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Review: Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green (Audiobook Review)
September 27, 2019
Author: Jocelyn Green
Publisher: River North
Format Type: Audiobook
Narrated by Laura E. Richcreek
Duration: 10h 34m
Publication Date: August 23rd 2019
About the Book:
A Christy Award-nominated title for best new author.My Thoughts:
When war erupted, she gave up a life of privilege for a life of significance.
Tending to the army’s sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she’s combating more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse.
Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?
Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey’s letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look at what pioneering nurses endured. This is the first in the series Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War, a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war.
I have not hidden the fact that I'm a huge fan of Jocelyn Green's stories. Her books have such an amazing, immersive ability. She brings history to life, while weaving a fictional character into the the story flawlessly to make it all the more relatable.
I first read Wedded to War in 2013. I loved it! You can read my previous review here. This book was just released as an audiobook and goodness, I didn't think I could like the story anymore then I already did! The narrator, Laura Richcreek really made this book pop! Her narration style was smooth and very easy to listen to. She modified her voice for each character to where you knew who was speaking and it had an effortless flow.
Listening to the story allowed me to really take it all in. It also made some of the little details I overlooked when I originally read stand out more an enhanced the story. I was sad when the book came to a close. I was wanting more. I'm looking forward to continuing this series with book 2, Widow of Gettysburg. It was one of my favorites!
About the Author:
Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a BA in English (concentration in writing). She is an active member of the Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Military Writers Society of America. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two small children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at jocelyngreen.com.
Thank you to the author, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review: The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin
February 25, 2019
Author: Sarah Sundin
Publisher: Revell
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780800727987
Publication Date: February 5th, 2019
About the Book:
Facing the past may be the most fearsome battle of his life.My Thoughts:
Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.
Violet Lindstrom wants to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, arranging entertainment for the men of the 357th and setting up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.
Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near . . . and secrets can't stay buried forever.
Sarah Sundin is an author who knows her history. I know when I read one of her stories, I'm going to be transported back in time to a certain point in WW2. Her attention to detail is one I haven't really seen in this era. I've read other WW2 historical fictions, but Sarah Sundin stands out for me. Everything for the background, to the secondary characters, the equipment, to dress and hair, it all pops off of the pages.
The landing of Normandy is a time that has fascinated me. The strategy that went in to it. The strength and bravery that these men showed charging the beaches, it is a gripping and pivotal time of the war. Sarah Sundin was able to weave her characters into this back drop.
The story moved with fluidity. It just flowed for me. There was a couple of spots in the story that hit a snag, but it wasn't anything major and didn't take away from the story. This was a book that kept me turning the pages. Even though this was book 2 of the Sunrise at Normandy series, I was able to read this as a standalone....however, with all of Sarah's books, reading them all is a must.
War changes they the thoughts and ideas that people have. Violet and Alder show this. They have plans for other things, but War comes and Violet, it shifts what she thought she needed to do, into something where she offered hope to many others in another way. For Alder, war is a chance of an escape of sorts. Haunted by past issues, the war offered him away to try and do something else.
This was a story that captured me up and I can't wait to see what book Sarah will share with us next!
4 out of 5
About the Author:
Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.
Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
June 7, 2018
It is the eve of a new age of freedom in the colonies.
But can a proper English lady dare hope for her own independence?
Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want. Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage. That her betrothed is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence--or so she tells herself.
Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiancé's cousin Noble Rynallt carries the flame of revolution in his heart. Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty soon finds herself left with a terrible choice. Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?
Review: A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green
March 1, 2018
Author: Jocelyn Green
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9780764219078
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2018
Synopsis:
Fleeing One Revolution to the Aftermath of Another, She Seeks and Dreams of PeaceReview:
Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia, but danger lurks in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers begin to suspect a young boy left in her care might be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement Asylum offer permanent refuge?
Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate his hard-won farm near Asylum, but he soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.
I discovered Jocelyn Green a few years ago with her beautifully told Civil War series. Last year I dove in her her breath taking Mark of the King. When I saw this new release to kick off 2018 with, I was excited!
A Refuge Assured was so interesting in that in spotlighted many different historical elements I hadn't known about or offered another point of view of a very well known historic event.We hear a lot about America's Revelation and the French Revelation that followed after, but we hear of it from one of two angles, the royals or the peasants, never the working class, who earned their living from the rich. The Revelation in France was very hard on them. They had to flee, but flee where?
Following Vienne throughout her struggles and decisions in her changes of life was interesting. She handled them with as much grace and calm as one would expect, and sometimes more then expected. Her character was strong and one you wanted to root for. She was strong and smart.
There were several mysteries in this story and they way that Jocelyn portrayed them kept me guessing. At one time I was thinking one thing, but the story still had me questioning till all was revealed. I love that! This story just captured me up and I was honestly sad to see it end.
The details, especially that of the work Vienne did through this story, whether it was lace work or baking, it was as authentic as it could be.
With this being a time I hadn't researched much before, I found that Jocelyn was very true to history and wove it into this story effortlessly and made these character blend so well with the historic.
This was a fantastic read!
Too Read!
5 out of 5
About the Author:
Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Jocelyn Green
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 416
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1906-1
Publication Date: January 3rd, 2017
Synopsis:
Life in This New World Requires More Strength Than She Ever ImaginedReview:
After the death of her client, midwife Julianne Chevalier is imprisoned and branded, marking her as a criminal beyond redemption. Hoping to reunite with her brother, a soldier, she trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling French colony of Louisiana. The price of her transport, however, is a forced marriage to a fellow convict.
New Orleans is nothing like Julianne expects. The settlement is steeped in mud and mosquitoes, and there is no news of her brother, Benjamin. When tragedy strikes, she turns to military officer Marc-Paul Girard for help, but does he know more about her brother than he will admit?
With her dreams shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous land, where only grace--and love--can overcome the stigma of the king's mark upon her shoulder.
I was introduced to Jocelyn Green's books when I read her Civil War Series, Heroines Behind the Lines. The amount of detail to the locations, the dress, historical aspects, along with her superb writing style made her books pop and come alive. When I heard she was coming out with a new book, I watched and waited anxiously for the day I could read it. I was not disappointed.
The Mark of the King was a story based on true events that I had no idea happened. It was a story that brought you to many places with many emotions attached to it.
Julianne is a young woman who thought she had found a passion to follow as her career in life and help women in the process, being a midwife. She loved helping mothers bring their children in to the world was a joy. However, jealously rears its head and Julianne's life is thrown onto a path she never imagined.
She is faced with many options, some she didn't have the option she would choose for herself, but were forced on her, but she still does her best to make it something she can work with. Even though her old life is there for her to live, she has many new people who become like family to her in her new life. She faces so many challenges. Ones that you can still face to day. They grab a hold of your heart as you read through it and make you smile or cry right along with Julianne.
The writing of The Mark of the King was just beautiful. The world that Jocelyn created was fantastic and allowed me to see every detail of Julianne's life. After reading through this story, I want to go and research this time in history.
I can't recommend this book enough. I can't wait to read more by Jocelyn Green.
Too Read!
5 out of 5
About the Author:
Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
Giveaway:
Please follow this link to the giveaway.
Thank you to Lifuse Publicity and the Publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
On this Foundation by Lynn Austin
August 19, 2016
Author: Lynn Austin
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 416
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0900-0
Publication Date: October 16th, 2015
Synopsis:
Stone by Stone, the Wall Will Rise Once More Around God's CityReview:
When news reaches him that Jerusalem's wall is shattered and its gates burned with fire, a distraught Nehemiah seeks God's guidance in fasting and prayer. Granted an unexpected leave from his duty as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah sets out for Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall--never anticipating all the dangers that await him on his arrival.
The leaders of the surrounding nations become his fierce enemies, plotting to assassinate him and stop the wall's reconstruction forever. A drought, meanwhile, has left the country impoverished, with many families resorting to selling their children as bond-servants just to keep from starving.
Capturing the rebuilding of the wall through the eyes of a number of characters, On This Foundation is the powerful conclusion to The Restoration Chronicles. This exploration of faith in the midst of oppression offers hope that, in spite of appearances, the gracious hand of God is upon those who believe.
This is the third and final book in the Restoration Chronicles. It closes it out well. We started this series when Ezra leaves Babylon and heads back to Israel to start resettling the promise land. In this book, we have come to the end, with Nehemiah and is calling back to Israel.
Like the other books in this series, this story focuses on a cast of characters in different areas to cover many angles and the trials and hardships that were faced during this time. Lynn Austin is able to capture and and bring this time to life, all while sticking to the truth of the Bible. It is a beautifully written book.
Nehemiah faces many hardships. First from the surrounding leaders of the area. None are happy that Israel is building up their wall is ready to keep it from happening. Then Nehemiah faces struggles from inside the city as well. It isn't an easy time, but it offers a very impressive background for the cast of characters.
Lynn Austin is an amazing author and I can't wait to read more of her book. I have many of her older books still left to read and I can't wait to see what new stories she comes out with in the future!
Too Read!
5 out of 5
About the Author:
Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.
Review: Faith by Lyn Cote
August 15, 2016
Author: Lyn Cote
Publisher: Tyndale House
Pages: 584
ISBN: 978-1-4143-7563-2
Publication Date: April 1st, 2016
Synopsis:
The Civil War battlefield is the last place Quakeress Faith Cathwell thought she’d find herself. But with a gift for nursing, Faith seizes this opportunity to join the fight for abolition—and to search for Shiloh, a freeborn childhood friend who was kidnapped and sold south by unscrupulous slave catchers.Review:
Knowing it’s much too dangerous for her to search enemy territory alone, Faith enlists the help of Colonel Devlin Knight, who is indebted to her for saving his cousin’s life. A career soldier, Dev is committed to the preservation of the Union but conflicted about freeing his own slave and confidant, who plans to enlist as soon as Dev gives him manumission papers.
Blazing a trail east with the rest of Grant’s army, Dev and Faith fight their personal battles—and a growing attraction to each other. When beliefs clash and passions flare, they quickly find that the only thing more dangerous than the war surrounding them is the battle within their hearts.
I was introduced to Lyn Cote a couple of years ago with Honor, the first book in the Quaker Brides series. Oh, how I fell in love with that story! I still rave about it. I was anxious for Blessing to come out, I sadly haven't read it yet, even though I have it. Then when Faith came out, I was excited to read it. And even though I have read this series out of order, it still works. These books can work together as standalone stories...but why would you want to do that? Ha!
Faith starts with a punch. It leaves you with many questions and and shows you how things were during the time of the civil war. It shows both sides well in honesty. And depending on which side you look at, that side will be glamorized while the other side is villainized. In truth though, the civil war had a mix of opinions on it and more to the background, similar to the Revolutionary war. Lyn Cote portrays this well in Faith. Not everything is black and white. There is a lot of grey.
The characters in Faith were well flushed out and had great depth to them, and also growth as they continued through the story. They had a realisticness to them. Faith is a wonderfully strong character, very much like Honor. She has a different view then most as Quaker, but that doesn't mean she is weak. She stands her ground and fights for what is right and in doing so, it takes her into a profession that is looked down on by a few. Yet, she holds firm. Her beliefs lead her and her compassion is amazing. Even when question, she does what she feels she must.
Devlin is another great character. He honestly showed what people were like. Even though from the South and fighting for the North, he has conflicted views with his background. He has his own beliefs and he does his best with it. But like many, he does has a lot to learn. Following his story was enjoyable. He was a complex character and he kept opening up more to me in this book.
Through these books, Lyn Cote has fast become a favorite author. I can't wait to read more of her books!
Too Read
4 out of 5
About the Author:
Visit her online at www.LynCote.com.
Thank you to the Tyndale Blog Network, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review: Light of the Last by Chuck Black
August 11, 2016
Author: Chuck Black
Publisher: Multnomah Publishing
Pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1-60142-506-5
Publication Date: February 16th, 2016
Synopsis:
To Fight What Others Can’t You Must See What Others Don’tReview:
After an accident left him temporarily blind, Drew Carter didn’t just regain his sight. He now sees what others can’t imagine–an entire spiritual realm of mighty beings at war.
Forget the gift, Drew just wants his life back. Part of that involves Sydney Carlyle, a woman he is inexplicably drawn to. When he’s offered the chance to become a CIA agent, it seems the way to redeem his past. The only problem–his visions of the supernatural realm are increasing in frequency.
It’s up to the warrior angel Validus and his hand-picked team of heavenly agents to protect the unbelieving Drew. Validus now knows that the young man is at the epicenter of a global spiritual war, and the angels must use a millennia of battle experience keep Drew alive, for the Fallen want him dead.
Surrounded by spiritual warriors and targeted by demons, Drew’s faced with an impossible decision that will forever alter the destiny of America...and his own soul.
Light of the Last the third book in the War of the Realms series. I believe that this is the last book in the series, but with how this book ended, I could see it continuing or have a spin off in a way. If that were to happen, I wouldn't mind, this has been a very good and interesting story.
We have followed Drew through this whole series from the time he was a teenager in Cloak of Light to college age and a little older in this book. Rise of the Fallen fully introduced us to Validus, an Angel who helps to protect Drew.
Reading through this series has been very interesting and entertaining. Drew has been a character who has grown a lot in this trilogy of books. He has changed and grown and has also had to make a lot of tough decisions.
Validus is the youngest of the angels . He has been in a state of war with the fallen for as long as he can remember, but fighting hasn't been the only thing he has been apart of, he has been helping to protect special lineages through the ages. In all of this, people he protect don't know he is there, except for Drew. In this book, not only is the knowledge grown, but a communication has finally happened between Drew and Validus as they fight to protect those around them.
I really enjoyed this book. It flowed and progressed smoothly and kept the answers coming to the questions asked. Time moved more in this book then it has in the first book. We traveled through a lot of time in the second book, but this one had a lot more action over a shorter amount of time. It wasn't hard to keep up with the pacing.
Light of the Last offered an interesting idea to a passage of scripture. One I never thought of. I found it very interesting and made me look at scripture a little more differently. I will leave you to find out which one it is.
Too Read
4 out of 5
About the Author:
For more information on Chuck, check out his website: http://perfect-praise.com/
Thank you to Blogging for Books, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review: The Wood's Edge by Lori Benton
August 14, 2015
Author: Lori Benton
Publisher: Water Brook Press
Pages: 400
ISBN: 978-1-60142-732-8
Publication Date: April 21st, 2015
Synopsis:
At the wood's edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?Review:
The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.
On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald's wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.
When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood's edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin's absence, another unaware of his twin's existence. And for Anna, who loves them both--Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?
Can I just say first and for most, how gorgeous is the cover?! I have to say, the cover set the book up perfectly.
I have been a fan of Lori Benton's books, since her first book, Burning Sky. Her writing has so much fluidity to it. It wraps around you as you read it and you are transported back to this time. As you read, you can see all of the research and work Lori has put into her book. It is just amazing. The depth of history and details she applies to her story is just phenomenal. It flows together. Nothing is bogged down. The story propels you wanting to read more of these characters. I couldn't story reading.
The Wood's Edge is book one of The Path Finders series. I'm beyond thrilled about that. This was a setting that was so unique, as was the story. The opening had me on edge wondering what would happen, and goodness, how it shaped the characters. Good Voice, I just ached for. She was a strong character who really grew through this story. Anna was an amazing girl as well. I enjoyed watching her grow. She was relateable. She reminded me of many girls.
William and Two Hawks, they were thrown into everything without their own knowledge. Now, Reginald Aubry, I didn't know what to make of him in the beginning. His choices and the consequences of them were so big. It's amazing how one man's decisions can affect so many people. There was so much depth to these characters. The development of them is impressive!
This story was addicting. I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read book 2!
Too Read!
5 out of 5
About the Author:
When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband.
Burning Sky, Lori's debut novel, was a finalist for the ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award, and winner of the 2014 Christy Award for First Novel, Historical, and Book of the Year.
Thank you to Blogging for Books, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
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