Virginia

The author, Shannon McNear, is deservedly recognized as a writer with authenticity of the historical novel, especially that of the discovery and exploration period of American history. Carefully research, this series on the Lost Colony captures the essence of the period when the shores of North Carolina were populated with explorers and their wives intent on establishing a new life for themselves and a new world in which to live. Also captured is the essence of the natives of the area who lived in families, tribes, and "cities" of their own making and who were at odds with one another; and who were definitely at odds with the new commers from across the great sea (Atlantic Ocean). McNear's research is thorough, though the material is certainly fleshed out with the author's own imaginative plausible account of what may have transpired on those North Carolina shores in the days when the first child born on those shores, Virginia Dare, was a blossoming teen. The impact the previous encounters with earlier Spanish explorers rings with harbored anger, distrust, and fear by both the natives and the English who are settling in the area. I found the series, and especially "Virginia" the concluding book, particularly interesting. We can't truly know the details of this period, but what is recorded gives a start to understanding. Speculation as to what happened to those early settlers is just that - speculation. The author's work is exceptionally good and though it is still a work of fiction, I believe it gives insight into life in those early days on the shores of my beloved North Carolina. I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Daughters of the Lost Colony has been such a fascinating series and finally, we're allowed to imagine Virginia's story! Virginia Dare, the first English baby born in the New World, is the heroine in Shannon McNear's new book and it is an engaging story filled with history, intrigue, and a lovely romance. The absolute truth surrounding Virginia's life isn't known so this book is fiction, but McNear's amazing historical research allows us to consider "what might have been"! Why couldn't this first English baby have survived the hardships that were a part of the settling of America? Why wouldn't Virginia be entitled to happiness and enduring love in North Carolina in the early 1600s? Virginia is an engrossing story of bravery and endurance that has historical facts and fictional details masterfully woven together. It's the fourth book in the series but Virginia's timeline falls between the first and third book. Never fear, it can be enjoyed as a standalone, but you'll probably want to go back to read the others! If you love historical fiction peppered with romance and inspiration, grab a copy of this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.