Wedded to War (Heroines Behind the Lines) [Paperback]

Jocelyn Green (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 20, 2012 | Series: Heroines Behind the Lines (Book 1)

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 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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This novel left me in awe." ~Laurie Alice Eakes, author of Heart's Safe Passage

"Stirring detail and a firm grasp of the historical background." ~Carol Kammen, History News  and Tompkins County (N.Y.) Historian

"Powerful, deep, and heartfelt. A top choice for book clubs!" ~Nora St. Laurent, The Book Club Network

"The research behind this shines. Green's descriptions of the first hospitals, the horrors of battlefield medicine, and the extraordinary courage and vision of the women who took on this challenge carry the whole book. For this alone it's worth the read." -Historical Novel Society

Wow, what an amazing story based on real women in history. When I finished the last page of this book I was changed, much like how I felt after watching Dances with Wolves and Gone with the Wind. Both movies opened my eyes to things I never thought of before or knew existed and it changed how I viewed periods of American history. If only our history book in school was this exciting and memorable. Grin! This is a great book club pick as there is so much to talk about in it. This book is to be experienced and then shared with friends. I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent The Book Club Network

"Fascinating, dramatic, and romantic, Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green sheds light on the harrowing world of Civil War nursing through the eyes of a delightful heroine. Detailed research and a powerful message about mercy make this story a keeper. This is the first in the Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War series, and I'm much anticipating the second book!" - Review by Sarah Sundin, SarahSundin.blogspot.com, 7/12/12

From the Author

I wrote Wedded to War to shine the spotlight on the women who, during the Victorian Age, no less, started something that saved hundreds of thousands of lives. New York City's Women's Central Association for Relief prompted the government to establish the U.S. Sanitary Commission, which supported the government with supplies, nurses, food and much more. The women who pioneered this effort did so at great personal sacrifice and are the unsung heroes of the Civil War.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: River North; New Edition edition (June 20, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802405762
• ISBN-13: 978-0802405760
• Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 5.3 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (135 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,867 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Award-winning author Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage in her readers through both fiction and nonfiction. A former military wife herself, she offers encouragement and hope to military wives worldwide through her Faith Deployed ministry. Her novels, inspired by real heroines on America's home front, are marked by their historical integrity and gritty inspiration.

Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She is an active member of the Evangelical Press Association, Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Military Writers Society of America.

She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, Toblerone chocolate bars, the color red, and reading on her patio. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two small children in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com or join her at facebook.com/jocelyngreenauthor.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, meticulously researched historical fiction. June 27, 2012

By Ruby Beach-Siegel

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is one of the most exquisite works of historical fiction I've ever read. Based on the letters of an educated, wealthy young woman from New York City, Georgianna Woolsey, Jocelyn Green has created a cast of extraordinary characters, several others of which are also based on real people.

At the heart of the novel is the foundation of the United States Sanitary Commission and the advent of women becoming nurses at the beginning of the Civil War. The first American woman to graduate from Yale Medical School and become a physician, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, was the primary force behind the radical notion that women could make effective nurses. As Dr. Blackwell expected, the male medical establishment was not supportive of her ideas, to say the least.

Ms. Green does a phenomenal job of character development. Originally researching the subject for a historical non-fiction project, she decided to incorporate her research into a work of fiction. I am certainly glad that she did! The characters and the story were immersive and I learned quite a lot. I had no idea that a person whose life & works have always fascinated me, Frederick Law Olmsted, was the first Executive Secretary of the United States Sanitary Commission. His character was fleshed out extremely well. I could really feel his frustration as he fought to get the supplies, medicines and staffing he needed from the government.

I loved the portrayal of strong, intelligent women who were fighting to do what they could to help the soldiers while meeting fierce resistance along the way. There was also a completely despicable villain - don't worry, no spoilers here! - and several moderately despicable villains.

I will admit to some trepidation after reading "Praise for Wedded to War" at the beginning of the book. The genre of Christian Fiction is generally not my cup of tea. I'm so glad I didn't let that put me off. I felt that the religious discussions between the characters were completely appropriate.

It was a wonderful read, and I'm sure I'll be thinking of the characters in the book for a long time to come.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another well-written novel set amid the horrors of the Civil War July 31, 2012

By Katie McCurdy

Format:Paperback

Okay, first off I just have to say that the War Between the States has intrigued and fascinated me ever since I discovered my love for history. That being said, pretty much any book that has an accurate view of the war I am bound to totally be enthralled with--both to learn new things about the war and to read historians that get the facts straight.

Jocelyn Green has done an outstanding job with Wedded to War! Better than I had expected, when I first began the book. While I am a southern girl at heart (Yay, Johnny Reb!), I was spellbound with this heart-wrenching view of how difficult it was for the Northern medical field during the war. The South had a lot of hardships during the war, but so did the North. And, really, Green never "took sides" or even got into the political aspects of the war--Wedded to War focused solely on the medical side of the war and women's (VERY!) hard role in becoming efficient nurses.

The romance wasn't a major part of Wedded to War, but I honestly liked the book more because of that--it's nice to take a break from reading heated romances and delve into history. And not to say that this book doesn't have an ounce of romance--oh no! Charlotte has her fair share of courting troubles, a belligerent suitor, and one steadfast friend who has been with her through the hard times. There are a few scenes with adult content that might not be suitable for younger readers. A woman is raped in one scene, another scene where a woman sells her body to survive, as well as several references to prostitution in conversations. But in all of these, Green did a very good job at not getting too descriptive or detailed. I was impressed.

All in all, I really enjoyed Wedded to War. The ending came together quickly and, in my opinion, a bit too neatly. But that'd didn't affect my whole, overall thoughts. I will be placing Wedded to War alongside my other favorite "Civil War Era" books. It was well written, had believable characters, and gave you such a vivid peak into the horrors of war...you will close the book thankful for modern advancements in medicine and hospitals. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!

I reviewed this book for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Thanks to the publishers, Bethany House, for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful! June 27, 2012

By scooter

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wedded to War is a wonderfully written story! I could not put it down! The characters are endearing and the author easily paints a picture of life in New York during the start of the Civil War. The story opens and flows in such a way that even in 2012 I can identify and relate to the characters and felt their pain and joy as the story went on. I love that real letters from Georgeanna (the real heroine) are included. I highly suggest this book!