NOBLE CAUSE: A NOVEL OF LOVE AND WAR by Jessica James

Blurb:

He was fiercely devoted to the Confederacy;
She, fervently dedicated to the Union.
One risked life to save a Cause--
The other, honor, to save a life.

Praised by readers of romantic and historical fiction since its publication in 2008, the award-winning historical fiction novel Shades of Gray now has a new ending in this special 150th Anniversary of the Civil War Commemorative edition entitled, Noble Cause.

This is the tale of Colonel Alexander Hunter, a dauntless and daring Confederate cavalry officer, who, with his band of intrepid outcasts, becomes a legend in the rolling hills of northern Virginia. Inspired by love of country and guided by a sense of duty and honor, Hunter must make a desperate choice when he discovers the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect is the Union spy he vowed to his men he would destroy.

Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the paths of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever.

Author Jessica James uniquely blends elements of romantic and historical fiction in this deeply personal and poignant tale that, according to one reviewer, "transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader's bones." Winner of numerous national awards, James has received critical acclaim for this page-turning story of courage, honor, and enduring love.

Destined for an honored place among the classics of the American Civil War, Noble Cause is a book to read, and keep, and remember forever.


My Review:

Reading “Noble Cause” has made me incredibly happy that I have gotten back into Civil War Historical Fiction! Jessica James’ amazing book, filled with adventurous incidents, had my complete interest from the beginning. The characters were full of life, and completely believable. Andrea is the perfect heroine. She is strong and stubborn, but she also is able to let her guard down and show her softer emotions with the man she loves. Hunter was also the ‘perfect’ male hero. I know it’s cliché, but he came across as the type of guy that men want to be, and women fall head over heels in love with. I became completely drawn into both character’s lives. In fact, my only complaint is that I would have loved for the novel to be longer, so that I could have learned more about their lives prior to the Civil War. So much of who they are in this novel, and why they react to certain things the way they do, comes from their lives prior to the war, and I would have loved to “know” more about the character’s, by reading about the incidents that made them who they are.

I love that the author stayed so historically accurate with this novel. The use of authentic Civil War heroes as characters throughout, as well as actual battle sites and cities, that were important during the Civil War, really adds to the overall feel of the story. It’s especially interesting now that I live in Virginia, and I can go to these actual battle sites and walk around. Jessica James’ writing style is descriptive and elaborate, which helps to create a perfect picture of the action, and the background where the action is taking place.

This is an amazing book for history buffs, especially those who love reading about the Civil War. I think it’s a novel that men would like as well. There definitely is a love story going on throughout the novel, but it’s not over the top and isn’t what I’d classify as a typical historical romance novel. The adventure throughout the novel constantly had me wondering, ‘What’s going to happen next?” I had trouble putting this book down at times, because the excitement and adventures were nonstop, and there were also several surprises throughout the novel. Overall this is one of the better historical fiction novels that I’ve read this year.

The novel “Noble Cause: A Novel of Love and War” definitely receives five out of five stars from me.

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NO GREATER GLORY by Cindy Nord

Blurb:

Amid the carnage of war, he commandeers far more than just her home.

Widowed plantation owner Emaline McDaniels has struggled to hold on to her late husband’s dreams. Despite the responsibilities resting on her slender shoulders, she’ll not let anyone wrest away what’s left of her way of life—particularly a Yankee officer who wants to set up winter camp on her land.

With a defiance born of desperation, she defends her home as though it were the child she never had…and no mother gives up her child without a fight.

Despite the brazen wisp of a woman pointing a gun at his head, Colonel Reece Cutteridge has his orders. Requisition Shapinsay—and its valuable livestock—for his regiment’s use, and pay her with Union vouchers. He never expected her fierce determination, then her concern for his wounded, to upend his heart—and possibly his career.

As the armies go dormant for the winter, battle lines are drawn inside the mansion. Yet just as their clash of wills shifts to forbidden passion, the tides of war sweep Reece away. And now their most desperate battle is to survive the war with their lives—and their love—intact.

Warning: This novel contains complex emotions and battlefield gallantry wrapped around the inherent risks of falling in love with one’s enemy.


My Review:

“No Greater Glory” is the first novel I’ve ready by Cindy Nord, and I’m so glad that I randomly searched Civil War historical fiction novels and found her book! I have always been incredibly interested in anything to do with the Civil War, but over the past few years, I’ve gotten away from reading books based on events from that time period. I have kind of been “stuck” in the Medieval England time period when it comes to my reading choices. I randomly found Ms. Nord’s novel on amazon, and decided to give it a chance.

I loved the book from start to finish. Emmy and Reece’s story is extremely compelling, and there was the perfect amount of romance and adventure throughout. I liked that she kept it historically accurate, mentioning important battles and people who were main figures in the Civil War. I love when historical fiction novels give you a history lesson, without you even being aware of it!

Emmy and Reece are the perfect couple for a work of romantic fiction. Emmy is a strong, independent woman, who also has an aspect of vulnerability that makes her a likable character. Reece is the strong, intelligent man, who makes mistakes when it comes to love, but does everything possible to be with the woman he loves. Of course, there are mishaps that keep the couple apart, as well as bring them together. However, the author keeps the story realistic, which is where I think a lot of romance novels struggle. I also like that she balances the action and romance in this story. The book isn’t all SEX, SEX, SEX! There is a perfect balance between the obstacles that Emmy and Reece go up against, their adventures, and the hot, steamy scenes.

I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance. I think that it’s a great novel, and I’m so happy that I stumbled across it!

I give “No Greater Glory” five out of five stars.

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UNEASY LIES THE CROWN, A Novel of Owain Glyndwr by N. Gemini Sasson

Blurb:

The story of Owain Glyndwr, the last Welsh Prince of Wales.

In the year 1399, Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndwr is living out a peaceful gentleman's life in the Dee Valley of Wales with his wife Margaret and their eleven children. But when Henry of Bolingbroke usurps the throne of England from his cousin Richard II, that tranquility is forever shattered. What starts as a feud with a neighboring English lord over a strip of land evolves into something greater--a fight for the very independence of Wales.

After a harrowing encounter on the misty slopes of Cadair Idris, the English knight Harry Hotspur offers Owain a pact he cannot resist.

Peace, however, comes with a heavy price. As tragedies mount and temptations loom, Owain questions whether he can fulfill the prophecies and lead his people to freedom without destroying those around him.

For centuries, the bards have sung of King Arthur's return, but is this reluctant warrior prince the answer to those prophecies?


My Review:

I have yet to be disappointed by one of N. Gemini Sasson’s novels. Her novels have the perfect balance of romance, adventure, and historical accuracy. This is the first novel I’ve read about the Welsh struggle for freedom, and I was able to learn so much about it from this book. 

The characters/historical figures in this novel are written so incredibly well. As a reader you are completely pulled into their lives and struggles. Their stories are so incredible and well written.  More than once, tears came to my eyes while reading.  I found the story of Owain Glyndwr and his family to be absolutely fascinating. His long struggle for the freedom of his country is so inspiring. His family went through so much during his struggle for freedom. From the early years of love and happiness, and then through the years of sadness and pain while Owain struggled for the freedom of his country. It reminds me of the struggle that Robert the Bruce went through while attempting to save his country, Scotland.

I love Sasson’s writing style. The way she describes the setting of the story, takes the reader right into the action. I was able to clearly picture the terrain of the Welsh lands while reading. I was able to ‘see’ the battles taking place, and the different journeys that they were taking through the land. I love that she is able to describe things so clearly, without bogging the reader down with unnecessary details. The thoughts and feelings of the characters are described so clearly, that as a reader you almost feel what they’re going through.

N. Gemini Sasson is an amazing author of historical fiction. She keeps the events historically accurate, and gives the characters personalities that are so real, that you can believe they might have actually been like that when they were alive.  I would recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction, regardless of the time period of your interest. I knew absolutely nothing about the Welsh struggle for freedom, but by the end of this novel, I feel like I had a pretty good understanding. Overall, I thought this was an amazing book, and I’m looking forward to all future books by N. Gemini Sasson.

I give this book five out of five stars.

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THE BURNING CANDLE: A MEDIEVAL NOVEL by Lisa J. Yarde

Blurb:

Love is for women who have choices. She has none.

In eleventh-century France on the eve of the First Crusade, Isabel de Vermandois becomes the wife of a man old enough to be her father. He is Robert de Beaumont, Comte de Meulan. A hero of the Norman victory at Hastings and loyal counselor to successive English kings, Robert is not all Isabel had expected. Cruel and kind by contrast, he draws her into the decadent court of King Henry I. As Robert's secrets are unraveled, Isabel finds her heart divided. Her duties as a wife and mother compel her, but an undeniable attraction to the young William de Warenne, Earl of Surrey, tempts her. In a kingdom where love holds no sway over marital relations, Isabel must choose where her loyalties and her heart lie.

Based on the life of a remarkable medieval woman forgotten by time, The Burning Candle is a story of duty and honor, love and betrayal.


Review:

This is the first book that I’ve read by Lisa J. Yarde, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I think that the author really did justice to this time period. The characters at times come across as ‘cold’, but that’s part of the reason I believe the novel felt ‘real’ to me. People during the Middle Ages aren’t really thought of as being exceptionally loving or soft. So many children died young, and marriages between royal and/or wealthy people were often arranged, so in order to survive I believe the people had to be a little ‘cold’.

I really enjoyed reading Isabel’s story as she grew from an abused child to a moderately happy woman. Part of the reason I enjoy historical fiction, is the fact that I am able to get a feel for how this real person, from history, may have actually felt or acted. I think that the way Isabel’s character is described is perfect. She is a strong woman, and though as a reader you may dislike her at times, you also are able to relate to her, because she’s not perfect. I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between her and her husband, Robert de Beaumont, who she was contracted to marry at such a young age. I feel it clearly showed the true dynamic of many royal medieval marriages. The author obviously uses her creative license, but it definitely helped to make the story more interesting. And, Thorold’s character was the perfect villain!  His twisted influence in the story definitely helped to add to the suspense.

The thing that truly makes a historical fiction novel great for me is the addition of a love story, and the love story in this novel is amazing. As a reader, you are able to see the hardships that Isabel has suffered all of her life, and I think the love story helps to lighten the book up a little and to give the reader a little hope. I was completely caught up Isabel’s story, and the fact that the novel is based on actual historical figures and situations, makes it that much more interesting as a reader.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction from the medieval time period. I read it in two days, and had trouble putting it down. I love reading novels based on actual historical figures, especially people like Isabel, who led such fascinating lives. The only issue I had with this novel is the grammatical errors. The book definitely needs to be proof read again, because it’s frustrating to be reading an amazing book, only to keep coming across spelling/grammar errors.

I give this novel five out of five stars.

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THE TIME OF THE WOLF by James Wilde

Blurb:

1062, a time many fear is the End of Days. With the English King Edward heirless and ailing, across the grey seas in Normandy the brutal William the Bastard waits for the moment when he can drown England in a tide of blood. The ravens of war are gathering. But as the king's closest advisors scheme and squabble amongst themselves, hopes of resisting the naked ambition of the Norman duke come to rest with just one man: Hereward.

To some a ruthless warrior and master tactician, to others a devil in human form, Hereward is as adept in the art of warfare as the foes that gather to claim England's throne. But in his country's hour of greatest need, his enemies at court have made him an outlaw. To stay alive—and a free man—he must carve a bloody swathe from the frozen lands outside the court, in this evocative tale of a man whose deeds will become the stuff of legend.

My Review:

I have read many historical fiction novels that take place in medieval times, but this was the first novel I've read that took place during this time period (1062). I didn't have much background knowledge regarding William the Bastard or King Edward. All I really knew was that the Norman Conquest took place in 1066, but not what led up to it, so it took me a little while to catch on to what exactly was happening and who the people mentioned in this novel were. I admit, I had to do some googling while I was reading this book. However, after finishing this novel, not only did I have knowledge regarding this time period, but I also found that I was extremely interested in learning more about England during the Norman Conquest.

It is a bloody, violent novel, full of betrayal, and it stays that way from beginning to end. The main character, Hereward, is an extremely violent and vengeful character, but the author gives him an element of mystery, which allows the reader to believe that he is a good person underneath all of his external acts of violence. Alric, the monk who accompanies Hereward, is the perfect foil character. He helps to balance out Hereward's violent personality. Both characters are extremely strong, believable, and well written. I was able to clearly imagine what they would be like, and their stories fit in perfectly with the overall 'dark' feeling of this novel.

I tend to enjoy historical fiction novels that have a little more romance in them. However, Hereward and Alric were both such strong characters, that this novel had no problem keeping my interest from beginning until end. I would definitely recommend this novel to historical fiction fans who have an interest in this time period, especially those who love a novel that deals with betrayal, revenge, and violence. 

I give this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

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