The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn

GIVEAWAY

BENTON, LORI
THE PURSUIT OF TAMSEN LITTLE JOHN

Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love 
In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance. 

Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?

My Review:

I swear this author has a time machine and travels back to the 18th century at will just so she can get all the details right. There isn't any other explanation for the rich, evocative text that creates the ambiance of another world. The scents, the sounds, the very feel of the air...I became immersed in the story from the very first page. What an incredibly rich, captivating read.

The time period is fascinating and not as popular in historical romance so that alone makes it a refreshing read. I'm beginning to appreciate the early colonists even more than the pioneers thanks to this author in particular.

There is an intricate balance in Benton's storytelling -- her distinctive voice blends faith, drama and humour into an enticing package that makes it hard to put down. A complex story, deep characterization and more than one startling plot surprise kept me eagerly turning pages.

And the romance -- oh my! Toe-curling, swoonworthy and heart palpitating! A definite must read for historical romance lovers.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 17 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!