What do you think?
Rate this book
An Unexpected Wife
Her Deepest Secret
Giving up her out-of-wedlock son was the only right choice. Still, Kate Woodward aches that she isn't part of his life. She can't heal herself, but she can help former Confederate soldier Robert Markham rebuild his war-shattered life. But helping Robert is drawing them irresistibly close—even as Kate fears she can never be the one he deserves.
Battlefield loss and guilt rekindled Robert's faith and brought him home to Atlanta. And Kate's past only makes him more determined to show this steadfast, caring woman that she deserves happiness. Now, with her secrets revealed and her child in danger, Robert has only one chance to win her trust—and embark on the sweetest of new beginnings...
Giving up her out-of-wedlock son was the only right choice. Still, Kate Woodward aches that she isn't part of his life. She can't heal herself, but she can help former Confederate soldier Robert Markham rebuild his war-shattered life. But helping Robert is drawing them irresistibly close—even as Kate fears she can never be the one he deserves.
Battlefield loss and guilt rekindled Robert's faith and brought him home to Atlanta. And Kate's past only makes him more determined to show this steadfast, caring woman that she deserves happiness. Now, with her secrets revealed and her child in danger, Robert has only one chance to win her trust—and embark on the sweetest of new beginnings...
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Reavis
53 books37 followersAKA Cinda Richards
Former public health nurse, now award-winning romance novelist, Cheryl Reavis, describes herself as a "late bloomer." Her Silhouette Special Edition™, A CRIME OF THE HEART, reached millions of readers in Good Housekeeping magazine and won the Romance Writers of America's coveted RITA award the year it was published. She has also won the RITA award for her Harlequin-Silhouette novels, PATRICK GALLAGHER'S WIDOW, THE PRISONER, and THE BRIDE FAIR. BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE BARTERED BRIDE and a Berkley novel, PROMISE ME A RAINBOW, have been RITA award finalists. She has received numerous awards from Romantic Times magazine.
Her award-winning literary short stories have appeared in The Crescent Review, The Bad Apple, The Mosaic, The Sanskrit, Laurels, The Emrys Journal and Writer's Choice.
Publishers Weekly described her Berkley single-title novel, PROMISE ME A RAINBOW, as "...an example of delicately crafted, eminently satisfying romantic fiction."
Former public health nurse, now award-winning romance novelist, Cheryl Reavis, describes herself as a "late bloomer." Her Silhouette Special Edition™, A CRIME OF THE HEART, reached millions of readers in Good Housekeeping magazine and won the Romance Writers of America's coveted RITA award the year it was published. She has also won the RITA award for her Harlequin-Silhouette novels, PATRICK GALLAGHER'S WIDOW, THE PRISONER, and THE BRIDE FAIR. BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE BARTERED BRIDE and a Berkley novel, PROMISE ME A RAINBOW, have been RITA award finalists. She has received numerous awards from Romantic Times magazine.
Her award-winning literary short stories have appeared in The Crescent Review, The Bad Apple, The Mosaic, The Sanskrit, Laurels, The Emrys Journal and Writer's Choice.
Publishers Weekly described her Berkley single-title novel, PROMISE ME A RAINBOW, as "...an example of delicately crafted, eminently satisfying romantic fiction."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 17, 2013
Cheryl Reavis has talent. Her book, "A Soldier's Wife" is one of my favorites. This story, however, fell flat for me. If someone interrupted me while reading and asked what my book was about I wouldn't have known what to say. The theme, what was it? Redemption? Second chances? Acceptance of one's lot in life?..And as for plot...I don't know..WAS there one??
Overall I found this slow, disjointed and somewhat depressing.
I kept reading, waiting for it all to come together and waiting for SOMETHING TO HAPPEN but it never did. Seriously, no one hardly left the house. I counted twice. And the first time they were called back.
What can I say? What a strange story! And the title??? A time or two I checked to see if I had the right book. Why, there's not even a kiss in this book let alone a wife! OK, that IS rectified in the epilogue. (The wife part not the kiss). But how strange!
I'm sorry for the negative review, I was really looking forward to reading this, the premise seemed good but it was a disappointment.
On a positive note, discerning readers may be comforted to know that there was no sex, no violence, and no cussing found in these pages. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else either.
Overall I found this slow, disjointed and somewhat depressing.
I kept reading, waiting for it all to come together and waiting for SOMETHING TO HAPPEN but it never did. Seriously, no one hardly left the house. I counted twice. And the first time they were called back.
What can I say? What a strange story! And the title??? A time or two I checked to see if I had the right book. Why, there's not even a kiss in this book let alone a wife! OK, that IS rectified in the epilogue. (The wife part not the kiss). But how strange!
I'm sorry for the negative review, I was really looking forward to reading this, the premise seemed good but it was a disappointment.
On a positive note, discerning readers may be comforted to know that there was no sex, no violence, and no cussing found in these pages. Unfortunately, there wasn't much else either.
June 11, 2019
Why the book cover didn't state that this is a continuation of THE BRIDE FAIR baffles me. Because it has been such a long time since I read either of the two preceding books (see below), I was at a loss until I remembered facts about THE BRIDE FAIR. I think this is where the negative reviews come from; this really isn't a stand-alone book. To really enjoy this story, the reader needs to have read the previous ones.
I didn't think Kate was written as clearly as Maria was written in the previous book. She seemed to be waiting for something to happen. Kate was observant without being proactive. Most historical romance heroines are written as outgoing, dramatic, forces of nature. Kate's life has been stunted by her early pregnancy and loss of her child to friends of the family. She's a retired spinster who helps with other people's children.
That difference seemed to make the story slow and without much action. That is because the action was going on within the characters. As always, Cheryl Reavis has intimate knowledge of the human psyche and soul.
Union Prisoners and Southern Camps
The Prisoner (1992) Best Novel winner (1993): The Prisoner
The Bride Fair (2002) Best Novel winner (2003): The Bride Fair
The Unexpected Wife (2013)
I didn't think Kate was written as clearly as Maria was written in the previous book. She seemed to be waiting for something to happen. Kate was observant without being proactive. Most historical romance heroines are written as outgoing, dramatic, forces of nature. Kate's life has been stunted by her early pregnancy and loss of her child to friends of the family. She's a retired spinster who helps with other people's children.
That difference seemed to make the story slow and without much action. That is because the action was going on within the characters. As always, Cheryl Reavis has intimate knowledge of the human psyche and soul.
Union Prisoners and Southern Camps
The Prisoner (1992) Best Novel winner (1993): The Prisoner
The Bride Fair (2002) Best Novel winner (2003): The Bride Fair
The Unexpected Wife (2013)
July 9, 2022
Not as good as "The Older Woman" or even "The Bride Fair" which was the first book in this series. A little too much praying and religion for me. I know that people believed more then than they do now, but still, it didn't move me. I didn't even understand what brought Robert and Kate together.
January 21, 2018
A story about woman torn by having to give up her baby when she was young and a soldier scarred by war.
March 23, 2014
As usual a too busy life with far more distractions than any one person should have has pushed me into the clutches of another romance novel. I complain about this genre despite the fact that I’m actually grateful for it. The one good thing about a romance novel is that I don’t have to think about what I’m reading, it is quick reading, and if I happen to put it down for an extended time, it is easy to pick up again.
This book is from the Love Inspired division of Harlequin. I quite literally just figured out who publishes the Love Inspired line of books when I typed the preceding line, and that really explains so much! I chose this book from the Love Inspired books because I don’t need or want to read something that amounts to nothing more than poorly written porn.
Unfortunately, I was not very impressed with this book. As I have spent the last 20 years actively participating Civil War era living history I determined before even reading the first page that I would not judge this book on it’s historical accuracy or proper portrayal of the period in question. As a Daughter of the Confederacy I further determined that I would not judge the book based on its portrayal of Reconstruction. Had I judged the book on any of the foregoing, the book would have received negative stars. Of course one look at the cover art told me historical accuracy wasn’t this book’s strong suit anyway.
I will say that the author’s ability to write in a coherent manner was appreciated. With romance books it is so hit and miss when it comes to author ability. Cheryl Reavis thankfully writes in an engaging style that doesn’t leave me feeling as though I’ve just read a grade school book. Certainly the writing is not scholarly, but that is hardly to be expected in any of today’s mainstream books.
The characters in this book were about what I would expect in the romance genre. Unfortunately, I found the main characters to be less than engaging. Don’t get me wrong, they were OK. I simply found the character of Sergeant Major Perkins to be far more appealing. In all honesty, I am hoping to see a book written for Sergeant Major Perkins! I do believe that would be a very good book.
While the main characters didn’t catch my attention as much as they should have, I will say that at least the author did allow them to develop. In fact, Kate (the female lead), truly seemed to grow up and come into her own through the course of the book. With Robert (the male lead) we had to take the author’s word for the changes in his character through other character’s thoughts and conversations, but even at that, the way it was written just worked.
The plot was OK. I don’t like to write much about plot because I don’t want to spoil the books I review for other readers. Please forgive my vagueness. All I can really say about the plot is that the climax of the story seemed rather farfetched and quite engineered. Yes, it served it’s purpose, but I truly believe there were better options available to the author.
All things considered, I’m not sure I would recommend this book. Certainly it wasn’t horrible, but neither can I say it was even average. This book simply didn’t work for me. However, should you find you want to read the book, I can assure you there is nothing in this book that a reader might find objectionable. In fact, this book is safe even for a teen to read.
This book is from the Love Inspired division of Harlequin. I quite literally just figured out who publishes the Love Inspired line of books when I typed the preceding line, and that really explains so much! I chose this book from the Love Inspired books because I don’t need or want to read something that amounts to nothing more than poorly written porn.
Unfortunately, I was not very impressed with this book. As I have spent the last 20 years actively participating Civil War era living history I determined before even reading the first page that I would not judge this book on it’s historical accuracy or proper portrayal of the period in question. As a Daughter of the Confederacy I further determined that I would not judge the book based on its portrayal of Reconstruction. Had I judged the book on any of the foregoing, the book would have received negative stars. Of course one look at the cover art told me historical accuracy wasn’t this book’s strong suit anyway.
I will say that the author’s ability to write in a coherent manner was appreciated. With romance books it is so hit and miss when it comes to author ability. Cheryl Reavis thankfully writes in an engaging style that doesn’t leave me feeling as though I’ve just read a grade school book. Certainly the writing is not scholarly, but that is hardly to be expected in any of today’s mainstream books.
The characters in this book were about what I would expect in the romance genre. Unfortunately, I found the main characters to be less than engaging. Don’t get me wrong, they were OK. I simply found the character of Sergeant Major Perkins to be far more appealing. In all honesty, I am hoping to see a book written for Sergeant Major Perkins! I do believe that would be a very good book.
While the main characters didn’t catch my attention as much as they should have, I will say that at least the author did allow them to develop. In fact, Kate (the female lead), truly seemed to grow up and come into her own through the course of the book. With Robert (the male lead) we had to take the author’s word for the changes in his character through other character’s thoughts and conversations, but even at that, the way it was written just worked.
The plot was OK. I don’t like to write much about plot because I don’t want to spoil the books I review for other readers. Please forgive my vagueness. All I can really say about the plot is that the climax of the story seemed rather farfetched and quite engineered. Yes, it served it’s purpose, but I truly believe there were better options available to the author.
All things considered, I’m not sure I would recommend this book. Certainly it wasn’t horrible, but neither can I say it was even average. This book simply didn’t work for me. However, should you find you want to read the book, I can assure you there is nothing in this book that a reader might find objectionable. In fact, this book is safe even for a teen to read.
April 15, 2025
Cheryl Reavis' An Unexpected Wife is a historical romance set in the Reconstruction-era South. It centers on Kate Woodward and Robert Markham as they grapple with the Civil War's aftermath. Kate bears the secret of giving up her out-of-wedlock son, and Robert returns home, haunted by loss and seeking to rebuild his life.
Reavis crafts a tender, introspective narrative that explores healing, forgiveness, and love amidst hardship. The characters are well-developed; Kate's quiet strength and Robert's journey toward redemption form the novel's emotional core. The author's historical detail immerses the reader in the post-war South, depicting its challenges and the people's resilience.
An Unexpected Wife is a character-driven story that may appeal to readers who enjoy:
*Historical romance with emotional depth
*Stories set in the Reconstruction era
*Characters who overcome adversity
*A gentle, faith-influenced narrative
Readers should know this is a faith-based story with references to God and prayer. While not explicitly a series, reading "The Prisoner" and "The Bride Fair" beforehand may enhance understanding, though those earlier books are more explicit and not faith-based.
While some may find the pacing slow, the novel's strength is its sensitive portrayal of wounded hearts finding solace.
Reavis crafts a tender, introspective narrative that explores healing, forgiveness, and love amidst hardship. The characters are well-developed; Kate's quiet strength and Robert's journey toward redemption form the novel's emotional core. The author's historical detail immerses the reader in the post-war South, depicting its challenges and the people's resilience.
An Unexpected Wife is a character-driven story that may appeal to readers who enjoy:
*Historical romance with emotional depth
*Stories set in the Reconstruction era
*Characters who overcome adversity
*A gentle, faith-influenced narrative
Readers should know this is a faith-based story with references to God and prayer. While not explicitly a series, reading "The Prisoner" and "The Bride Fair" beforehand may enhance understanding, though those earlier books are more explicit and not faith-based.
While some may find the pacing slow, the novel's strength is its sensitive portrayal of wounded hearts finding solace.
August 26, 2013
Good story from Cheryl Reavis "An Unexpected Wife"
Kate Woodard was tired of doing what was right all the time and when she should have gotten on the train and left as her military brother directed she didn't, she stayed at his home with he and his family gone she thought she would have a quiet stay to reflect on her life...not so
What happens soon is quite a story and you sure want to read and find out how this military man comes home to chaos....
Robert Markham had been thought dead yet here he was at his sister's home after having walked many miles to get there and with injuries too. he soon collapsed and the saga begins with Kate wondering who this scruffy looking man is in her brothers kitchen...
Secrets will be revealed and hearts will mend in this story...thanks Cheryl for a great one...
Kate Woodard was tired of doing what was right all the time and when she should have gotten on the train and left as her military brother directed she didn't, she stayed at his home with he and his family gone she thought she would have a quiet stay to reflect on her life...not so
What happens soon is quite a story and you sure want to read and find out how this military man comes home to chaos....
Robert Markham had been thought dead yet here he was at his sister's home after having walked many miles to get there and with injuries too. he soon collapsed and the saga begins with Kate wondering who this scruffy looking man is in her brothers kitchen...
Secrets will be revealed and hearts will mend in this story...thanks Cheryl for a great one...
July 6, 2013
If you read Cheryl Reavis's THE BRIDE FAIR, you might remember that there were people you wondered about. People whose stories you wanted to read. And now you can. This is the story of Maria's brother and Max's sister. And there's also Sergeant Major Perkins, who was my own hero and needs his own book. The prose takes you to Salisbury, NC and makes you feel how it might have been after the Civil War ended. The characterization--check out Mrs. Kinnard!--is amazing. I'm admittedly a Reavis fangirl, but I can't recommend this highly enough.
June 18, 2013
This is a story of Reconstruction in the South showing us both points of view: A Northerner living in the South (Kate) and a Southerner returning home after service to his country (Robert). Touching and revealing, the growing romance between this couple is truly icing on the cake.
Read
December 29, 2014"Set in the turbulent aftermath of the Civil War, Reavis's story realistically portrays some of the problems faced by both sides. The choices the heroine must make are heartbreaking and heartwarming in turns." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars
July 26, 2020
This is typical historical, romance, inspirational fiction. It did have it's charm though, and it was an easy read.
This is my second reading. It is a nice, inpirational read.
This is my second reading. It is a nice, inpirational read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews