On Virginia's Colonial frontier, a captivating love story unravels, intertwining the lives of three friends who must confront perilous trials, unforeseen revelations, and profound sorrow. At the dawn of America's fight for freedom, love will be the ultimate test of their unbreakable bond. Maisey Elaine McKenzie thrives amid the majestic mountains she calls home. Her spirited nature outshines even the most vibrant Shenandoah sunset. With a family she loves more than anything, Mai finds herself torn between settling down in the valley like they did or embracing the untamed spirit that courses through her veins. Fairy-tale books and tales of grandeur in America's bustling cities enthrall her. Her two closest friends, James Adams and Daniel Mason, complicate her decision. One embodies stability and reliability while being firmly rooted. The other is a free spirit, constantly seeking thrilling adventures and yearning to experience everything life offers. Mai longs for both paths. Daniel Mason's father instilled in him strict values, always prioritizing family and friends over his desires. He has his life thoroughly planned out, with a clear vision of who he wants by his side. However, everything changes when he stumbles upon a life-altering revelation. To embrace this newfound truth, Daniel must risk losing everything, including his soulmate, Maisey. Doubt and fear plague each step on this daunting journey, but an insatiable thirst for purpose and an unexpected bond propel him forward. James Adams sprints through the cobblestone streets, his heart racing with fear and determination. He must leave behind his past and the expectations placed upon him as a frontiersman to break free and find true adventure. The atrocities committed by the British against his family and neighbors have fueled his thirst for vengeance, and he will stop at nothing to make them pay. But even as he yearns for a life filled with excitement and freedom, James battles the turmoil within his own mind. Can he ever find peace? Only one person stands in his way: Maisey McKenzie, the fiery red-headed girl whose soft lips hold both his heart and fate in their grasp. Will the bond between Maisey, Daniel, and James be enough to withstand the most powerful emotion, the one that threatens to tear them apart? Only time will tell as a gripping battle of love, loyalty, and self-discovery shakes them to their core. Join them on an emotional journey full of suspense, trials, twists, and romance that will surely entertain you. Sundering Hearts excels with its use of multiple points of view, providing a well-rounded perspective on all three characters and their journeys into adulthood. However, there was a character that stood out to me the most: Daniel. Daniel's journey is marked by beautiful imagery and language, but unfortunately for him a lot of grief. His love interest, Maisy, adds depth to the story as they navigate the complexities of their relationship amidst tragedy and growth. I found that as the story went on, Daniel's identity became the central focus, with dramatic revelations and oftentimes intense confrontations, sacrifices, and perils all leading up to a powerful transformation. I always found myself rooting for Daniel and his story as I found his character so engrossing. I loved Maisy's character as we get to see her blossom from a youthful, playful girl into an independent, well-rounded woman who gets caught between her head and her heart while also discovering shocking family secrets. Meanwhile James, initially a pretty significant character, fades into the background not to be seen again until towards the end of the book. At first I was a little confused why this was, but the author was able to bring him back around seamlessly. James is mysterious, but knows what he wants and will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal, even if that means leaving everything he's known behind. I found that the day to day scenes were richly detailed and grounded the story into a tangible reality. The author uses such powerful imagery and prose, and I loved how seamlessly he was able to blend his characters' lives into each other while still painting a clear picture of their worlds and its inhabitants. Overall, the book beautifully intertwines action, emotion, and discovery. This book fully absorbed me into its world, and I was saddened to finish for the sake of having to leave its beautifully crafted world. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Historical Fiction and I impatiently await the day I can read more work from the author. REVIEWED BY Lauren Sollohub