Wednesday, August 14, 2013

My review of Burning Sky by Lori Benton, a novel of the Upstate NY frontier

Willa Obenchain’s quiet strength will stay with me for a long time, and so will this beautifully written story of the New York frontier. 

Taken captive by the Iroquois as a child, Willa now returns to her white village near present-day Herkimer, uncertain of her place in either world. She finds more questions than answers in the abandoned farmstead of her parents, whose loyalty in the recently ended Revolution is questioned. Locals from Shiloh, especially a former love interest Richard Waring, claim her parents disloyal to the patriot cause, and threaten to confiscate her land. To complicate matters, Willa’s sworn solitude has been invaded by a wounded botanist—Neil MacGregor—whom she takes in, and who in turn charms her grieving heart.

Clues about her past come into focus in the ethereal visits of a mysterious boy in the woods. Francis Waring is a heartbreakingly pure soul and the polar opposite of his brutal older brother Richard. Francis’ underdog simplicity and vulnerability drew me more powerfully than any other force in this deeply moving novel. This book has depth that haunts your heart and an uplifting power that ascends to. . .well, the Burning Sky.


For me, this is the best read of this year, by far. Bravo, Lori Benton on a breathtaking debut. 

Don't forget that we have an ongoing giveaway of this gorgeous novel. Leave a comment to be entered! A winner will be chosen by random.org on Friday. Good luck!

22 comments:

  1. "This book has depth that haunts your heart and an uplifting power that ascends to. . .well, the Burning Sky." Wonderful review!

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    1. Thanks, Carla! *blushing* It was so good it simply inspired me. :)

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  2. I've heard only great things about this book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy...

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Patty, you can believe every delicious rumor about this terrific book, because they are all true! Wishing you the best of luck!

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  3. Thank you for this review Kathleen and thank you for featuring great books and authors. This sounds like a book I would enjoy readying! I love historical fiction and this time era as well. Thank you for the chance to be in the drawing.

    God's Blessings,

    Lori

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    1. Thank you, Lori! So glad you came by, and I wish you luck on the win. :)

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  4. I've enjoyed Lori's other books - looking forward to this one!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Hi, Melody--so nice of you to come by. Good luck on the giveaway. :)

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  5. a wonderful posting...thanks for the chance to read this wonderful novel

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  6. Great review! This book sounds fantastic! Would love to win! Thank you for the opportunity to enter the giveaway!
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Barbara. This is the Christian historical gem of the year! Good luck on the giveaway

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  7. Love the storyline of this book & would love to read it - especially, since I am a descendant of a white man that was supposedly captured by the indians.

    Have read Lori's inspiring testimony about her physical problems & grateful she continued to pursue her passion for writing. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Bonnie, that is fascinating history. I wonder what tribe and area your ancestor was from?
      Thanks for visiting and leaving your comments. Good luck!

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    2. Kathleen,

      My ancestor was Marmaduke Van Swearingen, who was reportedly captured by the Shawnee tribe, renamed Blue Jacket, & later made a war chief, because of his bravery. There was an outdoor drama about him in Xenia, Oh. from 1981-2007. A controversy developed a few years ago - there are now claims that dna tests on descendants have proven that Marmaduke & Blue Jacket were not the same man. Guess we will never know - for sure!

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  8. A premise I haven't heard of in a long time. Something I will have to read.

    Martha
    josieringer(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Martha. It's a pleasure to have you visit. Best of luck!

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  9. Oh Kathleen. Thanks for this review. Wish I knew more about my Ancestors. I have an Indian great-great grandmother on both sides of my parents. family. Never had much info. tho. My daughter-in-law is checking on my Mother's side right now. I found out that I have a great-Aunt named Pocohuntas . That's farther than my nephews got. Don't even know what tribes. Tho, an aunt said she remembers her parents getting checks every month. Seems like it is the Cherokees who had help with getting to keep the oil rights for the wells in OK.
    Oh how I wish more info. had been passed down through the family, or that I had asked my great-aunt more questions before she got Dementia. I sure would love to win Lori"s book. Please put my name in. Thanks!
    MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  10. This is Maxie again. I forgot to say I shared on my Facebook, follow this site, and liked Lori"s FB page. Hoping for more entries. mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  11. Maxie, looks like you have five entries. Awesome! Your people's history really ignites my fascination. I tmakes me wish I had listened more as a child when my mom and grandmother shared family stories. I absorbed some, but so much of it is full of daydreaming mote-holes. :)
    As always, thank you for your great comments, sweet lady.

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  12. I have drawn the winner from both days' comments via random.org, and the winner is Maxie!

    congratulations, Maxie. I will email you shortly to get your information for sending you the book.

    Thank you to everybody for visiting and leaving a comment this week.

    Blessings!
    Kathy

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  13. Beautiful review, Kathleen! I can't wait to get my hands on this novel. I've heard such great things about it, and the time period is a favorite!

    gwen[dot]gage[at]gmail[dot]com

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