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Lone Star Hero #3
Love Held Captive
After the War Between the States, a Confederate officer longs to heal the heart of a beautiful woman—but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her. Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget. Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war. When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men band together to earn the trust of the women they love, Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2017
55 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Shepard Gray
126 books2,314 followersLibrarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
October 16, 2017
Shelley Shepard Gray is an author we are used to seeing write Amish books but she has written other genres and has really come into her own doing so. She very easily adapted to writing other genres which not a lot of authors have such an easy time doing so. This is the third book in the Lone Star Hero series. I read the other two and they were just as excellent as this one!
This was an amazing historical romance set after the Civil War in Texas but there is much explaining about prison camp and time during and after the war. There were some adult subjects mentioned through out the book, was it mentioned too much, I don't know, maybe. I think a quick mention of it once to explain what happened would have sufficed. Strong themes of survival,and forgiveness I enjoyed the twists and turns presented in the book and thought this was an excellent continuation to the first two books in the series. All three tie in with characters and you will get the most benefit by reading the first two books in the series before this one but not totally necessary.
Pub Date 10 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was an amazing historical romance set after the Civil War in Texas but there is much explaining about prison camp and time during and after the war. There were some adult subjects mentioned through out the book, was it mentioned too much, I don't know, maybe. I think a quick mention of it once to explain what happened would have sufficed. Strong themes of survival,and forgiveness I enjoyed the twists and turns presented in the book and thought this was an excellent continuation to the first two books in the series. All three tie in with characters and you will get the most benefit by reading the first two books in the series before this one but not totally necessary.
Pub Date 10 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan Fiction for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2017
Though this isn't one, Shelley Shepard Gray writes many Amish fiction books. So, in theory, I shouldn't have read this book. (My rule is to avoid Amish romance stories so that I don't end up disappointed that it wasn't Christian fiction. My policy is the same for authors who write both sweet and steamy romances - I just avoid them entirely.) However, I enjoy Ms. Gray's stories so much that I am willing to sift through her book list! All this to say - give this author a try!
Love Held Captive (2017, Zondervan), third in the Lone Star Hero series by Shelley Shepard Gray, is a post American Civil War Christian romance set in 1867 Texas with occasional flashbacks to 1865 on Johnson's Island in Ohio. The novel is a standalone story, which occasionally touched on the couples from the previous two books. I wanted to read this one because I really loved the first two in the series. Here are links to my reviews of The Loyal Heart (book #1) and An Uncommon Protector (book #2) .
Note: This author writes Amish and Christian fiction under Shelley Shepard Gray and Western Romance under Shelley Gray.
Rating: 4.5 stars
The hero: In the prologue, Captain Ethan Kelly, 29, is under orders to procure provisions for his men by taking what is needed from homes in the area. They stop at the home of a thin woman who has obviously been injured in a previous raid by another group of soldiers. It hurt his heart to take supplies from her, but he does his duty. Not without leaving a mark on him, though. "She was the star of his nightmares and the cause of his shame." After each nightmare, "he did what he always did after he dreamed about that house - prayed that woman was okay." Even after "nine months in captivity, and six months of gambling in various disreputable saloons and on riverboats," he has continued to think about her.
The heroine: There's some unwritten law of books that dictates that Captain Ethan Kelly is going cross paths with the woman again, right? And so he does, at the San Antonio hotel, where Elizabeth Barclay works as a maid. But first, someone else comes across Lizbeth too: Daniel Bushnell, the soldier who raided her home before Ethan's group did - the soldier who hurt her. At the hotel, Bushnell makes unwelcome advances toward her, and immediately after she escapes, she runs into Ethan. "Trapped between two men - this man [Ethan Kelly], too filled with charm, and the other [Daniel Bushnell], the reason she had never become the person she'd always hoped she'd be." To top it off, Bushnell is Ethan's "former colonel, his enemy." (I do need to comment that there are too many coincidences to be plausible, but I really don't care. It's the stuff that books are made of. And to be fair, the author does address it via Ethan. See below.)
Christian elements:
*"As far as he was concerned, the Lord had brought him, Miss Barclay, and Bushnell together for one reason and one reason only: for Ethan Kelly to make sure Daniel Bushnell firmly and completely regretted his actions." For a while, I wasn't sure if this attitude would be exposed for the sin that it is. It is, eventually.
*There's a take on prostitution that I'm not sure I completely agree with and could be a sticking point for other Christians.
*"Julianne wondered how the Lord had known she'd needed […] Just when she'd been at her lowest point."
*I absolutely love this reason to pray: "They need our prayers, and we need the Lord's comfort."
Is it clean/chaste? Yes. However, it's definitely not for young teens. There is a shirtless man near the beginning as well as a man trying to detain a maid in his room. There's a pretty involved kiss. Also, there are
What I liked:
*There is a secondary romance for Devin Monroe. I think each romance may have been given equal page time. I've wanted to see Captain Monroe have his own romance since the first book in the series!
*"Not all men who fought were gifted soldiers. The majority were clumsy in battle and unsure of themselves. Or or lonely. Or afraid." That is something I haven't considered before! It's common sense, I suppose, but I thought this was a great insight. Not all soldiers could possibly be gung-ho fighters.
*Wise words: "The longer she dwelled on what she couldn't change, the more depressed she'd be." This makes me think of Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (NIV)
What I didn’t like:
*The aforementioned coincidence (I'm listing this not because I found it a problem, but because some may.)
*Cigar smoking and whiskey drinking by main characters - it might be period appropriate, but I didn't appreciate it.
*A very few editing errors in the eARC, which may have been resolved.
*"Thomas let out a string of curses…" Thomas is one of the protagonists in a Christian novel.
***********
The bottom line: This was a great conclusion to a fabulous series. I recommend this book to fans of historical Christian romance or fans of the post-civil war era. The next book I read by this author might be her novella in Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories , which is written under her Shelley Gray pseudonym.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Love Held Captive (2017, Zondervan), third in the Lone Star Hero series by Shelley Shepard Gray, is a post American Civil War Christian romance set in 1867 Texas with occasional flashbacks to 1865 on Johnson's Island in Ohio. The novel is a standalone story, which occasionally touched on the couples from the previous two books. I wanted to read this one because I really loved the first two in the series. Here are links to my reviews of The Loyal Heart (book #1) and An Uncommon Protector (book #2) .
Note: This author writes Amish and Christian fiction under Shelley Shepard Gray and Western Romance under Shelley Gray.
Rating: 4.5 stars
The hero: In the prologue, Captain Ethan Kelly, 29, is under orders to procure provisions for his men by taking what is needed from homes in the area. They stop at the home of a thin woman who has obviously been injured in a previous raid by another group of soldiers. It hurt his heart to take supplies from her, but he does his duty. Not without leaving a mark on him, though. "She was the star of his nightmares and the cause of his shame." After each nightmare, "he did what he always did after he dreamed about that house - prayed that woman was okay." Even after "nine months in captivity, and six months of gambling in various disreputable saloons and on riverboats," he has continued to think about her.
The heroine: There's some unwritten law of books that dictates that Captain Ethan Kelly is going cross paths with the woman again, right? And so he does, at the San Antonio hotel, where Elizabeth Barclay works as a maid. But first, someone else comes across Lizbeth too: Daniel Bushnell, the soldier who raided her home before Ethan's group did - the soldier who hurt her. At the hotel, Bushnell makes unwelcome advances toward her, and immediately after she escapes, she runs into Ethan. "Trapped between two men - this man [Ethan Kelly], too filled with charm, and the other [Daniel Bushnell], the reason she had never become the person she'd always hoped she'd be." To top it off, Bushnell is Ethan's "former colonel, his enemy." (I do need to comment that there are too many coincidences to be plausible, but I really don't care. It's the stuff that books are made of. And to be fair, the author does address it via Ethan. See below.)
Christian elements:
*"As far as he was concerned, the Lord had brought him, Miss Barclay, and Bushnell together for one reason and one reason only: for Ethan Kelly to make sure Daniel Bushnell firmly and completely regretted his actions." For a while, I wasn't sure if this attitude would be exposed for the sin that it is. It is, eventually.
*There's a take on prostitution that I'm not sure I completely agree with and could be a sticking point for other Christians.
*"Julianne wondered how the Lord had known she'd needed […] Just when she'd been at her lowest point."
*I absolutely love this reason to pray: "They need our prayers, and we need the Lord's comfort."
Is it clean/chaste? Yes. However, it's definitely not for young teens. There is a shirtless man near the beginning as well as a man trying to detain a maid in his room. There's a pretty involved kiss. Also, there are
What I liked:
*There is a secondary romance for Devin Monroe. I think each romance may have been given equal page time. I've wanted to see Captain Monroe have his own romance since the first book in the series!
*"Not all men who fought were gifted soldiers. The majority were clumsy in battle and unsure of themselves. Or or lonely. Or afraid." That is something I haven't considered before! It's common sense, I suppose, but I thought this was a great insight. Not all soldiers could possibly be gung-ho fighters.
*Wise words: "The longer she dwelled on what she couldn't change, the more depressed she'd be." This makes me think of Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (NIV)
What I didn’t like:
*The aforementioned coincidence (I'm listing this not because I found it a problem, but because some may.)
*Cigar smoking and whiskey drinking by main characters - it might be period appropriate, but I didn't appreciate it.
*A very few editing errors in the eARC, which may have been resolved.
*"Thomas let out a string of curses…" Thomas is one of the protagonists in a Christian novel.
***********
The bottom line: This was a great conclusion to a fabulous series. I recommend this book to fans of historical Christian romance or fans of the post-civil war era. The next book I read by this author might be her novella in Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories , which is written under her Shelley Gray pseudonym.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2017
I have so enjoyed this Lone Star Hero series from Shelley Shepard Gray! The richness of emotion between a band of brothers, prisoners together during the Civil War, impacts me in each of the three books. As do the women who have also been left scarred – emotionally, financially and sometimes physically – by the War. But perhaps none of the books has touched me more than this third novel, Love Held Captive.
Because on these pages, we see four people scarred by the same man, by the same evil, in one way or another. Two soldiers. Two victimized women. The combination of their stories – and their friendships – is at the same time heartbreaking and inspiring.
In the process of confronting the nasty villain and thereby facing their own vulnerabilities, this newly-formed group of four also looks inward at their personal faith. Faith that is more than a little battle-scarred. But also a faith that is slowly beginning to heal.
Bottom Line: Love Held Captive by Shelley Shepard Gray is a tender story of friendship, love and restoration. Not just restoration of a post-War community but, even more so, a restoration of faith and courage. Devin, Ethan, Julianne, and Lizbeth easily endear themselves to the reader, and Gray’s grace-filled writing will charm you even as she breaks your heart a little. The romance is tender and sweet, and the story of this band of War-made brothers poignantly completes the circle that Gray began in book one.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Because on these pages, we see four people scarred by the same man, by the same evil, in one way or another. Two soldiers. Two victimized women. The combination of their stories – and their friendships – is at the same time heartbreaking and inspiring.
In the process of confronting the nasty villain and thereby facing their own vulnerabilities, this newly-formed group of four also looks inward at their personal faith. Faith that is more than a little battle-scarred. But also a faith that is slowly beginning to heal.
Bottom Line: Love Held Captive by Shelley Shepard Gray is a tender story of friendship, love and restoration. Not just restoration of a post-War community but, even more so, a restoration of faith and courage. Devin, Ethan, Julianne, and Lizbeth easily endear themselves to the reader, and Gray’s grace-filled writing will charm you even as she breaks your heart a little. The romance is tender and sweet, and the story of this band of War-made brothers poignantly completes the circle that Gray began in book one.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 6, 2017
(Yay! I read a book in one day without skimming or anything!)
I actually really enjoyed this. I was slightly wary at first because the beginning didn't make a lot of sense, but once the actual plot began I was hooked. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and their varied backstories. Devin and Julianne's relationship was realistic and fun (and fun can be considering the circumstances). While Ethan and Lizbeth's relationship was well-written, I didn't connect as much. (Some their communication issues hit a little too close to home for me, so I tended to shy away from reading their conversations too closely. Eh, such is life.)
Overall this is a wonderful book but I would not recommend it to anyone who dislikes or stays away from topics of abuse, both physical and sexual. That being said, I think the topics were handled well, only they span the entire length of the novel.
*My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
I actually really enjoyed this. I was slightly wary at first because the beginning didn't make a lot of sense, but once the actual plot began I was hooked. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and their varied backstories. Devin and Julianne's relationship was realistic and fun (and fun can be considering the circumstances). While Ethan and Lizbeth's relationship was well-written, I didn't connect as much. (Some their communication issues hit a little too close to home for me, so I tended to shy away from reading their conversations too closely. Eh, such is life.)
Overall this is a wonderful book but I would not recommend it to anyone who dislikes or stays away from topics of abuse, both physical and sexual. That being said, I think the topics were handled well, only they span the entire length of the novel.
*My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*
December 31, 2017
Good conclusion to the Lone Star Hero Series! The action near the end was very much a western scene. It was nice to have the setting in cities I've been to: Boerne (pronounced Bernie), Castroville and San Antonio.
With the entire series, I loved the flashbacks to the time in the POW camp and the chivalry.
This is my second series by Shelley Shepard Gray and I enjoy her writing style.
With the entire series, I loved the flashbacks to the time in the POW camp and the chivalry.
This is my second series by Shelley Shepard Gray and I enjoy her writing style.
January 5, 2018
This is the third book in this series that I have read, and enjoyed, and got to really know the characters some good, and some not so kind.
The author has set this story in Texas, but we spend time in a prison camp in Ohio, during the Civil War, and later in the period after the War. This book includes two of our faithful friends and putting their lives back together, and there is a bit of romance in store for each, just like in the previous books, they also have a common villain to be thwarted.
I loved how hardship brought four friends a life long friendship, and they sure have come together to help when times become desperate. I hate to say goodbye, and would to continue with the lives of these men who fought for their cause.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
The author has set this story in Texas, but we spend time in a prison camp in Ohio, during the Civil War, and later in the period after the War. This book includes two of our faithful friends and putting their lives back together, and there is a bit of romance in store for each, just like in the previous books, they also have a common villain to be thwarted.
I loved how hardship brought four friends a life long friendship, and they sure have come together to help when times become desperate. I hate to say goodbye, and would to continue with the lives of these men who fought for their cause.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 21, 2017
Love held captive is book 3 in the Lone star series.
I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction and although it is different than the Amish books I enjoy from Shelley Shepard Gray , I really enjoyed this book... It is an excellent read on the era of the Civil war and the details of that time... Major Ethan Kelly is haunted by his past and riddled with guilt for his part in wronging a women before he was taken as a prisoner of war. Until one day after the war he crosses paths with her again. For Captain Devin Monroe his life after the war is much the same until his path leads him to Julianne VanFleet.. An intriguing story and righting wrongs from the past to pave the way to your future that is waiting... Will these men be able to Right the wrong done to these women and regain their trust ?.. Will they be able to make peace with their past and move forward into their future and with the women they have fallen for ?? I will leave you with this quote from the book that is a perfect depiction of this book and it's message.
The past is dead ; let it bury its dead , its hopes and its aspirations.. Before you lies the future , a future full of golden promise . -Jefferson Davis
I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction and although it is different than the Amish books I enjoy from Shelley Shepard Gray , I really enjoyed this book... It is an excellent read on the era of the Civil war and the details of that time... Major Ethan Kelly is haunted by his past and riddled with guilt for his part in wronging a women before he was taken as a prisoner of war. Until one day after the war he crosses paths with her again. For Captain Devin Monroe his life after the war is much the same until his path leads him to Julianne VanFleet.. An intriguing story and righting wrongs from the past to pave the way to your future that is waiting... Will these men be able to Right the wrong done to these women and regain their trust ?.. Will they be able to make peace with their past and move forward into their future and with the women they have fallen for ?? I will leave you with this quote from the book that is a perfect depiction of this book and it's message.
The past is dead ; let it bury its dead , its hopes and its aspirations.. Before you lies the future , a future full of golden promise . -Jefferson Davis
July 20, 2018
Love Held Captive is a book driven by emotion. The four main characters have all been hurt by the Civil war. All have demons and are survivors. Their lives have been altered by the things they had to do, or had done to them.
This book focuses on forgiveness. The pain that some of the characters feel was caused by one wicked man. I do not consider him one of the main characters, but his actions drive this book. Each of the characters must come to terms with what he did to them or the one's they love. They must survive and prevail.
There is a quote from the book that really struck and appealed to me. "Someone recently told me writers and poets make wars seem glorious but only fools think that way."
I enjoyed this book. I loved the romance, it was sweet and tender. The healing and forgiveness are exemplary. It does mention rape, indiscretions, and violence. This is the third book in a series, but only the second I have read. I think that a reader could pick up this one without reading the first and follow along well.
Source: I requested a copy of this book from netgalley a long time ago. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book focuses on forgiveness. The pain that some of the characters feel was caused by one wicked man. I do not consider him one of the main characters, but his actions drive this book. Each of the characters must come to terms with what he did to them or the one's they love. They must survive and prevail.
There is a quote from the book that really struck and appealed to me. "Someone recently told me writers and poets make wars seem glorious but only fools think that way."
I enjoyed this book. I loved the romance, it was sweet and tender. The healing and forgiveness are exemplary. It does mention rape, indiscretions, and violence. This is the third book in a series, but only the second I have read. I think that a reader could pick up this one without reading the first and follow along well.
Source: I requested a copy of this book from netgalley a long time ago. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 19, 2017
see full review at: https://joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com...
I have read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, “An Uncommon Protector”. While you can read ‘Love Held Captive’ as a stand alone, there are parts that would flow together smoother for you if you had read the previous two books.
‘Love Held Captive’ starts out a little slow, but you are quickly brought up to speed. In this 3rd book, you will find the stories of both Major Ethan Kelly & Captain Devin Monroe. A friendship that began during the civil war and grew stronger as they struggled to survive the POW camp. As the men discover that the women they have fallen for both have a history with their former Colonel, Adam Bushnell they must decide if the feelings they are beginning to have are strong enough to survive the storm that is sure to come.
Both Lizbeth and Julianne have painful histories that they would just as soon forget, and they find they have more in common than they first knew. Can they move past the hurt and regret of the past to find love?
While not a light read in the way of the heavy topics included (horrors of war, rape, & prostitution), you could easily read this book in a day or possibly two.
There are several flashback scenes, where you are taken back to the war or a scene in the POW camp. While some of these helped carry the story, there were a couple that I personally felt could have been left out and I wouldn’t have missed them. For me, they broke up the flow of the story.
The characters are vivid and complex. The setting is realistic, and there is a few twists that will keep you turning pages. Due to the mature content, I wouldn’t recommend this story to those under 16. I give this story 3 and 1/2 stars.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
I have read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, “An Uncommon Protector”. While you can read ‘Love Held Captive’ as a stand alone, there are parts that would flow together smoother for you if you had read the previous two books.
‘Love Held Captive’ starts out a little slow, but you are quickly brought up to speed. In this 3rd book, you will find the stories of both Major Ethan Kelly & Captain Devin Monroe. A friendship that began during the civil war and grew stronger as they struggled to survive the POW camp. As the men discover that the women they have fallen for both have a history with their former Colonel, Adam Bushnell they must decide if the feelings they are beginning to have are strong enough to survive the storm that is sure to come.
Both Lizbeth and Julianne have painful histories that they would just as soon forget, and they find they have more in common than they first knew. Can they move past the hurt and regret of the past to find love?
While not a light read in the way of the heavy topics included (horrors of war, rape, & prostitution), you could easily read this book in a day or possibly two.
There are several flashback scenes, where you are taken back to the war or a scene in the POW camp. While some of these helped carry the story, there were a couple that I personally felt could have been left out and I wouldn’t have missed them. For me, they broke up the flow of the story.
The characters are vivid and complex. The setting is realistic, and there is a few twists that will keep you turning pages. Due to the mature content, I wouldn’t recommend this story to those under 16. I give this story 3 and 1/2 stars.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
November 16, 2017
I often have mixed feelings about the last book in a trilogy or series. On one hand, I can't wait to see how everything is wrapped up, and on the other I'm not sure I'm ready for it to end. With Shelley Shepard Gray's Lone Star Hero trilogy, I was also interested to see how she would take the last two members of this band of brothers who survived and bring them closure and happiness. While this did, for much of the book, feel more Ethan and Lizbeth's story, I thoroughly enjoyed Devin and Julianne's as well. And while separating these stories into two books would have given a bit more room for character development, I do prefer how this interwove Lizbeth and Julianne's stories and their entanglements with Daniel Bushnell.
These are two sweet and somewhat intertwined romances, as this quartet works to free themselves from an evil man. Along the way there are other characters that add to the story, though they remain peripheral, and the most welcome return of Thomas Baker and Robert Truax.
If you have read the previous Lone Star Hero's Love Story novels, I highly recommend this final story. The men are admirable, the women are strong, the villain is quite villainous, and the romance is sweet, with enough tension and drama to make the story that much more enjoyable. I'm looking forward to reading more from Shelley Shepard Gray, who also authors some of my favorite Amish fiction.
This review refers to a library e-book (and I love that my library allows holds on pre-release e-books - I was first in line!). All opinions expressed are my own. The full review was previously published (with quotes!) on bookworlder.wordpress.com
These are two sweet and somewhat intertwined romances, as this quartet works to free themselves from an evil man. Along the way there are other characters that add to the story, though they remain peripheral, and the most welcome return of Thomas Baker and Robert Truax.
If you have read the previous Lone Star Hero's Love Story novels, I highly recommend this final story. The men are admirable, the women are strong, the villain is quite villainous, and the romance is sweet, with enough tension and drama to make the story that much more enjoyable. I'm looking forward to reading more from Shelley Shepard Gray, who also authors some of my favorite Amish fiction.
This review refers to a library e-book (and I love that my library allows holds on pre-release e-books - I was first in line!). All opinions expressed are my own. The full review was previously published (with quotes!) on bookworlder.wordpress.com
October 23, 2017
3.5 stars
I am not a fan of Civil War stories, expect Tamera Alexander's writing. This is the second book in this series that I have read. From the beginning, I was confused on who the women were. There were two sets of women and men, and I had a hard time telling them apart until about a third of the way in. My mind thought they were the same people. Until my mind wrapped around that they were two sets, the story was a little confusing. As for the plot, it takes place in one week. In that one week, both Ethan Kelly and Devin Monroe decide they love these tarnished women and want to marry them. The whole story centers around learning the back story of all four characters and how they would work past their past. I wanted the final showdown to be something big, but it took until about 95 percent into the book to get there, and it was over in one shot. Disappointing. While I had issues with the plot, Gray does do a great job at her research. The story did fit the time period and felt like a Civil War era novel. I'm truly gratetful when an author does that for a book. Makes me admire them a little more. Overall, with a confusing beginning and a lackluster plot, I don't think I would have picked this book up on my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Love Held Captive by Shelley Shepard Gray from Zondervan Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I am not a fan of Civil War stories, expect Tamera Alexander's writing. This is the second book in this series that I have read. From the beginning, I was confused on who the women were. There were two sets of women and men, and I had a hard time telling them apart until about a third of the way in. My mind thought they were the same people. Until my mind wrapped around that they were two sets, the story was a little confusing. As for the plot, it takes place in one week. In that one week, both Ethan Kelly and Devin Monroe decide they love these tarnished women and want to marry them. The whole story centers around learning the back story of all four characters and how they would work past their past. I wanted the final showdown to be something big, but it took until about 95 percent into the book to get there, and it was over in one shot. Disappointing. While I had issues with the plot, Gray does do a great job at her research. The story did fit the time period and felt like a Civil War era novel. I'm truly gratetful when an author does that for a book. Makes me admire them a little more. Overall, with a confusing beginning and a lackluster plot, I don't think I would have picked this book up on my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Love Held Captive by Shelley Shepard Gray from Zondervan Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
October 8, 2017
Love Held Captive is the third book in the Lone Star Hero series, but it can serve as a stand alone story. This book contained flashbacks to the Confederate Prisoner of War camp that the men in this story were held in, along with other men from the two previous books. These friends, who were as close as brothers, come to help each other in each of the books, so they do appear in this story as well.
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series, including this one. Love Held Captive dealt with some very serious topics, yet handled them in a clean manner. There was a dual love story going on in the novel, and I liked both of the sets of characters involved in the romances. This western was an interesting and entertaining story. References to God and heaven in the story were very light indeed, and not really the focus, but, this story was good, clean fiction with some hurt people needed a fresh start.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series, including this one. Love Held Captive dealt with some very serious topics, yet handled them in a clean manner. There was a dual love story going on in the novel, and I liked both of the sets of characters involved in the romances. This western was an interesting and entertaining story. References to God and heaven in the story were very light indeed, and not really the focus, but, this story was good, clean fiction with some hurt people needed a fresh start.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
July 22, 2017
Love Held Captive is a pretty good read. It is the third book from A Lone Star Hero's series by Shelley Shepard Gray. The story follows some serious subjects that are intense at times. All of the characters have their own pain from the past they need to learn to trust and move on. I really like the book, but did not like it as much as the Uncommon Protector, book two of A Lone Star Hero' series. But it still is most definitely a must read. Four stars
September 21, 2017
Love Held Captive (2017) by Shelley Shepard Gray is the third novel in the Lone Star Hero series. This novel will come in all forms including eBook, and is 320 pages in length. This novel is due to be released on October 10, 2017. With a full-time job and a vibrant five-year old, this novel took me three days to read. I received a free review copy of this novel in eBook form from NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this novel 5 STARS. This novel is a Christian Historical Romance. Disclaimer — this novel does delve into heavy topics including rape, physical abuse, and prostitution as a means to survive.
I really enjoyed the characters in this novel so much. They are so well written! The novel is told through the perspectives of four different characters: Ethan, Devin, Lizbeth, and Julianne. Each character has his/her unique struggle and deals with the struggle in very real, emotional, authentic ways. The first story that the reader is introduced to is Ethan’s. Love Held Captive takes place several years after the Civil War. As the reader has learned from the previous two novels, Ethan is part of a Band of Brothers: Phillip (who died during captivity as a POW), Robert, Thomas, and Devin. This band of brothers will do anything for each other. If one man needs help, the other three immediately come to his aid. At the start of this novel, the reader sees Ethan wake from a nightmare. He is plagued by many events that took place during the War, just as any soldier is, but one event haunts him the most: the day he stole everything from a scared, clearly hurt young woman. It just so happens that this woman, Lizbeth, makes a sudden appearance into Ethan’s life. Could this be God’s way of giving Ethan a chance at retribution?
The second story in this novel is Devin’s. Devin is the much-revered Captain who led, and still leads, this noble band of brothers. At the start of this story, Devin is in love. But, where he could lead scores of men into battle with no hesitation, the idea of talking to the girl of his dreams makes him feel like an insignificant school boy. It is incredibly sweet and endearing. In the first two novels, Devin is so intimidating. He’s clearly confident, powerful, and almost untouchable. As I read the first two books, I very much put Devin on a pedestal. He is the very definition of a man’s man. In this final novel, though, Devin is made more real to me. He has issues himself, and he makes some stupid mistakes. As I said above, Devin is in love with a woman — Julianne. He doesn’t know anything about Julianne; his feelings strictly come from seeing her. When he comes face-to-face with her past, he doesn’t like what he hears, and he gets a little arrogant and disappointingly mean (for all of like five seconds…he goes back to being awesome almost immediately). Devin’s initial reaction to Julianne’s past is exceptionally true-to-life. But, he goes to God. He thinks things through. And, then he realizes that holding Julianne to a standard he can’t even uphold is wrong. In my opinion it’s one of the best parts of this novel.
The villain, Daniel Bushnell, is pure evil. He uses his money and power to take advantage of women. He abuses women. He manipulates women. He makes women feel dirty, ashamed, and broken. He is a vile, repugnant man. He is a man perfectly ok with shooting someone in the back. He cares only about himself and what can benefit him no matter the cost to another person. Both Lizbeth and Julianne have suffered at the hands of this man. The crux of this novel is avenging Lizbeth and Julianne, and saving a helpless woman Daniel has just kidnapped. The band of brothers reunite and do save the day! It is, for me, an incredibly satisfying ending to a story. But, I do want to warn anyone with delicate sensibilities. This novel does deal with the effects of rape, forced prostitution, and domestic violence. I feel that Ms. Gray does a very respectful job of dealing with these issues, but these issues are there.
Love Held Captive is an excellent novel. It is a fast-paced, action-filled page turner. I truly could not put this book down. I love the characters in this novel. They are so well written, and they truly are endearing. This novel is intense, and does deal with some harsh realities, but I feel Ms. Gray dealt with these issues respectfully and genuinely. I highly recommend this novel. It is an excellent end to a fantastic series.
I really enjoyed the characters in this novel so much. They are so well written! The novel is told through the perspectives of four different characters: Ethan, Devin, Lizbeth, and Julianne. Each character has his/her unique struggle and deals with the struggle in very real, emotional, authentic ways. The first story that the reader is introduced to is Ethan’s. Love Held Captive takes place several years after the Civil War. As the reader has learned from the previous two novels, Ethan is part of a Band of Brothers: Phillip (who died during captivity as a POW), Robert, Thomas, and Devin. This band of brothers will do anything for each other. If one man needs help, the other three immediately come to his aid. At the start of this novel, the reader sees Ethan wake from a nightmare. He is plagued by many events that took place during the War, just as any soldier is, but one event haunts him the most: the day he stole everything from a scared, clearly hurt young woman. It just so happens that this woman, Lizbeth, makes a sudden appearance into Ethan’s life. Could this be God’s way of giving Ethan a chance at retribution?
The second story in this novel is Devin’s. Devin is the much-revered Captain who led, and still leads, this noble band of brothers. At the start of this story, Devin is in love. But, where he could lead scores of men into battle with no hesitation, the idea of talking to the girl of his dreams makes him feel like an insignificant school boy. It is incredibly sweet and endearing. In the first two novels, Devin is so intimidating. He’s clearly confident, powerful, and almost untouchable. As I read the first two books, I very much put Devin on a pedestal. He is the very definition of a man’s man. In this final novel, though, Devin is made more real to me. He has issues himself, and he makes some stupid mistakes. As I said above, Devin is in love with a woman — Julianne. He doesn’t know anything about Julianne; his feelings strictly come from seeing her. When he comes face-to-face with her past, he doesn’t like what he hears, and he gets a little arrogant and disappointingly mean (for all of like five seconds…he goes back to being awesome almost immediately). Devin’s initial reaction to Julianne’s past is exceptionally true-to-life. But, he goes to God. He thinks things through. And, then he realizes that holding Julianne to a standard he can’t even uphold is wrong. In my opinion it’s one of the best parts of this novel.
The villain, Daniel Bushnell, is pure evil. He uses his money and power to take advantage of women. He abuses women. He manipulates women. He makes women feel dirty, ashamed, and broken. He is a vile, repugnant man. He is a man perfectly ok with shooting someone in the back. He cares only about himself and what can benefit him no matter the cost to another person. Both Lizbeth and Julianne have suffered at the hands of this man. The crux of this novel is avenging Lizbeth and Julianne, and saving a helpless woman Daniel has just kidnapped. The band of brothers reunite and do save the day! It is, for me, an incredibly satisfying ending to a story. But, I do want to warn anyone with delicate sensibilities. This novel does deal with the effects of rape, forced prostitution, and domestic violence. I feel that Ms. Gray does a very respectful job of dealing with these issues, but these issues are there.
Love Held Captive is an excellent novel. It is a fast-paced, action-filled page turner. I truly could not put this book down. I love the characters in this novel. They are so well written, and they truly are endearing. This novel is intense, and does deal with some harsh realities, but I feel Ms. Gray dealt with these issues respectfully and genuinely. I highly recommend this novel. It is an excellent end to a fantastic series.
October 10, 2017
The Civil War Era is one of my favorites, Shelley Shepard Gray has captured my heart with the third book in her Lone Star Hero series. Shelley Shepard Gray has a way of bringing the characters together and telling each of their stories so well, it is a gift. Major Ethan Kelly is a gentleman at heart but the war and prison camp changed his life forever. During the war he conducted a raid on an innocent lady's home and it has haunted him daily. Captain Devin Monroe served beside Major Kelly in war and prison and their paths cross again as they meet two extraordinary women. One of the ladies whose home Ethan raided, Lizbeth Barclay and the other is Julianne VanFleet who was faced with her own demons during the war. Major Kelly and Lizbeth have a wonderful story as Ethan becomes her protector and then she finds out who he really is. Julianne VanFleet had a trying time surviving the war and as her past is revealed she knows she is not the proper lady Captain Monroe deserves. As their stories unfold these ladies have a common denominator in their past and these war heroes plan on being their protectors. Will true love and trust win this war? Will their hearts heal? This is another must read from Shelley Shepard Gray. Thank You Shelley for this amazing series.
November 8, 2017
"We all used to be different people. Time and experience change us. It can't be helped."
Survivors of the Civil War, both men and women were changed forever; marked physically and emotionally with scars that ran beyond skin deep; the truth often too painful to willingly admit. When Major Ethan Kelly comes face to face with the lovely young woman who has haunted his dreams, she is running blindly from a more dangerous threat than a marred reputation, when she mistakenly enters his bedroom; she is running for her life from the man who left her brutally scarred for a lifetime.
Captain Devin Monroe has met the woman of his dreams, or so he had thought, until her gentle, blunt revelation about the past reveals an unsavory relationship with one of his fiercest war-time nemeses. Besides the fact that she and her grandmother were starving, how could she have offered herself on the altar of impropriety? Is he just supposed to believe that she has changed?
Enjoy wrapping up this series of Gray's heroic "band of brothers" as they reunite to boldly and bravely defend the honor of the women they have grown to love, while learning that " .. . the truth is a far better ally than enemy".
Survivors of the Civil War, both men and women were changed forever; marked physically and emotionally with scars that ran beyond skin deep; the truth often too painful to willingly admit. When Major Ethan Kelly comes face to face with the lovely young woman who has haunted his dreams, she is running blindly from a more dangerous threat than a marred reputation, when she mistakenly enters his bedroom; she is running for her life from the man who left her brutally scarred for a lifetime.
Captain Devin Monroe has met the woman of his dreams, or so he had thought, until her gentle, blunt revelation about the past reveals an unsavory relationship with one of his fiercest war-time nemeses. Besides the fact that she and her grandmother were starving, how could she have offered herself on the altar of impropriety? Is he just supposed to believe that she has changed?
Enjoy wrapping up this series of Gray's heroic "band of brothers" as they reunite to boldly and bravely defend the honor of the women they have grown to love, while learning that " .. . the truth is a far better ally than enemy".
October 11, 2017
Major Ethan Kelly and Captain Devin Monroe served together in the Civil War and were both POW together in the same camp. While their past has a common thread, little do they know that thread will also be a unifying factor in their futures.
During the Civil War, the resources were tight and Ethan had to order his men to raid nearby homes for supplies to feed his troops. However, after one search and seizure of a woman's home, Ethan is unable to absolve himself of her sad and pitiful look during the raid. As he tries to move on, Ethan crosses path with the woman and he intends to right his wrong. However, Lizbeth Barclay has a dark secret and while Ethan is trying to make amends, Lizbeth has a tough time trusting his intentions.
Devin Monroe's life isn't much different after the war. He continues to live his bachelor life until he crosses path with Julianne Van Fleet. He becomes enamored and pursues her to be his bride. However, he finds out the source of Miss Van Fleet's seclude life and dark past. He struggles to come to terms with the truth. Devin and Ethan turn to each other for support, but when they find out someone from their past is the source of their women's misery, they decide to put an end to it. Will Devin be able to forgive Julianne? What is the dark secret that is clouding Lizbeth's heart?
I have read several of Miss Gray's work and I thoroughly enjoyed them. While this is the first one of her novels I have read that isn't of an Amish theme, I must say I was a bit disappointed. I have read several books of historic (and Civil War) romance novels, but Miss Gray let me down with this novel. The book was filled with intrigue and had an interesting story line, but I felt portions of the book was drawn out and stuffed with filler and then the few last pages were written in haste. I am hoping this was an anomaly, but I would continue reading her future books.
During the Civil War, the resources were tight and Ethan had to order his men to raid nearby homes for supplies to feed his troops. However, after one search and seizure of a woman's home, Ethan is unable to absolve himself of her sad and pitiful look during the raid. As he tries to move on, Ethan crosses path with the woman and he intends to right his wrong. However, Lizbeth Barclay has a dark secret and while Ethan is trying to make amends, Lizbeth has a tough time trusting his intentions.
Devin Monroe's life isn't much different after the war. He continues to live his bachelor life until he crosses path with Julianne Van Fleet. He becomes enamored and pursues her to be his bride. However, he finds out the source of Miss Van Fleet's seclude life and dark past. He struggles to come to terms with the truth. Devin and Ethan turn to each other for support, but when they find out someone from their past is the source of their women's misery, they decide to put an end to it. Will Devin be able to forgive Julianne? What is the dark secret that is clouding Lizbeth's heart?
I have read several of Miss Gray's work and I thoroughly enjoyed them. While this is the first one of her novels I have read that isn't of an Amish theme, I must say I was a bit disappointed. I have read several books of historic (and Civil War) romance novels, but Miss Gray let me down with this novel. The book was filled with intrigue and had an interesting story line, but I felt portions of the book was drawn out and stuffed with filler and then the few last pages were written in haste. I am hoping this was an anomaly, but I would continue reading her future books.
October 29, 2017
Love Held Captive is the third book in the series by Ms. Gray and can be read as a stand alone. I have read every one of the books and this one is my favorite. This features Major Kelly and Captain Monroe. The story gripped me and held my attention from the first page. I couldn't put it down.
I loved the characters. The men are strong handsome soldiers from the civil war and yet are gentlemen. The romance was oh so sweet and the end had me swooning. This story had a message of letting go of the past and going forward anew in the future.
I loved the characters. The men are strong handsome soldiers from the civil war and yet are gentlemen. The romance was oh so sweet and the end had me swooning. This story had a message of letting go of the past and going forward anew in the future.
January 22, 2022
I haven't written a five star review in awhile, maybe I'm too tough.
But this book struck me in so many ways. First, and this may not be politically correct but I do believe it is actually correct, confederate soldiers are portrayed as fighting for and with honor. Some are even depicted as heroes and I definitely believe they were. Regardless of modern interpretation, many, if not most, if one reads their letters and diaries and so on (married to a historian here), they were not fighting for slavery but what they saw as honor. I realize this book has a 2017 publication date but the insight is appreciated.
Further, the characters' depth matters. They all had experienced extreme hardship (which is also often forgotten about that war) and came out on the other side as survivors. It is so easy to judge and, as Christians, we must be able to forgive.
Well done.
But this book struck me in so many ways. First, and this may not be politically correct but I do believe it is actually correct, confederate soldiers are portrayed as fighting for and with honor. Some are even depicted as heroes and I definitely believe they were. Regardless of modern interpretation, many, if not most, if one reads their letters and diaries and so on (married to a historian here), they were not fighting for slavery but what they saw as honor. I realize this book has a 2017 publication date but the insight is appreciated.
Further, the characters' depth matters. They all had experienced extreme hardship (which is also often forgotten about that war) and came out on the other side as survivors. It is so easy to judge and, as Christians, we must be able to forgive.
Well done.
October 10, 2020
2.5 Stars
Yeah, that was an alright book, I don't know why I couldn't get invested in the story given that I really liked Devon, maybe he was the best part of the book, but the romance wasn't much to my liking
in this book we follow two officers, Devon and Ethan, both of them fall in love with ladies that are survivors from the same man .. Daniel Bushnell, and now they want to take revenge and reclaim their honor .. what will happen to them ?
this series was what I needed in the last week but now I'm ready to move on to something more substantial .. nice read
Yeah, that was an alright book, I don't know why I couldn't get invested in the story given that I really liked Devon, maybe he was the best part of the book, but the romance wasn't much to my liking
in this book we follow two officers, Devon and Ethan, both of them fall in love with ladies that are survivors from the same man .. Daniel Bushnell, and now they want to take revenge and reclaim their honor .. what will happen to them ?
this series was what I needed in the last week but now I'm ready to move on to something more substantial .. nice read
June 29, 2017
What an intense sequel to Uncommon Protector. I didn't read the first book in the series (Loyal Heart) but the author explained the storyline enough in the second book (Uncommon Protector) that I didn't feel lost. In this third book, she does the same thing so that you can read Love Held Captive as a stand alone without having read the other two and still appreciate the stories that were told previously.
This book intertwines Devin and Ethan's stories. I was a bit surprised to read about two stories but the author does a superb job weaving the two best friends' stories and keeping the plot line tight.
Devin is a soldier through and through with much experience on the battlefield but inexperienced in love. Julianne is a broken woman with a shameful past who must forgive herself and others in order to see and accept love.
Ethan is a wealthy, charming rancher turned soldier who has a hard time assimilating back into civilian life. He carries insecurities, nightmares of the past, and doubt about who he is. Lizbeth is a downtrodden woman, broken and beaten down by the atrocities of the war. Yet she attempts to put her life back together with the resources she has and is a winning combination of strength and fragility.
And their stories are tied together by one pretty nasty villain.....
And there are cameo appearances of Robert and Thomas from the previous books, which will make the follower of this book series quite happy.
The elements of faith and prayer are evident and well-written into the story and the characters. The plot is fast-moving, and the characters are lovable. The author broached some delicate topics in the book and she did it well.
I received eARC of the book from Zondervan via NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This book intertwines Devin and Ethan's stories. I was a bit surprised to read about two stories but the author does a superb job weaving the two best friends' stories and keeping the plot line tight.
Devin is a soldier through and through with much experience on the battlefield but inexperienced in love. Julianne is a broken woman with a shameful past who must forgive herself and others in order to see and accept love.
Ethan is a wealthy, charming rancher turned soldier who has a hard time assimilating back into civilian life. He carries insecurities, nightmares of the past, and doubt about who he is. Lizbeth is a downtrodden woman, broken and beaten down by the atrocities of the war. Yet she attempts to put her life back together with the resources she has and is a winning combination of strength and fragility.
And their stories are tied together by one pretty nasty villain.....
And there are cameo appearances of Robert and Thomas from the previous books, which will make the follower of this book series quite happy.
The elements of faith and prayer are evident and well-written into the story and the characters. The plot is fast-moving, and the characters are lovable. The author broached some delicate topics in the book and she did it well.
I received eARC of the book from Zondervan via NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
July 23, 2018
Believe me, no dust gathered on this book's pretty cover once it arrived at my house. In fact, I didn't even introduce it to the other books on the TBR pile. I'm such a rude hostess! Instead, I gathered all my avid reader essentials -- you know, tissues, chocolate, smelling salts -- and actually dove into the story mere seconds after rescuing it from the mailer. Scandalous, I know, but this series -- A Lonestar Hero's Legacy -- is so amazingly good that niceties go to the wayside whenever I get one in my clutches. And sadly, Love Held Captive is the last in the series which is heart-wrenching though I am somewhat consoled with the fact that there are two heroes and two heroines in this book which means...wait for it...double the romance!
You don't need to have read the first two books in the series to enjoy this one, but, honestly, I highly recommend reading them all! There's something about these heroes -- loyal, brave, broken by war and struggling to find their place in a new society -- but honorable to the very core. And I love the foundation of this series -- a brotherhood of soldiers who survived being prisoners of war and continue to support one another in civilian life.
In this final book it is Ethan and Devin who are confronted by a vicious colonel from their past and the terror he has reigned on two women. Gray isn't reticent about highlighting the effects the war had on the women of the south. It's gutsy and raw and all too painfully real. Lizbeth and Julianne are true women of courage even if they don't feel that way. They are survivors, determined to make a way for themselves in an often hostile world. And everything these heroes think they know is challenged as they draw closer to the women who have captured their hearts.
There comes a point where Ethan and Devin must make an appeal for help and the band of brothers rides again in one final mission of justice. Cue an Old West theme song as you lose yourself in the exciting visual of them riding out together in their old army formation. I might have let a fangirling squeal or two slip at that exact moment. :-)
Action, adventure, romance all wrapped up with a thread of faith. My heart hurts that it's over, but what a glorious ending!
You don't need to have read the first two books in the series to enjoy this one, but, honestly, I highly recommend reading them all! There's something about these heroes -- loyal, brave, broken by war and struggling to find their place in a new society -- but honorable to the very core. And I love the foundation of this series -- a brotherhood of soldiers who survived being prisoners of war and continue to support one another in civilian life.
In this final book it is Ethan and Devin who are confronted by a vicious colonel from their past and the terror he has reigned on two women. Gray isn't reticent about highlighting the effects the war had on the women of the south. It's gutsy and raw and all too painfully real. Lizbeth and Julianne are true women of courage even if they don't feel that way. They are survivors, determined to make a way for themselves in an often hostile world. And everything these heroes think they know is challenged as they draw closer to the women who have captured their hearts.
There comes a point where Ethan and Devin must make an appeal for help and the band of brothers rides again in one final mission of justice. Cue an Old West theme song as you lose yourself in the exciting visual of them riding out together in their old army formation. I might have let a fangirling squeal or two slip at that exact moment. :-)
Action, adventure, romance all wrapped up with a thread of faith. My heart hurts that it's over, but what a glorious ending!
November 1, 2017
I enjoyed the continuation of the group of 4 soldier friends. This book was about Devin and Ethan's story. The story dealt with two intense sexual sins and I will have to say the author handled it very well. I was disappointed in the spiritual content and felt that could have been stronger. I loved the time period and the details describing what they wore and how they traveled. That was very interesting!
I received a copy from Zondervan via Netgalley. Thank you Zondervan! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I received a copy from Zondervan via Netgalley. Thank you Zondervan! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
September 26, 2017
With the friendships four men formed while at a POW camp for Confederate soldiers during the civil war, it makes perfect sense that their lives are connected. Combining Ethan Kelly’s and Devin Monroe’s stories, Love Held Captive finishes out Shelley Shepard Gray’s Lone Star Heroes series.
I enjoy how Gray has used the time the men spent in the internment camp to give readers insight into the bond they formed as well as the ghosts and demons that haunt them long after the war.
This book deals with some of the atrocities that no one mentions—the raiding of homes and the actions not befitting a soldier. These hard subjects are handled delicately in Love Held Captive while conveying the life-altering, trust-shattering effects they had on the victims.
The contrasts between the relationships between the couples—Ethan and Lizbeth vs Devin and Julianne—are true-to-life. The way these four lives interconnect through one person isn’t contrived and it adds elements of suspense and danger as justice is sought out.
This book moved along quickly and brings the four men readers have gotten to know through this series together once again to seek out truth, honor, and justice as they protect the women they’ve grown to love. But don’t worry if you haven’t gotten to the first two books, this one can also be read as a stand-alone.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I enjoy how Gray has used the time the men spent in the internment camp to give readers insight into the bond they formed as well as the ghosts and demons that haunt them long after the war.
This book deals with some of the atrocities that no one mentions—the raiding of homes and the actions not befitting a soldier. These hard subjects are handled delicately in Love Held Captive while conveying the life-altering, trust-shattering effects they had on the victims.
The contrasts between the relationships between the couples—Ethan and Lizbeth vs Devin and Julianne—are true-to-life. The way these four lives interconnect through one person isn’t contrived and it adds elements of suspense and danger as justice is sought out.
This book moved along quickly and brings the four men readers have gotten to know through this series together once again to seek out truth, honor, and justice as they protect the women they’ve grown to love. But don’t worry if you haven’t gotten to the first two books, this one can also be read as a stand-alone.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
July 22, 2017
Ethan and Devin both served for the Confederacy and were both taken captive and held at Johnson's Island POW camp. Both of them have some rather harsh memories of their time of service.
Lizbeth and Julianne both lived through the war but came out scarred and in great pain, and the scars for both women were inflicted by the same man.
After Ethan met Lizbeth and Devin met Julianne, all four began to believe that there could be a way out of the pain, but for the men, it means taking care of the man who caused it all.
Shelley Shephard Gray has used an interesting device in writing her novel Love Held Captive. She uses flashbacks for the men and the things that happened at the prison camp. The one thorn in Ethan's and Devin's sides is Adam Bushnell, a man who abuses women and threw his weight around the camp. When Ethan and Devin find out just how depraved Adam is, they decide it's time to take matters into their own hands and deal with him once and for all.
While Shelley writes about Lizbeth's and Julianne's falling in love with Ethan and Devin, it seems the main focus of the story is the men's time in camp and how that changed them one way or another.
It was a thought-provoking read, but not necessarily compelling. I thought it was good, but I was glad when it was done. Four stars.
My thanks to Zondervan for allowing me to read and review this book.
Lizbeth and Julianne both lived through the war but came out scarred and in great pain, and the scars for both women were inflicted by the same man.
After Ethan met Lizbeth and Devin met Julianne, all four began to believe that there could be a way out of the pain, but for the men, it means taking care of the man who caused it all.
Shelley Shephard Gray has used an interesting device in writing her novel Love Held Captive. She uses flashbacks for the men and the things that happened at the prison camp. The one thorn in Ethan's and Devin's sides is Adam Bushnell, a man who abuses women and threw his weight around the camp. When Ethan and Devin find out just how depraved Adam is, they decide it's time to take matters into their own hands and deal with him once and for all.
While Shelley writes about Lizbeth's and Julianne's falling in love with Ethan and Devin, it seems the main focus of the story is the men's time in camp and how that changed them one way or another.
It was a thought-provoking read, but not necessarily compelling. I thought it was good, but I was glad when it was done. Four stars.
My thanks to Zondervan for allowing me to read and review this book.
January 1, 2018
I haven’t been a fan of historical fiction, so when I got a copy of Love Held Captive by Shelley Shepard Gray, I debated on whether to give it a try or pass since it isn’t in a genre I typically read. I ended up reading it and I’m glad I did.
While historical fiction still isn’t a genre I love and want to read a lot of books in, I did appreciate this story. I particularly enjoyed the concept of Major Ethan Kelly who raided a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. What he did continued to haunt him because he knew he took everything the woman had left.
The story gets interesting when he crosses paths with the woman. At first she doesn’t recognize him. She is threatened by Adam Bushnell, who was Ethan's former colonel. As you can imagine, this makes things even more interesting.
Overall I enjoyed this story. Since I’m not a historical fiction fan, this still wasn’t a book I loved, but I don’t fault the author for that because she was able to take a genre I don’t particularly care for and draw me into a creative and interesting story.
*I received a free copy of this product to facilitate this post, however you, my readers, come first and all opinions are my own.
While historical fiction still isn’t a genre I love and want to read a lot of books in, I did appreciate this story. I particularly enjoyed the concept of Major Ethan Kelly who raided a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. What he did continued to haunt him because he knew he took everything the woman had left.
The story gets interesting when he crosses paths with the woman. At first she doesn’t recognize him. She is threatened by Adam Bushnell, who was Ethan's former colonel. As you can imagine, this makes things even more interesting.
Overall I enjoyed this story. Since I’m not a historical fiction fan, this still wasn’t a book I loved, but I don’t fault the author for that because she was able to take a genre I don’t particularly care for and draw me into a creative and interesting story.
*I received a free copy of this product to facilitate this post, however you, my readers, come first and all opinions are my own.
December 29, 2017
Full review on Faithfully Bookish
The lives of these two potential couples intersect and entwine into one cohesive story melded together with the bonds of friendship and justice. The author balances the darkness and despair of the war years with the endearing (and entertaining) courting attempts which are equal parts chivalry and awkward efforts to sweep the ladies off their feet.
As this series draws to a close, I'm reminded of the immensity and sufficiency of God's grace. No one is too broken, damaged, or lost to be redeemed, restored, and blessed beyond measure by His grace. Although many of the characters throughout these stories witnessed or experienced the very depths of man's depravity and yet, they were able to move forward, experience healing, and receive peace. I will definitely pick up future western releases from this author.
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
The lives of these two potential couples intersect and entwine into one cohesive story melded together with the bonds of friendship and justice. The author balances the darkness and despair of the war years with the endearing (and entertaining) courting attempts which are equal parts chivalry and awkward efforts to sweep the ladies off their feet.
As this series draws to a close, I'm reminded of the immensity and sufficiency of God's grace. No one is too broken, damaged, or lost to be redeemed, restored, and blessed beyond measure by His grace. Although many of the characters throughout these stories witnessed or experienced the very depths of man's depravity and yet, they were able to move forward, experience healing, and receive peace. I will definitely pick up future western releases from this author.
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
June 20, 2017
I received an arc via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
Love Held Captive is a very well written historical book. The book has a great plot and characters. I always enjoy a new book by Ms. Gray. I highly recommend this book.
Love Held Captive is a very well written historical book. The book has a great plot and characters. I always enjoy a new book by Ms. Gray. I highly recommend this book.
April 2, 2019
The third is the series Lone Star Hero is a tidy wrap up of the first two in this series. I found it lagging a bit about 1/4 of the way on, but it picked back up.
I love historical fiction and the rest of the story filled in the gaps quite well. The war is finally over but the wounds are still healing for the men as well as the women left behind. They were forced to do things they would never have done before the war and are ashamed of now. Dreams were shattered and new lives became possible as they learned to forgive and be forgiven for things that were over now.
There is love and some surprises along the way. Some subject matter about rape and sexual abuse that follows through the story. It might be too intense for teen readers.
I thank NetGalley and Zondervan for the chance to read this book. All opinions voiced are my own.
I love historical fiction and the rest of the story filled in the gaps quite well. The war is finally over but the wounds are still healing for the men as well as the women left behind. They were forced to do things they would never have done before the war and are ashamed of now. Dreams were shattered and new lives became possible as they learned to forgive and be forgiven for things that were over now.
There is love and some surprises along the way. Some subject matter about rape and sexual abuse that follows through the story. It might be too intense for teen readers.
I thank NetGalley and Zondervan for the chance to read this book. All opinions voiced are my own.
June 16, 2018
POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: This novel addresses the topic of rape.
During the Civil War, Major Ethan Kelly and his men were pushed to do many things they weren't proud of, but did it they did in the name of survival. One regular unsavory task was raiding the homes of innocent people for supplies to help keep the troops alive. Lizbeth Barclay's home was one of the properties raided by Kelly and his men. Unbeknownst to him, prior to his arrival she had not only suffered the deaths of her family members but also a sexual attack and mutilation by another soldier.
Years later, Kelly and Barclay cross paths once again --- he as a hotel guest, she one of the hotel housekeepers. Though they don't immediately remember their past interaction, Major Kelly's memory is jarred when he sees the long scar running down the side of Lizbeth's face, a scar he never forgot even if he and Lizbeth never got on a first name basis the first time around.
Kelly's friend and military comrade, Captain Devin Monroe develops an acquaintance with Julianne Van Fleet that, on his end, quickly grows into an honest love for her. But when she reveals her own story of some of the unpopular methods she resorted to to survive the war and care for her ailing grandmother, Devin struggles to make peace with it all. He questions whether he can make a life with someone with such a past. Though he's tempted to walk away at first, with some time to consider he realizes Julianne's actions were no worse than any men he served with who were similarly driven to survive. Devin once again comes to Julianne wanting to offer her a chance at a life rich in love, respect, and fidelity. But before the couple's dreams can take flight, their plans are stalled with the threat of former Army acquaintance Colonel Adam Bushnell.
When Devin and Ethan and their ladies all come together to share their stories of struggle, they find one common denominator among all of them: Bushnell. At different times, Bushnell terrorized both Lizbeth and Julianne. Devin and Ethan further reveal that these ladies weren't his only victims, not by a longshot. His face scarred by smallpox and hard living, Bushnell likely got in the habit of assaulting women rather than wooing them because his low self-esteem convinced him women would never give him the time of day otherwise. Determined to put a stop to Bushnell's assaults, the men rally the troops (as in, calling in even more Army buddies) to hunt the man down.
In addition to the duel romance stories going on here, as well as the manhunt scenes, this novel, like its two predecessors within this series, includes chapters detailing the mens' experiences in a Civil War POW camp, giving the reader an idea of how those months & years of imprisonment reshaped their spirits, inevitably changing them forever.
I'm just going to say it: This book had the worst title of the series. Get beyond the title though, and Love Held Captive (man, that title gives me hard cringe though -- just screams bodice-ripper) is actually the BEST story in the trilogy IMO. While the previous two books were enjoyable but, if I'm being honest, a little on the forgettable side, this one came alive with much more real characters full of humor, honesty and depth. Julianne's story really inspires empathy in a reader, making one think on maybe not be so quick to judge someone living life in a way that doesn't line up with how we would do things. Take time to consider the limited options they might be forced to choose from.
Bushnell is just the right amount of despicable without becoming cartoonish and Major Kelly and Capt. Monroe are just good solid dudes. Especially Devin. Major Kelly, coming from a privileged background and well-to-do family, can come of as slightly snobbish from time to time, but Devin is quick to set him straight and Kelly is open to learn when he oversteps. Lizbeth was a bit overdramatic for me at times, and though she never became one of my favorite characters (I'm too busy shipping Devin & Julianne!), she did grow on me a little by story's end.
So there you go! If you, like me, found the first couple books in this series fun enough but maybe a litle flat, don't duck out just yet! Definitely get into this one because the Lone Star series, at least as I see it, is one where author Shelley Shepard Gray left the best for last!
FTC DISCLAIMER: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own
During the Civil War, Major Ethan Kelly and his men were pushed to do many things they weren't proud of, but did it they did in the name of survival. One regular unsavory task was raiding the homes of innocent people for supplies to help keep the troops alive. Lizbeth Barclay's home was one of the properties raided by Kelly and his men. Unbeknownst to him, prior to his arrival she had not only suffered the deaths of her family members but also a sexual attack and mutilation by another soldier.
Years later, Kelly and Barclay cross paths once again --- he as a hotel guest, she one of the hotel housekeepers. Though they don't immediately remember their past interaction, Major Kelly's memory is jarred when he sees the long scar running down the side of Lizbeth's face, a scar he never forgot even if he and Lizbeth never got on a first name basis the first time around.
Kelly's friend and military comrade, Captain Devin Monroe develops an acquaintance with Julianne Van Fleet that, on his end, quickly grows into an honest love for her. But when she reveals her own story of some of the unpopular methods she resorted to to survive the war and care for her ailing grandmother, Devin struggles to make peace with it all. He questions whether he can make a life with someone with such a past. Though he's tempted to walk away at first, with some time to consider he realizes Julianne's actions were no worse than any men he served with who were similarly driven to survive. Devin once again comes to Julianne wanting to offer her a chance at a life rich in love, respect, and fidelity. But before the couple's dreams can take flight, their plans are stalled with the threat of former Army acquaintance Colonel Adam Bushnell.
When Devin and Ethan and their ladies all come together to share their stories of struggle, they find one common denominator among all of them: Bushnell. At different times, Bushnell terrorized both Lizbeth and Julianne. Devin and Ethan further reveal that these ladies weren't his only victims, not by a longshot. His face scarred by smallpox and hard living, Bushnell likely got in the habit of assaulting women rather than wooing them because his low self-esteem convinced him women would never give him the time of day otherwise. Determined to put a stop to Bushnell's assaults, the men rally the troops (as in, calling in even more Army buddies) to hunt the man down.
In addition to the duel romance stories going on here, as well as the manhunt scenes, this novel, like its two predecessors within this series, includes chapters detailing the mens' experiences in a Civil War POW camp, giving the reader an idea of how those months & years of imprisonment reshaped their spirits, inevitably changing them forever.
I'm just going to say it: This book had the worst title of the series. Get beyond the title though, and Love Held Captive (man, that title gives me hard cringe though -- just screams bodice-ripper) is actually the BEST story in the trilogy IMO. While the previous two books were enjoyable but, if I'm being honest, a little on the forgettable side, this one came alive with much more real characters full of humor, honesty and depth. Julianne's story really inspires empathy in a reader, making one think on maybe not be so quick to judge someone living life in a way that doesn't line up with how we would do things. Take time to consider the limited options they might be forced to choose from.
Bushnell is just the right amount of despicable without becoming cartoonish and Major Kelly and Capt. Monroe are just good solid dudes. Especially Devin. Major Kelly, coming from a privileged background and well-to-do family, can come of as slightly snobbish from time to time, but Devin is quick to set him straight and Kelly is open to learn when he oversteps. Lizbeth was a bit overdramatic for me at times, and though she never became one of my favorite characters (I'm too busy shipping Devin & Julianne!), she did grow on me a little by story's end.
So there you go! If you, like me, found the first couple books in this series fun enough but maybe a litle flat, don't duck out just yet! Definitely get into this one because the Lone Star series, at least as I see it, is one where author Shelley Shepard Gray left the best for last!
FTC DISCLAIMER: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own
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