The Valley is the first book in Helen Bryan’s exciting new historical fiction trilogy. I found this book to be thoroughly enjoyable and captivating.
The story begins with Sophie Grafton, the heroine, as a child. She’s an English Viscount’s spoiled daughter, who is horribly obstinate and impossible to control. The Viscount paid Sophie’s care-givers exorbitant salaries just to keep them from quitting. Although, Sophie did eventually grow to be a beautiful and charming young lady, she never did lose her stubborn, bossy streak.
The story intensifies after Sophie, discovers, to her horror, that her beautiful home is no longer hers. To avoid becoming a pauper, Sophie is forced to travel to America to claim her father’s land in Virginia. After many tiresome months of treacherous travel, Sophie is shocked and devastated by the condition of her so-called Virginia homestead.
The author does an exceptional job describing life as a pioneer, in the 1700’s. I felt as if I was in the story, with the characters, wandering through the wilderness, enduring harsh winters, guarding against wild animals, and fearing Indian raids.
I found The Valley to be well-written, compelling and humorous. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.