The Wood's Edge

Set in 1757 during the aftermath of the Fort William Henry massacre, The Wood's Edge traces two families whose lives become intertwined through one fateful choice. British Major Reginald Aubrey makes a decision at the fort that will haunt multiple generations and shape the destinies of two communities. The story spans more than two decades across the New York frontier, following both colonists and Native Americans as they navigate cultural divisions, personal loyalties, and matters of faith. At its core are questions of identity and belonging, as characters from both worlds must confront hard truths about themselves and their heritage. The book operates simultaneously as a historical chronicle of Colonial America and an intimate family saga, documenting both the broader societal tensions and the private struggles of its characters. It explores themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the complex bonds between parents and children - both chosen and biological - against the backdrop of a young nation's painful birth.

Readers appreciate Benton's attention to historical detail and complex character development in this Revolutionary War-era novel. Many note the authentic portrayal of both Native American and colonial cultures. Fans highlight the spiritual themes and redemption narrative. One Goodreads reviewer said "the faith elements feel natural rather than preachy." Multiple readers praised the romance subplots and emotional depth. Common criticisms include the slow pacing in the first third and multiple timeline jumps that some found confusing. Several readers mentioned difficulty keeping track of the large cast of characters. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ ratings) BookBub: 4.4/5 (150+ ratings) On Goodreads, 83% of readers gave it 4 or 5 stars. Negative reviews most often cite the length (400+ pages) and slower sections. Those who read Benton's other books note this one requires more patience but delivers a satisfying conclusion.

The King's Mercy by Lori Benton A tale of redemption unfolds on the Carolina frontier as an indentured Scottish prisoner forms a bond with a minister's daughter amid colonial tensions and Native American conflicts.

Many Sparrows by Lori Benton When a woman's son is taken by Shawnee Indians in 1774 Ohio Territory, she must trust a frontiersman with ties to both worlds to help bridge the cultural divide and return her child.

The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher Three siblings navigate their inheritance, faith, and relationships on Nantucket Island during the height of the whaling era in 1850s New England.

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton In 1787 North Carolina, a young woman escapes an arranged marriage and flees into the mountain wilderness with the help of a frontiersman caught between settler and Cherokee worlds.

The Pathfinders by Lori Benton Twin brothers separated at birth—one raised by Mohawk Indians, one by British colonists—discover their connection against the backdrop of the French and Indian War.

🌲 The novel is set during and after the French and Indian War (1754-1763), a crucial period that reshaped colonial America's borders and relationships between European settlers and Native Americans. 🏹 Author Lori Benton spent four years intensively researching Mohawk and colonial American culture to ensure historical accuracy in her portrayal of both worlds. 👥 The story was inspired by true accounts of infant twins being separated during the colonial period, though the specific plot is fictional. 🌟 The book won the 2016 Christy Award for Historical Romance, one of the most prestigious awards in Christian fiction. 🎨 Benton developed her deep interest in 18th-century American frontier life while working as a wildlife artist, where she frequently painted scenes of early American landscapes and Native American life.