A Review for Redemption in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

About Redemption in the Wilderness

Two sisters alone on the Kentucky frontier…love is the last thing they expect to find.

After the death of their parents during the Hard Winter, Margaret and her sister have struggled to survive. Between her mother’s dying wish that Margaret protect her sister, and the nagging sensation that they are not alone, guilt and worry are her constant companions. And if someone is following them, is their watcher friend or foe?

Iain Donegal can’t afford roots, not with the pain and guilt of the life he’s left behind, or the memory of the drink that once threatened to consume him. But his solitary life as a long hunter in the wilds of Kentucky finds a new path when he happens upon a young woman digging a grave for her own mother. Unable to pull himself away when he realizes that she and her sister are on their own, he begins to provide anonymous aid. But when the women truly need him, can he risk leaving his solitary life behind to step in and fill the void?

My Thoughts

Redemption in the Wilderness is a story infused with historical detail and featuring very relatable characters.

I loved watching Iain and Margaret grow closer together throughout the story. And Muireall! She provided plenty of conflict with her selfishness. However, her selfishness also served to highlight Margaret’s character and her lovely gift of giving without expecting return.

I loved the way that Andrea sprinkled so much prayer through the story. The characters truly relied on God, and the constant turning to the Lord made their faith deep and rich.

The story meandered a little too much for my liking at times. It had many good themes woven through the story, but I felt that the impact could have been heightened if just one had been focused on. That being said, I enjoyed this story and recommend it for anyone looking for a Christian novel rich in historical detail.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Excerpt from the Book

Fear prickled up her spine and into her hairline. Turning in a slow circle, she carefully scanned the valley. Her breaths came fast and shallow, her chest heaving as she checked over every tree and bush twice. Once again, she could not shake the feeling that she was not alone.

Redemption in the Wilderness

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About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

More From Andrea

One of my favorite aspects of being a historical fiction author is learning new tidbits of information with each novel I pen.

Not only have I always loved learning, but I also harbor a deep passion for novels that incorporate real places and events. In Redemption in the Wilderness, I was blessed with the opportunity to research the beginnings of Harrodsburg, KY. This town was founded in 1774 as Harrodstown by James Harrod. What began mainly as a civilian fort with the building of Fort Harrod has endured more than 200 years of Kentucky’s rich history. Tourists and locals alike can still visit a replica of Fort Harrod today. And, you, yourself, can visit the original fort in Redemption in the Wilderness.

Beyond historical places and events, I also always find myself on a search engine with the strangest little inquisitions. Such as… What plants are native to Kentucky? When do said plants bloom? And which can be used as a natural remedy for this particular ailment? With this novel, I found that feverfew, a native Kentucky wildflower, was so aptly named because early settlers used this native plant to reduce fever. I cannot wait for you to see what role it played for the characters in Redemption in the Wilderness.