Into the Wilderness: The Long Hunters

Rosanne Bittner has written a historical romance that is memorable, enjoyable, and historically accurate. The story begins in June 1752 as we meet Noah Wilde; a British spy surrounded by Indians from the Ottawa, Huron and Miami nations,as well as French soldiers. The French are determined to seal their hold on all land west of the Ohio River, and are attacking the English trading post of Pickawillany in the Ohio Territory. Noah Wilde hates to be part of this horror, and wishes he could have warned of the attack. However, circumstances have caught Noah between his debt to an Indian Chief and his loyalty to the English; all this while he is in the middle of the Miami Indians warring against their own people. Noah's spying is also fueled by a personal desire for revenge against the French for the murder of his wife, killed by the Indians and the French in an attack on Albany seven years before. Ten months after the brutal attack at Pickawillany the reader meets sixteen year old Jessica Matthews as she is gathering kindling. Her chore ends abuptly when Indians try to attack her, and her escape is only made possible by the appearance of a stranger in buckskins. It is Noah Wilde, and his act of bravery has caused him to be seriously injured. Jessica and Noah, from different worlds, are now bonded to each other as a result of this harrowing experience. It seems only natural that these two will fall in love. However, their journey to be together is not to be easy. It is challenging, heroic, and, in the end, inspiring. In her writing Rosanne Bittner includes real historical characters. We meet Virginia's Governor Dinwiddie, a young George Washington, William Fairfax, and Chiefs Pontiac and Unemakemi. In these profiles Ms. Bittner shows how these men influenced history, for better or for worse. Chapters in Into the Wilderness are divided by date, helping the reader to understand the historical context of the story. Ms. Bittner also writes in clear, uncluttered sentences. It is refreshing that Ms. Bittner's writing shows Jessica to be a strong young woman in her own right. Jessica deals with incredible emotional grief, terror, and loneliness. Bravely she confronts her predicament, refuses to show weakness, endures her ordeal and ultimately survives. Rosanne Bittner warns that she has incorporated the stark realities of war in her book. While the warning should be heeded, all of her descriptions are vital to the story. She also hopes that upon reading this book, one will develop a new respect for the dominance and fierceness of the eastern Native Americans, and the bravery and determination of the early settlers. She has been highly successful on all counts. Into the Wilderness is a wonderful story, and the reader is ready for the sequel.

As the French and Indian War breaks out in North America, hunter and English spy Noah Barnes happens upon a small group of Iroquois trying to abduct teenage Jessica Matthews near her parents cabin in the Pennsylvania Allegheny Mountains. Though the fight is fierce and Jessica's savior is outnumbered Noah wins the battle but is wounded. Perhaps its hero worship or puppy love, but not long afterward Jess decides she wants to marry Noah.A widower, Noah falls in love with Jess, but he has a mission to complete before they can wed. While he is on his adventures, Indians kill Jess parents and capture her and her sibling. When he learns what happened to his beloved, Jess leaves George Washington on his own personal quest.In terms of Colonial romance, INTO THE WILDERNESS is similar to most works in the genre. However, what makes this tale superior is that it is more of a historical fiction novel providing the audience a deep account of 1750s America. The story line is loaded with interesting tidbits that cleverly blends and enhances the action especially since the two lead protagonists spend much of the time in separate, but vividly described subplots. Romance readers will enjoy Roseanne Bittner's latest novel while historical fiction fans will welcome a new find.Harriet Klausner