The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton

The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.

On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.

When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

I could tell that a lot of research has gone into the writing of this novel.  I thoroughly enjoyed the history that was woven into the story.  At first I thought I would get lost with all the characters that were being introduced.  But as the story progressed they were all an integral part of the story.  The story shows how Reginald’s one impulsive act affected so many people and how they dealt with it.  Watching the characters grow up was interesting as well.  It is a long book but well worth the read.  I wouldn’t consider a light read but instead one you have to think about as you read.

I was given this book by the Blogging for Books for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway.