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Sisters in Arms #3
Whatever It Takes
At the brink of the Civil War, Henrietta Frontenac is a fierce protector of her five younger sisters. As poverty and despair threaten their survival, Henrietta takes a bold step to protect her family. She disguises herself as a man to find work at the docks and is soon swept into the ranks of the Confederate army. Facing unimaginable risks, will she maintain her secret identity, or will unexpected love unravel all she’s worked for?
In the present, Everly Moore, a former wild spirit turned compassionate chiropractor, has spent fifteen years trying to redeem her past. When her beloved sister Ivy faces the heart-wrenching challenge of infertility, Everly finds herself at a crossroads, unsure if she can confront her own trauma and step up as Ivy’s surrogate. After Everly and Ivy stumble upon the story of their brave relative Henrietta, they are inspired to confront their own fears. But will they make the difficult choices that could change their lives forever?
Dive deep into this intertwined narrative where past and present collide, showcasing the unyielding strength of sisterhood. A story of love, resilience, and the battles that unite us across generations.
In the present, Everly Moore, a former wild spirit turned compassionate chiropractor, has spent fifteen years trying to redeem her past. When her beloved sister Ivy faces the heart-wrenching challenge of infertility, Everly finds herself at a crossroads, unsure if she can confront her own trauma and step up as Ivy’s surrogate. After Everly and Ivy stumble upon the story of their brave relative Henrietta, they are inspired to confront their own fears. But will they make the difficult choices that could change their lives forever?
Dive deep into this intertwined narrative where past and present collide, showcasing the unyielding strength of sisterhood. A story of love, resilience, and the battles that unite us across generations.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2025
9 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hanks
52 books164 followersSarah Hanks is a multi-award-winning author of split-time Christian fiction. Her background in teaching and children’s ministry prepared her for exercising her creativity as a writer, now her full -time job. She and her husband have ten children, a couple of whom seem to have inherited their mother’s love for playing with words and crafting stories. Though Sarah dreams of a cabin by the beach, the family lives jammed together in beautiful chaos near St. Louis, Missouri. She buys earplugs in bulk.
You can follow her on Facebook or Instagram @authorsarahhanks. Check out the freebie page of her website at www.sarah-hanks.com.
You can follow her on Facebook or Instagram @authorsarahhanks. Check out the freebie page of her website at www.sarah-hanks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 22, 2025
Would you do whatever it takes to help out a family member? This is what the women explore in this dual timeline story.
I loved being in the civil war time period with Henrietta and her sisters as she tries to save her family from poverty. The struggles and the faith journey that Henry goes through are so remarkable. Her selfless determination was so encouraging!
In the present day we join with Everly and Ivy who both have a lot of emotional demons in their past that they are working on. I loved seeing how their relationship changes and they go throughout the book. Zach and Austin were such great characters as they advocate for their spouses.
Thanks to the author for the arc. The opinions are my own.
I loved being in the civil war time period with Henrietta and her sisters as she tries to save her family from poverty. The struggles and the faith journey that Henry goes through are so remarkable. Her selfless determination was so encouraging!
In the present day we join with Everly and Ivy who both have a lot of emotional demons in their past that they are working on. I loved seeing how their relationship changes and they go throughout the book. Zach and Austin were such great characters as they advocate for their spouses.
Thanks to the author for the arc. The opinions are my own.
April 1, 2025
While Whatever It Takes is part of a companion-novel series, it can be read as a standalone. There is a civil war era timeline, featuring Henrietta who disguises herself as a male to join the Confederate Army in order to provide for her family. Henrietta also happens to be an ancestor of Everly and Ivy, the sisters featured in the present day timeline, who are trying to function in their adult lives while dealing with the lasting effects of their pasts.
I must admit, there were times that I found these sisters unlikable, but the personal and interpersonal growth in the characters in both timelines is inspiring. I especially enjoyed the authenticity of the spiritual aspects of the story and the author’s use of male spiritual role models.
This is my second book read from this author, and won’t be the last!
I must admit, there were times that I found these sisters unlikable, but the personal and interpersonal growth in the characters in both timelines is inspiring. I especially enjoyed the authenticity of the spiritual aspects of the story and the author’s use of male spiritual role models.
This is my second book read from this author, and won’t be the last!
April 10, 2025
A story of hardship, family, sacrifice, love, and faith that captured my heart. I highly recommend Whatever It Takes.
As an avid Civil War fan, I started reading Whatever It Takes for the sake of the historical timeline, but Everly and Ivy’s story in the contemporary line quickly engaged my interest and my heart. Before I knew it, I was eagerly turning the pages, as deeply invested in the story of the two sisters as I was in Henrietta fighting for her life on the battlefields in order to provide for her sisters. I highly recommend Hanks’s story. And amongst the pages, I discovered a heartfelt romance and a swoon-worthy hero that filled my romantic heart with joy.
As an avid Civil War fan, I started reading Whatever It Takes for the sake of the historical timeline, but Everly and Ivy’s story in the contemporary line quickly engaged my interest and my heart. Before I knew it, I was eagerly turning the pages, as deeply invested in the story of the two sisters as I was in Henrietta fighting for her life on the battlefields in order to provide for her sisters. I highly recommend Hanks’s story. And amongst the pages, I discovered a heartfelt romance and a swoon-worthy hero that filled my romantic heart with joy.
March 23, 2025
Whatever It Takes is an engrossing tale of sisters who will go to great lengths to keep their promises and care for the loved ones God has given them. I'm amazed by Hanks's ability to portray women both on the giving and receiving end of a modern-day surragate pregnancy as well as undercover female Civil War soldiers to the extent that we can feel what they feel and see the world through their eyes. But best of all is the way she speaks to our own deep-seated fears and struggles through the vehicle of story, weaving truth and encouragement into the pages and reminding us that only by surrendering control to a sovereign, loving God can we lay down our burdens and find peace. I was entertained, encouraged, and fascinated by this story and know you will be too.
April 4, 2025
In Whatever It Takes, Author Sarah Hanks has crafted a riveting dual timeline story of heartbreak, hope, and courage between down to earth sisters during the Civil War and present day. Filled with grief and suspense, the author creates vivid imagery with the compelling characters, putting the reader in every scene. A must read!
April 4, 2025
This story was captivating. The bond between sisters, fighting for those you love most, sacrifice, service and the true meaning of love. Loved every minute of reading this book.
March 27, 2025
It is an honor to be on the launch team for this book. I love how the modern and historical story lines intertwine. An enchanting story full of sisterly love and family.
April 9, 2025
I was distracted in the beginning of this dual timeline novel "Whatever It Takes" by Sarah Hanks. I have read dual timelines before, but I kept wanting to stay with one timeline (Civil War of present day) and one set of characters (Henrietta/Henry or with Everly and Ivy). Each would have made an emotional read on its own, but Hanks wove these two together masterfully. A few tears were shed in each time period. However, the reliance on God and importance of family were such an important thread in the plot. And 'whatever it takes' to show that family is at the backbone of each character.
Released Apr. 9th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Released Apr. 9th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 11, 2025
“She’d do whatever she had to do to fit in, whatever the cost. She couldn’t afford to waste another opportunity.”
“He’s right here with me in my fear and insecurity. He speaks straight to my heart.”
Sarah Hanks writes from the heart sharing dual time stories. I was immediately invested in this story about sisterhood and that strength from God will get you through hard times.
In the civil war era, Henrietta disguised herself as a male soldier so she can go fight in the war to send money home to help her family stay out of poverty. I learned that a lot of women were doing this during the civil war. In the present day, Ivy and Everly go through medical setbacks and this helps bring the sisters closer together in spite of their differences. They have very supportive relationships with their husbands. I loved how the author delicately approached surrogacy with faith in order to help lead them through their fears. I learned that even when we go through difficult situations we are never truly alone when we’ve got family that will be there for us whatever it takes. I enjoyed all the characters and how they fit into the story to bring the message all together. I really enjoyed it! This is the second book I’ve read from this author and it won’t be my last.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.
“He’s right here with me in my fear and insecurity. He speaks straight to my heart.”
Sarah Hanks writes from the heart sharing dual time stories. I was immediately invested in this story about sisterhood and that strength from God will get you through hard times.
In the civil war era, Henrietta disguised herself as a male soldier so she can go fight in the war to send money home to help her family stay out of poverty. I learned that a lot of women were doing this during the civil war. In the present day, Ivy and Everly go through medical setbacks and this helps bring the sisters closer together in spite of their differences. They have very supportive relationships with their husbands. I loved how the author delicately approached surrogacy with faith in order to help lead them through their fears. I learned that even when we go through difficult situations we are never truly alone when we’ve got family that will be there for us whatever it takes. I enjoyed all the characters and how they fit into the story to bring the message all together. I really enjoyed it! This is the second book I’ve read from this author and it won’t be my last.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.
April 6, 2025
WOW!!! I’ve read several books by Sarah Hanks and really enjoyed them. Whatever It Takes was outstanding. The duel timelines were seamless and very intriguing.I can’t decide which one I liked better. I feel invested in the characters and their stories. The ending gave me some closure, but at the same time I would have loved to continue with their stories a bit more. God’s hand was all over this story and the trust theme was very encouraging without being ‘in your face.’ Thank you Sarah for taking always taking on concepts that may be challenging or not as familiar and spinning them into stories that stick with me after I’ve finished them!
April 8, 2025
Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks was a grace-filled story from start to finish. It’s a split-time tale and an emotional roller coaster (you will want tissues near by)of family love, legacy and faith. I actually cried with joy in the faithfulness and loyalty these sisters gifted to one another. It’s a must read!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
April 10, 2025
While this dual time story is book 3 in the Sisters in Arms series, it can also be read as a stand alone. I love this story and the bond between the sisters in both timelines.
Whatever it Takes follows Everly and Ivy in the contemporary story as they both navigate life. We learn their mom died when they were young, but we see how that tragedy has shaped their lives in very different ways. Despite their differences, we see how they are willing to go to above and beyond, doing “whatever it takes” in support of each other.
We meet Henrietta and her sisters in the historical timeline. As the oldest, Henrietta goes to extreme measures to help provide for her sisters. She disguises herself as a man and goes to work on the docks. Eventually Henrietta enlists as a “male” soldier, fighting in the Civil War so she can send money back to her sisters. I’ve been fascinated learning about the history of females posing as men to fight in the war. That is a piece of history I had never heard of until I read this series. I also loved how Everly and Ivy discover more about their family and the ties they have to the courageous Henrietta.
Even though the historical and contemporary timelines spanned generations, I could relate to aspects of both Everly and Henrietta. Sarah Hanks expertly wove both together and incorporated such a meaningful and beautiful faith message as each woman discovered her own value and identity in God.
I received an early copy for review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Whatever it Takes follows Everly and Ivy in the contemporary story as they both navigate life. We learn their mom died when they were young, but we see how that tragedy has shaped their lives in very different ways. Despite their differences, we see how they are willing to go to above and beyond, doing “whatever it takes” in support of each other.
We meet Henrietta and her sisters in the historical timeline. As the oldest, Henrietta goes to extreme measures to help provide for her sisters. She disguises herself as a man and goes to work on the docks. Eventually Henrietta enlists as a “male” soldier, fighting in the Civil War so she can send money back to her sisters. I’ve been fascinated learning about the history of females posing as men to fight in the war. That is a piece of history I had never heard of until I read this series. I also loved how Everly and Ivy discover more about their family and the ties they have to the courageous Henrietta.
Even though the historical and contemporary timelines spanned generations, I could relate to aspects of both Everly and Henrietta. Sarah Hanks expertly wove both together and incorporated such a meaningful and beautiful faith message as each woman discovered her own value and identity in God.
I received an early copy for review. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 14, 2025
I enjoyed finishing this series and meeting up again with characters from previous books. The women’s bravery and commitment to their sisters is inspiring! I wrestled how some of the topics and themes were handled, hence the four-stars instead of five. It has a feel-good ending, but I struggled with that too, given the complexity and real-life complications that come with having children, but especially with surrogacy. I think it is worth reading to bring awareness and form your own opinions about the topics involved. Hanks does a good job of weaving humor and conversations with God into the narrative so as to lighten the mood of otherwise heavy topics. I appreciate how she uses her creativity to address topics she is passionate about!
September 9, 2025
Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks is a well written, intriguing story about a woman who who will stop at nothing to protect and provide for her five younger sisters. As desperation is at their door, first the disguises herself as a man to get a job on the docks as the Civil War looms very close and soon finds herself swept into the ranks of the Confederate Army. It is two stories in one where the past and present collide. It is a story of sisterhood, resilience and strength. I rated it a four.
April 12, 2025
I always enjoy this author’s books, but I feel like this has been the best one yet. It is about two sets of sisters living in two very different times. Their struggles are very different, but the love and desire to help one another so selflessly was beautiful. I loved how the author matured all of her characters as both stories progressed
One pair of sisters are living during the Civil War time. The reality of the struggles for women during that time have long been ignored. I love that brought a lot of detail and attention to reality. The historical fiction aspect of female soldiers during the Civil War was well told and very accurate.
The second pair of sisters are living in modern day times. They are on a surrogate path together. The author perfectly describes the struggles of being sisters, and sometimes the unreasonable expectations that we place upon ourselves.
The book was also spiritually touching. Each character had a hard faith struggle. They were all very genuine in their vulnerabilities and also in their willingness to turn their hearts back to God.
One pair of sisters are living during the Civil War time. The reality of the struggles for women during that time have long been ignored. I love that brought a lot of detail and attention to reality. The historical fiction aspect of female soldiers during the Civil War was well told and very accurate.
The second pair of sisters are living in modern day times. They are on a surrogate path together. The author perfectly describes the struggles of being sisters, and sometimes the unreasonable expectations that we place upon ourselves.
The book was also spiritually touching. Each character had a hard faith struggle. They were all very genuine in their vulnerabilities and also in their willingness to turn their hearts back to God.
April 9, 2025
Whatever It Takes part of the Sisters in Arms Collection by Sarah Hanks is a dual timeline of sisters. During the Civil War and in the present time both sets of sisters are close. However, a lot is put on the oldest sisters in both time periods. I will say while I liked all the women in the book, it was the Civil War time that held my attention the most. That is not really a surprise since Henrietta Frontenac, a past relative of Everly Moore and her sister Ivy are also fantasticated by this woman.
This is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading, but it won’t be the last. I want to start with the first two books in this series since this is the third book. Not everyone can write dual timelines well, but this author does it well. The fact that this is a Christian faith-based fiction novel only makes it even better.
4.5 Stars
This is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading, but it won’t be the last. I want to start with the first two books in this series since this is the third book. Not everyone can write dual timelines well, but this author does it well. The fact that this is a Christian faith-based fiction novel only makes it even better.
4.5 Stars
April 14, 2025
Even if you’ve not (yet) read the other books in this series, this work could be a stand-alone, as it encompasses real world issues with faith and hope. Hanks places you in the action, whether in the contemporary or the 19th century American conflict. I’ve had the privilege to read this story in a couple of it’s different stages and she has once again captured my imagination as well as my heart.
Well done!
Well done!
April 10, 2025
Thank you SonFlower Books for this ARC.
Whatever it takes is the 3rd in the series- each book can be read separately and are not intertwined.
I decided to start with the first book in the series and read through to this one. I absolutely loved it and I normally don’t care for stories that go back and forth in time.
It was slow to start but the stories were wound together wonderfully. The sisters in today’s time were a lot - but the more time you spend with them the more you care for their success. And their relationship and grew together - in the past and in the present.
It’s a well written book and I will definitely read more books by this author.
Whatever it takes is the 3rd in the series- each book can be read separately and are not intertwined.
I decided to start with the first book in the series and read through to this one. I absolutely loved it and I normally don’t care for stories that go back and forth in time.
It was slow to start but the stories were wound together wonderfully. The sisters in today’s time were a lot - but the more time you spend with them the more you care for their success. And their relationship and grew together - in the past and in the present.
It’s a well written book and I will definitely read more books by this author.
April 16, 2025
Whatever It Takes is the first book I have read written by Sarah Hanks and I am excited to read more. This book caught me from the start, and I could not put it down. Once I got started, I needed to get to the end, but once I got to the end, I didn’t want the book to end.
The character development was great. I was very invested in the characters. Ivy and Everly had a lot of layers that needed to be pulled back and overcome. I have always wondered about the effects of surrogacy, so this was a fun journey to see the thoughts behind it and the struggles.
The historical element was good, but I will admit that the contemporary story line is what really hooked me, and though the civil war story was good, I really couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I enjoyed how both time periods were intertwined. I enjoyed seeing what Henrietta was doing in the civil war and constantly hoping she was not going to get found out.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. It was a fun dynamic dealing with historical on contemporary.
Sarah Hanks did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
The character development was great. I was very invested in the characters. Ivy and Everly had a lot of layers that needed to be pulled back and overcome. I have always wondered about the effects of surrogacy, so this was a fun journey to see the thoughts behind it and the struggles.
The historical element was good, but I will admit that the contemporary story line is what really hooked me, and though the civil war story was good, I really couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I enjoyed how both time periods were intertwined. I enjoyed seeing what Henrietta was doing in the civil war and constantly hoping she was not going to get found out.
I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. It was a fun dynamic dealing with historical on contemporary.
Sarah Hanks did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect, having never read a dual-time novel.
I LOVED IT!!!
The author seamlessly writes about two different time periods/situations and bring them to life for the reader.
The conversations between the characters were so true-to-life. I found myself thinking, yep, that's what I would've said!
A very enjoyable read.
I LOVED IT!!!
The author seamlessly writes about two different time periods/situations and bring them to life for the reader.
The conversations between the characters were so true-to-life. I found myself thinking, yep, that's what I would've said!
A very enjoyable read.
April 1, 2025
I love the way these two timelines intertwine and come together in the end. Everly and Ivy love one another, but each has their own challenges that affect the other sister. Neither is willing to give up working through hurt, disappointment, and fear. With prayer and hard work, they find healing, hope, and courage. Their relationships with one another and their husbands grow stronger as a result. I highly recommend this book.
March 30, 2025
If you’re looking for a book on women, history, sisterhood, adventure and faith you’ve landed in the right place! The dual time line was well established and even though they were centuries apart I felt the familial bond between Everly, Ivy, Henrietta and Loreen. I laughed and cried and prayed my way through this book and didn’t want it to end! This is my favorite book (so far!) by Sarah Hanks, I anxiously await the next one!
April 19, 2025
This is such a great read. This dual timeline book covers a pair of sisters in present day and a group of sisters in civil War time. Ivy and Everly are modern day sisters who face a medical crisis. Heneietta disguises herself as a man to work a job to earn enough money to save her five younger sisters and her father from certain starvation during the civil War. The author deftly takes us between the two timelines and uses the faith-based story lines to demonstrate both the characters' love for their siblings and God's love for them.
May 14, 2025
Sarah Hanks is a master of dual-time novels. This one focuses on the love for family, specifically the love between sisters. In the historical portion, Henrietta is the eldest of several sisters during the Civil War. To provide for the family, she disguises herself as a man and joins the Confederate Army. In the contemporary story, Everly agrees to help her sister in a venture that challenges her well-laid life.
April 29, 2025
*I received an early ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
I haven't had time to really unpack my thoughts on this one, and honestly don't know if/when that will happen, since life has been so busy lately. But I wanted to review it anyway before forgetting the details or my thoughts, even if this is just a more condensed and overview type review.
I'm so thankful to have been a part of the launch team for this one, and that I choose to push through and finish it, since I had some doubts somewhere between the 25%-36% mark (if my tracking %s are correct here) and Ivy infuriated me to the point of wanting to quit and be done with the whole thing around there... I honestly kept reading mostly for Henrietta at that point, and the 'mysterious stranger' a little later on. They honestly redeemed the story, but Ivy and Everly's part gets a lot better after the 50% mark as well. I ended up loving the story of sisterhood and family, love and devotion, dedication and perseverance. This is such a wonderful story that is both healing and comforting, while also being challenging and inspiring all at once.
I struggled with Ivy's blatant disregard and abuse of her sister's kindness and need to please, dismissing the signs and assuming 'all is well' without even to really stop and think. This actually boiled to the point where I was stressed to even pick this one up and continue reading (which is where Henriette really comes in and saves the show...at lest for a time. I ended up loving the other characters too, but during those few chapters or so, I really struggled for a bit to keep reading.) Which makes the surprise and heartwarming twist at the end all the more precious and endearing to me!
I'm so glad I read this one, and while I did struggle at one point with it, that all the more led to the healing and growth as I continued reading. It's in the struggles, in the difficulties and trials of life that we learn. We learn who we are, what we're really made of. What we are capable of, and what really matters. That's part of the beauty of this story. As the characters faced these challenges, I as a reader faced some of my own, and growing together made their story extra special. I loved getting to read their story, getting to know them and seeing a part of their journey, and learning a bit of history along the way. Such a wonderful and touching story, and one I'm glad to have been able to read!
I haven't had time to really unpack my thoughts on this one, and honestly don't know if/when that will happen, since life has been so busy lately. But I wanted to review it anyway before forgetting the details or my thoughts, even if this is just a more condensed and overview type review.
I'm so thankful to have been a part of the launch team for this one, and that I choose to push through and finish it, since I had some doubts somewhere between the 25%-36% mark (if my tracking %s are correct here) and Ivy infuriated me to the point of wanting to quit and be done with the whole thing around there... I honestly kept reading mostly for Henrietta at that point, and the 'mysterious stranger' a little later on. They honestly redeemed the story, but Ivy and Everly's part gets a lot better after the 50% mark as well. I ended up loving the story of sisterhood and family, love and devotion, dedication and perseverance. This is such a wonderful story that is both healing and comforting, while also being challenging and inspiring all at once.
I struggled with Ivy's blatant disregard and abuse of her sister's kindness and need to please, dismissing the signs and assuming 'all is well' without even to really stop and think. This actually boiled to the point where I was stressed to even pick this one up and continue reading (which is where Henriette really comes in and saves the show...at lest for a time. I ended up loving the other characters too, but during those few chapters or so, I really struggled for a bit to keep reading.) Which makes the surprise and heartwarming twist at the end all the more precious and endearing to me!
I'm so glad I read this one, and while I did struggle at one point with it, that all the more led to the healing and growth as I continued reading. It's in the struggles, in the difficulties and trials of life that we learn. We learn who we are, what we're really made of. What we are capable of, and what really matters. That's part of the beauty of this story. As the characters faced these challenges, I as a reader faced some of my own, and growing together made their story extra special. I loved getting to read their story, getting to know them and seeing a part of their journey, and learning a bit of history along the way. Such a wonderful and touching story, and one I'm glad to have been able to read!
April 11, 2025
I received an e-copy of Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my own opinion about the dual timeline stories of sisters.
Could you do whatever it takes to help your family, your sisters in particular? This is what a sister in each timeline deals with. I usually have a hard time going back and forth between dual storylines, but this went surprisingly smoothly for me. The Civil War story of Henrietta "Henry" Fordyce was intense. The eldest of six girls couldn't count on her father to provide for her starving family so she dressed as a man and left to find work. She ends up serving as a soldier in the Confederate Army. I felt that the depiction of war was quite good yet not overly graphic. The inclusion of quotes from civil war participants were an emotional touch.
The contemporary story of two sisters was quite realistic too. Everly is a chiropractor in a successful business with her husband. She has promised her mother that she will take care of her younger sister, Ivy. A medical transcriptionist, Ivy is a character who to me is irritatingly spoiled. She asks Ev for an ultimate sacrifice. I really had a hard time with her character. I do appreciate that over time she did change for the better.
I like that faith is important to characters in this book. It gave strength to the women who leaned on God. I give this book a 4-star rating. Anyone who enjoys U.S. Civil War era stories should enjoy this if you like a romantic touch added in. The contemporary portion deals with tough subjects including cancer and surrogacy in an interesting way.
Could you do whatever it takes to help your family, your sisters in particular? This is what a sister in each timeline deals with. I usually have a hard time going back and forth between dual storylines, but this went surprisingly smoothly for me. The Civil War story of Henrietta "Henry" Fordyce was intense. The eldest of six girls couldn't count on her father to provide for her starving family so she dressed as a man and left to find work. She ends up serving as a soldier in the Confederate Army. I felt that the depiction of war was quite good yet not overly graphic. The inclusion of quotes from civil war participants were an emotional touch.
The contemporary story of two sisters was quite realistic too. Everly is a chiropractor in a successful business with her husband. She has promised her mother that she will take care of her younger sister, Ivy. A medical transcriptionist, Ivy is a character who to me is irritatingly spoiled. She asks Ev for an ultimate sacrifice. I really had a hard time with her character. I do appreciate that over time she did change for the better.
I like that faith is important to characters in this book. It gave strength to the women who leaned on God. I give this book a 4-star rating. Anyone who enjoys U.S. Civil War era stories should enjoy this if you like a romantic touch added in. The contemporary portion deals with tough subjects including cancer and surrogacy in an interesting way.
March 26, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This was a new to me author and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The relationship between sisters is complex and this book explores that and how the love for each other compels them to go to any extreme to support and protect each other. I recommend reading this. I plan to read the other books in this series.
May 3, 2025
Truly enjoyed this bood
It was at first a little difficult to switch back and forth with the time. After a while I got so interested in what was going on I was reading ahead😀
It was at first a little difficult to switch back and forth with the time. After a while I got so interested in what was going on I was reading ahead😀
April 10, 2025
After her father is injured, Henrietta takes responsibility for supporting her four younger sisters - but the time around the start of the Civil War is not friendly to women wanting work. In the end, she disguises herself as a man and ultimately finds herself serving as a soldier. In the present, two of her descendants, Everly and Ivy, discover this ancestor and learn from her courage and resourcefulness. Ivy has always wanted kids but ends up unable to have any, so Everly steps in to look after the younger sister she feels responsible for, becoming her surrogate - not without great cost to herself. But as the difficulties and stresses of the process take their toll, will this endeavour strengthen their relationships (including with their respective husbands) or break them?
Women soldiers during the Civil War aren't something I really know anything about, so the story was interesting as presenting one such perspective. Henrietta goes through a lot to try to take care of her family - but to me the most interesting part was actually how she settled back into regular life after her soldiering days ended, and I would have liked a bit more of that. Nevertheless, it was an interesting and intriguing addition to the story. As for Everly and Ivy, they have a somewhat odd (and unhealthy) relationship dynamic between them, and watching that play out and develop as they went through hard times was interesting too. But interesting is all it would have been had they not each come to various realisations that changed how they viewed life and each other, resulting in inspiring growth in both of them. It also explores the idea of surrogacy, which isn't something I've ever thought a lot about. The result is an interesting and inspiring story that was in various ways quite different to my typical read and made for a nice change.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Women soldiers during the Civil War aren't something I really know anything about, so the story was interesting as presenting one such perspective. Henrietta goes through a lot to try to take care of her family - but to me the most interesting part was actually how she settled back into regular life after her soldiering days ended, and I would have liked a bit more of that. Nevertheless, it was an interesting and intriguing addition to the story. As for Everly and Ivy, they have a somewhat odd (and unhealthy) relationship dynamic between them, and watching that play out and develop as they went through hard times was interesting too. But interesting is all it would have been had they not each come to various realisations that changed how they viewed life and each other, resulting in inspiring growth in both of them. It also explores the idea of surrogacy, which isn't something I've ever thought a lot about. The result is an interesting and inspiring story that was in various ways quite different to my typical read and made for a nice change.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
March 31, 2025
This is my 1st book by Sarah Hanks and the 3rd book in the "Split-Time Sisters in Arms" series and it can be read as a stand alone book.
As the title reads, it is a dual timeline Christian based historical story with the 1st fascinating story at the start of Civil War, with Henrietta Frontenac signing up for the Confederate Army as a way to provide for her 5 younger sisters disguised as a man. The 2nd engaging story opens in present day with older sister Everly, a chiropractor and younger sister Ivy, who is planning her wedding and receives devastating news regarding her ability to have children.
Henrietta's story has intrigue, suspense, hardship, some non-graphic violence appropriate for war, and romance with the historical details and prose pulling you in to the "Henry's" challenges of being in a wartime position in disguise. Her faith journey moves from feeling abandoned by God to seeing Him in her life and that of her family.
Everly and Ivy both have past histories and trauma as siblings and individually which are brought to the forefront when Everly becomes a surrogate for her sister. The challenges with fear, anxiety, forgiveness and growing in faith, letting God heal and bring blessings in those areas of their lives was very relatable, emotionally and spiritually. During this journey is their discovery of Henrietta, weaving the stories together and inspiring them through the pregnancy and beyond.
If you are looking for an inspirational historical story filled with sisterhood, triumph over circumstances with growth of faith in Jesus, romance, danger, suspense and family, I highly recommend this book! I'm going to read the other 2 in the series due to this engaging, inspiring, thought provoking and well written story.
A huge thank you to SonFlower Books publishers and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a pleasure and privilege, all opinions expressed are my own.
As the title reads, it is a dual timeline Christian based historical story with the 1st fascinating story at the start of Civil War, with Henrietta Frontenac signing up for the Confederate Army as a way to provide for her 5 younger sisters disguised as a man. The 2nd engaging story opens in present day with older sister Everly, a chiropractor and younger sister Ivy, who is planning her wedding and receives devastating news regarding her ability to have children.
Henrietta's story has intrigue, suspense, hardship, some non-graphic violence appropriate for war, and romance with the historical details and prose pulling you in to the "Henry's" challenges of being in a wartime position in disguise. Her faith journey moves from feeling abandoned by God to seeing Him in her life and that of her family.
Everly and Ivy both have past histories and trauma as siblings and individually which are brought to the forefront when Everly becomes a surrogate for her sister. The challenges with fear, anxiety, forgiveness and growing in faith, letting God heal and bring blessings in those areas of their lives was very relatable, emotionally and spiritually. During this journey is their discovery of Henrietta, weaving the stories together and inspiring them through the pregnancy and beyond.
If you are looking for an inspirational historical story filled with sisterhood, triumph over circumstances with growth of faith in Jesus, romance, danger, suspense and family, I highly recommend this book! I'm going to read the other 2 in the series due to this engaging, inspiring, thought provoking and well written story.
A huge thank you to SonFlower Books publishers and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a pleasure and privilege, all opinions expressed are my own.
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