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saint_augustine15's review against another edition
3.0
This was an unexpectedly enjoyable read. It's nice to find romances that aren't set in the regency, so I appreciated that this had a somewhat unique setting, even if I do have some issues with the relationship of the main characters.
karlyle's review against another edition
3.0
The Captive Heart was an enjoyable read, though not especially outstanding for me. Interesting period in early American history. I felt like it kinda got bogged down in places because the "hero" would go off for days at a time leaving the "heroine" and his little girl alone to deal with various threats and challenges of early frontier life. I realize that was part of the plot of this particular story, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if they had been together for more of the book.
eeelwell's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook copy I received for review.
This is an interesting story set during pre revolutionary war America. There are a lot of interesting elements and cultures depicted in this story including British, Cherokee, Colonials, Sons of Liberty, etc. With all of those different types of historical people being depicted it would be easy to have flat, stereotypical characters but I didn't feel that at all. I don't know much about that time period in detail but the writing felt very authentic.
I enjoyed the characters rich backstories and how their last caused them to make certain decisions. I did get a little frustrated with both Eleanor and Samuel's characters when they kept not communicating with each other and then making bad decisions based on incorrect assumptions. Eleanor's character seemed to be a bit wishy-washy at times and altogether to hard on herself which was sometimes difficult to see.
The book has a great pace and exciting storyline that keeps you engaged and ready to hear what happens next. Most events are expected but a few caught me off guard which kept me on my toes. Eleanor and Samuel's relationship was quite swoonworthy and I cheered as they finally got together!
The Christian elements in this book are great and not overdone. I love the prayer that Eleanor often repeats to herself in times of trouble and the picture of Samuel's redemption is beautiful.
This is an interesting story set during pre revolutionary war America. There are a lot of interesting elements and cultures depicted in this story including British, Cherokee, Colonials, Sons of Liberty, etc. With all of those different types of historical people being depicted it would be easy to have flat, stereotypical characters but I didn't feel that at all. I don't know much about that time period in detail but the writing felt very authentic.
I enjoyed the characters rich backstories and how their last caused them to make certain decisions. I did get a little frustrated with both Eleanor and Samuel's characters when they kept not communicating with each other and then making bad decisions based on incorrect assumptions. Eleanor's character seemed to be a bit wishy-washy at times and altogether to hard on herself which was sometimes difficult to see.
The book has a great pace and exciting storyline that keeps you engaged and ready to hear what happens next. Most events are expected but a few caught me off guard which kept me on my toes. Eleanor and Samuel's relationship was quite swoonworthy and I cheered as they finally got together!
The Christian elements in this book are great and not overdone. I love the prayer that Eleanor often repeats to herself in times of trouble and the picture of Samuel's redemption is beautiful.
verydazedragon's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book definitely has a lot of swoon worthy moments, but the ending was rushed and ridiculous. It would’ve been a lot better if Eleanor didn’t run away, and their miscommunication was solved upon his return. I feel like that was a childish response from Eleanor, and if I were Samuel, I wouldn’t have one after her, because I would’ve been too heartbroken after everything else. I just endure it in the past 24 hours. That was very poorly written.
jan1234's review against another edition
4.0
I borrowed this book from the library. I have only read 1 book before this by this author and really enjoyed.
I wasn't sure if I would like this initially as it isn't the genre or place that I generally read, but the story did keep my attention and the the most part I did enjoy it. There were a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting.
I wasn't sure if I would like this initially as it isn't the genre or place that I generally read, but the story did keep my attention and the the most part I did enjoy it. There were a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting.
austin7's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
jwolfpack's review against another edition
5.0
I've never read a Michelle Griep book I didn't like.
While Samuel and Eleanor were rather typical of the genre, I felt like I knew them better than any other character I'd read (in this genre) before. They are alive and very much real, with normal flaws, desires, and feelings. That's something I very much appreciate about Griep's books. She manages to blend faith and God's truth with the reality of falling in love. She doesn't shy away from the illusion of passion for the sake of sensibilities, yet her novels remain practically squeaky clean.
I'm so looking forward to her next book, whatever that may be!
While Samuel and Eleanor were rather typical of the genre, I felt like I knew them better than any other character I'd read (in this genre) before. They are alive and very much real, with normal flaws, desires, and feelings. That's something I very much appreciate about Griep's books. She manages to blend faith and God's truth with the reality of falling in love. She doesn't shy away from the illusion of passion for the sake of sensibilities, yet her novels remain practically squeaky clean.
I'm so looking forward to her next book, whatever that may be!
english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
Good story with plenty of adventure, some Romantic clichés here and there, but not the usual 'fluffy' fare that one sees in this genre. The 'Fish out of water' plotline with Eleanor dropped into the wildlands of Carolina was well handled.
The only thing I will say is, had I known a little more about the political background of his story I probably would not have requested it. It was well done, and added a lot, but as a matter of personal taste, I steer clear of anything set during the American Revolution because of the racism and rabid anti-English bias which often pervades such stories. It will just annoy me, and I would rather not be aggravated in a book I want to read for pleasure.
Sadly, this book was guilty in that regard. Basically, every member of the British armed forces, and the institutions of the army and navy as a whole were vilified as evil, brutal, corrupt bloodthirsty oppressors. No nuance, or admission that there are bad eggs in every basket, but most soldiers and sailors were just ordinary people. Nope, everyone who wears a Red Coat must be the Devil Incarnate, or a minion thereof.
...and of course, whilst Samuel has a natural air of authority, which entitles him to respect, and is a positive aspect of his character, all British aristocrats are characterized as arrogant, stuffy or lecherous.
So, I fear that, whilst this story was enjoyable, its only served to re-enforce my distaste for stories set in this period.
I requested a PDF of this title from Netgalley with the intention of reading and reviewing. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The only thing I will say is, had I known a little more about the political background of his story I probably would not have requested it. It was well done, and added a lot, but as a matter of personal taste, I steer clear of anything set during the American Revolution because of the racism and rabid anti-English bias which often pervades such stories. It will just annoy me, and I would rather not be aggravated in a book I want to read for pleasure.
Sadly, this book was guilty in that regard. Basically, every member of the British armed forces, and the institutions of the army and navy as a whole were vilified as evil, brutal, corrupt bloodthirsty oppressors. No nuance, or admission that there are bad eggs in every basket, but most soldiers and sailors were just ordinary people. Nope, everyone who wears a Red Coat must be the Devil Incarnate, or a minion thereof.
...and of course, whilst Samuel has a natural air of authority, which entitles him to respect, and is a positive aspect of his character, all British aristocrats are characterized as arrogant, stuffy or lecherous.
So, I fear that, whilst this story was enjoyable, its only served to re-enforce my distaste for stories set in this period.
I requested a PDF of this title from Netgalley with the intention of reading and reviewing. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
saint_augustine15's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5