You are not Indian. You look with your eyes. If you were Indian, then you would see with your heart.” pg. 111.

This book depicted a time in history perfectly, though a work of fiction, the historical aspect was superb. The living interactions between the Natives and the settlers was tense, and the tribute children were real in those times, I found myself really enjoying this book filled with my favorite time period.

There is quite a blend of characters in this book, from Amish, to Scottish, “American” to Natives.  We are seeing the story through many eyes, but Fleix was by far one that I personally enjoyed. It was neat to have the male perspective in between the females and he was a voice of reason in moments of heat. He balanced Bairn out in many points, and was the rock for when Bairn wasn’t found. Anna was another character of strength, she saw more than others and her soft moments in the book packed a punch behind her words. She was steadfast and a great reminder to how much I personally love this series.

Betsy was personally my second favorite character, she gave a unique perspective to captivity and her story tugged on my heart. She showed true faith and strength while struggling in a culture that was not her own. Caleb helped her through this and I absolutely loved him. I know she was suppose to be with Hans but seriously the moment Caleb was in the book I was on his team and wanting fan shirts. He was by far my favorite character, though I wouldn’t say he was a primary character.

Tessa was a good reality check type of character. She reminded me that the green-eyed monster rears it head with the most faithful and that we all can learn to push it away. I really loved that she evolved from a teen to a woman in this story, and that it was growth not only in age but in attitude. I would love another story about her and a romance.

The presence of the truth with the Natives was a point that I thought the author touched on perfectly! She showed that the tension was brewing and growing but also pieces of the Native life that isn’t always shared. I can’t leave this review without saying how much I LOVE the horses, and was so sad to get to the end and find out that they were no more. It was breeds like that, that helped build our country and I would love to know more now after the fact, but do hope the stallion and Caleb get their own stories.  Amazingly researched, and faithfully filled this book will have you in suspense and then heart warming tears.

Have you ever felt tested in your faith?