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Everlasting Light: A Civil War Novella
The American Civil War has ended, but Alaina McKenna still awaits news about her husband, Braeden. Did he die in a Yankee prison? Was he buried in a shallow grave on a Virginia battlefield? Or has he turned his back on the specter of death and loss around him and sought solitude west of the Mississippi River, never to return home, again?
As Christmas nears, Alaina deflects the advances of a suitor in the neighboring county, choosing to cling instead to hope and her belief that Braeden will return. As winter’s chill settles upon her farm, Alaina cries out to God in one final Christmas Prayer.
When loss lingers, love – even unto and beyond death - for it is through heartbreak that God opens doorways to comfort others.
CHAPTER 1 - December, 1865
Desolation. Gray and bleak. As far as the eye could see.
Standing on the covered porch of her in-laws’ large farmhouse, Alaina Dalton McKenna hugged a knitted shawl more tightly around her and gazed across the ravaged land. Her heart ached. Yankees. I hate every last one of them.
Even as the thought formed, Alaina could hear Reverend Pritchard’s voice last Sunday, commanding his congregation to “love your enemies.” But that, of course, was easier said than done. Charleston lay in ruins, Fort Sumter had been abandoned by the Confederate army, and much of Columbia had been burned beyond recognition. Surely this was the end of the world.
Looking toward the orchard, Alaina couldn’t fight back tears as she viewed the charred peach trees. Their skeletal remains added even more barrenness to the dull winter landscape. Why did they have to burn everything?
Last February when Sherman’s troops made their march from Savannah to the sea, they hit South Carolina particularly hard, since the war had started in the state. The Yankees set fire to everything in their paths. The prosperous McKenna farm in Richland County had been no exception. As her mother-in-law, Eloise McKenna, said, it was a miracle their house still stood, proud and erect. Their barn, animals, equipment, and outbuildings were gone. All gone. However, this past summer, they had been able to grow a few crops, which would keep them from starving to death this winter.
If only Braeden would come home. She yearned for her missing husband. He’d know what to do.
Praise for Andrea Boeshaar
Andrea Boeshaar has done a wonderful job of weaving an enchanting tale.~ Jill E. Smith
Perhaps it will nudge you into a journey of your own. ~ Sandra Lee Smith
I truly enjoyed reading this saga and look forward to the next book." ~ Joanne C
Her plots are rich and well developed. ~ Liz Tolsma
If you buy a new print edition of this book (or purchased one in the past), you can buy the Kindle edition for only $0.99 (Save 67%).
As Christmas nears, Alaina deflects the advances of a suitor in the neighboring county, choosing to cling instead to hope and her belief that Braeden will return. As winter’s chill settles upon her farm, Alaina cries out to God in one final Christmas Prayer.
When loss lingers, love – even unto and beyond death - for it is through heartbreak that God opens doorways to comfort others.
CHAPTER 1 - December, 1865
Desolation. Gray and bleak. As far as the eye could see.
Standing on the covered porch of her in-laws’ large farmhouse, Alaina Dalton McKenna hugged a knitted shawl more tightly around her and gazed across the ravaged land. Her heart ached. Yankees. I hate every last one of them.
Even as the thought formed, Alaina could hear Reverend Pritchard’s voice last Sunday, commanding his congregation to “love your enemies.” But that, of course, was easier said than done. Charleston lay in ruins, Fort Sumter had been abandoned by the Confederate army, and much of Columbia had been burned beyond recognition. Surely this was the end of the world.
Looking toward the orchard, Alaina couldn’t fight back tears as she viewed the charred peach trees. Their skeletal remains added even more barrenness to the dull winter landscape. Why did they have to burn everything?
Last February when Sherman’s troops made their march from Savannah to the sea, they hit South Carolina particularly hard, since the war had started in the state. The Yankees set fire to everything in their paths. The prosperous McKenna farm in Richland County had been no exception. As her mother-in-law, Eloise McKenna, said, it was a miracle their house still stood, proud and erect. Their barn, animals, equipment, and outbuildings were gone. All gone. However, this past summer, they had been able to grow a few crops, which would keep them from starving to death this winter.
If only Braeden would come home. She yearned for her missing husband. He’d know what to do.
Praise for Andrea Boeshaar
Andrea Boeshaar has done a wonderful job of weaving an enchanting tale.~ Jill E. Smith
Perhaps it will nudge you into a journey of your own. ~ Sandra Lee Smith
I truly enjoyed reading this saga and look forward to the next book." ~ Joanne C
Her plots are rich and well developed. ~ Liz Tolsma
If you buy a new print edition of this book (or purchased one in the past), you can buy the Kindle edition for only $0.99 (Save 67%).
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2013
68 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Boeshaar
64 books322 followersAndrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.
Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.
Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 14, 2017
2.5 stars. If anyone is interested in why the low rating, let me know and I'll write a quick review.
**Updated.**
(Someone asked. So here I am. I'm going to list the reasons I gave this novella the rating I did.)
-- First Alaina. I just didn't click with her. Like, at all. One minute she's certain that her husband is still alive and that he'll come home to her. And then, moments later, she's considering a marriage proposal...from someone else! Just make up your mind!
-- Then, another thing about Alaina, was her faith. At times she's trusting in God for her future, but then a couple pages later she was screaming for someone to shoot the federal soldiers. Um...okay?
-- The 'other guy'... (I'll refrain from saying a name because of spoilers.) I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I think of him. I liked him at first (Faith always falls for the wounded guys), but I didn't appreciate how...close he was with Alaina. Announcing his love for her, while knowing she was still married. He should have at least respected that she thought her husband was still alive, and have been willing to wait until she was ready to move on. In my opinion anyways... ;)
-- I'm not going to bring up the "lack of depth" (although it was definitely there) because I know that's often common case in novellas. There's just not enough space for everything, if you're still gonna keep it small.
-- The flashbacks were...interesting. But I felt like they disrupted the flow of the story (what little of it there was wasn't enough without that), and didn't really help at all. It was if the author wrote parts of it that way to avoid the dreaded 'info dump'. But...that just didn't work.
-- The salvation message was shown in a good way, I thought, although it could have been elaborated on more.
So yeah. I did read it all, so I guess 2.5 stars. Not impressed, but I will be reading more by this author as I have a paperback of hers. :P
**Updated.**
(Someone asked. So here I am. I'm going to list the reasons I gave this novella the rating I did.)
-- First Alaina. I just didn't click with her. Like, at all. One minute she's certain that her husband is still alive and that he'll come home to her. And then, moments later, she's considering a marriage proposal...from someone else! Just make up your mind!
-- Then, another thing about Alaina, was her faith. At times she's trusting in God for her future, but then a couple pages later she was screaming for someone to shoot the federal soldiers. Um...okay?
-- The 'other guy'... (I'll refrain from saying a name because of spoilers.) I'm still trying to figure out exactly what I think of him. I liked him at first (Faith always falls for the wounded guys), but I didn't appreciate how...close he was with Alaina. Announcing his love for her, while knowing she was still married. He should have at least respected that she thought her husband was still alive, and have been willing to wait until she was ready to move on. In my opinion anyways... ;)
-- I'm not going to bring up the "lack of depth" (although it was definitely there) because I know that's often common case in novellas. There's just not enough space for everything, if you're still gonna keep it small.
-- The flashbacks were...interesting. But I felt like they disrupted the flow of the story (what little of it there was wasn't enough without that), and didn't really help at all. It was if the author wrote parts of it that way to avoid the dreaded 'info dump'. But...that just didn't work.
-- The salvation message was shown in a good way, I thought, although it could have been elaborated on more.
So yeah. I did read it all, so I guess 2.5 stars. Not impressed, but I will be reading more by this author as I have a paperback of hers. :P
August 13, 2020
I love trying out new authors adn Andrea Boeshaar is a new one to this reader. Having a chance to listen to this short novella on Audible Escape was a treat. It is a story of a young civil war wife named Alaina McKenna who is waiting for her husband Braeden after the Civile War. She's been told taht his is injured and later captured by his enemy. Years have gone by and she continues to be prayerful that he will return.
This was a clean historical romance that I enjoyed although there were very little parts that were hard to follow. With that as a takeaway, it was still a very good romance that shows how one can overcome any obstacles when they have prayer and an abundance of true love. The narration was done by Pam Tierney was nice also.
This was a clean historical romance that I enjoyed although there were very little parts that were hard to follow. With that as a takeaway, it was still a very good romance that shows how one can overcome any obstacles when they have prayer and an abundance of true love. The narration was done by Pam Tierney was nice also.
February 26, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
Even though this book was under a hundred pages in length, I struggled with it. I think the issue I had with it was that it took two thirds of the book to settle into one time period. Once it finally stopped flipping back and forth between the POV character's present and past, I was able to enjoy the story. I particularly enjoyed the faith threaded throughout. There were at least two major faith journeys, and both were well written and felt organic. I also liked the ray of hope that was found in the midst of dark times. Everyone needs hope, and this book really highlighted that... and where to find it.
I was not compensated for this review.
Even though this book was under a hundred pages in length, I struggled with it. I think the issue I had with it was that it took two thirds of the book to settle into one time period. Once it finally stopped flipping back and forth between the POV character's present and past, I was able to enjoy the story. I particularly enjoyed the faith threaded throughout. There were at least two major faith journeys, and both were well written and felt organic. I also liked the ray of hope that was found in the midst of dark times. Everyone needs hope, and this book really highlighted that... and where to find it.
I was not compensated for this review.
September 5, 2017
Braedon attended his flighty cousin's party to find a lovely young lady with his same values. Lainey, being from a farm family, borrows her friend's dress at her request. The couple have a lot in common, but the country is drawing close to war. As their relationship develops, they both know what this could mean. They marry but their time is cut short. The separation is hard on Lainey even though a friend of hers and her husband is helpful to the family left behind. Will Lainey be able to get over Braedon if he doesn't come home? Is his friend Michael just waiting in the wings?
September 16, 2017
Enjoyable novella that was well developed. Story of a Southern war wife waiting for her husband to come home although everyone else thinks he must have died in the war. Husband's best friend who lost an arm in the war is vying for her affections. The narrative switches from the present to past memories but that did not detract from the story. A good story!
May 3, 2019
A young civil war wife Alaina McKenna is awaiting her husband Braeden to come back from the war. She is notified that he was injured and then captured by the enemies. It's been years since the war is over and she still awaits her husband. She lives in the war torn south where things are rough after the war. Clean historical romance that teaches the strength of true love!
August 24, 2017
I love books set during the Civil War and was anxious to try this author. Although this book did have a few problems, I felt the characters were developed nicely and with a longer story it could have been great. I look forward to reading her full length novels to see if that is true.
August 26, 2017
Sweet short story
A gut-wrenching, forever faithful kind of story....believing against all odds that he would make it home for Christmas. A glimpse of reconstruction in the South... you'll enjoy this sweet, quick story.
A gut-wrenching, forever faithful kind of story....believing against all odds that he would make it home for Christmas. A glimpse of reconstruction in the South... you'll enjoy this sweet, quick story.
September 5, 2017
Moving
Deeply emotional with words of hope and defining of characters dealing with lives torn apart yet finding the strength to rebuild and find a meaning to their lives against all odds
Deeply emotional with words of hope and defining of characters dealing with lives torn apart yet finding the strength to rebuild and find a meaning to their lives against all odds
February 25, 2018
Sweet, short story!
Wonderful tale of love, set in the Civil War and right after. The story grabs you right in! Although a novella, the story and characters are well developed and the tale engrossing!
Wonderful tale of love, set in the Civil War and right after. The story grabs you right in! Although a novella, the story and characters are well developed and the tale engrossing!
November 8, 2018
Great book.
This author has a real gift at getting the reader invested in the story from the beginning. It’s a quick but most enjoyable read. Without giving away the story, I loved the romance as well as the tragedy of the civil war.
This author has a real gift at getting the reader invested in the story from the beginning. It’s a quick but most enjoyable read. Without giving away the story, I loved the romance as well as the tragedy of the civil war.
May 29, 2019
This Civil War story did an okay job of showing loss and destruction and a steadfast wife who remained true. What earned a 3 rating is the lack of page count devoted to hero and heroine being together.
August 10, 2019
Enjoyed this short novella of the Civil War using flashbacks to maintain one's interest. Portrayed more the emotional upheaval and losses of families of the South rather than historical facts. Easy-to-read love story that maintained my attention throughout in this Christian-based story.
February 9, 2020
A very good Christian book of faith.
I think Andrew wrote a story that lets you see just how life was during the Civil War. Life was very difficult and people had a hard time just living from day to day, but faith in God helped them through it.
I think Andrew wrote a story that lets you see just how life was during the Civil War. Life was very difficult and people had a hard time just living from day to day, but faith in God helped them through it.
November 23, 2022
Bitterness on the part of Southerners after the Civil War is prevalent throughout this book. Only at the end is there a short conclusion that includes a brief statement by one of the characters that he chose to forgive. Due to the former, I would not recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2017
I liked it.
Very nice story of hope, faith and love. If you want a feel good book, this is a good book to read.
Very nice story of hope, faith and love. If you want a feel good book, this is a good book to read.
September 20, 2017
A feel good read.
Enjoyed so much the commitment to vows of the time. Was hoping the soldier returned to right so much that was wrong.
Enjoyed so much the commitment to vows of the time. Was hoping the soldier returned to right so much that was wrong.
September 22, 2017
Kindle freebie. While I enjoyed this author's Shenandoah series, this one didn't make the cut. It felt forced.
April 4, 2018
This was a sweet, swift and endearing romance set in Civil War. The images of battle scarred landscape and the hope of a hero's return were well done. Satisfying ending to a short read.
November 4, 2018
Wonderful story
June 23, 2019
Super short. More like a short story then a book.
March 28, 2020
Everlasting Light
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about the Civil War and it's aftermath. God's love comforts a family and gets them through the hard times.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about the Civil War and it's aftermath. God's love comforts a family and gets them through the hard times.
September 11, 2022
Great book😊😘
December 12, 2024
Loved it!
February 3, 2017
Meh
I think the only reason I got through this was because it was so short... I found the characters rather annoying, and my do they flip their convictions back and forth a lot for such a short time frame...
I think the only reason I got through this was because it was so short... I found the characters rather annoying, and my do they flip their convictions back and forth a lot for such a short time frame...
September 3, 2018
A short and simple tale of love and faith
January 8, 2017
A wonderful historical Christian fiction novella, set at the beginning of the Civil War until 1865, written with flashbacks. Alaina Dalton McKenna, a young faithful southern wife waiting at home for her confederate husband, Braeden McKenna to return from the war. best friend, Michael has return home when he lost one arm in the battle. Michael and parents didn't think he will return, it's been so long since the war has been over. Alaina. still has hope and prayers that he will return by Christmas.
Alaina often thinks back when she and Braeden were young, and so much in love. Her mind drifts back to her first date, their first dance, and all the good times they had together. As Chistmas draws near, Zete a freed black man cuts down a Christmas tree and brought It home to Alaina,, they both decorated it and placed some candles in the windows.
This was a short story but it had all the elements of a novel and is very entertaining., it covers the high points of the Civil War. Families lost sons, husbands, and fathers, Women are at home waiting for their loved ones to come home. The Yankees had taken everything, their animals, their food, and burned some of their homes.
This author pulled it all together into a wonderfully written short story that tell a big piece of our American History.. This is a good clean novella that I recommend to all.
,
Alaina often thinks back when she and Braeden were young, and so much in love. Her mind drifts back to her first date, their first dance, and all the good times they had together. As Chistmas draws near, Zete a freed black man cuts down a Christmas tree and brought It home to Alaina,, they both decorated it and placed some candles in the windows.
This was a short story but it had all the elements of a novel and is very entertaining., it covers the high points of the Civil War. Families lost sons, husbands, and fathers, Women are at home waiting for their loved ones to come home. The Yankees had taken everything, their animals, their food, and burned some of their homes.
This author pulled it all together into a wonderfully written short story that tell a big piece of our American History.. This is a good clean novella that I recommend to all.
,
November 6, 2013
Everlasting Light is a novella that takes place in the south...right after the civil war. The devastation to their homes and land, the loss of so many loved ones, the wounded and those they haven't come home. The lack of money, food and animals...how would they survive? How could they rebuild?
A sweet story that shows how forgiveness can change hearts and lives. Choices are not easy to make, it is such a privilege to go to God in prayer and allow Him to work in your life. I loved how Andrea shares with readers the salvation plan! So many christian books have no mention of the Lord in them. thank you Andrea for blessing me with your work.i look forward to reading more of your books.
I received the e-book in exchange for my honest review. I'm so glad for this opportunity and wish it was a longer book and a series! My favorite time period and a great author!!
A sweet story that shows how forgiveness can change hearts and lives. Choices are not easy to make, it is such a privilege to go to God in prayer and allow Him to work in your life. I loved how Andrea shares with readers the salvation plan! So many christian books have no mention of the Lord in them. thank you Andrea for blessing me with your work.i look forward to reading more of your books.
I received the e-book in exchange for my honest review. I'm so glad for this opportunity and wish it was a longer book and a series! My favorite time period and a great author!!
December 4, 2013
This short, Christmas story, left a smile on my face and maybe, a bit of moisture in my eye. Its message is one of hope and faith, and when taking the hard road is the right path. As a possible civil war widow, Alaina fights to keep her faith while waiting for her Confedrate soldier husband to come home. She hasn't seen him in two long years, and her faith is being tested as bitterness fills her heart. With news of his being injured, and certain death, reach her via his wounded best friend, Alaina struggles to hold back the bitterness. When she's offered the chance at a better life by marrying her husband's friend, she looks deep within herself to make the correct choice. A wonderfully, inspirational Christian romance with just the right touches of gospel, this tale will bring the warmth of Christmas spirit to your heart.
December 2, 2013
This was a short Christmas story. It was only 10 chapters BUT it was really good. I normally don't read short stories but I do enjoy short ones when it comes to Christmas stories. If you are looking for a quick read and you enjoy Christian stories then this is a good one for ya. I got this one a few days ago on Amazon.com when it was free.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews