Publisher: Barbour Books
Release Date: March 1, 2020
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.
Based on real events beginning in 1797 — Rachel Taylor lives a rather mundane existence at the way station her family runs along the Wilderness Road in Tennessee. She attends her friend’s wedding only to watch it dissolve in horror as the groom, Wiley Harpe, and his cousin become murderers on the run, who drag their families along. Declaring a “war on all humanity,” the Harpes won’t be stopped, and Ben Langford is on their trail to see if his own cousin was one of their latest victims. How many will die before peace can return to the frontier?
My Review 💙
Wow! To stun me speechless is saying something and that's exactly how I felt when I put down The Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear. Shannon is a masterful storyteller, drawing you into the darkness, cloaking you vivid imagery, and evoking a myriad of emotions, from sheer horror to hope, and everything in between.
The Blue Cloak was a lot more dark and menacing than I had anticipated, but was still a riveting, albeit tough read. Talk about truth being stranger than fiction! There are moments I felt truly disgusted, other times I saw the beauty of forgiveness and grace. My emotions continued to jump all over the place as I read, spurred on by a fast paced plot and incredible writing by the immensely talented Ms. McNear. I was constantly saying to myself, "I can't believe this actually happened!" the tale that unbelievable.
Though The Blue Cloak is classified as a Christian Fiction I would proceed with caution, as this is a story with incredibly dark subject matter. The brutality is inhumane and the overall situation truly unimaginable, but the author did approach this harsh subject with the utmost tact, not being overly graphic, and letting the gruesome tale tell itself.
Sally was a character that I couldn't root hard enough for, her story sticking with me long after I put the book down, and I fell in love with Rachel, and her character. I also greatly appreciated the author's notes that gave more insight into this chilling story, and would highly recommend this novel, though with the caveat that this novel is not for everyone, and if you are sensitive to depictions of abuse I would skip this installment and go for another book in the True Colors series.
About the Author
Shannon McNear 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. She writes regularly for Colonial Quills, is a member of ACFW and RWA, 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 sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.
Connect with Shannon: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Content Warning: Abuse of women and children
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Barbour Books through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
No comments
Thank you for visiting! :)