Captured by Love...Review

About the book:
Michigan Territory, 1814

A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger discover firsthand the high price of freedom.

The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.

Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British--and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who's grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.

As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they'll risk for love.

Pierre Durant returns to his beloved Michilimackinac Island after an absence and finds his mother and the residents starving and at the mercy of the British who hold the fort.  Pierre loves his life as a fur trader, but he's drawn back to stay on the island because of Angelique, a childhood friend engaged to his brother Jean, who is off fighting with the Americans. It is because of Angelique that Pierre's beloved mother has survived the harsh winters and he is loathe to leave either of them again. His role as a trapper, however, puts him in a perfect position to spy on both sides of the war effort. Angelique has suffered at the hands of her cruel guardian and is torn with the her feelings for Pierre and her loyalty to Jean.

I loved Angelique and Pierre and their friendship that morphs into love.  While their passion is strong, their convictions are stronger and each must learn what path is truly the right one.  This is a compelling novel with rich descriptions and strong characters.  I read it in nearly one sitting because I just couldn't put it down.

The historical aspect of Jody Hedlund's books is fascinating and always so well researched.  While I've heard of Mackinac Island, I had no idea that it held the historical significance it did or its role during the War of 1812.  I actually read the Author's Note first and it really helped set the stage for the story.

Thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Jody Hedlund here. You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 7/14

* * * *
4/5 Stars

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