Captured by Love

by Jody Hedlund

Paper Book, 2014

Status

Available

Call number

F HED

Collection

Call number

F HED

Publication

Bethany House

Description

Fiction. Romance. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. On British-occupied Michilimackinac Island, voyageur Pierre Durant and his childhood friend Angelique MacKenzie must decide where their loyalties lie and what they will risk for love.

Media reviews

In the year 1814 Michilimackinac Island was under British control, a strategic location for the fur trading industry. Pierre Durant was a voyageur returning to the island after several years of hunting and fur trading. Upon his return he discovered his mother alone, his family farm in ruins, island
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residents starving, and his younger brother gone, enlisted in the American army. His childhood friend, Angelique MacKenzie suffered the ravages of poverty and was at the mercy of a cruel guardian. Upon discovering Angelique had grown into a beautiful woman Pierre was quickly attracted to her, but Angelique had committed herself to marrying his younger brother upon his return to the island. Jody Hedlund portrays the island in rich detail, delineating the rugged beauty of the landscape with artistry and charm, from the rock formations and cliffs to the sandy shores, and the glistening beauty of the lake beyond. Her research and documentation of the history and terrain of the island is accurate and precise. This narrative of romance and conflicting emotions, devotion to another versus surrender to love is defined by realism and a depth of emotion that awakens the senses. The strength of appeal and attraction between characters is depicted with intensity, sensitivity and tenderness, leaving the reader filled with emotion. The dangers that lie in wait on the island are described with factualism and accuracy. "Captured by Love" is rich in history and authenticity, creating a credible and captivating story of survival, love and compromise. This book surpassed my expectations. I've enjoyed Jody's other books, and each creation has captured my attention throughout the book, to the very last page. There is mystery and intrigue, along with a truthfulness that grounds the underlying layers to an exhilarating and believable conclusion. I will be reading this book again in the future! After the conclusion of the book Jody has written a brief history of Michilimackinac Island which details the background and location for "Captured by Love." More recently referred to as Mackinac Island, it is one of Michigan's most beautiful vacation spots, visited by people from all over the world. Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author through Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
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User reviews

LibraryThing member mbarkman
5 * stars out of 5
Historical Fiction

I love how Judy weaves history into her novel in such a subtle away that you do not even notice it because the focus of the story is her characters and their real conflicts. I have been to Michigan briefly, and want to explore Mackinaw Island (known as
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Michilimacknac Island at the time the story takes place) after reading Captured By Love. Fighting in 1814 was done on the ground in a much different way then now, so even as I was living the story of Angelique and Pierre I realized I was living in the past. The story telling is superb, and a page turner as you hurry through to find out just what will happen next. How can a person tell who is friend and who is foe? Who is fighting for the British? Angelique is focused on staying alive in a world where soldiers are desperate for food amidst a blockade.
I found the book hard to put down until I had finished reading the last page.
I received this book free from Emily Davies-Robinson at Nuts about books and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member Becky_L
Historical Fiction of Mackinac Island

The subject alone of this book drew me in, although it didn't hurt that I had already read another of Hedlund's unrelated books. Having not read the first two in this series, I would now like to go read them, but the story lacked nothing for my ignorance.

During
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the War of 1812, the islanders are starving as the British have regained control of the important fort, Michilimackinac, and also of the lucrative fur trade and essential waterway connections. Angelique MacKenzie is cared for by an abusive stepfather and jealous young stepmother. Angelique is in love with one young exiled renegade, Pierre Durant. However, she has decided long-missing Pierre is a rolling stone of a voyageur, and she is engaged to his more steady, gentle brother, Jean, instead.

Jean leaves the island to fight for the Americans, as Pierre returns to spy on the British. As Angelique has been caring for Miriam, the mother of Pierre and Jean, Pierre and Angelique find themselves renewing their old comaraderie and much more. Angelique is in desperate need of protection from her self-righteous step-father and Pierre is there to rescue her until...(you'll have to read the book!)

Many wonderful truths to be pondered here. Even though Pierre has been changed by Christ, still God is working on him showing him he "put too much stock in his own abilities." Angelique deals with the question of repeating the sins of her family, and eventually has to choose to trust God as her rock or lean or her own understanding.

Great research on the part of the author. I feel better prepared for our trip to the Island this week! Hedlund disguised the facts of the fort (and the Black Hole)and battles as a memorable story that will stick with the reader!

I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member catherine.m.johnson
With a wicked stepfather, and a blind friend to take of, it didn't look like Angelique could ever abandon her life of duty. She is torn between two men, one is steady reliable and kind hearted and the other who never stays long in one place but makes her laugh and sends her heart fluttering. I love
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how Jody weaved these characters into a historical story about the war of 1812. It was blissful and full of surprises and I learned a lot too.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
Wonderful as always. I had a hard time putting it down. One of first books in a long time that takes place in Michigan and during the war of 1812. Would be great to have more books based during this time. I look forward to more of Judy's books. I received this book through bookfun.org for a fair
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and honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Captured by Love, the Inspy shortlist nominee by Jody Hedlund, took me to unknown territory in its portrayal of love backed by an untamed Michigan during the War of 1812. This historical romance is full of danger, intrigue and thwarted love — definite plusses for fans of the genre.

Angelique hides
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her beauty under the grime of the chicken house and fishing boat in order to avoid the fate of her late mother and sister. Treated only as a servant by her stepfather, she struggles to survive the harsh realities of a British occupied territory. Pierre is a trapper, a voyageur, determined to overcome his past mistakes. But he plays a dangerous game in befriending both the British and the Americans.

The War of 1812 was relatively unknown to me before reading Captured by Love. Just a blip in my history classes, Hedlund brought to life the struggles of a new nation and the mixed loyalties of its citizens. This historical detail and the strong romantic storyline featuring engaging characters are sure to appeal to those who love historical romance.

A quick and entertaining read, I recommend Captured by Love.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member Lindz2012
Wonderful story about how life was kind of dealt with at that time. This story tell about the battle of 1812. There a lovely story about two people and their love. They have a few thing to go though. Their tail and error and you do learn about the fur trading and much more. It is really cool and
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fun way to see how the battle of 1812.There adventures in the book as well. It a book with leaves you wanting more. I so really would love to have read the other two books in series. I tend to do so at some point. Love history well this a book for you. Love American history this is a book for you as well. It has Romance in it as well. It's a great book all around.
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LibraryThing member Lindz2012
Wonderful story about how life was kind of dealt with at that time. This story tell about the battle of 1812. There a lovely story about two people and their love. They have a few thing to go though. Their tail and error and you do learn about the fur trading and much more. It is really cool and
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fun way to see how the battle of 1812.There adventures in the book as well. It a book with leaves you wanting more. I so really would love to have read the other two books in series. I tend to do so at some point. Love history well this a book for you. Love American history this is a book for you as well. It has Romance in it as well. It's a great book all around.
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LibraryThing member PamelaJo
A Captivating Read!

Jody Hedlund has delivered another inspirational story in "Captured by Love," the third book in her Michigan Brides series. Set on Michilimackinac (Mackinac) Island during the War of 1812, this book tells the story of the civilians and soldiers who were living there during that
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time.

The main characters in the novel are Angelique MacKenzie and Pierre Durant. Angelique lives with her stepfather and his new wife. Angelique's mother was unfaithful to her husbands. Since her death, Angelique strives to be a woman of strong character and high morals, unlike her mother. She is betrothed to Pierre's brother, Jean, who is fighting with the Americans and was ordered off the island by the British army. Pierre is a fur trader who has been away from home for years.

Times are hard for everyone on the island. Many are near starvation, including Pierre and Jean's mother, Miriam, a blind widow. Angelique risks the wrath of her stepfather by taking food to Miriam and helping her to survive without her sons to look after her.

Pierre finally returns home, finding his mother living in dire circumstances. He also discovers that Angelique is no longer a child, but has grown into a lovely woman. A woman who captures his attention and affection. Angelique has always found Pierre to be the Durant brother who most appealed to her, but he broke her heart long ago when he left the island. Jean became the man who was the steady and secure force in Angelique's life, and she has vowed to be waiting for him when he returns from the war. She fights her attraction to Pierre, but how long will her heart remain closed to her one true love? Will she betray Jean's trust and become a woman like her mother? She tries hard to make choices based on her faith. She also loves the island and does not ever want to leave. Pierre does not wish to stay.

When Jean returns, choices must be made. Pierre holds Angelique's heart, but is that enough? Jean offers stability which Angelique has never had in her life. Which is most important to Angelique? After years of enduring her stepfather's abuse, she knows she needs the life Jean offers her. Jean adores Angelique and his one desire is to make her happy. Reckless love from Pierre or the security of marrying Jean? Does she really have any other choice?

"Captured by Love" is an outstanding read! The characters are interesting and the book is rich in history. I loved every page! If you like romance, history, and an inspirational message, you will enjoy this novel!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member judyg54
Another good read in this "Michigan Brides Collection". This story takes place in 1814, when the British Army had control of Michilimackinac Island. Angelique MacKenzie is a lovely young woman who is trying desperately to care for and provide for a woman she looks upon as the mother she wished she
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had. This dear woman has two sons: one, Pierre, a fur trader, and the other, Jean, fighting against the British to win back their island. Since they have not heard from Pierre for years, Angelique agreed to marry Jean when he came back to the island. But Pierre arrives first with his fur trading men and when he sees how grown up and caring Angelique is to his mother, the romance begins.

There was no lack of adventure in this story. There is war and poverty, determination and love. All wrapped up in a story that the author did a great job of staying true to the history that was taking place in that time.
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ISBN

9780764210495

Barcode

49799
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