Mary

Wow! Another awesome story by Shannon McNear that I lost myself in! Just finished it this morning.
I love McNear's style of writing because she leaves my heart feeling full and satisfied after a good read like this one! I was so excited when I seen this book and I wasn't one bit discouraged either!
Indians are a fascinating people and I felt like I got to know them better through this book. I was happy to Sees Far and Elinor back again. They're my favorite characters.
I hope to see them again in another novel.
I sure hated to come back to the present.
But I will be thinking about this book for a while longer.
I highly recommend this book and author! She's so good at what she does and I'll guarantee you that you will be hooked too!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own

I really enjoyed reading the first book in this series, Elinor and found this book just as interesting!

This is a story about a native girl who falls in love with an English boy. Elinor is returned and Sees Far comes with her - so glad to see them included in this book and love their story. This one deals a lot with belief in God and baptism. I just love how she takes a part of history we don't know many facts about and weaves and creates beautiful stories. Mary's character is well crafted and the struggle she goes through is mind opening.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a digital, temporary ARC in return for my review.

Will Mushaniq finally Believe in The One True God?

Shannon McNear continues the Story, of the Historic, Lost Colony of Roanoke, in "Mary (Daughters of The Lost Colony 2)". You need to 📖 "Elinor" 1st, to understand this 📗.

If the English Colonists assimilated into a friendly, Native American Tribe, how did that process go? What did they learn? Where did they have to compromise their English customs & practices, with the Native customs & practices? What dangers did they face? What prejudices did they face, in themselves & from the Natives? How did they live out their Christianity day-to-day, while living among the Natives? What were the Native Tribe's Religious Beliefs? Were they able to spread the Gospel to the Natives? And most importantly, what did a romance & marriage between a Native Lady & an English Man, (or visa versa) look like?

Shannon McNear masterfully tackles answering all those questions authentically, in this Engrossing, Poignant, Unforgettable, Easy-to-Read, Early American, Christian, Historic Romantic 💎!

I greatly appreciate that SM includes the Glossary of the Characters Names (both English & Native Americans), & the Native American Dictionary in the 📗. It made the Novel easier to understand.

I Highly Recommend You 📖 This 📗, to find out how God helps Georgie & Mushaniq (Mary) survive the twists & turns life throws their way, to reach their Lifetime 💞! I can't wait to for the next Novel in the Series; I want to consume it right now. ❤️ed 📖ing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fantastic Book 2 in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series. A completely engaging historical fiction "what if" story. I couldn't stop turning pages! I've long been intrigued by the mystery of The Lost Colony of Roanoke. The immense amount of research and the talented pen of Author Shannon McNear takes the reader on a journey you won't soon forget. "Mary" is a continuation of the story in the book "Elinor". This compelling tale is of English settlers and the native peoples who try their hand at living in the same community. Manteo is the native who has bridged the gap between the English and his people. In part, it is the story of his daughter's coming of age, it also picks up where we left off with Elinor and "Sees Far" who risked everything to help her, and we get to know Georgie Howe better. His father was brutally murdered when they arrived three years ago, and it is Georgie's coming of age story too.

With so many differing beliefs and customs, the elders have many joint discussions, between the people of the land, and the English. Manteo is a recent convert to the Christian faith, and he helps both sides to try to understand each other better. In great part this is the young people's journey to discover who they are, and what they believe, and how that fits in with both cultures. But most importantly, do they trust the God who loves them and is with them through every hardship?

I highly recommend Mary and Elinor, and I cannot wait for the next tale in this series!

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

In this second book of her Daughters of the Lost Colony series, Ms. McNear engulfs us in another fascinating “what if” tale of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Set in the 1590s, the English colonists continue to establish themselves in the New World and learn to live peaceably with the Native Americans they encounter there. I enjoyed the continuation of Elinor and Sees Far’s story and experiencing Mushaniq (Mary) and Georgie’s story as well. I like that the story is not slanted toward just one people group, but that both groups are given a “voice”. I appreciate the strong, inspiring faith element which becomes the moral compass in conflicting situations between the people groups. The history on which the story is based is amazingly well-researched. Wonderfully crafted historical and fictional characters are seamlessly blended together to make a captivating read. The story explores Native American customs especially those related to premarital physical relationships, pregnancy, and childbirth in a tasteful and interesting way The author’s historical notes, cast of characters, and dictionary at the end of the book are helpful in navigating the Native language and keeping track of the characters. There is enough background information provided in the story so that the reader is not “lost” by reading the book as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it especially for American history buffs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with now obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is a compe tale from the beginning until the end. I couldn't put it down! I was glad of the disclosure in the beginning that told the reader of some things that were historically accurate but not suitable for all readers. I didn't have any issue with what was presented in the book, although I wouldn't want my tween daughter to read about the sensitive topics just yet. As we live in eastern NC, this was a treat to have another take on our history and our coastal people groups in such a dramatic and engaging way. This author totally nails her research, and provides a bibliography for further reading if you'd like. I immediately bought the first book in this series, and I can't wait to get caught up!

Shannon McNear pens a unique story of a young girl's journey of faith. With impeccable research and rich detail, McNear skillfully intertwines the POV of several characters to create a fascinating story. Taking the traditions and culture of the native peoples in early America and blending it with that of the newly arrived English colonists, she pens a possible theory of what happened to the missing Roanoke colonists in the 1580's. I found her portrayal of the early fear and intolerance felt by both cultures as they strove to live together compelling.

I heartily recommend this book for fans of early American historical fiction. While it is not necessary, I would suggest readers read book one in the series first. These are stories to be enjoyed but at times are realistic and raw. Filled with both historical and fictional characters, their story will remain with you long after the last page has been read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am an avid fan of historical Christian fiction and I have read many books in different time periods! There are a few characteristics that really make me LOVE a book in this genre and want me to read more by the author- interesting setting, creativity in storytelling, realism and multifaced characters, who wrestle with an authentic faith....oh, and a romance that is dynamic, true to life and not shying away from attraction and passion...and Shannon McNear in this book navigates all of this beautifully! You can tell she really did her research into Native American customs and the creativity and deftness in which she interweaves the story of the English settlers and the Native people is really a feat. The romances featured in this story were well done and full of chemistry between the two sets of leads.. I haven't read Elinor, but I agree with her author's note, that having the backstory is important to understanding the nuances of this story. However, I am planning to circle back to Elinor's story and looking forward if she decides to write Emme's story, which seems to be where she is heading. Highly recommend Mary to anyone who loves a stellar historical christian fiction novel!
Thank you to #NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the ARC.

A sequel to Elinor, this second book in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series focuses on the Native people's view of events and fills in more of Manteo's story. His daughter, Mary (Mushaniq) is the star of the tale, as she grows into a young woman in an intercultural community. The storyline overlaps book one, and continues on from there. It is a tumultuous time as they face continuing threats from outside forces, bad weather, and spiritual battles within.

Mary (Mushaniq) is a complex, passionate, strong young woman with a genuine love for her family and friends. She felt so very real with her emotions and spiritual struggles. I loved how she and Manteo related and their talks as they walked together. He is a great leader, yet so patient and loving with his daughter, cherishing her.

I like how the author uses the characters to show honest spiritual struggles as they face big decisions concerning their faith, and in their relationships. The story is full of spiritual themes, with deep questions of faith, and a clear message of redemption. The spiritual battle is very real, especially affecting Mary and Georgie. It was a treat to have Sees Far and Elinor in the story again--both amazing characters--and follow more of their story.

There is a lot of sexual tension and discussion of sexuality in the story, as the author warns in the beginning, but it was appropriate given the situations. Nothing too detailed or offensive. Anyone who has raised a teenager will be able to relate.

Recommend to readers who enjoy a more serious historical read with complex characters, spiritual struggles, and romance. The author includes a helpful index with Native language and research notes for further reading. 4.5 stars

What a wonderful read! This is book two of The Daughters of the Lost Colony series and it tells Mary's story. The author did a wonderful job of weaving fact with fiction to make this story a page-turner that stays with you long after you've read the last page. It's a beautifully written faith filled book that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mary, Daughters of the Lost Colony, is one of the best books I have read. The story and the quality of the writing drew me in so that I couldn’t put it down. The characterization is such that these were real people and I was living alongside them. Their hopes, fears, wonder, and all their emotions became mine too. I wished I could just somehow crawl into the story and be with them, because reading the books in this series has given me a profound respect for Native American culture and people.

This book, even more so than Eleanor, presented a very plausible theory of what happened to the “lost” settlers of Roanoke. It gave me hope that they were not slaughtered, but rather assimilated with the native people who helped them.

I enjoyed the author’s switching regularly and often between characters. It kept the story moving along rapidly.

Shannon McNear has a truly Christian outlook, following the spirit of the law, rather than the letter of the law. With compassion, and not judgement, she described the various ways her characters viewed religion. Their attitudes ranged from humility to pride, but all of them grew in their faith. And as for the native people, one could feel their sense of awe at their burgeoning understanding of Christianity.

I truly loved this book (and Book one as well). I cannot wait for Book 3 to come out. This is a remarkably well written and important series.

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

#Mary #NetGalley

Shannon McNear’s Daughters of the Lost Colony series is one that has completely enthralled me. As one who loves history, I jumped at the chance to read her latest, Mary. Taking up right where her previous novel, Elinor, left off, readers continue the story of the Roanoke survivors. And what I loved about this book, is that we gain a greater glimpse into the native people and their perspectives/customs of the times. The interplay between the natives and English seemed so authentic and truly brought the story to life. I felt as if I were within the book’s pages, learning to forgive, to fight, and to survive a time far removed from my own.

I am greatly anticipating the following book in this series. McNear is an author I plan to follow!

Historical fiction fans will love this beautiful story with details bringing early American history to life. McNear did a wonderful job portraying the benefits and struggles of two very different groups of people learning to live together. While unity is desired, it involved communication and hard work. These characters struggled through such adverse circumstances from their enemies as well as dealing with the forces of nature. They grew in their faith when faced with the decision whether or not they truly believed and trusted God. The community learned about the meaning of true love and what it involved. Also there were great resources including character lists and historical terms which aided my reading. This community continues to grow on me and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.