Set in 1755, beginning in Donegal,
Ireland, this is the story of Henry McConnell and his father, Edward, farmers who
assume false names and escape debts and drought in Ireland to sail to the New
World. Before they leave, Henry’s father gives him their most treasured possession,
passed from one son to another: a gold torc from their ancestor, Somerled.
The night before the ship sails, Henry
finds love in the arms of a widow named Sarah. On the ship, Henry reconnects
with a childhood friend, Mary Patterson. Both men realize their love for but
they are separated from them by distance (in the case of Sarah) and in the case
of Mary, when a man purchases her indenture.
After a grueling ship journey (very
well done by the author), Henry and his father travel deep into the frontier.
That journey is also very well told. It’s an exciting one. I felt like I was
trudging along with them with their one ox and their blistered feet. I could
see the beauty of this new world and yet feared the obstacles they faced. Constant
setbacks have them worried about their seed and their lives: Indian attacks, the
threat of new forts, a bear stealing the food they laid up for the winter and many
other hardships.
In this romance, the two heroes are
separated from their ladyloves for much of the book. The women are still in
their minds and hearts but not with them. When they finally get word of both
Sarah and Mary, the men go after them, but a villain is stalking the precious
torc.
Doherty’s research shines through as
she brings America’s wilderness and this period in America’s history to life.
Her descriptions are vivid and the historical era well presented. She captures
the Scots-Irish longing for freedom and their commitment to the new land,
notwithstanding the trials they must endure.
A uniquely told tale, it’s also a fast-paced,
action-packed story that is a delight to read. I recommend it.
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