It was slow going, reading this book, sometimes ya just want to absorb the imagery and savor the story. So, these last hours, as the leaves fall from the trees and the rain moistens the earth, I finished reading, Burning Sky.
Willa Obenchain was abducted by the Mohawk Indians when she was fourteen years old. Now, twelve years later, she has returned to her family’s homestead in New York. A short distance, from her destination, she discovers a wounded Scotsman. Not wanting to leave him, she takes him to her childhood home and nurses his injuries. There have been many changes, since the war, one being, her parents are missing and it is rumored, they are Tories. When her Mohawk brother arrives, she is caught between two cultures and must find her way.
Burning Sky, or Willa Obenchain, was an amazing woman. She traveled alone to reach her parent’s homestead. When she discovered the wounded Scotsman, she built a travois, managed to place Mr. Neil MacGregor onto the travois and then pulled him to her parents cabin! Even if I was able to build a travois, I couldn’t haul an adult male onto the thing and then transport him to a cabin, even if the cabin was a few feet away! Willa was obviously one strong and sturdy woman. Neil MacGregor was hindered in helping Willa on the homestead because of his injuries, but he did what he could do. So, Willa prepares the ground for crops and then plants. Burning Sky is not a wimp! I think the most difficult challenge for Burning Sky was being caught between two worlds. She wasn’t a Mohawk by birth and she didn’t fit into the world of the white woman. She didn’t have it easy.
Lori Benton did a wonderful job describing frontier life and the aftermath of the Revolutionary War! Good story – well written!
There seemed to be quite a bit of excitement surrounding the release of this book several weeks ago. I delayed reading it – although, I don’t know why – I need to say, “sacre’ bleu!“ “The Paris Connection,” by Cerella Sechrist is a clean romance! Oh! I loved it!
“The Butterfly and the Violin,” is a beautiful story. While I read this book, I experienced a reverence, which I will not soon forget. One would think, a story set in WWII, would not be beautiful, but this one is. The story actually moves back and forth from the present time to WWII.
It is inappropriate for a lady to play the violin in Regency England. Seriously? The rules we create! Ladies are allowed to play the harp, but not the violin! Oh my. Anyway, Alethea (I love her name) is passionate about music and proficient with the violin, much to consternation of those who know about her talent, in society. The violin she owns, which was bequeathed to her, has a mystery surrounding it. Lord Dommick is persuaded to assist Alethea in discovering why there are unsavory people trying to steal her violin. So, a mystery and a romance. I liked it. I had some difficulty keeping the names straight and remembering who was who, however, the author does include a list of the cast of characters in the beginning of the book, which helps considerably. I especially liked Ian. He was a good friend and amusing at times. It’s a good book. Enjoy!
When I discovered that Jan Karon had written another Mitford book, I was so excited. I almost did a happy dance! I was not disappointed. I love Mitford. A small town with good friends, and a strong sense of community. At times, as I read the story, I laughed out loud and at other times I had such a strong sense of melancholy. Timothy, Cynthia, Dooley, Barnabas, Violet, Hope, Mule and Fancy Skinner – on and on the list goes – are all back for a wonderful, warm and human story. Yes, I can say, I’ve come home to Mitford. Enjoy!
katiescottagebooks 