This week, the
is introducing
River North(June 1, 2014)
by
Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed...Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin's only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta.
Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?
Id you would like to read the first chapter of Yankee in Atlanta, go HERE.
My Thoughts:
As a fan of Civil War novels I couldn't pass up the chance to read Yankee in Atlanta by Jocelyn Green. This it the third book in Ms. Green's series, "Heroines Behind the Lines". I haven't read the first two books in the series yet, Wedded to War and Widow of Gettysburg but I definitely plan on reading them in the near future. I also look forward to her next release in the series, Spy of Richmond.
The book begins with a Prologue in which the reader finds themselves transported to the battlefield in the thick of fighting. Ms. Green draws the reader in from the first page and you find yourself held captive until the last page is turned. I always love books that pull the reader in, holds them hostage and doesn't release them until long after the book has been finished.
This novel tells the story of two families, one northern and the other southern. Caitlin McKae, while having Irish roots, has joined the Northerners fight by disguising herself as a man. When she is wounded, she encounters a Confederate who is dying. He hands her his Rebel Bible asking her to read the 23rd Psalm to him. He also tells her to use his jacket to tie off her wounded arm. She soon loses conscientiousness and when she awakes she learns that the enemy knows she is female. One man accuses her of being a spy but she swears she is not. Will she succeed in concealing who she is until the war is over?
Ruby O'Flannery is the northerner who is fighting her own battles while trying to raise her young son. Will she be able to succeed in fighting her battles?
Noah Becker is a German immigrant who is ready to head off to fight for the Confederacy but he must first find someone to watch over his young daughter, Ana. He soon hires Caitlin as Ana's governess. Caitlin finds herself challenged, not only posing as a southerner but also in finding ways to keep her and Ana fed and safe.
This is a book that one must spend time with. It's not light reading and isn't meant to be. After all, it is set against one of the darkest times in American history. It isn't a book for the faint at heart either. It is, however, rich in history and characters that make you believe they are real. If you enjoy authentic historical novels, I would highly suggest you pick up a copy of Yankee in Atlanta. You won't be sorry.
On a 5-Star Scale - 4 Stars!!!!
I would like to thank Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and River North publishers for my review copy of Yankee in Atlanta. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.
Smiles & Blessings,
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