In Books & Battlefields

by Heather Tabers

A spirited librarian with a guarded heart. A haunted surgeon battling the past. A quiet deputy who never stopped hoping.

Isabella Pearson isn’t looking for love—only a way to serve. In 1917, she leaves her privileged Denver life behind to volunteer as a librarian at Camp Sheridan, Alabama. With a suitcase full of books and a heart determined to remain independent, she never expects to find herself being pursued by two Nathaniel, her brother’s steadfast best friend, and Byron, the brooding Chief Medical Officer who makes her pulse race for all the wrong reasons.

Major Byron McDaniel has buried his heart with his late wife and plans to keep it that way. Yet Isabella’s courage and compassion rattle the walls he’s so carefully built. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Steele has followed Isabella to Alabama with hopes of finally winning the heart he’s long treasured in silence. But as tensions rise at Camp Sheridan—with a suspicious fire, a string of accidents, and whispers of sabotage—Isabella must navigate more than just her feelings. When loyalty, love, and liberty hang in the balance, will she trust her heart—or her instincts?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical, War, Military Fiction, Clean Romance

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dear Mother, How do you do it? Do you just send God a letter outlining your matchmaking ideas? Or does He tell you His plans before you write me?”

I love reading fiction about WW1 because we don’t get as many novels about ‘the Great War’ as we do WW2, and yet there are so many unique bits of history to be found here as well. I also love Heather Tabers’ writing so it went without saying that I wanted to read her newest novel, In Books & Battlefields, which takes place at Camp Sheridan, Alabama in 1917. (The word ‘books’ in the title didn’t hurt either haha)

Isabella Pearson may have lived a life of privilege in Philadelphia and then Denver before volunteering to be a librarian at the Camp Sheridan hospital in Alabama, but it hasn’t affected her independent spirit, her resiliency, or her kind heart. In other words, she is definitely not a simpering socialite or helpless heroine. I instantly connected with her and my respect for her continued to grow the more time we spent together on the pages. She’s so likable she’s got at least two guys competing for her heart – Nathaniel (her brother’s best friend & a deputy in Denver) and Byron (the Chief Medical Officer at the Camp Sheridan hospital). Both would be good matches for Isabella, both are men of integrity, and both care deeply for her. And while I thought I knew (before I started reading) who I would be pulling for, it quickly became apparent to me that there was only one real choice – and it wasn’t the one I predicted I would favor.

This would be a good time for me to present a readerly confession (in case any of y’all landed on ‘two guys competing for her heart’ and immediately wanted to run the other way): ‘love triangle’ is probably the only romance trope I loathe because it usually just wrenches my heart for the one left behind and it’s rare that I can get past that enough to enjoy the romance that prevails in the end. BUT, In Books & Battlefields turned out to be a unique exception for me because of how carefully Tabers crafted the love triangle elements in this case. And while I’m talking about the romance… the bookstore scene? SWOON!!!! Oh my gosh, I’m pretty sure I quit breathing there for a bit. I can’t wait for y’all to read it too!! There’s also some fascinating history that I didn’t know about before reading this book, some tender grace notes, and a dash of suspense – especially toward the end – that kept me glued to the pages. Also, I have sent in a demand for a story for Isabella’s brother Freddy, who was my absolute favorite character in the book from the moment he gave Isabella her ‘bon voyage’ gift. If there was ever someone who NEEDS to be a romance hero, it is Freddy.

Bottom Line: In Books & Battlefields by Heather Tabers seamlessly blends so many things I love to find in fiction – intriguing homefront WW1 history, meaningful faith threads (that feel authentic and not preachy), a bookish heroine (and other really great characters), a sweet & swoony romance, and heart-in-your-throat danger (with some stunning twists). Tabers’ writing voice immediately pulls you into the story and the shift between three different first person POVs gets you solidly invested in the characters right away. I also enjoyed the fun banter (particularly in the male friendships), the layered side characters (whose stories I want to read too), and that bookstore scene (all the heart eyes). If you love novels by Elizabeth Camden, then In Books & Battlefields is right up your alley too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Jennifer Hunt]

Enjoyed this WW1 home front tale! Isabella is a spunky but tender heroine who was easy to cheer for. I’m not normally a fan of love triangles, but this one was well done and believable. The setting at Camp Sheridan was unique and intriguing and the espionage factor cleverly woven in. This story kept me turning pages late into the night!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. This is the second historical romance that I've read by this author and it did NOT disappoint. This story takes place during WW1 on American soil, in an army camp in Alabama.
We get to see the story from three points of view.
Isabella travels from her home in Colorado to be a librarian in the army hospital.
Deputy Nathaniel is her brother's best friend who has been pining for her for a while, but hasn't had the courage to tell her. He follows her to Alabama by securing a job as a sheriff's deputy.
Major Byron is the chief doctor in the army hospital and things get off on the wrong foot between him and Isabella.
I admit, I wasn't a huge fan of the doctor at first, but he had issues to work through. There was also a secret in Isabella's past that was holding her back from finding love. I sort of went back and forth on who I was hoping would win her love.
But there was so much more than this love triangle. I loved learning more about WW1 and libraries in the army. And the author added in some great suspense with danger coming from an unknown source. Plus some spies. I don't really want to say anything else about that.
I loved that faith was important in the lives of these characters and we see them going to the Lord and searching for his will. Some important truths were shared.
And I just loved learning that this is book one in the series and we'll get more of a certain character's story. yay!
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts

[Sara Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting historical fiction read. The two mystery plot lines kept my attention and kept me turning the pages. While there is a love triangle (my least favorite trope), it was done tactfully.

My biggest critique is that I feel like this plot could take place during either of the world wars. I would have preferred a little more World War I-specific information.

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Isabella Pearson, I love you with an everlasting love—the kind of love only God could give a man for a woman.”

This is an amazing story set during WWI in a stateside army camp hospital. It has a little danger and suspense, betrayal and mystery, and lots of faith, friendship, and love. I was completely drawn into the story and I didn’t want to put it down. I loved learning about the Library War Service and the glimpse into Camp Sheridan’s Hospital complex was interesting too.

Isabella is brave, determined, intelligent, and caring. I loved her interactions with the soldiers and her friendships with the nurses were delightful. Her love of books and her desire to help and encourage the soldiers was amazing. I loved that she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself but also was willing to seek forgiveness when necessary. Byron is brilliant, hurting, devoted to his patients, and smitten by Isabella. I really enjoyed his friendship with Wilkes, their banter was amazing. I’m always a sucker for a grumpy MMC, especially when they turn into a cinnamon roll with the FMC, Byron was all that and more. Nathaniel is brave and decisive where his occupation is concerned yet shy and devoted to Isabella. I enjoyed his friendship with Boone, their “iron sharpeneth iron” was amazing. He was determined to fight for Isabella. I loved the romance, there were definitely some ups and downs but their fight for their happy ending was worth it. (I say ‘their’ because spoilers!) I’m already looking forward to book 2!

A few more quotes:
“You’re a doctor, Byron. You believe in the healing power of God. You’ve dedicated your life to healing others. Why do you think healing is available for everyone but you?”

“They say the heart is the most important organ to keep us alive, but sometimes it’s the very one that kills us.” I sigh. “Don’t I know it.”

“Please, Isabella, if you have any feelings for me at all, will you choose me? I won’t push you into anything you don’t want. But I want you to be honest with me. And with yourself.”

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Sydney Schmied · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A spirited librarian with a guarded heart. A haunted surgeon battling the past. A quiet deputy who never stopped hoping.
Isabella Pearson isn’t looking for love—only a way to serve. In 1917, she leaves her privileged Denver life behind to volunteer as a librarian at Camp Sheridan, Alabama. With a suitcase full of books and a heart determined to remain independent, she never expects to find herself being pursued by two Nathaniel, her brother’s steadfast best friend, and Byron, the brooding Chief Medical Officer who makes her pulse race for all the wrong reasons.
Major Byron McDaniel has buried his heart with his late wife and plans to keep it that way. Yet Isabella’s courage and compassion rattle the walls he’s so carefully built. Meanwhile, Nathaniel Steele has followed Isabella to Alabama with hopes of finally winning the heart he’s long treasured in silence. But as tensions rise at Camp Sheridan—with a suspicious fire, a string of accidents, and whispers of sabotage—Isabella must navigate more than just her feelings. When loyalty, love, and liberty hang in the balance, will she trust her heart—or her instincts?"

My Review: I really liked this novel by Heather Tabers! I haven't read her debut novel, but this one is amazing. The librarian heroine was the BEST! I loved all the historical details and I never knew there were librarians at Army camps in WW1 until reading this story. I also liked the political intrigue and station challenges. I also liked the Alabama setting and 1917 is one of my favorite years in history! So much happened in the early 1900's that we don't learn about today. The characters were well-written and dynamic! I especially loved Isabella's sunny personality and perseverance. If you like Elizabeth Camden and Sarah Sundin's books, you will like this one! I'm excited for the next book in this series. Also, love the title of this one. Any novel with books on the cover and in the title is sure to entice any bookworm, LOL.
I received an E-ARC copy of this book to read and honestly review. All opinions are my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Books & Battlefields is the third book I have read by Heather Tabers, and she has become an instant read for me. If you like Christian historical fiction with a sprinkle of suspense, this is the book for you. This book hooked me in from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Isabella is from a well-off family, living in Colorado. During the Great War, there was a lot of need around the country. So, Isabella volunteers to go to Camp Sheridan, Alabama, to help as a librarian for the army.  This is where she waltzes right into none other than Chief Medical Officer Major Byron McDaniel, who is in charge of the hospital she is stationed at as a librarian. With his grumpy outside, we soon get to pull back the layers of Major Byron, find out he is a widower. Major Byron keeps finding himself drawn to Isabella. The more time they spend together, the deeper his feelings grow. Then Deputy Nathaniel, Isabella’s brother’s best friend, arrives on the scene. He has transferred from Colorado to Alabama with his eyes set on Isabella. Unfold the love triangle. Deputy Nathaniel and Major Byron find themselves fighting for Isabella’s affection.    

Things around the camp seem to be out of place. With war going on, one can never be too careful. Major Byron believes the different accidents are not what they seem. Then, Isabella finds herself in the middle of uncovering a German spy ring using library books to send secret codes, when she is drugged and kidnapped. Nathaniel and Byron must put their differences aside to save Isabella.

Heather Tabers does a great job bringing history to life. I love all the extras she includes in her works, from curated playlists, coloring pages, historical articles, pictures, and character art. You can tell she did a lot of research to bring this book to life.

This second chance at love romance is perfect and sweet with kisses only.

Heather Tabers does a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. 
   
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heroine who's a librarian, a hero who's a dashing Army medical officer, and a touch of intrigue? What's not to love! From the moment I met Isabella on the pages of this book I liked her. Sure, she may make a few knuckleheaded decisions at times, but she's a charming, sunshine-y character. The dashing Dr. Byron McDaniel is a perfect love interest for her. He has his own life drama going on, and his grumpy to her sunshine makes a perfect will they/won't they romance.
I hadn't ever realized that librarians were stationed at the Army camps during WWI, so that was a fun bit of history to learn while reading this book. I also enjoyed the hint of a love triangle between Isabella and Byron and Nathaniel. I'm glad the author didn't make it into a super annoying love triangle either though. You pretty clearly see who is the best match for her from the start.
Throwing in some espionage/intrigue, and you get the perfect book to escape into for a few hours. This was the first book from this author, but I really enjoyed it and will be checking out her other books. I'm also really looking forward to the next book in this series, I can't wait to see how Nathaniel's story goes!
*I read an early ARC copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who adored Heather's debut novel Their Burden to Bear I will say In Books and Battlefields is another work of written art! This is the first in a WWI Trilogy and I will say that this is off to a very good start. Not only does this story have some intriguing drama but there are moments of humor as well. Not to mention that there is a reveal of secrets towards the end that you will probably not expect. I will say that I was very impressed with what I read.

In 1917 Isabella has no interest in marrying due to past personal reasons and she wants to do something meaningful with her life. Much to the dismay of her mother she goes to Camp Sheridan to be a Librarian Assistant which is a dream job for all bookworms. She then makes the acquaintance of Dr. Byron McDaniel whose brooding nature gets them off on the wrong foot.

Isabella finds great joy in the library job but as time goes by she realizes that there is something off about some of the people. But before she can reveal what she knows she is silenced and taken away. Will Byron be able to find her in time? This is an exciting story you don't want to miss!

[Becky Kiely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this World War I historical fiction set in Camp Sheridan, Alabama. Isabella Pearson leaves her life in Denver to serve Soldiers as a librarian, vowing not to marry or reveal her painful past. Deputy Nathaniel Steele, family friend and secret admirer, accepts a transfer to Alabama in hopes of pursuing Isabella, bearing secrets of his own. Major Byron McDaniel, Chief Medical Officer, is haunted by the loss of his wife and is torn when a beautiful librarian waltzes into his hospital. Their lives intertwine amidst a bombing, fire, and sabotage in the camp. Can conflict over the love of one woman turn enemies into friends? Will their faith overcome pain and secrets? Filled with adventure, intrigue and action, this book had me engaged from the very first page. This is Book One in the Words & War series, and I cannot wait to read Book Two!

I received an ARC of this book and was a beta reader. I was not required to give a review. This is my honest review of In Books & Battlefields.

[Chosengirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella has just started a job working at a library that is on a military base where there is a hospital. Part of her job will be to read to the soldiers as they recover. Bryon is a doctor and also in charge of the hospital. This is where the two meet. They both get off to a rocky start but after time it starts to get better. There is much excitement and intrigue in the book. I was given this book by the author all thoughts are my own. Heather Tabers is an amazing author and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive and well-paced, In Books and Battlefields is a compulsively readable start to Heather Tabers' new trilogy. In a similar vein to her debut novel, this book follows the lives of three individuals who are deeply impacted by their service during WWI. I absolutely love that the author is focusing her work on such a pivotal time in history that hasn't been as deeply explored in literature, and especially that she's focusing on how that war impacted those living in the United States. The setting of Camp Sheridan, Alabama was refreshing and descriptive-- I felt like I had been dropped right into the action, living and working right alongside Isabella, Byron, and Nathaniel. In Books and Battlefields is a deliciously good blend of historical romance and suspense, and a perfect way to start out my reading in the new year. You definitely don't want to miss this author and her books!!

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christian historic romance that took place at the beginning of WWI. I loved the little historical tidbits that were scattered throughout the book, as well as the clean romance and the character growth that occurred for all of the main characters! There was a lot of emotional tension, as well as political drama in this story! I received an ARC copy and this is my review.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mother, I think I am in love with her…”.

I was blessed to have been able to read this before it is published. It’s like a secret I held close but now have to share.

Do not snooze on this - order your copy today!

A free-spirited book lover.
The neighbor.
A rough & rowdy gentleman.

These all make for a thrilling love story.

[Jarvis Adams]

A beautifully written historical romance full of heart and suspense. Isabella is a strong, independent heroine, and the tension between her, Byron, and Nathaniel is electric. The World War I setting, combined with fires, accidents, and whispers of sabotage, keeps the story gripping. Perfect for fans of romance with depth, courage, and a touch of intrigue.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and felt privileged to be able to read it as an advanced copy from the author.
The story is great. There’s history, romance suspense, everything you could want in a good book.

[Michelle Cripe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction book has adventure to a new place, trying to figure out if characters are hiding something or not, piecing together the past, & a shocking twist! I highly recommend!!

[Jessie Mattis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet love story full of complex emotion, second chances, interesting historical bits, and ultimately a life or death mystery to solve! An enjoyable read!