His Steadfast Love

Summary: In one of the most heartbreaking times in American history, a Southern preacher's daughter makes a tragic error that pits her against the very people she loves most.
It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Although Amanda Belle never thought she would marry, her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.
When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel marches off to war to fight for the Confederate States and Kent remains with the Union troops.
Her heart is torn between the two men she loves and the two sides of the conflict. When she turns to God for help, Amanda expects direction and support, but hears nothing. Is God listening to her anymore? Does He not care about the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?
The war is dragging on for much longer than expected, and Amanda struggles between the opposing philosophies of slavery. But after the death of her pastor father, she learns some hard truths about love, the human condition, and God's role in her life.
Amanda must trust God to bring her family through the chaos that threatens her home, her family, and the beloved state of Texas.

My Take: I think I've shared before that I find books about war difficult to read. I like this author so I chose it anyway. She did a fantastic job researching the era and allowing the reader to see through the eyes of characters on both sides of the conflict.

There is plenty going on to keep the plot from dragging. Whether you're with the families left behind and struggling to deal with how to survive on less, trying to get supplies past enemy troop lines and waiting to hear from loved ones or you're the soldiers dealing with fighting and even capture, it's not boring.

The characters feel authentic as well. They all seem true to their own roles. Amanda's family is Southern through and through. Her brother, Daniel, can't wait to fight for their way of life. Her father is a man of deep faith and convictions.

Before the war she meets Captain Kent Littlefield. He attends their church and talks about settling in the area. The rumors of war have already started though, and her father forbids the blooming romance. Kent's family also discourages him.

I liked the strength of the two characters individually. I already mentioned how much I appreciated the approach to the story. No one side contained all the heroes or all the villains. The romance didn't feel as strong to me though. Maybe because of their limited time together. Some of the other relationships were much stronger and interesting.

I want to thank Thomas Nelson for providing my copy in exchange for this honest review.