Disclosure: I received a copy of this book; this post contains affiliate links. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Normally on Tricities Tuesday I share a fun restaurant or upcoming local event. Today I want to alert you to this awesome new book that features many places that will be familiar to those who live in the Tricities.  The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn takes place in the vicinity of the Overmountain Men, where the turning point of the Revolutionary War would be fought at King’s Mountain.  Having lived in this area for over 20 years, I have often heard about the bravery and sheer guts of the Overmountain Men.  The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn made the period come alive for me.  Each time I read of a familiar spot such as Sycamore Shoals, Jonesborough, or the blue hole I squealed, “I know where that is!!”  It was exciting and fun to read about such a pivotal moment of history through the eyes of author Lori Benton. 

The writing in Tamsen Littlejohn is beautiful.  It must have been difficult to make the cowpoke days seem lyrical, yet Benton completed the job with finesse.  The spunky banter between Tamsen and her mother reminded me of Rose Dewitt Bukater bickering with her mother on the Titanic movie.  I couldn’t help but feel compassion for Tamsen as she realizes the life she’s being led into by her stepfather.  Like a sheep headed for slaughter, Tamsen must make the choice to follow her selfish stepfather’s demands or choose for herself.

The unexpected twists in this book made me long for more.  The pages kept turning well into the night.  The suspense of what would happen to the characters combined with the poetic descriptions of the landscape made this book a winner for me.  Be sure to pre-order your copy of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn (available in April 2014.)  Whether you live in the Tricities area of Tennessee or you just like reading great books, this is one you’re sure to enjoy.