Book Review: The King's Mercy by Lori Benton

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Title: The King's Mercy

Author: Lori Benton

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers of Sara Donati and Diana Gabaldon, this epic historical romance tells of fateful love between an indentured Scotsman and a daughter of the 18th century colonial south.

When captured rebel Scotsman Alex MacKinnon is granted the king's mercy - exile to the Colony of North Carolina - he's indentured to Englishman Edmund Carey as a blacksmith. Against his will Alex is drawn into the struggles of Carey's slaves - and those of his stepdaughter, Joanna Carey. A mistress with a servant's heart, Joanna is expected to wed her father's overseer, Phineas Reeves, but finds herself drawn instead to the new blacksmith. As their unlikely relationship deepens, successive tragedies strike the Careys. When blame falls unfairly upon Alex he flees to the distant mountains where he encounters Reverend Pauling, itinerate preacher and friend of the Careys, now a prisoner of the Cherokees. Haunted by his abandoning of Joanna, Alex tries to settle into life with the Cherokees, until circumstances thwart yet another attempt to forge his freedom and he's faced with the choice that's long hounded him: continue down his rebellious path or embrace the faith of a man like Pauling, whose freedom in Christ no man can steal. But the price of such mercy is total surrender, and perhaps Alex's very life.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

Lori Benton pens another riveting tale, filled with love, loss, darkness, danger, and faith. This author is one of those authors whose books you know will be a rich historical adventure. And in the 1700s, no less! One of my favorite eras! Her novels never disappoint.

In The King's Mercy we meet a Scotsman named Alex MacKinnon who has been exiled to the colony of North Carolina. Mistress of the plantation he's to be an indentured servant on, is a young woman named Joanna. While he's plotting escape, she's burdened heavily by the life her stepfather is adamant that they live.

Lori Benton's stories often have a heavy undertone to them, and The King's Mercy was no different. Although there were sweet friendship moments, a tender love story, and awe-inspiring acts of faith, this book also highlighted the heart-wrenching happenings in the lives of the slaves on Severn Plantation, as well as unfolded the story of a particularly disturbing villain. Sometimes I wanted to scream in frustration at a certain character! Other times I was sick to my stomach as a vile mystery unfolded. Yet, nonetheless, it was incredible. And when the darkness was cleared away, the beauty shone so radiantly! I loved following all the threads of this story ... with Alex, Joanna, little sister Charlotte, a slave girl named Jemma, and a Christ-filled minister named Reverend Pauling.

While the story mostly takes place on Severn Plantation, there are some intriguing surprises and twists in store ... that put me in the mind of Lori Benton's previous books! The King's Mercy truly is a masterful tale. I loved the faith theme so very much. It was raw and real and permeated the entire book. There were some amazing moments! I so appreciate how this author unashamedly shares her faith in her works of fiction. It is beautiful. And it makes the story so much more meaningful and relatable and beautiful for me!

There are definitely some mature elements in this book. Fornication, rape, and child abuse are discussed, though not in explicit detail.

Overall, another stunning historical fiction novel from Lori Benton. I eagerly look forward to her next book.

I received a advanced reader copy of The King's Mercy from WaterBrook and Multnomah. This review is honest and all my own.

Book Review: A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

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Title: A Silken Thread

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

Series: Standalone

Genre: Historical Romance

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.

Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.

Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life - even with so little to offer?

~ MY REVIEW ~

**3 stars**

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer was a fairly quick, entertaining read. Set not long after the end of the American Civil War, it follows eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard and three young men, Willie Sharp, Quincy Tate, and Langdon Rochester during the International Cotton Exposition. Each have their own goals and dreams, and each will have to find their way during a tumultuous time in history.

I have loved some of this author's novels, yet others have fallen a little flat for me, personally. A Silken Thread didn't reach my favorites list. It was interesting, and each of the characters had their part. But it took so long for some of the characters to make the right decision - it was kind of difficult. However, it was still a good story. And there were some very poignant moments that stirred my heart.

Some readers are sure to enjoy this simple, heartfelt tale of love and lessons learned.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of A Silken Thread from WaterBrook & Multnomah and all opinions expressed here are honest and completely my own.