Chancing the Frontiersman's Heart

About the Book

Title: Chancing the Frontiersman's Heart

Author: Andrea Byrd
Genre: Christian Historical Romance Fiction
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.

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

Devoted To Hope's Review of Chancing the Frontiersman's Heart

There are places in a life where what has been taken or altered begins to shape what feels true … where worth feels measured by what is visible, and the heart slowly adjusts to what it believes remains.

“Though any belief that she was beautiful had died … her faith in the Lord’s handiwork had not.” There is a place where loss reshapes what a person believes about themselves… where what is missing begins to define what is seen. And yet … what God has formed has not been undone. His work remains … whole, intentional, and still worthy of being seen.

“You were only ever doing what you thought was best… and sometimes, we learn from our mistakes and have to do better.” There is room to continue. To learn. To choose again… not perfectly, but willingly.

“The good Lord above was certainly looking after them.” God remains near … in provision, in protection, in the quiet ways He covers.

“Please help us find a way to bridge this gap between us.” There is no hiding here. No pretending that distance does not exist. Only a turning toward God within it … asking Him to do what cannot be done alone.

And then…women kneeling together. Voices lifted. Not rushed. Not scattered. Each prayer spoken fully before they rise… not because the danger has passed, but because they know who goes before them.

“He will see us through whatever comes next. That is all I need to know.” Nothing more is required.

This is a story where faith does not shift with circumstance … where what God has declared remains unchanged, even when loss has tried to redefine it. Worth is not determined by what has been taken, but by what He has formed and called His own. Love does not fade when it is rooted in Him … it endures, it continues, it holds. And God is not distant … He is present, active, and sovereign over what unfolds.

The Scriptures placed at the beginning of each chapter establish what is true before anything else is encountered. They steady the heart, direct the mind, and call the reader to walk forward with understanding … shaped by the Word of God.

This will meet the reader who does not want softened truth … who understands that faith is lived in endurance and brought to completion. The one who has wrestled with what has been lost… who has questioned what remains … and who is willing to stand with conviction on what God has already said.

I received the eARC of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.