Through the Fire
Beth Trissel
The Wild Rose Press
American Rose
322 pp

Blurb:

At the height of the French and Indian War, a young English widow ventures into the colonial frontier in search of a fresh start. She never expects to find it in the arms of the half-Shawnee, half-French warrior who makes her his prisoner in the raging battle to possess a continent – or to be aided by a mysterious white wolf and a holy man.

Review:

Rebecca Elliot, recently widowed, is on her way with her younger sister, Kate, to relatives staying in a remote fort. As their party travels at slow pace through thick forest, they find themselves viciously attacked. Rebecca barely manages to fight off one savage when she finds herself taken captive by another. In the melee, she loses sight of Kate.

Rebecca finds herself a prisoner of Shoka, a half-Shawnee warrior who fortunately speaks English. Despite his efforts to make her comfortable in his company, she keeps trying to escape. As they travel on, thrown together to survive in the wilderness, they begin to care for each other. Aware of their growing feelings, they’re unable to deny the truth to themselves – and to others. Yet dangers lurk from both native and white men, threatening their new-found love, and their lives. Only following a mysterious white wolf helps them escape the worst dangers. On their march towards the fort, they are forced to defend and fight for each other.

During their journey, Rebecca is re-united with her sister. But how much time will they have together, now that Kate has eyes only for a dashing Frenchman? And with a massacre unavoidable, their lives are once more in peril. Barely escaped with their lives, Rebecca has to confront her past to create her future. But does her future include Shoka?

Ms Trissel spins a very fine yarn with Through the Fire. Her vivid imagery takes you right back into the action. The colours, scents and views tickle the senses. The deep description of scenery and historical setting gave me just the right idea of what Rebecca went through, both physically and emotionally. Ms Trissel knows how to tell a wonderful tale.

A beautifully written love story, with enough dangers lurking to keep us on our toes. Perfect reading material.

5 out of 5 stars