite who you could trust, and you had to be prepared for anything you might encounter. Nothing could be done on impulse. Settlers didn’t have the stuff we do today, and personal property was to be treasured. These 18th century people did experience moments of joy and pain, though, just as we do today.

I stayed up late two nights in a row to read The Captured Bride. It was easy to immerse myself in this world, despite the very loud live music coming from the nearby golf club on the second night! While it is part of a series called The Daughters of the Mayflower, there is little to connect this novel to the two that came before it. Mercy makes a passing reference to characters in The Mayflower Bride when speaking of her ancestry, but there is nothing you need to know if this is your entrance to the series. Feel free to read the books in order or as standalones. The choice is yours.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Having been exposed to the French and Indians war twice in a month, I have realised my knowledge of American history has been lacking! The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep, whilst framed as a romance, is a wild and dangerous adventure through a perilous period of time. No one is quite who them seems and, banded together facing daily challenges, each reveals themselves a little more. Romance is there but there is a story much richer than than too!

Elias’s faith is deep-rooted and written into each part of his story. Mercy has experienced great pain and refuses to deal with her sorrow until life leaves her no option. There are several deaths, kidnappings and, generally, a lot more fighting and tension than I bargained for – it was great! Fast-paced, I tore through it, in one sitting, waiting and guessing how it would all work out! Along the way, it improved my understanding of the war! All in all, highly recommended and five out of five!

Mercy, the daughter of a Mohawk sachem father and a captive white woman mother, isn’t sure of her place or her loyalties in New York/Massachusetts during the French and Indian Wars of the 1700s. She allies with the British and serves as a scout, due to her excellent vision and learned tracking skills. Her mission is to deliver a load of French gold to the fort.
Elias Dubois, a prisoner, is also asked to join the mission and pose as Mercy’s husband, in name only as a ruse for the trip. He has his own mixed allegiances and had been imprisoned as a traitor. His name may be French, but his loyalties are not.
Join Mercy and Elias as they travel together and being to sort out their paths.

Those who follow my reviews know that I absolutely love the books by Laura Frantz and Jocelyn Green. Now it's time to move Michelle Griep into that top tier of favorite historical/historical romance authors. She hit this one completely out of the park. Excellent writing. Excellent history. Excellent characters. Excellent story. Quite possibly the best book I've read in 2018. There's no point in rehashing the story here, just trust me, read this one. It's part of the "Daughters of the Mayflower" series, but you do not need to read the other books to enjoy this one. The books each stand on their own. READ THIS ONE.

This is the 3rd book I read by author Michelle Griep. But The Captured Bride is by far my favorite. I have really enjoyed the entire Mayflower Bride series written by several different authors. All books in the series are filled with history, intrigue, romance and have kept my attention throughout. Captured Bride was no exception. It was sometimes confusing as details were purposely withheld to maintain some of the mystery. But eventually all the pieces come together. I like books that aren’t completely predictable.
The Captured Bride is a great frontier is a great frontier story. The main characters Elias and Mercy were very interesting. Their characters played out way different than what I had anticipated. I love the themes of forgiveness, trust, and letting go of the past that were woven into the story. The Captured Bride had a great balance of romance and adventure. It was a wonderful historical book which a hated to see end. I received a copy of The Captured Bride in exchange for my honest review.
I posted my review on Amazon, CBD, goodreads

This is a very well written book that holds your attention from beginning to end. It has action, drama and romance. It is a clean christian book that is written in such a way that you're not just reading, you're seeing it You won't regret getting this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

This was a different type of read for me. I haven't really read many historical books in general so I wasn't sure what to expect. In the end I really enjoyed it.

The characters were both interesting and deep and I was actually interested in everything happening around them as well. The book felt real to the time and real to the characters as well. I also really loved the cover, it's simple and I don't usually like covers with photography on them but I think this one fits perfectly.

I'll definitely be reading the other books in this series.

This was a hair raising book filled with adventure and grit. The main characters, uniquely bond to your heart with their raw, unfiltered edges of wild adventure.

From the moment Mercy spied Elias, the reader knows they will eventually fall in love, but reading through their twists and turns is an enjoyable process.

A true cowboys and Indians story, with the reader guessing at the true bad guy the whole time. I would recommend this book for teenagers and the general reader.

I always enjoy books by Michelle Griep. The Captured Bride held my interest from beginning to end. The story is based on true history, which I especially like. I liked how she gave the definitions for the Indian words at the beginning, and the notes at the end. It is beautifully written and I felt like I was there. The characters were amazing, especially the main characters Elias and Mercy, and the story has you turning pages fast.

I have been a fan of Michelle Griep’s books since I read Brentwood’s Ward and have attempted to read every other book by her that I can find. I was excited to read her latest, The Captured Bride and I was not disappointed in the least.

Heroine Mercy is the daughter of a Mohawk father and a white mother. Now on her own she functions as a scout for the English because of her natural skill and unusual gifts. The story covers a dangerous assignment in which Mercy accompanies her usual scouting partner and Elias, a condemned traitor escorting a shipment of French gold to a different fort. Along the way, the group face various dangerous situations and begin to wonder if they will be able to complete their mission. Mercy also finds herself undeniably attracted to the one man she is afraid to trust.

I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed novel filled with danger, secrets, betrayal, and a romance that developed naturally without overwhelming the rest of the tale. A few plot twists and surprises along the way served to keep things interesting. It was also gratifying to watch the relationship grow between Elias and Mercy as well as their dependence on the Lord.

I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly that of the early days of America.

Though this book started slow for me, it grabbed my attention and was an enjoyable read. On top of the historical accuracy, the pages was filled with intrigue, action and twists - some which I did not like - and heartbreak. This author did a great job of describing the scenes in a way that took my right there and feel the emotions Mercy went through in the woods.

The pace slowed again at the end, with a sweet conclusion.

This is the third book I read by this author, and was my favourite. I'm enjoying this series and highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

This was my first 'Daughters of the Mayflower Series' and I really liked this historical romance novel. The time period is the French and Indian War set in 1760. Mercy Lytton is the offspring of a captive white mother and a Mohawk Indian. She was raised among the Mohawk tribe but taught about Jesus by her mother. As her story continues, a traitor, Elias Dubois, poses as her husband and they embark on journey of filled with challenges. Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this story. 4 Stars

What a beautiful story! The Captured Bride had my attention from beginning to end and did not waiver once. This is a wonderful and unpredictable story with so many twists and turns. Griep created not only a memorable story, but also a character that makes an immeasurable impact on its reader. A definite must read!

I truly enjoyed reading book 3 of this series. A historical romance series that you can read as a stand alone book since each book in written by different authors. They all touch upon faith. The themes are about forgiveness, trust, love, faith, family and understanding.

This book introduces Elias Dubois a so-call traitor and Mercy Lytoon a scout that was raised among the Mohawks. The story takes place during the French and Indian War of 1760. These two are brought together to get the gold Elias had to the British. Elias is a spy and needs to find a way to escape and finish his mission. Things will happen along this journey that could jeopardize people’s lives and the safety of the nation. They are both different in many ways but they have similar beliefs that will bring them to work together but will they path way or start a new journey together.

I enjoyed the writing and recommend this book. If you enjoy historical romance novels that have some aspects of faith you should add this to your TBR pile or if you want to venture in a different genre this might be once to consider.

The Captured Bride is the third book in the Daughters of the Mayflower and my favorite so far in the series.

The book started off strong, but it was the second half of the story that was nearly unputdownable. I didn't expect the story to get so intense, but I loved it when that happened. I didn't know what was going to happen and wanted to just keep reading. :)

I liked how the romance built over time. It was sweet and I enjoyed reading it. The ending was great and I cannot wait to read the next book. I recommend The Captured Bride if you like this genre.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

I really liked the relationship between Mercy and Elias. Elias has secrets that he will do anything to keep and Mercy is 1/2 White and 1/2 Indian and she has never been one of the girls. When her dad tells her she will pretend to be married to Elias for the mission she becomes stubborn as ever but she gets to know Elias and Elias starts to fall for Mercy. This book was well written and it kept your attention well. I enjoyed this book better than one of the other Mayflower books (can't remember which one it was but it started with a little girl).

Received this book as an ARC for my honest review.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep is the 3rd book in a wonderful series that I’m really enjoying. This one is about a set up of a relationship between a guy and a girl. These two main characters have to agree to an arrangement that will help the ultimate goal come about. They need to take the direction of one another at times and there is battle of the wills being played out. There is an older mentor-type man character that I really enjoyed and watching them journey through this adventure was quite the ride. I liked how the author incorporated the American Indians in her writing of this Historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


Also posted on B&N and CBD

This one ranks right up there with my other favorite by Michelle Griep, The Captive Heart. I love it! This intriguing tale kept the pages turning. And I always enjoy getting a glimpse in to Native American history when it is done right, which this story does.
I received this advance copy from the publisher, but as always, my opinions are my own.

This book is the story of Mercy, half-white, half-Mohawk, who works as a scout during the French and Indian War, and Elias, a French traitor threatened with execution. Both join a plot where they have to act as spouses to each other.

The story is full of historical information about the French-Indian War. It was quite interesting to read since this bit of US history was reasonably new to me.

This is an action packed book from the first page. Never a dull moment.

Mercy is such a strong and brave young woman. I never doubted her abilities to survive the situations she was put in. Yet, we caught glimpses of her vulnerability and her need for help at times.

In the form of Elias.

Another, strong character and I wondered at who he really was. His story is kept hidden and slowly revealed throughout the book.

I loved this early look at America and the things going on in our country so long ago. If you like historical romance you will enjoy this one.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

Of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, this one is my favorite so far. Mercy Lytton is a woman portraying surety while, in reality, she is living on quicksand. She straddles two cultures, both of which have strict expectations of what a woman "should" and "can" do. None of those options ever appealed to Mercy, and so she forged her own way as a guide and a scout. Her incredible eyesight allows her a measure of success in attaining her freedom and independence. But is she so focused on the distance that she will miss what's right in front of her?



Mercy is a strong, determined, and keen young woman of great integrity. She is a worthy role model to all young people.



Elias Dubois is easily one of my favorite characters. At first glance, he appears to be shrouded in mystery. He has been branded a traitor, but he does not carry himself as a traitor might be expected to. He is not shifty, nor manipulative. He is quiet, though. He uses no more words than what is necessary in any given moment. He does not deny that he knows more than he is saying. In fact, he says nothing at all. Elias is my absolute definition of straight forward, and I really loved reading his story.



This is a heartwarming, gripping journey for these two characters. It was an easy one-night read and is one that I know I will return to more than once.

Good read and great adventure! Lots of twists and turns that you never see coming. If you enjoy spies, intrigue, diversion with a little drama and romance then the Captive Bride is a good read for you!

Surprisingly, I received an email saying that because I read The Mayflower Bride, publishers Barbour Books would like me to read another book from The Daughters of the Mayflower series. These books are easy to read and have enjoyable storylines. Let’s just say I was honored to read another book from the series!

Mercy Lytton was raised by the Mohawks and has a keen eyesight for her surroundings. She’s chosen to accompany some men in a risky mission. They are to get a shipment of gold safely into British hands. This gold was stolen from an Elias Dubois, who was thought to be a traitor. Now, Elias is offered freedom in exchange for getting this gold to the French.

Little does Elias know, but the twists and turns expected from such a delivery really do happen and more. Let’s just say Mercy’s keen eyesight is more than for this stolen gold, especially with the likes of Elias around.

Action-packed and full of twists, surprises are around every turn in The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep. Easy to read, this book is a wonderful addition to The Daughters of the Mayflower series.

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep was provided complimentary in exchange for an honest review. I give this book five out of five tiaras! I recommend this book and series to anyone who’s looking for an easy romantic read with Christian connotations.

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