About the Book

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: Christian Historical Romance (Civil War)

Release Date: Jan 9, 2018

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 her chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of desperation. 

Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems 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?

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About the Author

Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.com, www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.

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.

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Whitaker House is giving away:

Grand Prize Package: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom Series #1) signed by the author, Sharlene MacLaren, Abba Jerusalem Hyssop 6” Pillar Candle.
1st Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1) by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.
2nd Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c602