The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

ISBN:  9780307731494
Waterbrook Press

About the book:  In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance.

Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?

My thoughts:  Fearing the worst situation to be the outcome of a marriage arranged by her abusive stepfather, Tamsen entrusts her well-being to a man she does not know to flee the scene and escape marriage to Ambrose. She and her defender, protector leave North Carolina to The State of Franklin. This is where the history buffs have a bit of fun. Little known history of North Carolina and Tennessee is The State of Franklin which is/was situated in the mountainous area nestled between the two states. This was a rough time in history and men took to arms over seemingly small circumstances.

Traveling on horse hundreds of miles and in ill designed clothing for travel (especially the shoes), Tamsen soon hardened to the journey. All was not just traveling difficulties, Tamsen and her protector, Jesse, soon discovered that her stepfather and wealthy suitor were pursuing them. Fear and dread were around every tree and curve for Tamsen. But there were kindnesses here and there along the way, too.

Lori Benton's writing and research have made this book a pleasure to read.  And who doesn't love to read of a damsel in distress being rescued and cared for? The story is adventurous with strong characters who hold true to their faith and beliefs. There is sweet romance that stays clean and pure. You feel the soaking rain, the cold, the fear that the characters feel. You see in your mind's eye the beauty of the North Carolina and Tennessee mountains and land. A totally good read.

DISCLOSURE: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.