When Valerie Fontaine decides to leave school and return home to grieve her mother's death, and hopefully help her father in the process, she couldn't imagine the situation she would be walking into. Not only does her emotionally distant father seem far from grieving, there is no mistake that her presence is unwanted by him. Add James Ladden, a childhood friend who has less than honorable intentions all the way across the board, and her fathers house guest, the handsome Benjamine McCabe, to the mix, and you have the basis for a page-turning experience.
Set during the Civil War and laced with historical details as well as the sweetest love story imaginable, Boeshaar truly delivers with a novel you will not forget. The characters are well developed from the beginning and each can hold their own in every scene, in every situation, without being predictable or preachy. Some personalities are easier to read, but Boeshaar makes sure their actions aren't, which makes for a surprising finish. This book is part of a now four-part series, but each could be read as a stand alone without missing pertinent information.
My only concerns with the book are on the back cover. (May contain spoilers-be forewarned)"When Valerie's father is arrested....." That does not technically take place due to another life-altering event. I felt this was misleading. Also, "But once Valerie steps off the train she finds herself caught up in a web of lies that threaten to imprison her more than Yankee steel bars ever could." Again, I felt this was misleading as Valerie never led a deceptive life. Catherine tried to taint her reputation and did her best to make Valerie appear less than honorable, however, no one believed her. Everyone held Valerie in high esteem and at no time was there anything done that would cause any of the characters to believe she was lying. The only question left hanging when Valerie stepped off the train was in relation to the implications of her wedding vows.
With the exception of the two marketing bloopers, I felt this was one of the best Christian historical books ever written pertaining to the Civil War era. A must read for Civil War buffs, lovers of romance, or those with high standards when it comes to Christian novels.
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Realms; 1st edition (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599799855
ISBN-13: 978-1599799858
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 4.8 x 0.8 inches
