The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

Lori Benton's newest novel has just released, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn.  This was such an interesting story that included the historical lost state of Franklin.  Did you know that a group of citizens tried to start the state of Franklin down in Tennessee?  I didn't.  Historical Fiction novels are great for that reason.  They bring to life history that maybe unfamiliar or familiar to you.  I enjoy learning about history while I read a great fictional story!


From the Back Cover:   

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?


My Review:
The story of Tamsen Littlejohn is filled with history, brewing trouble, and mystery.  It is also a beautiful love story of two people who grow to love each other.  I enjoyed reading this novel.  I especially loved the mystery behind the family history of the two main characters in the story, Jesse and Tamsen.  Who doesn't love a good mystery?  I also loved reading about the history of the lost state of Franklin.  I had never read about this part of our country's history before.  Tamsen and Jesse have a lot of baggage to deal with from their past, but their tenacious spirit and love for God keep them going through difficult times.  It's a great story of how God takes care of His children as they face adversity.

Not long ago I reviewed Lori Benton's first novel, Burning Sky.  You can read that review here.
Lori Benton also has a website with some fun extras about The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn and Burning Sky. 

You can read an excerpt of the Novel below:

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn: A Novel by Random House Publishing Group

***I received this book for free from the publisher’s Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own.