1753—When Rose sets out on a wagon train with her parents and sister, she has no idea how much the journey will change her life. The trail is fraught with danger yet Daniel, the half-Cherokee wagon scout, makes her feel protected.
Rose’s beauty and courage draws Daniel’s attention like no other, even Rebecca, his childhood friend whom it was generally expected to marry someday, though he’d never proposed. Surprisingly, his dog also befriends Rose. Unfortunately, Daniel knows someone like Rose will never reciprocate his feelings.
This story was a page-turner for me. The protective hero is also vulnerable. The compassionate heroine has many instances to call upon her own courage. Lovable, believable characters drew me into the story from the beginning. Violence is realistic to the era.
Unexpected twists kept me turning pages. I’m so glad this is a series because I can’t wait to read the next book.
Emmet O’Connor loves his job as construction engineer on the beautiful castle and inspects every stone that’s laid, every nail that’s pounded to insure its precise placement. He falls in love with Madison and dreams that their friendship will blossom into much more—until tragedy strikes.
Both Madison and Emmet try to clear the web of lies entangling everyone but the danger escalates.
I loved this well-written, poignant story! Loyalty, scars from the past, grief, danger, jealousy, and courage are challenges faced by lovable, believable characters.
I was transported back to another era to small islands in the St. Lawrence River. Heroic characters tugged at my heart and drew me into the story. The beautiful settings tempt me to explore the islands for myself.
A page-turner from beginning to end, I highly recommend this delightful read for lovers of historical romances!
Green County, Kentucky, 1782—Keturah Elliot has just buried her father. With the deaths of her mother and brother a couple of years before, for which her father had blamed her, she is now alone in the world. It’s up to her to save the homestead that she and her father had worked so hard to build. Yet she can’t do it alone.
Daniel Scott, left behind by a group traveling westward, meets the beautiful woman in need of a husband. He’s astounded that she’d consider him. His only father had rejected him. He longs for a wife and family who will love him.
I enjoyed this short novel that portrays the struggles of early pioneers. Endearing characters face a loss that threatens their growing love for one another. The story is also a journey of faith.
The story unfolded in a natural way that was enjoyable to read.
I will look for other books by this author. Recommended.
Last month, my publisher, Wild Heart Books, released a five novel-length Kindle collection called Love Stitched in Blue and Gray.Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, is part of the collection along with talented authors Tamera Alexander, Misty M. Beller, Susan Pope Sloan, and Sherry Shindelar.
The book is on sale for 99 cents! This deep discount will only last a limited time!
Here’s a bit more about each novel in the collection:
5 Full-Length Civil War Romance Novels Where Love Bridges Every Divide!
From Texas ranches to Washington’s political circles, and from Georgia cotton mills to Comanche territory, experience the transformative power of love during America’s most turbulent era in these five captivating Christian historical romances.
The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller
When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch. Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans.
Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander
Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole arrives in Franklin, Tennessee in 1866, searching for her twin brother Ryan, a conscripted Confederate soldier. With only her spitfire little sister and Ryan’s last cash gift in tow, she catches the attention of Wade Cunningham—a former Federal soldier now secretly investigating counterfeit rings for the U.S. Secret Service. When the money in Catriona’s possession proves counterfeit, Wade must choose between his duty and his growing feelings for the woman he’s supposed to prosecute.
Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan
When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.
Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky.
But when two fugitives arrive and complicate matters between Rose and Noah, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.
Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart
As the Civil War looms over Washington City, Annie Swanson discovers her beloved brother has joined the Confederate cause, betraying their mother’s abolitionist beliefs. When Sergeant-Major John Finn—who fell for Annie at her brother’s wedding—is tasked with spying on her banker father’s loyalty to the Union, their budding romance becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and divided loyalties that could destroy them both.
Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar
Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.
Five compelling stories of faith, courage, and love that prove God’s power to heal even the deepest wounds of war.
This Kindle book is on sale for just 99 cents! Pick up your copy today because the sale won’t last long.
This month, my publisher, Wild Heart Books, surprised me with the news that my book, Avenue of Betrayal, is part of a newly-released a five novel-length Kindle collection called Love Stitched in Blue and Gray!Books by talented authors Tamera Alexander, Misty M. Beller, Susan Pope Sloan, Sherry Shindelar are also in the collection.
The eBook was released on May 27th.
Here’s a bit more about each novel in the collection:
5 Full-Length Civil War Romance Novels Where Love Bridges Every Divide!
From Texas ranches to Washington’s political circles, and from Georgia cotton mills to Comanche territory, experience the transformative power of love during America’s most turbulent era in these five captivating Christian historical romances.
The Rancher Takes a Cook by Misty M. Beller
When their South Carolina home burns to the ground, Anna Stewart’s only choice is to move with her younger brother to the wilds of a Texas ranch. Their prospects are beginning to look better, until the rancher’s son, Jacob O’Brien, shows up with his alarmingly blue eyes to put a kink in Anna’s well-controlled plans.
Colors of Truth by Tamera Alexander
Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole arrives in Franklin, Tennessee in 1866, searching for her twin brother Ryan, a conscripted Confederate soldier. With only her spitfire little sister and Ryan’s last cash gift in tow, she catches the attention of Wade Cunningham—a former Federal soldier now secretly investigating counterfeit rings for the U.S. Secret Service. When the money in Catriona’s possession proves counterfeit, Wade must choose between his duty and his growing feelings for the woman he’s supposed to prosecute.
Rescuing Rose by Susan Pope Sloan
When the Union Army marches into Roswell, Georgia, and burns down the cotton mill where Rose Carrigan worked, not only is her livelihood destroyed but she’s also taken prisoner and shipped northward with the other workers. Only the unlikely kindness of one of her guards makes the trip bearable.
Union Captain Noah Griffin hates the part of his job that requires him to destroy the lives of innocent civilians, but at least he’s able to protect these women he’s been ordered to transport to Louisville, Kentucky.
But when two fugitives arrive and complicate matters between Rose and Noah, only faith can help them find love in the midst of so much tragedy.
Avenue of Betrayal by Sandra Merville Hart
As the Civil War looms over Washington City, Annie Swanson discovers her beloved brother has joined the Confederate cause, betraying their mother’s abolitionist beliefs. When Sergeant-Major John Finn—who fell for Annie at her brother’s wedding—is tasked with spying on her banker father’s loyalty to the Union, their budding romance becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and divided loyalties that could destroy them both.
Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar
Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.
Five compelling stories of faith, courage, and love that prove God’s power to heal even the deepest wounds of war.
I’m thrilled that Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, is part of this eBook collection with four other talented authors.
Dr. Brody MacKenzie arrives at the Two Harts Ranch in California, determined to find his younger brothers and, if necessary, rescue them. Instead, he is relieved to find them in school and learning trades. No matter what their teacher, Ellie Hart, says, Brody is in a hurry to take them back East where he has a job waiting. His brothers are more interested in searching for their family’s hidden treasure.
Ellie immediately hires Brody as the ranch’s doctor, hoping to keep the man who has snagged her attention in California. Instead, she finds herself caught up in helping the brothers to follow a treasure map.
Unfortunately, they are not the only ones interested in the treasure.
Connealy has woven a multi-layered historical romance that kept me turning pages. Long-time readers of this author will recognize characters from another series within these pages.
My interest was snagged early, and I read the book quickly. I’ve read other books by this author, and they’ve always ended with a significant cliff-hanger. This one did the same. Readers are left with questions about upcoming events.
I liked the book, and can’t wait to read the next one.
President Lincoln saw the capture of Vicksburg, Mississippi, as a vital key to winning the Civil War. General Ulysses S. Grant agreed that it must be taken.
The Union Navy bombarded the city for sixty-seven days from May to July of 1862. Confederate soldiers fired cannons on the fleet while citizens hunkered in hastily dug cave shelters. One battered Confederate ship called the Arkansas possessed enough power to convince the Union fleet to head south on July 27th.
The defeat only whetted Grant’s desire to take Vicksburg by force. He’s in command of the Army of the Tennessee at the end of January, 1863, when he arrives at Young’s Point just north of Vicksburg. He studies the abandoned remnants of canal that had been started by General Thomas Williams’s troops to in the summer of 1862. The canal had been intended to go through De Soto Point and divert the flow of the Mississippi River to the south of Vicksburg because the city on the bluffs above the Mississippi River had proven to be difficult to capture.
Grant sees that the idea still has merit. He orders General Sherman to complete the canal. Using picks, shovels, and wheelbarrows, troops were to dig Grant’s Canal to a depth of 6 – 6 ½ feet, 60 feet wide, and 1 ½ miles long.
It wasn’t an easy task. Work began on January 24th. Vicksburg residents watched Union troops and black men dig from across the river. Most saw the attempts to alter the mighty river’s flow as foolhardy.
Indeed, the task was ridden with challenges from the start. Men got sick from cold, rainy weather. The Mississippi River’s seasonal floods caused some deaths when it reached the camps. They were using steam pumps to remove the water by February 19th. The troops took heart when the river crested and then receded.
Heavy rains at the end of February halted the work. When steam pumps stopped working, floating steam dredges were brought in. Confederate artillery at Vicksburg drove the dredges away.
The river floods again, and a massive crevasse pours water into the camp, forcing the soldiers to seek the safety of higher ground.
Confederate soldiers, who have watched everything happening at Young’s Point from across the river, move big cannons south to guard the canal’s exit.
Grant gives up on the idea and ordered work to stop on March 27th.
But he has not given up on capturing Vicksburg as the whole state of Mississippi realizes within two months.
Grant’s Canal takes place in my novel, River of Peril, Book 5 in my Spies of the Civil War Series. This book tells the story of Felicity and Luke, who were courting before the war began. She volunteers as a nurse to distract herself from her worry about her soldier—then her worst nightmare happens. Luke has been wounded in battle. Worse, he doesn’t remember her…or why he was fighting for the Confederacy when his loyalty is with the North. It begins in December of 1862. Grant’s Canal worries the Vicksburg citizens in history and in the story.
Sources
Bearss, Edwin C. with Hills, J. Parker. Receding Tide: Vicksburg and Gettysburg, the Campaigns that Changed the Civil War, National Geographic, 2010.
Photographer Amelia Harris is at the seaside resort on an assignment from her employer. The Photographic Times expected over 2,000 photos of the resort and its elite guests. It would occupy her entire summer.
Titus Overton, the general manager of the Grand Hotel and a bachelor handsome enough to make Amelia’s heartbeat quicken, longs to leave this job behind. His dream job of documenting migratory birds awaited in his future. In his immediate future, he have to avoid matchmaking mamas who pushed their daughters on him. Amelia was different. She catches his attention from the first day.
Her independent spirit, his past grief, and a common enemy bent on revenge threaten to keep them apart. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me turning pages.
I enjoyed this story. I look forward to reading more books in the collection!
The final book in the Spies of the Civil War Series, Tides of Healing, shows that everyone had difficulty adjusting to Union occupation in Vicksburg after surrender.
In an early scene, Southern belle Savannah Adair wants to make coffee for the wounded men convalescing in her parlor. The feisty young woman, who has never even boiled an egg, makes a watered-down flavorless beverage unrecognizable as coffee. That prompts one of the wounded soldiers to demonstrate how to roast and brew the coffee.
It’s a lighthearted scene in the midst of one challenge after another.
But how many modern coffee drinkers would do any better when faced with handfuls of raw coffee beans?
The authors of an 1877 cookbook urged readers to buy raw coffee grains or small amounts of freshly roasted beans. They preferred Mocha and Java or a mix of the two flavors.
Place washed raw coffee beans in a skillet. Begin by roasting them in a moderate oven (probably about 350 degrees) and then increase temperature so they roast quickly, stirring often. The beans are ready when tender, brittle, and a rich dark brown color. Test for doneness by pressing one bean with your thumb—it will crumble if done.
Coffee beans can also be roasted on a stove burner but make sure to stir constantly.
Add a lump of butter to the hot, roasted beans or let them cool and stir in a beaten egg white. This clarifies the coffee beans.
Simmer a few minutes and then strain the beans.
Grind roasted coffee beans. Many people owned coffee grinders similar to the one in the photo. Turning the crank grinds the roasted beans. The grounds are collected in the drawer beneath the grinder. Some grinders attached to the wall.
Allow one heaping tablespoon of ground coffee per person and add “one for the pot.” Mix the grounds with an egg (part or all of the egg) with enough cold water to moisten it thoroughly.
Boil a pint of water per person less one pint. For example, if ten people are drinking coffee, use nine pints. (If you find this confusing, read the original recipe!)
Place the prepared coffee grounds into “a well-scalded coffee-boiler.” Then add half the boiling water to the coffee pot.
Stop up the spout with a rolled-up cloth to lock in the flavor. Boil for five minutes “rather fast,” stirring as the mixture boils up. Then simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.
Add the remaining boiled water to the coffee when time to serve.
Store the unused roasted coffee beans in a tightly-closed tin.
Read Tides of Healing to discover how they fare with coffee making and so many other challenges following the city’s surrender.
Eleanor Clairbridge has no choice but to take a job as governess to support her widowed mother and herself. She puts any hope of a husband and family and travels to accept a position at the Duke of Albemarle’s estate.
Edmund Colhampton, the Duke of Albemarle, has shielded his heart from loving anyone new since the death of his family. His sweet niece Rosie is all that’s left of his family. He certainly doesn’t expect to fall in love with Rosie’s governess.
The characters in this story tugged at my heart. The growing love between the hero and the heroine has many obstacles. I especially loved the little girl, who had lost her parents while still an infant. Eleanor’s mother’s strength of character was inspiring.
I enjoyed this story by this author and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher and was not required to leave a positive review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sandra Merville Hart 