Ross Poldark by Winston Graham

Ross Poldark by Winston Graham, 379 pages

"A weary Ross Poldark returns to England from the American War of Independence (1783), looking forward to a joyful homecoming with his beloved Elizabeth. But instead he discovers his father has died, his home is overrun by livestock and drunken servants, and Elizabeth—believing Ross to be dead—is now engaged to his cousin. Ross has no choice but to start his life anew.
Thus begins the Poldark series, a heartwarming, gripping saga set in the windswept landscape of Cornwall. With an unforgettable cast of characters that spans loves, lives, and generations, this extraordinary masterwork from Winston Graham is a story you will never forget."

Having been a fan of this series on PBS, I really enjoyed this first book in the series. I found myself getting frustrated in all the same places as the series, as it follows the book very well. If I've learned anything from this book, it's to NOT poach on someone else's land, and don't be a miner. 

THE MARK OF THE KING by Jocelyn Green

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green - 520 pages

For an historical novel this held my interest all the way through.  It's the story of a midwife's life, first in France then settling in New Orleans, LA.  in the 1700's.  From prison to marriage and the hardships of this New World....very interesting.

The Frontiersman: a Narrative by Alan W. Eckert 626 pages published 2001

The Frontiersman: a Narrative by Alan W. Eckert 626 pages published 2001

This narrative is the first of the “Winning of America” series. The first book follows Simon Kenton a contemporary and friend of Daniel Boone. The book follows Simon Kenton from his birth in 1755 until his death in 1836.

The book also follows Tecumseh, the Shawnee chief who tries in vain to stem the flood of white men into the lands claimed by the Shawnees.

This conflict covers one quarter of what was then the United States. The cast of characters includes presidents and common men, heros and villans. Yet the author paints each as human beings in difficult situations trying to do, to the best of their ability, what was right.

The history is correct, the characters are believable, and the story telling is compelling. Alan W. Eckert has done the homework to not only fill over 600 pages of good story, but there are a total of six books in the series. Wow

Home Building and Woodworking in Colonial America by C. Keith Wilbur

Home Building and Woodworking in Colonial America by C. Keith Wilbur  121 pages

The middle 18^th through the middle 19^th centuries are my hobby. I find the story of the colonizing the North American Continent absolutely amazing. To think how they accomplished the things they did, with the tools and raw materials they had available, is a testament to the intelligence and strength of our ancestors.

This book depicts in drawings and text what tools they had, how the tools were used, and what techniques were used to build their homes and buildings.

I could picture in my mind how frontiersmen built their cabins. How skilled craftsmen designed and built beautiful wood floors, walls, window frames, and stairways. How they made and used wooden pegs (tree nails) to join posts to beams that still hold solidly to this day. 

As you can see, I enjoyed this book. In fact I could probably go on and on… but then it would take away from the time you could use to read this book yourself.