Jessie's War

by Meggan Connors

She's about to become a pawn in a brutal game between nations...

The American Civil War has raged for more than ten years. The outcast daughter of a famous inventor, Jessica White has struggled to salvage what little remains of her life. Then, one cold winter night, the lover she'd given up for dead returns, claiming the Union Army bought the plans for her father's last invention. But he's not the only one who lays claim to the device, for the Confederacy wants the invention as well. Both sides will kill to have it.

...And only he can save her.

As an agent for the Union Army, Luke Bradshaw is a man who will use whomever and whatever is at his disposal in order to complete his mission. An attack by Confederate soldiers ensures that Jessie will turn to him for help, but Luke can't help but wonder about the secrets she keeps—and if those secrets will ultimately prove fatal.

Genres: Steampunk

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2013

About the author

Meggan Connors is a wife, mother, teacher and award-winning author who writes primarily historical and steampunk romances. As a history buff with a love of all things historical, she enjoys visiting both major and obscure museums, and reading the histories of the Old West and the British Isles. She makes her home in the Wild West with her lawman husband, two children, and a menagerie of pets. When she's not writing, she can usually be found hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow, or with her nose in a book. Favorite vacation destinations include the sun-kissed hills of California, any place with a castle or a ghost (and both is perfect!), and the windswept Oregon coast.

Reviews

[Casey Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was Wild, Wild West meets steamy, action filled romance. Very nicely done!!

[Collette Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truthfully, I had no idea what to expect when I began Jessie’s War. I’ve not read steam punk before, though I have read other books by Ms. Connors.

The beginning of the book was unusual, in that the author did a extraordinary job of transferring the ugliness and heavy atmosphere of the setting, and the heartbreaking despondency of Jessie to the reader. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed those first few chapters because how can you enjoy reading about someone else intense struggles and disappointments? I felt the weight of her sorrow and the hostility of her surroundings.

I was snared, though; thoroughly intrigued by the seeming juxtaposition of the “old west” and technology I won’t pretend I understood entirely.

What truly made this a riveting read was the relationship between Jessie and Luke. Soul mates, destined for one another before time, at least to my way of thinking. They weren’t all love and sweetness to each other. No, their bonding began as children, and life’s disappointments and challenges, particularly the war between the Rebs and Confederacy, caused a multitude of hard feelings and distrust between them.

Yet, Ms. Connors skillfully weaved a thread, a unbreakable, almost undefinable connection between Luke and Jessie. There were times I wanted to yell at each of them, and times their deep, timeless love was so moving, I got teary-eyed.

The mystery and intrigue interspersed throughout the book, as well as some intense action scenes, had me on the edge of my seat, with my heart in my throat more than once. The Native American subplot was brilliantly done and added a wonderful dimension to the story.

I love to read; have since I was very young, and my genre of choice is romance. I especially enjoy historical romance, and I can unequivocally say, this story impacted me more emotionally than any book I can remember in a very long time. I had a difficult time going to sleep after I finished it because I was so stirred.

I’m sincere when I say this book is a must read. Whether you enjoy steam punk, westerns, historical...it doesn’t matter. This is a superbly written love story.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Brooke Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, beautiful, exquisitely written story about love, loss, and the civil war with a steampunk twist. This book is stellar, and I highly recommend it to all readers, no matter what genre you prefer. It transcends genres and touches your heart with an emotional journey for the hero & heroine.

[Pamela aka Scottieluvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

RRRC - 2019 Read the Month Polish Edition - MAJ MAY
Line item "J"

Excellent steampunk weird western premise; well written and fleshy world building. The characters rocked; strong, believable and captivating.

[Ruth Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me say first that I wanted to like this book more than I did and give it a higher rating. Please take my words with a grain of salt because Meggan Connors is a fantastic author, and the story she has woven will appeal to romance and steampunk lovers out there. Understand that this is merely my opinion, and that is the beauty of living in this great country of ours.

When I read that this was story mixed the Civil War with steampunk elements, I was intrigued. I have only read one other steampunk novel, so I was ready to tackle this one. And I will say that the steampunk elements are somewhat intriguing. They are truly only a small part of the story, but it does make for an interesting read. Add two great characters: Jessie and Luke, and you have an amazing story of espionage, history, native American culture, and romance. It was a clever spin on a well-known part of our country's history.

My early complaint came as a result of extending the Civil War. I don't mind people taking liberties with historical fiction, but this is something that I felt should not have been tampered with. I didn't mind the technology aspects, but the War ended in 1865. Yes, I understand that the country did not immediately recover, but the War was over. I wish that the author had placed this story within the actual confines of the Civil War. I believe the story would have been just as effective.

Although I am not marking it down for this, I cannot give this book my clean romance stamp of approval. The profanity was distracting and way too much, in my opinion. I also felt that much of the dialogue was not specific to the time period of the story. I could have done without the details of the bedroom, but at least most of that was between a married couple.

I am giving this is a 3.5 star rating. It was a difficult decision, but I truly struggled with the ending of this story. I'm not going to spoil the ending for you, but I guess I felt it was very much over the top and way too weird. A lot of Native American culture came out, but I think this goes beyond this to almost a paranormal incident. I wish it had ended differently than it did, but then I'm not an incredibly incurable romantic--sappy romantic, that is. Again, I'm not putting anyone down, but I just could not buy into the story. I would venture to say that a good share of women will thoroughly enjoy this book, but it was not my cup of tea. However, I have no problem commending the author's writing style and idea for the story. There were many times I could not put it down because it was pretty exciting.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read many steampunk stories but found this one immensely engaging due to its very likable characters and vivid depictions of the blending of the future with the past that defines the steampunk genre. This story is full of action-packed sequences with bits of mysticism that profoundly affects the outcome of the story. Throw in a memorable cast of secondary characters that point to an exciting future for this series and you end up with an entertaining read.

Jessie has loved Luke since she was young and was devastated when she thought him dead. Along with the loss of her brother and father she's now alone and having to fend for herself against those who hate her for her Indian heritage. There's soon other men after her for the secrets only her father knew and Luke returns from the dead to protect her. She's no wilting flower and resents him for his help while fighting her attraction for him that never stopped. As they fight side by side to uncover long held secrets their journey towards a HEA takes unexpected rocky twists and turns that constantly put their lives in jeopardy. After a gutwrenching event, their long awaited HEA is made even more satisfying.

Luke went off to war and ended up working for the government. He has the scars and mechanical leg as a remembrance, along with his undying love for Jessie. He knows he broke her heart and spends the rest of the story trying to make his betrayal up to her. As they travel cross country he slowly wins over her family as they put her welfare in his hands. As he comes near death numerous times she realizes she can't live without him any longer which makes an event that happens late in the story even more heartbreaking.

They're an entertaining couple equal in their physical strengths so both can count on the other in times of danger. There's lots of witty verbal banter between them that's playful and belies their sexual tension. Their trek cross country was a bit too drawn out and made the story feel draggy after a fast-paced beginning. After a tragic event late in the story, things were a bit too drawn out as well followed by a hastily wrapped denouement. All in all this was a good story with memorable characters that I'd love to revisit.

[Janna Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie’s War is a unique forage into the world of steampunk. Meggan Connors takes a sub-genre that is usually associated with the Victorian era and places it in the center of the American Civil War and the wild western frontier. She not only successfully pulls us into her imaginative world, but also does it with such brilliance and strength that it leaves no question as to her talent as a writer. The plot flows solid and unfettered, the characters are believable, and the action will have you turning the pages.

Jessie White, a woman fighting to be accepted by the two worlds her heritage places her in, must also fight to find the answers to the secrets that threaten to destroy her world. Luke Bradshaw, a lover that Jessie had given up as dead, is a Union Army agent on a mission who will stop at nothing to complete his mission, even if it means sacrificing Jessie’s love.

This action-packed story has it all. Witty dialogue, well-drawn characters, outstanding imagery, twists and turns, and sexual tension all wrapped up in a historical steampunk romance that you will not soon forget. Jessie’s War not only grabbed my attention from beginning to end, but it did it with mesmerizing ingenuity and romanticism.

This is a strong, emotional romance that is sure to please all readers, even if romance is not your forte. It is a thoroughly enjoyable story and one you definitely want to read.



I purchased this book and agreed to post an honest review in
conjunction with a tour event hosted by Goddess Fish.
Janna Shay
Author of Fair Play

[Roberta Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first venture into steam punk, and I was shocked at how well I liked it. Connors did an excellent job of creating a world many of us would never even imagine. Twists, turns, a sexy Hero and heart wrenching results.... Kudos on a good read!