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Ron Germaine
Improbable
Connections
A Mayflower Story
This historical novel, set in the early 1600s describes the adventures of young Mayflower pilgrim, Elisabeth Tilley, who early in life became wise beyond her years. The story also follows two Native Americans: the enigmatic Squanto, who was kidnapped from the Plymouth area, lived in England, returned to his homeland, and helped the Pilgrims survive in the New World; and the fictional Hurit, a daring and beautiful young girl who became best friends with Elisabeth in Plymouth.
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The story is based on actual events that occurred in the early 1600s through 1623. Friendships and romances are woven together with politics, trade, and religious differences of the time. It blends fact and fiction to tell an uplifting story of improbable connections.
"Improbable Connections is a remarkably well-researched historical novel and a rich tapestry of history from the founding of the Plymouth Colony that showcases a tender friendship between two teenage girls. An exciting description of the Mayflower crossing… the settlement at Plymouth and the hardships the newcomers endured there… touching scenes… The facts of the plot are accurate and provide an excellent education on this period of history."
IndieReader Review
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Five Stars! Improbable Connections is historical fiction—good historical fiction, with emphasis on the “historical.” It is based on actual events that occurred in the early 1600s through 1623. While certain characters are fictional, like Hurit and her mother, as are many specific details about the day to day life of the settlers, the vast majority of people mentioned were real, and the exciting description of the Mayflower crossing and the hardships that the newcomers endured in the settlement at Plymouth are accurate. Friendships and romances and lots of adventure are woven together with politics, trade, and religious differences of the time, blending fact and fiction to tell an uplifting story of improbable connections. Wayne Walker, Home School Book Review
(Wayne's full review is available by copying and pasting the following link into your browser:
https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com/2020/12/07/improbable-connections-a-mayflower-story/
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" Loved it. I was impressed by the historical research needed to put the story together. "
Susan C.
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"The tale of Elisabeth and Hurit becoming friends is inspirational. If only these types of friendships had lasted between the Native Americans and the settlers. "
Anne
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"A very informative read. Great historical background about the Mayflower crossing and the early settlement of Plymouth. Interesting relationships between English settlers and Native Americans. Gentle love stories but most interested in the atmosphere of early friendship and kinship between both groups. Well done."
Cynthia
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What is so endearing in Improbable Connections is the imagined relationship between two young girls… the book is a five star. It is a smooth and easy read – one that the whole family can enjoy. I appreciated how the author intertwined so masterfully the real historical characters with fictional characters. It is a smooth and easy read – one that the whole family can enjoy. I appreciated how the author intertwined so masterfully the real historical characters with fictional characters.
Sandee M.
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