"To Have and To Hold" by Mary Johnston is a historical romance novel set in colonial Virginia in the 17th century. The story follows the life of Lady Jocelyn Leigh, an Englishwoman who is forced to travel to the New World to marry a man she has never met in order to save her family's estate.
The novel is beautifully written, with rich descriptions of the Virginia countryside and vivid depictions of life in the early American colonies. The characters are well-developed and engaging, particularly Lady Jocelyn, who is a strong and independent woman ahead of her time.
The romance between Lady Jocelyn and her husband, Ralph Percy, is at the heart of the story, and it is both passionate and tumultuous. Their relationship is tested by the challenges of colonial life, including conflicts with Native Americans and the harsh realities of survival in a new and unfamiliar land.
Overall, "To Have and To Hold" is a captivating and well-researched historical romance that will appeal to fans of the genre. Mary Johnston's vivid storytelling and compelling characters make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in early American history or love stories set against a backdrop of adventure and danger.