Mary Bridgette has always been a homebody, caring for her family and completing her tasks with a cheerful dedicated attitude. When war breaks out in Europe, drawing her countrymen into the fray in 1917 her heart is pulled to do what she can to help. Joining the Salvation Army’s efforts to provide care and succor for the doughboys at the front Mary soon answers the call to follow her heart and her … her cousin Eric to distant shores.
Barrister Abrams, a pilot in the burgeoning field of aeronautics, volunteers to fight with the French Air Force before America even enters The Great War, becoming one of the first of Lafayette’s Espadrilles who take the fight back to an enemy decimating entrenched soldiers everywhere. No stranger to the perils of flight, he’s still taken by surprise when a crash landing leads to an encounter with a bold Salvationist who risks all to help him. As the war rages on, pulling the two apart, Barrister is often reminded of his chance encounter with the unconventional woman.
Through mud and blood, doughnuts and doughboys, the cause will pull these two through heartache, turmoil, and a drastic change of heart.
Will a war be the catalyst to unite a flyboy and a simple country girl or will they go their own ways when peace reigns once more.
more
World War I is an era about which I know very little, so I was intrigued when I found Danni Roan’s Mary Bridgette. Primarily set after the Americans entered the war, the story follows Mary Bridgette, a “girl older than most” who joins the Salvation Army. Her married brother enlists, and readers get snippets of his experiences too. I enjoyed this sweet story that gives me a glimpse of ranch life in Wyoming in contrast to the atrocities of war without being graphic. The era is effectively evoked through dialogue and description, and I was especially struck by the lack of “technology” (e.g., the extensive use of horses rather than vehicles). The romance thread does not follow the typical formula which made it unique and fresh. Topics such as anger and PTSD (although unknown at the time) are handled with sensitivity, and the faith message is woven through the story without being dry or preachy.
A beautiful new series bringing the Broken J from the past to the future in the Whispers in Wyoming contemporary series, tying it’s past to the future. Mary Bridgette feels life calling her away from the ranch to help with the fight in France during WWI. She leaves with her cousin Eric to fight the fight however she can. Eric joins the artillery and she joins the Salvationist’s. After a few years of the drudgery of fighting and nursing both return to the farm changed a little. Eric more so than Mary. He saw the horrors up close, was injured and sent home to recover. But, the war left him scarred inside as well. They come to develop a group that helps
battle scarred men come to terms as best they can.
Barrister Abrahms was heroically saved by Mary as his plane crashed. The two shared an instant connection. It was so deep for him that he joined the Salvation Army after his service, and eventually made his way to the Broken J ranch to
thank Mary. He attends the meeting with her and a romance begins. Mary’s parents see it and hatch a little plot to
keep him on the ranch for a while. Can these two admit their feelings and come together? This series is a must read.
Danni Roan’s characters always take a piece of my heart.
I especially loved the little surprise link to The Sailors and Saints series.
I have read a TON of Danni’s books and this is tied for number one favorite. I just fell in love with Mary Bridgette and the whole book was wonderful!
Strong, kindhearted , young lady who put others first. Saves life’s and meets the love of her life. War, sacrifices, strong characters and love. A tender romance.
Mary leaves the comforts of home to join the Salvation Army salvationists in Europe during the war. She’s a kindhearted, helpful person who cares about others over her own well being. This puts her in the path of an airman soldier named Barrister when his plane crashes and she pulls him from the wreckage and takes him to the medical tents. She feels drawn to him, and him to her but they don’t understand why. Beautiful love story during what was a tragic war torn era.
Such a great story about family and love. The characters warm my heart and i feel so connected to them. I loved reading about the war and The Salvation Army. Such a great way to learn more about history. A sweet tender romance that tied everything together!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.