About the Book Mary

Book: Mary

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Historical/Christian/Romance Fiction

Release date: October 2022

Worlds Collide Along the Shores of the Outer Banks

Immerse yourself in the “what if” questions related to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. What if an English boy and a native girl met in the wilderness? The push-and-pull between two very different worlds begins as one seeks simple friendship and the other struggles to trust. And can it—dare they—allow it to be more?

Sparks fly between Mushaniq, the free-spirited daughter of Manteo, and Georgie Howe, whose father was brutally murdered by undiscovered native warriors before they’d been on Roanoac Island a full week. As Georgie struggles to make sense of his life and to accept that not all they call “savage” are guilty of his father’s death, Mushaniq grapples with her own questions about who Manteo has become. As tentative friendship becomes more, forged in the fire of calamity and attack upon their community, both must decide whether the One True God is indeed who He claims to be and whether He is worthy of their trust.

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My Thoughts on Mary

Historical fiction is something I love.  In fact, I’m always fascinated by history and the what-ifs.  The lost colony is definitely something I’ve spent a lot of time reading about and researching so I was intrigued by this series.  I did find that the first book, and this one as well, took a good while to get into.  The writing is wonderful.  I love the characters.  It just seemed to maybe stagnate a bit at the beginning.  But once you immersed yourself in the characters and the writing it really begins to fly!  Since this has been my experience with both books in the series I did want to share. 

Now that I’ve shared the spoiler, this is book two in a series.  And yes, you need to read both books in order.  You really won’t fully understand this second book if you don’t read the first one first which chronicles the journey over the ocean and the beginning of the settlement.  

I love how the author has taken what we know of the settlement and then made it into such a wonderful and full colony with its own dynamics and fun.  You’re going to love these books!  Just remember keep reading!  Don’t stop after the first chapter or two. 

I can’t help but wonder if there will be another book.  I wouldn’t turn it down.  This author is quickly becoming one that I’m eager to follow and see where else she may go. 

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author of Mary

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

More from Shannon

Why did I write Mary?

The series started as an idea suggested by my editor and soon became something of an obsession. This instalment was inspired partly by the Legend of the Coharie, a fragment of the very murky history surrounding the Roanoke Colony and the Lumbee people of North Carolina.

According to this legend, George Howe, the son of the colonist by the same name who was brutally murdered a few days after their landing on Roanoke Island, married a daughter of Manteo, the Native man who travelled twice to England, later led a group of the colonists inland for refuge and eventually became an ancestor of the Lumbees.

Then, as my Lost Colony research expanded, my interest in the nuances of two cultures meeting and blending grew into a desire to pay tribute to what might have been the first (and possibly only) example of European and Native peoples living together in peace. Imagine if this had been the defining moment of our country’s founding.

As usually happens, fictional characters (even those based on historical figures) sooner or later run away with the story—and that’s the part I find most exciting! I hope you, the readers, also enjoy this tale of Mushaniq (squirrel in Carolina Algonquian) and Georgie, which serves as both a parallel story and sequel to Elinor.

Blog Stops for Mary

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 26

Remembrancy, October 27

Inkwell Inspirations, October 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

Hallie Reads, October 29

Inklings and notions, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 30

deb’s Book Review, October 31

To Everything There Is A Season, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

Betti Mace, November 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 2

Connie’s History Classroom, November 3

Mary Hake, November 3

Bizwings Blog, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 5

A Reader’s Brain, November 6

Sylvan Musings, November 6

Through the Fire Blogs, November 7

Pause for Tales, November 8

Spoken from the Heart, November 8

Giveaway for Mary

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22447/mary-celebration-tour-giveaway