Book Description:
Charlotte Carruthers must find her brother. Joshua Robertson needs the funds to free his. On the road into the Canadian wilderness, they become reluctant allies in a race to save their siblings before brewing rebellion tears the colony apart.
Canada, 1837. Charlotte is determined to hold onto her family’s crumbling estate―the last vestige of their former place in Toronto society before her mother’s death and her father’s financial ruin. But when her missing brother Simon is suspected of aiding a political rebellion, Charlotte heads north to find him before his impulsive decisions ruin what’s left of their family’s standing and break her ailing father’s heart.
Joshua has worked tirelessly to carve a home from the wilderness for the younger brother he was forced to leave behind, only to learn his first harvest is nearly worthless and his brother has been sold into an indenture Joshua can’t afford to redeem. When a stranger offers him work tracking down a settler in the bush, he’s desperate enough to agree.
Nothing has prepared Charlotte for the challenges of surviving the wilderness. When Joshua comes to her aid, she offers to pay him for guidance through the bush. Though he knows a spoiled city girl will slow him down, he can’t refuse the money. As Charlotte and Joshua face the dangers of travel through rough terrain, admiration and friendship grow, even as class divides and hidden truths complicate their bond. But when they are caught in the crossfire of rebellion, they must decide if the futures they’ve fought for are truly their hearts’ desire―or if something unexpected awaits.
Clean and wholesome historical romance with reluctant allies and secret identities tropes. Filled with love, faith, and adventure. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera Alexander.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading The Heiress and the Woodsman, a delightful historical romance novel set in 1837 Toronto, Canada. Charlotte’s brother is missing and her father needs him to return to their Toronto family estate. She embarks on a challenging journey in the bush to find her brother and bring him home.
Joshua is a farmer who’s frustrated when he discovers he doesn’t have enough money to pay for his eleven-year-old brother’s release from an indentured work situation in Toronto. When Joshua saves Charlotte from a perilous situation, he agrees to be her paid guide in the bush.
Charlotte and Joshua’s friends-to-more romance is fun and sweet. Difficult circumstances challenge them to deal with their emotional baggage, including trust and abandonment issues. Danger is lurking and the volatile political situation with the brewing rebellion creates additional problems.
I loved the plot twists that deepened the intriguing mysteries and led to a satisfying story ending. I recommend The Heiress and the Woodsman to historical romance readers who like friends-to-more romances with forced proximity, family secrets, political intrigue, and relevant faith elements including forgiveness themes.
Many thanks to Tyndale and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Buy from from Baker Book House
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
