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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.
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.
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.
