Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke (Volume 1)

Daughters of the Lost Colony #1

by Shannon McNear

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?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Christian, American History, Romance

Audio CD

First published December 1, 2021

About the author

Shannon has been writing one thing or another since third grade and finished her first novel at age fifteen—but waited more than thirty years for her first book contract. In the meantime, she graduated from high school, attended college, met and married her husband, birthed nine children, lost one, taught five to drive, revised that first story innumerable times, and completed six others.

Her first published novella, Defending Truth, in A Pioneer Christmas Collection (Barbour, 2013 & 2015), was a 2014 RITA® nominee, and her most recent one, The Wise Guy and the Star in Love's Pure Light was a 2021 SELAH winner. She writes regularly for Colonial Quills, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith-Hope-Love Christian Writers, and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, she loves losing herself in local history. When this homeschooling mom isn't cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elinor by Shannon McNear imagines the mystery behind the disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

1587, Elinor Dare is the daughter of John White, who is the appointed governor for the new colony. They do not land where they were supposed to and their journey from settling at a new place to survival is a plot-driven story which has a slow progression.

I prefer character-driven stories. I wished the characters were more developed and from the beginning. We get some tiny bits of who they are, but for most of the part it’s about their journey.

I don’t mind religious faith being woven into the story, but I found the God being used too often. At some points, the religious faith overwhelms the story.

The story certainly offers original historical background, presenting interestingly the time and the place. I believe the best audience for this book is the one that reads Christian fiction on a regular basis.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction novel which describes what might have happened to the settlers of the lost colony of Roanoke. It has vividly described settings, and is filled with prayer, bravery and hope. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Lauren Ezzo, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.

[Cathy S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elinor is a work of Christian and Historical Fiction about the lost colony of Roanoke. I missed the fact that it was a work of Christian fiction in the description. This genre is one I had given up on after every book I read lacked depth, substance and historical details. This novel suffers no such problem! Though there are frequent prayers and scripture readings they are appropriate to time and the characters. The earliest settlers often left England due to restrictions on practicing their religion. They were extremely devout and I imagine they often turned to God as they faced an uncertain future.
It is a well crafted story offering a plausible explanation for what happened on Roanoke Island. Through Ms. McNear’s vivid prose one sees the New World in all its majestic glory. I was able to feel the settlers’ excitement as they took their first steps on land to start their new journey. But I also felt their fear over the unknown reception they would receive by the natives. The historical details the author includes not only adds to the story but reflects the extensive research she has done. The novel includes a forward and afterward author’s note further validating the books authenticity.
The story centers on governor John Smith, his daughter Elinor and her husband Ananias. The characters are well drawn. The love that each feels for the other is evident and will draw you into the story. I felt their joys and their sadnesses as they tried to build a settlement not only with the other settlers but with the natives they met along the way. The author tries and I feel succeeds at answering the questions that remain to this day. What was the colony’s fate? Did they die at the hands of hostile tribes or did they move further into the wilderness? The book offers a very interesting theory!
In the Authors’ forward she asks the reader to take the journey with her. I highly recommend you do! It’s one heck of a ride!,

[Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon McNear blends a believable tale from documented history, accepted lore, hours of research, and vivid imagination that will pull the reader back in time. Meet the brave men and women who set out to start a colony in the New World even before the Pilgrims. Also meet the Native Americans who befriended and opposed them. Elinor is a compelling and thoughtful story of what might have been.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elinor by Shannon McNear is a stunning historical fiction that weaves true historical elements with a fictional narrative to give the reader a wonderful story about the first colony of Roanoke. Just wow!

The author has a true talent of taking what facts and true historical knowledge that we have concerning the mysterious, and ultimately a failure, end and disappearance of the first attempt at a colonial settlement by England in what is now the US, Roanoke.

We are transported back to 1587, where the author takes a real life figure, Elinor White Dare, and weaves a tale of adventure, bravery, fear, hope, longing, suspense, mystery, and survival. She takes her extensive research and creates a what if scenario of what might have happened to the doomed colony. So many mysteries and questions surround this lost colony still to this day. I guess that is what makes it so intriguing and interesting.

I loved her attention to detail, her descriptions, and the development of her characters. It was just all around a stunning piece of literature.

I also truly appreciated her Author’s note at the end listing what she knew as true fact, what she used as inspiration, and what fictional elements she introduced to create the story as it is.

I really loved this book and I look forward to more from this author.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Barbour Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 12/1/21 per publisher request.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard of Roanoke, the lost people, Elinor and Virginia Dare, and the mystery surrounding it. I have watched tv documentaries on it, and people's many theories of what happened. But never has anyone brought that location, those people, and brought them to life, make them feel real, based on just probability. Until now.

This is the story of Elinor Dare, her husband Aninias, daughter Virginia, and the many other settlers who came to Roanoke, Virginia colony in 1587. When her father has to sail back to England, Elinor realizes just how long those trips take, how much it longs on the heart. But the settlers are determined to make it work, to become friends with the Natives and survive. But not knowing how things grow in this new world, the disturbance from other Natives, the settlers are forced to move and live with the Croatians. There they learn the language, what crops to plant, how they grow, and make friends with them. But not always for the good. Elinor has a Godly heart, as do most of the settlers, not pushing their beliefs on the Natives, but answering when asked. When the settlement is raided and Elinor and others are taken, she longs to believe her God will keep her safe. Sees Far is one of her captors, who saw her in his dream, and is determined to keep her safe at all costs. When tragedy strikes Elinor, and she is separated from the other settlers, it is her faith and trust in Sees Far, and the determination to see her family again. But her faith and trust is more powerful than even she can believe.

Though this story is based on true events, no one knows exactly what happened to Elinor Dare and the settlers of Roanoke, though there are many speculations. But this is a very plausible outcome, one I do believe to be true, that settlers really did merge and live with the Natives at that time. But the story of Elinor and Sees Far is anticipated, and one that brings hope to the reader that she, and the others, really did live a good life.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy, all opinions are my own. Also, thank you to Shannon McNear for bringing this mystery to life.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, mostly because I still learn much from well-written and researched historical fiction. My interest was immediately piqued when I first read the description of this book. I knew from reading some of Ms. McNear's earlier novels, that her research is excellent. And I was not disappointed. Her account of what might have happened to the lost colony of Roanoke is believable.
With beautiful prose that appeals to the senses, the life and struggles faced by the early planters come to life under McNear's skillful pen. But more than the history, I found the compelling message of grace and forgiveness relevant, regardless of time or setting. One for the keeper shelf!

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

1587-1560 Roanoke

Such a fascinating and frightening time in North American history. It's clear and much appreciated that the author completed extensive research in preparation of writing this novel. The use of language such as "mayhap" and "thee" add to the authenticity.

Bravery, loyalty, adventure must have been part of the hearts and minds of those that wanted to travel from England to Roanoke. Week after week traveling in uncertain waters on a ship with less than ideal conditions to reach an unsettled land.

While parts of Elinor's and her father John's (Governor) story had me engaged, other parts didn't. The history though was incredibly interesting.

My gratitude to CelebrateLit and publisher Barbour for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Elizabeth Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon McNear has clearly done her research and penned an extraordinary tale regarding the lost colony. I was captivated by Elinor's story and at times, shocked, but Shannon writes truth in her fiction. After I finished the story, I longed for the next book because she pulled me into her world and I didn't want to leave. I thought about the story and characters for days after. If you love authentic historical fiction--you don't want to miss ELINOR or Shannon McNear's works!

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a history lover, settle down into this one. I am a huge history buff and enjoy reading about true events and how an author manages to fictionalize them without damaging the integrity of the event. Shannon McNear tackles a fascinating event here: the lost colony at Roanoke. I would love to know what actually happened to these people. McNear’s research is impeccable as always and I know history buffs will enjoy this one.

My thanks to Barbour fir a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intense and captivating story! The Lost Colony of Roanoke is such a fascinating subject and I was very impressed with the research the author did into the possible scenarios that could have occurred to leave such an historical mystery that still enthralls people to this day.

I felt as if I was able to really get to know the characters in this novel, both the settlers and the native people who already lived in this new world. In the story, it was interesting to see things from the viewpoints of both sides and to realize how much the actions of some people a few years earlier would impact the current hopes of those trying to settle in peace.

There were moments of hope, love, family, fear, danger, sadness, and much more woven throughout the pages. One thing that stood out to me was the difference between simple platitudes regarding God rather than truly living out your faith. Elinor and her family, as well as a few others in the story, were a good testament to trying to live out their beliefs. This ended up being a very important thing as the story continued.

I was drawn into the lives of these characters from the very first page and I felt as if I was living the events and trials along with them. I am very interested to hear what the next novel in the series will be about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and rich in detail about Early America in the late 1500s, this novel proposed what could have happened to the lost Colony of Roanoke, Virginia.
Ms. McNear has represented the time period very well from the vivid descriptions of the New World to the dialects of both the colonists and the native people.
Elinor, is a brave, resolute woman who endures much hardship but is constantly comforted by her memorized scripture. Her father encouraged her: “Read it now, daughter, while there is yet time and opportunity. You know not when you may need it, laid up like treasure in your heart, when there is not the written Word to come to.” Indeed, she relies on one of my favorite passages in Romans when she realizes that through all her trials that nothing can separate her from the Love of God.
A favorite part was the baptism ceremony of Manteo a native who had come to Christ. The liturgy was very similar to our Lutheran service of baptism. I found it fascinating to read the scripture passages as they were taken from the Great Bible translation of 1539.
This epic story is reminiscent of The Last of The Mohicans by Cooper but infinitely more readable.
There are many spiritual lessons to take away:
God keeps his people and loves and guides them.
God uses Christians in many ways by their words and their behavior to bring others to Salvation.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Slow beginning but by the end I really enjoyed this story. I loved the heartbreaking story along with characters that told a story from a little known part of history.

[Cora Mabry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I usually love historical fiction and have always been interested in the Lost Colony, so I thought I would really enjoy this book. Unfortunately that was not the case.

The pacing of this book is SO slow. I struggled to keep my attention on the story, and honestly if I hadn’t had the audiobook I don’t think I could’ve finished this. Almost nothing of note happens in this novel until Elinor is kidnapped. The plot picks up a little after that but is very predictable.

The natives are referred to as “savages” throughout the entire story, even after the Europeans have befriended them. There were also SO MANY comments about the natives being partially or fully naked. This ranged from casual mentions of the fact to comments about the Englishmen “openly lusting” after the native women’s bodies. Ummm? Excuse me?! In a CHRISTIAN book? There’s never any mention of how wrong it is for them to be feeling that way. And don’t even get me started on that weird scene with the teenage boys grinning at the naked little girls and their “bare flat chests”. Seriously have no idea why that was included in this story. 🥴

Elinor gets kidnapped by Sees Far and before her husband’s body is even cold she’s thinking about how tall and strong Sees Far is. Are you kidding me?? Elinor is literally pregnant with her former husband’s child and he hasn’t even been dead a week and you expect me to believe she’s already developing feelings for her CAPTOR? Before she even knows if he’s a good person, much less a Christian? WHAT?

Not my kind of story at all.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy when a book is about an era or event with which I’m less familiar. It causes me to research the time period myself.

What happened to the Roanoke settlers of 1587? (called Roanoac in this book) How many centuries has it been since the settlers were left on the island to plant and thrive? More than four? And yet there is not enough evidence to prove their fate.

John White left his daughter, her husband and granddaughter on Roanoke to travel back to England for more assistance and supplies. His return was thwarted for three years. Upon his return in 1590 not a single person was left and nothing to indicate where they’d gone or if they even survived. There are theories aplenty, and Native American stories passed down, but no proof.

This is an interesting fictitious story about some of the settlers and what could have happened. The author makes no bones about it being a creation rather than an authentic account. Nonetheless it is a compelling story about the faith and fortitude of some captives and some settlers who had moved on. Primarily it was about Elinor Dare, the daughter of John White.

Elinor was a woman to be honored — for her bravery, for her strength, for her faith and for her forgiveness. She’s a woman I would have loved to know.

All in all a good book.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been intrigued with the Lost Colony. My daughter and I traveled to Virginia and went to the site—a forest trail with tall trees and whispers and traces of a settlement, nothing more. Eerie. Shrouded in mystery. I bought a few books—one non-fiction that read like fiction, the mystery sort.

The author’s characters breath life into the colony, a place of hope and great potential. Oh, the elements of nature and the manmade barriers and prejudices! Could I have left civilization—albeit, dirty, crowded, and unhealthy London—to carve out a home in the wild, virgin wilderness? What would it have been like to birth the first child in the new colony? I couldn’t have done it, but someone did.

The characters bring warmth, purpose, and hope to the pages and my imagination. What a journey!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of inspirational historical fiction and romance, I am eager to read about new-to-me topics, so when the opportunity arose to read and review this book I did not hesitate. I have only read one other book by Shannon McNear and really enjoyed it. Elinor is a fictional tale about what might have happened to those who were part of the lost colony of Roanoke. The amount of research that went into this book is astounding and the author explains in detail at the end of the book her process of how she came to include specific details in her narrative, as well as a glossary of indigenous language and passenger lists. This fictional yet historically-based novel imparted not only facts and background of the late 16th century Virginia and North Carolina, but wove a heart wrenching and poignant story of love, loss and deep faith that was truly inspiring. This novel wove a very reasonable and plausible tale of what could have happened to the lost colony of Roanoke. I highly recommend checking out this book and other books by this author!

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a intriguing story based on the lost colony of Roanoke and written with a great cast of characters. The story keeps your attention from beginning to end. I found this to be a good book and one I would recommend to others.

Some Historic Content (because of course I had to research the topic 😉)

Facts:
✔️The origins of one of the America’s oldest unsolved mysteries can be traced to August 1587, when a group of about 115 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina.

✔️ John White, governor of the new colony, sailed back to England, late in the year 1587, in order to gather a fresh load of supplies. He was detained in England for a time…

✔️ In August 1590, White finally returned to Roanoke, where he had left his wife and daughter, his infant granddaughter (Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas) and the other settlers three long years before. He found no trace of the colony or its inhabitants, and few clues to what might have happened, apart from a single word—“Croatoan”—carved into a wooden post.

No one knows what happened to the colony but of course there are theories, including:

✔️ “Croatoan” was the name of an island south of Roanoke that was home to a Native American tribe of the same name. Perhaps, then, the colonists were killed or abducted by Native Americans.

✔️ Perhaps after White’s Journey for supplies took so long they tried to sail back to England on their own and got lost at sea.

✔️Perhaps the colonists of Roanoke met a bloody end at the hands of Spaniards who had marched up from Florida.

✔️Perhaps after running out of supplies and believing White was not returning they moved further inland and were absorbed into a friendly tribe.


No one knows what happened to the colonists of Roanoke — Archeologists are still investigating in 2022

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that takes what we know of the real story and fills in the what if’s. As a history lover, I really enjoyed this book! I love all of the details included in the back of the book. You can tell that Shannon McNear did a ton of research for this one.


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely captivating and unputdownable! McNear has a wonderful way with words. She orchestrates vivid historical settings, cultures, and her authentic fictional characters with the skill of a master and heart of a believer who sees the value of lives lived in days past. If you enjoy stories of true American frontiersmen and women and/or authors like Laura Frantz and Lori Benton, you will enjoy this tale from Shannon McNear.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. As owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

We lived in NC and one of the things I regret not doing while we lived there is going to the town of Manteo and explore. They now do a Broadway type show every summer portraying the story of "The Lost Colony" which always has a different ending. This book reminded me of that. Obviously it is based on actual historical aspects intertwined with fiction and author Shannon McNear did a great job with it. The story definitely captures you and takes you on what was and what could've been. The character of Elinor was so realistic. We see her go through trials and struggles but she clings to her faith not shying away from the hard things.

The history in this book is rich. I say this because if you aren't into historical fiction then this may seem a bit boring or slow moving. Shannon McNear definitely did her research and did so with a passion. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading what she will write next!

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely tender and also raw fictional tale in what might have happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. The story came alive as fiction was melded seamlessly with historical elements.

The English planters on a new adventure are thrown into the unknown elements of The New World and lean only on their strength, talents, and faith in God to provide hope for a new beginning. Their lives are met with uncertainty, tragedy, and pain which tests their faith.

Elinor is a haunting story that will run the gamut of your emotions, as you are driven forward to delve into its pages. You won't forget the Lost Colony of 1587, long after you close the last page. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been fascinated with the Lost Colony so naturally I was thrilled to read Author Shannon McNear's Elinor! Her impeccable research and skillful writing carry the reader off to 1587 in the new world. She pens an authentic and compelling "what if" story! I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of bravery, courage, love, hardship, loss, and all the struggles that came with living in this new land.

I highly recommend Elinor for lovers of historical fiction!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy of Elinor. All Opinions are my own.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does a marvelous job of authentically portraying a time period that has been very little written about in historical fiction. Her words show how well researched this work is.
I found it fascinating to read and learn about a long ago time period that is pretty much off the radar.
Like us the characters have hope dreams,romance,drama,uncertainty,joy,tragedy and death.
I enjoyed reading this story based on historical happenings.

Pub Date 01 Dec 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this book by Barbour Publishing Group.

Fair warning. When I review books, I always try to find the positives, even if there aren’t things that I enjoyed about a book. But there are those occasions when I do not enjoy the book and I will tell you the reasons why. I am not doing it to be mean–these are just my thoughts. Also, TRIGGER WARNING: Harmful and Racist slurs pertaining to the Indigenous Peoples.

“It was, truly, tedious and very wearing.”

ELINOR
This quote sums up my feelings for Elinor by Shannon McNeer. I had to take some time before writing this review because when I finished the book, I was angry. This is the Goodreads Blurb:

“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?”

It definitely caught my attention –and that cover!! It is GORGEOUS! I was hoping for mystery and intrigue. Is that what I got? Nope. Do you want to know what I got? I got the typical racist narrative: those poor white Christian colonials, they just want the land they feel entitled to? But no, it is the Natives that are hostile. And golly, they don’t even know Jesus. So let us kick them off their land, murder them, strip them of their culture and treat them as animals and not as humans.—Because that is what God would want.

The Native peoples are seriously villainized in this story. The term, “savage” is used multiple times on every page. Now, the author tries to justify this by saying this is what John White called them in historical documents, she is just trying to be historically accurate. Ok, fine. But this word occurs when John White isn’t around or in dialogue. It is repeated constantly within the narrative. There is no excuse. There is a way to be historically accurate without being harmful to the Indigenous Peoples. And people wonder why we need to rethink the way we teach history. But as I was reading the author’s notes, she really tries to justify the way she wrote this book. She even discusses how hard it is for white people to write about other cultures without being harmful. Then proceeds to talk about how she thinks Hamilton and Bridgerton are cultural appropriations. I am not making this up, it is in her notes.

Before I wrap this up here are a few other thoughts. It is slow and way too preachy. The characters were bland and stiff. I tried to find some positives. I really did. This is a no for me. 1 out of 5 stars.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very moving and poignant. It was a wonderful historical novel, that kept you wondering what would happen next and how the story would end. It was about life in the late 1500's. I think I am glad I didn't live then, forging the way for those that were yet to come.
This book was a true page-turner. It was a wonderful story with good and bad times. The book description says the book is riveting. Yes, it totally was. The book tells of loss, and actual historical events as it moves along. The story brings in the trust and reliance of God and is a great book for Christian fiction appreciators. The characters were believable and realistic in their search of a place to practice religious and other freedoms. I totally enjoyed the book and felt it was well written and presented history in a very well researched manner.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour publishing and NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Cecilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a fascinating read. While fictional, I have a ton of respect for all the historical research and plotting that had to go into this book. It makes my head spin a bit.

The lost colony is one of North America's greatest mysteries that has withstood the test of time, and I think this fictional version is a highly probable account of what happened to those people. It seemed a realistic blend of what they would have been facing all alone in a new world - strife, hope, hard work, dispair, and lives lived.

The religious aspect wasn't for me, but I did appreciate that it was at the core of who the colonists were. I'm not entirely sure it was a good protrayal of the Native Americans and their spiritual beliefs, but sadly even as the author mentions, so much of those people are lost to time, and we have only oral storytelling to rely on. A truly sad consequence of the conquering, plundering, and greed of the time.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elinor by Shannon McNear begins with John White, who is the governor of the new colony. In 1587, he, along with this daughter Elinor Dare and others make the journey to the new world. This fictional adventure lands them in a strange new place in Roanoke. Their fascination with surrounding natives was very interesting. You can really feel the atmosphere with their daily lives, heartaches and struggles. Full of drama and excitement, it was very descriptive and well written. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Nora Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, the book was good. I could imagine being inside the book. It seemed that at times, the author tried too hard to sound like Old English which made it hard to understand things sometimes. I spent some time rereading parts to make sure I grasped what the author was trying to say. Sometimes she did correctly write in Old English.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal.

I learned so much about the history surrounding the lost colony of Roanoke. I really enjoyed exploring the possible explanation of events surrounding the colony's disappearance. Mrs. McNear did a thorough job with the historical detail, but I didn't feel overwhelmed or bogged down with it. The beautiful story and themes come through loud and clear. This tale will also cause you to think about deep questions related to your faith.

As a warning, there are scenes with violence and tragedy, but it's a necessary element to help us understand the time and circumstances surrounding the colonization of America.

I really appreciated listening to the audiobook. There are lots of crazy things to pronounce, so it was helpful to listen, even though there is a helpful pronunciation guide and glossary in the back for those who read the physical book. The author's note is super intriguing and makes me want to do some research soon, too!!

I'm eager to read the next books, Mary and Rebecca!!