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| Bethany House Publishers |
Regina Jennings
2014
The Summary
"With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he's gone - a practical solution for both of them.
"After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain - until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail's story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she's never seen Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn't trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?"
"With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he's gone - a practical solution for both of them.
"After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain - until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail's story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she's never seen Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn't trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?"
The Good
I liked the development of the characters, the antagonism between the two primary characters (Abigail and Jeremiah) feels appropriate. If their animosity seems exaggerated, their situation probably merits it since both individuals are unable to trust the other for losing what little they have.
I liked Abigail Stuart. She's a strong, dynamic woman who's willing to take charge and work hard. I enjoyed watching her develop in a difficult situation, seeing the different ways in which she develops in conjunction to Jeremiah. Likewise, I like Jeremiah Calhoun for many of the same qualities - even if I do think he's a bit of an oaf when it comes to love.
It's a pretty decent novel perfect for light, afternoon reading.
I liked the development of the characters, the antagonism between the two primary characters (Abigail and Jeremiah) feels appropriate. If their animosity seems exaggerated, their situation probably merits it since both individuals are unable to trust the other for losing what little they have.
I liked Abigail Stuart. She's a strong, dynamic woman who's willing to take charge and work hard. I enjoyed watching her develop in a difficult situation, seeing the different ways in which she develops in conjunction to Jeremiah. Likewise, I like Jeremiah Calhoun for many of the same qualities - even if I do think he's a bit of an oaf when it comes to love.
It's a pretty decent novel perfect for light, afternoon reading.
The Bad
I don't like convoluted relationships. Is it a love triangle? A quadrangle?
I don't know. Either way, I can't say I enjoy a complicated romantic dynamic. It eats up too much of the novel when you're trying to sort out relationships, when you're trying to figure out all the names and romantic aspirations. And it doesn't help that there's a hint of identity theft going on.
I don't like convoluted relationships. Is it a love triangle? A quadrangle?
I don't know. Either way, I can't say I enjoy a complicated romantic dynamic. It eats up too much of the novel when you're trying to sort out relationships, when you're trying to figure out all the names and romantic aspirations. And it doesn't help that there's a hint of identity theft going on.
The Ugly
The Civil War was a harrowing time in American history. It tore deep fissures between people, even family members, and it destroyed many, many lives; more to the point, it nearly destroyed an entire country. Injuries weren't just on the surface and the effects of such carnage ran deep, taking a toll both physically and psychologically.
And the author doesn't shy away from telling even the darkest, saddest tales.
The Civil War was a harrowing time in American history. It tore deep fissures between people, even family members, and it destroyed many, many lives; more to the point, it nearly destroyed an entire country. Injuries weren't just on the surface and the effects of such carnage ran deep, taking a toll both physically and psychologically.
And the author doesn't shy away from telling even the darkest, saddest tales.
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