A remarkable retelling of an old legend, this was absolutely perfect. I’m a sucker for historical fiction, and this might just be my very favorite of all time.
 
You can tell all of the hard work that the author put into writing this and the effort she took to make this story something unforgettable. I will no doubt be diving into more of her fascinating work soon!
 
The most stunningly written novel about sacrifice, tragedy, love, friendship, and loss. I got lost and found myself between the pages of this indescribable work of art.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮!

This series has been nothing short of awesome! I loved every single book, this one included. I will admit I was not well acquainted with all the stories of the lost colonies, just the basics. This story of what might have happened to Virginia Dare was extremely interesting, and I loved how the author wove the story of redemption throughout. Full transparency, I will caution, (small spoiler) there is a pretty descriptive scene where a person is burned at the stake while his friends are made to watch. It is a quick part that is told again later on, but not as descriptive as when it first happens, so if you are a sensitive reader, that might catch you off guard. Overall, I really loved this book and would definitely recommend it!

**I received a copy of this book as part of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Increase your knowledge of early American history with the fictional story of what might have happened to Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World! Author Shannon McNear takes you on a journey to the "Lost Colony". I found this story of how three English teens (Ginny and two males) are captured by an enemy Native American tribe in 1602 very interesting. I admired these young people for taking a stand for their Christian beliefs even when it might mean their death. I recommend reading the earlier books in the series first. I received a complimentary book from Barbour Publications and Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

If you love a heartfelt story that takes you on an unforgettable journey, this book is for you! It's a beautiful blend of deep faith and fascinating history, making it a true treasure. You'll find it’s a comforting reminder that no matter what challenges life throws our way, we can always turn to God for hope and strength. Enjoy the ride!


Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this great book. The review is my personal view and is given freely.

When it seems your world is falling apart, can you hang onto your faith?

Virginia continues to explore the "What If's of the Roanoke lore and the missing colonists. We see our baby Virginia Dare's "what if" story come alive in this novel.

While much is speculative, you can tell great detail went to make it as historically accurate for the time and people as much as possible. It is good to note that there is some violence and gut-wrenching scenes which will make you so very uncomfortable, but they were not overly graphic, and they did add a deeper message to the tale. I didn't find this a fast read. More slow and steady. And I wanted the end for redemption to occur.

I came into this without reading the two previous installments and I think they should probably be read to make this one more meaningful. Due to the situations covered, I think it would be better for mature readers--older teens and up.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this novel to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

The legend of the Lost Colony lives on! McNear has done it again -- crafted a novel rich in historical detail and compelling characters that bring this challenging time in history to life. Both sweet and bittersweet, joyful and sorrowful, we get a glimpse into what life very well may have been like for the remaining people in the Lost Colony.

Virginia's romance was sweet and developed perfectly, and the supporting characters made me feel like I knew them. The faith thread is strong and ties in very well with the plot and characters.

If you enjoy colonial and native American history, you may enjoy Virginia, the fourth book in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series.

I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Can she hang on to faith while she is a captive?

I have long been fascinated by one of the greatest American mysteries of all time, what happened to the lost colony of Roanoke? As a result of that fascination I have eagerly read every single one of Shannon McNear's intriguing Daughters Of The Lost Colony series. Virginia is the 'final' book in that series and her 'story' is one that I have been looking forward to since reading the very first book.

Full of rich historical detail, great characters, and an intriguing what if scenario, Virginia is a good read, really, the entire Daughters of The Lost Colony series is a don't miss it for Christian historical fiction lovers.

I really liked the two main characters in this fourth Daughters Of The Lost Colony novel. Ginny is so headstrong but she is also loyal and loves fiercely. Her hero is exactly what she needs, strong but kind and wise even beyond his years.

Of the 4 books in this series from Shannon McNear, I think that this is one of the best. The first one, Elinor is probably my favorite, but Virginia is the one that kept my attention from start to finish with little to sidetrack me. Anyway, Shannon McNear did a great job with this book and series in general and I'm glad to have spent the time reading it....

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Virginia continues the fictional historical saga of those who have been lost to history and mystery of the missing from the Roanoke colony. This is Virginia, or Ginny's story, she who was famous to being the first English child born on American soil. In history, nothing more is known of her, she disappears just like the rest of the colony. However, author McNear gives us an imaginative look at what may have happened if she did indeed live and grow up.

Ginny is only about fourteen when her life irrevocably changes yet again. Another fierce Native American tribe has come and upended the small community where she lives. Like her mother before her, she is taken captive, along with two of her best friends. In this sweeping fictional account, we get to learn some of the customs, good and brutal of the tribe that kidnapped her. This story is not for the faint of heart, it is heartrending, emotional, and at times there is much brutality. However, there is hope and joy that can also be seen to come out of her tragic circumstances.

What happened to those who were part of the Roanoke colony? Nobody really knows and there has been much speculation. This is one author's take on it.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

I thought this was a good conclusion to this series. I liked how we got to see how characters from the previous stories were doing and to see how they handled the difficulties that they were facing. I liked seeing Virginia grow through out the story and seeing her courage. I also liked learning more about this time and what might have happened to these people. I thought the story was well told and well researched. I definitely would recommend this series for anyone who wonders “what if” about the lost colony of Roanoke.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

“Virginia” is the last book in this fascinating series, and I’m a bit sad for it to end. I love the research that went into this and the creativity of what might’ve been. I feel I should’ve known about Virginia Dare, but I didn’t. And I love fiction stories that teach me something new!

The faith elements of this story are so inspiring and fulfilling. I also love the features of history, romance, danger, and most of all—redemption. I just love a great redemption story.

Even if you haven’t read the previous books in this series, this one works well on its own. Ginny is a fascination character that is so easy to connect with and care for.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine.

Virginia Dare was the first child born in the New World. This is a fictional account of what could have happened to her with actual historical information used. As a teenager she was captured by a hostile Native American tribe and forced to be a slave. Interesting entanglements take place and she escapes to return to her people. A lot has happened and she has left a lasting impression on those around her. A story of strong Christian faith and how it changes lives. Very realistic and interesting, to learn how Native Americans lived as well. Good long read.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#Virginia #ShannonMcNear #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction #BarbourFiction

Impeccable research, a delicious slow burn romance, & fast paced suspense made this historical fiction based on the true story of Virginia Dare hard to put down. This is my first book by Shannon McNear & I look forward to reading more. I’ve always been fascinated by the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. Virginia explores the interesting theory that the colony simply joined the local Native tribes. As they try to survive a wild landscape with both friends and foes, this captivating story grabbed hold and didn’t let go.

Virginia is the first English child born in the New World. In 1602, she’s 14 years old & on the cusp of adulthood. When she and her friends are captured by an unfriendly Native American tribe, she fears her fate will be much like that of her mother’s. Faced with hardships & difficult trials including a potential forced marriage, she must rely on her faith & the friendship of an unlikely ally to survive.

I thoroughly enjoyed “Ginny’s” story. The attention to detail & rich history really made this story come alive. The customs of the settlers & various tribes was fascinating & I loved exploring this world through these endearing characters. Though at times brutal, the author depicted a realistic picture of what it must have been like.

I loved Ginny’s & Felipe’s forbidden romance! Felipe was such a thoughtful suitor who can’t help falling for Ginny, though it puts them in danger. I loved his respect for Ginny & desire to prove himself worthy. Their story is filled with twists & turns which kept me fully engaged. I appreciated Ginny’s courage & faith in standing up for what she believed in even at great risk.

Ginny’s Christian faith plays a central role in the story & I admired both her’s & Felipe’s reliance on God. Unfortunately, her faith is often in conflict with Felipe’s beliefs & those of the local Native tribes. Though some may find difficulties with these conflicts, I felt like the author stayed true to the understandings & practices of the time period.

This was truly an enjoyable story. While I easily read it as a standalone, I wish I’d read the previous books in the series to really appreciate the other characters and history.

Highly recommend to historical Christian fiction fans! I received an advanced complementary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. 4-4.5 stars!

Virginia, by Shannon McNear, is book four in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series. Having not read the rest of the series, I felt a little lost in the beginning but quickly caught on to the story. The author does a fantastic job of giving background information so I was able to follow and understand the story nicely. I appreciate the extensive research the author has done to bring out this story of the very earliest settlers, how they adjusted to the new world and how they felt. I enjoyed this story of the first child born in the New World, what her life may have been like and what may have happened to her.

This is a nicely written Christian historical romance story that tugged at my heart many times. Some of them being when Virginia and her two friends were captured and held. I thought the characters for the most part were good, strong characters. I enjoyed the change that came from Grandmother Dove when Ginny had to flee. I admire the quiet strength of Ginny’s mother. This story is filled with the theme of faith and shows how important salvation is to the characters.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

I read this book prior to my vacation to Jamestown and Roanoke Island; it set the scene perfectly.

This book is the fourth book in the series. I have not read the previous three books, but found that the story was still easy to follow.
Virginia Dare is the daughter of the first colonists that landed on America. This story follows her as she is taken along with some of her fellow comrades. I thought it was a very interesting take on the infamous story or Virginia Dare and the Roanoke colonists. The book was well researched.

Story: 5/5
Worldview: 5/5

From page one, we are introduced to a new kind of culture. The native Kurawoten people have united with the English and come to Christ in such a way that melds the tradition of both cultures while also focusing on Jesus. I loved this perspective, seeing how certain rituals were maintained but redeemed to honor and glorify Christ. Virginia and her two friends go through a horrifying ordeal, but Jesus is in the midst of it. Even while in an impossible situation, Virginia is given favor. As someone who is bilingual, I loved seeing the language barrier in the mix of English, Spanish, and Kuratowen. It made me laugh a few times. 🙂

The themes explored in this novel were wonderful. Virginia grappled with her faith and trusting God in a place where she can’t see Him. She had to deal with a difficult situation but still honored Christ and refused to take the easy route of silence. I loved seeing one character come to Christ and realize fully what it means to find undeserved redemption through Jesus. The characters also discuss why idolatry is wrong (specifically in reference to Catholicism). There are moments, however, where it felt like it was pages and pages of bible verses without much explanation or integration into the story. I did love that the author was very clear in sharing the gospel, but it did make the last quarter of the novel a little slow.

Spoilers
While the romance was sweet, there was a lot of emphasis on physical attraction. There was more than one time where they made reference to wanting to be together but resisted because they wanted to get married first. I haven’t read the first two books, so I can’t speak to those, but Rebecca places much less emphasis on the romance. Also, one character is killed about halfway through the book as a sacrifice to pagan gods. It is not shown graphically or described, and it is painted in a bad light.

We trust the good God and seek His leading. - Sees Far

This is an incredible story of what might have been when the first colonists came from England. Some of the natives became friends even as they worked to assimilate their beliefs to what they learned about the one true God. Spring brought new life to Cora Banks and Virginia and her friends loved to run and explore. Unfortunately for the three of them, it ended very differently than they expected.

Kidnapped and learning to live with many different customs forced Ginny and her friends to live their beliefs out in the everyday. What would you give up to save a friend? This 4th book in the Daughters of the Lost Colony will stretch your imagination of what one can survive through and maybe even thrive.

An early copy was received through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

“Her firstborn, taken by the People. Just as she herself was, all those years ago…“

Any history buff with the slightest interest in the lost colony of Roanoke should read this series, Daughters of the Lost Colony, and this book in particular, Virginia. Shannon McNear has outdone herself on this one. I loved every minute of this heart-rending, suspenseful book! I would encourage you to read the prior three novels so you have a better base for understanding some of the background and people involved.

Barely a young woman, Virginia Dare, who lives in the village that is a mixture of Kurawoten and English, is taken captive, along with two young male friends. Encouraged beforehand to do what they must to survive if such a capture by an enemy occurs, how far must they go?

Will the Skaru:re tribe that took the young people make them slaves, torture them, or assimilate them into their culture? Why are Sees Far and others not coming to the captives’ rescue? How can God turn something so tragic into an instrument for good? This is a major question that resounds throughout the book, very timely in our country today.
Many people argue that tragedy shows an absence of a loving God. Not so, says Ginny as she shares her mother’s belief. “He is God, regardless. The good things we enjoy, the little miracles that come, they come because He is good and loves to bless us. But the lack of blessings does not prove His absence or lack of care.” I loved the way that McNear shows that faith has to become real and personal for each individual. I loved the heartfelt prayers of Ginny and others as all they can do is cry out to God for help.

Danger, romance, history, and a fair look at different people groups are all present in this fast-paced story. But so are the plan of salvation and an impassioned plea to see God as a loving Sovereign when all we can see is tragedy. Will we have the faith to trust God when we cannot see what only He can? “We must trust that He is able to weave our past into good for us, and indeed does so. And we must trust Him with each day. This day. And then the remainder of our lives.”

Is this easy? As Master Johson encourages Ginny, it is not. “…if ’twere easy to trust, then where would be the need for faith?”*

Don’t miss this exciting conclusion to the Daughters of the Lost Colony Series! Expect a few surprises!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit and Netgalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“But love is as much a choice as it is a feeling. Mayhap more.”

“Perhaps the difference lies in a counterquestion. What is your present commitment to Christ and to His ways? It matters not if you were born and reared a Christian, if you abandon your faith upon reaching your majority.”

“Their coming to the New World, they said, ’twas more than uprooting in body and soul and trying to make a home in a completely different country. There was a clash between old ways and new ways, between old gods and the one true God, a conflict not just of thought and ideals but of spiritual forces. How many times had she heard Master Johnson and others read the verse about not wrestling with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers? And yet … she had never truly comprehended.”

Virginia is my favorite installment from the Daughters of the Lost Colony. I loved the first three books from the series, but I loved this one even more. Shannon McNear’s use of vivid details made me feel as though I was right there with Ginny. I was intrigued with the “what ifs” of her story and were very much believable for me. I could not put the book down until I was completely done in one sitting.

I am giving Virginia a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction, particularly those set during the American colonial period. I am hoping there will be more to come from Daughters of the Lost Colony series.


I received a paperback copy of Shannon McNear’s Virginia from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

I really liked this historical fiction romance of the lost colonies of Roanoke.The character of Virginia Dare was, I believe to be, a true person there at that time. Though most of the story was fictional the author tried to portray as close to what may or could have happened at the time. It was a most interesting important story of what truly happened to others in that time period. I truly enjoyed this story and am going to try to read her other books in the series. Thank you Net Galley and publishers and author for the opportunity to read and review Virginia by Shannon McNear with my honest thoughts and opinions.

Virginia, daughter of Elinor, is bored at the council meeting at the Cora Banks settlement. She quietly leaves the building and is followed by her friends Henry and Redbud. The three are found. captured and carried away by warriors of the people known as the Mangoac. The three experience terrifying days of travel until they are brought to their 'new home'. Virginia is given over to Granny Dove and is expected to serve the elder. Would the three young people survive? Would they ever see their families of English and Kurawoten people again?!
I received an advanced reader's copy of this fourth book in the "Daughters of the Lost Colony" series from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my own opinion of the story which is based on the true events of the lost colony. This is a very intense book. Shannon McNear writes so descriptively that a reader can 'feel' the time period, clothing, foods and demeanor of a people long gone from our modern time. She has such well-developed characters, including Blackbird, Granny Dove, Henry, Redbud, along with series regulars. I was caught up in feelings, fear, faith and sorrows. Switching from the activity surrounding Virginia (Dare) she writes of the terror Elinor and the other parents of the missing threesome are going through. This is an excellent addition to the series.
It was very interesting to me historically. The lost colony has never been a big interest of mine, but I was certainly aware of stories from the time period in the very early days of this country. The series has been quite interesting in a 'this is what it may have been like' work.
My one negative is language used when the minister talks to the character Filipe about salvation and belief in Christ. This is a young Spanish man who was also taken by the Mangoac at age 9 and immersed in their language and customs to adulthood. I don't feel he would have had the command of the English language which would be necessary to understand all that was being said to him. It doesn't influence my score of five stars though.
I do have to mention trigger warnings, kidnapping, violence and extreme torture/death that could be quite disturbing to some readers.