Virginia (Daughters of the Lost Colony #4) by Shannon McNear from Barbour Publishing

ISBN: 9781636099279
Barbour Publishing $15.99

My thoughts:  The author, Shannon McNear, is deservedly recognized as a writer with authenticity of the historical novel, especially that of the discovery and exploration period of American history. Carefully research, this series on the Lost Colony captures the essence of the period when the shores of North Carolina were populated with explorers and their wives intent on establishing a new life for themselves and a new world in which to live. Also captured is the essence of the natives of the area who lived in families, tribes, and "cities" of their own making and who were at odds with one another; and who were definitely at odds with the new commers from across the great sea (Atlantic Ocean).

McNear's research is thorough, though the material is certainly fleshed out with the author's own imaginative plausible account of what may have transpired on those North Carolina shores in the days when the first child born on those shores, Virginia Dare, was a blossoming teen.

The impact the previous encounters with earlier Spanish explorers rings with harbored anger, distrust, and fear by both the natives and the English who are settling in the area.

I found the series, and especially "Virginia" the concluding book, particularly interesting. We can't truly know the details of this period, but what is recorded gives a start to understanding. Speculation as to what happened to those early settlers is just that - speculation. The author's work is exceptionally good and though it is still a work of fiction, I believe it gives insight into life in those early days on the shores of my beloved North Carolina.

About the Book: The White Doe of the Outer Banks Grows into Womanhood

Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare--the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. In the spring of 1602 by English reckoning, "Ginny," as she is called by family and friends, is fourteen and firmly considered a grown woman by the standards of the People. For her entire life she has watched the beautiful give-and-take of the Kurawoten and other native peoples with the English who came from across the ocean. She's enjoyed being the darling of both English and Kurawoten alike--but a stirring deep inside her will not be put to rest.

One careless decision lands her and fellow “first baby” Henry Harvie, along with their Croatoan friend Redbud, in enemy hands. Carried away into Mangoac territory, out of the reach of Manteo and the others, she must learn who she truly is—not only the daughter of Elinor and Ananias Dare but also a child of the One True God, who gives her courage to go wherever the path of her life might lead.

Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity gained from extensive research. 

Also in the series:

• Elinor* by Shannon McNear (Book 1 – Daughters of the Lost Colony)
• Mary by Shannon McNear (Book 2 – Daughters of the Lost Colony)
• Rebecca* by Shannon McNear (Book 3 – Daughters of the Lost Colony)

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing on behalf of the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. *indicates Chat With Vera Review