This was an enjoyable read that engaged me throughout and put me in the heart of 19th century Canada with Lee's vivid descriptions of the demanding and sometimes dangerous life working as part of HBC's (Hudson's Bay Company) fur trade business.
Our main character Abby stands out with her strength and tenacity as she builds a new life for herself, her young son and her father in Fort Edmonton, a place where survival relies on collaborations with Indigenous peoples, French fur traders and military. I loved how Abby defies societal rules and puts herself and her family first despite the pressure put upon her to marry and conform to societal rules for women. Abby's big secret was enticing ... I just wish it played out with a bit more tension. Another thing on my wish list would be to have a deeper look into Indigenous peoples and their impact on the fur trade.
This historical fiction novel balances well-researched history, sweet/low spice romance, adventure, and delightful sprinklings of French as Lee pulls readers into 19th century Canada as she touches on a few important topics with a light hand.
This is a great pick for fans of Genevieve Graham, Bryn Turnbull, Susan Meissner or Donna Jones Alward who enjoy stories featuring strong women who put their mark on history.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book (and The Roads We Take from her backlist) that were given in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4 stars
Author: Christy K Lee
Genre: Historical Fiction (Canada)
Type and Source: Trade Paperback from author
Publisher: Rising Action
First Published: July 15, 2025
Read: June 5-7, 2025
Book Description from GoodReads: It's the height of the fur trade in Canada, and Abigail Williams leaves her home in England and travels deep within the rugged wilderness to escape her scandalous past. With her young son in tow, Abby imagines a life on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, in the rugged but beautiful Fort Edmonton, where she can mend horseshoes in her father’s blacksmith shop and her past will not be a hindrance to her happiness.
Life has other plans. The interest of Henry, an officer at the fort, and Gabriel, a French trapper, are not what she expected. While she wrestles with what future either man can give her, her past comes to haunt her, and she and her son must flee with a ragtag group of voyageurs to Montreal. The winter journey is fraught with dangers, from raging rivers to the chaos that is Lake Superior. But Abby is determined to create a new life for herself, whatever the barriers.
The Fort features the iconic Hudson's Bay Company and rival North West Company, English-French tensions, a heartfelt love story, LGBTQ+ representation, and impeccably-researched historical detail.
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