Chancing the Frontiersman's Heart

Book Stats:

Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release Date: March 24, 2026

Series: Wilderness Romance Series Book 1 Pages: 186

My Review:

This book was again another new author. That statement may be on repeat this year, but it simply means I'm willing to try new authors. I enjoyed this book. Children in the story always add joy for me, and this little girl was too cute. I think the bond between the girls as well as Dawn and Jacob's bond is good to see. The plot line moved a little chaotic and quick for me at some points, but then as I was writing this I realized that is probably because it was only 186 pages and 300-400 tends to be my sweet spot for story length.

There was good faith content. I think when we have difficult things happen to us it can be really hard to trust again, but what matters most is trusting our Heavenly Father. This book helped illustrate that. Only by doing then can we really let go and love others and let them love us, which I think can be the harder thing to do.

Quote Time:

This one is a bit of a spoiler but not too bad so this is my read ahead with caution or skip the quote until you have read the book.

"The little one nodded, her grin as wide as ever. What a blessing it was that the child was always so willing to travel into the unknown. But perhaps that was the way. After all, they were her parents now. And really, had been all along. Had Dawn not trusted her own parents so wholeheartedly? Did she not trust her heavenly Father so willingly even now? Dawn grinned and tilted her face heavenward, allowing the warmth of the sunlight to wash over her. God, lead us. When she opened her eyes, a large bird swooped down from above them and veered to the left. As she took in its bright white head and dark-brown body and wings, she gasped. "Do you see that?"

This book was a solid three star read for me. I'm wondering where the author will take us in the next book. It will be interesting to see.

I want to thank the publisher for a copy of this book to read, with no expectations of a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirt and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them.

More from Andrea:

As a reader of historical fiction, I love reaching the end of a novel and reading the author's note to learn how real people and events inspired the written words. Now, as an author myself, I try to provide the same for my own readers and Chancing the Frontiersman's Heart is no exception.

While the siege of Yorktown is considered the last major battle of the revolutionary war, ten months afterward, American forces would suffer great losses at the Battle of Blue Licks. During this conflict, more than sixty Kentuckians would lose their lives.

However, what intrigued me most about this piece of American history was actually the events leading up to it. The Battle of Blue Licks was a result of a skirmish a few days prior: the Siege of Bryan's Station. In what is now Lexington, Kentucky, a fortified settlement was attacked by Delaware and Shawnee warriors, as well as Canadian Rangers. Playing a vital part in the station's ability to withstand the attack, of course, were the women of Bryan's Station.

During this conflict, the women would do more than simply provide support though. They would put themselves directly in harm's way, venturing outside the safety of the settlement walls, in order to fetch water from the spring. Though Bryan's Station was surrounded and they could be descended upon the moment they left the fold, the women (and girls) marched forward with heads held high to do what had to be done.

As soon as I learned of the women of Bryan's Station and their act of bravery, I knew I had to weave these historical events into this novel. I hope you find their story as inspiring as I did!