The Soldier's Secret

Soldier's Secret #1

by Heather Osborne

A picture of pure shock and curiosity, Emma placed her empty glass down, “Surely, you are not suggesting I dress as a man and enlist in the Union Army!”
“That is precisely what I am suggesting.”

In an era when women are adornments, Northerner Emma Mansfield finds it challenging to fit the mold. It becomes an impossible task when her country is torn apart by civil war. Knowing she must take action, Emma finds herself in the midst of danger and intrigue when she takes up the guise of a young artillery soldier for the Union Army. Desperately trying to find out if her two brothers are alive, Emma must maintain her anonymity as she fights for survival.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Civil War

204 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2015

About the author

Heather Osborne was born and raised in California. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Victimology, as well as coursework in Early Childhood Education. In 2009, she moved to Scotland. Heather has been writing short stories for as long as she can remember. She also has written and directed several plays. In her spare time, Heather enjoys reading, writing (of course!), theatre, as well as caring for her young son.

She also reviews for Readers' Favorite.

Reviews

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soldier's Secret by Heather Osborne is a very enjoyable historical fiction novel set during the Civil War. The story focuses on New York debutante Emma Mansfield who is unlike any other well to do female of her acquaintance (she is uninterested in dating and only finding a suitable match). After her older brother goes off to war - and then her younger brother runs away to join the Confederacy - she too joins the Union Army in disguise as a young artillery soldier named Emmett Hawkins in an attempt to "look after" her brothers. Thankfully her platoon is stationed near where her older brother is, and she actually saves his life after a terrible battle where he is severely wounded and left for dead.

The Soldier's Secret has everything I look for in a book: well developed characters, a good mystery, and a hint of romance. Emma's character is the perfect heroine, who is a stronger than many men in the story; and she is kind beyond measure, which is demonstrated most compassionately in a scene where Emma comforts a dying soldier. The mystery is a good one too as I couldn't figure out why this one officer was out to get Emma - to the point of hunting her down in NY. And Emma falls in love with Dr. Colin McCafferty who enjoys Emma's drive and determination.

I listened to the Audible version of this book narrated by by Kristyl Dawn Tift who did a great job. She differentiated between male and female voices and changed the tempo in the performance when warranted. I received a copy of this audio in exchange for an unbiased review.

Simply put, I highly recommend this audiobook!

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only one of a few books I've read that have featured the American civil war. It was obvious that Heather had done a lot of research for the book as being in among the battles seemed very realistic. The relationships between the soldiers were also really well done.

Emma/Emmet/Em experiences all the horrors of war after concealing her identity and joining the Union army. Wanting news of her brothers, she quickly has to learn to act like a man and fight in war alongside the rest of her regiment. I really liked her character, strength and determination to continue with her 'mission' even when the war goes from bad to worse. I also enjoyed parts featuring Ol' Tom, the run away slave. The dialogue between him Emma and Colin was fantastic.

The romance in the story was a gradually built up feature and none of it cliched. I don't enjoy romantic cliches, over used romantic phrases or over the top sex scenes. None of that is in this book! This is a really well written historical romance that also highlights how wrong perceptions of people can be. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Ju Ephraime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book with some hesitation. I’d read plenty of books and seen plenty of movies about the Civil War, why read one more, but I’m glad I did. This book is not only about the Civil War but about its impact on one family’s life and the extraordinary length one young woman goes through to serve her country and be close to the man she loves. Emma refused to follow protocol and remain at home while the men in her life were being injured and put in harm’s way every day, so she joined the fray, and finds fulfillment in more ways than one, on the battle field. The courage and valor of this young woman is awe inspiring, the stuff that legends are made of. Great writing with good flow and pacing. Lovers of romance and historical fiction will enjoy this book. Highly recommended!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually a paranormal romance fan and would not normally give this book a second glance but I won the book in a competition and I’m so glad I did.

There was action as the author tells the story of the historic battles won/lost and well researched accounts of the horrors of the war and the cruelty of soldiers toward the enemy

There was romance in the relationship between Emma and her fiancé Colin which is a slow sweet romance with emotion rather than explicit sex scenes

And there is adventure as Emma and Colin make the journey home from the battlefield

This is a really well written historical romance

Kristyl Dawn Tift was a brilliant narrator who put real emotion into her narration and did a good job with male and female voices

I highly recommend this book!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has written a wonderful story of love during the War of Northern Aggression. The H/h were both from the North, but the story played out of brother against brother in this sad time of American History.

Ms. Osborne gave very developed and complex characters in her story-which was a refreshing surprise.

(I was given a copy of the audio book by the author for a review.)

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-crafted audiobook is a hit on all fronts, and highly recommended to anyone with an interest in historical fiction.

Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and a very interesting listen .

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting Civil War story with a sweet romance. My rating 4.25.

Emma is a blossoming, proper young woman living with her family in Rochester, New York. Her father operates a local general store and her two brothers are expected to help in the store as they grow older. Emma meets the local doctor, Colin, and they quickly become enchanted with each other. But war disturbs the plans of everyone.

Will, the elder brother has determined to enlist and fight for the Union. The younger brother, Harrison, is not yet sixteen but he wants to enlist also. All the family tells Harrison that he must stay home to grow and help their father in the business. But Harrison sneaks off in anger to join the Confederates.

Emma becomes engaged to Colin but he feels the call to serve where he is badly needed. When Will’s letters to home Emma becomes more and more upset and concerned about the safety of her brothers. A local friend helps her to disguise herself so she can enlist in the Union army.

“Em” makes it through basic training successfully and sets off with her regiment hoping to find her brothers. She does find Colin and Will and is helping her own unit when she sees Harrison too. Troubles arise with a commander who becomes unreasonably obsessed with this young soldier who seems to do things right and have a charmed life. He continually harasses “Em” and they fear that her secret will be exposed. Colin and Emma make a desperate escape but the obsessed commander is not far behind.

Ms. Osborne does a good job with the vivid portrayal of the bleak hardships of war, camp life and field hospitals. The family drama seems real. There are heartbreaks and joys along the journey as Emma and Colin continue through the Appalachian Mountains trying to make their way back home without being caught by their pursuer.

The story is engaging and I liked the primary characters. I found the sexual scenes a bit more than expected for the nature of the story but it fit the passions of the couple and the basic need to cling in hard times. I recommend this to readers who like Civil War detail with a strong romance element.

Audio Notes: I had to get used to the voice of Kristyl Dawn Tift as it is a bit breathy for a war drama. It does fit the romance though and, as I got used to it, I thought that, overall, she did a good job with the voices and the emotion. I enjoyed the story in audio.

I received this audiobook from AudaVoxx for review.

[Roxanne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a deliciously rich story!

The detailed research into history makes this amazing tale come to life. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Dina Bushrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of family love and devotion, that leads a young woman to disguise herself as a young Union soldier. A story of her trials and tribulations, of death and fight for life as she seeks information on her missing brothers. There is so much more to this story that I'm not saying here, but I don't do spoilers, but I do have to say that the narrator did a terrific job of portraying each of the author's characters magnificently, giving us the emotions every writer wants their readers to feel. I highly recommend this story.

[EvilAntie Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I really enjoyed this book. A lot of historical research was showcased in this book on the role of women in the civil war. The characters were amazing and it is an excellent read.

[JANE ACKLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Excellent reading. Love civil war history and anything written reflecting the time period. Very good writer and story plot. Wished it could have.been a.lover read.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very touching read so much more than a romance but a wonderful read filled of so much pain and sorrow for all of those who fault in a war where really both sides lost so much. The author shows how brother fault against brother, father against son. This is one author that has done her research giving you a wonderful powerful read full of mystery, pain, love and romance.

Heather Osborne as a narrator gave so much too this audio from her wonderful talented voice to her many wonderful characters. She puts so much emotion into the audio giving this a wonderful tear jerker listen. She has a very clear, clean voice that is easy to listen to with wonderful character voices that you have no trouble knowing who is speaking. She puts emotion into the characters never leaving you wondering just what they are feeling. There is no background noise just a clear even tones which will leave you wanting more. Her male voices are just as pleasant as her female ones as she brings the story to live it is almost like watching a movie. You have no trouble picturing each scene in your mind reliving a time where soldiers were left with half a body feeling half a man. I hear no breaks in this audio if the narrator took a break you could not tell. Ms. Osborne did a wonderful job with this narration I am so looking forward to listening to more of her work.

Emma is a wonderful character which took a lot to stand up and dress as a man trying to make sure her love ones where safe. All that she had to go through really tore at my heart she is one brave women who doesn’t back down. She is strong willed and doesn’t back down giving so much to this story at a time when women were to stay home and keep their mouth shut.

The doctor who loves her really is a man after your heart. There is no doubt in my mind that every woman who reads this will fall in love with this wonderful man. The lengths he goes to, to keep her safe are unreal and I doubt most men would have done. He lets her be who she is without taking away her meaning as a woman. He believes in her giving back so much more than any person would.

Yes this is a romance which was lovely but it is so much more showing the true meaning of war and all that was given up in a battle which lost so much. I really enjoyed the characters they seem so real some I didn’t like so much but that is the way it is suppose to be. The author throws a few twist you won’t see coming giving you and exciting thrilling suspenseful read that you will love. There are parts you might need a tissue for as the author and narrator delivers a powerful wonderful read you won’t be able to put down.

[William Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found about this book on Facebook when a friend of mine wrote a review. Intrigued by his review, I decided to step way outside my normal genres to read a Civil War historical romance. Great decision!

Synopsis (from the author): A picture of pure shock and curiosity, Emma placed her empty glass down, “Surely, you are not suggesting I dress as a man and enlist in the Union Army!”
“That is precisely what I am suggesting.”

In an era when women are adornments, Northerner Emma Mansfield finds it challenging to fit the mold. It becomes an impossible task when her country is torn apart by civil war. Knowing she must take action, Emma finds herself in the midst of danger and intrigue when she takes up the guise of a young artillery soldier for the Union Army. Desperately trying to find out if her two brothers are alive, Emma must maintain her anonymity as she fights for survival.

What I liked: Heather Osborne did a fantastic job of capturing the mannerisms and speech patterns of the Civil War era. While not a history buff, I have seen many documentaries of that period and read passages written by both the men and women of the time, and Heather Osborne’s characters were true to the times. Likewise, her portrayal of the horrors of wars and the cruelty of soldiers toward the enemy rang true. The story itself, though, was more than a tale of unbelievable courage in battle. It was, at its heart, a love story that was well told and wonderfully written and I enjoyed the way the story ended (but no spoilers from me).

What I didn’t like: There were a few things that didn’t add up for me, chief among them was how Emma was able to maintain her disguise. I mean privacy, especially for a low-ranking enlisted soldier, would have been difficult and for her secret not to be discovered was straining credibility a little. Other than that, not much to dislike about the book!

Overall impression: The Soldier’s Secret is a wonderful read set in an awful time in US history. I was impressed that the story didn’t delve deeply into the causes and consequences of the war, but instead maintained its focus on the love between Emma and Colin and Emma and her family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance or just an excellent read! Well done Heather Osborne!!

My rating: 5 Stars!

[Jean Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The soldiers secret

Well written .interesting though out the book . I don't mind giving stars or yes I liked. That should be enough.

[Zeecé Lugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Soldier’s Secret is historical fiction set during the American Civil War. The heroine, Emma Mansfield, is engaged to be married to a dashing young doctor, but life has other adventures in store for her. Her older brother signs up to fight for the Union Army, but her younger brother runs away and joins the Confederate Army. Later on, her fiancé also joins the Union as an army doctor. As the war progresses and letters from the field fail to arrive, Emma becomes desperate to hear from the men she loves. With no other options and determined to find her brothers and bring them home, she dresses up as a man and joins the Union Army.
Actually, there are documented cases where women dressed as men, joined and served during the civil war; so, the story is very believable. Reading this novel was like taking a short history course in the American Civil War. I found it educational as well as entertaining. I thought the setting was fascinating, as few writers write in this period, choosing instead earlier European history.
I enjoyed the clean, precise language which make this an easy reading. I loved the leading character, Emma, and her unwavering determination to find her brothers. Colin, so devoted and honorable, was also a great character. Captain Louis Timmons emerges as a perfect villain, cruel and evil to the end.
What would I have liked to see done differently? I thought that some scenes were rushed, such as the scene when Emma first brings up her plan to Mrs. Hastings. Also, There was so much opportunity for description missed. I would have liked to have a clearer image of Colin, Will, and Harrison. I would have liked to see Emma as she endeavored to keep her secret. How did she handle bathing, her monthly periods, changing clothes, in a crowded camp full of men? How did she handle their habits, so markedly different and unfamiliar to a sheltered female?
Overall, I enjoyed this novel very much and read it in record time. It did not, at any time, bore me. I found it a romantic and original work. I highly recommend it.

[C.J. Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read!

I had the privilege to beta read this book. And it was a privilege, believe me.

Let me start by saying that this isn't a genre I normally read, but I'm a huge American Civil War buff, so I was intrigued when I was asked to read it.

I am so glad I accepted. The book tells the story of Emma Mansfield, a young woman from a well to do family living in Rochester, NY. It's the early days of the Civil War, and her older brother joins up on the Union side. Unfortunately, her headstrong younger bother, who is too you to join the Union army runs away to join the Confederates.

She then falls for a handsome young doctor, who eventually joins the Union army as well. When her older brother is listed as missing in action, she enlists the help of a family friend. Disguising her identity and enlisting as a 'powder monkey' in the Union artillery, she intend to find news of both her brothers.

What ensues is an adventure that takes us into battle, with all the blood and guts associated with cannon and gunpowder. Heather has done her research here, with the dialogue in keeping with the period and all other details feeling incredibly authentic.

Her timeline of the war is perfect, and her characters live their lives alongside the battles and trials brought on by the conflict. The lives of simple everyday folk living in hardship are a joy to read, and the love story which the book is based around provides the warm heart of this amazing book.

There is something for everyone here. Action, romance and an evil villain, but the show is stolen by Emma herself. I've seldom read a better female lead.

Five stars. If I could, I'd give it fifty.

[Lorrie Farrelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gripping story of a young woman whose life as the daughter of a close-knit and wealthy New York family is nearly as fraught with danger and suspense as her life as a passing-for-male Union soldier during the Civil War, THE SOLDIER'S SECRET is an engrossing page-turner.

Desperate to learn the fates of her brothers, one a Union soldier, the other Confederate, Emma Mansfield defies both convention and common sense when she takes the daring and reckless step of joining the Union Army in the guise of boy. Her ruse leads her into both incredible peril and incredible good fortune. Not only does she risk her life in battle, but she unwittingly incurs the obsessive hatred of a cruel and psychopathic commanding officer. Fortunately, she also discovers intense loyalty, kindness, and a passionate and devoted love. Emotions are heightened in times of crisis, and Emma's are no exception.

I was very much on the edge of my seat as I read this exciting historical novel. Ms. Osborne's writing is fluid and descriptive, and her characters leap to life from the page. Secondary characters are well-fleshed-out and have convincing lives of their own.The historical events are well researched. The story has many suspenseful twists and turns.

My only quibble is the sense that some events seem rushed (Emma's becoming a soldier), overly coincidental (she rather easily found not only both brothers but her beau, as well), or a glossed over (such as the logistical difficulties of maintaining a male disguise – in Army camps – for many months). Nevertheless, the strength of the narrative and the interesting characters made up for those shortcomings. All in all, THE SOLDIER'S SECRET is an unforgettable read!

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this drama which follows the life of Emma during the Civil War and her dressing as a man to enlist in the Union Army. I felt the author took time to develop Emma's character before she went to war and this helped me care about her. For me, the domestic scenes were described very well and evocative of the era. However I did feel some parts of the story didn't work well and were rather coincidental. For example, it was never fully explained why one brother went to fight with the confederates and the passion for artillery of the woman who helped Emma. Whilst the domestic scenes were excellent I was disappointed with the level of detail once Emma reached the battlefield. Everyday challenges like using the toilet and hiding her menstruation were not dealt with and I just couldn't believe she could have hidden amongst men so easily. Also the male characters (Colin and William) behaved in ways I don't think realistic which made the story difficult to believe. I was glad the story however, did have some realism and depth to it in relation to acts of war and casualties.

The narrator did a great job with a clear delivery, good voices and engagement in the subject. I found the standard pace too slow but 1.25 speed was just right. I would recommend this book as a light romantic, easy listen for readers who want a bit more depth to their story. Overall 3.5 stars

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review.

Just to clarify my rating system- 5 star excellent, 4 star very good, 3 star good, 2 star average, 1 star poor.

[Sahara Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soldier’s Secret has been awarded the Readers Favorite Five Star badge. And I certainly understand why. This story is beautifully written and steeped with rich historical events. Not the best from our history, and definitely the most costly in needless death tolls. Heather Osborne depicts the horrible fighting and living conditions during the Civil War in great detail and I can’t even begin to imagine what life as a soldier had to have been like. Why a woman, especially from a genteel background, would place herself in peril in that type of world speaks of strength and loyally for the people she loves. And that is exactly who Emma Mansfield is.
As her brothers rush off to fight the war, Emma’s left behind, feeling useless and worried about her brothers. She wants to fight, but our society back then didn’t condone women on the battlefield. They were meant to stay home and tend the wounded or raise money and materials for the war effort. That wasn’t enough for Emma, so she conspires with an older, trusted friend to help her get to the frontlines.
We travel quite a distance with Emma as she searches for her brothers and then tries to return home. During her travels, she makes a mortal enemy, but she also finds love. I thought the pacing of the story was a little slower at the beginning but it picked up as the story progressed.
If you love historical romances and the civil war, you’ll want to read this story. I enjoyed this tale and give it 5 feathers.

[Demelza Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and I loved the detailed research evident in this book. The rich portrayal of main characters Emma Mansfield and Dr Colin McCafferty brought the story to life brilliantly, drawing me in deeper until the end. I expected a historical romance and found it was just as much historical fiction, with romance the last thing on the main characters' minds most of the time.

Some of the battle details in the book were a bit dry for my taste, though as I imagine the alternative would have been distinctly gory in terms of the blood and other bodily fluids Ms Osborne could have painted her tale with...perhaps I'm grateful for it, too.

It's an interesting angle on the women of war - those who weren't Scarlett O'Hara's type to stay home and wait, but join the army alongside their menfolk and fight for what they believed in...or, in Emma's case, those she loved.

Five stars

[Jalpa Williby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction was truly a great read. It took place during the Civil War era, literally in the middle of the battle field. Worried about her brothers serving in the war, Emma disguised herself as a male and enlisted as a soldier. I really enjoyed Emma's character. She was a strong female and really nothing stopped her from finding her answers. Emma not only had to figure out a way to survive the war, but the villain of the story was searching for her. She found herself on the run as she was trying to escape to avoid his evil ways. I will stop here so I don't give out any spoilers.

The author does a great job with plot and character development, as well as her research on this war. The story has a bit of everything, from romance, suspense, and action. Recommend this read for all you historical fiction/romance readers.

[Dena Nicotra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I started reading this book I was immediately reminded of "Gone With the Wind" - but that quickly changed....this is not a story of female fragility. In fact, it is anything but. Em makes decisions and finds herself in positions that will have the reader both fearful for her and cheering her on. Love, honor, determination, and sheer grit drive her to restore her family under the harshest circumstances of war in a bygone era. The characters are rich, the story is compelling and the pace will keep you from putting it down. My only complaint....it ended. You know that feeling when you finish a good book and find yourself longing to stay in the story? Yes. It's one of those. Well worth the read and kudos to Osborne for an excellent story.

[Lucinda Moebius · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Romance with the Historical fiction

I enjoyed the sweet romantic element of this story. Set against the background of war, this story has all the elements of romance, history, conflict and surprise necessary for fantastic story-telling. The female protagonist isn't a delicate flower waiting for her hero to come home to save her. She is a strong character who has the chance to be a hero herself. The romantic aspect of the story doesn't overwhelm the plot and allows for a well-developed character who is willing to sacrifice for those she loves.
I look forward to more stories by this author.

[Luke Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

My stars? Five stars! As Cold Mountain is one of my favorite movies I was predisposed to enjoy this story, especially considering the brilliant twist of the plot; in which Emma Mansfield, out of moral compunction to see to her brother's safety and that of her fiancee, transforms herself into a man to join the Union Army, and in the process, finds herself in the gauntlet of the bloodiest war of American history. Heather Osborne writes the battle scenes with a plucky hand, and by squinting through the smoke and sulphur of the artillery barrages and bayonet charges, The Soldiers Secret hits its stride as as an exciting read with the added edge of historical accuracy.

[Alathia Morgan]

Most stories about the Civil War are about the girl waiting at home for the boy to fight and come back to her, well not this story.
Emma enlists as a young man called Em who is familiar with artillery. On a mission to find her brothers who were fighting on opposites sides, Em is torn between her loyalty to the cause and saving her family. When an officer takes an interest in Em's rebel brother, she is forced to rescue him and flee to safety. Labeled as deserters they can't make it far on their own, but can they hide through the winter until the war is over? Will the officer find them?

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

This is a historical fiction set during the Civil War. It explores many facets of the conflict and how it affected one family in particular , and friends and neighbors as well.

I would read/ listen to other works by this author .

The narration was excellent,

[Cheryl Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written

The journey of Emma and Colin felt almost real and Emma's quiet courage was held through out the story. This author took me effortlessly from scene to scene, and her descriptions never overpowered, but expertly placed me standing next to her characters. Very well written.

[Cherime MacFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were some twists in this one and a great deal of history. The plot was out of the ordinary. I've read a couple with the same general premise, but his one took things further and did a good job. Interesting, engrossing read. I enjoyed it.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was pretty good. I always find it fascinating to read about women who disguise themselves as men to join a war. What I was unprepared for was the sexual content. There were a couple of rather graphic scenes.