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Customer Reviews for River North Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2

River North Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2

When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering--and a Confederate scout who awakens her long dormant heart.

When the scout doesn't die, as expected, she discovers that he isn't who he claims to be.

While Liberty's future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty's hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.

Average Customer Rating:
4.952 out of 5
5
 out of 
5
(21 Reviews) 21
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21 out of 21100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Review 1 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

This is what historical fiction is meant to be!

Date:June 19, 2013
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djbarratt
Location:West Branch, MI
Age:Under 18
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
What a keeper! Loved "Widow of Gettysburg". Beautiful, accurate history. Description that effortlessly transported me back to Gettysburg. Strong, three - dimensional characters that captured my heart. A wonderful spiritual message. *sigh* Jocelyn Green has it all!! This is the type of book you will stay up all night reading! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves history and just amazing books!!!
I received a copy of this breathtaking book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 2 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Gripping historical novel

Date:June 18, 2013
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Annie
Location:Oregon
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
A visit to Gettysburg several years ago left me wondering how the women who lived there returned to “normal” life in the aftermath of that horrific battle. I could imagine the sights and smells they learned to endure, but I longed to know more of the details of their lives.
Jocelyn Green’s masterful Widow of Gettysburg answered my questions and filled in the many gaps in my knowledge of the battle of Gettysburg. The novel’s main character, Liberty Holloway, is in the process of turning a home she inherited into an inn when soldiers from both sides of the conflict converge on Gettysburg.
Using Liberty as representative of all of the women who lived through the death and destruction that followed, Widow of Gettysburg skillfully brings to life soldiers, former slaves, doctors, and the countless women who survived and endured those times.
Green’s novel is gripping in its intensity. Realism is woven through every line. (Some of the realistic content may not be suitable for younger readers.) I found myself slowing down my reading just to make the story last longer. I highly recommend Widow of Gettysburg to lovers of history as well as to readers who are seeking a mesmerizing story.
My thanks to the author and Moody/River North for my review copy.
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Review 3 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Compelling historical fiction

Date:June 15, 2013
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Vera
Location:North Carolina
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Review: I was excited to have the opportunity to review Widow of Gettysburg first of all because I truly enjoy learning about our history. Secondly, I'm a North Carolinian from the city of Wilmington. The whole of North Carolina and especially Wilmington is steeped in history from the early days of this country's being settled, through the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and World War II. So a novel truly researched and rich in Civil War history intrigued me. I was not disappointed in my reading of Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green. The research seems top grade and the book is complete with a short essay on the history of the period, Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and also a bibliography of works to which she referred.
The story spans a few months in 1863 and begins just a few days before the battle. The small village or town of Gettysburg was home to just over 2,000. To have an influx of over 20,000 overtaxed the people, the food supply, and the sanitary conditions to the max. The author takes you across fields and hills with both sides in the conflict and brings into the reading generals, aids, and soldiers in turmoil, hunger, and pain. Though the story exists because of the Battle of Gettysburg and how it impacted the outcome of the Civil War, that is not the main story being told here. This story is of the women who lived it and survived it. It is the story of free blacks and whites living and working along side each other. It is a story of heroic preportions of how these women worked and slaved to survive and to help the wounded.
The story is also strongly supportive of the Union and anti-slavery. The picture of slavery and mistreatment of the slaves, particularly women, and how women were abused by their owners, overseers, and plantation mistresses is plainly presented. Horrible it was. And thankfully that period of our history has ended. I would, however, have appreciated even a small mention of the slave holders who were kind and caring for the slaves they owned. Also, for the fact that all Southerners were not in favor of slavery. But that was not told in this story.
Especially compelling in the book: The scene where Liberty and Bella, a former slave and now free black who is an employee of Liberty's are rescuing a large number of injured confederate soldiers who were left in a building basement that has flooded threatening to drown the wounded is dramatically written. These two women picked up each man and carried them on a stretcher up 60 plus steps to higher ground. Each man's rescue required a trip up and a trip down the stairs. The water through which they waded was filled with vermin. Their dresses clung to their bodies. But they did it. It was heroic. Keep in mind that they have had almost no food to eat during this period of time. It has all been stolen or conscripted by the armies.
This historical fiction is a very good read and one that I highly recommend to anyone who wishes to learn more about that period of American history and the plight of the women during the war. Also, I appreciate Liberty's dependence on Scripture, especially the Psalms, by Liberty to get through the particularly difficult times.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary review copy by River North Fiction a division of Moody Publishers for the purpose of rendering an honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation to write this review.
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Review 4 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

SUPERB HISTORY & SUPERB FICTIONAL CHARACTERS

Date:June 14, 2013
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KIM1776
Location:INDEPENDENCE, MO
Age:55-65
Gender:female
I fell in love with this book !!! An outstanding job on Jocelyn Green's writing style !!! I couldn't even put this book down !!! It makes me wanting to read more and can't wait what's happening next. I very highly recommend for the readers who are Civi War buffs and loves history !!! Interweaving and crosspaths between real history and fictional characters. Very fascinating !!!
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Review 5 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A great read!!!

Date:June 11, 2013
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Christin
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This book is absolutely amazing. An instant classic! I love the characters, the setting, the writing style--everything. This book follows the Battle of Gettysburg but really focuses on the aftermath and the amazing feats accomplished by citizens of small town Gettysburg after such a large-scale battle. I loved this unique take on the battle; it's an important link for a good understanding of the battle's effects. I actually read it at our B&B ON the battlefield in Gettysburg (Doubleday Inn...also highly recommended!). I HIGHLY recommend reading it before/during a visit to Gettysburg as it gives a depth and richness to your visit. I LOVED this book. I also have to give a shout-out to how well researched the book was. GO read it...and book a trip to Gettysburg!!
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Review 6 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Another side of the Battle of Gettysburg

Date:May 28, 2013
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Terri
Location:Wisconsin
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Everyone’s heard of the Battle of Gettysburg. But what was it like for the citizens of Gettysburg after the battle? Jocelyn Green does a fantastic job in offering a picture of what they experienced.
Liberty Holloway’s farm is taken over by the Confederates as a hospital. She assists with nursing duties because she believes God wants her to. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. Her late husband’s mother doesn’t understand; the former mulatto slave, whom Liberty does know is her real mother, is horrified.
And then there’s that man who keeps appearing. Is he Union or Confederate? After he’s wounded, why does he keep pushing her away?
Nuggets of Christian faith are sprinkled throughout. Thorough research weaves in actual events. The result is a read that is enlightening and entertaining.
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Review 7 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Excellent Historical Read

Date:May 13, 2013
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Kathi Macias
Location:Southern California
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Jocelyn Green has skillfully painted a vivid word picture of the heart-wrenching life led by so many during the Civil War days. Widow of Gettysburg is a gripping tale of survival and triumph in the midst of tragedy and bloodshed--not just by the soldiers on the front lines but also by the women and children left behind. A fascinating read that you won't want to miss!
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Review 8 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

History, emotion, and Godly inspiration

Date:May 8, 2013
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An Old Fashioned Girl
Location:Minnesota
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
As one who has done some studying of war in college but not experienced it in real life, I found Jocelyn Green's "Widow of Gettysburg" just as effective if not more so at conveying the horrors of battle than most of the non fiction I read in college. Part of it is that I cannot see myself in the place of a soldier, which is the viewpoint taken by most when writing of war, but I can see myself as someone like Liberty Holloway, a woman who knows nothing of battle but suddenly ends up in the midst of its aftermath.
"Widow of Gettysburg" is such a poignant depiction of that historical town in the days leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath, as Gettysburg and its inhabitants slowly recover from the devastation. It really encourages one to really think about how a battle affects civilians. Through Liberty's eyes, we can grasp the horrible sights, the putrid odors, the fatigue, the hunger, and the devastation that remains when "it is all over" and the rebel soldiers are gone. Her house and barn are half destroyed, she has no garden or animals left, her food supplies were gone in a day, all spare bedding and material were shredded for bandages, and she only has one dress left to her name. Those are just the material side effects; if anything, after caring for the wounded, she has changed even more emotionally and spiritually. I'm sure these things were not unique to Liberty - these things happened to real women all over Gettysburg, throughout the whole Civil War, and probably at nearly every battle in history that could in any way affect civilians.
Green's novel is full of good characters who are likeable, and yet none are perfect - each has issues to work through, from the main characters Liberty and Silas to her former mother-in-law and the rebel doctor. Even the undisputed bad guys have moments of grace just like anyone. Besides the obvious plot of the assault on Gettysburg, there is also a strong storyline full of surprises that further inspires the main characters and moves them on their personal journeys. It is a novel brimming with raw emotion that complements the historical facts, creating a well balanced inspirational and historical novel.
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Review 9 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Blown Away

Date:May 6, 2013
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Meghan G
Location:Pittsburgh, PA
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This novel far surpassed my expectations of a novel set in my favorite era. The way Jocelyn Green writes is raw, vivid & heartfelt--& the way she intertwines such realistic imagery & sounds & feelings along with accurate history is that of an art form.
I can't say enough great things about this book, the brilliant way it was written...& the beautiful way it stands as a tribute to all who were on the Gettysburg battlefield those three days in July, 1863.
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Review 10 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A must read!

Date:May 1, 2013
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K Drew
Location:NJ
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This novel is a must read for anyone who loves history, romance, stories of faith, and great fiction. I can’t believe how easily the pages turned as I found myself lost in the main character’s struggle to survive this tumultuous time in our nation’s history. Liberty, Bella, and the other men and women represented in Widow of Gettysburg embody the very heart and strength of our country. Whether widowed by war, born into slavery, or even innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, all who step onto the pages of this story will captivate your heart and have you cheering for redemption. You will love it!
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Review 11 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

2nd Novel from Green - Even Better than the 1st!

Date:April 30, 2013
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ALanser
Location:Iowa
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
A story following Liberty Holloway through the trials of the Gettysburg Battle when it literally came to her doorstep.
Full of rich, forgotten historical information about those who lived in small town Gettysburg. Full of twists and turns with interesting character plots and back stories. Full of Scriptural encouragement without ever being "preachy" A story full of love, loss, and healing.
A gem of a novel from Jocelyn Green - even more enthralling than her first novel, "Wedded to War"
Whether you enjoy history, romance, or issue based literature, this story will grab you and keep you through all the pages.
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Review 12 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A Magnificent Tale of Strength in the Midst of War

Date:April 28, 2013
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Teresa M
Location:West Columbia, SC
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
In this heartrending story of the Battle of Gettysburg Jocelyn Green gives us a look into the lives of several of the many women that struggled to survive the horrors of war.
Liberty Holloway, our nineteen year old heroine has been a widow for almost two years since her young husband Levi died in the Battle of Bull Run. Since a young age Liberty was taught by her cruel aunt she wasn’t worth anything and that she would never make anything of her life. That’s why her mother gave her away. So now Liberty lives all alone on her farm still in her Widow’s Weeds. Will she forever be known as the Widow of Gettysburg representing all the women who’ve lost so much? Will she ever feel she has made something of her life?
The day a stranger rode up to the farm and asked for something to eat was the day things began to change for Liberty. She has no clue he is Silas Ford, the handsome young man that tried to befriend her when her aunt would belittle her as a child. Once upon a time Silas had been a student at the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg until an outrageous chain of events forever changed his life. When Silas mentions to Liberty that she should start living again, at first she is upset but after he leaves she thinks about it and decides he is right so she puts away her mourning clothes. Will Liberty ever see this handsome stranger again?
Bella Jamison, a freed slave that works for some of the ladies of Gettysburg, remembers the feel of a whip slicing her back apart. She remembers every atrocity done to her at the hand of an evil master and because of an unspeakable act Bella has to keep a secret that could destroy the live of someone she holds dear if it ever comes to light.
On July 1st 1863 the first sounds of battle were heard and Liberty had no clue that in a very few hours her house would be used as a field hospital for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. When the doctor asks Liberty to help hold a light for him to perform amputations she tells him she cannot do it. Will Liberty find a strength that can only come from God to help these men whose cause took the life of her husband? Will she follow God’s leading and realize she can make her life count by helping those who cannot help themselves?
My simple words cannot begin to describe the depth of this novel. From the very beginning I found myself drawn in the story, it was as if I could close my eyes and hear the sounds of battle—the cannons firing, the sounds of the wounded in agony. Then I think of all that was lost during that time—the young men who only a few years before were babies on their momma’s laps, the men who died that day because of their love for this country who left behind wives and children. Ms. Green did a superb job bringing to light the strength of the women that were left to clean up the carnage this war left behind. Ms. Green has actual statements from women that survived this horrific time, it was so enthralling to read in their own words how they felt about what was happening. This book is not for the faint of heart because there are scenes that will disturb you. Even though I found myself in tears at one point from the descriptions I feel my life is so much more enriched after reading this and I know you will feel the same. Thank you Ms. Green, for creating this masterpiece.
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Review 13 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

GREAT book.

Date:June 11, 2013
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Christin
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This book is absolutely amazing. I love the characters, the setting, the writing style--everything. This book follows the Battle of Gettysburg but really focuses on the aftermath and the amazing feats accomplished by citizens of small town Gettysburg after such a large-scale battle, which is a unique take on the battle and an important link for a good understanding of the battle's effects. I actually read it at our B&B ON the battlefield in Gettysburg (Doubleday Inn...also highly recommended!). I HIGHLY recommend reading it before/during a visit to Gettysburg as it gives a depth and richness to your visit. I LOVED this book. I also have to give a shout-out to how well researched the book was. GO read it...and book a trip to Gettysburg!!
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Review 14 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:June 11, 2013
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sueb
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
We had just returned from a Gettysburg holiday when I jotted this book was a free read. I so enjoyed it cause I wanted to know more about what it must have been like for the town people during and after this terrible event. It truly helped get a good grasp of the horror these poor people went through.
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Review 15 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Wow! Drew me in and made me question...

Date:April 25, 2013
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Daws1996
Location:North Carolina
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
"We can let tragedy define us, or we can refuse to let the story end there." (Page 365)
Widow of Gettysburg is an incredible follow-up to Wedded to War in the Heroines Behind the Lines series. This book sets up the reader in the Gettysburg area right before the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. We get an up close and personal look at real people -- not the soldiers who bravely fought on each side, but the people living in Gettysburg just before and during the battle.
We look into the faces of injured soldiers during the battle, not a glancing look that causes the reader to relive the arguments about who was right and wrong, but a solid look at the sons, brothers and husbands that went to war. We see past their convictions and political leanings and into their humanness, their doubts, their longings.
And then, instead of moving on with the pace of the war, we stay in Gettysburg and see what life was like after the battle. While each side fought on for another two years, what happened with those injured at Gettysburg? And how did Gettysburg pick up the pieces?
What I Liked
"Right now, who she was did not matter. Her actions did. This time, she would make them count." (Page 104)
Though part of me wanted to rush through this story, another part wanted to take its time, to savor what was being laid out before my eyes. Gems like the passage above got my brain thinking outside the story and into my own life -- past those times where I knew I had failed, or at least chosen poorly. In this instance, I wanted to be like Liberty and make the choice that today, my actions would matter to someone. I love when a fiction book challenges you to be more than you are, more than you thought you could be!
I found the pace very good. Mrs. Green did well in sticking to the timeline within the historical context, and added in all the busyness and uncertainty of the time period without overwhelming the reader.
The characters were well developed, some showing great spiritual or emotional growth and others far less. The emotions the people dealt with were real as the characters struggled with the issues of the day. Even from my comfortable home 150 years later, I wondered at my own reactions to some of the events that confronted Liberty, Bella, Silas and Amelia.
Although I am no expert on either the time period, I didn't read anything that caused me to pause. The research seemed reasonable and the tidbits of history flowed well within the story without sounding forced or lecturing. I really appreciated the notes at the end of the story explaining which people or scenes were fiction and which were historical fact.
The Bottom Line - 5 stars
I loved this book! It had a good storyline, compounding problems, raw emotions and, best I could tell with my limited knowledge, stuck faithfully to the true history, people and culture of the time period. The story pulled at my heart and challenged me to apply God's principles freshly to my daily life. I loved picking it up and had trouble putting it down.
If you enjoy historical romances or or want to know more about the American Civil War, then I highly recommend giving this book a try. Although it is book 2 of the series, you can read this one as a stand alone novel without a problem.
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Review 16 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Widow of Gettysburg a hit!

Date:April 25, 2013
Customer Avatar
Cassandra Wessel
Location:Pennsylvania
Jocelyn Green, the author of the book, “Widow of Gettysburg,” drapes the dark garlands of war and its aftermath, over a patchwork quilt of courage, faith, and hope. Never once, does any segment of her tale overwhelm, but all elements contribute to the forward movement of the plot line. Intrigue and mystery thread throughout. Plot twists grab and capture. The reader never gets lost in point of view shuffles, nor does the “Widow of Gettysburg” bog down like an overloaded supply wagon on a soggy Gettysburg road. Quite the contrary, the storyline cannonballs forward to the end.
The characters in “Widow of Gettysburg” sparkle, especially Liberty Holloway, Bella Jamison, Silas Ford, and Harrison Caldwell. Even secondary characters such as Amelia Sanger, Myrtle Henderson, and the two doctors, O’Leary and Stephens, display humanity’s foibles; but the villains ooze sleaze like excrement from latrine trenches. The hero and heroine endear themselves, engage the reader in their struggles, but when villainy arises, we fret, rapidly turning the page to see if they will avoid disaster, but this is the Battle of Gettysburg. After all, what can a Confederate scout really expect from a Union soldier’s widow? Is there any hope of a happy ending as minie balls whiz through the air and cannons shell strong buildings?
Based in history and upon the writing of eyewitnesses, this book overflows with authenticity, drips veracity, and promotes acceptance instead of prejudice. Knowing the history of the Battle of Gettysburg does not spoil this gripping tale, but rather, adds to it.
The “Widow of Gettysburg” absolutely thrilled this reader. Jocelyn Green has given the world another great read in the “Widow of Gettysburg,” just as she did with “Wedded to War.” This reviewer recommends them highly. I received a complimentary copy of Widow of Gettysburg from the author, Jocelyn Green, but am under no obligation to provide a positive review.
+1point
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Review 17 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Well researched and well written.

Date:June 3, 2013
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Traveling Woman
Location:Lake Wales, FL
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This book has been well researched and definitely reads like a diary of the battle. The descriptions of battlefield angst are gripping and many are heart-rending. The friendships portrayed cross the lines of prejudice in both the North and South. If you like history, this is a definite must.
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Review 18 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Outstanding Civil War Historical

Date:April 17, 2013
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Kathleen L. Maher
Location:Breesport, NY
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Ms. Green's meticulous attention to historical detail is a hallmark of her style. She has a compelling voice, and creates plots and characters that surprise, delight, challenge and ultimately inspire.
Liberty Halloway lost her husband early on in the war, and has been left to run her farm near Gettysburg with only the help of a hired freed woman and the companionship of a half blind and deaf Newfoundland dog. Dressed in "grave clothes", she greets a potential boarder who turns out to be a half starved young man begging a bit of bread--the most polite and enchanting beggar she's ever met, Silas. He challenges her to leave off her mourning, and also leaves a cryptic warning about finding another place to go for the near future as things are about to get intense.
Silas is more than meets the eye. Without giving away too much of the intricate and fascinating plot, both Libbie and Silas are on a journey of discovery and healing, navigating mutual attraction and impossible obstacles to their star crossed romance.
Again with this book as with the last, the secondary characters and subplots make this a gripping read. Freedmen and women grace the periphery of this story until a climactic moment brings them center stage. Also featured is the role of newsmen and military couriers and scouts from the Civil War.
Ms. Green does an exceptional job creating the sights, sounds, culture, and voice of the age. I was transported into a world of bucolic beauty and peace ravaged by the chaos of war and its aftermath. Though the journey has moments of great drama and depicts the reality of war, the destination delivers the reader to a satisfying and hopeful place. This novel is destined to become a classic for its broad view of America's greatest land battle, and its intimate portraits from several points of view from its diverse cast of characters. Libbie is sure to steal your heart and have you rooting for her all the way to the end, to find love, peace, and her happily ever after.
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Review 19 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A must read!

Date:May 1, 2013
Customer Avatar
K Drew
Location:NJ
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This novel is a must read for anyone who loves history, romance, stories of faith, and great fiction. I can’t believe how easily the pages turned as I found myself lost in the main character’s struggle to survive this tumultuous time in our nation’s history. Liberty, Bella, and the other men and women represented in Widow of Gettysburg embody the very heart and strength of our country. Whether widowed by war, born into slavery, or even innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, all who step onto the pages of this story will captivate your heart and have you cheering for redemption. You will love it!
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Review 20 for Widow of Gettysburg, Heroines Behind the Lines Series #2
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

2nd Novel from Green - Even Better than the 1st!

Date:April 30, 2013
Customer Avatar
ALanser
Location:Iowa
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
A story following Liberty Holloway through the trials of the Gettysburg Battle when it literally came to her doorstep.
Full of rich, forgotten historical information about those who lived in small town Gettysburg. Full of twists and turns with interesting character plots and back stories. Full of Scriptural encouragement without ever being "preachy" A story full of love, loss, and healing.
A gem of a novel from Jocelyn Green - even more enthralling than her first novel, "Wedded to War"
Whether you enjoy history, romance, or issue based literature, this story will grab you and keep you through all the pages.
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