When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam.
Her mother’s mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt’s message to its greatest test—but can betrayal be forgiven?
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A Heartbeat Away by S. Dionne Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It would seem that the Civil War is one of those moments in our history that has engendered a number of films, documentaries, and books–maybe more than any other event in our history. And Ms. Moore has now added a very touching look at this moment in our history, and it is certainly well worth the read. Her powers of description and viewing the Civil War in a little different light bring the sights and sounds of this horrendous battle right into our present-day consciousness.
I had never considered the fact that normal, everyday people were caught in the cross-fire of the Civil War. It was chilling to consider that one may look out of their window and see an actual battle being played out. People never knew if a Reb or a Yankee would drop by their house and demand money, food, or just take over their home. Makeshift hospitals were set up for the wounded and the dying in the basements and cellars of people’s homes. I had no idea how dangerous it was.
The story was good, for sure, and the idea of the heroine being disabled made things quite intriguing. I did find myself somewhat bored by the romance, and I would have preferred more historical details. The sovereignty of God does come through, and the Christian message is there, but it is not overbearing. I did find myself sometimes bored, but at least I did not have to endure profanity nor sex scenes. If you are looking for a quick read with a simple love story and some historical elements, this just may be what you are looking for.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Dionne Moore is a historical romance author who resides in South Central PA with her family, surrounded by the beautiful Cumberland Valley and lots of fun, historically rich locations. She is a weekly contributor to “The Borrowed Book”, a blog for book-lovers and “Cozy Mystery Magazine”, for all things cozy mystery.
Find out more about S. Dionne at http://www.sdionnemoore.com/.
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