The New World

Beautifully written, but the rambling nature of the coming of age story kind of derails it. I admit, I did not read the first in this series, and after reading this I am unlikely to pick it or any other additions up. Jim Hawkins (beloved Treasure Island character) and Natty (a young black girl and Jim's "romantic" interest/best friend) find themselves stranded in a strange land when their ship wrecks. They are taken hostage by some savage indians and right before they escape Jim makes the wise decision to steal Chief Black Storm's beloved necklace. It was then one long journey (over two years) through Indian territory, deserts, forests, rivers to escape the wrath of the wronged Chief. The story just did not tickle my fancy. The characters fell flat as did the plot. Good for kids perhaps, but not for me.

The Pelican Bride

Albeit a little sappy, this wasn't a half bad inspirational historical fiction. Based on a largely forgotten piece of little known history, this story followed the plight of the french women sent to the Americas aboard the Pelican to become brides to military men holding down a fort in Louisiana. They became known as "the Pelican brides" and unfortunately many of them succumbed to sickness on the way their and upon arrival. This fictionalized account follows young Genevieve Gaillain and her sister as they escape France and try to find refuge in The New World. If they thought they would be safer in Louisiana they were solely mistaken. Men fight for the women's attentions, sickness claims many, "savages" roam the streets; they traded one hellish adventure for another. Genevieve soon finds herself falling for the roguish, brute, Tristan Lanier and wonders if he could ever love her, despite her sordid past. Filled with political intrigue, romance, brawls, and suspense. This is a good crossover book for those who are thinking about dipping into the inspirational romance genre. It's not too heavy handed, yet plays an integral part of the story line.

I received this book for free from Revell Reads in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.