To Have and to Hold by Mary Johnston is a captivating historical romance set in 17th-century Colonial Virginia. The novel explores the complexities of love and family drama against the backdrop of early American frontier life. It follows the journey of settlers as they navigate the challenges and adventures of establishing a new life in colonial America. The story intertwines a passionate love affair with the broader social conflicts and struggles of the time. As characters confront personal and societal obstacles, Johnston crafts a rich narrative that highlights the resilience and determination required to thrive in the harsh yet promising landscape of early Virginia. Through vivid depictions of frontier life and the evolving dynamics of colonial society, To Have and to Hold offers readers an immersive experience into the historical and emotional challenges faced by its characters, making it a compelling addition to historical fiction.
Johnston (November 21, 1870 - May 9, 1936) was a Virginia novelist and women's rights activist. During her writing career, she was one of America's best-selling authors, and three of her novels were made into silent pictures. Johnston was also a member of the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia, where she used her literary abilities and celebrity to bring attention to the cause of women's suffrage in Virginia. Mary Johnston was born in the small village of Buchanan, Virginia, the eldest child of American Civil War hero John William Johnston and Elizabeth Dixon Alexander Johnston. She was schooled at home by family and tutors due to her recurrent illness. She grew up with a passion for literature and was financially secure enough to devote her time to writing.
