| A Journey Full of Hope… Escape into a riveting story based on the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity In 1587, Elinor White Dare sailed from England heavy with her first child but full of hopes. Her father, a renowned artist and experienced traveler, has convinced her and her bricklayer husband Ananias to make the journey to the New World. Land, they are promised, more goodly and beautiful than they can ever imagine. But nothing goes as planned from landing at the wrong location, to facing starvation, to the endless wait for help to arrive. And, beyond her comprehension, Elinor finds herself utterly alone. . . . The colony at Roanoke disappeared into the shadows of history. But, what if one survived to leave a lasting legacy |  |
Genre: Christian/Historical/Romance
Release date: December 1, 202
Release date: December 1, 202
Click here to get your copy!
My Review
Can her faith sustain her through all odds?
Ever since I was a small child reading Joy Hakim's A History Of US series I have been fascinated by history and its many mysteries, particularly stories like the missing Amelia Earhart, whether Anastasia really survived, and...the lost colony of Roanoke... What really happened to 100+ people left alone who seemingly vanished into the mists of time? Were they killed off? Did they assimilate into the local tribal culture? Elinor takes the known facts and explores those tantalizing maybes...
As soon as I saw that Elinor had that Lost Colony setting I knew it was one I had to read. Shannon McNear is not exactly a new to me author so that was a plus as well. I'll admit that for me personally, the first half of the story was a bit slow but around that halfway mark or so it took off and I was in for some real surprises. I sincerely appreciated how faith was a central part of this story, both the struggle to hang on during adversity and the journey to find it in the first place. Both perspectives were interesting and well done.
One thing I would like to note is that Shannon McNear uses some historically accurate terms that have long since been, several for obvious reasons, dropped from everyday usage. I sincerely applaud her for erring on the side of accuracy. One of the things I dislike most is the current tendency to write history with a modern slant. This should never be done, instead the peoples of the time should be heard in their own words and thoughts, be they good, bad, or ugly, and history should never be sanitized to the point we can no longer learn from our mistakes.
Overall I would say that the Daughters Of The Lost Colony series is off to a good start with Elinor. It was an interesting read and I particularly liked the slightly older fashioned style of speech and storytelling that was fully understandable by modern readers but clearly took inspiration from a world more than 400 year ago. Shannon McNear has done a good job launching this series and I look forward to hopefully reading more from the Daughters Of The Lost Colony in the future...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Elinor by Shannon McNear a 4 Bark rating.
Ever since I was a small child reading Joy Hakim's A History Of US series I have been fascinated by history and its many mysteries, particularly stories like the missing Amelia Earhart, whether Anastasia really survived, and...the lost colony of Roanoke... What really happened to 100+ people left alone who seemingly vanished into the mists of time? Were they killed off? Did they assimilate into the local tribal culture? Elinor takes the known facts and explores those tantalizing maybes...
As soon as I saw that Elinor had that Lost Colony setting I knew it was one I had to read. Shannon McNear is not exactly a new to me author so that was a plus as well. I'll admit that for me personally, the first half of the story was a bit slow but around that halfway mark or so it took off and I was in for some real surprises. I sincerely appreciated how faith was a central part of this story, both the struggle to hang on during adversity and the journey to find it in the first place. Both perspectives were interesting and well done.
One thing I would like to note is that Shannon McNear uses some historically accurate terms that have long since been, several for obvious reasons, dropped from everyday usage. I sincerely applaud her for erring on the side of accuracy. One of the things I dislike most is the current tendency to write history with a modern slant. This should never be done, instead the peoples of the time should be heard in their own words and thoughts, be they good, bad, or ugly, and history should never be sanitized to the point we can no longer learn from our mistakes.
Overall I would say that the Daughters Of The Lost Colony series is off to a good start with Elinor. It was an interesting read and I particularly liked the slightly older fashioned style of speech and storytelling that was fully understandable by modern readers but clearly took inspiration from a world more than 400 year ago. Shannon McNear has done a good job launching this series and I look forward to hopefully reading more from the Daughters Of The Lost Colony in the future...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Elinor by Shannon McNear a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Shannon
Why did I write this story? Well, God shoved the opportunity under my nose, and I didn’t want to be guilty of taking the easy way out, by saying no. 😊
Really, while the concept was fascinating, the execution was daunting, and sometimes terrifying. The Elizabethan Era—before the King James Bible and even before Shakespeare was popular! As a student of the Revolutionary War and surrounding times, I felt very much out of my depth.
Though the research sucked me in, it was also daunting. Sifting through various interpretations of the primary accounts and their own speculations on why they felt things must have gone a certain way. Trying to “find” my story amongst all the theories and opinions. Above all, getting to know my characters and letting them come alive in my own imagination.
And come alive, they did—in full color, with a vividness I did not expect. I hope I was able to translate even a portion of what I envisioned to the page, so that you also can see them!
Really, while the concept was fascinating, the execution was daunting, and sometimes terrifying. The Elizabethan Era—before the King James Bible and even before Shakespeare was popular! As a student of the Revolutionary War and surrounding times, I felt very much out of my depth.
Though the research sucked me in, it was also daunting. Sifting through various interpretations of the primary accounts and their own speculations on why they felt things must have gone a certain way. Trying to “find” my story amongst all the theories and opinions. Above all, getting to know my characters and letting them come alive in my own imagination.
And come alive, they did—in full color, with a vividness I did not expect. I hope I was able to translate even a portion of what I envisioned to the page, so that you also can see them!
 Shannon McNear | Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!
a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 4
The Christian Fiction Girl, January 4
Joanna Bair, January 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 5
Rebecca Tews, January 5
For the Love of Literature, January 6
Remembrancy, January 6
Texas Book-aholic, January 7
Betti Mace, January 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 8
Inklings and notions, January 8
For Him and My Family, January 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9
deb’s Book Review, January 10
Labor Not in Vain, January 10
Blogging With Carol, January 10
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11
Connect in Fiction, January 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 12
To Everything There Is A Season, January 12
Mary Hake, January 12
Bizwings Blog, January 13
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13
Connie’s History Classroom, January 14
Splashes of Joy, January 14
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 15 (Spotlight)
Sodbuster Living, January 15
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 16
Through the Fire Blogs, January 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17
Pause for Tales, January 17
The Christian Fiction Girl, January 4
Joanna Bair, January 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 5
Rebecca Tews, January 5
For the Love of Literature, January 6
Remembrancy, January 6
Texas Book-aholic, January 7
Betti Mace, January 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 8
Inklings and notions, January 8
For Him and My Family, January 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9
deb’s Book Review, January 10
Labor Not in Vain, January 10
Blogging With Carol, January 10
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11
Connect in Fiction, January 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 12
To Everything There Is A Season, January 12
Mary Hake, January 12
Bizwings Blog, January 13
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13
Connie’s History Classroom, January 14
Splashes of Joy, January 14
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 15 (Spotlight)
Sodbuster Living, January 15
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 16
Through the Fire Blogs, January 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17
Pause for Tales, January 17
RSS Feed
