My rating: 4.5 stars

Trail of Crosses is the second book in The Lost Colony Series, but can also stand alone. If you want a book with a romance that will make your knees go weak, look no further.

Jane Mannering is just a simple, poor Englishwoman, searching for freedom in a new land just like the rest of her Colonial caravan. But when the colonists are attacked and enslaved by “those red-skinned savages,” freedom seems to be far-off.

But Jane is determined to free the other colonists—if not herself. For she finds herself drawn to these people, their manner of living so different from the haughty ways of England. And the mighty Chief Wanchese, a fierce man who sends her heart racing, may not let her go without a fight.

This book pleasantly surprised me! At the beginning, I was a little wary. The story was spurred right into the conflict, which was great. But right after that came what I like to call an 'info dump.' I think Ms. Gafford tried to describe too much all at once. We're introduced to a lot of characters, and it was a bit overwhelming and hard to keep up with. However, even at this point the descriptions were lovely and the writing flowed really well, so I was in no hurry to quit.

Thank goodness. Because what came next wasn't just layed out information. It was action. It was conflict. I became so invested in the story, in what would happen next. The main character, Jane, also endeared herself to me very quickly.

I sympathized with her in her plight. Before her untimely adventure, she was looked down upon as a spinster. Then she had to undergo the embarassment of being sold and enslaved. To top it all of, her new chief tries to seduce her. But she refuses him in spite of her attraction, holding fast to her morals. I never stopped rooting for her.

This really was a captivating read. I enjoyed seeing how everything would play out, and watching the Englishmen and the Native Americans work together. I also loved their manner of speaking and the historical feel. In short, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!

Content: Kissing; Wanchese tries to persuade Jane to lie with him, but she refuses because they are not married; the Native American women are bare chested. I recommend it for girls 15 .

Just a side note: As a Christian, one thing bothered me a little bit—that Jane, though she was a Christian, never really tried to convert anyone. And that she *MINOR SPOILER* married Wanchese even though he was not a believer *END SPOILER*. Still, I loved the novel overall, and was happy to give it 4.5/5 stars.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review—just an honest one.

See more of my reviews at http://thescribblingsprite.blogspot.com/
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