This was a delightful read by Regina Jennings. I have not come across a book like this in a long while! I loved the historical background of the end of the Civil War and the country farm life of the Ozarks. It had some of the charms and the feel of an Anne of Green Gables or a Little House on the Prairie book which I drank in eagerly.
At the end of the Civil War, Abigail Stuart finds herself nursing one of her last soldiers whom she calls Romeo on account of his love towards a certain "Juliet". On the brink of death, "Romeo", soon thinks of his sister who suffers from rheumatic fever. He implores Abigail to marry him so that he may leave his dear sister in capable hands. He talks about his farm and the horses that would need to be taken care of. Abigail who has kept far from the business of romance, especially to the wounded soldiers she attended, agrees she sees a ray of hope--a fresh start that could come from this proposal. To her it was simply a duty, and far from a romantic marriage. Romeo soon reveals he is Jeremiah Calhoun, and she becomes, Mrs. Jeremiah Calhoun. Little does she know that, Romeo, is not who he claims to be!
Abigail's fresh new start, foreshadowed much about her painful past that kept my interests piqued. What could be so awful as to have her leave her family and home completely? Also, the eager anticipation of the real Jeremiah Calhoun to show up kept me tickled.
As Abigail meets her new family, Mrs. Calhoun and the ill tempered Rachel, she finds herself embraced by one and coldy received by the other. As I read further and further into this book, I found the relationships and characters realistic and believable. The pickle situations Abigail finds herself in when she finds herself "unwidowed" are both hilarious and enjoyable. Not to mention Jeremiah finds himself married to a stranger, and yet all the while his heart is tied to his sweet heart before the war. What a brilliantly lovely mess!
I feel that readers will thoroughly love this book. It is well written, and the storyline enjoyable.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book behalf of Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
