Sunday, November 17, 2019

About the Book

Book: Love’s Allegiance

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: August 15, 2019

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 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.

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

More from Linda

Love’s Allegiance is the fourth book in the Wartime Brides series that retells biblical stories by setting them during World War II. Each story was challenging to write in some way, and this novella was no different.

While brainstorming ways to twist Rebekkah’s and Isaacs’s love story, I happened to take a phone call from my younger brother who is a pastor. I mentioned my quandary that I wasn’t sure which aspect of the home front to address with their story, and he suggested the topic of conscientious objectors (COs).

After we hung up, I realized I knew very little about COs and that I wasn’t sure how I felt about them. Were they cowards, as many people assumed? Were they right? Wrong? Were their convictions biblically based?

I began my research by reading first person account articles and watched oral history interviews with men who served in the Civilian Public Service, a government organization created to use COs who refused military service as medics and other non-combatant roles. More than 12,000 conscientious objectors chose not to take up arms during the war, and I knew I had to tell their side of the story.

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.