about the book

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

Love and Adventure Are Discovered on the Wilderness Road

In 1794, when Kate Gruener’s father is ready to move the family farther west into the wilderness to farm untouched land, Kate is eager to live out her own story of adventure like he did during the War for Independence and to see untamed lands. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe.

Thomas’s job is to get settlers safely across the Kentucky Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naïve Kate’s inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict.

Is there more to Thomas’s story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster?

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my thoughts

Although the lovely dress on the cover does make an appearance, this story is no tea party, it is a thrilling wilderness tale of survival during a tumulous time.

Kate is a brave and courageous heroine who is unafraid of hard work and adventure. She has a lovely balance of feminity and fire and I absolutely love her for it! Kate has a nurturing spirit and she is also a writer which obviously gives her extra bonus points in my book. I do love writers!

Thomas is a complex and rugged hero who is often broody yet always willing to work hard and treat people with respect and kindness. I admire his ability to protect and defend as well as his restraint and preservation of life. Thomas has a unique and interesting perspective which readers will enjoy.

I highly recommend this story to readers who are fond of the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Early American time periods. Fans of Laura Frantz and Lori Benton will also be delighted with Shannon McNear’s story.

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

about the author

Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history.

A Midwestern farm girl who lived in Charleston, South Carolina, for more than two decades before being transplanted to North Dakota, she’s a military wife, mother of 8, and a member of ACFW and RWA.

When not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Visit her website!

Daughters of the Mayflower

Do y’all enjoy this setting, reader friends?!
Definitely add The Cumberland Bride to your tbr!