*2013 Christy Award Finalist (Historical Fiction and First Novel categories)
It’s April 1861, and the Union Army’s Medical Department is a disaster, completely unprepared for the magnitude of war. A small group of New York City women, including 28-year-old Charlotte Waverly, decide to do something about it, and end up changing the course of the war, despite criticism, ridicule and social … and social ostracism. Charlotte leaves a life of privilege, wealth-and confining expectations-to be one of the first female nurses for the Union Army. She quickly discovers that she’s fighting more than just the Rebellion by working in the hospitals. Corruption, harassment, and opposition from Northern doctors threaten to push her out of her new role. At the same time, her sweetheart disapproves of her shocking strength and independence, forcing her to make an impossible decision: Will she choose love and marriage, or duty to a cause that seems to be losing? An Irish immigrant named Ruby O’Flannery, who turns to the unthinkable in the face of starvation, holds the secret that will unlock the door to Charlotte’s future. But will the rich and poor confide in each other in time?
Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey’s letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured.
Jocelyn Green’s debut novel is endorsed by historians and professors for its historical accuracy and detail, by award-winning novelists for its spell-binding storytelling, and by entertainment journalists and book club leaders for its deep and complex content, perfect to share and discuss with others.
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Ms. Green’s research and strong characters shine in this first book of the Heroines Behind the Lines series. It’s an excellent tribute to the nurses who fought to save soldiers on both sides of the fight.
This book, the first in a fantastic four novel series, is a Civil War fiction lover’s gold standard In terms of research, depth, and beautiful prose. Following more than one point of view character, this story takes the reader from high society Manhattan, touches down with the poor Irish living in Five Points, and brings both to the great …
This book, even though it if fiction, was close enough to the “real thing” to have a lot of meat in it. very enjoyable, and a book with history. Read the summation at the end about the real people the book is based on and it just may open an eye or two.
Jocelyn Green is one of my all time favorite authors. I was first introduced to her work a few years ago when I read her book “The Mark of the King”, and it remains one of my favorite novels ever. So when I recently saw that she had written an earlier novel based on the life a real Civil War era nurse, I knew I needed to read it.
I was NOT …
I’m late to the party on this one, but I’m so glad I arrived. I’ve read Ms. Green’s other books but hadn’t started her first series until now. As always her impeccable research and eye for detail is impressive. You feel like you are transported into the midst of the Civil War Era and can see and feel what the first female nurses endured to be …
As a nurse, I now have a whole new appreciation as well as deep gratitude to all of the nurses that made such selfless sacrifices so that today I could be well respected and regarded by other nurses and doctors. The story is factual and well-written with a great story line woven in the midst of great horrors endured by soldiers and medical …
The story was great but also the information I learned about civil war and the idea of nursing and what women in medicine had to go through. Amazing
It kept moving and I loved learning about the time period. It was a clean romance without sensual scenes. The Christian part was not preachy nor overbearing but quite good.
Great read.
Jocelyn Green is an artist – she paints history with lyrical words in settings so real you might cringe or cry as you read. This was by far the very best audio book I have ever listened to. It seemed more like radio theater than just a reader. Narrator, Laura Richcreek, was amazing. I stopped midway thru listening and checked to be sure it was not …
This is my second time reading this book and it was even better than I remembered. I listened to the audiobook this time and Laura E. Richcreek did such a phenomenal job. She really brought this story to life and I wanted to keep listening even after the book was finished. I can’t wait to hear to the last two books in the series!
Green’s …
This is a historical novel that masterfully entwines the lives of women living during the civil war. It is rich in detail and full of surprises. Loved it!
A Story of perseverance, courage, heartbreak, faith and hope during the Civil War.
Captivating, is one word to describe the story woven throughout Wedded to War. From the first page to the last the characters come alive, the historical facts create authenticity through female heroines that is rare in historical fiction. Jocelyn Green has once …
What a powerful story!! Right from the beginning, I was swept away on a tidal wave of words and blissfully along for the ride. What a beautiful and poignant picture this story paints. I absolutely loved it! The historical details are flawless. I wasn’t previously aware that women nurses got their foot-hold in the practice of Nursing during the …
I actually found myself looking for more household chores to do so that I could listen to this audiobook longer. I thoroughly enjoyed Wedded to War. The narrator, Laura E. Richcreek, had such a pleasant voice and did a great job with distinct character voices. It seemed as if she was truly engaged in the story as she narrated. And why not? …
The characters of Charlotte and Ruby formed an unlikely friendship that told an epic story from women’s point of view during the Civil War years. I learned significant Civil War history details that I had not heard before. I was thrilled to hear the narrator sing songs as they appeared in the story. These songs were important to the setting and …
Such a dynamic story from the beginning to the end! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful! I absolutely loved the way she portrayed each character’s voice, especially Ruby, the Irish immigrant. She really brought the story alive. The author, Mrs. Jocelyn Green, wrote this Civil War story based on a real lady. I loved the story …
WEDDED TO WAR, Civil War Book 1 in Heroines Behind the Lines by Jocelyn Green. Although I’ve always been a huge fan of Civil War stories, I don’t always loose sleep because I can’t put the book down at bedtime. Jocelyn’s WEDDED TO WAR was impossible to put down. My interest was caught from the beginning with characters who are most believable for …
Love the history!
Wonderful book and series based on real people and events during the Civil War