Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of sheer desperation. Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be … to Levi to be barely old enough to hold “his” gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.
But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain–or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker? //
“Finely detailed secondary characters add realistic depth to the story, making the world where the Albrights live feel dangerous and alive. Fans of MacLaren will be delighted with this first book in the Forever Freedom series.” —Publishers Weekly review of Summer on Sunset Ridge
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I really enjoyed the concept of the story. Josephine was a wonderful character and I admired her determination. The author depicts the Civil War with vivid accounts of what soldiers went through. I never thought about how little food they had to live on as they fought a battle that would cost lives. Josephine or Snipps as she is called in most of the story is a person to be reckoned with. She doesn’t back down from whatever chore or duty is given to her. I wondered how long she would be able to keep her secret. As the story progresses, Snipps soon discovers that someone doesn’t like her in the unit. Why would someone want to harm her?
Levi was very passionate about God and keeping his troops safe. I liked that he shared God in a subtle way without being preachy. It was interesting to see a friendship develop between him and Snipps. I loved Levi’s leadership and how he took Snipps under his wing . I dont think I would have lasted very long out there with the sound of gunfire and sometimes weather that was unbearable.
The men seemed to get along pretty well with Snipps even thought many questioned why he didn’t have facial hair or whether Snipps was really old enough to be there. I had to wonder why someone didn’t figure out who Snipps really was. One of the best parts of the story for me is when a spy is discovered in the midst of everyone. How would you react if you knew someone among you couldn’t be trusted? I know I would be looking over my shoulder constantly. I didn’t figure out who it was and I was surprised when the person was revealed. Overall the book is a great story with details of the war that were accurate and made you feel transported back in time. Will Josephine be found out? How will Levi react when secrets are revealed ? This is a good story with a bit of action and mystery that kept me entertained. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
“Only God could write so perfect a love story.”
And this book indeed is a beautiful love story. It is the first book written by Sharlene MacLaren that I have read and I’m hooked. This book blends good writing, a well-plotted story that is perfectly paced, a hint of intrigue and mystery, memorable characters, great dialogue, historical facts from Civil War with a strong element of faith, salvation, redemption and grace to produce a delightful read.
The solid faith Levi and Josie portray throughout the story is commendable and inspiring. Their compassion and care for those wounded, both physically and spiritually, bring them together in ways that neither have experienced before. Levi is strong, faithful, loyal, compassionate, full of God’s Word and love, thoughtful, loving, a natural leader and makes for a dashing hero. Josie is determined yet tender-hearted, loyal to family and friends, creative, compassionate yet so innocent about the ways of the world and romance. They go through a lot together during their days in the army and a wonderful friendship emerges even before the romance. A hint of intrigue and mystery regarding a traitor in their midst adds a layer of adrenaline to the plot.
Anyone who enjoys a well-written historical romance taking place during the Civil War will appreciate this book.
I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.