Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F BEN
Publication
WaterBrook Press
Description
"Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love 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?"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member deanna13
The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton is a great story that is set in the post-revolutionary days of America. Tamsen Littlejohn’s stepfather is trying to force her to marry wealthy Ambrose Kincaid and as a result she decides to leave her home and seek freedom in the unknown West that is
Lori Benton did a superb job in the writing of this book and it is evident that she did a great deal of research into this period in history. When I finished the book, I felt as if I had crossed the mountains and wilderness with Tamsen and Jesse for the author developed their characters and described their travels so well that I was right beside them each step of the way. The storyline had many twist and turns and each one just made the story that more enjoyable. I liked that Tamsen and Jesse stayed true to their beliefs in God and sought His guidance in all that they did. There was also a good bit of suspense and I was not sure how the story was going to end but the ending was great. I would like to see a sequel to this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a great historical story set in the post-revolutionary days of America.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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located across the mountains of North Carolina. Frontiersman, Jesse Bird, is persuaded by Tamsen to guide her across the mountains to the Watauaga Settlement in Western North Carolina. Tamsen is unaware that she will face trials and hardships that will challenge her faith and her physical endurance. Ambrose thinks that Tamsen has been kidnapped so he enlists the help of her stepfather to help him find Tamsen and bring her back. Even as Tamsen and Jesse face many challenges, she is wondering if maybe this frontier life is what she has been searching for and maybe where God is leading her. Tamsen and Jesse both trust God to see them through all the trials that they will face on their journey.Lori Benton did a superb job in the writing of this book and it is evident that she did a great deal of research into this period in history. When I finished the book, I felt as if I had crossed the mountains and wilderness with Tamsen and Jesse for the author developed their characters and described their travels so well that I was right beside them each step of the way. The storyline had many twist and turns and each one just made the story that more enjoyable. I liked that Tamsen and Jesse stayed true to their beliefs in God and sought His guidance in all that they did. There was also a good bit of suspense and I was not sure how the story was going to end but the ending was great. I would like to see a sequel to this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a great historical story set in the post-revolutionary days of America.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through their Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member MyBookAddiction
THE PURSUIT OF TAMSEN LITTLEJOHN by Lori Benton is an exciting Christian Historical Fiction set in 1787 Watuaga settlement in the Western North Carolina.
This is Tamsen Littlejohn and Jesse Bird's story and what a story! A tale of danger, suspense, chaos, adventure, hope, faith,endurance, secrets
If you enjoy historical fiction with twists and turns, than you will enjoy reading this title. An enjoyable read! Received for an honest review.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
This is Tamsen Littlejohn and Jesse Bird's story and what a story! A tale of danger, suspense, chaos, adventure, hope, faith,endurance, secrets
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and the pursuit of happiness. Well written with just enough, passion, suspense and adventure to hold the reader's intrigue and keep you turning pages. You can't help but fall in love with Tamsen and Jesse, their challenges, struggles and love will leave you in awe. Ms. Benton interweaves a beautifully written love story with historical details. Another beautifully written tale of the rugged American Frontier, the struggles, triumphs, danger and beauty of the rugged Western North Carolinas. A masterpiece! The characters are enduring and everlasting in your heart and mind.If you enjoy historical fiction with twists and turns, than you will enjoy reading this title. An enjoyable read! Received for an honest review.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
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LibraryThing member Beverlylynnt
The term pursuit is apt for this historical fiction romance because it describes the many facets of the story's events, beginning with the first chapters.
In spite of her pampered background, Tamsen was not the type of woman to allow others to take her over and control her. She wanted a voice in
Jesse Bird and his pa, Cade, were rugged men of the North Carolina mountains--trappers, drovers, hunters, wagon train guides, sometimes wanderers. They'd arrived in Morganton at the tail end of a cattle drive and were soon to embark on a trek out west guiding a group of settlers. Jesse caught a fleeting glimpse of Tamsen in town and was struck by her beauty. It was no wonder when she asked him to help her escape a day later that he was ready to move the world for her.
It was a good thing Jesse and his pa were Godly men with principles. Jesse knew exactly what to do. Cade would guide the wagon train while Jesse traveled a parallel but lesser known trace to avoid being seen. Tamsen, grief stricken about her mother's cruel death and the abrupt circumstances depended completely on their good will. It was unfortunate then, when they encountered Charlie Spencer, a trapper on the trail with his pack mules who stopped to talk with them. Jesse claimed they were a newly wed couple, but Charlie didn't think Tamsen looked like a blushing bride. She looked haggard. And once Charlie arrived in Morganton, he learned what he thought was the truth, that Tamsen had been abducted by her mother's murderer. The trapper agreed to guide Tamsen's stepfather and her would-be suitor in the search for her. The pursuit was on.
While this book is a historical fiction romance, the history by no means overtakes the major plot, Tamsen's escape from her stepfather. The history is interesting, plays an important role in both aiding and thwarting the trio's efforts to find a refuge. I enjoyed that element of the story because I had never heard of the state of Franklin and the struggles in the Carolinas of the late 18th century before reading this book. I so much appreciate the research the author put into it, especially for the tidbits that made this book come alive. The author also included an Author's Notes and Acknowledgments section at the back of the book detailing her research. I enjoy this as much as I love commentaries on my favorite movies. More authors should include this in their writings.
In this book there is more than one type of pursuit within its pages. The first is obvious and accounts for the exciting action. The second is the romance developing between Jesse Bird and Tamsen. Jesse believed she was the one for him, sanctioned even by God. From the first day of their flight, he was determined win her trust and convince her of his dependability to care for her. The author didn't portray Jesse as a perfect man. He knew his failings. You can't help but admire his patience and determination, his strength of character and his skills. The development of their relationship from rescuer/damsel-in-distress, to companions, to romance is a lovely story in and of itself. I came to care for these characters, even the mysterious Cade.
Finally, the author provides a twist of circumstances at the end that I had not anticipated. While this is secondary to the main resolution of the story, it provides a very satisfying conclusion with a touch of irony. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction romances. This book has much to offer.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Blogging for Books on behalf of Waterbrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
In spite of her pampered background, Tamsen was not the type of woman to allow others to take her over and control her. She wanted a voice in
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her destiny, contrary to the custom of the day. So when her stepfather arranged a suitor for her, she would not cooperate with the arrangement unless she wanted to. Her stepfather only cared for his own gain, without thought to Tamsen's welfare. After only one meeting with Ambrose Kincaid, plantation owner, she saw only entrapment and decided to flee the village of Morganton as soon as possible. She would have done it sooner but for her mother. It was not soon enough to escape her stepfather's cruelty to her mother. In a fit of rage, he struck her mother down in Tamsen's presence. Horror stricken, she fled with the aid of a young man she'd met briefly in the stables.Jesse Bird and his pa, Cade, were rugged men of the North Carolina mountains--trappers, drovers, hunters, wagon train guides, sometimes wanderers. They'd arrived in Morganton at the tail end of a cattle drive and were soon to embark on a trek out west guiding a group of settlers. Jesse caught a fleeting glimpse of Tamsen in town and was struck by her beauty. It was no wonder when she asked him to help her escape a day later that he was ready to move the world for her.
It was a good thing Jesse and his pa were Godly men with principles. Jesse knew exactly what to do. Cade would guide the wagon train while Jesse traveled a parallel but lesser known trace to avoid being seen. Tamsen, grief stricken about her mother's cruel death and the abrupt circumstances depended completely on their good will. It was unfortunate then, when they encountered Charlie Spencer, a trapper on the trail with his pack mules who stopped to talk with them. Jesse claimed they were a newly wed couple, but Charlie didn't think Tamsen looked like a blushing bride. She looked haggard. And once Charlie arrived in Morganton, he learned what he thought was the truth, that Tamsen had been abducted by her mother's murderer. The trapper agreed to guide Tamsen's stepfather and her would-be suitor in the search for her. The pursuit was on.
While this book is a historical fiction romance, the history by no means overtakes the major plot, Tamsen's escape from her stepfather. The history is interesting, plays an important role in both aiding and thwarting the trio's efforts to find a refuge. I enjoyed that element of the story because I had never heard of the state of Franklin and the struggles in the Carolinas of the late 18th century before reading this book. I so much appreciate the research the author put into it, especially for the tidbits that made this book come alive. The author also included an Author's Notes and Acknowledgments section at the back of the book detailing her research. I enjoy this as much as I love commentaries on my favorite movies. More authors should include this in their writings.
In this book there is more than one type of pursuit within its pages. The first is obvious and accounts for the exciting action. The second is the romance developing between Jesse Bird and Tamsen. Jesse believed she was the one for him, sanctioned even by God. From the first day of their flight, he was determined win her trust and convince her of his dependability to care for her. The author didn't portray Jesse as a perfect man. He knew his failings. You can't help but admire his patience and determination, his strength of character and his skills. The development of their relationship from rescuer/damsel-in-distress, to companions, to romance is a lovely story in and of itself. I came to care for these characters, even the mysterious Cade.
Finally, the author provides a twist of circumstances at the end that I had not anticipated. While this is secondary to the main resolution of the story, it provides a very satisfying conclusion with a touch of irony. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction romances. This book has much to offer.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Blogging for Books on behalf of Waterbrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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LibraryThing member Sarah_Gruwell
I really enjoyed the gentle romance in this novel. There was a bit of UST, but the relationship between Tamsen and Jesse focused on the emotions rather than the physical aspect. I enjoyed reading how their relationship seemed to blossom into this beautiful thing where they each are willing to
I also really enjoyed the sense of history present throughout the novel. The subject matter is one completely new to me, and I enjoyed learning about the situation with the quasi-state of Franklin and the struggle of these early pioneers west of the Appalachians. When one thinks of the frontier, they automatically jump to the lands west of the Mississippi. But the lands immediately west of the Appalachians in the late 1700's could be just as dangerous and adventurous. I sucked up the history in this book just as much as the romance.
Another aspect I particularly liked was how the author presented this mishmash of cultures and races in this area of America. The area Indian's culture was explored to great ad lush detail. The struggle between them and the whites was starkly revealed. And then the main heroine has a Hispanic and African-American background that throws some wrenches in her future with Jesse and her safety. Seeing all this explored in one novel was extremely fascinating.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable book. The romance was very sweet and the historical setting breathed with life. If you're in the market for a gentle romance in a unique historical setting, look no further. Check this one out.
Note: Book received via GoodReads First Reads program for free in exchange for honest review.
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sacrifice so much for each other's happiness only to realize that they both just want the same thing, to be together. So kudos to Lori Benton for giving us a romance we can really root for and not have it smothered in the sexy times.I also really enjoyed the sense of history present throughout the novel. The subject matter is one completely new to me, and I enjoyed learning about the situation with the quasi-state of Franklin and the struggle of these early pioneers west of the Appalachians. When one thinks of the frontier, they automatically jump to the lands west of the Mississippi. But the lands immediately west of the Appalachians in the late 1700's could be just as dangerous and adventurous. I sucked up the history in this book just as much as the romance.
Another aspect I particularly liked was how the author presented this mishmash of cultures and races in this area of America. The area Indian's culture was explored to great ad lush detail. The struggle between them and the whites was starkly revealed. And then the main heroine has a Hispanic and African-American background that throws some wrenches in her future with Jesse and her safety. Seeing all this explored in one novel was extremely fascinating.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable book. The romance was very sweet and the historical setting breathed with life. If you're in the market for a gentle romance in a unique historical setting, look no further. Check this one out.
Note: Book received via GoodReads First Reads program for free in exchange for honest review.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is another great novel by Lori Benton. Set in the years following the American Revolution, the new nation is feeling its growing pains and settlers clash with Native Americans and newcomers to the frontier fight for independence again. Against the backdrop of
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased the audio version of this book from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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hostilities among many factions comes a more personal story of independence for a young woman reeling from the death of her mother and running from the plots of her stepfather. Abetting her on her escape is Jesse Bird, a young man orphaned as a child and raised by the Shawnee. Tamsen and Jesse are compelling characters with complex stories. The setting of the State of Franklin in western North Carolina/eastern Tennessee provided an interesting historical context. The story itself is complex and develops slowly, but that was okay with me. I loved the storytelling, characterization, and the developing spiritual journey for Tamsen in particular. For fans of historical fiction set in the early years of the United States, this one is a must-read. And fans of romance with a little meat will love it as well. I listened to the audiobook and quickly fell into the story. The narrator’s voice faded into the background as Tamsen and Jesse’s story unfolded. Overall, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn was a great read that I highly recommend.Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(I purchased the audio version of this book from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member gincam
The American Frontier of the eighteenth century is a rich source of amazing factual events and fascinating folk history. Author Lori Benton's beautifully descriptive writing and love of subject allow her readers to walk in the footprints of the past. "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn" is a
Book Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press via Blogging For Books
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thrilling and compelling historical romance in which a young woman of privilege leaves behind all she has known in order to escape the cruelty of an obsessive and ambitious stepfather. Tamsen Littlejohn knows that she cannot accept an arraigned marriage when she longs to choose her own path. A heartbreaking tragedy and discovery of secrets about her very identity compel Tamsen to risk all in a daring flight for freedom with a frontiersman she has just met. Jesse Bird is a principled man of faith, and he is captivated by the beautiful Tamsen. Realizing the dire situation Tamsen faces, Jesse agrees to take her to a safe place away from her stepfather. Thus begins an amazing adventure through the rugged North Carolina frontier which will lead Tamsen and Jesse on an odyssey of survival and spiritual growth. Unexpected events along the way will take them to heights and depths that neither of them could have ever imagined. Will the love of a lifetime be their ultimate redemption and reward? Immerse yourself in this richly-told tale, and let author Lori Benton take you on an unforgettable journey of the heart and soul.Book Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press via Blogging For Books
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LibraryThing member HuberK
The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton
Reviewed by HuberK, Green Forest, Arkansas, USA
Rating: 5 stars
Hardback, Large Print, Library Edition
Jesse helps Tamsen escape from a horrible situation. They are being tracked by a mountain man and Tamsen's step father and the man her step father wants
Jesse has been raised by Indians, though he lives a roaming life with his pa, he feels compelled to help Tamsen escape her evil step father's clutches.
Very good book, you feel immersed into the scenes. Jesse being raised as he was, would have known that they not only needed to escape and put as many miles as possible, between them but he would also know that he needed to hide Tamsen, clothes, hairstyle, everything about her would need to change, to keep her from being found.
Reviewed by HuberK, Green Forest, Arkansas, USA
Rating: 5 stars
Hardback, Large Print, Library Edition
Jesse helps Tamsen escape from a horrible situation. They are being tracked by a mountain man and Tamsen's step father and the man her step father wants
Show More
her to marry.Jesse has been raised by Indians, though he lives a roaming life with his pa, he feels compelled to help Tamsen escape her evil step father's clutches.
Very good book, you feel immersed into the scenes. Jesse being raised as he was, would have known that they not only needed to escape and put as many miles as possible, between them but he would also know that he needed to hide Tamsen, clothes, hairstyle, everything about her would need to change, to keep her from being found.
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Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2016)
ISBN
9780307731494