Alone Yet Not Alone
Their faith became their freedom
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- $1.99
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
Autumn of 1755 bestowed to the Leiningers’ world, not only its rich beauties, but also a rewarding harvest. On this particular day the whole valley seemed to rejoice in the fullness of the season—but suddenly Barbara and Regina’s peaceful frontier life is changed forever. General Braddock and his army had been defeated and soon the Pennsylvania settlers would suffer the bloody effects of the French and Indian War. On October 16, 1755, a band of Indians, led by Allegheny warriors, stormed through Buffalo Valley, burned the Leiningers’ log cabin, and captured the sisters. Few survived the Penn’s Creek Massacre and even fewer lived to tell the story. Regina makes a promise to her older sister just before they are unwillingly separated—each to endure different fates. Barbara is taken deep into the wilderness, but holds on to the hope that she will find her little sister. Though she is adopted into the Indian tribe, there is a longing deep inside that cannot be denied. She must escape—but the penalty if caught is certain death. No one expresses Barbara’s apprehensions better than her own words, written in 1759: “If one could not believe that there is a God, who helps and saves from death, one had better let running away alone...The extreme probability that the Indians would pursue and recapture us, was two to one compared with the dim hope that, perhaps, we would get through...even if we did escape the Indians, how would we ever succeed in passing through the wilderness, unacquainted with a single path or trail…"
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Craven (Unfading Beauty) draws on her family history in this moving historical novel. In a 1755 raid on Pennsylvania settlers, Allegheny Indians kidnap two sisters, Barbara and Regina Leininger, ages 12 and nine, respectively. Told from Barbara's point of view, the story focuses on how her Christian faith helps her endure her four-year captivity. When the tribes separate the sisters, Barbara risks escape to find Regina, but is recaptured and nearly burned alive. The chief's son, Galasko, stays her punishment, but Barbara vows to one day escape and find Regina. Bolstered by her friendship with Marie, a fellow "Yengee" (Yankee) captive, Barbara swears, "Together with Christ's strength, we will continue on until we are free." Throughout the story, thoughts of home, entwined with memories of learning the Bible, buoy Barbara's conviction that she will see her family again. This is a well-written adventure told from the point of view of an intelligent, observant, and mature girl on the brink of adolescence, with a knack for sharing relevant detail. A movie based on the book will be released in 2013. Ages 7 12.
Customer Reviews
Couldn't put it down !
I read this book straight threw the afternoon I brought it . It's a part of PA history that we should all not forget . Thank you for sharing the story of your ancestors , I really enjoyed reading about them in you book . Well written ! Thank you .
Such an encouraging story
What beautiful faith these children had during such a difficult trial. This story was amazing!
Truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see the movie!
Recommend everyone see this when it comes to the theater on June. Truly inspirational!