This is my first Lori Benton book. She writes beautifully...draws you in with great character development and a story that captures your fears, your thoughts and your heart.

Alex MacKinnon's life changes at Culloden Moor in 1746. He becomes an indentured servant in North Carolina. There he meets Joanna the step-daughter who runs the plantation. They come to realize the depth of their respect and affection for each other, but Alex's disbelief in God crushes their future.

I hate reviews with spoilers, so I will only say that the villain in this story is truly an evil being. He is hateful and brutal and will really scared me as he brought death and ruination all around him.

There are lots of other really wonderful characters in this story. In fact, I'd love it if Ms Benton would make this book 1 of a series. Personally, I'd love to know...the rest of the story.

An epic read that brings history to life! Alex MacKinnon's journey from the battlefield at Culloden Moor in 1746, to become an indentured servant in colonial North Carolina, is a very difficult one. As an exile from his Scottish homeland, he has lost everything, yet a new life awaits with other major challenges, including those to his heart and soul.

This is an absorbing read, with great characters struggling to overcome many difficulties, yet it is a hopeful story, underlined with a spiritual theme. It is told in three segments, following Alex's life from 1746 to 1750. He is a terrific hero, though he doesn't see himself that way. He learns through his trials full of danger, unfair treatment, and a journey to a foreign land, that there is a loving God who can be trusted despite the circumstances, one who works all things together for good for those who look to Him with faith. Interjected with spiritual and biblical wisdom via the traveling minister Mr. Pauling, there are interesting mini discussions of faith interspersed throughout the story. The theme of God's grace and mercy parallels especially well with Alex's story. He reminded me a bit of a Joseph type or an Esther, "...for such a time as this." The author cites the book of Philemon as her inspiration for the novel.
Joanna and Elijah are great characters too, as well as the lively young Jemma. There are some adult situations, including abuse and slavery, which may disturb some readers; it added grit and tension to the plot though, and seemed realistic to the time period.

Highly recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction with faith, adventure, and romance!

Lori Benton's latest book, The King's Mercy, takes place in the 18th century in the Colony of North Carolina. Benton tells the story of Scotsman Alex MacKinnon who is sold as an indentured servant and is forced to begin his new life in the colonies. Tragedy, danger, and even romance play an important part in the story. The themes of mercy and individual's responses to suffering are focused on in The King's Mercy. Some parts of the story were a little slow moving, but this is an inspirational story that fans of 18th century historical fiction will enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Alex McKinnon is a Jacobite who survived Culloden only to be exiled and sold into indentured servitude in America. He’s been told that only the King’s mercy has kept him from execution yet it does not seem like kindness to him. When a man of God talks of his King’s mercy, Alex is skeptical about trusting a heavenly King. Yet God seems intent on giving Alex a new heart, a new love, and a new home.

So glad I spent time with this satisfying story! Lovely writing. Sympathetic hero & heroine. Strong, natural spiritual message. Immersive early American setting. Adventure & romance keep the plot moving. I really enjoyed it!

***Thanks to Lori Benton, WaterBrook & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel. Blessings!

My favorite quotes:

“Ye’ve always had that about ye, a need for a purpose beyond yourself. ’Tis the Almighty knit ye so.”

“‘It’s what the Almighty calls me to do,’ Pauling replied . . . ‘And by the king’s mercy, I will do it.’ . . . Alex bristled, annoyance eclipsing concern. ‘Dinna speak to me of the king’s mercy. What power has he to ease your path, an ocean away?’ The reverend started to shake his head . . . ‘I speak not of England’s king . . .’”

“Joanna leaned into the wall, one hand muffling her mouth. ‘The greater the material comfort you accrue, the greater the burden of it will weigh.’ The words pierced her with their truth.”

“Only in choosing to trust himself, and failing at every turn, was it made clear that in giving men a choice to believe and obey, God must allow an alternative, that the potential for evil must exist for those who wouldn’t choose Him.”

This is a very well written book that holds your attention until the very end. This is not a book that you will "speed read', but a book you will take your time with so you don't miss anything. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book and look forward to reading more of Lori Benton"s books. Thank you WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. This is my honest opinion and I highly recommend this book.