Chancing the Frontiersman by talented author Andrea Byrd is the Book One in the Wilderness Romance Series. This poignant tale is a Christian, historical romance with mystery, intrigue, and inspiration. I was captivated from the very beginning.
Set right after the Revolutionary War in Kentucky Territory in 1782, this is the story of childhood friends, Jacob and Dawn. They find each other on the trail west going to the Kentucky frontier. They travel together to find the uncle of Dawn’s young stepsister, Mary. Dawn and Mary have both been treated unjustly by a parent who has no desire to care for them. Dawn has a physical disability that some may find hard to handle. She has a cheerful attitude and strong faith to guide her.
It was easy to become invested in the characters and their stories. Author Byrd did a fantastic job creating this riveting story and the people that live in it. It is evident that she researched the time period and people. The dialogue sounded accurate. I gleaned a lot of information about the territory and what the travelers were up against.
The story moved along at an easy pace. The writing is exquisite. I appreciated the spiritual messages from this novel as well as the many life lessons. There are a few twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. This was an educational, entertaining, and inspiring story. I found it hard to put down.
I highly recommend this Christian fiction book. Reading groups would definitely enjoy this as a selection. After the story the author has written some notes that are very informative. She also has included some discussion questions for individual or group study. I give this book a 5 star rating. A complimentary copy was provided by CelebrateLit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart
Author: Andrea Byrd
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 24, 2026
From Andrea Byrd comes a stirring tale of faith and courage on the Kentucky frontier—a story of second chances, steadfast love, and the family bonds that sustain us through life’s darkest hours. Perfect for fans of Lori Wick and Janette Oke.
Kentucky Territory, 1782
When Dawn agrees to travel west with her cruel stepparents, she has one goal—to reunite her young stepsister Mary with her uncle at Bryan’s Station. But a chance encounter with Jacob McFadin, her childhood sweetheart, changes everything. Despite her missing left hand and the scars of rejection she carries, Jacob sees past her differences and offers marriage to help protect them on their journey.
Jacob has spent years trying to prove himself as more than just the youngest McFadin brother. When he recognizes Dawn, the girl who captured his heart years ago, he knows God has given him a second chance. But his desire to finally make a name for himself threatens to tear apart their fragile new family.
As they face the perils of the Kentucky wilderness and escalating tensions with British and Indian forces, Dawn and Jacob must learn to trust in God’s plan—and each other. When violence erupts at Bryan’s Station, they discover that true worth isn’t found in grand achievements, but in the boundless love of family and faith.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirts and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them.
More from Andrea
As a reader of historical fiction, I love reaching the end of a novel and reading the author’s note to learn how real people and events inspired the written words. Now, as an author myself, I try to provide the same for my own readers and Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart is no exception.
While the Siege of Yorktown is considered the last major battle of the revolutionary war, ten months afterward, American forces would suffer great losses at the Battle of Blue Licks. During this conflict, more than sixty Kentuckians would lose their lives.
However, what intrigued me most about this piece of American history was actually the events leading up to it. The Battle of Blue Licks was a result of a skirmish a few days prior: the Siege of Bryan’s Station. In what is now Lexington, Kentucky, a fortified settlement was attacked by Delaware and Shawnee warriors, as well as Canadian Rangers.
Playing a vital part in the station’s ability to withstand the attack, of course, were the women of Bryan’s Station. During this conflict, the women would do more than simply provide support though. They would put themselves directly in harm’s way, venturing outside the safety of the settlement walls, in order to fetch water from the spring. Though Bryan’s Station was surrounded and they could be descended upon the moment they left the fold, the women (and girls) marched forwarded with heads held high to do what had to be done.
As soon as I learned of the women of Bryan’s Station and their act of bravery, I knew I had to weave these historical events into this novel. I hope you find their story as inspiring as I did!
Happy Reading!
Andrea Byrd
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, March 28
Books Less Travelled, March 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 30
Bizwings Blog, March 30
lakesidelivingsite, March 31
Sylvan Musings, April 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2
Devoted To Hope, April 3
For Him and My Family, April 3
Abba’s Warrior Princess, April 4
Life on Chickadee Lane, April 5
Bigreadersite, April 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 7
Mary Hake, April 7
Fruitfully Planted, April 8
Holly’s Book Corner, April 8
Lyssa Loves Books, April 9
Books You Can Feel Good About, April 10
Pause for Tales, April 10
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 