With most U.S. boys fighting for Uncle Sam in far off countries, Rochelle Addams has given up hope for a wedding in her future. Then she receives an intriguing offer from a distant relative to consider a marriage of convenience.Conscientious objector Irwin Terrell is looking forward to his assignment at Shady Hills Mental hospital to minister to the less fortunate in lieu of bearing arms. At the … arms. At the arrival of the potential bride his father has selected for him, Irwin’s well-ordered life is turned upside down. And after being left at the altar two years ago, he has no interest in risking romance again.
Despite his best efforts to remain aloof to Rochelle, Irwin is drawn to the enigmatic and beautiful young woman, but will time run out before his wounded heart can find room for her?
Inspired by the biblical love story of Rebekkah and Isaac, Love’s Allegiance explores the struggles and sacrifices of those whose beliefs were at odds with a world at war.
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My Thoughts on Love’s Allegiance:
I love it! Okay, so I knew I was going to love this book when I started reading it because I have loved this series and this author. This is the fourth book in the series focusing on WWII but with a unique twist. Each story is also a Bible story told through the lens of WWII. Talk about a double dose of history!
This story tells you of Isaac and Rebekah while also telling the story of the conscientious objectors of WWII.
Irwin is our Isaac of the WWII time period. He is not fighting the war with a rifle but rather by ministering to those in the mental hospital. This is another thing in favor of the book because I love reading about what mental health was like in the different time periods as I’ve worked as a mental health nurse and it’s near to my heart.
Rochelle is our Rebekah. She has given up hopes of ever marrying because all the young men are off fighting the war. Or are they? When she’s approached as being practically a mail order bride for Irwin by his relatives she decides to give it a go.
What comes next is both funny and wonderful as you’ll be riveted by watching their story unfold and waiting to see if Irwin can trust again and what will happen in their story. I find that even though I know the Bible story that this story still grips me and I have to keep reading because it’s just so good!
Definitely go get yourself a copy of this book and the other three books in the series as well. They’re wonderful and I highly recommend them. I’m personally hoping for many more in this series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Loves Allegiance
A sweet short story. The time period is 1943 to 1945, this is during war time. Rochelle and Irwin both go to work at the same place, which is a mental hospital. They are engaged. The other workers question why he didn’t join the service. They get married and have the usual problems of a first marriage. Will they be able to work things out?
I did enjoy the book. I loved the ending of the book. A great surprise. Also I enjoyed the questions the author asked at the end of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit.
Love’s Allegiance is a historical romance that will take the readers back to WWII. Rochelle had been volunteering in her home town to assist the soldiers fighting, but believed there had to be more for her. Irwin Terrell was a Conscientious Objector about the war, but wanted to do something.
Rochelle and Irwin’s lives were almost opposite it seemed in their upbringing with the Terrell’s having money from their farm. Rochelle and Irwin’s meeting was prearranged but maybe it was really orchestrated by God despite all their differences. This historical romance story will give readers a glimpse into issues like rationing, suffering, trying to find hope during WWII with rationing, suffering and loss. I appreciate how this story was a based on Rebekah and Isaac from the Bible and the faith message included for the characters.
What I think you should know:
Love’s Allegiance is the fourth book in the Wartime Brides series, it is set in the United States. It can be read alone or out of order as it is a stand alone novella. Instead of chronicling a military member or Veteran this book chronicles a Conscientious Objector, Irwin Terrell.
How this book made me think:
As a former military wife I had mixed feelings prior to reading the story and I like many of the characters had prejudiced against them, thinking if my Christian Husband can be deployed to fight why can’t you. However after reading this book I found myself looking at the situation in a different light, I hate the task that many objectors were given as alternatives and they way they were treated for their religious convictions. While I did enjoy the book I felt that many parts of the book were rushed, instead of allowing things to develop BAM it was over, I wish the books were longer to allow more time for that to occur. I look forward to reading more of Linda Shenton Matchet’s works.
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
What I liked most about this book was the faith element throughout the story. It is evident that Rochelle is faith minded and has a sweet disposition. She loves everything around her and enjoys the little things like a flower that is starting to bloom or the garden which provides food . I thought she was so well written that I would like to be her friend. Will she find happiness working at the mental hospital? That is a hard place to work I would think. I loved her determination to see the good in everything.
Irwin is a hard person to like at times. He is a bit taken back with Rochelle and her decision to work at the hospital he also will be at. His father has decided who Irwin should marry and this makes for a wonderful journey to finding faith and learning to trust. He begins to see Rochelle as a ‘God fearing woman” and wants to get to know her better. His hesitation in building a relationship will make him face his past.
The story is set during World War II and the author does a great job of letting readers get a feel for how hard it was during this time period. I remember when I was younger that gas was in short supply. People would line up for miles just to get their vehicles filled in hopes it would last them awhile. During WWII people had to endure rationing on another more intense level. Staple items were scarce so having sugar or bread was a luxury for many. I liked how the author showed two people from different backgrounds come together and begin to accept each other.
The author takes us back in time and describes the setting in a way that you feel a part of. The characters are well written and come to life as the story unfolds. I liked how Irwin stood up and decided he couldn’t in good conscience serve in the war. His stance didn’t set well with some but I liked how he wasn’t swayed from his beliefs. It is a nice story that flows with ease and gives us a glance into how opposites attract.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Love’s Alliance is Book 4 in author Linda Shenton Matchett’s Wartime Brides Series. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first three, this one could be read as a stand alone easily.
This is the story of Irwin and Rochelle. It is in many ways like the Bible story of Isaac and Rachel. I was immediately drawn in to this beautiful fictional romance. It is strong on inspiration and faith which made me love it even more.
Irwin’s father arranges for Rochelle to visit with the possibility of marrying Irwin, unbeknownst to Irwin. Irwin is unhappy with the idea due to past hurt. Their story unfolds beautifully.
The author has a style of writing that is lovely. I enjoyed the conversations that sounded true to the era. The characters were very lifelike and relatable. Even secondary ones wiggled their way into my heart while reading.
I learned some things about the war that I previously did not know. That is always important when reading to me. Faith is not hidden but in plain sight. This is what I expect in a Christian novel. Thank you to the author!
On the downside, the book seemed to end abruptly. I was reading along at a nice pace and then bam it’s over. It left me wanting more. Obviously there will be a sequel.
I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy historical wartime fiction. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
What is a conscientious objector or CO? This is a person that wants to do their part to support those serving but has religious or moral reasons for not fighting. Thus they spend their time of enlistment doing whatever the government wants them to do. Irwin decides that working in a mental hospital is how he wants to assist his fellow man. Rochelle and her friend Claire are also interested in volunteering where they can planting victory gardens, rolling bandages and other tasks to further the war effort.
Arranged marriages were not a regular practice, but Irwin’s father felt it was his responsibility to find a wife for his son. How on earth would such a thing be possible at a mental hospital? What follows is a lovely tale about two people who learn that working together is the best way to go forward.
This most enjoyable, easy read that highlights a little known aspect of war was received through Shortwave Press and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own.
Fourth in the author’s Wartime Brides series, each is written as a standalone. It shows a side of WWII that I don’t often hear about, the CO’s or Conscientious Objectors. It includes the possibility of romance between a young couple who have met through a potential arranged marriage. This is very well-written, the characters are well-defined with realistic conversations and actions, and highlights living by Christian faith and grace. It was a delight to discover whose life in the Bible they remind me of.
Rochelle is about to graduate from college and believes marriage is not in her future. Most of the younger men have either gone off to war or will be called soon. She wants to do more for the cause, at least more than rolling bandages, and starts with a victory garden. While she is not a conscientious objector, she understands those who are, based on her belief in Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the peacemakers”. When Rochelle reads that mental hospitals are in great need of workers, she plans to check into it as it sounds like the kind of job where she could help others.
Irwin is the son of a farmer, and the farm has been in his family several generations. He knows it is not the kind of life he can live, as he doesn’t do well with crops. He knows he will be called soon to go into the military. Because of his belief in the Lord, he knows he cannot go to combat and kill others. About the time his mother dies of a lingering illness, his status as a conscientious objector is approved. He will be sent to Delaware by the Selective Service to work in a mental hospital at his request. Being shunned doesn’t bother him; going against his conscience does. It was interesting to see what kinds of things CO’s substituted for combat.
Irwin’s father wants him to marry and one day inherit the farm. Irwin’s experience with a young woman who left him a week before their wedding day set him against being that vulnerable again. Irwin’s father Arthur puts a plan in place before his son is sent to Delaware to begin work at the hospital.
When Arthur’s secretary drives up with a young woman in the car, Arthur admits what he has done. Rochelle is a very distant cousin of Irwin’s. Arthur invited Rochelle to stay with them until it is time for Irwin to leave for Delaware. If they decide to pursue a courtship, Arthur will arrange for Rochelle to also be interviewed to work at the hospital. While Irwin is not happy about the situation, after they talk it through, they decide to a courting period to see if they would want to marry.
What an interesting premise! While they are suited in terms of their faith and where they would like to work, there are many things to consider. It is a fascinating story of watching two young people spend time together. Rochelle is a lovely young woman, and Irwin sees how she speaks to people with a healthy serving of grace. Grace that she doesn’t grant herself. Grace he knows he wants to offer to others as she does. Yet things are never as easy as it seems. I highly recommend this novella to those who enjoy a story that can be read in an afternoon or evening with Christian values and spiritual lessons with a WWII backdrop.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this from CelebrateLit, and this is my honest review.
Set on the US home front during WWII, this Christian inspirational novel had a unique plot loosely based on the Biblical characters Isaac and Rebecca. Through Irwin and Rochelle’s story while serving in a mental hospital as CO’s, I learned of their peculiar difficulties there and also gained insight into the hardships experienced by others who obeyed their conscious and declined to serve in combat. This novel was full of rich historical detail, a strong faith element, together with a sweet romance.
A solid quick read that is rich in Faith and trust that God is orchestrating our lives. It is based on the Biblical story of Rebekkah and Isaac that takes place during WWII. Irwin is a conscientious objector that has been deeply hurt in love and navigating what that entails. Rochelle is a strong woman doing what she can to help the War effort and trusting God in the offer she receives from a distant relative. When their lives intersect will the flames of love burn? Guess you will have to read to find out. You won’t be disappointed as it captures your attention and you will turn the pages quickly. This is book four in the series but reads as a stand-alone.
I won a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This story really took me to the WWII era!
Linda Shenton Matchet really got her characters into the WWII era, by the ways in which they conversed, the clothes described, really everything matched the era of WWI. It was as if Linda Shenton Matchet transported me there. I thought that the characters had great interactions, most of the reactions to things were believable, and they were overall well-developed characters. Personally, I liked how the story was loosely based on the Biblical story of Isaac and Rachel, I thought it was a unique premise for a WWII era novel to have. This book is technically the fourth book in Linda Shenton Matchet’s Wartime Brides series, however, it can be read as a stand-alone without you getting lost or confused (I have not read the previous books in the series yet).
I believe that Linda Shenton Matchet did a good job conveying an often-controversial topic; the role Conscious Objectors (CO) played during WWII. She made me look at it in a way I had not previously done, which I appreciated, (Not to say that I fully understand that point of view, but I think I have a better picture of it now). I did think that the book moved a little fast and I wished I could have known the characters better. However, this is part of a series so maybe the next book will continue to grow the characters more.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for the great characters, the full immersion into the WWII era, and for making me see a different side of a Conscious Objector (CO). I did receive this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Set in Pennsylvania in 1943, this war romance introduces Rochelle Addams and Irwin Terrell. Linda Shenton Matchett has written Love’s Allegiance with two goals in mind, maybe three. First, Matchett provides a modern-day retelling of Isaac and Rebekkah. Secondly, we get a glimpse inside mental hospitals at the time, and thirdly, we are shown the poor treatment of Conscientious Objectors during World War II.
We need more people who think like Irwin working with our mentally ill and special needs people. He realized the value of a person and gave that person the dignity of having space to prove himself.
The romance seemed to be written in a minor key. I kept hoping the “song” would hit some major key phrases, but they didn’t stand out. I wanted to be shown more than told. I really did appreciate the education I received about Co’s role in WWII. I didn’t realize things were quite so difficult once they volunteered.
I think there are many who might really enjoy this book. You may want to check this book out. Points to Matchett for the reader’s guide with questions and the historical notes at the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. This in no way influenced my opinion, which is solely my own.
The story was inspired by the Biblical story of Isaac and Rebecca.
My attraction to this book was because of its Inspiration.
Rochelle and Irwin were brought together by his father. They both had the desire to work at the same place in a time when people thought they should be somewhere else.
Together they traversed the thores of working under poor conditions and under persecution from coworkers.
Irwin learnt to calm down and treat people with more grace. Rochelle’s quiet and gentle Spirit rubbed off on him. They both learnt to pray and trust God instead of worry.
I liked reading about Rochelle’s grace with difficult people. The highlight of this book for me was how Rochelle used every opportunity to point people to Jesus. She was quick to tell people about Jesus, she was such a beautiful evangelist.
It was a short but am okay read.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.