Loving Leah

by Lynne Larson

“Promise me, Ethan, no matter what, you must stay here! You can’t make a sound! Promise me you won’t!”

Caught in the middle of a massacre in Lawrence, Kansas, during the Civil War, Leah Donaldson, a twenty-year-old Mormon governess, must risk everything to save two children in her care—and she lives to pay dearly for the decision. Young Ethan Pace loves Leah and can hardly stay still as she is taken away by the enemy for refusing to reveal where he and his sister are hiding.

Five years later, Ethan desperately searches for her, trying to reconcile all that has happened and grappling with his feelings for her. Still idealizing Leah, he hopes she has survived and that he can help her get to Zion and her people. But after everything she’s been through since they last met, will Leah overcome her regrets and allow love into her life? Will she come to see Ethan as the caring man he has become rather than the lovesick boy she once knew?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Lds Fiction, Historical, Lds

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a fictional story with a bit of real history mixed into it and this one delivers. The Civil War had some guerillas and this story shows just how much damage they did to one small town in Kansas. This time period is full of stories and I loved the way the Mormon pioneers were tied to the Civil War, joined mainly by one main character, Leah. Leah is orphaned and working as a governess until she can join Zion out West. She is caring for 14-year-old, Ethan, and his younger sister, Addie, while their father fights in the war. Years after the rebels attacked, Leah is full of regrets, but Ethan is determined to help fulfill her dreams.

Leah is a likable character, one who is very wise and mature for her age at times and almost childlike at others. She's very accepting and loving because of her background and really makes the lives of these children and their friends entertaining and memorable. Ethan is smitten by the pretty governess. The story is told in first person, through his eyes, which is interesting. I appreciated watching him grow up and become a man.

The story is heartbreaking and hard to read at times, but has a light and hopeful feeling throughout most of it. It made me think back on my carefree summer days as a child. While mostly predictable, there are a few twists that I wasn't expecting, especially toward the end. This would be an especially enjoyable read for those who like historical fiction and/or fictional stories about the Mormon pioneers.

Content: religious references to LDS beliefs (not preachy); some violence (one scene is a little intense, but not graphic); very mild romance (vague reference to rape). Clean!

*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole story was written by the perspective of 14 year old boy Ethan (one of the main characters) which kind of confused because because after reading the book description, I assumed Leah, the governess would be telling the story from her point of view. It was still well written though and captured all the characters emotions and heartaches.

The book description gives away most of the story plot but the characters and story line still kept my interest. It takes place during the Civil War so there's alot of war violence and hatred through out the story. There was also a violent massacre that takes place, and although it isn't very graphic, it was still hard to read about it.

There was some very light romance, but it was mostly historical fiction. We "watch" Ethan grow up and mature over the 5 year span of the book. The ending wasn't at all what I expected. Overall it was a good book, but not something I would read again.

There are references to the Mormon/LDS Christian religion through out the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to think about Loving Leah when I read the book description, but I enjoy historical fiction so I decided to accept the opportunity to review it.

I was pulled in right away by the characters and the intriguing historical aspects. Leah was such a great person, and you couldn't help but like her as seen through Ethan's adoring eyes. It is hard to imagine living during the Civil War, but I thought the author did a good job portraying the attitudes abounding during that time.

I was expecting a bit more to the story (the bulk of the book is given away in the description). I thought it was well written, but the ending wasn't what I expected (or hoped for). That isn't necessarily a bad thing-often it makes for an excellent story. However, I really like a solid resolution, and I felt that I'd become quite invested in the main character's life, but was left hanging about him and his future.

2.5 stars

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

spoiler alert!!

This book is marketed as a romance. If you are hoping for a sweet romance novel that has a happily ever after ending then avoid this book!

it is written well. The historical story is presented very well and expertly tied to the fiction.

I picked up this book solely on the name. Near the end I wasn't enjoying it as much. I was more just waiting for the people to get together so I could be done with it. it ended so suddenly, AND they didn't end up together.

Well written, just not my favorite.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

*spoiler alert*

quite enjoyed this book until the ending! not how i wanted the relationship to turn out.

[Valerie L · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beware - not a good ending!!!! How can the author do that? Take us through an entire store, make a love match grow so strong and beautiful and end it that way???????

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hated the ending. I think it ruined the rest of the book for me. Pretty well written--just not one that I would ever recommend to others.

[Lauren Perotto · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t finish. As many have said, the title is misleading. This is not a romance novel. But that’s not my issue here. I’m extremely bothered by the naïve racism. I’m sure the author didn’t intend it to be that way, which is why it’s such a problem. Why did no one in the entire editing and publishing process not pick up on it?! In her efforts to show the evils of racism she actually perpetuated it. The Uncle Tom’s Cabin reenactment scene made me sick to my stomach. It is never okay for a white person to wear a mask and pretend to be a black person. Even to “illustrate the evils of racism.” NOT OKAY! And please stop with the “I don’t see color” comments. Again, it just perpetuates racism. Finally, the plight of the early Mormon pioneers being driven from their homes, persecuted, killed, etc is horrible. But it still does not compare to hundreds of years of an entire race of people being ENSLAVED. Don’t even make the comparison. Just stop. Perhaps it made some of them more aware of the plight of others, yes, but saying you understand what slaves are going through because of it is like saying you understand what it’s like to die of cancer because you got a papercut once.

Now I tried to be considerate because writing historical fiction is hard. Writing about horrible events is hard. It’s subjective and we weren’t there. We can only guess at the thoughts and feelings and intents of others. So trying to accurately portray them with our modern language and understanding can be hard. I tried forgiving a few of the more minor issues with language etc. but it just kept getting worse. I understand what the author was trying to do with the storytelling inside the story, but choose a different story. Uncle Tom’s Cabin isn’t it. Did people in that day and age reenact it and wear masks? Probably. But this isn’t a historical text, it’s a work of fiction. Leave it out!!! Were people then learning how to speak to and with people of other races and overcome biases? Yes. And their language reflects that. But again, this is not a historical text, it’s a work.of.fiction. and you don’t have to perpetuate damaging stereotypes and inappropriate language. Just stop!! At the end of chapter 3 (as far as I read and honestly surprised I made it that far) they find a priest’s hole near the fireplace and she talks about why they came about and the religious persecution of Catholics. Perfect! Great comparison! Go with that!!! But no. We’re going to “never speak of it and keep it a secret.” Maybe it comes back later in the story. I don’t know. I couldn’t continue.

[Jesica · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It's a gift to us poor humans, how nature comes back rich and strong even when the world's turned upside down. Birds sing again. The creeks run by just like they used to. It's as though God always has another chance to give us, isn't it, Ethan?"

I enjoyed this historical Christian/LDS Fiction. I love a fictional story with real historical elements mixed in & this one was set during the Civil War in Kansas. I had never heard of the Lawrence Massacre of 1863 & didn’t realize the amount of lawlessness & guerrilla type warfare against civilians who were just trying to survive. It’s a heartbreaking story that is sometimes hard to read but also has hope sprinkled throughout. The story is told from the perspective of Ethan a 14 year old boy. His father has hired a governess/nurse, Leah Donaldson an orphaned Mormon girl, to watch Ethan & his four year old sister while he is off fighting in the war. They spend an idyllic summer together before tragedy strikes their small town when they are attacked by the Quantrill Raiders a Conferderate guerrilla group. Five years later Ethan is trying to find Leah to see if she ever found her Zion. I loved the Mormon Pioneers stories mixed throughout. There are elements of faith & teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints but it’s not preachy just informative.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really got attached to the main character and was enjoying the story, until I got to the last pages of the book. I realized as I was nearing the end that it wouldn't be ending the way I was expecting. I started to get mad when I saw I only had a few pages left and almost didn't finish. The ending is a let down if you are at all attached to the main character. If you're reading it and Leah is your favorite character, then maybe you'll like the ending.

I would be much happier with this book if I knew there was going to be a sequel where Ethan actually ends up happy in the end.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a romance, but most of the first half of the book is about a teen boy having a crush on a slightly older girl. It got rather old. It took half the book to get to any action, although you could see it building, sort of. I am glad I learned about this aspect of the Civil War, and also about Mormon's who didn't go to Utah right away (and I'm sure there are all sorts of isolated stories/people like Leah).

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story! Learned a bit of history to!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed at just how quickly I was sucked into the story of this book!

I loved the way that Ethan is, you see everything that happens in this book through his eyes and I loved it! He's a 14 year-old boy living in Lawrence, Kansas. When his dad has to go away to war, he leaves a young Mormon girl, Leah Donaldson, in charge of Ethan and his younger sister Addie. I loved the way that Ethan sees Leah, pretty much falling in love with her from the very first moment he sees her. I think that his loving her makes it so he doesn't do the typical things teenagers would, things like rebelling against anything she asked him to do. Instead Ethan goes out of his way to protect her from anything that he can and he makes her life easier with his every action.

I loved Leah's character too. I loved the way she keeps her integrity intact to be able to join the Saints in Zion someday. And I love the way that her actions have a profound effect on Ethan and his friends, Bobby and Toe Jam. An even bigger effect than any of them ever plans on. I also love the way she sacrifices herself in order to protect these young people.

I love the plot of this one. I had never heard of what happened in Lawrence during the Civil War and the story really touched me, and left me wondering just how that would have been for the people who really lived there and had those horrible things happen to them.

This is a great book, the plot will leave you not wanting to put the book down and wanting more of the story when you do finish!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Chanae · Rating 1 out of 5]

The back of the book misleads you to think that this is a love story and that you will be reading from the perspective of Leah and Ethan. This is not what this book is. It was more of a history lesson. At times, I really thought I was reading a non-fiction history book. Or a biography of a fictitious person. It was boring. Which is sad, considering the tragic events that we are told about. I had never heard of the Lawrence massacre and I appreciate learning about it. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. However, this book was just awful.
I did not care about the characters at all. I didn't care, and was not surprised that Ethan and Leah didn't end up together. Why would they? Ethan was infatuated with the unrealistic image he had of Leah - and Leah was not going to suddenly fall in love with her former student, after having been abducted and suffering for years, just because he comes to rescue her.
And I really question why Ethan and Henry end up being converted to Leah's faith. In the book, it took all of 3 paragraphs for them to learn about the church and decide to be baptized. Why? Why did the author choose to do this? How did it really effect the characters or story? I'll tell you - it didn't. I get bothered when LDS authors have their non-mormon characters get "converted" out of the blue, or when the characters aren't truly converted. It happens too often in LDS fiction. It's like the authors think they have to have every non-member get baptized before they can end the book. It's just unrealistic.
Anyways, I was so bored, I had to really push myself to finish this dumb book. Do yourself a favor, and don't read it.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've read another historical fiction book quite like this one. This type of book tends to focus on romance and less on history. This book is the opposite. The focus here is on the experiences of the characters through a horrific event and it's devastating consequences. The story is divided into three parts, the pre-event set up, the event itself, and the recovery. Ethan tells the story of his experiences leading up to the Lawrence Massacre involving himself, his two best friends, his little sister, and their Mormon governess, Leah. Ethan clearly develops a major crush on Leah and wrestles with sharing her with the world, especially when a suitor appears. But things take a turn for the worse when Southern raiders show up and start murdering people, generally men. In order to save Ethan's and Addie's life, Leah allows herself to be taken by an evil man. Unfortunately, there is no one available to go after her. The third part of the story picks up five years down the road as the town continues to rebuild and Ethan gets a clue as to where Leah might be. He and his friend, Toe, set off to see if they can find her and help her find her way to Zion to repay her for her kindness and sacrifice. And if Ethan happens to hope for more, well, he wouldn't say no if she returned his feelings. But like life in general, things don't go according to anyone's plans.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Lynne Larson’s Loving Leah, is about a young Mormon woman, Leah, who is orphaned and then left behind when her people are driven from Nauvoo. She now takes care of the Pace children, Ethan and Addie, while there father is away fighting in the war. Caught in the massacre in Lawrence, Kansas, Leah gives her life and innocence to save the lives of the Pace children. Many hears later, after the Pace family has expanded with a stepmother and stepsiblings, Ethan embarks on a journey across the country in a search for his beloved Leah. A somewhat sad, but striking tale, Lynne has written a story that will draw readers in from page one as not only Ethan, but readers alike fall in love with the beloved Leah. This well-written story is intriguingly from the perspective of a young boy. With a fascinating story along with the realistic characters, this is historical novel that readers will not want to miss.

Genre: historical, Civil War
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: April 1, 2016
Number of pages: 208

Content Rating: PG, some war violence, reference to rape, reference to LDS religious content
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I love historical fiction and learning about events that happened in our country's history. I knew nothing about the massacre in Lawrence, Kansas before reading this book. It always just baffles my mind what we as human beings do to other human beings. This event is heart breaking. It really, truly was a massacre of epic proportions. I'm so glad this author chose to tell this story. It deserves to be remembered and those people honored.

Obviously this is fiction, so the main characters of this book are fictional, but many of the characters mentioned were real. The event was real. Stories always take on a different feel when they are based on true and real events. At least that's how it is for me.

Aside from the obvious devastation of the actual massacre, this book is gentle in nature. It flows slowly and easily. You get to know the characters in a very natural way. It was a good story.

Content: Some violence, clean otherwise

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting tale & historical fiction (which I can't say no to) about a Mormon gal who is a governess to 2 kids in Lawrence, Kansas during the Civil War. Leah was an engaging MC; vivacious, full of life and very likable. The story is told from the perspective of the older of the 2 children, 14 y.o. Ethan, as the story opens. Although I don't care for young girl characters written by a male author, this book didn't bother me as a boy's perspective written by a woman. It did give the story a different feel, but maybe a more complete story in some ways (and less than others, as we always see Leah from his perspective and never get inside her head).

Learned about the tragic sacking of Lawrence, which I somehow missed (or forgot) from my youth. I can't say I was thrilled with how the story played out or the resolution, but I did enjoy the journey.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Loving Leah, a novel that takes readers into the town of Lawrence, KS during the Civil War. We meet a young girl hired to care for two children while their father is away at battle. Along the way, we learn that Leah is a Mormon who has been separated from her family. She is hoping to get back to Zion someday. I found Leah's story very compelling and the ending of the book very satisfying. You will too.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

You might think looking at the cover and description of this book that it is a civil war romance. Wrong. No romance at all and it was mostly a Mormon pioneer story. Not that there is anything wrong with that just not what I was expecting. I also didn't feel invested in the characters. Sure I felt bad that terrible things happened to them but wasn't really feeling this book. Also it was super slow. If it wasn't so short I probably wouldn't have finished.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. Even with the back cover description, I did not expect it to be so heavy. Much of it is light-hearted which are provided through the goodness and joy of the heroine of the story, Leah. Ironically, I was on my way to visit Nashville, an area very much affected by the Civil War, stopping by the Stones River Battlefield. The combination of the two made Ethan and Leah's story all the more poignant.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this historically telling of the Lawrence massacre intertwined with fictional plot. Leah was a well developed character, but real along with Ethan and his feelings throughout. Very enjoyable.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was different than what I thought it was going to be.

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't see that ending coming!!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sad for me and slow.