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5.0 out of 5 stars
Unwilling Warrior (Seasons of Redemption), September 5, 2010
This review is from: Unwilling Warrior (Seasons of Redemption, Book 1) (Paperback)
When now motherless Valerie Fontaine leaves finishing school in Virginia to be with her grieving father in New Orleans, she doesn't expect his cold reception or the duty of tending to a stranger her father had invited as a house guest. Photographer Benjamin McCabe is equally surprised. But it doesn't take long for their lives to intertwine when it becomes obvious her father is involved with something dangerous and agrees to her unwilling engagement to a man she despises for good reason. Add in a spinster woman determined to marry Ben and a host of other complications, and Unwilling Warrior becomes a novel the reader cannot put down.
I've long been an avid fan of Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar's novels, and Unwilling Warrior is no exception. This beautifully written, historical romance set in the South during the Civil War kept me turning the pages and amazed me with its unexpected twists and turns. Anyone who enjoys historical romance will be deeply touched this multifaceted story, rich with interwoven plot lines and accurate historical detail.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Good story but not much romance, August 12, 2011
This review is from: Unwilling Warrior (Seasons of Redemption, Book 1) (Paperback)
I enjoyed this story and thought it was unique and very well written. The conversations flowed nicely and came across as being realistic. I thought the romance was off to a great start BUT (and here's a bit of a reveal - WARNING) thought the author missed the mark when the groom didn't even kiss the bride before she left and signed the telegram with "sincerely." I know these are minor things but they can effect the story as a whole. I don't think a man in love - that just got married would send his bride off without so much as an "I love you" and a kiss.
I also thought the ending was quite rushed. I thought I had several pages left to read but, no!, that was the first chapter of the next book in the series. Talk about a letdown! Who wants to read the first chapter of a book and then not be able to finish it till you obtain a copy of the book? Not me! I don't need to be enticed to read the next book. If I like the first, I'll get the second.
That being said, I will definitely be getting the 2nd book in the series. I did enjoy the story as a whole and think the author is very talented.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best Christian Civil War romances written, February 22, 2011
This review is from: Unwilling Warrior (Seasons of Redemption, Book 1) (Paperback)
When Valerie Fontaine decides to leave school and return home to grieve her mother's death, and hopefully help her father in the process, she couldn't imagine the situation she would be walking into. Not only does her emotionally distant father seem far from grieving, there is no mistake that her presence is unwanted by him. Add James Ladden, a childhood friend who has less than honorable intentions all the way across the board, and her fathers house guest, the handsome Benjamine McCabe, to the mix, and you have the basis for a page-turning experience.
Set during the Civil War and laced with historical details as well as the sweetest love story imaginable, Boeshaar truly delivers with a novel you will not forget. The characters are well developed from the beginning and each can hold their own in every scene, in every situation, without being predictable or preachy. Some personalities are easier to read, but Boeshaar makes sure their actions aren't, which makes for a surprising finish. This book is part of a now four-part series, but each could be read as a stand alone without missing pertinent information.
My only concerns with the book are on the back cover. (May contain spoilers-be forewarned)"When Valerie's father is arrested....." That does not technically take place due to another life-altering event. I felt this was misleading. Also, "But once Valerie steps off the train she finds herself caught up in a web of lies that threaten to imprison her more than Yankee steel bars ever could." Again, I felt this was misleading as Valerie never led a deceptive life. Catherine tried to taint her reputation and did her best to make Valerie appear less than honorable, however, no one believed her. Everyone held Valerie in high esteem and at no time was there anything done that would cause any of the characters to believe she was lying. The only question left hanging when Valerie stepped off the train was in relation to the implications of her wedding vows.
With the exception of the two marketing bloopers, I felt this was one of the best Christian historical books ever written pertaining to the Civil War era. A must read for Civil War buffs, lovers of romance, or those with high standards when it comes to Christian novels.
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