The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover battles near Union occupied Nashville.The year is 1864 and the Civil War continues to impact families in the North and South. British born James Galloway, a special artist for Harper’s Weekly, travels with the Union troops, sketching battle scenes to bring war news home to those in … to those in the North. It’s dangerous work, but he is committed to the Union cause. When he is captured by Confederate troops, he spends several months in a prison camp. Finally, he escapes and travels north, hoping to reach the Union lines, but a bushwhacker attacks him, steals his horse, and leaves him seriously injured at the side of the road outside Nashville.
Rachel Thornton, a kind-hearted doctor’s daughter, takes James into their to home and nurses him while he recovers. Her feelings for James grow, but she has already lost one man she loves in the war. How can she give her heart to James, when she knows he may become another casualty of the war? With family drama, romance, and inspiration, this novella will lift your spirit and satisfy your romantic heart.
This novella was originally titled Though the Mountains Tremble and published in A Blue and Gray Christmas novella collection in 2009. It has been revised and updated for new readers to enjoy.
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James and Rachel are awesome protagonists in this story of a wounded artist-correspondent and a doctor’s daughter during the Civil War. When James shows up on the doorstep and the doctor is out on a call, Rachel cares for him. Your heart will go out to James as he has escaped a confederate prison and is trying to reconnect with Union soldiers. I enjoyed this historical novel. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Waiting for His Return, by Carrie Turansky is an engaging historical romance novella set during the Civil War. I enjoy reading stories about the various wars our country has fought as they bring to mind the struggles, often horrendous struggles, others who have gone before us have gone through to bring this generation the freedoms we enjoy. The author does a good job bringing to life the historical aspect of the story and of bringing readers a sweet, yet not without challenges, romance between two strong and charming characters. Characters who need to learn to trust not only each other but also need to recognize the God who is faithful to guide them through whatever the future holds for them. I always enjoy Ms. Turansky’s books and this one did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed this story of Rebels and Confederates and the behind the scene story of an artist for a newspaper and the young lady he fell in love with. Sweet romance amidst the turmoil of war..
I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary..
From the first chapter till the last, I found myself welcomed into the warm embrace of the Thornton residence just outside of Nashville, TN. While the weather outside was cold and dreary, the fire was warm and the company inviting.
This sweet novella is a heartwarming story of love and a tender reminder that if we but take our burdens to the Lord, He will carry us through the darkest days. A perfect story to enjoy snuggled in your living room enjoying the Christmas lights, and your favorite hot beverage.
I appreciated learning about the courageous reporters, who risked their lives to stay close to the front lines of the battle, to draw pictures and write the stories that would not only be printed and told to families around the country but be carry far into the future.
I enjoyed reading this sweet Christmas story. The characters are believable and the story itself is realistic and enjoyable. I give this endearing story 4.5 stars.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Waiting for His Return is the first novella of Carrie Turansky’s that I’ve read, and it won’t be the last. Set during the Civil War, the author researched the time period well, and designed the characters, Christians, with care. Those aspects and the plot sets this story apart.
Rachel Thornton helps her father, a doctor, with his work when he treats patients. Dr. Thornton treats men from both sides of the battlefield. The doctor signed a Union pledge, even though their neighbors support the Confederates. They are near Nashville, Tennessee. They freed their slaves, and only two former slaves remain on the property work for pay.
A man was found knocked out with a bullet wound outside the gate. Bushwhackers had attacked him and stolen his horse. Amos, one of the freed slaves, brought him to the house. Rachel did what she could to help until her father returned home. Later they learned that James, originally from England, is an artist for Harper’s Weekly. He sketches scenes from the battle and his partner writes the story. A few weeks earlier, they were separated and he was sent to a Confederate prison from where he escaped. Since then he acquired a horse and saddlebags that contained his sketch pad and a tintype portrait of a young woman.
James, also a Christian, and Rachel grew to be close friends while he was recovering; she changed his bandages, helped him eat, and kept his room clean. He contacted his editor and his partner would be in the area soon to get back to their travels around the battle lines. The war was coming too close, and he feared for Rachel and Susan’s safety, asking their father to send them away where they might be safer. The day he left, Rachel didn’t know when – or if – she would hear from him again.
Dr. Thornton’s brother Edward and sister-in-law Julia came for Thanksgiving, bringing along Julia’s cousin Daniel, a young attorney. He is pleasant and likes Rachel. Daniel vies for Rachel’s affection, but her heart is now with James even though she doesn’t hear anything from him.
I love the characters! Not only are they Christians with strong faith, they have talents that help others. One thing I enjoyed is learning about how James made sketches that Harper’s could use in the Weekly. I never thought about what illustrations might be in periodicals then, much less that they worked in the heat of the battle. The plot is interesting; each day that the war raged on and neared their home shows what survival was about on the home front slowly being claimed for battles. The author demonstrates the toll families paid as a result. One thing I remember Rachel stating is that in their home, they did not rely on luck, but on Providence. This is a family who trusted God, no matter what. This is a story I would read again, I appreciated it so much, and highly recommend it.
From a grateful heart: I won a copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to give a review.