Monday, May 20, 2013

Review of Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg and two giveaways!



I was already a fan of Jocelyn Green with her fiction debut last year, Wedded to War, book one of the Heroines Behind the Lines series, so I approached Widow of Gettysburg with a mix of delighted anticipation and worry. Part of me wondered if she could pull off the same detailed research and genuine feel for the time period. I braced myself for disappointment, thinking she couldn't possibly craft real and likeable characters with the same depth as Ruby O'Flannery and Charlotte Waverly. And I confess I worried that so much has been written about Gettysburg already, how could anyone write a fresh and original story?

I am delighted to say all of my worries were for naught. This novel exceeded all of my expectations, and my hopes were set pretty high. Civil War is a special interest of mine. I probably judge harder than most. But Ms. Green's meticulous attention to historical detail is a hallmark of her style. She has a compelling voice, and creates plots and characters that surprise, delight, challenge and ultimately inspire.

Liberty Halloway lost her husband early on in the war, and has been left to run her farm near Gettysburg with only the help of a hired freed woman and the companionship of a half blind and deaf Newfoundland dog. Dressed in "grave clothes", she greets a potential boarder who turns out to be a half starved young man begging a bit of bread—the most polite and enchanting beggar she's ever met, Silas. He challenges her to leave off her mourning, and also imparts a cryptic warning about finding another place to go for the near future as things are about to get intense.

Silas is more than meets the eye. Without giving away too much of the intricate and fascinating plot, both Libbie and Silas are on a journey of discovery and healing, navigating mutual attraction and impossible obstacles to their star crossed romance.

Again with this book as with the last, the secondary characters and subplots make Wedded to War a gripping read. Freedmen and women like Bella grace the story until a climactic moment brings them center stage. Also featured is the role of newsmen and military couriers and scouts from the Civil War.


Ms. Green does an exceptional job creating the sights, sounds, culture, and voice of the age. I was transported into a world of bucolic beauty and peace ravaged by the chaos of war and its aftermath. Though the journey has moments of great drama and depicts the stark reality of war, the destination delivers the reader to a satisfying and hopeful place. This novel is destined to become a classic for its broad view of America's greatest land battle, and its intimate portraits from several points of view from its diverse cast of characters. Libbie is sure to steal your heart and have you rooting for her all the way to the end, to find love, peace, and hope for a happily ever after.


To celebrate her May 1st release of Book 2 in the Heroines Behind the Lines series, I am offering a copy of Widow of Gettysburg to one lucky commenter, winner's choice of ebook or print. In addition, to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Gettysburg and the battles of 1863, I am offering a copy of my novella Bachelor Buttons to one lucky commenter.
Giveaway ends Friday May 24 at 8PM Eastern. To earn extra entries, share this on facebook, twitter and google+, follow this blog, (top right corner of page) or Jocelyn's blog, or my giveaway blog.

Thank you for visiting, and good luck!


59 comments:

  1. So thrilled to have a two-time Christy award nominee with us this week! Welcome, Jocelyn!

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    1. Thank you so much, Kathleen! You review is making me blush! I'm so thrilled to hear that you did indeed find a new angle on Gettysburg through Widow. And I love the connection to your Bachelor Buttons-that as soon as New York's troops were finished at Gettysburg they were called back home to help quell the draft riots! Thank you so much for having me on this week!

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  2. I really want to read this book. When I was young, my father took our family of historical Civil War sites. Gettysburg really stood out and I will never forget my trip to that town. I read a lot of books, fiction and non-fiction about the Civil War and its aftermath so I am very excited about this book. Thank you for this giveaway.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Carol. I visited Gettysburg about 20 years ago. It is the only CW battle site I have been to, but it will stand out in my memory as well. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. God luck on the giveaway!

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  3. I can't wait to read this book! I really enjoyed Wedded to War last year and I have been waiting for this one ever since!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    I follow this and your giveaway blog through GFC: Abbi Hart and I follow Jocelyn's blog through Feedly. I also shared the post on my google+ page!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Abbi! That gives you five entries. I appreciate you! Good luck

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  4. I have this series on my Kindle waiting to be read, but would love to win a paperback, or a copy of your novella!
    I follow your blog via GFC: pattymh2000 is my user name.
    I get e-mails from your giveaway blog, guess that means I am a follower/subscriber!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Patty. It is a fantastic book--one to savor! I have you down for three entries. Good luck!

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  5. Oh I love your review, Kathleen! You made it extra intriguing and left out all the right parts to make me want to rush out and get it. LOL
    We took our kids to Gettysburg last year on the 149th anniversary. I took a picture of two of my kids standing on the same site Lincoln stood, around the same time he gave his speech exactly 149 years earlier. Chills! :) Loved seeing everything and I hope to go back to poke around more.
    Susan P
    blog follower of you and Jocelyn

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    1. What an amazing trip that must have been, Susan. I'm sure your kids will remember that for their lifetimes. I have you down for three entries. Thanks so much!

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  6. Congratulations!!! A fantastic book and fabulous author!!! Thank you for entering me in your giveaway!!
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. My pleasure, Barbara. Thank you for coming by and joining the Civil War book party! :D Good luck to you.

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  7. What a great giveaway! I look forward to reading the book!

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    1. Jen, thank you for coming by! I hope you get a chance to read it--one of this years best!

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  8. I tweeted, follow this one, as well as the other 2 blogs...lol. I shared on FB and Google+

    Would love to win this book!
    Betti
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Betti--you are one busy bee! Thank you! I have you down for 7 entries. Good luck!

      Kathy

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  9. Thank you! Add me, please. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Thanks, Kathleen! I have you entered-- you have seven entries! You rox! :)

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  10. I received your e-mail ~ I am a follower of History repeats itself
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  11. "lanehillhouse@centurylink.net is already subscribed to the mailing list of Jocelyn Green"

    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  12. I receive e-mails from Fiction Addition Fix too! so I am a follower and enjoy newsy news I receive. Thank you for doing this and inviting us!
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  13. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/LaneHillHouse/status/336641184267132928

    says: kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-of-jocelyn-greens-widow-of.html … Review of Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg and two giveaways!

    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  14. posted on my Facebook newspage
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

    kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com/2013/05/review-of-jocelyn-greens-widow-of.html … Review of Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg and two giveaways!
    History repeats itself: Review of Jocelyn Green's Widow of Gettysburg and two giveaways!
    kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com
    A view of upstate New York history, historical fiction, and book reviews. Occasional author interviews, too. An emphasis on the American Civil War and local history to Elmira, NY.

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  15. From one Kathleen to another ~ I have posted all around!
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  16. I loved Wedded to War and Jocelyn's "Faith Deployed" books too. I'd love to win this one. Thanks for the chance:)

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    1. I have yet to read those, but I hear they are terrific! I have a nephew in the Marines, and I'll bet his mama would love those. :) Thanks for commenting. Good luck!

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  17. I'm always looking for good historical faith based fiction to read. I read her first book and would love to win this one.

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    1. Thanks, Mary. Loved Wedded to War, too! You'll love this one. Best of luck to you, and thanks for the follow!

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  19. I love Civil War books. Thanks for having the giveaway.

    harnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks Rose! I hope you get a chance to read Jocelyn's. She is one of the best I've ever read.

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  20. It's so great to see all of you here! Thanks so much for your interest in Widow of Gettysburg. Those of you who have been to Gettysburg will enjoy seeing familiar landmarks in the story--and those of you who have not yet been will feel like you have by the end of the book. :)

    Bachelor Buttons is a real treat, too, and since it's a novella, it's the perfect length for when you just have a day or two to indulge. Loved it.

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  21. I'd love your printed book.....it's great to read and share! mandn@wisper-wireless.com

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  22. These look great and I would love to read them
    Centraleast2 at gmail dot com

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  23. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. I've always been fascinated with reading about the Civil War. Always having lived out West I've not really been close to anything associated with that event in our history.
    JFWisherd(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Jackie. You will feel a part of the story reading Widow of Gettysburg. It's one of the best I've read in a few years.

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  24. Two sweet ladies to follow. I would love to be a winner. I wish I could visit Gettysburg, but will have to do it through reading. I am a follower of this blog, your give-away blog, and Follower of Jocelyn's blog. I tried to share this with the share at the top, but not sure it did. Interesting ladies writing interesting books. MAXIE mac262(at0me(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Maxie! You are the best :) You have five entries.

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  25. I would love to enter this giveaway as I'm been very interested in reading this series and would love to own The Widow of Gettysburg! Now for the extra entries I did:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiteraryMaidens/status/337277830385778689

    I follow this blog, and your giveaway blog under the name Bethany

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Bethany
    bethanydaughteroftheking{at}gmail{dot}com

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    1. Thank you, Bethany. Nice to see another fan of Civil War! That gives you four entries. Good luck!

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  26. Sounds really interesting, I'd love to read it! :) Thanks for the opportunity!

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    1. Thanks, Julie! So nice to see you come by and wish you the best on the giveaway!

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  27. I really do NEED this book to go with Wedded to War!

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  28. I shared on Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/wendy.newcomb.92

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  29. I tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/WendyNewcomb/status/337307883706408960

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Wendy! I appreciate you helping to spread the word. Looks like you have three entries. Good luck!

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  30. I shared on Google+:
    https://plus.google.com/u/0/105470790251142170138/posts

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  31. Jocelyn ~ Can you tell us more about your research? I wondered if you visited any battle sites while writing your Civil War books. I remember (long, long time ago...) visiting Gettysburg on my 8th grade school trip. I recall the moment our bus drove along the road that cuts through the battlefield. Even years later, it's a vivid memory. There was a feeling of such sadness that fell when I turned and looked back over the field behind us. Can you imagine something so sobering as to silence a bus full of 8th graders? Wow. What a powerful subject you write about!

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    1. Thanks for the follow, Kristi. And what a poignant memory! It definitely has that presence there, I agree. And Jocelyn captures it with an intriguing story. Hope you get a chance to read and enjoy this one.

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  32. Thanks for the giveaway. This book sounds so good.

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  33. Would love to be included in the draw. Thanks!

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  34. I love the cover of both of these books...and would love to be entered in the drawing!
    Blessings....Joy
    ibjoy1953[at]yahoo.com

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    1. The cover art is wonderful, isn't it? Thanks for coming by and entering, Joy. good luck!

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  35. And the winners, selected by random.org are:
    for Widow of Gettysburg
    Katie J.
    johnsonk133[at]yahoo[dot]com

    and for Bachelor Buttons
    Betti

    I will email you both shortly

    Thank you so much to everyone for coming and making this week so special. I appreciate all the new followers and the great enthusiasm for great Civil War fiction! Happy Memorial Day to all.

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