I have been a fan of this series since the beginning. Originally, I wanted to read the first book simply because Donati paid homage to Diana Gabaldon by mentioning Claire Fraser and young Ian Murray, from the Outlander series, in passing. As a huge Outlander fan, it was quite the thrill to see their names in another author's story.
Diana Gabaldon also recommended this book. So I...more
I have been a fan of this series since the beginning. Originally, I wanted to read the first book simply because Donati paid homage to Diana Gabaldon by mentioning Claire Fraser and young Ian Murray, from the Outlander series, in passing. As a huge Outlander fan, it was quite the thrill to see their names in another author's story.
Diana Gabaldon also recommended this book. So I read Into the Wilderness. I became hooked. In the first book, you meet Elizabeth Middleton who believes she is to remain a spinster. Because of this she decides to move from England to Paradise, New York where her father still lives. Upon arrival she meet's Nathaniel Bonner, a backwoodsmen. The attraction between them is undeniable despite Elizabeth's continuing efforts to do so.
Everything comes to a head when her father decides to gift her with the land the Bonner's rent, and believe to be rightfully theirs, to Elizabeth for her marriage to another man she has no intention of marrying. So Nathaniel and Elizabeth elope and their love story begins.
There are six books in total that span their lives and their children's lives. It isn't until the fourth book, Fire Along the Sky, that we start getting into love stories for Nathaniel and Elizabeth's children, but it becomes clear right away that Donati is good a writing more than one romance in this series.
My favorites are Jennet and Luke, Simon and Lily, and now Martha and Daniel.
This book was wonderful; one of the best books I've read in a while. I really equate this series with the Outlander series because both are excellent.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking or don't even know that this series is basically a follow up to the movie The Last of the Mochians which is nothing like the book. Some people won't even consider it because of that but I'll tell you; because it starts from Cora and Hawkeye's child's adulthood and continues you can forgive it and love the series for what it is, a wonderfully written story about a family in 18th and 19th century rural New York.
This book was particularly wonderful. I love the first book and the one where Simon and Lily fall in love, though for the life of me I can't remember which one contained that story and now this one is very much in a tie with the first book. Daniel and Martha's story mimics Daniel's parents, Elizabeth and Nathaniel.
Martha returns to Paradise after the break up of her engagement because of her mother Jemima Southern Kuick Wilde. Jemima was the source of much grief in Paradise. She is believed to have killed Cookie, Levi Fiddler's mother and contributed to the death of Callie Wilde's, her step-daughter, mother's death. Martha has the misfortune of being Jemima's daughter. After being abandoned by Jemima along with Callie, Jemima becomes a ward of Nathaniel Bonner.
Martha goes off to Manhattan with the fortune her father Liam Kirby left her and tries to make a life for herself. But after her mother's recent appearance she returns home to Paradise where she discovers that she belongs in Paradise, where she is cared about and where she feels most at home.
Then into Elizabeth Bonner's kitchen walks her son Daniel Bonner who was injuried in the war and has one arm he can barely use. Daniel has been on the outskirts of society ever since he lost the use of his arm but with the return of his twin Lily he's decided to be around a little more. His family doesn't have much hope this will last until he see's Martha again and then Daniel's stoic moods turn into a hopeful joy and a playful personality.
Love and trust blooms between Martha and Daniel. Daniel can't resist her and quickly asks her to marry him. The thing is that Martha is worried about the baggage she brings to the relationship in the form of her mother. Only things turn quickly when Jemima hits town and to becomes free of her mothers wardship she must be bound to a husband.
Martha and Daniel's love story grows quickly and yet it feels so real and plausible. The characters are fun and enjoyable and we meet the youngest Bonner Birdie who takes full responsibility for the matchmaking of Daniel and Martha.
Callie and Martha's lives change immensely with the revelation that they might have a brother, their mother/step-mother is back and they are surrounded by Bonner's willing to fight for them.
Donati did a fantastic job and I loved every minute though I must say if you read this book, have tissues handy for the epilogue which I believe I will never read again as it was too much for my delicate emotions.
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