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Civil War Romance #1
A Stranger on My Land
Inspirational romance set on Lookout Mountain in the aftermath of the 1863 Civil War Battle Above the Clouds
Carrie and her little brother, Jay, find a wounded soldier on their land after a battle which later became known as "The Battle Above the Clouds." Adam, a Union soldier, has been shot twice in the arm. Though Carrie is reluctant to take Adam to their cave where her family hides their livestock from both armies, she cannot turn her back on him.
But her Aunt Lavinia, bitter over what Yankees have done to their land, urges Carrie to allow Adam to die. Carrie refuses, but cannot remove the bullets. Adam's friendship with Jay softens her heart toward him. It's not long until his gratitude and teasing manner spark a friendship between the young couple. Even though Carrie's father fights for the Confederacy in far-off Virginia, her feelings for the handsome young soldier begin to blossom into love.
When Adam's condition worsens, Carrie knows a Union surgeon is needed to save his life. How can she accomplish this and keep her family's hiding place a secret?
Carrie and her little brother, Jay, find a wounded soldier on their land after a battle which later became known as "The Battle Above the Clouds." Adam, a Union soldier, has been shot twice in the arm. Though Carrie is reluctant to take Adam to their cave where her family hides their livestock from both armies, she cannot turn her back on him.
But her Aunt Lavinia, bitter over what Yankees have done to their land, urges Carrie to allow Adam to die. Carrie refuses, but cannot remove the bullets. Adam's friendship with Jay softens her heart toward him. It's not long until his gratitude and teasing manner spark a friendship between the young couple. Even though Carrie's father fights for the Confederacy in far-off Virginia, her feelings for the handsome young soldier begin to blossom into love.
When Adam's condition worsens, Carrie knows a Union surgeon is needed to save his life. How can she accomplish this and keep her family's hiding place a secret?
92 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2014
244 people are currently reading
1375 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Merville Hart
24 books347 followersAward-Winning and Amazon Bestselling Author Sandra Merville Hart is thrilled that her next Civil War series “Spies of the Civil War” will release in 2022! Book 1 of the series, Avenue of Betrayal, is set in Washington DC in 1861. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger (Books 2 & 3) are set in Richmond, Virginia, in 1862. Actual historical spies will influence the lives of fictional characters where everyone has secrets.
Her novella, Trail’s End, in “Smitten Novella Collection: The Cowboys” is set in the wild cattle town of Abilene, Kansas, in 1870. He’d been unable to save his own brother. How could he hope to save Abby’s?
Not This Year in “Christmas Fiction Off the Beaten Path,” is a heartwarming, nostalgic story of a hardworking family man facing difficult times at Christmas.
Her Civil War Romance, A Musket in My Hands, is 2019 Serious Writer Medal Fiction Winner and a 2019 Selah Awards Finalist. Two sisters have no choice but to join the men they love and muster into the Confederate army and in the fall of 1864—in time for things to go very badly for Southerners at the Battle of Franklin.
Her second Civil War romance novel, A Rebel in My House, 2018 Illumination Silver Award, released on July 15, 2017. A wounded Confederate soldier on the first day of battle leaves a Gettysburg seamstress with a heart-wrenching decision. Both have made promises. Some promises are impossible to keep.
Her debut book, A Stranger On My Land, IRCA Second Place 2015 and Christian Small Publishing Book of the Year 2016 Finalist, is the first book in a Civil War Romance series published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Should she turn her back on the wounded Union soldier?
Her novella, Surprised by Love in “From the Lake to the River” is set during the 1913 flood in Troy, Ohio. Unlikely heroes often rise up during tragedy.
Sandra is on the Planning Committee for Faith & Fellowship Book Festival. She served in the past as Executive Editor for DevoKids.com where she also contributed many historical articles. She teaches writer workshops.
Connect with Sandra on her blog, Historical Nibbles, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.... where readers find posts relating to historical food/recipes, book reviews, and American history.
Her novella, Trail’s End, in “Smitten Novella Collection: The Cowboys” is set in the wild cattle town of Abilene, Kansas, in 1870. He’d been unable to save his own brother. How could he hope to save Abby’s?
Not This Year in “Christmas Fiction Off the Beaten Path,” is a heartwarming, nostalgic story of a hardworking family man facing difficult times at Christmas.
Her Civil War Romance, A Musket in My Hands, is 2019 Serious Writer Medal Fiction Winner and a 2019 Selah Awards Finalist. Two sisters have no choice but to join the men they love and muster into the Confederate army and in the fall of 1864—in time for things to go very badly for Southerners at the Battle of Franklin.
Her second Civil War romance novel, A Rebel in My House, 2018 Illumination Silver Award, released on July 15, 2017. A wounded Confederate soldier on the first day of battle leaves a Gettysburg seamstress with a heart-wrenching decision. Both have made promises. Some promises are impossible to keep.
Her debut book, A Stranger On My Land, IRCA Second Place 2015 and Christian Small Publishing Book of the Year 2016 Finalist, is the first book in a Civil War Romance series published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Should she turn her back on the wounded Union soldier?
Her novella, Surprised by Love in “From the Lake to the River” is set during the 1913 flood in Troy, Ohio. Unlikely heroes often rise up during tragedy.
Sandra is on the Planning Committee for Faith & Fellowship Book Festival. She served in the past as Executive Editor for DevoKids.com where she also contributed many historical articles. She teaches writer workshops.
Connect with Sandra on her blog, Historical Nibbles, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.... where readers find posts relating to historical food/recipes, book reviews, and American history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 19, 2015
Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Tuesday, November 24, 1863
Private Adam Hendricks gripped his rifle as he stared up at Lookout Mountain. As a soldier in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry, he had learned to follow orders, but the task assigned to his brigade was a daunting one. They had received orders to advance up the steep slope, over rocky ground, and toward the fortified rifle pits of the enemy. Heavy fog hid the landscape, but Adam knew what lay beyond the veil of gray. The sporadic discharge of musket fire from the pickets as they pushed up the mountain reminded him of the dangers lurking in the shadows.
Loved the setting and the characters were well done... each had their own personality and didn't blend together. Carrie and Adam were sweet together but I didn't fully buy the romance. It was sweet and all but it felt rushed in places.
Things were probably different during war-time I know *shrugs*
Nice story but not something I'll be reading again. Just had trouble connecting to the story fully, wish I had loved it more... it was a nice concept.
Private Adam Hendricks gripped his rifle as he stared up at Lookout Mountain. As a soldier in the Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry, he had learned to follow orders, but the task assigned to his brigade was a daunting one. They had received orders to advance up the steep slope, over rocky ground, and toward the fortified rifle pits of the enemy. Heavy fog hid the landscape, but Adam knew what lay beyond the veil of gray. The sporadic discharge of musket fire from the pickets as they pushed up the mountain reminded him of the dangers lurking in the shadows.
Loved the setting and the characters were well done... each had their own personality and didn't blend together. Carrie and Adam were sweet together but I didn't fully buy the romance. It was sweet and all but it felt rushed in places.
Things were probably different during war-time I know *shrugs*
Nice story but not something I'll be reading again. Just had trouble connecting to the story fully, wish I had loved it more... it was a nice concept.
May 10, 2017
3.5
I really wanted to like this one more, but the not-so-amazing writing kinda threw me off. :P
I really wanted to like this one more, but the not-so-amazing writing kinda threw me off. :P
September 13, 2014
Hart's research helps her add details that put you into the middle of the fighting and the aftermath. Both sides are suffering in this tale set on the fringes of the Battle of Lookout Mountain. Carrie and Adam are the kind of characters that you'd want to spend time with long after the story is finished. I can see a series following Carrie's little brother, Jay.
Although is this a romance, Hart doesn't filter the effects of war. Through her wonderful descriptions, you feel the cold chill of the Tennessee morning and the dampness of the cave where they live. If you love historical romance, especially those set in the Civil War, you'll love A Stranger On My Land.
Although is this a romance, Hart doesn't filter the effects of war. Through her wonderful descriptions, you feel the cold chill of the Tennessee morning and the dampness of the cave where they live. If you love historical romance, especially those set in the Civil War, you'll love A Stranger On My Land.
August 21, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed, A Stranger On My Land.
I’m a guy, and you won’t find me shopping the romance section of bookstores. However, I’m also and author, and when a fellow author asks for help launching a book, especially a first book, I’ll do what I can to help. I was given a copy with the condition that I would provide an honest review. And so I read, and thoroughly enjoyed, A Stranger On My Land.
Carrie, a young southern lady, her brother Jay and her aunt Lavinia were driven from their home because of the Civil War. As the fighting grew closer, they were forced to hide in a unusual place where they lived for many months. Without the comforts of home.
While gathering firewood, Carrie and Jay came upon a wounded Union soldier, Adam. She hated the war and saw the Union as the enemy. But she knew that without medical help, this young man would not last long. Could she just walk away and let this man die?
I’m not a reader of romance, especially historical romance. However, Sandra painted a vivid picture of the setting and characters that peaked my interest. Her mixture of tension and suspense held it to the end. In fact, she may have opened up a whole new world for me. So those of you who like romance and historical romance, pick up a copy. You’re going to love it. For you who are not interested in romance, give the story a chance. It’s a great read. And you, too, may find a whole new world of stories.
I’m a guy, and you won’t find me shopping the romance section of bookstores. However, I’m also and author, and when a fellow author asks for help launching a book, especially a first book, I’ll do what I can to help. I was given a copy with the condition that I would provide an honest review. And so I read, and thoroughly enjoyed, A Stranger On My Land.
Carrie, a young southern lady, her brother Jay and her aunt Lavinia were driven from their home because of the Civil War. As the fighting grew closer, they were forced to hide in a unusual place where they lived for many months. Without the comforts of home.
While gathering firewood, Carrie and Jay came upon a wounded Union soldier, Adam. She hated the war and saw the Union as the enemy. But she knew that without medical help, this young man would not last long. Could she just walk away and let this man die?
I’m not a reader of romance, especially historical romance. However, Sandra painted a vivid picture of the setting and characters that peaked my interest. Her mixture of tension and suspense held it to the end. In fact, she may have opened up a whole new world for me. So those of you who like romance and historical romance, pick up a copy. You’re going to love it. For you who are not interested in romance, give the story a chance. It’s a great read. And you, too, may find a whole new world of stories.
October 13, 2017
That was an all right story, but it wasn't amazing by any means. It was kind of rushed, and the romance was unbelievable and juvenile in my opinion.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
September 23, 2014
What would you do if you found your defenseless enemy on your doorstep?
That’s the question Southern heroine Carrie Bishop must decide when she finds a wounded Union soldier on her family’s land. Will she care for him and risk exposing her family’s hiding place? Or will she let him die lying on the cold, hard ground of Lookout Mountain?
Her ailing aunt hates the North. The war has taken Carrie’s father away to serve in the Confederate Army, leaving her to care for a sick aunt and a younger brother. Both the Northern and Southern armies have ravaged her home, land, and supplies while she and her family hide in nearby caves, afraid every day that one side or the other will discover them. The choice she makes will impact her life in more ways than she knows, especially when she finds herself falling for Union soldier Adam Hendricks.
Sandra Merville Hart has written a sweet romance that shows the hardships and dangers Southern civilians in the mountains of Tennessee faced during the civil war. Her gentle style is easy to read and the description of Lookout Mountain and the fighting that takes place keeps you turning the pages. This novella is a quick, easy read, suitable for all ages who love romance and history.
Brava, Sandra on your debut novel!
That’s the question Southern heroine Carrie Bishop must decide when she finds a wounded Union soldier on her family’s land. Will she care for him and risk exposing her family’s hiding place? Or will she let him die lying on the cold, hard ground of Lookout Mountain?
Her ailing aunt hates the North. The war has taken Carrie’s father away to serve in the Confederate Army, leaving her to care for a sick aunt and a younger brother. Both the Northern and Southern armies have ravaged her home, land, and supplies while she and her family hide in nearby caves, afraid every day that one side or the other will discover them. The choice she makes will impact her life in more ways than she knows, especially when she finds herself falling for Union soldier Adam Hendricks.
Sandra Merville Hart has written a sweet romance that shows the hardships and dangers Southern civilians in the mountains of Tennessee faced during the civil war. Her gentle style is easy to read and the description of Lookout Mountain and the fighting that takes place keeps you turning the pages. This novella is a quick, easy read, suitable for all ages who love romance and history.
Brava, Sandra on your debut novel!
July 2, 2018
This short story leaps off the page with vivid characters and an imaginative setting. I often imagined what it would be like to sleep overnight in a cave. This story finds a family living in a cave to hide from Union and Confederate soldier's alike. The historical details and research really helped bring the story to life.
I enjoyed reading this short story. The characters are realistic, the setting imaginative. While I did wish the story had been a bit longer, as it felt a bit rushed at the end to wrap things up. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I give this story 3.5-stars. If you enjoy reading Civil War period stories, I'm sure you would enjoy reading this fun short story that is sure to spark your imagination.
(I purchased a copy of this story. I was not required to write a positive review.)
I enjoyed reading this short story. The characters are realistic, the setting imaginative. While I did wish the story had been a bit longer, as it felt a bit rushed at the end to wrap things up. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I give this story 3.5-stars. If you enjoy reading Civil War period stories, I'm sure you would enjoy reading this fun short story that is sure to spark your imagination.
(I purchased a copy of this story. I was not required to write a positive review.)
October 12, 2014
Very enjoyable historical fiction romance set in the Tennessee mountains during the Civil War. What more do you need for a rainy afternoon ... A good clean book that's easy to read, believable plot that is catchy and flows well from beginning to end, hae. I loved the faith of the main characters in the face of adversary. I enjoyed how the author incorporated so many different facts into this novel, from everyday living, the War itself to care of the wounded. I did feel, however, that the novel lacked some depth in its development of the characters and plot. Somehow I wanted more. Overall, a good read. I received this ebook free from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in exchange for my review.
December 4, 2014
I loved the way the author, Sandra Merville Hart, describes the surroundings in such detail. With her descriptions of the cave, the battles, and the mountains, I felt as though I was taken back in time. She then gives you a romance story that will keep you flipping pages to find out the end.
Carrie speaks to me with her strength, her insecurities, her anger, and her protectiveness of her family. Everything you would go through if you were left in charge at a young age during the war.
A great read!
This books was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
Carrie speaks to me with her strength, her insecurities, her anger, and her protectiveness of her family. Everything you would go through if you were left in charge at a young age during the war.
A great read!
This books was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
September 23, 2014
Although I usually do not read books that take place around the American Civil War I tried this one. It is well written and kept my attention throughout. Scenes were so realistically portrayed I felt I was Carrie herself taking care of my family and an enemy soldier. It was a fast, riveting read and well worth my time.
April 18, 2023
I liked this story overall, though I do wish that it had been a bit longer, as some of the scenes between Adam and Carrie felt rushed, and there wasn't an opportunity to delve deeper into some other issues that I'd have liked to see more of.
That said, I appreciated Carrie and Jay's clear understanding of what it meant to follow God, and their ease in sharing that knowledge with Adam, to remind him of the One who cares for us all.
That said, I appreciated Carrie and Jay's clear understanding of what it meant to follow God, and their ease in sharing that knowledge with Adam, to remind him of the One who cares for us all.
May 3, 2020
Great quick read for the day!
Great sweet clean romance! Can't wait to read more of her books! Love that it had some added history and some memoirs to look into.
Great sweet clean romance! Can't wait to read more of her books! Love that it had some added history and some memoirs to look into.
May 29, 2023
Sweet, simple, clean. Quick, satisfying read.
August 22, 2014
Sandra Merville Hart has written a story that draws the reader directly into the reality experienced by the main characters: one, a wounded Union soldier, and the other, a young Confederate woman hiding in a cave with her ailing aunt and younger brother, while a mountain-top battle rages around them. The descriptions of the external landscape, and the internal emotional terrain of the characters are compelling and make for a riveting read. I pretty much devoured this book, not wanting to stop reading, even after the end! You'll enjoy this book no matter what your preferred reading genre is. A good story is always worth reading, and that's what this is. Enjoy!
September 15, 2014
A STRANGER ON MY LAND is a novella set during the Civil War. Carrie and her little brother, Jay, save Adam, a wounded Union soldier, though her father is fighting for the Confederacy and her sick aunt is bitter because of the destruction the Yankees have brought to their land. The family lives in a cave and hides from both armies, and they risk their lives and livelihood to help Adam. Though they share the same faith, Carrie wonders if there is any chance she and Adam could ever share a future together. The characters are likeable, the plot is interesting, and the historical research is well done.
October 12, 2014
What does it mean to love your enemy?
This book was wonderful! Very enjoyable, and a great story. Beautifully demonstrates what happens when you see others for who they really are and put political and circumstantial allegiances aside. Great American History discussion book for homeschoolers and for all parents and children. Sandra Merville Hart is a talented writer, and I got lost in her story, reading it in one sitting. A Stranger On My Land will appeal to boys and girls of all ages!
This book was wonderful! Very enjoyable, and a great story. Beautifully demonstrates what happens when you see others for who they really are and put political and circumstantial allegiances aside. Great American History discussion book for homeschoolers and for all parents and children. Sandra Merville Hart is a talented writer, and I got lost in her story, reading it in one sitting. A Stranger On My Land will appeal to boys and girls of all ages!
August 21, 2014
The Civil War pitted North against South. What happens when love blurs the front line? A delightful, well written story. Join the Confederate family that finds an injured Yankee soldier on their land. See what happens when a caring, compassionate young lady forgets about "sides" and takes care of a wounded human. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
October 27, 2014
This novella was as smooth and sweet as home-churned butter and just as enjoyable. The setting is one girl's home in Tennessee, where the war had nothing to do with slavery but everything to do with love of family and protection of what belongs to them. Nice romance with a satisfying ending (for me).
September 23, 2014
I throughly enjoyed the way Sandra Hart's words painted the pictures of this book's story. I could see through my mind's eye exactly what was going on with the background, the conversations and the love that grew between the heroine and the hero of this wonderful book.
September 13, 2014
Very exciting and captivating. Held my attention well. Looking forward to the next in the series.
January 6, 2015
A Stranger on My Land is a terrific novella. I was captivated from the beginning until the end. I can't wait to read more by this author. I look forward to more of her stories.
5 stars.
5 stars.
September 5, 2017
A sweet novella where a family is caught in the middle of the Civil War in the hills of Tennessee. With men going off to war and leaving families unprotected, the young and old had to make decisions to stay alive. After moving to a cave to be safe, Carrie and her younger brother stumble upon a wounded Yankee in the woods. Their father is fighting for the South, but she has been taught to love one another and takes it on herself to try to get him help. Her sick Aunt is appalled at him being in their presence. Soon it becomes apparent that something has to give. What will it be? Will the bullet he took cause him to lose his arm or will the infection take his life? Read and find out.
June 14, 2018
Good things do come in small packages. Brief...but packed with warmth and emotion. A Stranger on My Land, a story of courage and romance steeped in history, recounts the 1863 ”Battle Above the Clouds" atop Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. Hart’s warm and emotional portrayal of characters and descriptive setting pulls you in, keeps you turning pages and wishing for more. The additional Note from the Author at the end provided further historical facts and a personal touch that enriched the read. This was my first Hart novel but not my last. 😍
May 19, 2023
Historical Christian fiction
I didn't expect a cliffhanger ending! Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this first book in the series! The characters are so precious, and each have their flaws and strengths. In the midst of war, love and compassion, as Christ showed by example, win out. I was especially touched by a quote near the end:
"Sometimes God answers our prayers by making us less so he can be more. So we can be more for others, but in a different way.”"
Start reading this book for free: https://a.co/ivioPmy
I didn't expect a cliffhanger ending! Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this first book in the series! The characters are so precious, and each have their flaws and strengths. In the midst of war, love and compassion, as Christ showed by example, win out. I was especially touched by a quote near the end:
"Sometimes God answers our prayers by making us less so he can be more. So we can be more for others, but in a different way.”"
Start reading this book for free: https://a.co/ivioPmy
June 21, 2018
A sweet novella set during the Civil War. It's not about the battles or the issues of the times, it's about a young girl and a wounded soldier. It's about having the pluck to see beyond the stereotypes to the person. It's about facing danger and sacrificing for someone else. It's about the human experience during what can be inhuman times. Well worth reading when you need something uplifting and not too long.
May 1, 2020
This short and clean Civil War Novella was well-written and historically educational about the battle surrounding Tennessee, however, the plot was rather singularly simplistic and the ending predictable. It maintained my attention throughout, however, I felt that the Yanks were a bit too unrealistically accommodating, especially as Carrie put herself in harm's way. However, if you enjoy a short detailed book about one aspect of the Civil War ending with romance, this is recommended.
January 15, 2024
Very brief yet fairly believable story about a wounded yankee soldier separated from his troop on Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
A young woman and her brother found him and brought him into their hiding place to tend him in hopes of a recovery.
Their aunt would have nothing of a Yankee in the cave they hoped to keep safe until the fighting was over.
A romance of sort, and very sweet.
A young woman and her brother found him and brought him into their hiding place to tend him in hopes of a recovery.
Their aunt would have nothing of a Yankee in the cave they hoped to keep safe until the fighting was over.
A romance of sort, and very sweet.
September 9, 2017
Simplistic
This was not one of my favourites. I found the plot simplistic. The time line seemed off in terms of Adam's recovery. Doubt a teen living on her own at that time in history would have the luxury of being squeamish around blood..or they would have starved. I was able to finish the book
This was not one of my favourites. I found the plot simplistic. The time line seemed off in terms of Adam's recovery. Doubt a teen living on her own at that time in history would have the luxury of being squeamish around blood..or they would have starved. I was able to finish the book
March 30, 2018
Good but short read
I love historical fiction and especially loved the background research that lead to this story. I was a bit disappointed at how abruptly the ending was done as I feel that part could have been done in a less choppy fashion nut do not want to spoil it for other readers.
I love historical fiction and especially loved the background research that lead to this story. I was a bit disappointed at how abruptly the ending was done as I feel that part could have been done in a less choppy fashion nut do not want to spoil it for other readers.
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June 4, 2019Great feel good book!
I enjoyed this book very much. it’s one of those writing styles that just flows easily and perfectly. The author is so talented, she makes writing look easy. And we all know it’s not, for sure it takes a lot of hard work. The plot is similar to others, somehow she makes it interesting and engaging for the entirety of the book. I highly recommend it!
I enjoyed this book very much. it’s one of those writing styles that just flows easily and perfectly. The author is so talented, she makes writing look easy. And we all know it’s not, for sure it takes a lot of hard work. The plot is similar to others, somehow she makes it interesting and engaging for the entirety of the book. I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews