No Man’s Daughter

Sons of the Shenandoah #3

by Kathleen L. Maher

A man with something to prove and a lady with something to hide clash over hotly contested property and a marriage proving anything but convenient.
When the Sharpe’s elderly neighbor passes after the war leaving a vacant farm with no heir, Benjamin Sharpe inquires to purchase the land. What he doesn’t expect to find is a beautiful and stubborn squatter has taken residence. Will her claim on the property prove harder to drive out than her claim on his heart?
Willa looked after Old Mr. Thompson through the war until his death. The late owner promised her a permanent home there, like the daughter he never had, but with some strings attached. When young and ambitious Benjamin Sharpe shows up with intent to evict her, Willa gives him a piece of her mind with a piece of lead aimed at his boots.
The youngest of the Sharpe brothers, Benjamin has been bossed around his entire life by his brothers, and he isn’t about to take it from any girl. All three of his brothers have veterans’ boasting rights in the War, and he must prove his mettle, too. But will his ambitions go so far as to force a waif from her home? As the girl’s resourceful defense of the property frustrates his plans, admiration plucks at his heartstrings. Ben must find a compromise while saving face with his family. But the chit has no intention of playing nice or seeking truce. In Bridgewater, Virginia, the war is still on!

Genres: Historical

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2021

About the author

Kathleen L. Maher’s infatuation with conflicted heroes began with her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved redeeming fictional bad boys ever since.

Her stories have appeared in Barbour Books’ novella collections. Her Civil War series the Sons of the Shenandoah, includes Genesis Award-winning The Abolitionist’s Daughter (2018). Book 2, The Chaplains Daughter, (2019) follows the oldest Sharpe brother and his reluctant path to happily ever after. Book 3, No Man's Daughter (2021) features the youngest brother Ben. Bachelor Buttons (2020), a Civil War novella, tells the story of the Battle of Manhattan and celebrates her Irish heritage. A Cowboy romance releases in March 2022 in Scrivenings Press’s Cowboy Cousins.

Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband, children, and many, many animals.

Follow for her latest book sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathl...

Reviews

[Candace West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the end of book two, I've been waiting for this story. Let me tell you, it was well worth the wait. I was eager for the youngest Sharpe brother, Benjamin, to have his own story. And what a journey! Such a satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series! I didn't want it to end. Willa is such a strong character and a perfect match for Benjamin, though neither of them think so in the beginning. Their journey is filled with excitement and danger. Both of them have a lot of growing to do, and Kathleen captures it in her masterful storytelling. Benjamin learns there's depths to Willa that he never imagined. And Willa discovers that Benjamin is worthy of her trust. A breathtaking story of pain and triumph!

[Debbie Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought Kathleen L Maher couldn't write a better book, she releases her latest novel in the Sons of the Shenandoah Series, No Man's Daughter. Kathleen's knowledge of this time period and her ability to bring it to life are phenomenal. Her eye for detail and impeccable descriptions of life during the reconstruction period following the Civil War are nothing short of brilliant. I fell in love with Ben, a young man who feels he is under the shadow of his heroic brothers and needs to make a way and a name for himself. And Willow, the orphan, searching for something to fill the emptiness and the shame she carries. This book is a MUST READ! Start early you won't want to put it down!

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were parts of the Civil War that we don't usually think about but No Man's Daughter brings post Civil War events to life. Willa is a spirited young woman living as a squatter in a beautiful old home after the owner passes away. I admired Willa who has endured much to remain alive after her home was burned. Ben Sparke has always felt put down by his older twin brothers and is ready to prove himself as a capable young man. Ben and Willa both face several surprises and dangerous events as the community comes together after the war! I enjoyed No Man's Daughter and recommend it to others who enjoy historical fiction. I received an advance e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great, great story! A story of faith and God’s Grace. While man has a sinful nature, there can be and will be forgiveness through God’s Grace and in His Word. This story holds all of that plus suspense and twists and turns throughout. I cried and smiled. I urged and cheered all the while holding my breath through some parts.
While I loved the first two books of the series, Ms Maher hit the ball out of the park with this one!

I received an Advanced Reader copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.

[Carrie Pagels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award-winning Kathleen L. Maher's Best Book Yet!!! What an amazing novel! A real page turner. This post-Civil War Christian Fiction romance features heroine Willa who has overcome some horrific things during the war. Hero Ben is the perfect man for Willa--but she just doesn't realize that! Beautiful lyrical writing, great story world building, and super story and characterization! This should be an award winner in the coming year!
Highly recommend!

[Paty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the “Sons of the Shenandoa” Civil War Series, and I loved it as much, or maybe even more, as the first two!
The first two stories are about the Sharpe’s middle and older brothers, who fought the Civil War and returned home to deal with all they had lost and experienced. Now it’s time for Benjamin’s story, the younger Sharpe. He wasn’t allowed to enlist because of his young age, so he stayed to help on his father’s farm and business. Always looked down and bossed around, Ben has a chip on his shoulder. He has never felt valued for his qualities and for who he is, always been the one to do the work that needed to be done at home, but almost never been thanked for it. He holds resentment to his cold father -his mother dying after he was born-, who doesn’t think him fit to make his own choices and be an independent man who can fend for himself. This is Post War Era, when the whole town of Bridgewater, Virginia is picking up the broken pieces of their lives and even if most folks just want peace, there’s still lawlessness and unsafety around. So Ben determines to buy his recently passed away neighbor’s land, so he can be freed from his family’s yoke and prove them he can be an independent man. What he doesn’t expect is the farmhouse and land to be occupied, most surprisingly by a young and apparently fearsome woman, who knows how to defend herself, and later claims to have inherited the land after taking care of the elder Mr. Thompson during his last years. After seeking around, Ben discovers that Mr. Thompson’s last wish was for Willa to have a permanent home there. So the only way to own the land would be as Willa’s husband. After some thinking, and even against his father advice, Ben offers Willa a marriage in name only, with his vow to take care of her, provide and keep her safe… Willa has deep secrets of her own. After her family was attacked and murdered during the war, and experiencing things no human being should have, Willa was rescued and fostered in the Thompson home. Willa has no one and trusts no one. But Ben is one of the few people that has shown some kindness to her, so what choice does she have? She can’t continue to survive alone without help of no one. And he has promised not to touch her if she’s not willing, but what he doesn’t know is that their marriage can never be one of love. Will he stay with her even under those conditions?
This was a beautiful story of true love, proving oneself, forgiveness, and trust. Trust in others, but mostly trust in God to guide along the way and bring the best of difficult and even tragic circumstances. My heart ached so much for Willa, after experiencing such tragic and abominable events, it’s logical that she doesn’t know how to trust anyone. But I loved how she was welcomed to the Sharpe family, especially by her to be sisters in law, Mari and Gwen. She slowly discovers that there’s kindness in the human heart. I admired her courage and determination, while I rooted for her true freedom and happiness. And that maybe, her heart and body can heal after all. But it will take a huge struggle. Will Ben be patient enough and will he win her trust with love and kindness, and especially not giving up? My heart also ached for Ben, and how he wanted to prove himself to his family, when the only important thing is how God sees us. He, as well as Willa, have many things to learned along this journey and I loved that, because I learned with them too! Trusting God, after seeing so many tragedy, might not be easy, but in the end it is He the Only One who can fill our deepest desires and who can love us Unconditionally as we so much need!
A beautiful story of love, family ties, reconstruction of community and peace, and seeking justice too…! I definitely recommend this story to Historical Romance Lovers! It’s so good, and the historical part seems so well researched and told that you learn a lot in this aspect too! A definitely must read!
I received a complimentary copy from the author but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholeness came by and by, as God filled in the lost and broken pieces.

The war is over and folks are left picking up the pieces. Ben was too young to go fight, but can see how it changed his three older brothers. As if that isn’t enough, his horse Knickers survived the war, but now bolts at the sound of a gunshot. How will he ever be whole again? Besides all that, his brothers continue to treat him like he is a little boy - will they ever realize he grew up while they were gone? Maybe the way to measure a man is not in what he’s achieved for himself, but how he uses his strength and ability to look after others.

Willa experienced the war in a way that no young girl should have. Taken in by the Sharpe’s elderly neighbors, this young orphan soon became part of the family, caring for them as they had cared for her. They even left the farm to her when they passed away...but that is where the questions begin. Will she let the light in and live in the present, putting the past behind her?

The author has done a fabulous job of showing the reader how the Reconstruction Era affected those who survived the war. Lawlessness, unauthorized arrests, murder, squatting and stealing have become almost normal. Those who are left behind must work together to bring peace and safety to their community.

An ARC of this third book in the Sons of Shenandoah series was received from the author. The impressions and comments made are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to learn that Maher was releasing the third book in her Sons of Shenandoah series, and then to learn that I was being included in the group that was to receive an advanced copy from the author was a special bonus. No Man's Daughter features the story of the youngest of Sam Sharpe's sons, Ben. Struggling to be seen as his own man, not just the little brother, spurs Ben on to enter a marriage of convenience in order to acquire the property he has set his eyes on. His bride, a Civil War orphan who has learned out of necessity to be independent and to stand up for herself, struggles with the impact of the great losses she suffered during the war, finding it most difficult to place herself in any perceived position of vulnerability.

Maher beautifully tells this story of redemption and blessings. She is a strong writer who paints intense mental images in the mind of her readers. Maher is particularly skilled in character development. I highly recommend No Man's Daughter as well as the first two books in this series. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story right from the first line of the book.
Here it is: Ben Sharpe had two hands full of trouble, if he could hold on with them.
Willa made sure Ben would not get close to her because she didn’t want him knowing that she was in that house by herself. Oh the troubles Ben has with her and his family. The hurts that Ben and Willa had to overcome was almost too much for them.
This story was a page turner for me. I loved that the author did not shy away from the real truth of things that happened during the Civil War and after the Civil War.
I loved the characters and the beautiful writing. If you want a book that will hold your attention, read No Man’s Daughter. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/ publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book!! Willa has been on her own and dealing with some awful circumstances. She thinks she's finally found a place to call her own. When she meets Ben, she thinks that nothing good can come of their meeting. They start off on the wrong foot; however, it doesn't take long for them to see that they need each other. Ben is more than willing to wait and be patient for Willa to change her mind about him. She's afraid to give control to Ben, and especially to God. When she finally figures things out, she realizes just how much she needs both God and Ben. This book deals with the restoration of the South after the Civil War, and the actions of unscrupulous men from both sides of that conflict.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has penned a wonderful story of life during and following the Civil War and one full of human frailties including: hardship, independence, courage, fear, grief and heartache, brokenness, stubbornness, faith, hope and romance. This is Ben and Willa's story. Willa an orphan who had been taken in and cared for by the Thompson's cared for Mr. Thompson during his illness and in return he promised her she would always have a home. When Ben attempts to view the property with an eye toward purchasing the property he discovers a squatter, Willa. Upon arriving at the property and meeting up with Willa the sparks literally begin to fly. Will the couple ever work through all of their negative, as well as positive emotions to find romance and a HEA? Be sure to read this wonderful story to find out. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written and researched quality Civil War novel proves both accurate in dialect and facts. Two young adults: Willa who had experienced lost and horrors of the war and Ben who was too young but was out to prove himself to his father and older brothers. Desiring to buy an adjoining property, Ben was curtailed by a feisty girl who claimed ownership thru inheritance. Besides their own 'personal land war', there were many other ongoing issues amongst family that needed to be resolved. Every chapter proved to be a new challenge in overcoming their differences and those who were out to claim and steal that which wasn't their own. Definitely a different and mesmerizing plot conveying the issues involving family interactions with good character development during the 'Restoration Era' following the Civil War.

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read historical fiction, I think you'll enjoy this one. No Man's Daughter is the third in Kathleen's Sons of the Shenandoah series. The war is over but the battles continue against corrupt neighbors and blue-clad soldiers who take advantage of Southerners who are struggling to rebuild their lives torn apart by the war. Ben Sharpe, the youngest of the Sharpe brothers, is looking for his own space. Willa Eberhart wants a place to belong. A marriage of convenience appears to be their only choice. An action-packed plot, two young people fighting their personal demons, and the strength of a family that overcomes conflict to pull together keep you reading to the end. Kathleen's research into this period of American history adds authenticity. The twists and turns in the plot and the strong but flawed characters show her skill as an author.

[Lynn Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and a great story! Keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. Will and Ben will each endear themselves to you in their own unique ways as they face challenges--some of which look near-to-impossible to overcome. I'd like to say more, but won't, because NO spoilers.

I've read all three books in the Sons of Shehandoah Series. I wish I'd read them more recently and in order, but each book stands well alone too.

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this continuation of the Sons of the Shenandoah series! I really liked Ben and Willa! I also liked that this author isn’t afraid to show some of the gritty sides of history. I liked that this took place right after the Civil War.


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Deborha Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting read!

This story held me from the first chapter. So much excitement happening, with a couple of twists I did not expect. It even brought tears to my eyes, making it quite difficult to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean, exciting, touching and romantic story. I look forward to future books written by Ms. Maher.