✅ Christian Historical Romance
✅ 1602 Outer Banks (islands off the coast of North Carolina)
✅ Suspenseful and gripping storyline!
✅ Strong faith element!

Virginia by Shannon McNear is book number four in the Daughters of the Lost Colony series. In this story, we follow young Virginia “Ginny” Dare, the first English born on colony soil along the Outer Banks! This is a beautiful and gripping “coming-of-age” story as Ginny is forced to learn to navigate life in a hostile native environment. Ginny comes from a family of mixed origins - her step-father being a native and her mother an English citizen. Growing up in a colony that preaches Christ, Ginny’s faith gets put to the test as she is thrust into situations where she can rely on nobody BUT Christ. Her story becomes eerily similar to that of her mother who also was stolen by a native tribe when she first arrived in the Outer Banks when Ginny was only two years old. Relying on the strength and courage passed down by her mother, Ginny does her best to “work as unto the Lord” and to show this enemy tribe what living out her faith looks like.

This story was a real page-turner from the beginning. I was surprised at the amount of suspenseful action included! There were a few times when I felt as if I was holding my breath, waiting to see what would happen next. There was a scene near the beginning of the book that nearly made me set it down and not finish it. I know it was probably true to history and how things would have been handled but I was shocked to read it and find it included in a Christian Fiction novel. I pushed through, however, and was certainly glad I did! There were some hard subjects but you can tell this book was well-researched and accurately written! The faith elements were very moving and the characters truly lived their faith which was refreshing to see. I’d say there were some parts in the last 25% of the book that were a little slow/dragging for me, but overall the book was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone to read!

Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Release date: 1st September, 2024

I picked up Virginia because I was very intrigued by the premise. I enjoyed it, but I have a few mixed feelings; so here are my pros and cons:

Pros:

- I loved reading from this time period. I love historical fiction, but everything is almost always set in the 19th & 20th century - probably because it’s easier to research. Although I love fiction from those eras, it was refreshing and interesting to read something set in the 17th century.
- I loved the culture and setting & learned a lot about Native American culture and the Roanoke Colony which was fascinating. Well done to the author for the effort she must have put into the research.
- The Faith content was pretty good.

Cons:

- Virginia. She was a little too perfect and had very little character development. Some parts bothered me because she’s only fourteen and way too young to be acting certain ways. I know in the culture of that area girls got married at fourteen but I feel the author could have pushed it to sixteen instead. This leads me to my next con…
- Fornication doesn’t not equate to getting married. I guess that’s all I really have to say.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed it and would recommend to any early American enthusiasts. The Faith content did help make up for the negative content.

Age rating: 15+
Genre: Historical fiction

***thank you NetGalley and Barbour Fiction for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Virginia by Shannon McNear is a powerful exploration of faith and identity set against the backdrop of the Lost Colony’s mysteries. This captivating tale transports us to the early 17th century, where the young Virginia Dare, or Ginny, stands at the edge of a world both familiar and foreign.

McNear’s storytelling immerses us in the raw beauty of the Outer Banks, blending meticulous historical detail with a narrative that brims with spiritual significance. We follow Ginny as she navigates the complexities of a life between two worlds—the English settlers and the native Kurawoten. Her journey is not just a physical one but a profound quest for purpose and faith.

Ginny’s capture by the Mangoac tribe thrusts her into the heart of danger and discovery. Through her eyes, we see the clash of cultures and the strength of faith in a time of great uncertainty. McNear doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Ginny’s situation but rather uses them to showcase her unwavering trust in God. It’s an amazing demonstration of how faith can be a beacon in the darkest of times.

One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is the way McNear weaves Christian truths into the fabric of Ginny’s experiences. The heartfelt prayers, thoughtful discussions, and reflections on Scripture are not mere decorations but integral parts of the story’s soul. Ginny’s journey is a vivid reminder of the strength found in spiritual conviction, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

McNear’s deep historical research shines through in the rich, authentic setting. The Outer Banks come alive with the sounds of the sea and the whisper of the past, grounding Ginny’s story in a tangible and evocative landscape. The author’s portrayal of the era’s complexities offers more than just historical facts; it brings the 17th century to life in a way that feels both real and reverent.

The “Historical Notes” at the end of the book are a beautiful addition, offering further reflections on the era and the faith that shaped it. These notes explained McNear’s dedication to both historical accuracy and spiritual truths.

In Virginia, McNear has created a story that is as about the journey of the heart. For anyone who loves a narrative rich with faith and history, this book is a treasure. It’s a poignant reminder that even in the midst of trials, God’s presence is a constant source of hope and strength.

I received a digital ARC of Virginia from the publisher, Barbour Fiction, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Outstanding Christian historical fiction!

Author Shannon McNear is careful to mention in her introduction to this book that the readers may want to read the earlier books in the series before starting “Virginia, Daughters of the Lost Colony #4 “. I decided to keep reading, and I had no trouble following this story on its own. This is because it is easy to get lost in this very beautifully written book- the characters, plot, and Christian reflections are all worthy. I read this book with joy.

Readers may recall that in 1587, a group of English families started the first colony in what is now North Carolina. However, the colony “disappeared” within several years, and the first colonists were never heard from again. This book series attempts to fill-in the blanks of the mystery. The book focuses on Virginia Dare’s story. She was the first white baby born in the New World. Virginia is a teenager when the book begins, and she and two other younger boys are captured by a hostile tribe. She and the boys live with the tribe for awhile, and this part of the book is fascinating. Will they escape or will they stay with the tribe?

Adventure and romance are woven with Christian faith to create an intensely interesting read . The author’s historical notes at the end add a great deal of interesting information. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.

"Virginia" by Shannon McNear is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to the early days of American colonial history. The story is set in the early 17th century and follows the journey of Virginia, a young woman navigating the challenges and adventures of life in the New World. Overall, "Virginia" is a beautifully written and thoroughly researched novel that captures the essence of a formative period in American history. Overall, this is a beautifully written and thoroughly researched novel that captures the essence of a formative period in American history.

Fantastic read! I have not read the previous titles in this series and it was easy to jump into this story and become invested in the characters. The author did a great job giving enough backstory to new readers to bring them into the story. I so appreciated the book being laced with Scripture and the Gospel. Captivating story that left me wanting more.

A remarkable book set in the early 1600’s. This Christian Historical fiction gives a great example of what life would have been in the early 1600’s with English and Spanish people coming to America. The book provides an excellent example of God’s love and shares how to truly give your life to God. The book shows hardships and how we don’t have all the answers or reasons to understand the bad things that happen in life.

The first baby born in the colonies was Virginia, but then what. She disappeared along with her mother.

The author gives us an opportunity to see how her life might have been, and she did a wonderful job of showing her, and actually her mother's life.

This is a beautiful Christian read, and we see how faith plays out everywhere, as it should, but the warm feeling of knowing those around you are saved.

Life is not easy, and there is danger, and some do not get to make it to adulthood.

Now this is book four in a series, but yes, it can be read along.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book offers a fictious account of what may have happened to Virginia Dare, the first English child born in North America in 1587. Three years later, the colony on Roanoke Island had disappeared.
While it is impossible to say if this story contains any truth, it is a fascinating tale of what life may have been like in early seventeenth century Virginia. The gospel is concisely explained as the Native people come to faith.

I really hope that there's more to come! I've so enjoyed this series! This one is my favorite!
I now know the connection to Virginia and Elinore.
I still love Sees Far. He's a very wise man and fears God. I wished that many times I had his patience.
He's an awesome character where Ginny was quite foolish. I did gradually begin to like her too.
Love, hope, trust, faith and family are very strong in this story.
Mostly faith. Which I was glad to see.
I felt like I was right in this story.
There were times that I've wanted to holler at Ginny myself for all of her foolishness. She's one very lucky girl.
I love how this author shows that God has a plan for this foolish character by giving 2nd chances ugh.
I couldn't put this book down because I was so intrigued by this character.
I feel that she has more to tell. I hope so anyway.
The Dare's story is a very fascinating one and McNear has done well with it.
5 stars for a wonderful adventure. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This historical fiction of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas is a very wonderful story of what might have happened to this child. There is not a lot of historical fact other than her birth but there are myths, one of which is loosely portrayed in this book as Ginny is abducted by another Native American tribe and is taken with 2 of her male friends as a slave. The author did a great job coming up with a story of Virginia, known as Ginny or White Doe in this book as well as the village and family she was raised with.

I had a hard time putting this one down as the author did a great job of bringing the reader right into the story immediately. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next and stayed up late at night to finish this one. There is a lot of action in this one along with many twists and turns - both good and bad.

This is also a very faith filled story with a strong faith storyline as the characters witness to the native Americans they encounter. A firm faith in the Christ as our Savior and being equally yoked in a marriage is a powerful theme in this book and it was very well written. If a reader is looking for a book with a great Christ filled faith story, with scripture and honoring God, this is a book for them. I was encouraged by reading this one and feel it is a great encouragement to anyone out there that is a single Christian on the dating scene as well. Catholic readers may not like this one as much as there are negative aspects of the Catholic church portrayed but evangelical readers will be ok with this one.

I really enjoyed this book and want to read more by this author. There are other books in this series and I now want to go back and read them, especially since one of them is Elinor, the mother of Ginny, the main character in this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is an entertaining, well-written, thoroughly researched, historical fiction novel which chronicles what might have happened to the settlers of the lost colony of Roanoke. Its beautiful settings and fascinating Native American culture and customs are vividly described. It expresses a beautiful vision of peace between the colonists and the Native American people, and has faith, prayer, tragedy, loss, hope, a heartwarming romance, and a gratifying conclusion. This is the fourth and final entry in Ms. McNear's outstanding Daughters of the Lost Colony series, and and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone, but it is even better when read after reading "Elinor" and "Mary", whose timelines precede this novel. The author's glossary and cast of characters are helpful to readers who are new to this series, and her notes are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated. Many thanks to Ms. Shannon McNear, Barbour Publishing, and NetGalley, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this wonderful novel. This is my honest opinion.

This is an interesting read. Of course it is all fiction and sadly we don’t know what really happened to Virginia Dare.
There is a lot of Christian symbolism within the pages of this book. There are also some good things to think about. Just how far will you go in your Christian faith?
There is romance in the book and realism as well when it came to the English, Spanish, and different Indian tribes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Loved reading the inspirational and wonderfully written story. When Virginia (Ginny) and her two friends are taken by another native tribe, Virginia stays true to her faith while Felipe translates for her and teaches Ginny and her friends the language, but Ginny refuses to marry the medicine man because he is an unbeliever. Read the highly recommended and a must read riveting story.

Virginia is the fourth wonderful addition to the Daughters of the Lost Colony series. I enjoyed this entertaining, touching series very much, and this book is my favorite of the four. This well-written, well-researched, fictional “what if” story of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, drew me in from the beginning and kept me reading expectantly to the satisfying ending. The emotion-packed, dramatic plot, perfectly blending the factual and fictional, flows at a steady pace. Detailed descriptions of the Outer Banks setting, amazing historical details, and beautifully crafted, memorable characters, both historical and fictional, bring the story to life. I especially appreciate the strong faith element expounding valuable spiritual truths concerning the character and power of the One True God and his free gift of salvation. The author’s historical notes, glossary and cast of characters at the end of the book featuring definitions of Native terms and explanations of historical context of people, people groups, and places are very useful in navigating the story especially if you have not read the previous books in the series. I recommend this book and the series as must reads for historical romance fans. Note: Timewise, Virginia falls between the second and third books in the series. It can be read as a standalone; however, I recommend reading Elinor (Book 1) and Mary (Book 2) first for a more enjoyable reading experience and connection to the characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The worst thing about this book, for me, is that it's the final one in this series. I've so loved journeying back to the Outer Banks and the days of the Lost Colony with McNear as she's brought a 'possible history' to life through each of her stories. They are extraordinarily well-researched and bring both the era and the setting to life for the reader. In Virginia, the little girl from Elinor has grown up and is taken captive by natives. She finds herself as she finds her way back home, both to her family and herself, and she shares her faith with others along the way.