The Wood's Edge: A Novel

Lori Benton

Apr 2015 · The Pathfinders Book 1 · Sold by WaterBrook

About this ebook

At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?
 
The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.
 
On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.
 
When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

Ratings and reviews

The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton is a fascinating historical romance. The Wood’s Edge is the first book in the Pathfinders series. Major Reginald Aubrey is holding his dead infant son and does know what he is going to tell his wife. His wife is fragile and he is not sure she can handle this news. They are also having to abandon their fort. The English have surrendered Fort William Henry to the French. They have to leave now or be killed by the Indians. Then Major Aubrey sees a woman asleep in an alcove with twins. One baby looks very similar to his son. The woman was being held captive by Indians when the English rescued her (little did they know that she did not want to be rescued). Major Aubrey quickly switches the infants. This one incident will change so many people’s lives. As Reginald, Heledd (his wife), and their infant son, William flee towards Fort Edward they discover a little girl (about ten months old) next to dead bodies. The Indians killed her parents and were about to kill the little girl when Major Aubrey rescued her. Heledd is less than thrilled with the new addition. The family reaches Fort Edward and are taken into the McClaren household. Mr. McClaren is the local apothecary and helps Reginald heal from his wounds. Lydia Eve McClaren is fourteen and is taken with Reginald Aubrey as well as her father’s occupation (which is not considered suitable for a woman). Good Voice was the white woman who was captured from the Indians. When she awakens, she receives help from Clear Day. He is the uncle to her husband, Stone Thrower. He helps her escape Fort William Henry with the twins. Once they are outside the fort, Good Voice discovers the dead child. She immediately knows that it is not her child. Good Voice remembers the other woman in labor and her last name. When Good Voice returns to the Indian camp, she tells her husband about the switch. Stone Thrower is then bent on getting his son back and revenge on “Red Coat Aubrey”. Unfortunately, Stone Thrower turns to rum for comfort. They name the remaining twin, Two Hawks. After Reginald’s father passes away, he buys a farm in Schenectady for the family. Heledd is not happy. She just wants to go home to Wales. Heledd was always fragile and escaping the Indians did not help her mentally. She clings to her son, ignores Anne Catherine (the little girl they rescued), and stays inside their home (she is afraid Indians will be nearby). The book goes on to tell the story of how Good Voice, Stone Thrower, Clear Day, and Two Hawks continue to look for William as William grows up with the Aubrey’s. To find out what happens with Heledd, Reginald, Lydia, William, Anna, Good Voice, and Two Hawks, check out The Wood’s Edge. The Wood’s Edge is an interesting story, but we are left without a real ending. We have to wait until the next book comes out to see what happens. The book is heavy on history and goes from 1759 to 1776 (the beginning of the United States of America). I have only told you a little bit of what happens in this book (the main story line). I give The Wood’s Edge 4 out of 5 stars. I liked the book (but did not love it) and will definitely read the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of The Wood’s Edge from Blogging for Books (and Waterbrook Press) in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

This book has so many layers to it, you are always thinking about what all the characters are feeling . Lori has made you feel their plights, hopes, saddness in our own hearts making the people real as if you are in the story. A fantastic read.

Excellent!!

About the author

LORI BENTON was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of Burning Sky, recipient of three Christy Awards, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, Christy-nominee The Wood’s Edge, and A Flight of Arrows.