Then he said, "Burn it. Burn it down to the ground."
For two years, the War Between the States rages on. Just like so many women around her, Ella Coburg says goodbye to her childhood sweetheart, Robert. She believes all that is left for her is to marry Ethan Harris, the most eligible bachelor in York, Pennsylvania. But when the war comes knocking on her door, in the form of a tired soldier with news Robert is dying, she finds her escape—right into the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg and into the arms of Lieutenant John Mathis.
John Mathis is escaping his own demons, abandoning his home in St. Albans, Vermont after a fateful night leaves his best friend dead, and joins the 118th Pennsylvania Volunteers. This choice leads him to his fate—Ella.
When John and Ella return to York with Robert’s belongings and the promises they made on his deathbed, they learn her betrothed, Ethan Harris, has threatened her father and Robert’s family, including his little sister, and claims he needs Ella to break a mysterious curse. John offers to send Ella and Robert’s sister, Katie, to St. Albans where they can be safe, far away from Ethan and the war.
But even nestled against the Green Mountains, war seems to follow her. Ella finds herself torn between the need to fulfill her promise to Robert—to care for and protect his sister—and falling in love with John. How can she do both? When John goes missing, and her past finds her during the northernmost conflict, the St. Albans Raid, her choices are made for her. But there is one choice she is determined to make herself—to protect herself and those she loves, at all costs.
This is Jennifer L. Strand's debut novel. A romance set during one of the little-known and northernmost conflicts of the American Civil War. Due to the events surrounding the plot, there are trigger warnings for high-stakes battle scenes and assault.
June Lark is a romance author of steamy bygone and contemporary small town love stories filled with tension and suspense, with strong heroines who save themselves and brooding heroes who fall first. After years of research and a career in teaching social studies, she is finally living her childhood dream.
She lives outside of Portland, Oregon with her husband, Kenny, two kids, K.C. and Skye Lynn, and their lovey-dovey Norwegian elkhound, Baldur. She loves spending time with her family, cooking, exploring the Pacific Northwest, retail therapy, and devouring romance novels. With a coconut milk latte in hand, you can find June researching and writing in her office/kids' craft room.
This is an unconventional historical romance that trends more historical fiction set during the US Civil War. It moves between Gettysburg, PA and St. Albans, VT and is told entirely from the FMC, Ella's, point of view. In fact, she and the MMC, John, are physically apart for most of the text. Strand takes chances with her narrative, including several other serious romantic relationships for Ella. I wasn't surprised to read in the author's note that Strand was inspired by a little-known Confederate raid in St. Alban's. (I got the feeling that several plot points were set up to make sure that she made it all the way from Pennsylvania to Vermont.) This is a debut, and it can feel like it at times. Some of the unconventional choices paid off: I appreciated the focus on female characters at the "home front" during the Civil War instead of on battlefields and politics. That said, I would have loved to see John and Ella furthering their relationship (both mental and physical) a little more.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
An intense civil war novel explaining one woman's journey as she ventures through heartbreak, death, and trying to stay alive in a time period where it seems all hope is lost during a dark time period.
I did not realize I would LOVE this story and world as much as I did. I felt so engaged the whole time & could not put it down. I also felt it highlighted & informed me of the history of the civil war in a way that kept me entertained the whole time.
I love that it was the woman’s perspective of processing tragedy, love, loss, war & self growth. I literally went from tears (to many pages to highlight 😂) to audible gasps (pg 305).
There’s so much more I wish I could add in this review but I think you all should just read it instead ;) hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
HUGE thank you to the author for making such an impactful & important read. For sure in my top 3 favorite books of all time. 🫶🏼
After reading two of my new favorites, Among the Willows and Burn the Breeze, I have become a HUGE June Lark fan and needed to know if she had anything else at the ready while I wait to go back to Thornbrush Ranch. I discovered this book from looking at her website and finding that this was actually her debut novel.
I absolutely loved this book! It’s one of those stories that, the moment I finished, I had to call my sister, Lady V, just to debrief! She hasn’t read it yet, but of course I couldn’t help myself and told her everything about this gem.
Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, I'll Come to You is both a moving history lesson and an unforgettable story that gripped my heart from beginning to end. Ella’s journey is one of immense strength and growth. She endures so much, yet remains loyal and steadfast through it all. My heart broke for her time and again, especially as she navigated her relationships with Robert, John, and Brett. PS - I LOATHE Ethan!!!
Ella’s promise to Robert, to look after Katie, was such a powerful ask, but she honored it beautifully, and Katie truly flourished under her care. I found myself rooting for John from the moment he appeared; there was just something about him that felt right. Still, I adored Brett too, right from the instant he opened his eyes to see his “angel.” I would have been happy if things had worked out for Ella and Brett, because it’s clear she loved him in her own way and could have found happiness with him.
As the story unfolded, I kept wondering what would happen if John returned during Ella and Brett’s time together, and when the inevitable happened, my heart absolutely broke. I also loved John’s family and the way they embraced Ella and Katie. It gave such a warm sense of found family and belonging.
If I could ask for one more thing, it would be a glimpse of Ella and John’s life later on, once they’ve finally settled in Dakota, just to see how their dreams unfolded. The time lapses in the story, woven so carefully around the events of the war, felt incredibly realistic. So much of Ella and John’s love story was carried through their letters, with their words holding them together across miles and years. Even after they’re reunited, they wait another three years before finally building a life together in Dakota, their letters filled with hope, loss, longing, and planning for their future.
An absolutely beautiful read full of heart, history, and enduring love.
A beautiful and moving debut novel! This is a bit of a tragic and heartrending story, but that’s to be expected from a wartime romance that takes place during the American Civil War. It has strong Cold Mountain vibes, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers with just a splash of steam and a well-deserved happy ending.
Ella and John are both warriors in their own right - he’s stubborn, proud and a military man, and she’s a strong woman determined to overcome whatever life throws at her. They don’t spend all that much time together on page, but when they do, their chemistry is undeniable and a lot of that comes from the letters they write each other.
It's the contrast of pain, grief, loss, separation, fear and the horrors of war against their drive to survive and overcome. It’s women sticking together to make the best out of terrible circumstances. It’s young men trying their best to protect the home front while their older brothers are away fighting. It’s family - both found and by blood. It’s courage, determination and lots of patience. There’s not that much romance - war is a gruesome beast - but as a whole, the story still feels romantic. These characters get under your skin and you can’t help but root for them.
For me, this is very different from the stories I usually read, but I really enjoyed it! This author’s style and pacing may need a little finetuning here and there, but for a debut novel this was very well-written and extremely compelling. You can feel the love, the research and all the care that went into the crafting of this tale, and I respect that very much! A wonderful read and I highly recommend checking it out!
Set against the brutal backdrop of the Civil War, Ella Coburg’s life is forever altered by the haunting losses of the battlefield and the arrival of Lieutenant John Mathis. What begins as a desperate mission to bring home her lost love’s belongings turns into an epic journey of survival, promise, and an unexpected connection with John, a soldier bearing his own scars from war and betrayal.
Ella is an unforgettable character, fiercely torn between honoring the memory of her childhood sweetheart, Robert, and the irresistible pull toward John, the man who challenges her heart to beat once more. The conflict only grows as she seeks refuge in Vermont, where her past haunts her steps and a dangerous engagement with Ethan Harris looms—along with a curse she may be helpless to escape.
This novel beautifully captures the grim realities of war, loyalty, and the choice to fight for love and safety in a world at war. With vivid historical detail and an emotional depth that’s hard to shake, I’ll Come to You will resonate with readers who crave a story as fierce and tender as its heroine.
If you love historical romance woven with heartache, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of love, download I’ll Come to You asap. 💕
Thank you @jl.strand.author for letting me read your beautiful creation before it was released.
🕯️I’ll Come to You by Jennifer L. Strand🕯️
•Historical Fiction •Romance •Civil War •Emotional •7/2/2024 •⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ •🌶️
Synopsis 📚: During two years of the civil war, Ella finds herself in a precarious position. The man she is betrothed to is a vile, selfish being, and her childhood sweetheart is off fighting in the war. When she is greeted by John Mathis, finding out her love is dying, she runs to Gettysburg with Mathis to be there for him. After a series of unfortunate events, she finds herself living with John Mathis’s family, and falling in love with me with every letter he sends her.
My thoughts 💭: While I enjoy historical fiction, I usually don’t go for Civil War era novels. However, this one may have changed the game for me. I loved the letters (letters are hands down THE most romantic way to communicate) and the slow burn of the will they, won’t they. I teared up so many times. I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next 🫶🏻
Ella (FMC) endured love and loss younger than most. On his death bed, her love made her promise to to protect his younger sister in his stead. To that same man, John (MMC) made a promise that he'd do everything he could to ensure Ella was taken care of. Both were unwavering in their dedication to ensure both promises were fulfilled. The slow burn romance that brewed between them through this journey was beautifully written. They weren't on page together for much of the story, being separated by war, but their romance served to bring hope to both parties that they'd see each other again in the end. What the story tackles just as well is how war affects people. It shows the love and loss, the physical and mental traumas endured by all involved, the hope and will to survive, and the greed and corruption of people who wish to take advantage of the upheaval.
All in all, this was a beautifully written historical fiction AND debut novel.
“I’ll Come To You” is a historical romance novel that takes place during the Civil War. It follows the main character, Ella Coburg, and her journey during this time. You can’t help but feel the love and loss that she endures along her journey, and are rooting for her the whole way. This book brings you right back in time, launching you effortlessly into the lives of the characters and their stories. The author’s extensive knowledge of history makes this transition seamless. I love that she brings a new perspective on the Civil War time that is different than what you might expect. There is truly a roller coaster of possibilities of where the story could go! The complexity of love and relationships is so relatable and easy to connect with. This love story is full of ups and downs and is truly a roller coaster of emotion!
This book consumed my very existence and I could not put it down. I have a terrible habit of thinking I know what will happen in a book and Ella’s story was wonderfully not what I expected. I love that the historical events played a larger role in the story than I thought. It was seamlessly woven into the plot and acted as the wind to sail Ella where she needed to go. The dedication and passion for history was very evident in this book and it was a beautiful element that elevated the story to me.
“I was tired of hiding, of feigning widowhood for a boy I would have never married. I was squandering my youth, letting fear and loss dictate. I needed to reclaim myself.”
Loving again after grief seems so hard to imagine but Strand did such a beautiful job carrying us with Ella on her journey of opening herself to love after grieving and being afraid of what is or is not around the corner. I loved that strength is not only measured by a soldier's experience, but by anyone able to carry on with the pain they’ve endured. Ella was written with such strength and grace that she was an inspiring character to look up to. I do hope if there is ever a time, I would be strong enough to choose love over fear.
I would definitely recommend this beautiful and powerful story for anyone who wants to be taken away to the past and experience a strong female character learn the strength it takes to carry on and open herself to love.
I struggled with this book as a romance because the main couple are not together through the majority of the book. This book feels more like historical fiction or women's fiction. I feel like marketing it as a romance is misleading. The writing is good and I see potential for this author. She clearly researched the topic well and gives us a lot of historical details throughout.
Please check the content warnings from other reviews or the author as this book does take place during the Civil War and gets very descriptive of violence, war, death, etc at times.
This book is phenomenal. The imagery that June Lark created is perfect for this period in America's history and while this story is extremely tragic, it is also heartwarming just such an incredible and detailed story that was so well done that I felt like I was living in that period with the characters.
On audio, Courtney Feiman did an absolutely incredible job on these characters. I felt their struggles, their pain, their uncertainty and every emotion that they went through and I was blown away by her absolutely incredible performance.
Victorious, unputdownable debut by Jennifer Strand! Just one more chapter.. turned into reading the book cover to cover in one day! Rich in historical detail and about a love that never surrenders, I'll Come To You takes you straight into the trenches and harsh realities of The Civil War. Ella and John's journey will test your heart and make you contemplate what is worth fighting for.
A great debut book. It was refreshing to read a story set in the American civil war. Ella goes through many hard times and some of it is difficult to read. But she is a strong, resilient woman. Thank you to the author for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
This story is eloquently told in first person POV of the heroine, Ella Coburg– narrating her account of the years of the second half of the Civil War and the aftermath immediately following. The historical events that Ella’s story centers around are well researched and documented by the author, weaving in details, references, and events from the Civil War era throughout this beautiful story of strength, sacrifice, love and perseverance. What an astonishing debut novel by Jennifer Strand!
What a beautiful and beautifully written story! With a strong and emotional female lead that pulls you into rooting for her right from the start, to the anticipation you can’t help but feel, this historical fiction was a 10/10 must read!!
Edit: Personally for me this was a three and a half stars. I felt like the over all story and writing was good, but there were a lot of parts I didn’t like. There felt like there were a lot of holes but I also understand that this took place during a war and there was a lot going on. I don’t really understand why there needed to be so many love interests but it did add more to the plot so it wasn’t something that bothered me that much. The romance overall felt rushed to me but it wasn’t horrible. On another note the blurb really confused me. The blurb talks about the first 20% and last 20% of the book but says nothing about the in between. That really bothered me because the story wasn’t what i thought it was gonna be. I feel like i would have like it better if I had known more about it from the blurb. That being said historical romance is not for me and it just wasn’t a book I would read again because of the genre. I do still feel like I would recommend this to someone who likes historical romance even though it wasn’t my favorite.
I stepped out of my comfort zone with this read, picking up this debut from Strand. I have never been one for historical books, but this one felt so easy to read and understand. I found myself in tears, laughter, and total confusion, but I was always able to get back on track.
The storyline for this book was something I’d never seen. Ella, the FMC, was brave, smart, witty, and interesting. John, the MMC, was so caring for Ella. He displayed love for her like no other and it was beautiful, even if he was not there at her side. Ella had always known John was the one for her, even if she had other men at her feet. The romance subplot was amazing.
Another part of this book I found great was how easy it was to follow along with the characters. There were many people in the town of St. Albans, but you got to know and love many of them.
This was more than just a book. It felt like a real experience. You laughed, cried, mourned, etc. with all the characters. I truly love this book, and I would recommend it to anyone, because this book had made me fall in love with historical romance.
Set during the American Civil War, you'll be transported back in time. This story follows the life and hardships of Ella Coburg. A young woman trying to honor the wishes after the loss of her former sweetheart, please her overbearing family and escape an obsessive ex-fiancè.
You'll also follow the story of John Mathis. A soldier who is trying to overcome his own demons and heartaches. Who ends up falling for a woman who is unlike anything he's ever known.
In the midst of a brutal war, Ella and John both battle matters of the heart.
This book had me feeling so many emotions. Be prepared and grab yourself some tissues!
This is June's debut novel and it was absolutely beautiful! Her writing is flawless, the story is powerful, the characters have so much depth. I could feel how much this story means to the author. The journey of healing palpable. This was my first Civil War romance and I don't know how I'll ever be able to top this one!
Ella is so incredibly strong. Things just keep trying to rip her down and she does everything she can to stay afloat and help those around her. She isn't the one that can just shoot a gun or wield a dagger with no effort at all, but she works hard, early mornings, late nights, and pushes through. She earns her strength.
John, oh John, his story will rip your heart out and tear it into tiny little pieces. The author handled his story so perfectly. I think she gave a good description on how war affects people. We could feel all the pain and suffering as well as the triumphs as the war raged on.
For content warnings: do be aware there are graphic scenes on page, death on page, and ptsd descriptions.