Wedded to War, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #1 -eBook
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Everything Christian Fiction should be.
Wedded to War has succeeded in being everything Christian historical fiction should be: a well written story set in a real time and place that explores serious subjects through unforgettable characters. In short: a great novel.
That is what Jocelyn Green's Wedded to War is...and this is her first novel! "Stunning!" comes to mind if I were told to give a one word review.
When I read about this series, the Heroines Behind the Lines Series, I though to myself "I bet these Civil War stories will really ring true because of the author's experiences as a military wife and because all her other books were for military families. After all, the thoughts and feelings, hopes and losses of those in the military and their families haven't really changed." It is so true... Mrs. Green has written about the Civil War with a depth that makes you love the characters and lets you experience their times.
Her writing is just plain beautiful, that is the best word I have for it. Whether she is writing a reflective scene that lets us see into Dr. Caleb Lansing's heart, or a hospital scene where Nurse Charlotte Waverly is tending the worst of the wounded, each scene is described so well that we are placed there in the moment. We are allowed to see everything fully, and the descriptions never weigh down the story.
In Wedded to War, Jocelyn Green has spun several stories into one novel, and she writes in the exact tone needed for each character so we can get to know them. Whether it is Irish girl Ruby O'Flannery or young chaplain Edward Goodrich, the characters live and breathe on these pages. They live life with passion, and they have many dimensions to their stories.
I am actually glad that I waited to read Wedded To War for so long...because the next book, Widow of Gettysburg has just released and I was able to begin the next volume right away. If you haven't read either, buy both together. They are worth every penny!
And then go connect with Jocelyn Green on her Facebook, Twitter, and websites: Heroines Behind the Lines and JocelynGreen.com so you can keep up with her writing news as she works on the next two books... Yankee of Atlanta and Spy of Richmond!
Thank you to Moody Press for my review copy of this book!
May 13, 2013
Wonderful book
This was a wonderful book to read, I had a hard time putting it down. I love the author's use of descriptive words and am amazed at all of the research that must have been done. The story kept me engaged, waiting to find out how everything would come out in the end. Great book!
May 2, 2013
Torn...
I was a little torn in two in the middle of Wedded to War. So I think I should list the pros and cons to give my true opinion. I loved the new things I learned historically. I loved the characters, mainly Charlotte, Jacob, and Alice. Charlotte is the type of woman I hope I would have been if I was born in the Civil War era, but most likely would not have been nearly as strong and brave. I loved the end of the book and how it wrapped up beautifully bringing justice to all parties.
Now I must tell you the things that, for lack of a better word, bothered me. This book is not for the faint of heart. I also think it shouldn't be read by people 15 and under at least. Some of the scenes are graphic, in my opinion, and this book is for the person who wants the reality of the Civil War to sink in. You will be SO angry when the baddest guy gets away with things (or at least I was), but keep reading for the end is well worth it. Overall I do recommend this book, just to a more mature audience. It really is a fabulous read all around and after I got past part three and a little of four I really enjoyed the majority of it. :)
While there where a few times I didn't want to go on, and I didn't think I wanted to continue in the series anymore. In the end this is a MUST READ for an older audience because it is filled with wonderful messages that can't be missed! :)
P.S. In the description it states that two men love her. I thought I knew who these men where, but after reading the book I think it is someone not even mentioned on the back. Read for yourself and see who you think the two are? ;)
My songs for Wedded to War are my findings from songs mentioned right out of the pages of Jocelyn's work: "Blessed Assurance" by Mark Howard, John Mock, Stuart Duncan, "Amazing Grace" by Mark Howard, John Mock, Stuart Duncan, "Amazing Grace" by Celtic Woman, and "Glory Glory Hallelujah" by Joan Baez
March 5, 2013
During the Civil War
Charlotte Waverly is going to find out, in this story, how hard it is for a woman to become a nurse in 1861. Charlotte is determined and works her way into nursing. She will proof her worthâÂÂworking from the lowest position of emptying chamber pots to real nursing.
Coming from a rich family, Charlotte is not accustomed to hard work, but she will show that she is not afraid of hard and dirty work, and proof that a woman is also capable of nursing. Together with her sister Alice, Charlotte travels from New York to the battlefield to be close to her sisterâÂÂs husband and to do her work in a hospital. Some time later an Irish woman will walk into their livesâÂÂRubyâÂÂwho has several secrets to hide. Somehow RubyâÂÂs secret has to do with CharlotteâÂÂs suitor. Will Ruby ever find the courage to share her secret?
Jocelyn Green is a talented storyteller who has done a lot of research for this book. The historical details are nicely woven into this story. It was fascinating to see how difficult it was for women in those days to become a nurse. And like with almost every war story I have finished readingâÂÂI am so grateful to live in peace and have no personal knowledge of the horrors of war. After finishing this book I am also grateful for the medical help and supplies we have these days.
Lovers of Civil War fiction will enjoy reading this book!
February 25, 2013