A Different Kind of War

War of the Heart #1

by Jennifer Purcell

The war isn’t over for everyone. Will these two weary hearts ever find peace? After Marjorie Willoughby lost her father and brother in battle and her mother to a fever, she cobbled together a new family. But a lingering debt endangers their future. Gregory Cartwright ’s Union allegiance and pacifist beliefs forced him to leave his home, and now he’s looking for a fresh start among his fellow Unionists in Bradford, Georgia. But first he needs a piece of land. When Gregory approaches Marjorie with a possible solution that benefits them both, the two find they have more in common than they first thought. But then Gregory makes a decision that threatens to upend Marjorie’s world once again. Will Gregory be able to make up for his mistakes, or is this a battle he’s destined to lose? If you love small towns and heartwarming romances that don’t shy away from real-life struggles, then you’ll love A Different Kind of War . Buy this post-Civil War romance today!

Genres: Christian Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2023

Reviews

[Rebecca May]

I seek books that draw me in and provide an escape. A Different Kind of War delivered.

I’m still thinking about this story and these characters. Their interactions are so real, you feel like you are taking part in the scene. Here’s a sneak peek:

“She tried not to roll her eyes at him. She truly did. Unfortunately, she was not successful. “I’ll be fine tomorrow.” “You shouldn’t push yourself.”
“I’m not pushing myself.”
He raised a brow.
Insolent man.
She raised one right back.
He raised his higher as if it was a competition.”

I find I am comparing the dialogue between characters in other books with those in a Different Kind of War. Hoping they live up to the banter, the understanding, the connection. I will be impatiently waiting for the next book.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee)]

4.5 Stars!

Marjorie is now taking care of her younger siblings after the death of her father, mother and brother. Not only is she taking care of them but her neighbors kids as well after the death of their mother. Gregory has had troubles of his own, what with people being against him. He wants to find a farm for his father and thinks he found one but Majorie is saving that land for the neighbor kids since it belonged to their family. They come to an agreement that will help them both and along the way find love.

I really enjoyed this story! There was a lot of tough things happening. Death and sickness being two of them. I liked how the characters all had flaws and had to learn how to be better. Majorie is so strong but takes on too much responsibility, I liked watching her learn to let others help too. I liked the relationship between the siblings and how much they were there for each other. Gregory and Majorie are a great couple and I liked how he opened up to her. Overall a great read and I definitely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Carol James]

A beautiful story of forgiveness and restoration

I absolutely loved this book. The author did a wonderful job dealing with a delicate subject. Ms. Purcell has created the fictional town of Bradford, Georgia and a whole cast of intriguing characters. Characters that are easy to root for. I particularly loved Gregory and Marjorie. Both were strong, heroic characters were fighting battles to overcome the losses and divisiveness of the Civil War. And just when I thought all was lost…it wasn’t. This was a beautifully written novel, and I can’t wait for the sequel. Bravo to the author.

[Jennifer Purcell]

I wrote this book, so I felt like I earned the right to add it to my read list after reading it a million times. LOL.

[Jordan Millsaps]

Loved this meticulously researched historical romance. Can’t wait to see what Jennifer Purcell writes next! Hoping for more of Percy and Willow soon.

[Marie Pinkham]

Dive and and be prepared to keep reading!

Marjorie and Gregory's story is a tender tale set in a tumultuous time for our country. Amidst tragedy, they find hope, and the person who will be there for them no matter what. Beautiful settings that make you feel like you're in the middle of the action, characters who will find their way into your heart, and a story that keeps you turning the page all combine to give an unforgettable reading experience. And there is a sequel planned. I'm looking forward to it!

[Jill K Willis]

What a debut! Purcell not only wove a sweet romance between two hardworking, family-oriented characters, but she also taught the readers a little bit about post Civil War history. I had no idea that residents of entire southern towns, such as her fictionalized Bradford, Georgia, supported the Union movement. In addition, I learned about women's rights, typhoid, and conscription acts. The story itself is well-plotted and fast-moving, and the cast of characters made me laugh and cry in turn. I can't wait for the second installment to see what happens to that rascal, Seth.

[Susan J]

Brilliant First Novel

Really enjoyed the fleshing out of real characters. Well done plot, interesting mystery, word of God taught so simply and clear. Great town dynamic and resolution to bring it full circle. An author to watch for sure! Gregory and Marforie excellent casting. Heartfelt and with real feeling. 💓. Ore please

[Amber Thiessen]

After the civil war, Marjorie lost so much and strives to care not only for her younger siblings, but also orphans of a family friend. Gregory is a newcomer to town. He's a lawyer and wants to help her, but makes some missteps along the way. Through the relational blunders, they practice depending on God for wisdom and for reconciliation.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much happens in this story. The pace doesn't feel fast, and I certainly didn't anticipate ending up where we did for the last scenes. I enjoyed the multiple points of view, from Marjorie, Gregory and her brother Percy which add nuance to the situations. You fall in love with this small town banding together.

Next book in the series is on my TBR, there's some hints throughout the story and in the epilogue. It's going to be good.

[Susan Sloan]

Purcell weaves an intriguing story with a strong female protagonist and shows how divided people were over this war. This book’s themes focus on trusting God’s ways instead of relying on oneself, accepting help from others and also accepting forgiveness. In a war with no distinct lines, where neighbor fought against neighbor and even some family members, the hurt runs deep until a crisis forces them to work together.

[Pamela Baker]

Marjorie is the perfect example of someone trying to do it all in her own strength. Even though her troubles are due to the war and hardships in the 1860’s, she’s relatable to today’s women. Gregory is a good example of a man trying to do the right things but often failing. Their love story is inspiring and entertaining. I wasn’t expecting a murder mystery thrown in, but I’m here for it. Highly recommend

[Kimberly Keagan]

4.5 stars
This is an excellent debut for author Jennifer Purcell. The main characters are well-developed and ones that a reader can root for even when they make mistakes. I loved the historical detail. The only reason this is not five stars for me is the number of characters—there were too many to keep track of.

[McKenna Kyllo]

Beautiful story of forgiveness and love! Jennifer draws readers in from the first sentence and does a beautiful job in developing each character, along with telling a sweet romance with deep lessons.

[Janette Johnson Melson]

I loved this book. Several nights I stayed up later than I should have because I couldn’t put it down. Such a great story line with unexpected twists and turns. Can’t wait for the next in the series.