The Wood's Edge: A Novel (The Pathfinders)

What an intricate and wonderful saga of two families! The story is told over almost 20 years, beginning when Reginald makes a split decision that will haunt two families. The characterization was so real, it seemed like this story really happened. I enjoyed seeing the story from different characters' viewpoints; it really added much depth to this story. The romance between Anna and Two Hawks was sweet. The spiritual content was strong and made sense within the story. I loved learning about the history of the area, the politics, and the Native Americans at that time period. It does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared to continue the story with the next book,  A Flight of Arrows: A Novel (The Pathfinders) . Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who really loves historical fiction/romance and family sagas!

“But as she spoke, the knowledge of what had been done burst inside her head like one of the big fort guns exploding.”During the in fall of Ft. William Henry in August of 1757, Good Voice, wife of Oneida warrior Stone Thrower, has given birth to twin boys, one brown, one white. What should have been a rare event to be celebrated with much joy has turned into a tragic occasion. When she awakens after having given birth, one baby is dead and one still lives.Rescued and returned to Stone Thrower with one living son, Good Voice begins a different life than the one she anticipated prior to the birth of her babies. The chain of events that unfolds as a result of the white baby’s death forever changes the families of Reginald Aubrey and Stone Thrower. Both men suffer and grieve in very different ways; all parts of their lives revolve around the death of the boy at Ft. William Henry. One man is bitter and unforgiving and the other man guilty and distant.The storyline is complex, involving several characters that play primary roles in the novel. Anna Catherine, a young orphan rescued by Reginald as they fled Ft. William Henry, grows into a beautiful, bright young woman whose life becomes complicated over the years as she becomes good friends with Two Hawks, the son of Stone Thrower and Good Voice. Lydia McClaren, daughter of the apothecary that gives aid and a home to the Aubrey’s, is another young woman with character and loyalty. The two girls form a bond over the years as their lives become entwined. William Aubrey, son of Reginald and his wife, grows from an overprotected young boy to a fine, intelligent young man over the years.Throughout the novel, someone is frequently at the wood’s edge; emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Once in awhile, it was even me as the reader. Read this amazing story to grasp the significance of being at the wood’s edge. The book will grip your attention as you follow it through the years from 1757 to 1776 and the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Absolutely amazing read! The characters stay with you long after you put the book down. Anxiously awaiting book two of The Pathfinders!Sample Chapters available: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Woods-Edge2.pdfLori Benton: http://loribenton.blogspot.com/Lori on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLoriBenton#This ARC copy was received from Lori Benton and Walter Multnomah in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own

This was a wonderfully written story... it all fit well together and made sense. I had to make myself put it down between other activities and my job! The characters were well-developed and realistic. The storyline was intriguing and believable. The romance was "dreamy" (and "clean"). There was a significant amount of "real history", which I like! The Christian perspective woven in was just right... not too much or too little. The editing was very good. Anybody could read this book. I have to read the rest of this author's books, starting NOW! :)

The Woods Edge is full of heart, passion, faith, and fascinating history. I didn't realize when I finally reached for this book on my list of must-reads that the sequel was about to release. Perfect timing, as the saga of Anna, William, Two Hawks, Lydia, Good Voice, Major Aubrey and all the others continues in Flight of Arrows. You can definitely enjoy this story alone, but if you're at all impatient, you have better have the second book on hand when you finish The Wood's Edge.The first thing I noticed about this book (beside the fact that I was gripped HARD from page one) was that I didn't "notice" the writing. And that's good. I had read at least 60 pages before I realized that I hadn't stumbled over writing issues or flaws, which can be a distraction. It's full of delightful turns of phrase and evocative description. Reaching, meeting, or living at the "edge" of things seems to be a motif in this story. Lori Benton is not only a masterful storyteller, but a master word artist, which makes for a thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable read.

I really enjoyed this book and it's sequel The author has a way of weaving history with a story. I was really drawn into the story. Coming from a native American background I could really relate to the prejudices shown toward the Indian tribes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a different view of the war between America and the British. It shows politics hasn't changed too much in over 200 years. The story tells how Native Americans and the Colonials had to come together to survive the onslaught from Canada and the British. There were multiple love stories woven in the story as well. The sacrifices made by one particular character toward the end reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. I didn't name any of the characters names so you can draw your own conclusions. I plan to order more of this authors books.

I thought this book was well written and very easy to read. Already looking forward to the next book in this series.

waiting for this story to continue in flight of arrows

This book was spell bounding .i enjoyed from start to finishWould like to read the next book of this series