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The Prisoner
On the Run
Union Captain John Howe escaped a living hell when he tunneled his way out of a Confederate prison camp, though his ordeal was far from over. Now he was saddled with his own prisoner, the sad, stubborn Amanda Douglas, on a journey that would change their lives forever..
Even her previous spartan existence had not prepared Amanda for the dangerous trek she was now making--entirely against her will. But when John gazed at her through his beautiful, haunted eyes, bright with fever, she was lost. Could a privileged Yankee son and a poor, proud Rebel girl keep their love safe from the rest of the world?
Union Captain John Howe escaped a living hell when he tunneled his way out of a Confederate prison camp, though his ordeal was far from over. Now he was saddled with his own prisoner, the sad, stubborn Amanda Douglas, on a journey that would change their lives forever..
Even her previous spartan existence had not prepared Amanda for the dangerous trek she was now making--entirely against her will. But when John gazed at her through his beautiful, haunted eyes, bright with fever, she was lost. Could a privileged Yankee son and a poor, proud Rebel girl keep their love safe from the rest of the world?
298 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1992
14 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Reavis
53 books37 followersAKA Cinda Richards
Former public health nurse, now award-winning romance novelist, Cheryl Reavis, describes herself as a "late bloomer." Her Silhouette Special Edition™, A CRIME OF THE HEART, reached millions of readers in Good Housekeeping magazine and won the Romance Writers of America's coveted RITA award the year it was published. She has also won the RITA award for her Harlequin-Silhouette novels, PATRICK GALLAGHER'S WIDOW, THE PRISONER, and THE BRIDE FAIR. BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE BARTERED BRIDE and a Berkley novel, PROMISE ME A RAINBOW, have been RITA award finalists. She has received numerous awards from Romantic Times magazine.
Her award-winning literary short stories have appeared in The Crescent Review, The Bad Apple, The Mosaic, The Sanskrit, Laurels, The Emrys Journal and Writer's Choice.
Publishers Weekly described her Berkley single-title novel, PROMISE ME A RAINBOW, as "...an example of delicately crafted, eminently satisfying romantic fiction."
Former public health nurse, now award-winning romance novelist, Cheryl Reavis, describes herself as a "late bloomer." Her Silhouette Special Edition™, A CRIME OF THE HEART, reached millions of readers in Good Housekeeping magazine and won the Romance Writers of America's coveted RITA award the year it was published. She has also won the RITA award for her Harlequin-Silhouette novels, PATRICK GALLAGHER'S WIDOW, THE PRISONER, and THE BRIDE FAIR. BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE BARTERED BRIDE and a Berkley novel, PROMISE ME A RAINBOW, have been RITA award finalists. She has received numerous awards from Romantic Times magazine.
Her award-winning literary short stories have appeared in The Crescent Review, The Bad Apple, The Mosaic, The Sanskrit, Laurels, The Emrys Journal and Writer's Choice.
Publishers Weekly described her Berkley single-title novel, PROMISE ME A RAINBOW, as "...an example of delicately crafted, eminently satisfying romantic fiction."
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 2, 2019
You can find this review in English below.
3 stars.
Y no han sido más estrellas porque la autora le tiene un cariño especial al melodrama. Básicamente es el pilar de toda la trama. Hasta el mismísimo final tira de él para conseguir ese deseado punto álgido e impactante que, para mí, no ha llegado por el abuso del recurso.
Otro aspecto de la historia que no ha terminado de funcionar para mí han sido las edades de los protagonistas. Es algo que me ha estado estorbando durante toda la historia. Son muy jóvenes, y en consecuencia, sus acciones reflejan su inmadurez. No ha ayudado que sea partidaria de personajes maduros.
Quitando lo anterior, la historia prometía; la prosa es particularmente buena. Con el tema de la guerra civil de fondo, la autora consigue llevarte al mismísimo campo de batalla. Los olores, los ruidos, el miedo, la agonía, todo traspasaba las páginas. La escena primera de la fuga del protagonista fue increíblemente realista. Casi agobiante.
Una pena que la trama no haya sido igual de espectacular.
Lo mejor de todo ha sido compartir esta lectura con mi amiga Jill. ¡Gracias, querida! Sin ti no habría sido lo mismo. 😉
***
3 stars.
I couldn´t give it more stars because of the author´s fondness for melodrama. Basically, it has been the story´s pillar. Up until the very end she resorts to it to give the story a climax that didn´t quite arrive because the technique was already worn out.
There was another thing that didn´t work for me either: The MC´s age. They bothered me to no end. They were too young so were their behavior. It didn´t help that I´m draw to mature characters…
Even so, the story was promising. The prose was beautiful and engaging. With the background of the war, the author took me to the battlefield itself; the smells, the sounds, the fear, the agony, you could almost feel all. The first scene about his escape was supremely realistic. All but oppressive.
A pity the plot was not as spectacular.
But the best has been the b-r with my friend Jill. Thank you, dear! It wouldn´t have been the same without you. 😉
3 stars.
Y no han sido más estrellas porque la autora le tiene un cariño especial al melodrama. Básicamente es el pilar de toda la trama. Hasta el mismísimo final tira de él para conseguir ese deseado punto álgido e impactante que, para mí, no ha llegado por el abuso del recurso.
Otro aspecto de la historia que no ha terminado de funcionar para mí han sido las edades de los protagonistas. Es algo que me ha estado estorbando durante toda la historia. Son muy jóvenes, y en consecuencia, sus acciones reflejan su inmadurez. No ha ayudado que sea partidaria de personajes maduros.
Quitando lo anterior, la historia prometía; la prosa es particularmente buena. Con el tema de la guerra civil de fondo, la autora consigue llevarte al mismísimo campo de batalla. Los olores, los ruidos, el miedo, la agonía, todo traspasaba las páginas. La escena primera de la fuga del protagonista fue increíblemente realista. Casi agobiante.
Una pena que la trama no haya sido igual de espectacular.
Lo mejor de todo ha sido compartir esta lectura con mi amiga Jill. ¡Gracias, querida! Sin ti no habría sido lo mismo. 😉
***
3 stars.
I couldn´t give it more stars because of the author´s fondness for melodrama. Basically, it has been the story´s pillar. Up until the very end she resorts to it to give the story a climax that didn´t quite arrive because the technique was already worn out.
There was another thing that didn´t work for me either: The MC´s age. They bothered me to no end. They were too young so were their behavior. It didn´t help that I´m draw to mature characters…
Even so, the story was promising. The prose was beautiful and engaging. With the background of the war, the author took me to the battlefield itself; the smells, the sounds, the fear, the agony, you could almost feel all. The first scene about his escape was supremely realistic. All but oppressive.
A pity the plot was not as spectacular.
But the best has been the b-r with my friend Jill. Thank you, dear! It wouldn´t have been the same without you. 😉
August 26, 2017
4 stars. This book is the prequel to The Bride Fair, which I loved. When I read The Bride Fair, I didn't even know there was a prequel, so of course I was super excited to find out that John and Amanda had their own book! Now, I didn't love The Prisoner as much as its sequel, which I'll explain shortly, but it was still a very enjoyable read. I love the way Cheryl Reavis writes! She immediately draws me in and immerses me into that world. The two books I've read from her are very emotional and detailed. The leads are three-dimensional, well developed characters with great chemistry. I think I actually liked Amanda better than Maria (from the sequel). They had similar characteristics, but Amanda was a little more forthright. You can't go wrong with the hero in either book, though ;) they are both quite yummy!
There are a few issues keeping this book from a 5 star read for me. If you have followed any of my previous reviews, you know I don't love when the leads fall in love too quickly. I know that might come off as picky and silly, but let's be realistic.. People don't fall in love in a week, especially when one of them is out of their mind with a high fever for most of said week. However, I love how Reavis wrote about their journey and hardships in a way that made it feel longer than a week. So this issue I can kind of get past. Then, John and Amanda get separated and that for me drew out a little too long. I started to skim past that part and I hate skimming books. I don't want to give away too much (so you probably shouldn't read ahead), but I was almost at the end of the book and there had to be a gunshot. There always has to be an f'ing gunshot! Ugh. I just thought it was totally unnecessary here and really ruined what could have been an amazing end. I barely get passed the wound and then the book abruptly ends. Wtf! No telling off of the Reverend and no telling off of John's mother! There is an Epilogue, but it's not worth it at all. Nothing really happens. Yes, the leads get their HEA, but so much is left hanging and from what I remember, the sequel doesn't touch on what happened with John and Amanda as much as I would have liked. Maybe I missed something because I didn't know who John and Amanda were in The Bride Fair?
Ok, I'm done ranting. I was just so sure this would be another 5 star read and then I kind of lost interest towards the end. But the first half or so of the book was good enough to stay in the 4 star range! I believe another character seen in both books, Kate Woodard, has her own book as well, so I'm excited to check that one out. Overall, this has been a wonderful series! Not sure if it's really labeled as a series though, but I definitely recommend!
There are a few issues keeping this book from a 5 star read for me. If you have followed any of my previous reviews, you know I don't love when the leads fall in love too quickly. I know that might come off as picky and silly, but let's be realistic.. People don't fall in love in a week, especially when one of them is out of their mind with a high fever for most of said week. However, I love how Reavis wrote about their journey and hardships in a way that made it feel longer than a week. So this issue I can kind of get past. Then, John and Amanda get separated and that for me drew out a little too long. I started to skim past that part and I hate skimming books. I don't want to give away too much (so you probably shouldn't read ahead), but I was almost at the end of the book and there had to be a gunshot. There always has to be an f'ing gunshot! Ugh. I just thought it was totally unnecessary here and really ruined what could have been an amazing end. I barely get passed the wound and then the book abruptly ends. Wtf! No telling off of the Reverend and no telling off of John's mother! There is an Epilogue, but it's not worth it at all. Nothing really happens. Yes, the leads get their HEA, but so much is left hanging and from what I remember, the sequel doesn't touch on what happened with John and Amanda as much as I would have liked. Maybe I missed something because I didn't know who John and Amanda were in The Bride Fair?
Ok, I'm done ranting. I was just so sure this would be another 5 star read and then I kind of lost interest towards the end. But the first half or so of the book was good enough to stay in the 4 star range! I believe another character seen in both books, Kate Woodard, has her own book as well, so I'm excited to check that one out. Overall, this has been a wonderful series! Not sure if it's really labeled as a series though, but I definitely recommend!
October 22, 2017
'Ahhh John David Howe' *sigh*. What a great love story! This was recommended by the one and only Diana Gabaldon and I can see why. It's a wonderful story about two fabulous characters and the trials and tribulations of their love in the historical setting of the U.S. Civil War. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book, which took me only a handful of hours to read if that's any indication of derived pleasure.
The writing isn't Pulitzer Prize worthy, the book has no philosophical or socio-political undertones, it has no shocking twists and turns.....it's simply a well written book that keeps you pinned to the page, with an emotional undercurrent that allows you to truly feel the emotions of both main characters. A great read! Listen, I love great literature like I love a Chanel dress, but I also love a simple, excellent story just like I love a killer Zara LBD for $60. Both are worthy of a big night out, both get the equal compliment, but one is made of the finest materials in Paris and one isn't.
At first I gave this book 4 stars, and that would've been fair, especially since I gave Anna Karenina, Jane Eyre, and The Scarlet and the Black 5 stars! Then I backtracked, because the truth is that there are different facets of 5 stars - 5 stars doesn't have to be based on whether a book is award worthy or 'deep'. 5 stars should be for how a book makes you FEEL. I've used a fashion metaphor and now I'll offer up a culinary one. Personally, I like-no, I adore The French Laundry (Michelin rated, Thomas Keller's Napa Valley jewel) and celeb-packed Nobu sushi, oh and I looove Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco....all definitely a mouth watering 5 stars (at least until you get the check....then your mouth goes dry!). Then again, my first thing every morning, my Cafe Americano - 'ruined' ;) with sugar and a heavy handed dousing of cream - from Le Pain Quotidien is a mere $3 worth of 5 star massive satisfaction (& that first sip...orgasmic!).
So yes, The Prisoner is my off label look-alike Chanel dress and my hot cup of coffee! It's a different 5 stars but it's 5 nonetheless. So go read The Prisoner, and like me you'll find your regularly sighing and muttering to yourself 'ahhhh John David Howe'.
**Let it be noted: the author of this post was starving and dress hunting for her anniversary party during the writing of this review.
The writing isn't Pulitzer Prize worthy, the book has no philosophical or socio-political undertones, it has no shocking twists and turns.....it's simply a well written book that keeps you pinned to the page, with an emotional undercurrent that allows you to truly feel the emotions of both main characters. A great read! Listen, I love great literature like I love a Chanel dress, but I also love a simple, excellent story just like I love a killer Zara LBD for $60. Both are worthy of a big night out, both get the equal compliment, but one is made of the finest materials in Paris and one isn't.
At first I gave this book 4 stars, and that would've been fair, especially since I gave Anna Karenina, Jane Eyre, and The Scarlet and the Black 5 stars! Then I backtracked, because the truth is that there are different facets of 5 stars - 5 stars doesn't have to be based on whether a book is award worthy or 'deep'. 5 stars should be for how a book makes you FEEL. I've used a fashion metaphor and now I'll offer up a culinary one. Personally, I like-no, I adore The French Laundry (Michelin rated, Thomas Keller's Napa Valley jewel) and celeb-packed Nobu sushi, oh and I looove Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco....all definitely a mouth watering 5 stars (at least until you get the check....then your mouth goes dry!). Then again, my first thing every morning, my Cafe Americano - 'ruined' ;) with sugar and a heavy handed dousing of cream - from Le Pain Quotidien is a mere $3 worth of 5 star massive satisfaction (& that first sip...orgasmic!).
So yes, The Prisoner is my off label look-alike Chanel dress and my hot cup of coffee! It's a different 5 stars but it's 5 nonetheless. So go read The Prisoner, and like me you'll find your regularly sighing and muttering to yourself 'ahhhh John David Howe'.
**Let it be noted: the author of this post was starving and dress hunting for her anniversary party during the writing of this review.
August 22, 2023
RITA winner 1993.
This began in a North Carolina Confederate prison
during the Civil War (Jan 1865, onward). IMO 4 stars.
Union Captain John Howe was kept in the dark and
insufficiently fed & had some poor sleep x 8 months
in prison. He was grumpy- I'd be grumpy too under
these conditions. He and others dug an underground
tunnel & he escaped. He was unable to take friend Max-
who was too ill to travel. John had the equivalent of
modern PTSD.
John imposed on Rev Douglas & his daughter Amanda.
John & Rev struggled over a pistol and both got shot.
John took the pistol and Amanda. He told her cooperate
or he'd shoot her. The Rev had called her a wh---, so
John assumed this was true. It wasn't.
This was a dangerous trip by RR to the north, for the
couple. Someone supplied him w/ a Confederate uniform.
John lived in Philly with his well-healed and connected
family. MCs had many challenges along the way. She
learned John's secret.
This was a tad angsty, but I liked this couple. Their
love ran deep.
This began in a North Carolina Confederate prison
during the Civil War (Jan 1865, onward). IMO 4 stars.
Union Captain John Howe was kept in the dark and
insufficiently fed & had some poor sleep x 8 months
in prison. He was grumpy- I'd be grumpy too under
these conditions. He and others dug an underground
tunnel & he escaped. He was unable to take friend Max-
who was too ill to travel. John had the equivalent of
modern PTSD.
John imposed on Rev Douglas & his daughter Amanda.
John & Rev struggled over a pistol and both got shot.
John took the pistol and Amanda. He told her cooperate
or he'd shoot her. The Rev had called her a wh---, so
John assumed this was true. It wasn't.
This was a dangerous trip by RR to the north, for the
couple. Someone supplied him w/ a Confederate uniform.
John lived in Philly with his well-healed and connected
family. MCs had many challenges along the way. She
learned John's secret.
This was a tad angsty, but I liked this couple. Their
love ran deep.
April 18, 2023
A hot-and-cold-running couple, which does make sense given the circumstances but still was exhausting to read after a while. Also the hero struck me as pretty dang dense that he didn't grasp who was truly behind the third act separation (like really my dude?!).
The digital edition features "lost chapters" and these were a detriment to the overall story IMHO. There's another third act separation between hero and heroine where she takes off which makes me believe even less in the HEA. It was nice to read a bit more about a couple of secondary characters, but otherwise I felt like these chapters dragged the story out for too long.
I'm glad I read it because it gives some background to the next book, The Bride Fair, which I read many years ago - but not one I'm likely to revisit.
The digital edition features "lost chapters" and these were a detriment to the overall story IMHO. There's another third act separation between hero and heroine where she takes off which makes me believe even less in the HEA. It was nice to read a bit more about a couple of secondary characters, but otherwise I felt like these chapters dragged the story out for too long.
I'm glad I read it because it gives some background to the next book, The Bride Fair, which I read many years ago - but not one I'm likely to revisit.
March 17, 2025
This book won the RITA award the year it was published and there is no doubt as to why!
Captain John David is a Union officer who escapes from a Confederate prison. He first meets the young rebel girl Amanda Lee Douglas when he mistakenly enters her home thinking it's a safe house he was told to go to. Their journey begins when Amanda's father catches the union officer with his daughter and assumes the worse. With no choices left, John is forced to take Amanda on his trip home.
This was such a great story! I couldn't put it down and highly recommend it!
Captain John David is a Union officer who escapes from a Confederate prison. He first meets the young rebel girl Amanda Lee Douglas when he mistakenly enters her home thinking it's a safe house he was told to go to. Their journey begins when Amanda's father catches the union officer with his daughter and assumes the worse. With no choices left, John is forced to take Amanda on his trip home.
This was such a great story! I couldn't put it down and highly recommend it!
November 20, 2024
Don't ask me how I landed on this oldie, it's a whole thing. And while it did become a page-turner for me, I felt like I was missing part of the story the entire time, which became frustrating.
It begins with the hero, Captain John Howe, a northern soldier during the American Civil War, escaping a POW camp in the South. He is told to meet up with a sympathizer who will help him get back to the North, however, he arrives at the wrong house. Finding a woman outside, he grabs her and drags her in.
The heroine is the daughter of the local preacher—a mean old cuss who catches her in the arms of a man, yes the raggedy soldier who just escaped prison unbeknownst to preacher man. A scheme to marry her off and get this unwanted daughter off his hands is instantly hatched but before he can do so, John Howe knocks the crazy preacher out and escapes with the girl. Now she's part of his cover, along with a stolen rebel uniform, to finally get back home. She'll go along with it because she has no choice- and she really did have a shitty life with her father.
And that is just the beginning. Anxst and being shot at and fevers and furtive train rides ensue until they arrive in the North. Rather quickly I might add, because surprisingly the majority of the story is not about the escape but John Howe's need for her as she's become his saving grace.
I liked Amanda Douglas a lot. She's stubborn, though 17 yrs old, which is kinda cringe. But she's courageous and also felt well written. Like, I really knew her. I miss that sometimes in recent romance novels.
Additionally, I felt this book touched on PTSD and grief without saying it and this coming from an early 90s romance novel I might add, a time when no one wanted reality in their romance.
If it were not for the erratic and at times confusing unfolding of the novel I would have rated it much higher. But I loved the sweet epilogue HEA which showed us that John Howe and Amanda were going to be just fine in the end.
Oh and I realized- I'm really a sucker for the forced proximity trope. Why I didn't realize that before, I have no idea but all my favorites have them. (What's the psychological reasoning behind that anyway? yeah, probably best to not lift the lid off of that cauldron of crazy and just move on.)
Anyway, apparently Outlander queen Diana Gabalon herself rec's this one. For what it's worth.
It begins with the hero, Captain John Howe, a northern soldier during the American Civil War, escaping a POW camp in the South. He is told to meet up with a sympathizer who will help him get back to the North, however, he arrives at the wrong house. Finding a woman outside, he grabs her and drags her in.
The heroine is the daughter of the local preacher—a mean old cuss who catches her in the arms of a man, yes the raggedy soldier who just escaped prison unbeknownst to preacher man. A scheme to marry her off and get this unwanted daughter off his hands is instantly hatched but before he can do so, John Howe knocks the crazy preacher out and escapes with the girl. Now she's part of his cover, along with a stolen rebel uniform, to finally get back home. She'll go along with it because she has no choice- and she really did have a shitty life with her father.
And that is just the beginning. Anxst and being shot at and fevers and furtive train rides ensue until they arrive in the North. Rather quickly I might add, because surprisingly the majority of the story is not about the escape but John Howe's need for her as she's become his saving grace.
I liked Amanda Douglas a lot. She's stubborn, though 17 yrs old, which is kinda cringe. But she's courageous and also felt well written. Like, I really knew her. I miss that sometimes in recent romance novels.
Additionally, I felt this book touched on PTSD and grief without saying it and this coming from an early 90s romance novel I might add, a time when no one wanted reality in their romance.
If it were not for the erratic and at times confusing unfolding of the novel I would have rated it much higher. But I loved the sweet epilogue HEA which showed us that John Howe and Amanda were going to be just fine in the end.
Oh and I realized- I'm really a sucker for the forced proximity trope. Why I didn't realize that before, I have no idea but all my favorites have them. (What's the psychological reasoning behind that anyway? yeah, probably best to not lift the lid off of that cauldron of crazy and just move on.)
Anyway, apparently Outlander queen Diana Gabalon herself rec's this one. For what it's worth.
May 20, 2020
A very interesting read. very well constructed characters , having depth, living and facing hardship, John an Union Officer helt prisoner of war in the hell of a confederate prison, Amanda, a young adult-late teen, who is hated by her father and regularly humiliated.
I love their journey, her strenghth, his breakdown, her saving.
I love the way Cheryl Reavis writes.
I love their journey, her strenghth, his breakdown, her saving.
I love the way Cheryl Reavis writes.
May 27, 2019
This is a book that is saturated with emotions and moves at a rapid pace -- the end arrives before the reader has a chance to catch a breath. The opening chapter grabs the reader's attention and holds it until the end.
Union Caption John Howe has escaped from the awful Confederate prison in Salisbury, North Carolina. He goes to the wrong house and grabs seventeen-year-old Amanda Douglas at gunpoint. It is a sorry fact that Amanda agrees to accompany the dangerous escapee rather than stay with her Puritanical and hate-filled father.
Howe understands that Amanda can never return to her father's home again and he promises to provide her with a safe place to live after she has helped Howe. When he arrives home in Washington, DC, however, his family and friends are upset by the baggage John has brought home. They are still dressed to the nines and their lives have hardly changed since the beginning of the war. They have no interest in learning the true carnage and suffering of the Civil War. Amada continues to help John by keeping him grounded as he recovers physically and emotionally.
John continuously feels guilty about leaving behind his best friend, Max. The second book in this two-parter will tell Maxwell's story. I recommend that you read these in order.
Union Prisoners and Southern Camps
The Prisoner (1992) Best Novel winner (1993): The Prisoner
The Bride Fair (2002) Best Novel winner (2003): The Bride Fair
Union Caption John Howe has escaped from the awful Confederate prison in Salisbury, North Carolina. He goes to the wrong house and grabs seventeen-year-old Amanda Douglas at gunpoint. It is a sorry fact that Amanda agrees to accompany the dangerous escapee rather than stay with her Puritanical and hate-filled father.
Howe understands that Amanda can never return to her father's home again and he promises to provide her with a safe place to live after she has helped Howe. When he arrives home in Washington, DC, however, his family and friends are upset by the baggage John has brought home. They are still dressed to the nines and their lives have hardly changed since the beginning of the war. They have no interest in learning the true carnage and suffering of the Civil War. Amada continues to help John by keeping him grounded as he recovers physically and emotionally.
John continuously feels guilty about leaving behind his best friend, Max. The second book in this two-parter will tell Maxwell's story. I recommend that you read these in order.
Union Prisoners and Southern Camps
The Prisoner (1992) Best Novel winner (1993): The Prisoner
The Bride Fair (2002) Best Novel winner (2003): The Bride Fair
February 21, 2010
Learning that there was a way to escape the rebel prison that Captain John David Howe had been in, led him to a house that he thought would be a safe haven. Finding Amanda Lee Douglas home alone and realizing that it was not the house that he was suppose to be at, left him with few options, especially when her Reverend father caught them in a compromising position. Leaving town with an escaped prisoner and a Union Officer left her reputation in complete ruins just as the reverend had always expected. Supporting each other through the trip out of the area was the only way either of them would make it, giving Amanda several opportunities to leave him (since he had threatened her life), but she was unable to leave his side after he had been so nice. It was quite possible that they had both escaped prison on that cold night in January.
This one had a lot of emotional ups and downs for the characters. First showing the strength of John, then the strength of Amanda, the balance of strength and weaknesses played back and forth for the whole book. There were a couple of sections that seemed unclear as to what was happening, but in the end it all works. I seem to be drawn to some of the Civil War time romances that come out of Harlequin Historicals. This one shows one of the reasons with the authors note in the back, explaining how this is a romance writers theory of some historically accurate accounts of some of the final days of the Civil War in the town of Salisbury, North Carolina.
This one had a lot of emotional ups and downs for the characters. First showing the strength of John, then the strength of Amanda, the balance of strength and weaknesses played back and forth for the whole book. There were a couple of sections that seemed unclear as to what was happening, but in the end it all works. I seem to be drawn to some of the Civil War time romances that come out of Harlequin Historicals. This one shows one of the reasons with the authors note in the back, explaining how this is a romance writers theory of some historically accurate accounts of some of the final days of the Civil War in the town of Salisbury, North Carolina.
October 29, 2017
June 2012 - Despite of some irregularities and stretches of truth, its a good one. Very emotional, good turns of events (its so packed with them in fact, Reavis could have written a mini series out of it), love the backdrop of Civil War, great domineering father figure. Even though its about a southern Reb girl, most of prospective is from the North, the occupiers, which is refreshing since most on the subject seem to be written from the southern underdog prospective (Gone With the Wind etc.). The reason it gets three starts is because all the back and forth for most of it is tiresome, while at the end, it gets really good.
Oct 2017 - John Howe's guilt at leaving his friend Max behind in Confederate prison was well done. His mother being an overprotective shrew was all too real. Amanda's strong but naive character was endearing. He was a cad to Amanda and his behavior hard to stomach until he started singing the right tune.
Oct 2017 - John Howe's guilt at leaving his friend Max behind in Confederate prison was well done. His mother being an overprotective shrew was all too real. Amanda's strong but naive character was endearing. He was a cad to Amanda and his behavior hard to stomach until he started singing the right tune.
March 17, 2011
A very tasteful romance recommended to me by Tywanna. I was quickly absorbed into the historical fiction, comparable to reading the Twilight books - but less silly; no vampires or mythical creatures. Just people trying to survive and love during the Civil War. It's a good book for a quick sunny beach reading :)
May 18, 2016
Good story. Enjoyed it
Nice story. Good balance of romance and drama. Appreciated the way the characters build. I was just sad when it ended I wasn't ready to finish their story yet.
Nice story. Good balance of romance and drama. Appreciated the way the characters build. I was just sad when it ended I wasn't ready to finish their story yet.
September 19, 2016
Moving and breathtaking l
Compellingly written. The main characters are direct and honest, and the storyline moves along as if one is whitewater rafting. Loved every minute of this beautiful story.
Compellingly written. The main characters are direct and honest, and the storyline moves along as if one is whitewater rafting. Loved every minute of this beautiful story.
December 5, 2016
Awesome historical romance!
I've read this book many times, and it's still one of my favourite romances. Great story, great accuracy, and written so you can are the whole thing playing out in your mind.
I've read this book many times, and it's still one of my favourite romances. Great story, great accuracy, and written so you can are the whole thing playing out in your mind.
May 11, 2016
I loved the protagonists, the setting, and the story. All it needed was "Ashokan Farewell" playing in the background to have made it perfect.
March 4, 2023
Very well written book. I read it years ago and gave it 5 stars. It has been re-released and"lost" chapters added. Even better. A great romance and a trip through history.
March 30, 2023
Lots of angst that will have you hooked
the unresolved ending made me want to give it 1 star tho
but thinking of my attachment throughout the book I ended up giving 4 stars
the unresolved ending made me want to give it 1 star tho
but thinking of my attachment throughout the book I ended up giving 4 stars
March 28, 2017
Riveting Civil War....
I completely enjoyed The Prisoner. Could NOT put it down! It is factual Civil War, but told in a different, more down-to-earth way. From the intention of the reverend to kill his daughter to the description of the prison escape to the joking during battle, this story was real.
I completely enjoyed The Prisoner. Could NOT put it down! It is factual Civil War, but told in a different, more down-to-earth way. From the intention of the reverend to kill his daughter to the description of the prison escape to the joking during battle, this story was real.
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