Into the Wilderness: A Novel

I first read this book when it came out in mass market paperback and I discovered it in the romance section of my local Border's Books. I'd actually worked in that exact same Border's while I was in college and romance was one of the genres I was responsible for stocking and keeping organized, so I spent a lot of time in those same shelves, combing through the good, the bad and the terrible that romance had to offer.This day I was looking for a good book to read just for some fun and escape. Wilderness caught my attention first because of the sunny yellow cover and the fact that it was a nice fat paperback, which is like finding gold if the story is good. Unfortunately, most book lovers have had to learn the hard way that heft isn't always a indicator that the story within is wonderful, but I was willing to give it a chance. I had also read the book, and then later watched, and watched again, the film version of Last of the Mohicans, so the tie-ins to that original story and those characters intrigued me and I bought this novel and started reading that very evening. I didn't sleep that first night because the book was so good I just couldn't bring myself to put it down!! I immediately felt like I was there in Paradise with all the characters. The author wove a spell with her words, that's really the only way I can describe it. I felt the cold and heat of the seasons changing in the town of Paradise, and saw the landscape around me green and rolling, unmarred by the industry and pollution of modern times.It was a wonderful escape, this book. I was so thrilled by it that I convinced both of my two sisters, my small circle of friends and many of my work colleagues to read it too. Those closest to me borrowed my paperback copy and it quickly began to fall apart, so as soon as the cover fell off I ordered the hardcover from Amazon. Thank goodness I did because I seriously re-read this book EVERY SINGLE YEAR. I write the month and date of each read inside the front cover to keep track of how many times I've read it, for my own enjoyment, and also to remind me of that first spectacular read when the story was completely new to me and every page was exciting because it opened up more of that incredible world to me.I went on to read all the books in Donati's Wilderness series, as well as the few other novels she's since written. I have them all in hardcover now too on the one bookshelf where I keep only my most beloved books, but Into the Wilderness will always be my favorite because it was the book that started the journey. I'll forever be grateful that someone as talented as the author invested herself in that endeavor in order to give us the gift of this amazing story.

Plot Summary: This is a grand romance in a wild, untamed setting - in the thickly wooded forests of New York in the very late 1700s. Elizabeth Middleton travels from England to live with her father, Judge Middleton, who has carved out an estate on lands that once belonged to the Kahnyen'kehàka people. Elizabeth is determined to live her days as a spinster, and open a school for the village children, but her father has plans to marry her off to a local doctor who has designs on the land that Elizabeth stands to inherit. Elizabeth's plans to remain celibate are thrown off kilter by Nathaniel Bonner, son of Daniel "Hawkeye" Bonner, and grandson of Chingachgook (from "The Last of the Mohicans"). Like the good doctor vying for her hand, Nathaniel also wants the land, but before long he wants Elizabeth for herself, and together they hatch a plan to outwit her father and her persistent unwanted suitor. This launches the story into a never-ending adventure full of mishaps, miracles, and page-turning excitement.(INTO THE WILDERNESS SERIES: BOOK 1)This book was everything I'd hoped it'd be and more. Into the Wilderness is a historical romance built on a grander scale than what I'm accustomed to, but it delivered just the right mix of goodies to keep me thoroughly entertained. I read some reviews from people who were eager to tear it apart, or others who hated reading the sex scenes (who are these strange creatures, I ask?). Sadly, this is what happens when non-romance fans stumble into a book that is not meant for them. For true fans of the genre, this novel will be hard to beat, or put down. Since it's close to 900 pages, I was forced to put it down quite often, but it's been a fun three-day read.I thought that Sara Donati echoed the spirit behind the film "The Last of the Mohicans," and continued the story in style here. Since that's one of my favorite romantic movies of all time, I was primed and ready to fall in love with Hawkeye's son, Nathaniel. He was every inch the buckskin wearing, long hair flying, intense woodsman that I'd hoped he'd be, and I've finally lived out one of my reading fantasies (next on my list is a good romance about Zorro).Fortunately, I was equally pleased with Elizabeth. She's the classic historical romance heroine, an odd duck in her own time, with notions of equality and self-reliance that are beyond the norm. Elizabeth comes a long way from her proper English upbringing, and by the end of the book she's embraced so many of Nathaniel's people's customs that she takes the best of both worlds and makes her own kind of life. Their romance did remind me of Jamie and Claire Frasier, although I will say that this book did not move me to tears like Outlander did (and still does). So it was very good, but not as emotionally piercing.I admired how Ms. Donati made Nathaniel every bit as vulnerable - physically and emotionally - as Elizabeth throughout the story. It's a mistake that many romance authors make, when they turn the hero into an indestructible superman without a lick of self-doubt. He was almost too good to be true, truth be told, but I'll make allowances for that kind of embellishment any day. It's a sweeping kind of story that's lovely to sink into and ride into the sunset.According to the reviews, book two, Dawn on a Distant Shore, picks up shortly where this book left off, so for fans who didn't get enough, they can follow Nathaniel and Elizabeth to their heart's content.

I picked up this book, after seeing a review by Diana Gabaldon, and am so glad I did! I've always enjoyed reading historical fiction, and I enjoy it even more when the author stays true to the history, while navigating their fictional characters through their story. I'm a true believer that we should know the events that happened in the past and know the struggles our ancestors went through to get us where we are today. This story brings us to a small settlement, in the mountains on the outskirts of New York in the year 1792. An English woman, and her brother, come to live with their father, where she wants to become a school teacher in the small town, and there begins her adventure. Sara Donati is a great writer and has the ability to pull you into the story as if you are there with them. And, if you are an "Outlander" fan you will clue into a mentioning of some of our favorite characters from the Outlander books. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters and going on the adventure with them. So much so that I bought the series and am currently reading the 4th book! If you love historical fiction, and are looking for a book that will help you escape to another time and place, you will not be disappointed in this one! So happy to have found another great author to add to my list!

I was surprised yet pleased to read this story. Well written and never boring. Haven't read this quickly since reading Diana Gabaldon's books. I can't wait to start the next book. Beautifully written with great story lines and characters to follow.

Have just finished reading the last of the books in this series - I really didn't want to because it meant saying goodbye to all of the characters I have grown to either love or despise during the course of their stories. The writing is crisp and clear and draws you into the world of Paradise and its residents, while informing the reader of life on the frontier at the turn of the 19th century and the wars which led to the forming of America as we know it today. It is also very apparent, (to me, at least), just how very much we have lost in the suppression and/or annihilation of the native americans' way of life. Having read the books via my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I now propose to buy the complete series, it was that good.

So this novel arrived in really good condition. I didn't realise how much I missed paperbacks but at the same time missed the ease of reading from my kindle. This book is so gentle, you have to fall in love with Elizabeth and honestly you will not stop yourself from adoring Nathaniel. One criticism only.... I didn't enjoy Robbie's Scottish accent in the book, but hey, I loved Outlander and therefore, put this to one side. The atmosphere of this book is engaging, ok you want to hate Cat Eater and Julian but there is a past to these people and you get embroiled in. I wanted an epic, I love epics and this measured up

I am very much enjoying Sara Donati's 1st book in the Wilderness series, "Into the Wilderness" so much so that I have ordered the next 3 books in the series. they are very similiar tales to Diana Gabaldon's Outback series, I have the complets set of these just waiting for the next one which should be published next year.What is nice is that a character from Diana's books has intermingled with Sara's book. Jamie's nephew, who also married a woman from the Kahnyen'kehaka tribe.Hoping the 2nd book in the series will arrive before I finish the 1st book.

Fell in love with the characters. A big fan of outlander it remained me of Claire and Jamie . Strong women lived by equally strong men and family and honour at the heart of it.

Started off a bit Mills and Boon for me but eventually settled into a really good and interesting read. So much so I've bought the rest of the series!