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The Yankee Widow
This “moving and memorable” novel (James Patterson) from a #1 New York Times bestselling author is “a must-read for historical fiction fans” (Publishers Weekly). After her husband dies in the Civil War, Caroline grapples with grief, single motherhood, and new beginnings in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. “Linda Lael Miller creates vibrant characters and stories I defy you to forget” (Debbie Macomber).
A richly layered saga is set against the backdrop of the Civil War In The Yankee Widow, gifted storyteller Linda Lael Miller explores the complexities and heartbreak that families experienced as men took up arms to preserve the nation and defend their way of life. Told in a smart, assured and compelling voice, this is the story of Caroline, the young wife and childhood sweetheart of Jacob, who together live on a farm raising their daughter, Rachel, just outside of Gettysburg.
When Jacob joins the Northern army to do his duty and help save the Union, no one anticipates he will not return. Caroline gets news that he is wounded and has been taken to Washington, DC, with his regiment, and so she must find her way there and navigate the thousands of other wounded soldiers to find him. Thus begins this novel that focuses on the strong women and men of both sides and both races who sacrificed so much and loved so well during this critical juncture in American history.
A richly layered saga is set against the backdrop of the Civil War In The Yankee Widow, gifted storyteller Linda Lael Miller explores the complexities and heartbreak that families experienced as men took up arms to preserve the nation and defend their way of life. Told in a smart, assured and compelling voice, this is the story of Caroline, the young wife and childhood sweetheart of Jacob, who together live on a farm raising their daughter, Rachel, just outside of Gettysburg.
When Jacob joins the Northern army to do his duty and help save the Union, no one anticipates he will not return. Caroline gets news that he is wounded and has been taken to Washington, DC, with his regiment, and so she must find her way there and navigate the thousands of other wounded soldiers to find him. Thus begins this novel that focuses on the strong women and men of both sides and both races who sacrificed so much and loved so well during this critical juncture in American history.
425 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2019
810 people are currently reading
5099 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lael Miller
546 books3,251 followersThe daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
May 17, 2019
4+ stars!
Beautiful writing. Charming characters. Unforgettable story.
Caroline is a young wife and mother who is left to manage the family farm when her husband, Jacob, joins the army and is sent off into war. Caroline stays strong in the face of the unknown, with the help of her four-year-old daughter, Rachel, her grandmother, Geneva, and hired farmhand, Enoch. One day Caroline receives word that Jacob is wounded on the battlefield. She leaves Rachel with Geneva and the farm in Enoch’s care, to travel in search of her husband.
These characters were so extremely loveable! I felt an immediate connection to all of them and was fully invested in their lives and situation. The author, Linda Lael Miller, had me completely engrossed within the Civil War era, creating a storyline that kept me captivated and curious throughout. This is my first book by Miller and I am eager to check out her many other novels.
Historical fiction is my most favourite reading genre, yet most of what I read within the genre centers around WWII. This novel really captured my interest and has me eager to pick up more historical fiction novels focused on the Civil War era.
This was a Traveling Sister read with Brenda and Norma. We all loved it! To find our reviews, please visit our blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with a physical copy to read and review!
Beautiful writing. Charming characters. Unforgettable story.
Caroline is a young wife and mother who is left to manage the family farm when her husband, Jacob, joins the army and is sent off into war. Caroline stays strong in the face of the unknown, with the help of her four-year-old daughter, Rachel, her grandmother, Geneva, and hired farmhand, Enoch. One day Caroline receives word that Jacob is wounded on the battlefield. She leaves Rachel with Geneva and the farm in Enoch’s care, to travel in search of her husband.
These characters were so extremely loveable! I felt an immediate connection to all of them and was fully invested in their lives and situation. The author, Linda Lael Miller, had me completely engrossed within the Civil War era, creating a storyline that kept me captivated and curious throughout. This is my first book by Miller and I am eager to check out her many other novels.
Historical fiction is my most favourite reading genre, yet most of what I read within the genre centers around WWII. This novel really captured my interest and has me eager to pick up more historical fiction novels focused on the Civil War era.
This was a Traveling Sister read with Brenda and Norma. We all loved it! To find our reviews, please visit our blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with a physical copy to read and review!
May 13, 2019
As a lover of historical fiction 0f WWII, I jumped at the chance to read something a bit out of my usual by reading this one. While what I thought was out of my usual it wasn’t so much and I was pleasantly surprised. Back in the day, historical romance heavy on the romance was my favorite and I loved stories with the backdrop to the civil war. I was reminded in this story just how fascinated by the civil war I am.
The Yankee Widow is a refreshing, moving and richly layered saga with strong well-developed characters, well-plotted story that explores duty, loyalty, family and friends bonds and love. I was drawn into the lives of these characters right from the start and was turning the pages as fast as I could. Linda Lael Miller does a good job here balancing the characters from both sides of the war, with a little romance and weaving the history in as well that allowed me to form my own thoughts for each character and had me feeling for them all.
The Yankee Widow had it all here to make this an interesting, thought-provoking and entertaining read for me. The romance to the story felt a bit rushed and predictable leaving the eye-rolling to a minimum and allowing me not to have to think about it too much. Just adding a nice touch to the story that left me entertained.
I loved how the story wrapped up, maybe a bit too neat but certainly, a satisfying feel-good ending for me. It did leave me wondering and hoping for a sequel with some of these characters. I highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Eden at Harlequin Trade Publishing and Linda Lael Miller for my complimentary copy
The Yankee Widow is a refreshing, moving and richly layered saga with strong well-developed characters, well-plotted story that explores duty, loyalty, family and friends bonds and love. I was drawn into the lives of these characters right from the start and was turning the pages as fast as I could. Linda Lael Miller does a good job here balancing the characters from both sides of the war, with a little romance and weaving the history in as well that allowed me to form my own thoughts for each character and had me feeling for them all.
The Yankee Widow had it all here to make this an interesting, thought-provoking and entertaining read for me. The romance to the story felt a bit rushed and predictable leaving the eye-rolling to a minimum and allowing me not to have to think about it too much. Just adding a nice touch to the story that left me entertained.
I loved how the story wrapped up, maybe a bit too neat but certainly, a satisfying feel-good ending for me. It did leave me wondering and hoping for a sequel with some of these characters. I highly recommend.
Thank you so much to Eden at Harlequin Trade Publishing and Linda Lael Miller for my complimentary copy
June 8, 2019
Immersive, passionate & vivid!
THE YANKEE WIDOW by LINDA LAEL MILLER was an interesting, riveting, compelling, heartfelt, moving and highly entertaining historical fiction novel that immediately grabbed my attention and held taut right to the very end. I was thoroughly impressed and fascinated with this storyline and with MILLER’S storytelling. It has been quite a little while that I have been this entranced and absorbed in a historical fiction novel - I was glued to those pages.
LINDA LAEL MILLER delivers quite the atmospheric, engaging, intriguing, beautifully written and well-plotted read here that I was totally drawn into. There were so many scenes within this book that totally touched and warmed my heart along with moments that twisted my heart to shreds. The characterizations of place and time along with the characters themselves were absolutely wonderful and so vividly descriptive, placing me easily into the heart of this novel. I absolutely loved all the characters in this book and I was definitely emotionally invested in them.
I do love a little romance within my novels and I totally ate this one right up. I was completely besotted with these male characters and couldn’t decide who I thought was the better catch for our lovely main character, Caroline. The romantic touch to this novel definitely helped with softening the mood to this heartfelt period in time. The historical aspect to this novel with the Civil War and this time period totally fascinates me. Also, I must add that this book opens up with quite the strong opening scene and where the story settles a little bit it is definitely one to savour and enjoy! Loved everything about this novel!
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Intriguing, lovely, mesmerizing, moving and an extremely fitting and meaningful representation to storyline. #coverlove
Title: An intriguing, interesting, meaningful, emotive and extremely fitting representation to storyline.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, beautiful, affecting, vivid, assured, captivating, moving and readable. I totally connected and loved MILLER’S writing style!!!
Plot: Perfectly paced, interesting, refreshing, heartwarming, heartfelt, moving, touching, and fantastic.
Ending: I was totally taken with this feel-good ending and absolutely loved the direction this novel took. Leaving me feeling totally satisfied and warmed all over. I think there might be a possibility for a sequel with the way that this story ending. I would definitely read it if there was.
Overall: This novel totally captured my heart and made it into my 2019 Favourite Reads Shelf! Would highly recommend!
Thank you so much to Eden at Harlequin Trade Publishing and Linda Lael Miller for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. It was an absolute pleasure reading this phenomenal historical fiction novel!
Review can also be found on our blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
THE YANKEE WIDOW by LINDA LAEL MILLER was an interesting, riveting, compelling, heartfelt, moving and highly entertaining historical fiction novel that immediately grabbed my attention and held taut right to the very end. I was thoroughly impressed and fascinated with this storyline and with MILLER’S storytelling. It has been quite a little while that I have been this entranced and absorbed in a historical fiction novel - I was glued to those pages.
LINDA LAEL MILLER delivers quite the atmospheric, engaging, intriguing, beautifully written and well-plotted read here that I was totally drawn into. There were so many scenes within this book that totally touched and warmed my heart along with moments that twisted my heart to shreds. The characterizations of place and time along with the characters themselves were absolutely wonderful and so vividly descriptive, placing me easily into the heart of this novel. I absolutely loved all the characters in this book and I was definitely emotionally invested in them.
I do love a little romance within my novels and I totally ate this one right up. I was completely besotted with these male characters and couldn’t decide who I thought was the better catch for our lovely main character, Caroline. The romantic touch to this novel definitely helped with softening the mood to this heartfelt period in time. The historical aspect to this novel with the Civil War and this time period totally fascinates me. Also, I must add that this book opens up with quite the strong opening scene and where the story settles a little bit it is definitely one to savour and enjoy! Loved everything about this novel!
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Intriguing, lovely, mesmerizing, moving and an extremely fitting and meaningful representation to storyline. #coverlove
Title: An intriguing, interesting, meaningful, emotive and extremely fitting representation to storyline.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, beautiful, affecting, vivid, assured, captivating, moving and readable. I totally connected and loved MILLER’S writing style!!!
Plot: Perfectly paced, interesting, refreshing, heartwarming, heartfelt, moving, touching, and fantastic.
Ending: I was totally taken with this feel-good ending and absolutely loved the direction this novel took. Leaving me feeling totally satisfied and warmed all over. I think there might be a possibility for a sequel with the way that this story ending. I would definitely read it if there was.
Overall: This novel totally captured my heart and made it into my 2019 Favourite Reads Shelf! Would highly recommend!
Thank you so much to Eden at Harlequin Trade Publishing and Linda Lael Miller for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. It was an absolute pleasure reading this phenomenal historical fiction novel!
Review can also be found on our blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
May 27, 2019
"She cried for mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters. She cried for Mr. Lincoln and the devastating burdens they bore, day by day, night by night. She wept for the nation she loved so dearly, forged in the hardship and hope and courage in the face of impossible odds, only to lie broken and bleeding....."
Linda Lael Miller presents a novel carved ruggedly from the dire sacrifices thrust upon this nation during the Civil War. She pivots her story back and forth through the eyes of those held captive by their beliefs and by their very actions. As a true historian, she makes no bones about bringing truth to the hell that stormed relentlessly during those years.
Caroline Hammond has received word that her husband has been seriously wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia. She and Jacob owned a small family farm outside of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. From the very first page we, as readers, witness the taking down of Corporal Jacob Hammond as he's hit with the first minnie ball and lays helplessly upon the ground. We hear the voices of scavengers as they go through his belongings strewn in the dirt. We listen to his raspy, uneven breathing while keeping a vigil for what is yet to come.
And we follow Caroline as she searches the medical tents for her fallen husband. It is only by chance and by the goodwill of a nurse that she finds Jacob. She spends her husband's last hours kneeling beside his bed refusing to move away. Her only movement will be to accompany Jacob back to their farm for burial.
Enoch, a free man and Jacob's best friend, will be waiting for Caroline and for Jacob's remains at the train station. Miller will line the story with Caroline's four year old daughter, Rachel, her grandmother, Geneva, and a newly found runaway slave named Jubilee. In time, we will observe the movement of the Union army near the farm and the arrival of a wounded Confederate soldier. Caroline will definitely have little time for grieving with life kicking up dust at her door.
The Yankee Widow is beautifully written by the talented Linda Lael Miller. Her descriptors of time and place are just remarkable. The characters step forward with dialogue depicting their own life experiences while revealing the heavy impact of the war on both sides. The storyline is a creative one that showcases the quandary thrust upon this young woman vested with such fresh and recent widowhood.
Even if you're not a typical fan of historical fiction, there is a truly raw view of humanity here. The Yankee Widow is a story of survival and the choices we make in order to keep hope alive.
Linda Lael Miller presents a novel carved ruggedly from the dire sacrifices thrust upon this nation during the Civil War. She pivots her story back and forth through the eyes of those held captive by their beliefs and by their very actions. As a true historian, she makes no bones about bringing truth to the hell that stormed relentlessly during those years.
Caroline Hammond has received word that her husband has been seriously wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia. She and Jacob owned a small family farm outside of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. From the very first page we, as readers, witness the taking down of Corporal Jacob Hammond as he's hit with the first minnie ball and lays helplessly upon the ground. We hear the voices of scavengers as they go through his belongings strewn in the dirt. We listen to his raspy, uneven breathing while keeping a vigil for what is yet to come.
And we follow Caroline as she searches the medical tents for her fallen husband. It is only by chance and by the goodwill of a nurse that she finds Jacob. She spends her husband's last hours kneeling beside his bed refusing to move away. Her only movement will be to accompany Jacob back to their farm for burial.
Enoch, a free man and Jacob's best friend, will be waiting for Caroline and for Jacob's remains at the train station. Miller will line the story with Caroline's four year old daughter, Rachel, her grandmother, Geneva, and a newly found runaway slave named Jubilee. In time, we will observe the movement of the Union army near the farm and the arrival of a wounded Confederate soldier. Caroline will definitely have little time for grieving with life kicking up dust at her door.
The Yankee Widow is beautifully written by the talented Linda Lael Miller. Her descriptors of time and place are just remarkable. The characters step forward with dialogue depicting their own life experiences while revealing the heavy impact of the war on both sides. The storyline is a creative one that showcases the quandary thrust upon this young woman vested with such fresh and recent widowhood.
Even if you're not a typical fan of historical fiction, there is a truly raw view of humanity here. The Yankee Widow is a story of survival and the choices we make in order to keep hope alive.
May 20, 2019
Beautifully written and rich in detail, The Yankee Widow will transport you back in time to an era that is seldom talked about let alone experienced. With a country literally torn in two with brother again brother and friend and foes alike, this atmospheric novel will make you feel like you are in the very heart of the battle, both on the field and off.
A time when war raged the country side, women had to be strong and independent and children grew up way too fast. When men were gentlemen still and freedom was a thing that not everyone experienced or got the luxury of having.
Wonderfully told in alternating point of views, The Yankee Widow will tug at your heart strings and keep you thoroughly engaged the whole way through. Truly a riveting story that you will be glad you took the time to read, enjoy, and learn from.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
A time when war raged the country side, women had to be strong and independent and children grew up way too fast. When men were gentlemen still and freedom was a thing that not everyone experienced or got the luxury of having.
Wonderfully told in alternating point of views, The Yankee Widow will tug at your heart strings and keep you thoroughly engaged the whole way through. Truly a riveting story that you will be glad you took the time to read, enjoy, and learn from.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
March 23, 2026
***Some Spoilers ahead.***
As Union Corporal Jacob Hammond lay seriously injured on the battlefield in Chancellorsville, Virginia in May 1863, a Federal “bummer” comes along and rifles through Jake’s rucksack. Bummers were thieves, stragglers, and deserters on both sides of the Civil War. The “Billy” as Union soldiers were called by the Confederate military, was stopped by Captain Bridger Winslow – a soldier fighting for the south. Bridger wants to kill the bummer but knows it’s a war crime as the Union deserter was unarmed. And it would be witnessed by the troop he commands. After returning the stolen items to Jacob, Bridger realizes he is still alive, he tells him “Hold on, Yank. You’ll be found soon. And if you should happen to encounter a certain Union quartermaster by the name of Rogan McBride, somewhere along your journey, I would be obliged if you’d tell him Bridger Winslow sends his best regards.” Before sliding Caroline Hammond’s photograph back in Jacob’s jacket, he notices how beautiful she is.
When FMC Caroline reaches Washington after being notified of Jacob’s condition, she’s escorted to her husband’s cot by Union quartermaster Rogan McBride. Jacob is still alive and manages to warn Caroline before he passes that she should take their daughter and “get away” from Gettysburg. He knows the Confederacy is headed in that direction where she, their daughter Rachel, her paternal grandmother, and Enoch live. Determined to keep Jacob’s farm that has been in his family for generations, she returns with his body and buries him on his land. The next time Caroline sees Rogan, he’s approaching her home with several wagons of supplies and asks her if she would mind storing their contents for the Union soldiers’ benefit. She agrees. Rogan is respectful knowing Caroline is a widow but still thinks she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever met.
The reader learns that Union quartermaster Rogan McBride and Confederate Captain Bridger Winslow went to military school together when they were younger and are best friends. During those school years, Rogan spent every summer with Bridger on his family’s plantation in Savannah. While Bridger grew up with his family’s slaves, he never believed another person should be owned or considered “property.” His reasons for fighting for the south were more political. Rogan on the other hand, was a lawyer from New York and believed in Abraham Lincoln’s ideologies. Eventually, the two men see each other in the Gettysburg battle campaign at Cemetery Ridge. Both are injured but Bridger’s wound is more severe. Rogan gets Bridger to Caroline Hammond’s farm where both are treated by Caroline and her grandmother Prescott.
Eventually, Bridger is confined to Rachel’s bedroom where he cannot be seen by the many Union soldiers who have set up a hospital tent camp on the Hammond property. Rogan devises a way for Bridger to escape later after he’s fully healed, and the hospital camp is eventually dismantled. During Bridger’s stay after Rogan’s departure, he gets to know Caroline. He also falls in love with her.
This book is a twofer in that Enoch has his own story and blooming romance with Jubie. And it’s a good one. Both Enoch and Caroline’s relationships are woven together nicely. While there’s no doubt about Enoch and Jubie in the reader’s mind, there’s plenty when it comes to who will Caroline choose after the war ends? Will it be Rogan or Bridger? Do they both even survive the war?
While the dates, locations, and real-life characters depicted are accurate, I deducted a star for something I found hard to believe. Bridger’s Savannah, Georgia Fairhaven plantation also bred horses. When he meets Rogan again in November 1864, he’s riding a fine stallion that’s the “last of a long and illustrious line.” In the last two years of the war, the Confederacy was lacking so many things and conscripting or stealing whatever they could get their hands on. Horses were valuable and I would think all of Fairhaven’s stock would have been taken long before Bridger returns in August 1863 to check on his younger sister before returning to his regiment. Other than questioning the horse issue, it’s a very good story. And the ending is awesome.
As Union Corporal Jacob Hammond lay seriously injured on the battlefield in Chancellorsville, Virginia in May 1863, a Federal “bummer” comes along and rifles through Jake’s rucksack. Bummers were thieves, stragglers, and deserters on both sides of the Civil War. The “Billy” as Union soldiers were called by the Confederate military, was stopped by Captain Bridger Winslow – a soldier fighting for the south. Bridger wants to kill the bummer but knows it’s a war crime as the Union deserter was unarmed. And it would be witnessed by the troop he commands. After returning the stolen items to Jacob, Bridger realizes he is still alive, he tells him “Hold on, Yank. You’ll be found soon. And if you should happen to encounter a certain Union quartermaster by the name of Rogan McBride, somewhere along your journey, I would be obliged if you’d tell him Bridger Winslow sends his best regards.” Before sliding Caroline Hammond’s photograph back in Jacob’s jacket, he notices how beautiful she is.
When FMC Caroline reaches Washington after being notified of Jacob’s condition, she’s escorted to her husband’s cot by Union quartermaster Rogan McBride. Jacob is still alive and manages to warn Caroline before he passes that she should take their daughter and “get away” from Gettysburg. He knows the Confederacy is headed in that direction where she, their daughter Rachel, her paternal grandmother, and Enoch live. Determined to keep Jacob’s farm that has been in his family for generations, she returns with his body and buries him on his land. The next time Caroline sees Rogan, he’s approaching her home with several wagons of supplies and asks her if she would mind storing their contents for the Union soldiers’ benefit. She agrees. Rogan is respectful knowing Caroline is a widow but still thinks she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever met.
The reader learns that Union quartermaster Rogan McBride and Confederate Captain Bridger Winslow went to military school together when they were younger and are best friends. During those school years, Rogan spent every summer with Bridger on his family’s plantation in Savannah. While Bridger grew up with his family’s slaves, he never believed another person should be owned or considered “property.” His reasons for fighting for the south were more political. Rogan on the other hand, was a lawyer from New York and believed in Abraham Lincoln’s ideologies. Eventually, the two men see each other in the Gettysburg battle campaign at Cemetery Ridge. Both are injured but Bridger’s wound is more severe. Rogan gets Bridger to Caroline Hammond’s farm where both are treated by Caroline and her grandmother Prescott.
Eventually, Bridger is confined to Rachel’s bedroom where he cannot be seen by the many Union soldiers who have set up a hospital tent camp on the Hammond property. Rogan devises a way for Bridger to escape later after he’s fully healed, and the hospital camp is eventually dismantled. During Bridger’s stay after Rogan’s departure, he gets to know Caroline. He also falls in love with her.
This book is a twofer in that Enoch has his own story and blooming romance with Jubie. And it’s a good one. Both Enoch and Caroline’s relationships are woven together nicely. While there’s no doubt about Enoch and Jubie in the reader’s mind, there’s plenty when it comes to who will Caroline choose after the war ends? Will it be Rogan or Bridger? Do they both even survive the war?
While the dates, locations, and real-life characters depicted are accurate, I deducted a star for something I found hard to believe. Bridger’s Savannah, Georgia Fairhaven plantation also bred horses. When he meets Rogan again in November 1864, he’s riding a fine stallion that’s the “last of a long and illustrious line.” In the last two years of the war, the Confederacy was lacking so many things and conscripting or stealing whatever they could get their hands on. Horses were valuable and I would think all of Fairhaven’s stock would have been taken long before Bridger returns in August 1863 to check on his younger sister before returning to his regiment. Other than questioning the horse issue, it’s a very good story. And the ending is awesome.
September 9, 2019
The story is pretty descriptive, making the pace slow. Descriptions could be more to the point to better carry the story. This is not the style-of-writing I like to read.
September 3, 2019
I loved The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller, I gave her book 5 big stars, I really enjoy reading Civil War historical fiction and I don't mind a story with a little romance.
The book begins in Pennsylvania during the war, when Caroline Hammond is notified her husband Jacob has been wounded, she leaves her farm and travels on her own by train to find out what happened to him, is he dead or alive?
This begins the story about Caroline, her husband Jacob and their daughter Rachel.
Caroline lives in near Gettysburg, prior to, during and after the famous battle.
You're soon reading about the terrible battle at Gettysburg, how it effected the soldiers on both sides and the local people.
Linda Lael Miller writing style has you engaged in the story, you care deeply about the character's and what happens to them! Caroline's hired hand Enoch, a escaped pregnant slave called Jubie, a Yankee soldier called Rogan McBride and his best friend Bridger Winslow he's a Confederate officer. Later in the book his young sister Amalie Winslow is mentioned and she's living alone at the family plantation in Georgia. I'm sure there will be another book to follow about Amalie experiences during the war and I can't wait to read it!
I have posted this review on Goodreads, Australian Amazon, Twitter and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
The book begins in Pennsylvania during the war, when Caroline Hammond is notified her husband Jacob has been wounded, she leaves her farm and travels on her own by train to find out what happened to him, is he dead or alive?
This begins the story about Caroline, her husband Jacob and their daughter Rachel.
Caroline lives in near Gettysburg, prior to, during and after the famous battle.
You're soon reading about the terrible battle at Gettysburg, how it effected the soldiers on both sides and the local people.
Linda Lael Miller writing style has you engaged in the story, you care deeply about the character's and what happens to them! Caroline's hired hand Enoch, a escaped pregnant slave called Jubie, a Yankee soldier called Rogan McBride and his best friend Bridger Winslow he's a Confederate officer. Later in the book his young sister Amalie Winslow is mentioned and she's living alone at the family plantation in Georgia. I'm sure there will be another book to follow about Amalie experiences during the war and I can't wait to read it!
I have posted this review on Goodreads, Australian Amazon, Twitter and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
March 18, 2019
In the past six months, I've grown to love historical fiction. I was stuck in the same two genres for years and I'm so glad that I've finally opened my mind to read a more diverse selection.
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and the opinion expressed in this review is my own.
This novel of historical fiction tells a fantastic Civil War story. The story follows Caroline, a young wife and mother who learns late that her husband was wounded in battle. The story that follows will tug at your heartstrings but it also paints a striking picture of life during that era. Caroline and all of the other friends and family in the book show the strength and courage that was necessary for survival during that time in Gettysburg.
This book is a beautiful example of 1863 Southern life, strong men, fearless women, courage and fierce love. Take your time and enjoy the read.
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and the opinion expressed in this review is my own.
This novel of historical fiction tells a fantastic Civil War story. The story follows Caroline, a young wife and mother who learns late that her husband was wounded in battle. The story that follows will tug at your heartstrings but it also paints a striking picture of life during that era. Caroline and all of the other friends and family in the book show the strength and courage that was necessary for survival during that time in Gettysburg.
This book is a beautiful example of 1863 Southern life, strong men, fearless women, courage and fierce love. Take your time and enjoy the read.
March 25, 2020
RATING: 4 STARS
2019; Mira/Harlequin
I have read several novels by Linda Lael Miller and on the whole have enjoyed most of them. I really loved the first two historical romances in the McKettrick's series. I have been meaning to go back to them, and then saw this new one being published. I went in with no real expectations, but it was different than what I had assumed it would be. I expected a romance with a good story, but it was more of a historical fiction with a touch of romance. I was 50% through the book, and the romance still had not started.
As the book opens, Caroline is headed to see her dying husband. On her return home with his body, she vows to stay on the farm to raise their daughter, Rachel. As the war rages on, it soon comes to the farm just outside of Gettysburg. As she helps the wounded Union soldiers, much like her late husband, she feels like she is doing only what she would want for her husband. When one of the Captains asks for her help with his childhood friend, a Confederate soldier, her personal morals are being tested. Caroline employs a freed black man, and has taken in a runaway slave. Her decisions could cost her and everyone more than patriotism.
Miller does a great job in helping a reader see the place, and feel the time her novels are set in. I find that her stories are sweet and her characters endearing on the whole. Yet, with her historical novels she also has a kick of realism. While she does not go into details about everything, she give you enough to see the novel play out in your imagination. This is a good book to read if you enjoy novels set in the Civil War era, and how every day people lived. The Yankee Widow has gotten me excited about reading her other novels.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2019; Mira/Harlequin
I have read several novels by Linda Lael Miller and on the whole have enjoyed most of them. I really loved the first two historical romances in the McKettrick's series. I have been meaning to go back to them, and then saw this new one being published. I went in with no real expectations, but it was different than what I had assumed it would be. I expected a romance with a good story, but it was more of a historical fiction with a touch of romance. I was 50% through the book, and the romance still had not started.
As the book opens, Caroline is headed to see her dying husband. On her return home with his body, she vows to stay on the farm to raise their daughter, Rachel. As the war rages on, it soon comes to the farm just outside of Gettysburg. As she helps the wounded Union soldiers, much like her late husband, she feels like she is doing only what she would want for her husband. When one of the Captains asks for her help with his childhood friend, a Confederate soldier, her personal morals are being tested. Caroline employs a freed black man, and has taken in a runaway slave. Her decisions could cost her and everyone more than patriotism.
Miller does a great job in helping a reader see the place, and feel the time her novels are set in. I find that her stories are sweet and her characters endearing on the whole. Yet, with her historical novels she also has a kick of realism. While she does not go into details about everything, she give you enough to see the novel play out in your imagination. This is a good book to read if you enjoy novels set in the Civil War era, and how every day people lived. The Yankee Widow has gotten me excited about reading her other novels.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
June 19, 2019
Five stars for the setting of Gettysburg, PA during the Civil War. 4 stars for the two charming and chivalrous war heroes from opposing sides of the conflict who vie for the affections of the beautiful war widow. 3 stars for descriptions of how the war affected one family and their attitudes towards each other, towards blacks, and towards their country. 2 stars for characterization that was just too wooden and one-dimensional. 1 star for too much repetition.
January 1, 2020
It's a big undertaking to write about the Civil War, let alone the Battle of Gettysburg.
The story here was decent, and I always give a book credit for making me want to know how it ends. And I'm not going to criticize the ending here for being too neat and happy because, like it or not, I am a sucker for those things.
However, the historical details were lacking. To me, it felt like the author used name-dropping and fact-dropping, rather than actual research, to lend the book its authenticity, as if the author had visited Gettysburg and taken some group tours and then decided to write a novel, mentioning every name and fact she'd learned on her trip (and judging from the Author's Note at the end, I think this is exactly what happened). The battle scenes were extremely vague, making them seem like they were poorly researched, if at all. The characters' premonitions of a coming clash, epic and pivotal, were heavy-handed, despite the fact that the Battle of Gettysburg wasn't really planned by either side; the armies just happened to collide there. And even small details, like a man seeing the soft curve of a woman's breasts as she reached up to hang laundry...Civil-War-era corsets do NOT show the curve of a woman's breast!
But I think what bothered me most was just the sheer number of Civil War topics that were present in the book: the widow of a soldier, the widow of a surgeon (who happened to know all about sterilization), a free black man working for wages, a pregnant runaway slave, the Underground Railroad, slave-catchers, the Ladies Aid Society, friends fighting on opposite sides of the conflict, a farm-turned-field-hospital, and all of this conveniently located just outside of Gettysburg. It was far too much to tackle in one short novel.
The story here was decent, and I always give a book credit for making me want to know how it ends. And I'm not going to criticize the ending here for being too neat and happy because, like it or not, I am a sucker for those things.
However, the historical details were lacking. To me, it felt like the author used name-dropping and fact-dropping, rather than actual research, to lend the book its authenticity, as if the author had visited Gettysburg and taken some group tours and then decided to write a novel, mentioning every name and fact she'd learned on her trip (and judging from the Author's Note at the end, I think this is exactly what happened). The battle scenes were extremely vague, making them seem like they were poorly researched, if at all. The characters' premonitions of a coming clash, epic and pivotal, were heavy-handed, despite the fact that the Battle of Gettysburg wasn't really planned by either side; the armies just happened to collide there. And even small details, like a man seeing the soft curve of a woman's breasts as she reached up to hang laundry...Civil-War-era corsets do NOT show the curve of a woman's breast!
But I think what bothered me most was just the sheer number of Civil War topics that were present in the book: the widow of a soldier, the widow of a surgeon (who happened to know all about sterilization), a free black man working for wages, a pregnant runaway slave, the Underground Railroad, slave-catchers, the Ladies Aid Society, friends fighting on opposite sides of the conflict, a farm-turned-field-hospital, and all of this conveniently located just outside of Gettysburg. It was far too much to tackle in one short novel.
June 2, 2019
A beautiful story about going where your heart leads no matter your beliefs. Miller pulls out all the stops on this emotional, gripping tale set during the Civil War. She puts you smack in the center of the action with multiple viewpoints ranging from a war-torn widow to a slave to two best friends fighting on opposite sides. Grieving widow Caroline Hammond lives on a farm outside of Gettysburg and finds herself in the middle of one of the biggest, bloodiest battles of the war. In the aftermath, her farm becomes the site of a hasty field hospital of sorts only without a doctor. She does what can to try to save the wounded and the two friends who fight on opposite sides. In doctoring the Rebel, she's forced to examine her beliefs about the Southerners and this man whose side struck down her husband in his prime. If you're looking for a sweeping romance, this isn't it, although there is a little later in the book.
I fell in love with LLM's writing back when she wrote historicals many years ago. I loved everything she published back then. No one writes deeper characters or more emotion than she does. Her contemporaries are all right but nothing like her historicals. She truly excels in stories set in the 1800s and The Yankee Widow clearly shows that.
I fell in love with LLM's writing back when she wrote historicals many years ago. I loved everything she published back then. No one writes deeper characters or more emotion than she does. Her contemporaries are all right but nothing like her historicals. She truly excels in stories set in the 1800s and The Yankee Widow clearly shows that.
September 14, 2020
As a librarian, I was familiar with the author, Linda Lael Miller. She has written “296 distinct works” (that according to Goodreads). I think most of her books are romance, and I don’t care for that genre. However, this book is historical romance, and that was what drew me. Miller is a gifted storyteller, which she proves in this book about Caroline, a widow who shows great courage and fortitude as she deals with the consequences she endures during the Civil War. She lives near Gettysburg. The plot deals with the challenges of farm life, the grimness of war, slavery, and forgiveness. I enjoyed the different slant to the significance of Gettysburg’s battle, and later the dedication as a graveyard. Miller develops Caroline’s life and thoughts so that I felt she was a friend. There are the two suitors who are also well developed. They add the romance, which I enjoyed along with some interesting twists. I don’t know whether I will read any more of Miller’s books, but I certainly recommend this one.
November 28, 2019
As much as I wanted to love this book, it was just ok with me. It came off as more historical fiction and was focused more on the battles then the romance.
September 29, 2020
Not very interesting. It became quickly obvious how the story would end.
April 4, 2023
My mom loved this author. I picked this historical romance up because the backdrop is the Battle of Gettysburg. I moved from L.A. to Gettysburg 20 years ago because of my fascination and deep interest in this Battle and time period of American history. I was delighted to see the accuracy of the battle details and locations mentioned as I am more than familiar with them. I also know the Licensed Battlefield Guides the author used as references and she couldn't have chosen better. The love story itself was poignant.I thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters as well. An important, tragic part of our country's history and to this day Gettysburg still bears the scars on the many original buildings and living witness trees lovingly preserved. Approximately 3,000,000 people still visit the Gettysburg every year and walk the hallowed fields, farms and grounds of the 25-square mile Battlefield. Lest we forget.
September 5, 2019
3.5 rounded down. Enjoyable work of historical fiction set in civil war. Overall, liked the characters, setting and story line. Some parts, particularly the romance pieces, seemed a bit contrived.
February 11, 2020
As a historical fiction, I liked it. I love reading Civil War stories, and this one is set at a farm just outside of the town of Gettysburg, 1863-1865. The story takes place leading up to the famous battle, during it, and also in the aftermath. So I loved the perspectives that are provided, namely Caroline (the widow of a Union soldier who owns a farm conscripted to be a makeshift hospital for wounded soldiers) and Enoch (the previously enslaved man who is now free and has been employed on the farm for many years). The people in the war's path didn't have much of a choice when it came to the military deciding to take provisions or deciding to use their land, and it fascinated me to see this happen from the perspective of the non-military characters.
As a romance, however, it fell flat for me. I was expecting an emotional love triangle where two men fall in love with Caroline, one Union and one Confederate. I expected tension! Plus the two men are best friends. Again, I expected tension! Also, Caroline has just lost her husband in the Battle of Chancellorsville, so she is still in the period of mourning when she starts feeling things for these two men. Should be tension here too! But I just didn't feel it. There was no tension. The characters didn't show me that they felt anything for one another, and I didn't FEEL it while I was reading.
So, you see, I feel conflicted about this one.
I WILL SAY: the very beginning of the book is written from the POV of Jacob, the husband that ends up dying. He is wounded and lying there on the battlefield, and his thoughts during that time MADE ME FEEL THINGS. Very well done here. But this part is unfortunately over too soon as the husband dies from his injuries (not a spoiler).
As a romance, however, it fell flat for me. I was expecting an emotional love triangle where two men fall in love with Caroline, one Union and one Confederate. I expected tension! Plus the two men are best friends. Again, I expected tension! Also, Caroline has just lost her husband in the Battle of Chancellorsville, so she is still in the period of mourning when she starts feeling things for these two men. Should be tension here too! But I just didn't feel it. There was no tension. The characters didn't show me that they felt anything for one another, and I didn't FEEL it while I was reading.
So, you see, I feel conflicted about this one.
I WILL SAY: the very beginning of the book is written from the POV of Jacob, the husband that ends up dying. He is wounded and lying there on the battlefield, and his thoughts during that time MADE ME FEEL THINGS. Very well done here. But this part is unfortunately over too soon as the husband dies from his injuries (not a spoiler).
May 26, 2019
The Yankee Widow is a stunning piece of historical fiction. I was immediately drawn into the story and the time of the American Civil war. I didn’t know much about this period in history so I found all the historical details really fascinating.
The story is told from multiple points of view from people on both sides of the conflict which helped increase my understanding of the personal impact of the war on the normal people who had to live through it and fight in it. It was often the case that friends and family were fighting against each other which made for quite emotional reading at times.
I didn’t realise that the Civil War started due to Lincoln wanting to abolish slavery but enjoyed learning more about the treatment of slaves at that time, the cruel slave catchers and the underground railroad which I found incredibly intriguing. It’s astonishing to think about how people were treated just because of the colour of their skin and some of the passages relating to this were quite uncomfortable to read about, especially as I soon grew incredibly fond of both Enoch and Jubie.
This was a gripping and thoroughly absorbing story that I found very difficult to put down. There is lots going on, not just to do with the war but also the lives of the main characters as they deal with life during the war. The characters are all incredibly well drawn and developed throughout the book, though they are all very sympathetic ones making it difficult to choose sides! I so enjoyed going on a journey with them and found myself quite sad when the story ended and I had to leave them behind.
Huge thanks to Harlequin publishers for my copy of this book via Edelweiss.
The story is told from multiple points of view from people on both sides of the conflict which helped increase my understanding of the personal impact of the war on the normal people who had to live through it and fight in it. It was often the case that friends and family were fighting against each other which made for quite emotional reading at times.
I didn’t realise that the Civil War started due to Lincoln wanting to abolish slavery but enjoyed learning more about the treatment of slaves at that time, the cruel slave catchers and the underground railroad which I found incredibly intriguing. It’s astonishing to think about how people were treated just because of the colour of their skin and some of the passages relating to this were quite uncomfortable to read about, especially as I soon grew incredibly fond of both Enoch and Jubie.
This was a gripping and thoroughly absorbing story that I found very difficult to put down. There is lots going on, not just to do with the war but also the lives of the main characters as they deal with life during the war. The characters are all incredibly well drawn and developed throughout the book, though they are all very sympathetic ones making it difficult to choose sides! I so enjoyed going on a journey with them and found myself quite sad when the story ended and I had to leave them behind.
Huge thanks to Harlequin publishers for my copy of this book via Edelweiss.
May 7, 2019
*ARC provided by publisher for review*
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel! The Yankee Widow is set during the civil war. This is a time period I do not know much about as I am Canadian and I love reading about time periods I know less about. The particular story is about the Hammond family. All the characters in this book where well developed and I felt the emotions they did. This one was told in multiple POV's but mainly through Caroline. I really enjoyed her chapters as she was such a strong women but she has her struggles and doubts just like the rest of us and she is just doing the best she can. Enoch, the hired help, was also another favourtie of mine and at points I could see his sorrow coming through the page and I wanted to give him a hug but he was also determined and he cared for people in his life.
I also do not usually read books with many battle scenes but I felt they where the right length and told properly and not to gruesome (though we all know war is). I also felt the scenery was described well and I felt like I was there!
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction and I cant wait to read more by Linda! I know she write historical romance and I own a couple and I plan to read them soon!
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel! The Yankee Widow is set during the civil war. This is a time period I do not know much about as I am Canadian and I love reading about time periods I know less about. The particular story is about the Hammond family. All the characters in this book where well developed and I felt the emotions they did. This one was told in multiple POV's but mainly through Caroline. I really enjoyed her chapters as she was such a strong women but she has her struggles and doubts just like the rest of us and she is just doing the best she can. Enoch, the hired help, was also another favourtie of mine and at points I could see his sorrow coming through the page and I wanted to give him a hug but he was also determined and he cared for people in his life.
I also do not usually read books with many battle scenes but I felt they where the right length and told properly and not to gruesome (though we all know war is). I also felt the scenery was described well and I felt like I was there!
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction and I cant wait to read more by Linda! I know she write historical romance and I own a couple and I plan to read them soon!
May 31, 2019
I have read a lot of LLM's books over the years. I believe this one is her best. When I read that Linda was going to write a Civil War saga set in Gettysburg, Pa I couldn't wait for it to be published. Born and raised in Pa, Gettysburg has always been one of my favorite places to visit. It is hauntingly beautiful and historic. She does a great job of evoking the place and the emotions that must have been present during the battle. Her focus is on the townspeople, especially Caroline, the Yankee widow. Her characters are well-drawn and their actions believable. There are some twists and turns that add to the story. There is romance too but it is not the focus of the book. The pace starts slowly and builds as the battle draws nearer. By mid-book it is hard to put down. Fans of Linda's and of historical fiction will love this book. It was well worth the long wait! Highly recommended!
May 4, 2019
Reading the title of this book we knew that Caroline is a widow, but we also meet her husband, and the realities of this horrible war, a tear is all that he is offering, and your heart breaks a little.
Most of this story takes place in Pennsylvania, and we put faces, thanks to the author, to what life might have been like during this horrific time in the history of our country.
I was quickly drawn into this story, and was soon hiding in the secret room with those that needed not to be seen.
There is also offered up some sweet romance in the trying time, but here you will have to read to the end to see how all of this is pulled together, and see who survives to live on.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
Most of this story takes place in Pennsylvania, and we put faces, thanks to the author, to what life might have been like during this horrific time in the history of our country.
I was quickly drawn into this story, and was soon hiding in the secret room with those that needed not to be seen.
There is also offered up some sweet romance in the trying time, but here you will have to read to the end to see how all of this is pulled together, and see who survives to live on.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 4, 2019
Haven’t read anything set in the civil war in a while so that was a nice change of pace. I liked the characters fine but the plot wasn’t anything too thrilling!
May 17, 2019
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars rounded up. I’ve always been intrigued by the Civil War. My (3x)great grandfather left his family and farm to fight with the northern army. His portrait hung on the wall in my parents’ home. I didn’t truly appreciate the extent of his sacrifice until I began to read accounts of the war – told from various perspectives. Linda Lael Miller’s novel The Yankee Widow is the story of Caroline, a young widow from outside of Gettysburg, PA. Her husband left his young family and farm to fight in the northern army only to succumb to injuries incurred at Chancellorsville. Caroline is left to carry on which is no small task. The war is brought to her front yard as she is grieving the loss of her husband. She must step outside her grief and help with injured men from both sides of the war. Two such men will become central to her story and could very well decide her future. One thing she is certain of: she will make the decision. Showing a strength of character from the beginning of the novel we see even more growth in Caroline as she becomes aware that there are no easy answers except the decision to treat others with compassion – no matter where they are from. The story is filled with vivid battle descriptions that put me in the middle of those scenes. Heartbreaking, to be sure.
Linda Lael Miller swept me along with her story, turning the pages and wondering how Caroline would prevail. For once I was happy a novel ended with a cliff-hanger – I can’t wait to read what happens next. Recommended to fans of the author and historical fiction with a dose of romance.
4.5 stars rounded up. I’ve always been intrigued by the Civil War. My (3x)great grandfather left his family and farm to fight with the northern army. His portrait hung on the wall in my parents’ home. I didn’t truly appreciate the extent of his sacrifice until I began to read accounts of the war – told from various perspectives. Linda Lael Miller’s novel The Yankee Widow is the story of Caroline, a young widow from outside of Gettysburg, PA. Her husband left his young family and farm to fight in the northern army only to succumb to injuries incurred at Chancellorsville. Caroline is left to carry on which is no small task. The war is brought to her front yard as she is grieving the loss of her husband. She must step outside her grief and help with injured men from both sides of the war. Two such men will become central to her story and could very well decide her future. One thing she is certain of: she will make the decision. Showing a strength of character from the beginning of the novel we see even more growth in Caroline as she becomes aware that there are no easy answers except the decision to treat others with compassion – no matter where they are from. The story is filled with vivid battle descriptions that put me in the middle of those scenes. Heartbreaking, to be sure.
Linda Lael Miller swept me along with her story, turning the pages and wondering how Caroline would prevail. For once I was happy a novel ended with a cliff-hanger – I can’t wait to read what happens next. Recommended to fans of the author and historical fiction with a dose of romance.
May 29, 2022
This was good though a bit sad. Set during Gettysburg, I had the thought that Caroline was going to disguise herself as a man, but apparently it was a different book I was thinking of, lol oops. Still, I enjoyed this though it was a bit slow paced in some areas, especially the beginning. I still like this author, though I've only read a few books by her. I'm giving this a solid 3 ⭐.
December 26, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Yankee Widow by prolific author Linda Lael Miller is a 2019 Harlequin Mira release, praised on the front cover by bestselling author Debbie Macomber. A story that claims to house vibrant characters and a story you defy to forget, The Yankee Widow allows the reader to step back in time to the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg.
In this tale of the war, conflict, danger, heartbreak and passion, The Yankee Widow introduces principal character Caroline, the wife of a soldier in the Northern army. When Caroline’s husband goes missing in the conflict, Caroline later learns that he has been wounded. Caroline embarks on a dangerous mission to find her injured husband, which will take her through to Washington to be reunited with him. Sadly, Caroline learns that Jacob has submitted to his deep injuries and she faces a huge test to bring his body home. With dangers around very corner, Caroline must keep her wits about her. In her expedition home Caroline crosses paths with two different people, from opposite sides of the war, who are both inexplicably drawn to her. While one offers some solace in a time of great upheaval, the other offers a chance to love again in impossible times. With war, heartbreak and loss threatening to overthrow everything, will Caroline find peace again after such a test to her spirit?
Linda Lael Miller is an author well known for her western style novels and she has a great number of books to her name, but until my experience of The Yankee Widow I had not dabbled in her work. An author who has been recommend to me more than a few times, I was interested to see how I would respond to Miller’s work. I turned to Miller’s The Yankee Widow in my search for a book to fulfil one of my final categories of the 2020 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge.
As an Australian reader who is largely unfamiliar with the American Civil War and the notorious Battle of Gettysburg, I could see some historical merit in this novel. For those such as myself who are not very well versed in this defining event in American history, The Yankee Widow is accessible and historically well informed. It was also interesting to see significant historical figures crop up, such as George Washington. I did feel as though Miller offered an authentic account of this era and pinnacle event. Highlighting the battle experiences and war time atmosphere of this tension filled time within the context of a fiction narrative was workable. However, I struggled to maintain focus on this book from the beginning to the end, the whole book was very dry in my opinion and sadly I skimmed much of the unfolding tale. This book was clearly not for me!
Miller employs several narrators and multiple perspectives in The Yankee Widow. In theory, this should colour the novel, but I did find that my grip really slipped with the cast presented in The Yankee Widow. Caroline was highlighted as a strong female protagonist facing adversity, but I felt her story lacked spark. In the end, the tussle of emotions in romance stakes wasn’t enough to save this novel, despite the interesting historical backdrop. A very neat happy ever after is settled before the close of the novel, which should satisfy those who appreciate uncomplicated closures.
The Yankee Widow offers a glimpse back in time to a turning point in American history, highlighting a tale of war, duty, loyalty, love and resilience. The Yankee Widow wasn’t for me, but if you are a fan of American history, you may find this story of interest.
The Yankee Widow by prolific author Linda Lael Miller is a 2019 Harlequin Mira release, praised on the front cover by bestselling author Debbie Macomber. A story that claims to house vibrant characters and a story you defy to forget, The Yankee Widow allows the reader to step back in time to the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg.
In this tale of the war, conflict, danger, heartbreak and passion, The Yankee Widow introduces principal character Caroline, the wife of a soldier in the Northern army. When Caroline’s husband goes missing in the conflict, Caroline later learns that he has been wounded. Caroline embarks on a dangerous mission to find her injured husband, which will take her through to Washington to be reunited with him. Sadly, Caroline learns that Jacob has submitted to his deep injuries and she faces a huge test to bring his body home. With dangers around very corner, Caroline must keep her wits about her. In her expedition home Caroline crosses paths with two different people, from opposite sides of the war, who are both inexplicably drawn to her. While one offers some solace in a time of great upheaval, the other offers a chance to love again in impossible times. With war, heartbreak and loss threatening to overthrow everything, will Caroline find peace again after such a test to her spirit?
Linda Lael Miller is an author well known for her western style novels and she has a great number of books to her name, but until my experience of The Yankee Widow I had not dabbled in her work. An author who has been recommend to me more than a few times, I was interested to see how I would respond to Miller’s work. I turned to Miller’s The Yankee Widow in my search for a book to fulfil one of my final categories of the 2020 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge.
As an Australian reader who is largely unfamiliar with the American Civil War and the notorious Battle of Gettysburg, I could see some historical merit in this novel. For those such as myself who are not very well versed in this defining event in American history, The Yankee Widow is accessible and historically well informed. It was also interesting to see significant historical figures crop up, such as George Washington. I did feel as though Miller offered an authentic account of this era and pinnacle event. Highlighting the battle experiences and war time atmosphere of this tension filled time within the context of a fiction narrative was workable. However, I struggled to maintain focus on this book from the beginning to the end, the whole book was very dry in my opinion and sadly I skimmed much of the unfolding tale. This book was clearly not for me!
Miller employs several narrators and multiple perspectives in The Yankee Widow. In theory, this should colour the novel, but I did find that my grip really slipped with the cast presented in The Yankee Widow. Caroline was highlighted as a strong female protagonist facing adversity, but I felt her story lacked spark. In the end, the tussle of emotions in romance stakes wasn’t enough to save this novel, despite the interesting historical backdrop. A very neat happy ever after is settled before the close of the novel, which should satisfy those who appreciate uncomplicated closures.
The Yankee Widow offers a glimpse back in time to a turning point in American history, highlighting a tale of war, duty, loyalty, love and resilience. The Yankee Widow wasn’t for me, but if you are a fan of American history, you may find this story of interest.
July 28, 2021
3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars. This novel is set in Gettysburg, PA in the time of the Civil War. It starts out with Jacob Hammond, a Yankee soldier, being seriously injured in a battle in Chancellorsville, VA. His wife, Caroline, comes to find him in Washington, D.C. among thousands of other injured soldiers. As the title implies, he does not survive and she ends up taking his body home in a coffin to be buried at their farm outside Gettysburg, PA. A Yankee officer, Rogan McBride, who helped her find Jacob in a hospital tent crosses her path again when he comes to the farm to store supplies before the battle at Gettysburg.
Much detail is given about the tragedies and horrors of the battle at Gettysburg as well as its impact on the community. During that battle, Rogan comes into direct contact with his oldest and best friend, Bridger Winslow, a Confederate officer. They had known each other from the time they both were at a military prep school outside Boston, MA. He and Bridger had known it was possible they might come face to face in battle but also knew they could never kill the other one in that situation. Bridger is gravely wounded and Rogan not only saves his life but rescues him from being taken as a prisoner of war. He takes him to the Hammond farm to be taken care of. I won't go any further in my summary of the plot to avoid spoiling it for others.
Other important characters in the novel besides Caroline are Enoch Flynn, the black man that Jacob's father had set free from slavery, and Jubee, a runaway slave who finds protection at the Hammond farm.
There is romance in the novel but it is not the main focus. I felt the author did a splendid job of portraying the tragedies of the war. Although there was a bit too much repetition at times, I enjoyed it very much. I am not a fan of the romance genre so was glad that this novel did not make that its primary focus.
Much detail is given about the tragedies and horrors of the battle at Gettysburg as well as its impact on the community. During that battle, Rogan comes into direct contact with his oldest and best friend, Bridger Winslow, a Confederate officer. They had known each other from the time they both were at a military prep school outside Boston, MA. He and Bridger had known it was possible they might come face to face in battle but also knew they could never kill the other one in that situation. Bridger is gravely wounded and Rogan not only saves his life but rescues him from being taken as a prisoner of war. He takes him to the Hammond farm to be taken care of. I won't go any further in my summary of the plot to avoid spoiling it for others.
Other important characters in the novel besides Caroline are Enoch Flynn, the black man that Jacob's father had set free from slavery, and Jubee, a runaway slave who finds protection at the Hammond farm.
There is romance in the novel but it is not the main focus. I felt the author did a splendid job of portraying the tragedies of the war. Although there was a bit too much repetition at times, I enjoyed it very much. I am not a fan of the romance genre so was glad that this novel did not make that its primary focus.
September 2, 2019
This storyline was so good! I’m not a big romance reader, but this story was really good. Caroline is newly widowed, her husband having succumbed to injuries during the Civil War. She is hardly back home to mourn his passing when the army shows up looking for some safety on her property. She can’t turn them away and is quickly putting all of her energy into save these hurt men. Two in particular catch her eye, but when she learns the truth about one of them- she is torn on what to do, what is right. Caroline just can’t understand how someone can fight to keep slaves and slavery and after confronting him, she gets an unexpected answer. Would she do the same thing he is, if she was in his shoes?
May 27, 2019
3.5 stars
After reading the first few chapters I was very excited. believing I was about to love this book. BUT, after a while I became irritated. My "pet peeve" (fillers, useless, meaningless words) appeared, and did not stop appearing! The book was inundated with my "pp" which greatly reduced my enjoyment of a, potentially, good novel. The character were terrific, nice romance, the period (civil war, my fave) great....and then the BUT. I wish editors would pay more attention to the annoying "fillers".
After reading the first few chapters I was very excited. believing I was about to love this book. BUT, after a while I became irritated. My "pet peeve" (fillers, useless, meaningless words) appeared, and did not stop appearing! The book was inundated with my "pp" which greatly reduced my enjoyment of a, potentially, good novel. The character were terrific, nice romance, the period (civil war, my fave) great....and then the BUT. I wish editors would pay more attention to the annoying "fillers".
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