Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund

  This is an intriguing historical novel.  Hedlund ties in her fictional characters with historical figures to give an authentic feel to the story.  Angelique Mackenzie lives on Mackinaw Island.  The year is 1814 and the British occupy the fort, but it has been a long winter with little food for anyone. This book takes off very quickly and is filled with spies and soldiers fighting, islanders trying to survive, and two brothers who love the same girl.  Will Angelique choose to love the quiet, steady Jean Durrant the one she is promised to, or will she follow her heart and continue to love Pierre?  Hedlund's opening scene is intense and hooks the reader immediately.  You quickly learn who Angelique and Pierre are and their shared history.  You hope that Pierre will stay on the island to help out his mother and continue to build the friendship with Angelique, but there is always the question of when he will have to leave to fulfill his spy duties.  I enjoyed this book, and the ease with which I was pulled into the story.  I was quickly transported back to 1814, I worried for Angelique as her life wasn't easy.  She is wrongfully punished, but didn't have a voice back then, which makes me thankful I live in the era I do.  I love how Hedlund didn't change historical facts, while I wanted the Americans to win the battle for the island, that didn't happen in the story or in real life.  The American's messed up, and this story shows how it might have had an effect on the people of Mackinaw Island.  This is a fun story that gives you a glimpse into life on an island.

My thanks go to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for providing me a free e-book copy to read and review.