The Cumberland Bride

I absolutely adore this series! (I'm not-so-secretly hoping they add some more to the list as well). I love how the series has been laid out in a way that each of the authors contributing are able to create their own stories that both stand alone, and fit together at the same time. I've been able to read stories from author's I've read in the past, along with being introduced to some that are new to me. Shannon McNear is one of them. Her writing style fit in very well with the series, but it's also peaked my interest to look into more by her.

One character that had me really intrigued throughout the story though was Thomas Bledsoe. His connections (both physical and emotional), to both the "whites" and the Indians really added another layer to the whole story. If his past hadn't been what it was, it would have literally changed the whole book. Often when children learn about history, they hear one side of the story--the one that won out for space in their history books. An entire people can be misunderstood and essentially demonized simply because their side is never considered. Shannon shares some more about this in her author's note at the end, but she shares that she felt it was more important to share something more historically accurate than modernly accepted. I can really respect this. I also was able to learn from it too!

I really felt bad for Kate's character because of how injury-prone she appeared to be throughout the story.  As Shannon shared in her notes at the end, there were a whole lot of dangers and illnesses that travelers faced on their journeys. It certainly wasn't a trip to be taken lightly. Shannon shared that each of the events she had in the story really happened to other travelers, though not all from one story. It's a good thing Kate was a strong young woman, because I would not have enjoyed her journey!

I really enjoyed The Cumberland Bride and I'm curious to see what's next, both for the series and for Shannon McNear! Although the books can easily be read as stand-alone novels, I'd suggest starting at the beginning and reading all of them anyways simply because it really is a great series. I hope you enjoy them too!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to share a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Cumberland Bride is book five in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I have enjoyed each book in this series. I think that each author has done ample research of historical facts upon which to base her novel. This book had a good story line in a period of history and a setting with which I was only vaguely familiar. ( I appreciated the author's notes on where she did her research. )

Shannon McNear created a believable novel about Katarina Gruener's family and the small band of settlers that followed their guide, Thomas Bledsoe, into new and dangerous territory. The preparation was difficult, the travel was difficult, the dangers they faced were at times terrifying, the interpersonal relationships were often challenging, but they all lead to a happy ending.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing.

Another wonderful historical adventure romance in the Mayflower series! One of my favorites in this series so far, this epic road trip begins in 1794 Tennessee and ends in Kentucky as the group travels along the newly expanded Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap.

This well written tale pulled me in and had me holding my breath at times, as the tension mounts later on with perilous situations. The romance is a slow build to a sizzling, sigh-worthy one, well worth the angst. I fell a little in love with Thomas, the strong, brooding sacrificial hero. He was a bit of a Joseph type whose past was the key to the present needs of the moment. A flawed hero whose faith struggles move from doubt to hope and trusting in God as "the Way, the Truth and the Life."
Kate was a sweet, lovely, courageous young woman whose own faith grows through her ordeal, as she clings to the promise that God is with her and never abandons His children. The history is seamlessly threaded throughout the story without any dry narrative. I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end with research highlights.

Historical Christian romance fans will probably enjoy this book. Recommend!

This is the first book I've read in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series and also the first time to read a book by Shannon McNeer, it was an excellent book. You felt like you were right there with the characters of the book. I stayed glued to this book until the very end, it will have you laughing, crying, holding your breath and cheering. I felt she stayed very true to history and I really enjoyed reading the Author's Note at the end of the book. I look forward to reading more of the books in this series and more by this author. I received an ARC copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.

With all of the historical research we've come to expect with a strong dash of Last of the Mohicans, we fall in love with Kate and Thomas.

Thomas has his foot in both worlds. A white man sold and adopted into the Shawnee he doesn't quite belong anywhere. Kate is smart as a whip, enjoys writing, and is incredibly brave--well beyond her time.

The action in the book is about the first treks west as settlers began making their way across the Appalachian mountains to Kentucky. How lucky am I to continue on this generational tale of wholesome, Christian romances?! I cannot wait for more.

The Cumberland Bride is one of my favorites in this series. Sweet with just the right amount of romantic tension, it's the perfect rainy weather romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Shannon McNear, and Barbour Publishing for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is book five in the series and continues with another descendant of the Mayflower, Kate Gruener. It is the late 1700’s and Kate’s family is traveling the Wilderness Road with a guide, Thomas Bledsoe. Through difficult situations, Kate and Thomas get to know one another. Will they become more than friends? Will they be able to face their hardships and survive through this difficult journey to free land? I have really enjoyed this historical series! This book doesn’t disappoint! I highly recommend you read this book and the entire series if you have not read the others. The book was very entertaining and provided the reader with historical content from that time period.
***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.

If you have ever dreamed of going back in time to travel west through the Cumberland Gap, then you should read The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear.  From near drownings to kidnappings to daring escapes from Indians, be sure to prepare yourself for adventure before you read this book. And you should read it because it's an adventure you don't want to miss. Here the top reasons why I recommend this book.

It's very fast paced. You're just escaping one danger with the characters when you find yourself in another danger. 
The descriptions of the areas the group is traveling through is absolutely beautiful. The author gives just enough detail that you can see it without slowing the story down.
The historical aspects of the Shawnee culture, the construction of the Cumberland Gap and traveling west before it was settled are all interesting.
So, pack you bags for the trail, but pack lightly. Only so much will fit on your pack horse.  

I would recommend this book for people who enjoy adventures, especially adventures that take place in historical times. I would also recommend this for those who enjoy sweet romances.

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

The Cumberland Bride is a fabulous addition from the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This fifth installment takes the reader on the Wilderness Road to Kentucky. I enjoyed being taken back in time and experience what it was like for the new settlers the. The danger and adventure was intriguing. I enjoyed getting to know Thomas and Kate and I had to keep reading to find out what would happen to them.
The Cumberland Bride is so far my favorite of the series. I will be looking for more by this author in the future.
I recommend this clean historical and give it 5 stars.

I love books about history. I usually read Regency/Victorian England romance, but i am so glad I started reading Daughters of the Mayflower series. This book is the best so far in my opinion. The descriptions of the land, Indians, pioneers trying to forge their way were incredible. I worried i may become bored by the length, but i was glued to the pages. This story draws you into the lives of all the people in the book and the locations. I am so glad i got this copy to read. Thanks to the author and netgalley.

I was given a copy through netgalley free to read and the opinion i have expressed is my own and freely given.

I will also post reviews on other sites, but was unable due to timing.

The Cumberland Bride is the fifth book in The Mayflower series, which follows the descendants of the Mayflower throughout historical American events. Each book is written by a different author, and this one is by Shannon McNear.

It takes place on the Kentucky Wilderness Road in 1794, a time of great unrest between the frontiers and native Indians. Kate Gruener’s dad is ready to settle his family in the west, where he can get a piece of land. His family and two other families are coming too, and they are being led by Thomas Bledsoe, a quiet scout with many secrets. Kate is the opposite: she loves to get to know people and to find out their stories. Will Thomas be able to resist her persistant prodding when it is acompanied by huge innocent eyes? And there are more dangers down the road...

If I had the time to finish it in one sitting, I would have! The story is very addictive, you just need to know what happens next! Kate is a wonderful character, she is really brave, curious, strong in her faith and adaptable. She can be happy in any situation which is truly a gift. The road has many dangers, and she haa to trust on others a lot, especially Thomas. The romance is a slow burn, set in the time span of many weeks. I absolutely loved it! Thomas slowly opens up and comes to care for this girl, but he has to face his past first before he can truly care for someone. His story arc is very well done and believable. The story of the Indians is woven into this book and I loved that it’s not us versus them but that it is much more complex - and I love that complexity! All in all, I loved this book and I can recommend it very much.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Once again this is a wonderful addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower Series. I was not familiar with Shannon McNear's writing, so I did not know what to expect. Within the first few pages she takes you on an unforgettable journey. Her description of the territory, terrain and the hardships faced, places you right in the middle of Thomas and Kate's adventure.

Ms. McNear develops her characters so well, you feel as if they were real people you want to get to know. I found both Thomas Bledsoe and Katarina, “Kate”, Gruener to be perfect heroes. She is a strong, beautiful, brave young woman, that does not realize her own beauty or charm. Yet she is not perfect, She tends to talk to much and ask too many questions, “only a silly, chattering female”. Thomas makes a wonderful “next book boyfriend”. He is smart, strong, good looking with a secret side to him. He becomes very tender and protective over Kate.

The story, has tender moments as well as lighthearted ones. One of my favorite lines in the novel comes towards the end. “Do you two wish to marry today, or would you rather simply admire each other?” came the older man's voice. Sharing a laugh, both of them blushing a little, Kate took Thomas's hand more firmly and stepped forward to face the preacher.”

I enjoyed Ms. McNear's book. I appreciated the way she brought faith and family morals alive throughout her story. It is quit obvious of her love for history. The research that she has done must be phenomenal. I learn so much from these Historical Romance Novels. Ms. McNear gives us great detail and more information at the end in her credits. If this is an interest of yours, do yourself a favor and take the time to read it. I find myself on the internet researching further.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this book are my own.

This is my third book to read in this series and the first book I've read by Ms. McNear. I enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were believable and I love how the history from other books is included. Kate and Thomas are hardy people that would have been necessary for settling on the Cumberland Road. I love the interactions with the natives that were respectful. I thought the cover was misleading - throughout most of the book, Kate would not have worn such a fancy dress. For that reason, I would give it only 4 stars, although the storyline was an interesting read.

Yet, another incredible addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. The details were so well done that you feel like you are right there in the mist of things. The chemistry between the main characters are very believable and you can't help but fall in love with their story.

The Cumberland Bride
By Shannon McNear
This is the 4th book of the Mayflower Bride series, however, I feel like it could be read as a stand-alone novel as well. This series has been following the Lytton women through the generations. This story follows Katarina (Kate) Grace Gruener during the year of 1794- between the American Revolution and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Jemima Lytton Gruener is Kates mother and Kate’s tie to the Lytton women. Kate’s family hires on a young man to scout their journey from Tennessee to Kentucky. The wilderness between is still a wild land. The settlers during their journey are far and few between with Indian scattered throughout. The journey is not likely to be a simple move and Thomas knows it. His vigilance and focus continue to get diverted by the Gruener family; specifically, by their eldest daughters mishaps. With Kate’s inquiring mind and Grueners quiet and observing personality these two butt heads during their travels until they are forced to work together to save not only themselves but Kate’s family.
This was such a fun read. McNear did such a wonderful job telling this story. The details of the family tree at the beginning and McNears shared notes of the history behind this story were thoughtful touches to make this book stand out. I would have loved to have an added map to trace the travels of this tale. The book was easy to read but hard to put down. Everything worked well coming together and I appreciated the authenticity of the different encounters with the Indians. I think that the only thing I would change is the title. I think The Settler Bride or The Westward Bride would have suited more. But alas this did not affect my desire to read the book. Just something as I read that I thought on.

Shannon McNear did an excellent job keeping my attention. A little adventure and a little romance made it a truly enjoyable read. I always enjoy these historical fiction. This one even made me get my tablet out and do a little searching to find the path the family took. So far I've enjoyed this entire series! I'm looking forward to the next one.

This was another book in the series The Daughters of the Mayflower, these authors came together to create. Another fun adventure through the new world. Kate and Tom were more different than similar in almost every aspect. He's wild at heart and she's a writer who enjoys listening to others tell their stories. All that changes when their paths intertwine on the way to good ole Kentucky! Natives, settlers, militia, and more ride along with us on this grand tale of travel, escape, and return. You won't want to miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Cumberland Bride was my first book by Shannon McNear and won't be my last.. I chose to read this book because I enjoyed all the previous books in the series. This one did not disappoint. What I enjoyed most was the thorough research the author did to write a realistic and historically accurate tale.This page turner is filled with adventure, faith and romance. Two quotes I loved, that the heroine Kate stated in the book: 'Each person has their own story." "What makes folks who they are.". An important theme throughout the book and one I hope to incorporate in my life is to get to know the stories of the people in my life. As the author writes "Life is too short, too- fragile- and we leave so little behind. If it is in your heart to say something of our own story , for others to perhaps better understand our lives..."

This series just keeps getting better and better. I read 60% of this book in one day. It is that good. I would give this one 4 1/2 stars.

It is the story of a guide, Thomas Bledsoe, who takes the Gruener and Jenkins families from Virginia to Kentucky, through the Cumberland Gap. But it is Kate Gruener, who captures his eye. Even though he is determined not to let a woman cry over him as he is undetermined in what his future may hold. But it is Kate's inquisitive nature that brings him to the point of whether he cannot live without her. The trials along the way also bring them closer, especially once Thomas is confronted by some Shawnee Indians, who appear to be from his very secretive past. As he vowed never to let a woman cry over him, it is exactly what he has to do, to survive.

This is the latest in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I think the stories are building, each one getting better and better. This could be read as a stand alone, as it does not really tie into previous books, only the mention of her grandparents who came over on the Mayflower. I would recommend it to all who is reading this series, those that are interested in settlers coming though the Cumberland Gap, and how those trials brought the unrest with local Indians. Cannot wait for the next book to come out.

I received this from Netgalley, Barbour Publishing, Inc, and author Shannon McNear for my honest review.

I loved this story. The story flowed well and it was very difficult to put it down. I could see the mountains as Kate and Thomas made their way across them. Kate was a strong independent woman that found a way to make things work out. Thomas was a man of mystery and a heartbreaking past. I loved getting to know each one as they and Kate's family traveled. This story addressed the friction between the Native Americans and the settlers as the white's started to move westward into Native American territory. I enjoyed learning more about the history of the United States. The growing feelings between the couple was evident and delightful to read. I loved how they each fought their attraction to one another. I would recommend this book to those that love early American history and romance.

'Ah, Lord God! The world You made us very fair indeed.'
If you are a history lover, as I am, this series will please you very much! This one, set in the American frontier, is very well written, with wonderful descriptions of the land, the customs and the people. Very enjoyable and interesting. The romance element was so sweet and the spiritual theme was also very good. Recommended.

*My thanks to Barbour Books for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not required to leave a review and the opinion stated here is entirely my own.

Well written story following Kate and Thomas as they travel the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap, falling in love along the way. This a sweet, standalone HEA historical romance.
I enjoyed this story, engaging with the characters and their trials along the trail, the slow building romance and the realistic touch of the past showing the strength and tenacity of the adventurous people who blazed the trail for a new way of life.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is the latest in The Daughters of the Mayflower series; each book can be read as a stand alone. It is set in 1794 as many settlers move westward and conflicts with the Shawnee and Cherokee, as well as other tribes, are inevitable.
Thomas Bledsoe has been hired as a guide to assist the Gruener family along with others on their trek across the Cumberland Gap to land in Kentucky for a new start. There have been Indian attacks along the route but will that be their greatest hardship? Kate Gruener loves to write though her father believes it is a waste of paper, ink and time. Will his attitude change as she chronicles their adventures?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is a lot of historical details interspersed along with the fictional story to bring the journey to life. The families are Christians but not all of their guides choose to join worship services. Will hearts be changed as the journey continues and the travelers feel they must rely more and more on God? I was very engrossed in this story from the beginning; I was hoping all of the families made the trip successfully. It would be unrealistic and not make for a very exciting story if everything went perfectly so you know there will be mishaps along the way. The characters and their individual flaws are written so that I felt they could be right here telling their story. I give this book a 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Excellent journey!
Kate makes me think of how I was as an older teenager. I was awkward around others my age, since there were few who lived around us, and I thought I was always saying the wrong thing in the wrong way. Like her, my heart was true though and I felt things deeply. And I so loved being out in the woods. The area they travelled through Tennessee and Kentucky was beautiful with rolling hills. I used to imagine how it was for the Indians, for Kate's travelling group they were a current reality. I loved camping, so it's easy for me to imaging pioneers moving to another place to live. But I never like to think of the cruelty of the Indians to those moving into lands they had lived on for generations. I really enjoyed this story, told so well that you easily picture it all. And I like the way the characters think. Kate finding her way to be around their trail guide Thomas, and Thomas sorting out his feelings for Kate and her family, since he missed his own sisters. Dangerous journey requires bravery and cool thinking, all wound up with romance. Christian Historical Fiction

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Author and Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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.”

#TheCumberlandBride #NetGalley

This is the first book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series that I've read. Having read a couple of novellas by this author, I was happy to dive into this novel. It didn't disappoint! I was transported back in time to the backcountry of Kentucky, surrounded by the magnificent landscape, and immersed in the lives of those brave pioneers who risked it all to settle the land.

Author McNear didn't sugar-coat the experience. She drags the reader into a river, over a mountain, and keeps them looking over their shoulder for hostile natives. She also does a very good job of balancing the differences between those natives and the settlers. And one of the things I really like is the author's notes and historical notes at the end. I love learning how much of the story was true.

I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book and am under no obligation to post a positive review. The above review reflects my honest opinion of this novel.

The series how focuses on the fifth and six generations of the Lytton family who are now migrating in 1794 from Tennessee to Kentucky. The westward expansion movement is taking place. The main characters are Kate Greuner and her family who are traveling westward with two other families guided by Thomas Bledsoe, a frontiersman who had been taken as a young man by the Indians and spent 2 years with them before his release.

Kate is an independent young woman who dreams of love and romance and loves to read books and write in her journal. She thinks she is prepared to travel to Kentucky; but, sadly, doesn't understand how difficult that will be as the roads are too rough for wagons, and she'll be walking most of the way. Thomas Bledsoe isn't sure how this small group will do as he knows there is Indian unrest and may be trouble along the way. When Kate continually finds herself having one problem after another, Thomas seems to always be there to help her out of trouble.

Kate and Thomas are well developed, interesting characters who both grow and mature during their travels. The secondary characters round out the storyline. McNear's historical research was obvious in her knowledge of the interactions and feelings between the native Americans and the whites who were taking over their lands and hunting grounds. It was interesting to see how well Kate was treated by the Indians when they discovered that she was connected to Thomas Bledsoe known to them as Eyes of Sky. The idea of an Indian adopting a white to take the place of a member of their family and how well the honored them was somethng I did not know about.

Another good read in the Daughter of the Mayflower series.

The daughters of Mayflower series is not for the faint-hearted! It is full of adventure and history, and, the casualties of both. The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse opens with Faith losing her parents, and whilst loved and cared for, her life doesn’t get easier. The looming war draws her into the role of messenger between a spy and the Loyalists, a dangerous and precarious position. Getting to know Faith and Matthew is interesting as is the historical context. To keep fighting for what they believe in, they both go above and beyond as do their friends. I found this one a slightly slower pace than the others in the series but beautifully written. A five out of five and, I eagerly await the next one!

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear, and the fifth installment of the Daughters of the Mayflower series is outstanding. Perhaps I’m biased as I love history, romance and intrigue; this novel has it all and then some.

Kate Gruener is travelling with her family further west in order to claim land and finally build the farm he dreams of. It is 1794 and the family, which includes Kate’s parents and her younger siblings, must traverse the Kentucky Wilderness Road to reach their destination. Due to the roughness of the roads and it’s mountainnes terrain, there are no wagons, just pack horses that carry only that which they need to survive the trip. Furniture, tools and the like we’re sold before leaving on the trip; they will build new.
Without wagons, the travelers all walk with the exception of the youngest children.

Not only is it a dangerous trip in the terms mentioned, the Shawnee are very restless and news of the slaughter of other travelers reaches Kate and her family. Thomas Bledsoe, a scout, has been hired by Mr. Gruener to see the family safely through the Kentucky Wilderness Road. Ever diligent, Bledsoe becomes distracted by Katie’s determination to learn his story, something he does not want to share. The other distraction is Katie herself and her penchant for ending up in the most precarious situations. When Katie injures her foot, he orders that she must ride and gives up his own spirited horse to see that she rides.

Despite Bledsoe’s every effort to protect those he’s been paid to lead, something happens that forces him to reconsider his own life plans. Katie finds herself growing beyond the immature thinking of a young women, to one who has been tried,becoming stronger and wiser in the process.

Highly recommended. I could not put it down.

Thomas was partially raised by Shawnee Natives in his teens. He Guides to a pioneering group of settlers, with Kate's family in it, over the dangerous Cumberland Gap Trail, into Kentucky. Kate & Thomas fall in love. Then a Shawnee raiding party kidnap Kate & take her back to their village. Can Thomas use his knowledge of the Shawnee to rescue Kate? How does God use this experience, to draw Thomas into a relationship with Him? How does Kate become the Cumberland Bride?
Shannon McNear has created an Outstanding, & Engrossing Christian Historic Romance! You Really Need To Read "The Cumberland Bride: Daughters of The Mayflower Book 5". I couldn't put it down, until I finished it. I'll definitely be checking out SM's other stories!
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley, & voluntarily chose to review it.

THE CUMBERLAND BRIDE by SHANNON MCNEAR is a historical novel that takes place in 1794
Katarina Grace Gruener is a young woman who loves to write in her journal and is always asking the people she comes across for their stories. When her father hires Thomas Bledsoe to lead their family to the land he has acquired in Kentucky, Thomas finds Kate and her relentless questions irritating, especially with his responsibilities towards the families he is leading on the wilderness trail.
Thomas had been captured and adopted by the Shawnee Indians, and is not quite sure where his loyalties lie, whether to his sisters and family or to his adoptive Shawnee family.
The novel is full of twists and turns and the characters are believable.
It is an interesting story with good Christian content.
I was given a free copy of the book by Barbour Publishing from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Cumberland Bride is the fifth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. It can be read as a stand alone, as the book are tied together through a connection in the Lytton family tree. This series is unique because most of the books are written by a different author. I have read all of the books so far and have enjoyed being introduced to authors that I was previously unfamiliar with. The Cumberland Bride may be my new favorite of the series. It is hard to choose between this novel and The Captured Bride, by Michelle Griep. Both follow a similar premise: boy meets girl, boy and girl travel through wilderness, boy and girl face hardships, boy and girl fall in love, but the stories themselves differ in time period and are both marvelous. If you are in the mood for a good romance, this is the book for you! I read it in less than 24 hours and found it nearly impossible to put down! The characters were likable, the descriptions vivid, the story line was engaging and well researched. This book would make a great movie as I felt transported in time and like I was travelling along the Wilderness Road with the Gruener family. Shannon McNear hit this one out of the park!

The Cumberland Bride will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer October 1, 2018.

Thank you Barbour Books and Net Galley for the free copy of The Cumberland Bride. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Cumberland Bride is a great addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Set in the colonial era (1794) and Indians, how could you go wrong? The story took me just a little bit to get in to, but once I did, it grabbed me and I didn't want to put it down.

This is the first book I've read by Shannon McNear, so now I'm going to have to check out her other books. I highly recommend The Cumberland Bride as a stand alone or as part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series.

I received this book from Barbour Books via NetGalley. These are my honest opinions and views of the book.

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

Love and suspense on the Wilderness Road as Thomas guides Kate and her family through the Cumberland Gap to Kentucky. In 1794 after the Revolutionary War, thousands of settlers poured into the western lands inhabited by Native American tribes. This is the first novel I have read by this author and I am impressed with her research as well as her ability to make her characters come to life. Having personally visited the Cumberland Gap and viewed the awesome scenery, I enjoyed the author’s descriptions which I think are spot-on! This entry in the Mayflower Brides series is one of my favorites—highly recommend it.

I’ve enjoyed every book in the “Daughters of the Mayflower” series.

I loved Shannon McNear’s addition to this series. She did some great research and incorporated historical facts to make this story believable. (Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end of the book.) Kate was a delightfully imperfect heroine and Thomas was the perfect match for her. There’s quite a bit of action and adventure all through this book and I wanted to keep reading to see how things were finally going to work out for this couple, and for Kate’s family, as they made the dangerous journey to their new home in Kentucky.

This is a clean, sweet book with no foul language or embarrassing scenes. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series and I’ll also be watching for Shannon McNear’s next book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Cumberland Bride was an interesting book that kept a great amount of history along with enough fiction to keep my attention. While a number of books have been written about the journeys that were taken by pioneers to new lands, this is the first that I have read that did not go west of the Mississippi River. I appreciated the history that was incorporated into the book and the different experiences that these pioneers faced. The usual details were not in this book which I also appreciated. It was great to have a different perspective coming more from the single daughter than just a basic subjective view of the travels west that is so often part of fiction. This is a definite read and I look forward to the other books from this series.

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is excellent both in spiritual and historical lessons. Thomas reminded me in some ways of the Prodigal Son. I loved that the author showed how God works in our lives for our own good, drawing us to him and how scripture applies to every part of life. I enjoyed reading the history of the Kentucky pioneers since my ancestors were of German English decent and settled in Kentucky by the 1770’s. This book may have been close to their own story. The characters were well developed, descriptions of the scenery and the hardships of the journey through the wilderness were exceptional. I hope to read more historical books in this excellent series by this author and others. My thanks to the author, Barbour Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this Christian Historical Romance. In the Daughters of the Mayflower Series.

This book almost seemed like a fairytale. Not that there's anything magic or supernatural, just that Thomas almost seems like the long-lost prince who must rescue his peasant princess-to-be from the wicked villain. I loved it. I cannot say enough about how unique it is that each book in this series is written by a different author. It gives a unique voice to each book and Bride, but all are united with themes of adventure, romance, and faith in God. Each book has at least one character who has lost their faith and the danger and impossibilities they face lead them back to God.
Readers get to see significant character development in both Kate and Thomas, and the story is perfectly paced. It is also clear that Ms. McNear has done in-depth research into the time period, as well as Cherokee and Shawnee culture. Good research makes for a great story. This one definitely kept me reading. This series is truly a delight - I recommend it for any lovers of historical fiction, even if you're not typically the romance type, but especially recommended if you are. This series is also completely clean romance - nothing beyond a few stolen kisses.

The Daughters of the Mayflower books have all been great. I enjoyed The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear, book number 5 in this collection. This is also the first book I have read by this author.

As the Gruener family moves west to settle in a less populated areas and make new discoveries they encounter dangers and mishaps. Kate, the eldest daughter, who is an inquisitive young women wants to learn everyone's story. Especially Thomas Bledsoe who is hired to deep them safe on the journey. He has secrets he doesn't want to share. There is action and adventures, challenges and romance.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

It's not every day you get to adventure into the wild lands of America before they were settled and civilized. That's exactly what you get from The Cumberland Bride. McNear's descriptions of the journey along Wilderness Road screams of authenticity as the daily travel is very well outlined and discussed. There is no shortage of danger for Kate and the rest of the group as they cross the untamed wilderness with Thomas Bledsoe as their guide. Kate is inquisitive to the point of distraction for Thomas and her almost constant slew of accidents cause him to fear that Kate will never survive the journey to Gruener's new home. Thomas unwittingly becomes Kate's rescuer through her many mishaps and a tentative bond is formed.

I had a fabulous time tromping across the Wilderness Road with Thomas, Kate, and the other members of their party. Kate shows courage and dignity in spite of the circumstances that continually heap upon her. She leans on the strength of God in the face of her fear, never giving up faith. Kate has a strength of character that was probably a requirement to survive but lends a depth to the story at the same time. She is no hysterical female flailing about while waiting on someone to come rescue her. Although circumstances continually put Kate in harm's way, she is never weak, even when no one would blame her for showing a measure of weakness.

Thomas has long since thought that God abandoned him, aligning himself with doubting Thomas from the Bible. However, it is the circumstances that pushed him away that will ensure his being in the right place at the right time when Kate needs him most. He tries to keep his distance from her, but it is soon evident that avoiding her completely will be impossible.

There are often times when we feel as though God has abandoned us, just as Thomas felt. What is hard to accept is that God never went anywhere, we did, and all we have to do is return to Him. The Cumberland Bride is a great story of faith, redemption, and courage in the face of your greatest fear. I enjoyed that I could not predict what would happen next. I had an idea of the climax and I was accurate in my assumption, but the events leading up to it were a constant mystery. The plot moved at a steady pace that never felt slow or overly rushed, it was just a nice progression from event to event. The amount of research that went into this book in order to accurately document the foliage, terrain, characters, and the journey itself deserves a commendation. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical, adventure, and romance in their books.

I really enjoyed this story and the bit of suspense towards the end. This story takes place during a less known period of American history. It would have been nice to have a little more background on the Whigs, Tories, and Hessians from The Revolutionary War period. I think it would have made some of the plot a little stronger.

The books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series keep getting better. The Cumberland Bride is my favorite so far. I enjoyed the perilous journey taken by Thomas and Kate, and because of the level of historical detail, at times I felt as if I was along with them (although I'm really glad I wasn't!). I also thought the pacing of the romance was just right--not too soon but not so far into the book as to be boring. My only complaint is that I wanted to know more about a few things.

I look forward to the next book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, and while I wait, I think I'l check out a book by Shannon McNear!

A book like this one is why I fall in love with Historical Romance all over again with every additional book I read in this genre. I’m thankful for the many generations that came before us whose courage and bravery greatly exceeded the limitations they faced each and every day. I’m so very thankful for our fictional heroine, Katarina Gruener, who chose to keep a journal of her experiences and that our hero, Thomas Bledsoe, was most content discovering new places on the back of his horse surrounded by the nature that he so loved. I love Kate’s character because she’s inquisitive which makes her a natural born storyteller and she’s fearless under the most harrowing circumstances. And Thomas is the quintessential hero because he’s brave, intelligent and highly skilled and our country was founded by men who are just like him. I really enjoyed these fascinating characters and the wonderful storytelling of this fine author. I read an early copy of this book provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

This book was an excellent read! I love that this book is a wagon train book. There is romance but there is also much knowledge about Indians, wagon trains and the great land of the East. I enjoyed many of the characters but my favorite was definitely Kate! This book kept me engaged from the first page to the last. There was so much to love about this book!

Kate Gruener and her family are moving to Kentucky. Her father has hired Thomas Bledsoe, a post rider, to guide them through the Cumberland Gap. Thomas is concerned that Kate might not be strong enough for this journey and keeps an eye out for her. This is the story of their journey. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Overall, I liked this book. The author has done a lot of research and there is a lot of history interwoven in this book. Being from Kentucky, I am amazed on how long the travel was then compared to now. The travelers faced danger in threats from Native Americans and from the environment. The romance was sweet and gradually grew through the story. I enjoyed reading this book.

I so heartily enjoyed the adventures (and misadventures) of The Cumberland Bride! The plot and characters all made for a fully-immersive trip back in time that captivated me & just made for the perfect autumnal read. I felt Kate Gruener and Thomas Bledsoe’s characters had the perfect amount of clashing and driving each other mad, but opposites attract thing going for them.

*I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

So I read this book quickly! Not because it was short, but because it was quite riveting and kept me wanting to know what happened next. I really enjoyed it and also have enjoyed the previous books of this series. It's a great historical series and each book makes me hope the next one will be coming soon.

Kate Gruener, daughter of a Mayflower mom and a Hessian Mercenary soldier is heading through the Cumberland Gap. Not an easy journey for a proper gal. As she meets and comes to know their guide, Thomas Bledsoe, adventure and danger seems around each corner.

I know that if you are a reader of historical fiction, this will be a book you will love.

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

I enjoyed this book and it’s portrait of early America. I have read a couple of the books in this series and so far they have all been very different so don’t feel you have to read them in order. You can easily jump into any of them that appeal to you. Kate is a dreamy young girl who is moving west with her family. She is a very sweet good girl. Thomas has been hired by her father as the scout to help lead her family in their journey. Neither character is interested in anything romantic but fate has other ideas. Their relationship builds very understandably as the story moves forward.

I really enjoyed the portrait of the family’s journey. Most accounts I have read linger on the hardships but Kate sees the beauty around her. Her appreciation of the journey, in spite of the difficulties, was refreshing. She relies on her faith to see her through as Thomas finds himself turning to faith for the same reason. This book does not make light of dangers a family like her faced. We see the danger in both nature and in the form of Indians. The author does an even handed job of describing the Indians as both brutal and kind in their own ways. This was a quick enjoyable read. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Travel the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap with Kate Gruener, her parents and her younger siblings! Kate loves to keep a journal and record interesting life stories of others but her father forbids her to do so. Kate is curious about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe, as she feels he has a story in his past. When Kate's horse slips off the trail into a river, Kate and her youngest brother are rescued by Thomas which makes Kate's parents look at him more kindly! Thomas does not want a woman crying for him so fights his attraction for Kate until they are captured by Shawnees! The Cumberland Bride is book #5 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and one of the best so far! This was my first book by Shannon McNear but she did an excellent job. I highly recommend The Cumberland Bride to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of The Cumberland Bride through NetGalley and Barbour Books. This is my honest opinion.

Romance on the Wilderness Road in the Late 1700s

Kate Gruener and her family are waiting for a group of settlers to travel west across Kentucky where her father wants to settle on the new rich land. Traveling in groups was necessary because of the ever present danger of a Shawnee uprising in addition to accidents and the natural dangers along the trail.

The first time Kate sees Thomas Bledsoe he is a rider carrying post west. When the family is finally ready to move on with a group of settlers, she’s surprised and pleased to see that Thomas has been hired as their guide. She is fascinated by him, and as they travel west tries to learn his story. Accidents and danger bring them close, but a confrontation with the Shawnee calls for all the faith and skill they can muster to survive.

If you enjoy tales of settlers heading west with a good dollop of romance, you will enjoy this book. The history is accurate and the description of the Kentucky wilderness is well done. Kate is a courageous heroine. You can’t help but like her and sympathize with her desire to learn more about Thomas. He is the prototypical frontier man. He enjoys being alone in the wilderness and fears that any woman who loved him would end up in tears.

This is the fifth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each book illustrates a time period in US history with heroes and heroines appropriate for the time. This book can be read as a standalone. There is no essential background contained in the previous books.

I recommend this book. It’s a captivating look at settlers moving west in the late 1700s.

I received this book from Barbour Publishing for this review.

The author writes in such a descriptive way that it makes the reader feel included. I could picture the travelers and the places they traveled. I loved Kate and her personality. Thomas' struggle with God was very believable after all he had been through. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand a lone. The author's note gives a full picture of the historical time period and what we happening in Kentucky during this time period. Highly recommended!

This is another wonderful book in the Mayflower Bride series. I love how the books in this series are written by a variety of authors because it gives me a chance to complete a series and still experience different writing styles by reading new-to-me authors. Shannon McNear was one such author and I'm now looking forward to reading more of her books.  Her contribution to the Mayflower Bride series is book #5, The Cumberland Bride, and it follows in line with the historical path these books take.

Kate and her family, along with others, take a chance on a new life. They pack onley their necessary belongings and begin a journey from Tennessee to Kentucky. They travel the newer Wilderness Road. They know travelling through the Cumberland Gap won't be easy, but they're determined and rely on the knowledge of their guide, Thomas Bledsoe.

The journey is treacherous and often unsettling. As the unexpected happens, Thomas clings to his faith while Kate grows in hers. The journey is not only a physical relocating, but for Thomas, he wonders what to do with his life and his heart. Thomas is not always on the up and up about his past; yet, it's his past that comes in handy as a guide.

If you've followed The Mayflower Bride series, this book is just another wonderful addition.  You can read any of these books out of order and still read a great book, but I recommend that you read them in order for the historical timeline.

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

Several years ago, Thomas lived with the Shawnee for two years following his capture. When he was traded and returned to his sisters who had been grieving him, leaving a Shawnee woman grieving him instead, he declared that he would never again put himself in a position where a woman might be left grieving his loss. But he finds that he no longer quite fits into the 'white man's world', and works as a post-rider and scout in the wilderness. Kate and her family are moving west with a group of others to take up new land, and her father employs Thomas to scout for them on the dangerous journey. Kate is intrigued by the mysterious scout from the start, but finds him fairly prickly and often taciturn, though willing enough to get her out of scrapes. Then circumstances throw them together in a way that means Thomas is forced to decide how he really feels about Kate, and each must dig deep for the courage to face danger - together or apart...

I know very little about this sort of time period, and have read very little about Indians, but I was intrigued by the presentation of the Shawnee in this book - and interested to discover the basis for it in the historical note at the back. All in all, I think this might actually be my favourite of the series so far. This is the first book I've read by this particular author, but I hope it won't be the last, because I found her writing to draw me in and keep me involved in the story. My main quibbles would be that it felt like she was the only one in the party that ever had anything go wrong, which didn't seem quite fair, and his doubts about God seemed to just vanish for no reason. Nevertheless, well worth reading.

Characters: I cared about them, and felt for them in what they had to deal with.
Storyline: Held together well, and I appreciated the historical note at the back with further background information.
Content and language: Clean, some violence but nothing graphic, language good.
Message: A background message to rely on God, a bit of a discussion of God and suffering, but nothing very extensive, and problems not really solved, just moved past.
Rating: 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Another great novel in the Mayflower Brides collection! Well written and it fit in with all the others very well. This is my first Shannon McNear book, so I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was quite pleased.

The Cumberland Bride follows a family that's traveling west and must cross the Cumberland Gap. Kate is the eldest daughter of the Gruener family and she loves recording peoples stories, which gets her into trouble more than once. The family has hired a scout, Thomas Bledsoe, to help keep them safe on their journey and Kate believes he has quite a story to tell.

Thomas likes to keep to himself, preferring quiet to the noise of the group. He's lived a difficult life and it's led him to be angry with God. But the difficulties of the journey find him taking care of Miss Gruener more than once and she tends to turn his head continually!

Their story is a beautiful one, with the love of family (both blood and adopted), the love of God, and their growing romance. I enjoyed The Cumberland Bride from beginning to end and find myself anxiously awaiting the next book in this fantastic series!

I have read all of the Brides of the Mayflower series and have enjoyed them all. I love to read Christian Historical fiction.......This book opens in 1794 in Tennessee and ends in Kentucky as the group travels along the newly expanded Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap. The characters are well formed and very believable and so interesting. If you enjoy reading of the perils that a wagon train encounters with Indians and sickness and other dangers along the trail, then you will surely love this one. Of course with romance added and a happy ending, then this book is definitely one you will want to read.......  An e-book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was the first book I read in this series and I will be looking for the others to read. Such a wonderful book. It was hard to put down. Fantastic characters and great story. I’ll be recommending this one as a book club read!

A perilous journey

My rating is 4.5 stars

The language of The Cumberland Bride conveyed me into the late eighteenth century. T’was the careful selection of every word, in the conversation and in the narrative. It struck me that not many historical novels have so consistently carried the speech of the day throughout the entirety of the book quite as well as this one did.

The descriptions were so vivid and colorful. They not only evoked a wonderful mental image of the beauty of the Cumberland Gap, they had me feeling the dampness of the mist, smelling the richness of the spring and hearing the sounds of the forest. My emotions were filled with the strength of Kate’s steadfast faith and Thomas’ concern about the uncomfortable relations between the “Indians” and the settlers.

Author Shannon McNear very obviously cared about presenting the Indians in an honest light. Though there were incidents of violence in the story (not described with detail that would offend the squeamish – like me), there was no sense that the Indians were bad and the settlers were good. She did, in fact, point out that the Shawnee often adopted those they captured and truly made them family. While kidnapping someone to adopt them isn’t exactly a practice encouraged by polite society, it certainly shows a different side than the one most often portrayed. I was very touched by a comment she made in the Historical Notes:

While digging into the history of the Shawnee people, I’ve ended many a research session in tears, begging God’s mercy on those of us who did not know, who cannot change history, but who must find a way to go forward and seek peace “as much as lieth in you,” with those around us.

There is a restless watchfulness in the beginning that follows Kate’s family as they embark on their multi-week journey to their new home in the West. Though there is not much action at the onset, the pace of the story is perfect to create the sense of the weariness of the journey and the frustration over the minor incidents that caused so much inconvenience.

As I mentioned earlier, Kate’s faith was very admirable. Even when things were looking very bleak, she clung to her hope in the Lord in a way that I hope I will always be able to emulate. Thomas had not exactly abandoned his faith, he just didn’t believe that God cared particularly about answering his prayers as a result of tragic experiences he had lived through. I loved reading about his spiritual journey back to the Lord.

This was a fascinating account of an era of history that is not as often portrayed in fiction: the westward migration in the days when Kentucky was far to the West.


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads


I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

The Cumberland Bride may be my favorite book so far in this series. Kate and her family travel through the Cumberland Gap to settle in Kentucky. Her father hires scout, Thomas Bledsoe, for added protection from Indian attacks. Kate is a brave and strong heroine but manages to fall (quite literally a times) into several predicaments. Thomas is there, reluctantly at first, to help her up. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow from just tolerating each other to something more. There is plenty of adventure in this book to keep one's interest.. In fact, I was quite sad when the book ended.

The setting of the latest Daughters of the Mayflower starts out at Bean's Station, Tennessee in the year 1794. Thomas Bledsoe hires on with the Gruener family to move them across the Wilderness Road to Kentucky where they have purchased land. What follows is a tale of adventure, mishaps, Indian threats, secrets kept & revealed, family ties, and two hearts falling in love!

I really enjoyed this story! McNear wrote in it such a way as to engage the reader with all five senses. I felt like I followed along with the traveling party who set out to make a new life in a new land. Seeing for the first time through their eyes how the terrain changed, the emotions they felt, the camaraderie between scout leaders & family units. You could feel the excitement crackle in the air as they make their way in anticipation and also trepidation as the threat of Indian attack ever increases. As for the characters, the author creates each one with flaws like ourselves and inner struggles. Thomas carries a secret past while Kate grapples with negative feelings that can overwhelm her at times. They also fight growing feelings between them for reasons the reader will learn as details unfold. I really loved the rest of the Gruener family and you can see their devotion, strong ties and love between each member. I also enjoyed seeing history come to life. I think that's my favorite thing about the books in this series! Watching how our great nation was formed and getting to know the people who made it happen. Each author has done a fantastic job in the retelling and I am impressed with McNear's contribution. Well-written, engaging, wonderfully detailed, fleshed out characters, rich historic details and love found in hardship make for an adventure the reader doesn't want to miss!

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

A wonderful romance!! When Kate's father decides to move the family west, she sees it as another grand adventure! As they travel the Kentucky Wilderness Road, Kate finds herself drawn to their guide, Thomas Bledsoe. He is supposed to be leading them all safely to their destination, but the curious Kate proves a dangerous distraction. There is an ever present threat of danger from the native Shawnee. Thomas tries to stay aware of the way things are going and feels a conflict is eminent. Just how close is Thomas to the Shawnee? Just how strong is Kate? You'll have to read it to find out...

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear is a fabulous Christian historical novel and the fifth book in The Daughters Of The Mayflower series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
History comes alive for the reader as we journey with those early pioneers determined to conquer and settle in new territories. Along the way we encounter Native Americans, mishaps and we catch that pioneering spirit.
The novel shows the bravery and determination of those early settlers in 1794 as they pack up their lives and families, and travel on horseback into unchartered territory. Scouts were hired for their protection and knowledge of the land.
Family is important. They stick together and pull together.
In times of crisis characters turn to God in prayer. They receive internal peace despite external circumstances.
Life has dealt blows. "If God was so great and so merciful, why had He taken Mama?" God does not 'take' anybody out of spite. Illness and disaster happen. God does then receive souls. The school of hard knocks means people move away from God but He never moves away from us. When we cannot see or feel God, we need others to intercede for us. "Help him... know You are with him. Even if he thinks You are not."
The novel shows how God can take bad circumstances and turn them round for good. The reader is reminded that that is exactly what God did for Joseph in Genesis 49. God loves us and wants good things for us but sometimes free will interferes.
Within the story the reader witnesses the delicate relationship between the white and Native Americans. Both are wary of the other as the whites journey into the Native American lands.
The Cumberland Bride is a fabulous read. It is a tale of love, loyalty and a search to belong and be loved. It is a journey of discovery both literally and figuratively.
Absolutely marvellous.
I received this book for free from Barbour publishing on net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

If I had to choose a favorite series, it would be Daughters of the Mayflower. Cumberland Bride is book 5. This series follows a family generation by generation through American history. It is filled with adventure and history. As the title implies this book in the series is written about a family who traveled thru the Cumberland Gap, the gateway to the West.
Cumberland Bride is not for the faint hearted. The author does a great job revealing the difficulties of the journey. This is a very realistic story. Shannon McNear also shares some interesting facts about the Cherokee Indians. I found this fascinating. It was an interesting balance to learn about the massacres but also the kindness the Cherokee’s showed to those who they kidnapped and then adopted.
Cumberland Bride was well written. It captured my attention from the first page to the last. I am not a big romance fan. But I do love history and Cumberland Bride had a good balance of history and romance. I can’t speak for those who enjoy romance. But I can say those who like historical fiction will enjoy Cumberland Bride.
Each and every book in the Daughters of the Mayflower has been enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next in the series. Just a note that each book in the series can be read as standalone. The characters are not the same in any of the books. But I would suggest reading them all. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley

I posted this on Goodreads, Amazon, CBD, and Books a million and are waiting for the confirmed links.

I love this series! Mostly because it can e difficult to find good books set during the colonial period. This is the first book I've read of Shannon McNear's and I thought her writing style, plotting and characters were wonderful. In particular, the relationship between Kate and Thomas was wonderfully written and she writes the historical details very well.

Even before I finished this I knew it would be my favorite book of the Daughter's of the Mayflower series! Wow, and I'm gonna say it again, WOW! Absolutely loved this book!
This book was so rich in historical detail and I just gobbled it up. You want to tell me about the Wilderness Road in great detail, the terrain,weather conditions,native vegetation along the way? You want to tell me about the natives,their habitat,foods,customs, oh yes please I am all ears. I could visualize the story taking place as I read. I need a bit more time to digest this as I am still visualizing it. I am the person who reads a nonfiction historical book for enjoyment like a novel. As far as historical recommendations the author mentions Laura Frantz and Lori Benton, now I have another recommendation if I may, Jocelyn Green. Like the two previous author's her books are well steeped in historical detail. I loved the author sharing about more history of the area and historical filled facts in the back of her book. It's a shame only about one percent of author's research is able to be used in books but I can see how that's possible. Eagerly await what the author puts out next.
Pub Date 01 Oct 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley, thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a beautiful story that is rich in history which captures the essence of a time period that I love reading about. I loved how the author described the terrain that Kate and her family were traveling on. There was threat of Indians around them. Traveling by horses to Kentucky would take courage, stamina and hope.

I enjoyed Thomas and his commitment to Kate's family. It was interesting to read about his connection to the Indians. His ties to them will become very important as danger surrounds the travelers. Kate finds herself in a treacherous situation and her life is threatened when the Shawnee find her in the wilderness.

I loved how the story depicted a true account of how families were willing to travel long distances to find a better life. Thomas takes his job serious and is willing to keep Kate and her family safe. There is an interesting account about Thomas's past that really brought out the historical aspect in the story. Don't miss this captivating story of survival and hope.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing . The review is my own opinion.

The Cumberland Bride is the fifth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I’ve liked that I’ve been introduced to new to me authors in this series as is the case with this one by Shannon McNear. I enjoyed the authors writing and her characters quite a lot, making her book a pleasure to read.

I love the spirit of Katie Gruener, her family and Thomas, who had the job of leading them and other families across the Wilderness Road to their destination. Not as cut and dried as it sounds because he had to keep his ears open for news of a Shawnee unrest.

The dangers travelers faced in 1794 were definitely not for the faint of heart. No, not at all and I’ll just admit that I am not a person who does outdoor type things, so my family would have left me behind. Luckily Katie and her family were much more brave and set out with pack mules and very little of their personal possessions.

The Cumberland bride is a great addition to this historical fiction series and as with the other books, I learned things during this time in history. Full of adventure, danger and a little bit of romance this was one of my favorite books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.
I received a complimentary book from Barbour Publishing through Netgalleyand was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

My Thoughts: The Cumberland Bride is a strong historical novel with a strong plot twist. The depth of research and attention to detail struck me almost immediately. McNear weaves in such an authentic feel to the everyday lifestyle as well as the scenery. I did feel like it took me longer to get into, but once I was hooked, I was WAY in. I don’t want to ruin anything but wow! The plot twist was remarkable and it completely changed the course of the story. I was enthralled by the new tidbits of Shawnee culture that I had never heard of before. And McNear brings all of this together with a strong Christian message of saving faith and living out your faith in Christ. I appreciated all the Scripture she weaved in for the reader.

Rating and Recommendation: I’d recommend this one to Christian Historical fans, especially those interested in Native American stories. I’m giving it 4.5 stars.

~ I received a copy from the publisher. I was not compensated for my review and all thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed this tale of a group of settlers crossing the Cumberland Gap in hopes of starting a new life in an unsettled land. I thought the characters were well drawn. I quickly grew attached to Thomas and felt he was the best drawn of all. He was provided a bit more back story than most of the others so he felt more fleshed out. I would have liked to see a little more to help round out Kate and her persona. The interest and infatuation started slow and didn't really go anywhere for a long while.
"The Kiss" was a bit of a leap but felt like it was about time. I loved all the history and description of the wildlife and fauna of the area. It made me want to look the location up on a map or find pictures or drawings from that time period. There were also lovely Religious elements without it taking over the story or feeling too forced. Thomas's doubt in God and yet his growing need to trust in Him was what really tied the story together.

I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by this author and in this series.

Although I’ve lived in Tennessee for over twenty years, I have not yet visited the Cumberland Gap and pretty much all I know about it is that when the weather turns cold, the forecasters warn that those in that area should expect snow.

In The Cumberland Bride, author Shannon McNear brings to life the majesty and the danger of what could arguably be called the first gateway to the west (before Lewis and Clark forged their trail). The author draws readers in with the dangers surrounding Kate Gruener, her family, and the others in their traveling party. Even something as inconsequential as crossing a river can become deadly in the blink of an eye.

As if the land and weather isn’t enough, the group must also contend with rising tensions between the Indians and the white man. McNear doesn’t skirt the issue of what travelers faced when attacked.

As Kate digs for their guide’s story, he is determined to put distance between them while at the same time desiring to protect and care for the young woman with golden hair like the sunshine.

Another winner in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, and a solid novel from McNear (who is now an author I’ll be watching for more from).

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.

As the Daughters of the Mayflower series unfolds, paralleling America’s history and English colonization, the stories become more compelling and thought-provoking. Several readers have commented on not caring for the first book in the series, but I would encourage them to try the books that follow because they were, in my opinion, more interesting. Also, any of these books can easily be stand-alones. “The Cumberland Bride” takes place in 1794 along the Wilderness Road that ran from northeastern Tennessee to the western Kentucky frontier. That fact in and of itself was enough to garner my interest, since literature focusing on this specific time period and region seems few and far between, at least in Christian fiction.

The story itself is captivating and full of complexities that embellish the plot. McNear does not shy away from supplying details that immerse the reader in the experience, which I appreciate; it is refreshing to read a Christian story that acknowledges the rough side of life and does not hide behind rose-colored glasses, yet remains clean content-wise. The threat of Indian attack and the horrors of such are discussed, but not graphically. Likewise, the deprivation and difficulty of traveling and living in the wilderness forms a large part of the narrative, a stark reminder as to what our ancestors survived. The conditions seem unbelievable now, and I find myself wondering if people 200 years from now will look back and think the same of our lifestyle.

Another aspect of this novel that really shines is the presentation of the characters. Katarina Gruener, the heroine, has obvious flaws and fragility, which makes her truly come to life on the page. I felt added kinship with her in her affinity for writing and recording stories. Her naivete enhances her relatability, and the awkwardness of the burgeoning romance throughout the novel is endearing and true to life. Indian-settler relations are explored from both sides, with Thomas Bledsoe playing a leading role due to his shadowy past, and I valued how the Native American perspective is respectfully offered. The character dynamics are excellent. For anyone who enjoys a historical jaunt full to the brim with adventure and faith, “The Cumberland Bride” is not to be missed.

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

I loved the expansive wilderness setting in this book and the various feelings it gave throughout the story- anticipation and adventure, trepidation and danger. I could relate to Kate as she shows her inexperience in the elements, but also her strength, determination, and grit. Like Thomas, I couldn't help but admire her lack of complaints and selfless attitude. Even though it takes a while for Thomas to warm up to her enough to spark a friendship, she doesn't go unnoticed. I enjoyed learning about his past as a former captive of the Indians and the unique perspective and skills it gave him. The journey begins with a slow but steady pace, but definitely picks up with action and conflict that draws Kate and Thomas closer together. I finished the book with a satisfied feeling, and I think it's a story that would be enjoyed by fans of Laura Frantz and Lori Benton. Highly recommend!

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

I just finished this book last night and....LOVED it!! I wanted to take a chance with an author who is new to me, Shannon McNear, because I thought the book description sounded interesting. I'm so glad I did!

This story had a Last of the Mohicans feel to it, because of the same general time period and setting. Not to mention that Thomas Bledsoe had a definite Daniel Day-Lewis/Hawkeye vibe going on. Totally the masculine hero who had a background with the Shawnee, was an excellent shot, and could track and lead people through the wilderness. He even has the physical traits of a 1700's era scout, with buckskin leggings, long hair, and other markings he gained from living with the Shawnee. I can't help but love the broody male heroes. Swoon! Kate was the heroine in this story. I loved her innocence and strength of character. She had to face many hardships yet wasn't the whiny, complaining female you sometimes see in novels like this. The romantic tension was built up so well. There were some great moments throughout the various stages of the journey between the Thomas and Kate, but also with other characters in the story. This book is part of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, but each book can easily be read alone. I would definitely recommend this one! Below is the list of all the books in the series:

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)​
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)

Personal Takeaway: With God's help, we can persevere through the trials of life and face the hardest moments with peace.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which I did.**

Wonderful, captivating story. From beginning to end, simply could not read it fast enough. Shannon McNear is an amazing story teller. I felt like I was taken back in time reading this. All the descriptions are made so vivid, I felt like I was there. Its a story first and foremost of loving and trusting in God. Two cultures brought together in an uncivilized world. I felt like I was on this journey of the Gruener family traveling so many years ago in an untamed country of wilderness. I so enjoyed the love story of Kate, one of the Gruener children, and Thomas also known as Eyes of Sky - his Shawnee name. The adventure begins in Tennessee and ends in Kentucky. Hard to imagine that most of the trail could not be travelled by covered wagon, so they took pack horses. Can you even imagine traveling this way, much less leaving almost everything you own behind, not to mention all the danger? The author, Shannon McNear, can tell a story like not many can. I didn't want to go into a lot of detail, just wanted to tell enough to make you want to read this amazing part of history. Oh BTW, I am a descendent of William Penn on my dad's side and have Cherokee blood from my mother's side. I only wish history had been this interesting to me 50+ years ago. A must read and I highly recommend "The Cumberland Bride"!

This is an adventure across the Kentucky Wilderness Road. Traveling to their new home we run across Indians, on the road troubles and the rain and mud that comes with the dirt trails. Some hard times, kidnapping and a little romance made this an interesting and sometimes oh no, now what's coming story. Enjoyed every page! "I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, I was under no obligation to post a review." My review is voluntary..

The Cumberland Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower - Book 5 is a book you must read! Loved every part of it!
Favorite character: Thomas! So loved how his story developed!
I love the storyline which involved the Native Americans.
Truly couldn't find any reason to put the books down! You'll love it, too!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own!

The Cumberland Bride, by Shannon McNear, is another in the fabulous Daughters of the Mayflower series. It is a historical fiction series that follows a family tree linked by the daughters across American history from the landing of the Mayflower through the events of World War II. In The Cumberland Bride, the author brings us to Tennessee in the mid-1790s and the reader meets Katarina Gruener, (curious--almost to the point of pestering, warm brown eyes and so full of grit and faith!) and her family following the Wilderness Way through the Cumberland Gap to frontier land in Kentucky. We also meet Thomas Bledsoe, their guide, a man who has determined to live a life alone so as to not "leave a woman cry over me" as he had done with his sisters, a man who does not know who he truly is or where he belongs. Beautifully written, the story draws the readers in right away and keeps their interest high with the struggles and dangers that Kate and her family encounter along the way, as they cross mountains, rivers and are sometimes plagued with dissension in the caravan and are ever on the lookout for Shawnee attacks. The personalities and emotions of the characters are realistic and relatable. The settings are such that the reader can easily visualize and even transport themselves into, feel the desolation of the wilderness with its rutted roads, dusty trails, and dangerous waters. The author adds in a lot of historical information and gives a glimpse of Native American life during this time period and of course, there is a romance--often tension-filled but sweet, none-the-less. The pages of this book were infused with drama, history, family, and emotional tension. and threaded throughout was the soft tender message of God’s love and the reality that there is no hope but in Him, God the Father. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's works and more, as well, in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, a series for those who love stories of history, adventure, romance, and family legacy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.

The Cumberland Bride is set between The American Revolution and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Some families were already traveling west to claim land of their own and forge a new life.

Kate Gruener is traveling to Kentucky with her family. Their guide is Thomas Bledsoe. In the pages, readers get a sense of the difficulties of traveling on little traveled parts of the country and areas where the threat of Indian attack was very real. The author did a nice job of showing how there are good people in a variety of allegiances.

My favorite part of the novel was the sweet and slow romance that developed between Kate and Thomas.

Kate Gruener and her family risk traveling on the Kentucky Wilderness Road and cross the Cumberland gap to get to their promised land. . No wagons used on this trip. The trail was too dangerous for that. They sold everything. They only took what was necessary to survive. These were courageous people with a strong faith in God. Kate’s dad says, “’Tis true. But truth is truth, no matter who speaks it. And God’s mercies are new every morning.”

Kate’s father hires Thomas Bledsoe as a scout for their journey. Kate is fascinated by this man and the stories he didn't share but held them kept tight inside. Kate was a bookish type of girl that liked to journal. She asked everyone lots of questions about their life. She says, “It always seemed the more willing a body was to share their story, the more likely that story wasn’t worth hearing….Each person has their own story…What makes folk who they are.”

Soon after they head out Kate finds herself injured through not fault of her own. It’s the last thing she wanted to slow down their group. I liked Thomas and how he prayed for the people he guided, “If You’re there…I ask mercy. Not for me, but for those I’m tasked with protecting. Protect them, at least. Turn away whatever is out there.”

The book was a little slow in the beginning as the author takes her time in introducing characters and their situation but around chapter 20 the story enters a whole new dimension that reflects the dangers of life in the wilderness. The story takes a surprising turn. I couldn’t get enough of this entertaining and believable tale. It kind of reminded me of an old movie called Dances with Wolves where the first part of the movie was about the war and then the second part was about Kevin Costner going to the Indian Reservation. He discovers things he was told about the Indians weren't true. That’s how Kate feels as she ponders how she and Thomas could stay alive another day. As they contemplate their future Thomas shares the story he finally feels compelled to tell. She was fascinated to learn how he became the man she saw today. They face unimaginable dangers as unexpected events suddenly pull them apart.

This is book number 5 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series that can be read as a stand-alone. I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series written by different author. I haven’t read anything by this author before it won’t be the last.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/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
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-issues-book-fun-mag

This is the fifth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Another descriptive, historical, romance, this one set in 1794, around the Cumberland, Kentucky area. Once again the author does a very good job of letting us know the characters, and their surroundings, as they traveled the cumberland mountain pass, through to their destination in Kentucky. And the romance never stops from page to page. Throughly enjoyable.

This is book five from the series called Daughters of the Mayflower. I have been hooked on this series from book one. I can read these books within days as I can't put them down. They take me back to a time when Americans really struggled. Each book is written in a different time period in American history.

This book is based in 1794. Kate and her family are moving to western Kentucky. Their journey and what Kate discovered about herself and others is detailed in this book.

I highly recommend this book as well as the others.

Great job!

I cannot say enough good things about the Mayflower Brides series! This is the first book I have read by Shannon McNear, and it did not disappoint! The research was thorough, and the book was full of action-packed adventures and tender moments. Absolutely outstanding! I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I really love historical fiction and I love the time and setting for this book. It was such a time of turmoil and unrest as white settlers continued in their westward movement, pushing into the lands inhabited by the Shawnee and other Native American tribes. Tensions were high and I could really feel that in this story.

This story has a really slow start and I was beginning to get impatient but I'm glad I stuck with it because once I reached about halfway through, things really began to pick up and I was completely engrossed. I loved Thomas and his unique upbringing that gave an inside look into the Shawnee and their point of view. There was such a feeling of adventure and danger throughout the whole story, especially in the last half. Kate is an interesting character with her desire to document people's lives and stories. She is brave, uncomplaining, and kind. She compliments Thomas fantastically and it was awesome when he finally realized it.

I would give the first half of this book 3 stars, the last half 5 stars. So, I guess that makes it a solid 4 stars from me.

Content: some violence, mild peril, kissing. This is a Christian fiction book, a bit heavier on the Christian elements.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kate and Thomas’ story was excellent. It was my favorite so far of the Mayflower Bride Series. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Kentucky and Cumberland areas. The struggles the settlers faced are unimaginable to us today. I’m so glad the way the author portrayed the Indians as well. It seemed like a well written, well researched book. The love story woven within the pages was very sweet. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views expressed here are my own.

Why can't I give this book 10 Stars?! It's SO good!!!

The Cumberland Bride (2018) by Shannon McNear is the fifth novel in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 256 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy six-year old at home, this novel took me three days to read. I received a copy of this book in eBook form from the publisher, Barbour Books. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give The Cumberland Bride 5+++ STARS. This novel is Historical Christian Romance at its BEST!!!

I have greatly enjoyed the Daughters of the Mayflower series. The Cumberland Bride is one of the BEST stories in this series to date! The Cumberland Bride is beyond good. I was so thoroughly engaged in this fabulous story that in those moments I was interrupted in any way (darn you empty tea cup!!!), I was frustrated to have to put the book down. The Cumberland Bride is without a doubt a must-read for 2018!

I genuinely loved everything about this story. The writing is flawless — pages just flew by. The plot is highly engaging and I felt like I was right there with Kate and her family as they were traveling into wild lands untouched by civilization. It was exhilarating, stunning, and scary. The setting of The Cumberland Bride is gorgeous. I had to stop often to do Google searches so I could visualize the landscape McNear describes. After all my Google searches, I have realized that “gorgeous” isn’t a strong enough word to describe the Wilderness Road. And, by far, the best part of The Cumberland Bride is the relationship between Kate and Thomas. It is one of the best romantic relationships I’ve read in a while. I won’t say more than this so I don’t spoil a thing, but Kate and Thomas’s road to love filled my reader’s heart to near bursting. I am left thoroughly satisfied by the genuineness, sweetness, and passion between the hero and heroine. The Cumberland Bride is a superb Christian Romance.

What I really like about both Kate and Thomas’s characters is their propensity to ask God the tough questions. It’s very realistic to me because in my lifetime there have been many moments where I’ve cried out to God and asked Him some really heavy-duty things. My favorite moment involves Kate asking God, “Why? What profit was it that [I] had been spared?” I appreciate this line of questioning because there was a moment in my life when I was near death, but God spared me. I have asked God why He felt the need to spare my life when I know for a fact that the illness I suffered from has taken the lives of many women. What made me so special that my family was spared the pain of losing me, but other families have not been?

Sometimes, these tough questions go unanswered, or are given a response later on in life. And, in Kate’s case, her questioning goes unanswered. I think this is because these are the wrong questions to ask. God wants us to focus on something else. And, Kate realizes this a short time later. Just one page over, Kate’s baby brother crawls into her lap, which reminds Kate that, “Circumstances could so easily be different, and every breath [is] precious.” God has our steps planned and knows the day of our return home to heaven. We have to trust God on this fact and let it be. What we should be focusing on is not “why am I spared,” but on how precious a gift every moment of our lives is. We should not squander a single second of our lives or the lives of those we hold so dear. We all need to remember that Time is a major blessing from God.

The Cumberland Bride is such an excellent read that I cannot recommend it enough. This story is such a blessing. I am sad that my time with Kate and Thomas is over. If you are looking for a book that has a great plot line, an amazing historical setting, and endearing and well-written characters then this is the book for you! I highly encourage you to purchase a copy to enjoy today.

I enjoyed this historical adventure story. This book is the next book in the Daughters of the the Mayflower series by Barbour Publishing. Each of these stories has been unique and focuses on a different time or place in history, but follows a family lineage. This book followed Kate Gruener and her family as they travel to settle in the Cumberland Gap area of Kentucky. The story really highlighted the real life experiences and struggles of traveling as a family to a new settlement area. I loved that the author highlighted difficult situations, but didn’t solely focus on the tragedies and heartbreaking things that could easily have made the story heavy and hard to read. I really enjoyed the slowly built relationship between Kate and Thomas as the journey progressed. I am not usually a fan of pioneer type stories, but this one was well written, held my attention, and was driven by the characters more than just their circumstances. This book is a great addition to this series!

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear (Daughter of the Mayflower, book 5)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Shannon McNear presents Daughters of the Mayflower readers with a love story that takes its characters on a journey beyond what they expected – learning courage, faith and love can be found if one is willing to seek after it.

Shannon McNear is a new author to the world of historical christian fiction but I’ve definitely added her to my list of authors to read more from. Her quiet way of writing this story while also including real danger and situations lends credence to the publisher’s assertion that this debut author is on her way to winning awards. I loved the characters she created and their growth along their spiritual and physical journey to Kentucky. Ms. McNear begins her story with a young woman named Kate who is hoping that her own life story will be as adventurous as her father’s. But women are not allowed to be soldiers so she will have to make her mark on the world in another way. She loves to write the history of her family and those who live near them but some history is too dangerous to be recorded without consequences. So she keeps her writing hidden, adding new stories a little at a time. When her father announces that their family will be moving to his newly purchased property in Kentucky, Kate is hoping for a chance to experience her own adventure. Learning that her father has hired a scout for the party of settlers traveling together, Kate also hopes to find the courage to ask him his story given his well-known name. Thomas Bledsoe has been a post rider and scout for the past few years and his ability to deliver news and letters without incident gives him a sterling reputation in the Gap and along Wilderness Road. His capture and subsequent years spent with the Shawnee as a teenager provided him with an understanding of many Indian dialects, a skill that has proven useful over the years. But those years and the ones to follow drilled the untruth that he doesn’t deserve or need a wife’s love deep into his heart and soul. And the faith he held so dearly growing up has been walled up inside his heart. After all, God wouldn’t have let him suffer all those years of loneliness if He really loved Thomas, would He? As Thomas leads the settlers deeper into the territory and further south, he will come to discover there is more to life and people that just what they can take from each other. Finding friendship with Kate’s family and other families of the group, and unwillingly falling in love with Kate will have Thomas searching his heart to determine if his long held beliefs are still true. Kate will learn much from the quiet but skilled scout as well as finding courage to speak her mind. She has been an obedient daughter, willing to help and serve but she will have to learn to accept help and advice when it is offered too. Both Thomas and Kate will find themselves facing their greatest test of faith and courage when they are captured by rogue Indians who take them back to Thomas’s former home with the Shawnee. Fighting the assumptions of some and the anger of others will require them to reach out in love and compassion if they are to make it out alive. But making it out of the Indian camp causes more trouble and they will both have to decide what they are willing to do for the love of the other. This story does not present a new idea, rather it takes an old idea – one of courageous love – and gives it a wonderful refreshment. There are many stories about those settlers who braved the threats of violence to make a home in a new land. And while there were instances of selfishness and greed, the majority of people sought to exist peacefully alongside the Indians who had long traveled those lands. Ms. McNear shows both sides of this story which gives the reader the understanding that one side was not better than the other. She also made it clear that the stealing of land was wrong and that those who participated in it were the cause of much discontent and violence. I was very pleased to see that Ms. McNear gave enough page time to her characters to let them develop well. There was a clear path of learning that each main character walked and it really allowed me to get inside their mind and understand their actions. Both Thomas and Kate grew spiritually as well and Ms. McNear carefully crafted these parts of the story so they were not awkward or unnatural. I was glad to see Thomas’s realization that God had not abandoned him and had been leading him on a path that would bring him to Kate and a life filled with love. Kate moved from a timid young woman to one who would do whatever it took to defend the lives of those she loved. The courage that God grew in her would give her the chance to know both of Thomas’s families and love them. I will certainly recommend this book as well as the series to others as it has been a wonderful journey through history with each successive story. Each book does stand alone but there are some ties that are interwoven that give each book connection to the previous one. I am also looking forward to Ms. McNear’s next story, hoping it will be a wonderful as this one was.

I received this E-book free of charge from Barbour Books/Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

This was my first read of the author's work and I was duly impressed. She writes in such a way that you can visualize the setting and the people. You can tell she has researched this time period and the tensions with the Shawnee; this story felt the most "realistic" out of the series thus far. Although this story follows a descendant of the original Mayflower Lyttons, you don't have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. Admittedly, the first half of the book felt more descriptive as it follows the settlers' daily trials as they journey to Kentucky. However, it was building up the tension as you just know that trouble will come eventually. The second half of the book ratchets up the action and danger as Kate and Thomas are forced to fight for their lives. The romantic tension between Kate and Thomas felt like a simmering pot about to overflow, I couldn't wait for it to be out in the open. I also appreciated the spiritual content, especially for Thomas as he had to wrestle with whether God really saw him. The author mentions in her notes that Thomas's sister has her own story in a previously published anthology (A Pioneer Christmas Collection) so I look forward to reading her story, too! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think it might be my favorite thus far!
* I received this book free of charge from NetGalley.

The Cumberland Bridge by Shannon McNear is book 5 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. In this book, Kate is headed deeper into the West. Thomas is their guide. But the adventure is way more than they anticipated when danger soon arises from among the Natives. Thomas and Kate have to rely on each other to survive. This book is set on the Wilderness Road and at the time of Daniel Boone. It is a fascinating time period, and readers of historical fiction will enjoy the setting as it comes alive in this story. Overall, it is a good story. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I’ve been following and enjoying the Daughters of the Mayflower series, so I was excited to read The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear, which is book 5 in the series. This book is very well-researched and rich in historical detail. I learned much about the places, the time period, and the daily life of the people who helped settle along the Kentucky Wilderness Road. The characters were vividly drawn and engaging, and I was immediately drawn to them. Kate was an intrepid and courageous heroine, and Thomas was a tender and protective hero. For me, the first half of the story dragged a bit and had my mind wandering, but the second half was much more intense, and I was able to become much more invested in the tale. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and learning more about the settling of America.

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

4 stars- This is the next installment in the “Daughters of the Mayflower” series and tells the tale of Kate Gruener and Thomas Bledsoe as they travel the Wilderness Road in the late 1700’s.
I was not very familiar with this part of history so it was interesting to read more about settlers heading over the Cumberland Gap and into Kentucky. At first, I admit, I found this story a bit slow but as the characters continued on their journey, I grew more and more drawn into the story and the growing relationship between Kate and Thomas. I found it to be a very touching story. Kate and Thomas’ sincerity in their interactions with their families (both biological and adopted) and each other was well written and heart warming. Their relationship didn’t seem forced but a natural progression of their time on the trail.
Thomas’ faith questions were valid and thought provoking and poor Kate seemed to be a bit accident prone but kept her chin up and looked for the positives. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and seeing where the Lytton family goes next. This was one of my favorite books in the series so far.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Another installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. In this book the year is 1794 and we join Kate and her family for the journey west into unknown territory, dangerous enemies, and a beguiling guide that captures the attention of our Kate.

Reminiscent in feel of The Last of the Mohicans, but unique in style and writing. Definitely for fans of historical, Christian romance. Doesn't disappoint in pulling the heart strings.

Wow! This was an emotional and adventurous epic journey! I've been reading the Mayflower Bride series and every single one is fantastic! This incredible journey begins in 1794 Tennessee and ends in Kentucky as the group travels along the newly expanded Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap. Kate Gruener's father is taking his family to settle in new and unclaimed territory where he plans to build up his farm. To protect him and other local families, he hires Thomas Sledsoe as a scout. Thomas has a mysterious nature and Kate inmediately feels compelled to get to know him and his family history, which is the last thing Thomas wants. He tries to keep his distance from Kate, but her inquisitiveness and adventurous nature leads her into so much trouble and danger, and he can't help himself in his desire to protect her. The whole journey is full of adventure and danger, with the Shawnees renegades stirring up trouble very near. The plot will keep you totally engaged. And I liked how the characters, especially Kate, grow throughout the story. There's also a message of faith in God that felt natural. I liked how Thomas grew in his faith and trust in God along the story. The story was inspiring and uplifting. The romance is sweet and clean, and there is even humor. I loved how the author portrayed the time period, with her descriptions of the scenery and the customs of the people in that era. It seemed accurate and well researched. i was really impressed with all that people had to endure to make a decent living in those times! A very recommendable read! truly enjoyed it! I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. This is my voluntary and unbiased opinion.

At first this the book felt like it might be a slower read, but it quickly won me over with the never-ending adventure and action and needing to know how things would turn out for Thomas and Kate. The difficulties they experienced in the Wilderness was exciting, yet concerning and scary. The author kept me wondering what she would through in the path of these characters next and by the 60% mark I didn't want to put the book down.

I loved the interesting names of Thomas' sisters and the interaction between the siblings. Kate was also a very interesting main character and I enjoyed seeing her thoughts and feelings. The romance was also sweet and not overpowering to the historical richness of this story.

This book was also a great representation of what the consequences are if we hold on to our bitterness, anger and hatred and allowing that to dictate our next steps, allowing it to break down relationships instead of bringing reconciliation.

I'm loving this series and highly recommend this to fans of historical romance.

As a girl, I loved reading books about Indians. There was one in particular I liked about a girl who was taken captive and adopted and how much she grew to love her Indian family.

I appreciate books that show how there were good and bad people on both sides. There were mistakes made by both sides.

I'd say this was one of the more exciting books in this series. The setting lent itself well to a level of suspense and urgency.

This series is nice, sweet, and fun. I am thoroughly enjoying all the books.

Kate Grueners and her family are getting ready to leave Spring Tennessee for a new life in Kentucky. In order to go her dad hires a scout named Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas is there to help look out for Indians and any other trouble that may come up. They also have other families traveling with them. One of the families in the group is the Hughes family. Jacob Hughes is one of their sons. He has a strong attraction for Kate and is always trying to be near her.
During their travel Thomas is trying to focus on his job watching for trouble . But his mind wanders to Kate a lot. He doesn't want to deal with a woman at all. His childhood had lots of sadness and loss. He lived with the Shawnee tribe for almost 2 years. He was adopted into the tribe and then felt loss when he was rescued and taken back to his sisters. His Mom and Dad had both passed away.
Kate has injuries to her feet after walking in a creek bed, Thomas suggest she ride a pack horse for a bit to let her feet heal. Thinking they are almost healed she decides to walk and her toes start to bleed again. She is back on the pack horse with her little brother. As they cross a creek that has risen because of rain. The horse loses its footing and rolls on her and her brother. Thomas is panicked at the site of her and her little brother struggling in the water. He rushes to their rescue and realizes she has a head injury and suggest they stop for a couple of days. Not everybody is happy with this and threaten to leave. He is fine with that if they want.
When they are back on the trail his gut tells him things are not as good as they seem. Kate comes out and finds Thomas. He is trying to get her to go back but its to late . They are captured. Thomas leaves her to go back to warn the families and get help to get her back. When he comes back for her he sees his Shawnee father and he helps them while the rest of the tribe tries to figure out what to do with Kate. Along the way they both open up about their feelings and decide to get married. I love this series. I enjoy the historical parts of these stories .

Sweet, sweet story! This was an easy story to read, the plot flows easily! I loved the way Kate was a curious, questioning pest in the beginning, and how Thomas was a stern guide through the journey, up until they were captured by Indians, that is. This is a beautifully written story that I enjoyed reading very much!

A story about romance, adventure, family, and faith. Taking place during 1794 when settlers are moving into the wilderness to start a new life. Thomas Bledsoe is the scout to Kate Gruener's family who is traveling west during a time when settlers and natives are highest in conflicts. Thomas finds himself attrached to Kate and this is not something he wanted. He never wanted to fall in love and think of leaving them behind. Kate finds the scout interesting and wants to learn more about his story. When the natives take them captive truths will come to light and all they will have is faith on their side.

Full of faith and hope a christian romance novel that will touch your heart. You will be taken on a historical adventure. I enjoyed reading this book and it was quick read. If you enjoy books that have a bit of religious flavor this might be the book for you.

"My shoes won't fit."
"Nothing wrong with that," he muttered. "Keep you from wandering off."

"The Cumberland Bride" (2018, Barbour) by Shannon McNear], fifth in the multi-author "Daughters of the Mayflower" series, is a Christian historical romance set in 1794 Tennessee. The novel is a standalone story, with the previous books in the series focusing on previous generations of the Lytton/Chapman clan. (The heroine's mother is Jemima Lytton Gruener.) I wanted to read this book because two of the books in this series are by authors who are personal favorites. And I'm a completist, so that means I needed to read the entire series, of course!

Rating: 4 stars

The heroine: Katarina Gruener, or Kate, loves stories, and loves to write them down, much to the chagrin of her father. Her family is traveling "northward on the Wilderness Road" into Kentucky. Kate is a competent young lady, but she also seems to have a propensity for needing to be rescued. Given the difficulty of the journey, however, this tendency seems completely plausible.

The hero: Thomas Bledsoe has been hired as a scout to guide the Gruener family up north. He's very good at what he does. As a hero in a Christian fiction book, he seems to fall short, in that his faith in God is lacking. (This is later remedied, however.) He thinks of Mr. Gruener: "Just what they needed, a pack master who aspired to preach."

Historical background from Wikipedia: "The Cumberland Gap is a narrow pass through the long ridge of the Cumberland Mountains, within the Appalachian Mountains, near the junction of the U.S. states of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. Famous in American colonial history for its role as a key passageway through the lower central Appalachians, it was an important part of the Wilderness Road"

Christian elements: Specific prayers and Bible verses are quoted in this story. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me." Thomas' struggle with his faith in God is highlighted, and shows growth.

Is it clean/chaste? Yes!

What I liked:

*It seems that Ms. McNear has done her research. The story shows evidence of the author's attention to detail. "Much nonsense happening up around Boone's fort with the whiskey tax." Or, I would never have considered the need for the travelers to have "time to dry out their footgear before needing to walk a whole day again."


*I enjoyed the hero and heroine's curiosity about one another through their journey. It's portrayal seemed very realistic, except for the early jump-starting. (See below.)

What I didn’t like:

*Words or phrases not from the period. (For example, "Like that would happen." "Just what they needed…" "footgear")

*Thomas' interest in Kate happens too quickly, before any significant interaction between the two of them.

***********

The bottom line: This is a great wagon-train type story. I recommend this book to fans of Christian historical fiction and those who have an interest in the Shawnee or American Indians in general. I look forward to reading more by this author, and would like to try "The Highwayman."

I am pretty sure this is one of my favorites so far in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I read it in one sitting and didn’t want to put it down. I will definitely be looking for other books written by Shannon McNear.

This series keeps getting better and better! What an adventure this book takes the reader on. The setting, characters and plot are so well written. I could picture everything happening. Details are impeccable. To be honest, it took me a good solid 50+ pages to get into the book. After about page 50, the book came to life and I couldn’t put it down.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was in no way required to write a review. Receipt of the book had no influence on my review. All thoughts are my own.

The Cumberland Bride
Daughters of the Mayflower - book 5
by Shannon McNear
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Christian , Romance
Pub Date 01 Oct 2018


I I am reviewing a copy of The Cumberland Bride through Barbour Publishing Inc and Netgalley:



This book takes us back to 1794 where we meet Kate Gruener and her family. Her father is ready to move the family farther west into the wilderness so they can farm untouched land., Kate is eagerto live out her own adventure the way her Fathet did during the war for Independence. Kate sets her sites on learning more about their guide, Thomas Bledsoe. Thomas job is to get the settlers across the Kentucky Wilderness Road safely while listening to hear anything about Shawnee unrest.


Naive Kate’s curious nature could put them both in the midst of danger.


Is there more to Thoma’s Shawnee connections than he is willing to tell? Is there an unseen courage in Kate that can Thwart danger?


I give The Cumberland Bride five ou of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I was captivated by this wonderful historical romance!

The development of the characters was incredible. I felt an almost immediate connection with Kate as the book started off with her sneaking away to do something she had been told was a waste of time. She was writing down stories she had been told. I have always loved to “waste” time in reading.

Thomas was torn between two lifestyles and two families. This really captured my interest and held it as he was trying to figure out where he fit in. It can be a very difficult journey to take for many different reasons.

I loved all of the details given for how life was lived on the frontier in the 1790s. It was very interesting to read about the conflict between the Shawnee Indians and the settlers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Shannon McNear has painted a very interesting picture of the early founding of our country and the settlers traveling the wilderness to establish new homes. Her description of Katrina Gruener and her family and of their scout Thomas Bledsoe are very intriguing drawing you into the characters, their history, and budding relationships.

I really enjoyed this book the best of all in this series and they are all good. I recommend it 5 stars. Kate Gruener loves to journal which, turns out, was a task many early settlers like to do. Thankfully they did, so that we know more of what happened, why, and what they thought. But Kate's journaling habit causes problems for her family especially her Dad. She loves to hear others stories to the point that she is a distraction especially for their scout Thomas Bledsoe.

Thomas is a taciturn but very kind person; and, against his better judgment he finds himself looking out for Kate more and more and rescuing her from one predicament after another.

Thomas has and interesting relationship with the Indians and the reasons for that have roots in his past.

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this book from Netgalley.

Another well written book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, you’ll be swept up into Kate’s Wilderness Road adventure. Historical facts, well developed characters, and great descriptions of the country make this an enjoyable read. Full of danger, clean romance, and faith I highly recommend it.

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

She's curious, he's reticent, and they are in for quite a bit of trouble along the way in the fifth entry in the multi-author Daughters of the Mayflower series from Barbour Books. Shannon McNear takes readers for a frontier adventure, blending nature, romance, faith and family dynamics with danger, politics, and period detail.

Whether it is Kate Gruener's love of story, Thomas Bledsoe's past or his present relationship with his sisters, there is much to enjoy in this tale that depicts some of the dangers and hardships encountered in the Cumberland Gap of the late 1700's. Add to that some delightful romantic tension and strengthened faith, and you have one of the best novels of this series.

Having only read a novella by this author previously, I was delightfully surprised to find that The Cumberland Bride was easily one of my favorites in the series. If you are a fan of American history in fiction, frontier romance and/or adventure, and a well crafted tale, this is a book for you. If you prefer that romance to be chaste and the inclusion of a faith element, then even more so.

Though I've only previously read one novella by Shannon McNear previously, I predict that for readers of Historical Christian Romance, she is one to watch. Highly recommended.

This review refers to an advance digital galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

It's official...This is my favorite book of the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Not that I don't love other books in this series, or enjoy all of them. But this one was fabulous! Life has been a little busy the last several months and I was super slow reading and reviewing this book by its publication date. But I'm slowly going back and catching up on several books that I missed. I figured that I'd pick this one up and skim through it quickly to finish it so I could write a review for it and get myself all caught up. Ha! Yeah right! My plan backfired completely on me. Thanks to this author that I've never read before. I was sucked in completely! I couldn't set it down. It was so good! I was completely pulled in and transfixed throughout the story of the Cumberland Bride.

I love historical fiction. I love any era honestly. I think it's all fascinating and amazing to learn about the different time periods and how people lived and thrived. These early settlers were so amazing. I live in an old town that was settled back when the West was very young and it became a major hub for travelers, so it is very rich in history. I love the history of it and the surrounding areas as well. Although where I live and the setting of this story aren't close by each other, it still felt like the histories of both places were similar and very fascinating.

There is most definitely a love story involved in this one and I have to say that I loved watching the relationship develop between the two main characters. Thomas Bledsoe has been hired by the Gruener family to scout for them as they are journeying to the new land they plan to settle on. Thomas and the Gruener's daughter, Kate, have plenty of great encounters. Several of them little mishaps but they are drawn to each other, even when they try to avoid the pull that they feel.

I'm not going to go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything. I will tell you that there are moments of suspense, laughter, heartache, friendship, sweet and tender moments and plenty of adventure. I loved the main characters but I also thought that the author did a great job of supporting characters to help round out the cast in this book. The adventures that this group experiences along their travels resembled the lifestyle and struggles of the time. The struggles with trying to settle the land peacefully with the Native Americans and yet the anger and hurt caused by both sides of that land battle kept some suspense going throughout the story. Well done for sure!

I'm so glad that I finally picked up this story and devoured it. Yes, I did devour it. I read it super fast and absolutely loved it!

If you're wondering about this being a series and needing to read all of them to understand the story, you don't need to. The books are connected by a family line but you are able to read them individually and not feel like you've missed something by doing so. The authors may mention the couple who came over on the Mayflower throughout this series but only in referencing who the main characters of each book descend from. So pick and choose or read them all. I hope you enjoy whatever you choose to do.

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril. Some kisses and mild innuendos about relations between a married couple but nothing graphic. This is a Christian fiction so the characters do occasionally pray to God for help and guidance and a couple small scenes of Sunday worship but nothing that felt over the top for those readers who might shy away from Christian fiction. I felt like it was well done and if you're interested in the book but not those small scenes, I think you'd be fine skipping over them and not missing any pertinent information for the storyline.

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

Happy Reading!!!