Description: Autumn of 1755 bestowed to the Leiningers’ world, not only its rich beauties, but also a rewarding harvest. On this particular day the whole valley seemed to rejoice in the fullness of the season—but suddenly Barbara and Regina’s peaceful frontier life is changed forever. General Braddock and his army had been defeated and soon the Pennsylvania settlers would suffer the bloody effects of the French and Indian War. On October 16, 1755, a band of Indians, led by Allegheny warriors, stormed through Buffalo Valley, burned the Leiningers’ log cabin, and captured the sisters. Few survived the Penn’s Creek Massacre and even fewer lived to tell the story. Regina makes a promise to her older sister just before they are unwillingly separated—each to endure different fates. Barbara is taken deep into the wilderness, but holds on to the hope that she will find her little sister. Though she is adopted into the Indian tribe, there is a longing deep inside that cannot be denied. She must escape—but the penalty if caught is certain death.
I was working on painting the trim on the house all by myself, and I decided to listen to a book on my Kindle to keep me company. This is one of those books that I have heard about since my early teens but hadn’t read yet. When I was able to pick up a Kindle copy for ninety-nine cents, I was happy to try it out.
This is based on a true story. It is the kind of story one would expect to have been made up. Yet, isn’t it just like God? His stories are always amazing, and his provision for his children often leaves me speechless. The almost impossibility of this story is what is amazing.
Clearly, this book is targeted for youth. While young adults and even adults might find it interesting, youth will get the most out of it. The style of the story is simple, yet never talks down to the youth it reaches.
The faith message is strong and the point of the whole story. It is about how, even when things are at their worst, God will never leave us. We are never alone. That concept is one all of us need to be reminded of from time to time.
Barbara was a character of great faith but also wasn’t perfect. She is a character that I think many girls can relate to. She is also a good example of a strong girl, a loving sister, and a devoted daughter of Jesus.
This would be a fantastic book for homeschool kids to understand the human cost of the French and Indian war. Many homes were burned by the Indians, and many women and children carried off. Void of the graphicness of some books, this captures many of the emotions that the captives experienced.
I highly recommend this to young readers who enjoy history, faith-filled fiction, and courageous girls.
