I seldom read Christian or really much of any contemporary fiction, but I enjoyed this book even more than I was expecting to. A big part of that is the fact that I know some of these names and places—Redstone Fort, Fort Pitt, Wheeling—I know the shape of the land as you come over the ridges and see the island of Wheeling in the midst of the Ohio River (it was the sign of “almost home” on many, many eastward drives from the Midwest; my own family nestled farther north, near Weirton, before moving toward Pittsburgh). And I also had an ancestor who was taken captive and lived among (I’m reasonably sure) the Shawnee for some years, about 15 years before this story begins in 1774. Some of these (especially Jeremiah) felt like characters that could have crossed paths with my people 250 years ago. It seemed well researched.

Clare drove me crazy for the first half of the book—I appreciated her willingness to fight for her son, but I kept cringing at her running into situations with limited understanding—but it’s sort of worth it for the change in her later in the book, which was beautiful and not too heavy-handed. It also encourages me in my life in certain ways.

I would read other books by this author, and still hope to perhaps write stories set in this period, and in some of these same places, myself someday. ( )

Many Sparrows is hard book to put down! I wanted to just keep reading, uninterrupted. Anyone who enjoys history will definitely want to read this one. I'll be checking my library, to see if they have any other books by Lori. ( )

Set along the Ohio River in 1774, Many Sparrows follows the Inglesby family as they journey into new territory to claim land. Tensions are high between Native American Mingo and Shawnee tribes and the white settlers who continue to push into the tribes’ hunting land. Phillip Inglesby has chosen an unfortunate time to try to move his family, as a massacre of innocent Mingos has just taken place, and vengeance has been promised. Tragedy strikes not far into their journey, and Clare Inglesby is left to care for her son, Jacob, on her own in the wilderness just as she goes into labor. When Jacob is kidnapped in the middle of the night, Clare awakens to find her son gone and her baby ready to be delivered just as a stranger arrives. Jeremiah Ring, a frontiersman who assists in communications between whites and Indians, is passing through and finds Clare in need of help, not just to deliver her baby, but to find her son. Clare and Jeremiah journey through dangerous and hostile situations in their efforts to find and recover Jacob Inglesby, but matters become more complicated when they finally find Jacob only to learn that he has already been adopted by a Shawnee woman and given a new name, Many Sparrows. Clare battles with herself, with Jeremiah, and with God as she learns to wait on God and His perfect timing.

I decided to read Many Sparrows after I was first introduced to Lori Benton’s writing with The King’s Mercy, and I was not disappointed. I was so quickly drawn into this story. I easily identified with Clare, as a mother, and could feel her desperation to find her child and her willingness to do anything and go anywhere in order to bring him back. I think her struggle to wait, to be patient, and to let God lead is very relatable. I loved the character of Jeremiah, his patience with Clare, and his steadfastness in his faith that God would work everything out. And I loved the stories of redemption and forgiveness of other characters in the book, like Rain Crow and Logan, who have stumbled due to the suffering they have both endured. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Many Sparrows, and I am looking forward to reading another of Lori Benton’s books in the very near future.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )

Author Lori Benton’s lyrical writing is transporting, allowing readers a beautifully-detailed glimpse into life on the American frontier. With all of her stories, abiding faith is the thread which weaves and binds human tribulations and triumphs. Her “Pathifinders” series continues with Book 3, “Many Sparrows”. Life in the Ohio-Kentucky lands of the 18th century reflects the tumultuous spirit of the times, with the drive of colonists to move ever-westward creating tensions often resulting in violent and tragic outcomes. Philip and Clare Inglesby are among those seeking the promise of a future in a new territory. Circumstances force Philip to turn back for help, leaving behind Clare, heavily pregnant with their second child, and their four-year-old son, Jacob. Fate plays its hand, and Philip does not return. Jacob is kidnapped by the Shawnee Indians, and Clare must rely on the aid of a stranger, frontiersman Jeremiah Ring, who has a personal connection with the Shawnee. A mother’s heart is a mighty thing, beating with a fierce love for her children. It will take strength and courage that Clare could never have imagined to hold on to all she holds so dear, and through it all she must not lose sight of faith in a Creator who holds us all in his hands, as he does with small sparrows.

Book Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press via Blogging for Books ( )

DNF for now . . . I'll probably come back to it eventually, but I have more interesting books to read right now. 😂