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Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War #2
Widow of Gettysburg
For all who have suffered great loss of heart, home, health or family; true home and genuine lasting love can be found.
When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering-and a Confederate scout who awakens her long dormant heart.
But when the scout doesn't die she discovers he isn't who he claims to be .
While Liberty's future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty's hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.
In the wake of shattered homes and bodies, Liberty and Bella struggle to pick up the pieces the battle has left behind. Will Liberty be defined by the tragedy in her life, or will she find a way to triumph over it?
Inspired by first-person accounts from women who lived in Gettysburg during the battle and its aftermath, Widow of Gettysburg is the Book 2 in the Heroines Behind the Lines series. These books do not need to be read in succession. For more information & resources about the Heroines Behind the Lines series, visit www.heroinesbehindthelines.com.
When a horrific battle rips through Gettysburg, the farm of Union widow Liberty Holloway is disfigured into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face to face with unspeakable suffering-and a Confederate scout who awakens her long dormant heart.
But when the scout doesn't die she discovers he isn't who he claims to be .
While Liberty's future crumbles as her home is destroyed, the past comes rushing back to Bella, a former slave and Liberty's hired help, when she finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers, one of whom knows the secret that would place Liberty in danger if revealed.
In the wake of shattered homes and bodies, Liberty and Bella struggle to pick up the pieces the battle has left behind. Will Liberty be defined by the tragedy in her life, or will she find a way to triumph over it?
Inspired by first-person accounts from women who lived in Gettysburg during the battle and its aftermath, Widow of Gettysburg is the Book 2 in the Heroines Behind the Lines series. These books do not need to be read in succession. For more information & resources about the Heroines Behind the Lines series, visit www.heroinesbehindthelines.com.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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1992 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
October 11, 2019
I’m not going to say much apart from, I learnt a lot from this book about the history of Gettysburg and the women who where resilient and strong.
Powerful read.
Powerful read.
August 23, 2018
Jocelyn Green is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, but it occurred to me that I had yet to finish her Civil War series - I even had this book on my Kindle already, and it had languished there for entirely too long. When a book has multiple perspectives (as in 3 or 4), I'm usually not a keen to read it. For whatever reason, it just makes me impatient, and I'm usually yearning to get back to so-and-so's character to see what's going on. However, in Widow of Gettysburg, each character has something rich and compelling to say. Their lives are different, yet entwined in ways that seem very distant at the start of the novel but grows nearer with each chapter. Each character seemed like their own separate strand, with seemingly no way to be pulled together, until Green does so with a deft hand. Though the plot does move steadily, the characters also grow and adapt as things grow dire around them. There was only one character that I felt didn't really add much to the plot. It's not a huge part of the story, so it didn't bother me overall, just could have done without.
The historical detail is both disturbing and riveting. I appreciated the realism of a Civil War hospital without it being too gory or overly detailed. I also appreciate that Green focuses on a lot of the aftermath of the war, not just battles or espionage. How were they to pick up the pieces and move on after so much devastation and some life-changing revelations? A few of the events left me shocked and glued to my Kindle to see what would happen next. Green bases her characters and events on real people and real events in history, using expert research as well as first-person narration as basis for consultation. I love when I feel a bit smarter after I've finished a book, a bit more enlightened about a formerly nameless person's role in such a critical point in United States history.
This reader's heart was emboldened by the bravery and sacrifice of not only these characters, but also of real men and women, black and white, who fought for their own freedom and the freedom of others. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
The historical detail is both disturbing and riveting. I appreciated the realism of a Civil War hospital without it being too gory or overly detailed. I also appreciate that Green focuses on a lot of the aftermath of the war, not just battles or espionage. How were they to pick up the pieces and move on after so much devastation and some life-changing revelations? A few of the events left me shocked and glued to my Kindle to see what would happen next. Green bases her characters and events on real people and real events in history, using expert research as well as first-person narration as basis for consultation. I love when I feel a bit smarter after I've finished a book, a bit more enlightened about a formerly nameless person's role in such a critical point in United States history.
This reader's heart was emboldened by the bravery and sacrifice of not only these characters, but also of real men and women, black and white, who fought for their own freedom and the freedom of others. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
December 26, 2025
2016
As the newest member of my book club I felt added pressure to suggest a good title for the group to read and discuss. However, knowing that all the members of our group enjoy historical fiction I had confidence in suggesting a title by Jocelyn Green. Time and again Green has delighted me with well-researched, well-written, and flawlessly delivered Civil War era novels. Widow of Gettysburg was no exception.
In Widow of Gettysburg, Green assembles a diverse group of characters: a seminary school drop-out, news reporter, former slave, and a young Union widow. The manner in which their stories overlap and intertwine makes for a compelling read. I was always looking forward to what would happen next and wondering how their struggles would eventually play out. A major theme was our propensity to judge others based on outward appearances instead of right judgement (John 7:24). This played out in many ways in this story based on gender, the color of a person's skin, and the color of one's uniform. These prejudices along with the ample amount of factual history within these pages will provide plenty of fodder for our book club discussion.
I've read 3 titles from the Heroines Behind the Lines Series, but not in sequential order (#3, #4, #2). This indicates how strong each title is, and how well they each can stand on their own. I highly recommend this series to both history buffs, and book clubs!
July 21, 2018
2.75 stars.
I think I enjoyed this book as much as the last one. It was well written, well researched, and interesting. Unfortunately, the romance didn't do anything for me. I almost think that this story would've been better without it. The historical aspect was so strong that it overwhelmed any feelings I had about the MCs' relationship, one way or the other. I feel bad about saying it, but I didn't really care if the widow remarried because there were people of colour being kidnapped and returned to slavery.
I appreciated what the author tried to do by giving us all different perspectives of this time period. It definitely made for a historically (albeit slightly Union-skewed) read. However, it also had the unintentional side effect of making it hard to connect to any of the characters. We spend a chapter or so with one character before moving onto another character and the narrative gained little traction that way.
Others have commented on the fact that Ms. Green put a decidedly Union slant on things, where all Southerners were evil, slave-owning reprobates, while the Northerners were all loving, abolitionist saints. I didn't find this to be the case. The author made sure to point out the flaws of both camps; there were Northerners who abused colored people and Southerners who were willing to help hurt Union soldiers. The takeaway I had from this story was that people are essentially flawed. We can do the best we can, live with the most integrity and compassion we can, and leave the rest to God.
I did like the inspirational message of this story. While the MCs may not have been the most compelling, their change in perspectives as the story progressed resonated with me. Can we truly show love to our neighbors even if we had fundamental differences? Should we obey laws we disagree with and when should we make a stand? These are questions that we need to ask ourselves no matter where and when we live.
I think I enjoyed this book as much as the last one. It was well written, well researched, and interesting. Unfortunately, the romance didn't do anything for me. I almost think that this story would've been better without it. The historical aspect was so strong that it overwhelmed any feelings I had about the MCs' relationship, one way or the other. I feel bad about saying it, but I didn't really care if the widow remarried because there were people of colour being kidnapped and returned to slavery.
I appreciated what the author tried to do by giving us all different perspectives of this time period. It definitely made for a historically (albeit slightly Union-skewed) read. However, it also had the unintentional side effect of making it hard to connect to any of the characters. We spend a chapter or so with one character before moving onto another character and the narrative gained little traction that way.
Others have commented on the fact that Ms. Green put a decidedly Union slant on things, where all Southerners were evil, slave-owning reprobates, while the Northerners were all loving, abolitionist saints. I didn't find this to be the case. The author made sure to point out the flaws of both camps; there were Northerners who abused colored people and Southerners who were willing to help hurt Union soldiers. The takeaway I had from this story was that people are essentially flawed. We can do the best we can, live with the most integrity and compassion we can, and leave the rest to God.
I did like the inspirational message of this story. While the MCs may not have been the most compelling, their change in perspectives as the story progressed resonated with me. Can we truly show love to our neighbors even if we had fundamental differences? Should we obey laws we disagree with and when should we make a stand? These are questions that we need to ask ourselves no matter where and when we live.
March 16, 2019
Liberty Holloway is a young Union widow caught in the crossfire of one of the Civil War’s most well-known battles. Widowed early in her marriage, she now plans to turn her empty farmhouse into an inn only to have it commandeered as a Confederate hospital. As Libby cares for the enemy under her roof she learns that she is stronger than she ever thought possible. Meanwhile tragedies and lies from the past bring her future into question.
This was such an emotional story and kept me fascinated throughout. I even gasped out loud a time or two. While I found them fascinating and tastefully written, while still being true to the harsh reality of the period, some of the medical procedures might be a bit much for some readers. The supporting cast of characters was diverse, and many different subjects were touched upon though them.
The narrator did a wonderful job. Each character had their own unique voice and I never found myself wondering who exactly was speaking. I look forward to the audio versions of the rest of the series.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This was such an emotional story and kept me fascinated throughout. I even gasped out loud a time or two. While I found them fascinating and tastefully written, while still being true to the harsh reality of the period, some of the medical procedures might be a bit much for some readers. The supporting cast of characters was diverse, and many different subjects were touched upon though them.
The narrator did a wonderful job. Each character had their own unique voice and I never found myself wondering who exactly was speaking. I look forward to the audio versions of the rest of the series.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
December 4, 2023
I appreciate the depth of history in these novels! It does make me envision the reality much more.
For more sheltered readers, this book does deal with rape, though no details are explicit.
I do feel like it’s a little more traditional in how the south is portrayed (with an emphasis on slavery rather than states rights).
There were some relational connections I hadn’t anticipated in this book, so that was delightful.
For more sheltered readers, this book does deal with rape, though no details are explicit.
I do feel like it’s a little more traditional in how the south is portrayed (with an emphasis on slavery rather than states rights).
There were some relational connections I hadn’t anticipated in this book, so that was delightful.
January 1, 2021
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Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg took me longer to get into than its predecessor, but looking back, I feel it stronger than Wedded to War. I do not mean to deride the earlier novel; I simply feel Liberty and Bella's stories pair more convincingly than Charlotte and Ruby's. These women have their own stories, but it clear from the beginning that their journeys will unfold together, and I think the tighter composition resulted in a far more satisfying read.
I loved how Green used the heroines of this story to explore the experiences of their community. I was familiar with the battle when I visited Gettysburg, but I was surprised and fascinated by the civilians who weathered the battle and carried on in its aftermath. The town's residents exhibited remarkable fortitude, and I delight in seeing that resilience reflected so clearly on the pages of this narrative.
I could have done without the romantic storyline, but I genuinely appreciated the themes of this piece. Liberty's journey illustrates what it means to love one's enemies in the most literal circumstances, and I am not ashamed to admit I lost myself the thoughts that plot point inspired. Bella's story is equally compelling for its focus on identity, family, and loyalty. That said, Bella doesn't enjoy the spotlight as often as her counterpart, and I couldn't help wishing she'd been allowed to take center stage more often.
Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg took me longer to get into than its predecessor, but looking back, I feel it stronger than Wedded to War. I do not mean to deride the earlier novel; I simply feel Liberty and Bella's stories pair more convincingly than Charlotte and Ruby's. These women have their own stories, but it clear from the beginning that their journeys will unfold together, and I think the tighter composition resulted in a far more satisfying read.
I loved how Green used the heroines of this story to explore the experiences of their community. I was familiar with the battle when I visited Gettysburg, but I was surprised and fascinated by the civilians who weathered the battle and carried on in its aftermath. The town's residents exhibited remarkable fortitude, and I delight in seeing that resilience reflected so clearly on the pages of this narrative.
I could have done without the romantic storyline, but I genuinely appreciated the themes of this piece. Liberty's journey illustrates what it means to love one's enemies in the most literal circumstances, and I am not ashamed to admit I lost myself the thoughts that plot point inspired. Bella's story is equally compelling for its focus on identity, family, and loyalty. That said, Bella doesn't enjoy the spotlight as often as her counterpart, and I couldn't help wishing she'd been allowed to take center stage more often.
August 14, 2016
This book, unlike the first, is more character driven. There is still plenty of history for us history buffs, but the heroine in this novel seems more prevalent and real than the backdrop.
This book takes a look at what a war leaves behind- broken homes, relationships, people, and entire towns. We tend to focus on just the battles not the aftermath that is left behind. This book will take you there and make it real. A truly captivating read! I highly recommend it.
This book takes a look at what a war leaves behind- broken homes, relationships, people, and entire towns. We tend to focus on just the battles not the aftermath that is left behind. This book will take you there and make it real. A truly captivating read! I highly recommend it.
August 26, 2019
Another great read from Jocelyn Green!
November 17, 2020
This book drew me in from the very beginning. My heart went out to Liberty, who was trying to prove her worth as more than 'a symbol'. I loved seeing her interactions with Bella, Silas, Amelia, and Harrison as their stories intertwined in ways that I could not have foreseen.
I loved that Liberty chose to 'rise up' when she was tasked with the almost impossible job of loving her enemies. I love that she discovered her own worth as a daughter of God as she sought to do His will for her life.
I won't spoil the ending, but will simply say that it brought me to tears.
4.5 stars
I loved that Liberty chose to 'rise up' when she was tasked with the almost impossible job of loving her enemies. I love that she discovered her own worth as a daughter of God as she sought to do His will for her life.
I won't spoil the ending, but will simply say that it brought me to tears.
4.5 stars
June 4, 2024
I really enjoyed Widow of Gettysburg! I loved Liberty and her bravery. This book was so inspirational. I highly recommend Widow of Gettysburg!
May 28, 2022
It's 1863 and the Civil War is raging. The newest battle is aimed at Gettysburg Pennsylvania. Widow Liberty Holloway's plantation is right in the middle of the battlefield; but unfortunately, it is the Confederate rebels that have control of the ground nearest her plantation. When injuries start piling up, the Confederate medical corps confiscate her home and turn it into a hospital. Liberty must make a decision whether she will leave or help treat the injured and look at them as men rather than rebels.
Green does an excellent job of bringing the Civil War to life. Her historical research is evident throughout the story as she tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg and the massive death toll that accrued. The characters and plot are well written, and I felt like I was right there in the midst of the battle as well as the fight to save men's lives.
Green does an excellent job of bringing the Civil War to life. Her historical research is evident throughout the story as she tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg and the massive death toll that accrued. The characters and plot are well written, and I felt like I was right there in the midst of the battle as well as the fight to save men's lives.
June 5, 2019
Excellent storytelling with an intricate plot and a cast of layered characters made The Widow of Gettysburg one that kept me enthralled. Liberty is an orphan and a widow when the bloodiest battle of the Civil War comes to her doorstep. Loyal to the Union, she is dismayed when her home is taken over to be a Confederate hospital and she is asked to tend men wearing the same uniforms as those who killed her husband. Jocelyn Green does and amazing job of highlighting the complications of the Civil War with multi-faceted characters who have to examine their faith, their loyalties, and their own pasts and prejudices.
Green weaves an intricate plot with the people affected by the battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath. Not only is the amount of research and details from history clearly evident, Green is a master at making both history and story leap from the page. With complicated characters, vivid scenery, an intricately woven plot, and her ability to stir the reader’s emotions, Green has crafted a phenomenal tale that highlights her exceptional writing and is one historical fiction fans simply can’t miss.
Green weaves an intricate plot with the people affected by the battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath. Not only is the amount of research and details from history clearly evident, Green is a master at making both history and story leap from the page. With complicated characters, vivid scenery, an intricately woven plot, and her ability to stir the reader’s emotions, Green has crafted a phenomenal tale that highlights her exceptional writing and is one historical fiction fans simply can’t miss.
October 13, 2017
Widow of Gettysburg, book 2 of Heroines Behind the Lines, is yet another great ready by Jocelyn Green!
Loved the first one in the series and pushed my list around to read this second one because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen on this trip behind the lines of the Civil War with strong courageous women. I wasn't disappointed!
Of course, my favorite characters were Liberty and Silas! I loved the verses from Phil. 3:13, 14 which summed up Liberty and Silas. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." They are both souls that have gone through much and have to strive for those things which are before them.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the way that Green writes her characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
Loved the first one in the series and pushed my list around to read this second one because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen on this trip behind the lines of the Civil War with strong courageous women. I wasn't disappointed!
Of course, my favorite characters were Liberty and Silas! I loved the verses from Phil. 3:13, 14 which summed up Liberty and Silas. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." They are both souls that have gone through much and have to strive for those things which are before them.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the way that Green writes her characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
March 31, 2019
I was excited to read this novel since Gettysburg has long since captivated me. Jocelyn Green does a great job of combining battle knowledge, historical fact, social injustice, and harrowing story.
The stories of multiple women who valiantly served before, during, and after the battle were the highlight of this novel, although the romance between Liberty and Silas was significant enough to make me swoon!
I look forward to reading more from Ms. Green!
The stories of multiple women who valiantly served before, during, and after the battle were the highlight of this novel, although the romance between Liberty and Silas was significant enough to make me swoon!
I look forward to reading more from Ms. Green!
April 28, 2013
In this heartrending story of the Battle of Gettysburg Jocelyn Green gives us a look into the lives of several of the many women that struggled to survive the horrors of war.
Liberty Holloway, our nineteen year old heroine has been a widow for almost two years since her young husband Levi died in the Battle of Bull Run. Since a young age Liberty was taught by her cruel aunt she wasn’t worth anything and that she would never make anything of her life. That’s why her mother gave her away. So now Liberty lives all alone on her farm still in her Widow’s Weeds. Will she forever be known as the Widow of Gettysburg representing all the women who’ve lost so much? Will she ever feel she has made something of her life?
The day a stranger rode up to the farm and asked for something to eat was the day things began to change for Liberty. She has no clue he is Silas Ford, the handsome young man that tried to befriend her when her aunt would belittle her as a child. Once upon a time Silas had been a student at the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg until an outrageous chain of events forever changed his life. When Silas mentions to Liberty that she should start living again, at first she is upset but after he leaves she thinks about it and decides he is right so she puts away her mourning clothes. Will Liberty ever see this handsome stranger again?
Bella Jamison, a freed slave that works for some of the ladies of Gettysburg, remembers the feel of a whip slicing her back apart. She remembers every atrocity done to her at the hand of an evil master and because of an unspeakable act Bella has to keep a secret that could destroy the live of someone she holds dear if it ever comes to light.
On July 1st 1863 the first sounds of battle were heard and Liberty had no clue that in a very few hours her house would be used as a field hospital for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. When the doctor asks Liberty to help hold a light for him to perform amputations she tells him she cannot do it. Will Liberty find a strength that can only come from God to help these men whose cause took the life of her husband? Will she follow God’s leading and realize she can make her life count by helping those who cannot help themselves?
My simple words cannot begin to describe the depth of this novel. From the very beginning I found myself drawn in the story, it was as if I could close my eyes and hear the sounds of battle—the cannons firing, the sounds of the wounded in agony. Then I think of all that was lost during that time—the young men who only a few years before were babies on their momma’s laps, the men who died that day because of their love for this country who left behind wives and children. Ms. Green did a superb job bringing to light the strength of the women that were left to clean up the carnage this war left behind. Ms. Green has actual statements from women that survived this horrific time, it was so enthralling to read in their own words how they felt about what was happening. This book is not for the faint of heart because there are scenes that will disturb you. Even though I found myself in tears at one point from the descriptions I feel my life is so much more enriched after reading this and I know you will feel the same. Thank you Ms. Green, for creating this masterpiece.
Liberty Holloway, our nineteen year old heroine has been a widow for almost two years since her young husband Levi died in the Battle of Bull Run. Since a young age Liberty was taught by her cruel aunt she wasn’t worth anything and that she would never make anything of her life. That’s why her mother gave her away. So now Liberty lives all alone on her farm still in her Widow’s Weeds. Will she forever be known as the Widow of Gettysburg representing all the women who’ve lost so much? Will she ever feel she has made something of her life?
The day a stranger rode up to the farm and asked for something to eat was the day things began to change for Liberty. She has no clue he is Silas Ford, the handsome young man that tried to befriend her when her aunt would belittle her as a child. Once upon a time Silas had been a student at the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg until an outrageous chain of events forever changed his life. When Silas mentions to Liberty that she should start living again, at first she is upset but after he leaves she thinks about it and decides he is right so she puts away her mourning clothes. Will Liberty ever see this handsome stranger again?
Bella Jamison, a freed slave that works for some of the ladies of Gettysburg, remembers the feel of a whip slicing her back apart. She remembers every atrocity done to her at the hand of an evil master and because of an unspeakable act Bella has to keep a secret that could destroy the live of someone she holds dear if it ever comes to light.
On July 1st 1863 the first sounds of battle were heard and Liberty had no clue that in a very few hours her house would be used as a field hospital for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. When the doctor asks Liberty to help hold a light for him to perform amputations she tells him she cannot do it. Will Liberty find a strength that can only come from God to help these men whose cause took the life of her husband? Will she follow God’s leading and realize she can make her life count by helping those who cannot help themselves?
My simple words cannot begin to describe the depth of this novel. From the very beginning I found myself drawn in the story, it was as if I could close my eyes and hear the sounds of battle—the cannons firing, the sounds of the wounded in agony. Then I think of all that was lost during that time—the young men who only a few years before were babies on their momma’s laps, the men who died that day because of their love for this country who left behind wives and children. Ms. Green did a superb job bringing to light the strength of the women that were left to clean up the carnage this war left behind. Ms. Green has actual statements from women that survived this horrific time, it was so enthralling to read in their own words how they felt about what was happening. This book is not for the faint of heart because there are scenes that will disturb you. Even though I found myself in tears at one point from the descriptions I feel my life is so much more enriched after reading this and I know you will feel the same. Thank you Ms. Green, for creating this masterpiece.
April 26, 2013
"We can let tragedy define us, or we can refuse to let the story end there." (Page 365)
Widow of Gettysburg is an incredible follow-up to Wedded to War in the Heroines Behind the Lines series. This book sets up the reader in the Gettysburg area right before the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. We get an up close and personal look at real people -- not the soldiers who bravely fought on each side, but the people living in Gettysburg just before and during the battle.
We look into the faces of injured soldiers during the battle, not a glancing look that causes the reader to relive the arguments about who was right and wrong, but a solid look at the sons, brothers and husbands that went to war. We see past their convictions and political leanings and into their humanness, their doubts, their longings.
And then, instead of moving on with the pace of the war, we stay in Gettysburg and see what life was like after the battle. While each side fought on for another two years, what happened with those injured at Gettysburg? And how did Gettysburg pick up the pieces?
What I Liked
"Right now, who she was did not matter. Her actions did. This time, she would make them count." (Page 104)
Though part of me wanted to rush through this story, another part wanted to take its time, to savor what was being laid out before my eyes. Gems like the passage above got my brain thinking outside the story and into my own life -- past those times where I knew I had failed, or at least chosen poorly. In this instance, I wanted to be like Liberty and make the choice that today, my actions would matter to someone. I love when a fiction book challenges you to be more than you are, more than you thought you could be!
I found the pace very good. Mrs. Green did well in sticking to the timeline within the historical context, and added in all the busyness and uncertainty of the time period without overwhelming the reader.
The characters were well developed, some showing great spiritual or emotional growth and others far less. The emotions the people dealt with were real as the characters struggled with the issues of the day. Even from my comfortable home 150 years later, I wondered at my own reactions to some of the events that confronted Liberty, Bella, Silas and Amelia.
Although I am no expert on either the time period, I didn't read anything that caused me to pause. The research seemed reasonable and the tidbits of history flowed well within the story without sounding forced or lecturing. I really appreciated the notes at the end of the story explaining which people or scenes were fiction and which were historical fact.
The Bottom Line - 5 stars
I loved this book! It had a good storyline, compounding problems, raw emotions and, best I could tell with my limited knowledge, stuck faithfully to the true history, people and culture of the time period. The story pulled at my heart and challenged me to apply God's principles freshly to my daily life. I loved picking it up and had trouble putting it down.
If you enjoy historical romances or or want to know more about the American Civil War, then I highly recommend giving this book a try. Although it is book 2 of the series, you can read this one as a stand alone novel without a problem.
Widow of Gettysburg is an incredible follow-up to Wedded to War in the Heroines Behind the Lines series. This book sets up the reader in the Gettysburg area right before the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. We get an up close and personal look at real people -- not the soldiers who bravely fought on each side, but the people living in Gettysburg just before and during the battle.
We look into the faces of injured soldiers during the battle, not a glancing look that causes the reader to relive the arguments about who was right and wrong, but a solid look at the sons, brothers and husbands that went to war. We see past their convictions and political leanings and into their humanness, their doubts, their longings.
And then, instead of moving on with the pace of the war, we stay in Gettysburg and see what life was like after the battle. While each side fought on for another two years, what happened with those injured at Gettysburg? And how did Gettysburg pick up the pieces?
What I Liked
"Right now, who she was did not matter. Her actions did. This time, she would make them count." (Page 104)
Though part of me wanted to rush through this story, another part wanted to take its time, to savor what was being laid out before my eyes. Gems like the passage above got my brain thinking outside the story and into my own life -- past those times where I knew I had failed, or at least chosen poorly. In this instance, I wanted to be like Liberty and make the choice that today, my actions would matter to someone. I love when a fiction book challenges you to be more than you are, more than you thought you could be!
I found the pace very good. Mrs. Green did well in sticking to the timeline within the historical context, and added in all the busyness and uncertainty of the time period without overwhelming the reader.
The characters were well developed, some showing great spiritual or emotional growth and others far less. The emotions the people dealt with were real as the characters struggled with the issues of the day. Even from my comfortable home 150 years later, I wondered at my own reactions to some of the events that confronted Liberty, Bella, Silas and Amelia.
Although I am no expert on either the time period, I didn't read anything that caused me to pause. The research seemed reasonable and the tidbits of history flowed well within the story without sounding forced or lecturing. I really appreciated the notes at the end of the story explaining which people or scenes were fiction and which were historical fact.
The Bottom Line - 5 stars
I loved this book! It had a good storyline, compounding problems, raw emotions and, best I could tell with my limited knowledge, stuck faithfully to the true history, people and culture of the time period. The story pulled at my heart and challenged me to apply God's principles freshly to my daily life. I loved picking it up and had trouble putting it down.
If you enjoy historical romances or or want to know more about the American Civil War, then I highly recommend giving this book a try. Although it is book 2 of the series, you can read this one as a stand alone novel without a problem.
July 15, 2013
As one who has studied war in college but not experienced it in real life, I found Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg to be more effective at conveying the horrors of battle than most of the non fiction I read in college. Part of it is that I cannot see myself in the place of a soldier, which is the viewpoint taken by most when writing of war, but I can see myself as Liberty Holloway, a woman who knows nothing of battle but suddenly ends up in the midst of its aftermath. She is not particularly happy about housing and helping the enemy's wounded, nor does she know how to deal with digging out bullets and amputating limbs, and to top it off her home - and her livelihood as an innkeeper - are basically destroyed without ever feeling a bullet. But she relies on God through it all, and she finds a strength that surpasses her former understanding.
Widow of Gettysburg is such a poignant depiction of that historical town in the days leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath, as Gettysburg and its inhabitants slowly recover from the devastation. It really encourages one to really think about how a battle affects civilians. Through Liberty's eyes, we can grasp the horrible sights, the putrid odors, the fatigue, the hunger, and the devastation that remains when "it is all over" and the rebel soldiers are gone. Her house and barn are half destroyed, she has no garden or animals left, her food supplies were gone in a day, all spare bedding and material were shredded for bandages, and she only has one dress left to her name. Those are just the material side effects; if anything, after caring for the wounded, she has changed even more emotionally and spiritually.These things were not unique to Liberty - these things happened to real women all over Gettysburg, throughout the whole Civil War, and probably at nearly every battle in history that could in any way affect civilians.
Green's novel is full of good characters who are likeable, and yet none are perfect - each has issues to work through, from the main characters Liberty and Silas, to her former mother-in-law and the rebel doctor. Even the undisputed bad guys have moments of grace just like anyone. Besides the obvious plot of the assault on Gettysburg, there is also a strong storyline full of surprises that further inspires the main characters and moves them on their personal journeys.
Widow of Gettysburg is such a poignant depiction of that historical town in the days leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath, as Gettysburg and its inhabitants slowly recover from the devastation. It really encourages one to really think about how a battle affects civilians. Through Liberty's eyes, we can grasp the horrible sights, the putrid odors, the fatigue, the hunger, and the devastation that remains when "it is all over" and the rebel soldiers are gone. Her house and barn are half destroyed, she has no garden or animals left, her food supplies were gone in a day, all spare bedding and material were shredded for bandages, and she only has one dress left to her name. Those are just the material side effects; if anything, after caring for the wounded, she has changed even more emotionally and spiritually.These things were not unique to Liberty - these things happened to real women all over Gettysburg, throughout the whole Civil War, and probably at nearly every battle in history that could in any way affect civilians.
Green's novel is full of good characters who are likeable, and yet none are perfect - each has issues to work through, from the main characters Liberty and Silas, to her former mother-in-law and the rebel doctor. Even the undisputed bad guys have moments of grace just like anyone. Besides the obvious plot of the assault on Gettysburg, there is also a strong storyline full of surprises that further inspires the main characters and moves them on their personal journeys.
April 17, 2013
Ms. Green's meticulous attention to historical detail is a hallmark of her style. She has a compelling voice, and creates plots and characters that surprise, delight, challenge and ultimately inspire.
Liberty Halloway lost her husband early on in the war, and has been left to run her farm near Gettysburg with only the help of a hired freed woman and the companionship of a half blind and deaf Newfoundland dog. Dressed in "grave clothes", she greets a potential boarder who turns out to be a half starved young man begging a bit of bread--the most polite and enchanting beggar she's ever met, Silas. He challenges her to leave off her mourning, and also leaves a cryptic warning about finding another place to go for the near future as things are about to get intense.
Silas is more than meets the eye. Without giving away too much of the intricate and fascinating plot, both Libbie and Silas are on a journey of discovery and healing, navigating mutual attraction and impossible obstacles to their star crossed romance.
Again with this book as with the last, the secondary characters and subplots make this a gripping read. Freedmen and women grace the periphery of this story until a climactic moment brings them center stage. Also featured is the role of newsmen and military couriers and scouts from the Civil War.
Ms. Green does an exceptional job creating the sights, sounds, culture, and voice of the age. I was transported into a world of bucolic beauty and peace ravaged by the chaos of war and its aftermath. Though the journey has moments of great drama and depicts the reality of war, the destination delivers the reader to a satisfying and hopeful place. This novel is destined to become a classic for its broad view of America's greatest land battle, and its intimate portraits from several points of view from its diverse cast of characters. Libbie is sure to steal your heart and have you rooting for her all the way to the end, to find love, peace, and her happily ever after.
Liberty Halloway lost her husband early on in the war, and has been left to run her farm near Gettysburg with only the help of a hired freed woman and the companionship of a half blind and deaf Newfoundland dog. Dressed in "grave clothes", she greets a potential boarder who turns out to be a half starved young man begging a bit of bread--the most polite and enchanting beggar she's ever met, Silas. He challenges her to leave off her mourning, and also leaves a cryptic warning about finding another place to go for the near future as things are about to get intense.
Silas is more than meets the eye. Without giving away too much of the intricate and fascinating plot, both Libbie and Silas are on a journey of discovery and healing, navigating mutual attraction and impossible obstacles to their star crossed romance.
Again with this book as with the last, the secondary characters and subplots make this a gripping read. Freedmen and women grace the periphery of this story until a climactic moment brings them center stage. Also featured is the role of newsmen and military couriers and scouts from the Civil War.
Ms. Green does an exceptional job creating the sights, sounds, culture, and voice of the age. I was transported into a world of bucolic beauty and peace ravaged by the chaos of war and its aftermath. Though the journey has moments of great drama and depicts the reality of war, the destination delivers the reader to a satisfying and hopeful place. This novel is destined to become a classic for its broad view of America's greatest land battle, and its intimate portraits from several points of view from its diverse cast of characters. Libbie is sure to steal your heart and have you rooting for her all the way to the end, to find love, peace, and her happily ever after.
May 30, 2013
“The wounded had been culled from all private homes by now, and the women scrubbed away at the residue of war.” (Page 284)
Throughout the ages, women have attempted to scrub away the residue of war. Despite the fact that some stains won’t scrub and some wounds won’t heal, that has never stopped women from trying. The women of Gettysburg were no different – they desperately wanted to cleanse and heal; they wanted to restore.
Widow of Gettysburg is a compelling story of the agonies and realities behind the frontlines of one of America’s most bloody and divisive conflicts. It is also much more than a “story.” It is a call to arms: not the armaments of war, but a call to employ the energy, initiative, and arms of restoration to the broken and wounded we see around us every day.
Using her skillful storytelling ability, Jocelyn Green engages the reader’s spirit by peeling back the dark veil of lesser-known events during the Battle of Gettysburg. She then sets them into the heart-wrenching context of love, loss, sacrifice, and redemption. Widow of Gettysburg escorts the reader through the residue of war – not to gawk at its horror, but to provide insight into war’s fall-out and offer hope for the walking wounded of our own day.
While I received a preview copy of the book from the author, it was given without obligation or request for a positive review of the book’s contents. As a reader, I primarily read non-fiction books rarely wandering into the fiction genre. How grateful I have been for the Heroines Behind the Lines Series (of which Widow of Gettysburg is Book 2) that combines my love for American history and narrative intrigue. Congratulations, Ms. Green, you pulled my nose out of a non-fiction book and right into the heart of your story. Well done!
Throughout the ages, women have attempted to scrub away the residue of war. Despite the fact that some stains won’t scrub and some wounds won’t heal, that has never stopped women from trying. The women of Gettysburg were no different – they desperately wanted to cleanse and heal; they wanted to restore.
Widow of Gettysburg is a compelling story of the agonies and realities behind the frontlines of one of America’s most bloody and divisive conflicts. It is also much more than a “story.” It is a call to arms: not the armaments of war, but a call to employ the energy, initiative, and arms of restoration to the broken and wounded we see around us every day.
Using her skillful storytelling ability, Jocelyn Green engages the reader’s spirit by peeling back the dark veil of lesser-known events during the Battle of Gettysburg. She then sets them into the heart-wrenching context of love, loss, sacrifice, and redemption. Widow of Gettysburg escorts the reader through the residue of war – not to gawk at its horror, but to provide insight into war’s fall-out and offer hope for the walking wounded of our own day.
While I received a preview copy of the book from the author, it was given without obligation or request for a positive review of the book’s contents. As a reader, I primarily read non-fiction books rarely wandering into the fiction genre. How grateful I have been for the Heroines Behind the Lines Series (of which Widow of Gettysburg is Book 2) that combines my love for American history and narrative intrigue. Congratulations, Ms. Green, you pulled my nose out of a non-fiction book and right into the heart of your story. Well done!
June 18, 2013
A visit to Gettysburg several years ago left me wondering how the women who lived there returned to “normal” life in the aftermath of that horrific battle. I could imagine the sights and smells they learned to endure, but I longed to know more of the details of their lives.
Jocelyn Green’s masterful Widow of Gettysburg answered my questions and filled in the many gaps in my knowledge of the battle of Gettysburg. The novel’s main character, Liberty Holloway, is in the process of turning a home she inherited into an inn when soldiers from both sides of the conflict converge on Gettysburg.
Using Liberty as representative of all of the women who lived through the death and destruction that followed, Widow of Gettysburg skillfully brings to life soldiers, former slaves, doctors, and the countless women who survived and endured those times.
Green’s novel is gripping in its intensity. Realism is woven through every line. (Some of the realistic content may not be suitable for younger readers.) I found myself slowing down my reading just to make the story last longer. I highly recommend Widow of Gettysburg to lovers of history as well as to readers who are seeking a mesmerizing story.
My thanks to the author and Moody/River North for my review copy.
Jocelyn Green’s masterful Widow of Gettysburg answered my questions and filled in the many gaps in my knowledge of the battle of Gettysburg. The novel’s main character, Liberty Holloway, is in the process of turning a home she inherited into an inn when soldiers from both sides of the conflict converge on Gettysburg.
Using Liberty as representative of all of the women who lived through the death and destruction that followed, Widow of Gettysburg skillfully brings to life soldiers, former slaves, doctors, and the countless women who survived and endured those times.
Green’s novel is gripping in its intensity. Realism is woven through every line. (Some of the realistic content may not be suitable for younger readers.) I found myself slowing down my reading just to make the story last longer. I highly recommend Widow of Gettysburg to lovers of history as well as to readers who are seeking a mesmerizing story.
My thanks to the author and Moody/River North for my review copy.
May 7, 2013
I had a hard time putting this book down as I wanted to see what happened next. It was a "must read" for me. I have always been interested in history, and especially anything pertaining to the Civil War. I was fascinated from almost the first page of the book. Having been to Gettysburg, I actually could picture a lot of the scenes and where they took place.
I enjoyed learning about some of the characters backgrounds. Bella...a former slave. Liberty....a widow of this terrible war
Silas....a young man .... And many more.
What was especially interesting was learning how the soldiers were taken care of after the battles. That part of history isn't as well
remembered as the fighting.
I really can't say enough about the book, except that it
makes me want to visit again. Soon! I think that I would be looking at everything with a different "view". Absolutely great!
I will add that anyone wanting to learn what life was like for the civilians(most especially the women)during this time should read this book.
Thank you for a great book Ms. Green!!!
I enjoyed learning about some of the characters backgrounds. Bella...a former slave. Liberty....a widow of this terrible war
Silas....a young man .... And many more.
What was especially interesting was learning how the soldiers were taken care of after the battles. That part of history isn't as well
remembered as the fighting.
I really can't say enough about the book, except that it
makes me want to visit again. Soon! I think that I would be looking at everything with a different "view". Absolutely great!
I will add that anyone wanting to learn what life was like for the civilians(most especially the women)during this time should read this book.
Thank you for a great book Ms. Green!!!
March 7, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I was hooked from the first chapter. I have read a lot about the battle of Gettysburg, I've visited the battlesite, but I have never thought about the lasting effects a battle of that magnitude would leave on a small town. I loved the blend of history and verbatim accounts with the fictional story of Libbie and Silas. I love this book and I am definitely reading her first book, Wedded to War!
I was hooked from the first chapter. I have read a lot about the battle of Gettysburg, I've visited the battlesite, but I have never thought about the lasting effects a battle of that magnitude would leave on a small town. I loved the blend of history and verbatim accounts with the fictional story of Libbie and Silas. I love this book and I am definitely reading her first book, Wedded to War!
August 4, 2016
I was sad to say after having read and enjoying Wedded to War that I didn't enjoy this book at all. It has wonderful reviews and Jocelyn Green seems to be a very well researched and engrossing writer; so this is really my own preference. I can't say I really liked anybody in this story; I never took a liking to Liberty or Bella and Silas was just sad and hard for me to root for. This book is extremely graphic in nature way more so than Wedded to War in my opinion and maybe some of that overshadowed the story line for me. There were no traces of joy or humor in this story and even in war time I was looking for that strong woman with a smile and conviction.
July 19, 2013
Jocelyn Green has done it again. She won me over with her debut novel and two-time Christy nominated, “Wedded to War,” and I knew I couldn’t miss her second novel, “Widow of Gettysburg”. With superb storytelling, engaging characters and heart-thumping action and drama, the Civil War comes to life in the story of Liberty Holloway and those who survived the battle of Gettysburg by her side. Long before I reached “The End” I knew that I would have to read all the books in Jocelyn’s Heroine’s Behind the Lines series... and every book after that.
July 31, 2016
Wow!! Not a book for the faint of heart. A roller coaster of fiction, truth, history, love, hatred, war, peace, despair, hope, faith and more that tugged at my heart and touched my soul. I have always respected those who gave their lives for MY freedom, but this book gave me a new found respect for those who survived and what they endured to do so. Just an excellent read!!
April 9, 2019
Jocelyn Green is an author who is able to flawlessly weave history and fiction to create incredible stories. Widow of Gettysburg is no exception to this. If you read the author's note at the end of the book (included in the audio through audible), the author reveals a lot of what is fact and fiction. While Liberty's story is a work of fiction, there is no shortage of history found within the pages of it. I found it to be masterfully developed and researched.
It did not take me long at all to be fully engrossed in Liberty's story. While I have read several books that take place during the Civil War over the years, I found this one to be quite unique. I don't want to share any spoilers, but the power of this story was created within the many twists and turns of events. The soldiers were not the only ones whose lives were forever altered by the events that took place at Gettysburg and other battle sites during the war. This book gives a voice to many of the women who were trapped in seemingly impossible situations yet found themselves capable of things they never would have imagined.
I personally loved the voice of the narrator who was selected for this book and was excited to hear that she is also the narrator for the first book in this series which should be releasing in the near-future. She managed to make each of the characters sound unique, and did an amazing job of matching her voice to the energy of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved that it as able to bring history to life through it's characters. Jocelyn Green did an amazing job with the research and development and it was clear through her storytelling. I highly recommend this series to historical fiction fans!
*I received a copy of this book from the author through audible. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
It did not take me long at all to be fully engrossed in Liberty's story. While I have read several books that take place during the Civil War over the years, I found this one to be quite unique. I don't want to share any spoilers, but the power of this story was created within the many twists and turns of events. The soldiers were not the only ones whose lives were forever altered by the events that took place at Gettysburg and other battle sites during the war. This book gives a voice to many of the women who were trapped in seemingly impossible situations yet found themselves capable of things they never would have imagined.
I personally loved the voice of the narrator who was selected for this book and was excited to hear that she is also the narrator for the first book in this series which should be releasing in the near-future. She managed to make each of the characters sound unique, and did an amazing job of matching her voice to the energy of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved that it as able to bring history to life through it's characters. Jocelyn Green did an amazing job with the research and development and it was clear through her storytelling. I highly recommend this series to historical fiction fans!
*I received a copy of this book from the author through audible. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
November 11, 2021
I really want to do a long review, but things are busy in my world!! So I'll just list some things that first come to mind after reading this. First, I loved this book. I *loved* Liberty and Silas. As I've grown to expect from Jocelyn Green, the backstories are so powerful and shape the characters into who they are and their misbeliefs that guide their actions. Vivid and detailed writing brought the historical details to life, which were also snuck in perfectly! And the themes... wow. So profound. (Christian and thus clean fiction, but definitely some heavy content in there that would make me rate it around PG-13.) The one main thing I didn't like about the book may be a nitpick, but it was when one character (I'll leave out the name just in case *winks*!) apologizes to another for being white. The context, motivation, and response justified it in a way (he seemed to just be trying to ask forgiveness for anything the other character may have found fault with him for), but I still didn't like it. Again, I might be nitpicking, but that was the one main thing I didn't like in the book. Overall, it was a riveting, very well-crafted novel with amazing characters that I likely will read again someday!
April 6, 2020
What a beautiful story of sacrificial love of a mother for her daughter and of men and women who love country and fellow man no matter the color of skin or whether loyalty lie with north or south. This is an amazing look at the women who dealt with the aftermath of war and found inner strength they didn’t know they possessed. The historical detail is rich and the characters are admirable. To me it showed that even when we lose everything Christ steps in and makes beauty from ashes in peoples hearts. Ms. Green weaves a tapestry that has many tangled threads on the back that can look a mess but when you turn it over it becomes a beautiful work of art. This book and series needs to Grace everyone’s bookshelves.
I was gifted a copy of this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I was gifted a copy of this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
October 21, 2020
An excellent story. Well-written, obviously well researched and various story elements/pieces are woven together artfully. I stayed up WAY too late finishing it. I DO wish I had been a touch more emotionally engaged with the characters—that would’ve made it a much stronger 5.
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