(Westward America, #1)
Blurb:
Publisher's Weekly gave INTO THE WILDERNESS, the first book in the new Westward America series, such a wonderful review that I would like to share it with you in its entirety:
"Popular historical romance writer Bittner is off to a solid start with the first of her Westward America! series, which will examine the settling of America, moving progressively westward with each novel. Her tale begins in Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains in the 1750's against the backdrop of the French and Indian War. The author's extensive research into 18th century Native American life as well as the dire circumstances faced by the New World's early settlers add zip to the budding romance between 16-year-old Jessica Matthews and heroic hunter Noah Wilde, who saves Jess's life during an Indian attack. Noah is a spy for the English; he's on top of French strategy and also knows which tribes favor the French or English in their territorial conflict. Bittner ably captures early colonial life, portraying - among other historical figures - a young George Washington, appearing as a scout for the British and guided by the able Noah. The drama peaks when most of the Matthews family is massacred during an Indian raid; Jess is kidnapped by a group of young warriors while other Indians take her toddler brother. The author's clever juxtaposition of fierce warrior behavior with touching acts of tribal kindness result in a three-dimensional picture of Native Americans. The powerful dual portrait of Jess, a remarkable survivor, and Noah, an experienced hunter and canny diplomat, gets this series off to an auspicious start." -- Publishers Weekly
Although Noah and Jessica are fictitious characters, INTO THE WILDERNESS is filled with real history, characters, and adventures that depict the courage and determination necessary for the birth and growth of the United States of America.
My review:
I love Rosanne Bittner's stories and have had this series on my TBR pile for a while.
I enjoyed this story for the history lessons, however the romance part of it didn't fully click for me. I know that RB has often separated her characters for long periods of time, but usually they are short in the book. In this story, most of the book was more about the history and Noah and Jess spent a good part of the book apart. Maybe if I felt a stronger connection between the two of them when they first met it wouldn't have been as noticeable.
Also, the book description provided on Amazon/Goodreads was different than what the book actually was about, so I was expecting a certain storyline and didn't get it. That may have affected some of my enjoyment because I was looking for and expecting certain events that never occurred.
Overall, I did really enjoy the story. Looking forward to more journeys back in history with Rosanne Bittner.
