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War of 1812 #1

My Dearest Enemy

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Struggling alone on the family farm, Abigail Tidwell knows exactly who to blame for her the Americans. If it weren’t for their part in the war, her father and brothers would be home rather than fighting abroad. But no amount of antipathy could have prepared her for the shocking sight of a wounded American soldier on her property, a man in dire need of her help. Grudgingly, Abigail tends to the soldier’s injuries and anticipates the satisfaction of turning him over to the authorities once he is healed. But fate has other plans. Captain Emmett Prescott remembers little of the ambush on his men by a group of Shawnee Indians and even less about how he arrived in the unfamiliar barn.

After being nursed back to health by beautiful, if reluctant, Abigail, Emmett would do anything to save the men he left behind—including forcibly enlisting Abigail’s help. Soon, Abigail finds herself caught between two countries at war. And as her attraction for Emmett grows, her conflicted heart engages in its own silent battle. But when she is accused of treason for her actions, her survival rests in the hands of the very man she once considered her enemy.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2018

49 people are currently reading
759 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Moore

43 books1,163 followers
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews581 followers
April 17, 2018
I didn't know much about the War of 1812 before I read this book, and I appreciated that it was able to show the history from perspectives of all sides- British, Canadian, and American. The plot was the main focus of the book- I felt like we were quickly introduced to the characters who quickly got the business of falling in love over with so the story could progress to more adventure and conflict. Because of that I felt like the emotions remained on the surface for me and I missed the connection and depth of feeling. The story is intense in parts with the battle and confrontations with a lieutenant with evil intentions. There are a lot of details that I enjoyed, such as Emmett and Abigail's interest in rocks and geology, Abigail's compassionate nature and skills as a doctor/healer, and the small group of soldiers that accompany them through the wilderness. Abigail's father was another favorite with his supportive and caring demeanor.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,503 reviews329 followers
April 18, 2018
Most of the books that I read that take place in 1812 take place in England or British Territories, so it was a pleasant surprise to read one that takes place during the war that involved the US, Britain, and Canada.

Jennifer Moore isn't one who skimps on research and it's apparently obvious that this book is no exception. There are unpleasant war details given, but they were a part of life then and really add to the ambiance of the book. It was fascinating to read about what some people may have gone through while others across the pond were concerning themselves with the Ton and society balls.

I enjoyed the cast of characters--Abigail is a healer, Emmett a soldier, and the band of soldiers that they travel with are great. I could have handled a little more romance, to balance out the heaviness of war, but overall, it was an interesting tale.

Content: moderate war-type violence; very mild romance

*I received a copy, which didn't influence my opinion*
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,307 reviews2,152 followers
August 16, 2018
I got bored. The War of 1812 is one of those really stupid conflicts that probably meant a lot to whoever made the declarations of causus belli and I'm sure it's important for some reason or other. But I kind of hate having it appear as the main conflict between the romantic couple being set up and I just can't take seriously the hate and disgust and epithets hurled to either side (by ignorant people, of course. All the right-thinking people are just tired of the conflict because they're moral and good).

I made it a half dozen chapters in and I can already see the major plot elements coming (including those mentioned in the cover copy) and it isn't helping that there's a monster case of instalove going on and that Abigail is, of course, a very modern-thinking/feeling woman with sensibilities right out modernity (oh how she wishes she could go to University!). Which isn't to say that wasn't a sentiment women had. It's just that it seems so, I dunno, expected? Like duh, she's smart and loves rocks and studies geology and learned medicine from her father (the sensible bits, not the icky leeches and bleeding things she'd have actually learned, mind) so of course she yearns for more education and now I'm boring myself.

In short (hah, too late for that), this all seems expected. Almost boiler plate. I'm going with two stars because the writing doesn't suck and some of the characters had potential.

A note about publishers This is another by Covenant, so I'm sorry to say that the eBook pricing is going to be ridiculous. Not that you really need another reason to give this book a skip, I suppose...
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,404 reviews121 followers
July 24, 2018
Abigail lives on the Canadian side of the British War. Her father and brothers are off fighting the war and she is alone except for a neighbor checking on her once a week. Finding a wounded almost dead soldier in her barn she wonders what to do. Turn him in to authorities or nurse him back to health. Since her father is a doctor he taught her doctoring skills and her conscience will not allow her to leave a human being to suffer. This soldier is an American and because of them her father and brothers are off fighting this terrible war. The soldier is her enemy, right? Is the enemy always wrong and the bad guy? Lives become entangled and she and her soldier see each other for compassionate souls rather than enemies now. I did enjoy how the author gave us a look inside the couple's minds as we could see them as decent humans with worries,insecurities,passions for life rather than sparring enemies. It was interesting reading about the other side of the coin in this book.
Read this and more of my reviews on my blog
https://cnnamongirl.wixsite.com/website
Pub Date 02 Apr 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kelly.
712 reviews60 followers
April 17, 2018
Abigail is from Canada and on the British side of the War. When she finds a wounded soldier in her barn, she wars in her head of what to do with him. He is barely alive. She chooses the healing part of her (her father is a surgeon and taught her much) to help. She will stitch him up, recover him and then turn him over to the British. So she tells herself. But she doesn’t and she even protects him. So when this soldier; Captain Emmett Prescott, is mending, his men find him and recruit Abigail to doctor one of the other men in his small patrol on American soil. She willingly goes because that is where she is needed. She has a strong desire to help and feel needed. She learns more about these men and grows to care for them all despite them being American. Abigail is strong, independant and is not lonely anymore waiting for her Doctor father and Military brother to return home. She even grows to love Emmett and he grows to love her as well.

But in every story there is a twist or an evil villain. This one is an American Lieutenant. And he is quite vile! The small ragtag patrol of Americans is caught. Eventually all but Emmett the higher ranking officer is left imprisoned. The rest of the bunch watch out for him from afar. Abigail also watches afar as she is helping her father with patients where Emmett is held. Then later at another Fort where her brother is senior officer. This vile Lieutenant watches and notices the exchanges between them and decides to make them both suffer. He is really evil. He does cruel things to other prisoners and plays awful pranks on Emmett. Thank goodness, good prevails in the end.

I love how this story is not only on romance but shows how we each need to feel important or useful and not just loved.

I love these quotes, the first is while Abigail is tending to the sick. The second needs no explaination....


The next moments were extremely unpleasant for all involved as Lieutenant Devon expelled the contents of his stomach with violent force. After each spasm passed, he would collapse onto the bunk, trembling.
Emmett felt extremely sorry for the young man.
Abigail rubbed the Lieutenant's arm and spoke to him softly, occasionally brushing back a damp lock of hair or wiping his mouth with a cloth.
And Emmett felt a bit less sorry for him.



Emmett brushed away more tears. "Fear of the unknown is the most frightening. It leaves a person feeling powerless. Terrified.".....
"Nothing frightens me more than losing you."

Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews240 followers
June 9, 2018
I just realized I didn't ever come back and write a review for this book. I'm not going to do anything grand or ramble on like normal. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed this book and the characters. It's a book about war and enemies. Well, the other side, the opposing force. Are they really bad and evil? At least the different individuals fighting on both sides. I really liked how the author portrayed the conflict of friend/enemy within this book, especially as it pertained to war time.

There's a sweet and clean romance throughout that I enjoyed. I liked the suspense throughout as well as the cleverness of the characters. Another great read by a favorite author. When I saw that she had another book coming out I was pretty excited. A little bummed because I knew it would probably be a while before I could read it. Then, guess what? It was added onto Deseret Bookshelf, where I can listen and read books through a subscription. I was super excited! So I enjoyed listening to it while I was outside working in my yard one day. It was a pretty fast and enjoyable read.

Content: Clean. Time of war and suspense. There is a battle scene and talk about the Indians scalping people. Some kissing but not sexual content.

I listened to an audiobook on Deseret Bookshelf.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews206 followers
April 20, 2018
I love a strong female lead character who is able to accomplish more than is expected of her by society. Abigail Tidwell is that type of a character. She is a woman who knows how to heal, loves rocks and minerals, and does the right thing, even when it may not be what others think is right. (Clear as mud?)

This book took a look at history that I don't normally read about. It is the War of 1812. The United States and Britain are at war, and Canada is part of the British Empire. Abigail is Canadian. She blames her troubles on the Americans, but circumstances change everything for her. Because of her kind heart and healing abilities, she ends up helping the hated enemy and finds that maybe it's not the people that she hates.

The characters are great. I love the group of men she ends up helping and traveling with. They are loyal and came alive to me.

This book contains some romance and war violence. I would consider it a clean book.

Source: I received a copy from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
April 20, 2018
3.5 stars, rounding up

I really don't know too much about the War of 1812. I can't remember the school history lesson of so long ago but after reading this book, I have the urge to read more about it. Jennifer Moore has written a book that painted vivid images in my mind and clearly she has done her history homework because everything felt so sturdy and real. I love when historical fiction feels rich and makes me want to know more about whatever I am reading.

This book was more plot driven than character driven, which left me wanting more of an emotional connection but I did enjoy the story. I loved Emmett and his group of trusted allies who were a vital and ongoing part of the story. They helped give the book a feeling of trust and family- nobody is left behind.

Content: violence associated with war, some kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 44 books590 followers
April 19, 2018
I was so excited to see that Jennifer Moore had a new book coming out. I love her stories! This one was a little different than her others, but every bit as good.

Abigail Tidwell is working the family farm herself while her father and brother are away fighting the war. Her father is a doctor and has passed along his knowledge to Abigail, but she doesn't get many chances to use her skills---until a wounded American soldier ends up in her barn. Abigail works hard to heal him, but is soon drawn into a web of intrigue that causes her to question everything she thought she knew about the war and the men fighting it. Loyalties are tested and Abigail must make a choice that could cost her everything.

I loved this book and could hardly put it down. Abigail is such a relatable character, with her unique skills as a doctor drawing her into a set of circumstances that tests her resolve and her heart. I love the way she connected with Emmett, the American captain who is so swoon-worthy! Emmett is so well-rounded, with family issues, worry over his men, and what to do about the compassionate woman doctor who occupies all his thoughts. He was so easy to love. When circumstances between them become dangerous because of Emmett being an "enemy" I loved how the author kept the tension tight. The secondary cast added a lot of depth and the setting was phenomenal (it was Canada, and since I'm Canadian, I loved that even more!) I could hardly wait to see how it all ends. My only complaint was that it was over too soon. The story was just that good. It will definitely go on my keeper shelf!

Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,538 reviews267 followers
April 5, 2018
I really enjoyed this little story. It's a bit longer then a novella. It takes place in America as they are trying to gain there independence from Britain. It was a great setting. It was a sweet romance that changed into a good overall story to read. It could have been a little more developed. This is very clean with talk of war and killing and scalping.
Profile Image for Bev Walkling.
1,445 reviews50 followers
July 15, 2018
I was very pleased to receive an e-copy of this from #NetGalley to read and review. The opinions expressed are all my own.

I have read many books that have been written about war, but not so many written about the War of 1812 and particularly focusing on a character who lives in Canada.

Abigail Tidwell is living alone while her father and brother are off at war. She has animals to care for, a house to keep and a neighbour who drops in to check on her every so often. She is known as a healer and midwife who has learned much from time spent with her doctor father. Abigail has no fondness for any Americans as they are responsable for the fighting going on so close to home One morning she discovers a badly wounded American officer in her barn and although she fears him (and ties him up) she cares for his wounds and gradually gets to know him and respect him.When his fellow soldiers arrive on scene, Abigail faces choices that she never dreamed she would have to make. She is not your typical woman of the time but has a huge amount of inner strength and a strong sense of what is right. This leads her to head out where her skills are needed the most - among the wounded. Along the way she learns that not all on her side are honourable and trustworthy and not all Americans are enemies.

I was drawn into this story from the very beginning.I'm a retired nurse and perhaps that made it easier for me to identify with Abigail. I liked her character. She was quirky. She loved things that were not in that time considered to be of great interest to women and cared little for superficial things. When she met Captain Emmett Prescott, I liked him too though at times he needed to try harder to understand where Abigail was coming from. It was fun to watch their relationship progress throughout the book

Clearly the author spent a lot of time researching the time period and I was impressed with how much history made it's way into the story. This was a book that made me start googling to learn more and check out information for myself. Many books that I read growing up would not be considered politically correct by today's standard. This book featured tales of Indians scalping soldiers and that was what I ended up searching out online. I was interested to find out that during the War of 1812 both armies and Indians resorted to the practice of scalping. Apparently it first started when an American scalped an Indian and the Indians (I am using that term as that was what would have been used at that time) in retaliation scalped some soldiers in return. The idea of scalping was so horrifying that it had a big impact on the morale of the soldiers and was used as a tool of warfare in that respect.

Yes this book is a romance but even if you aren't a fan of romances, this book has so much more to offer - especially if you love history. I look forward to more books by this author that focus on the war of 1812.
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 86 books459 followers
April 16, 2018
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Struggling alone on the family farm, Abigail Tidwell knows exactly who to blame for her hardships: the Americans. If it weren’t for their part in the war, her father and brothers would be home rather than fighting abroad. But no amount of antipathy could have prepared her for the shocking sight of a wounded American soldier on her property, a man in dire need of her help. Grudgingly, Abigail tends to the soldier’s injuries and anticipates the satisfaction of turning him over to the authorities once he is healed. But fate has other plans. Captain Emmett Prescott remembers little of the ambush on his men by a group of Shawnee Indians and even less about how he arrived in the unfamiliar barn.

After being nursed back to health by beautiful, if reluctant, Abigail, Emmett would do anything to save the men he left behind—including forcibly enlisting Abigail’s help. Soon, Abigail finds herself caught between two countries at war. And as her attraction for Emmett grows, her conflicted heart engages in its own silent battle. But when she is accused of treason for her actions, her survival rests in the hands of the very man she once considered her enemy.

MY TAKE
I really enjoyed the story and loved the romance between Emmett and Abigail. I especially loved how his men supported and protected him (and thereafter Abigail) and vice versa. The only criticism I have with the story is that, in some ways, it didn't feel finished. There were some people I wanted to hear about (both family members and bad guys) at the end and was disappointed that we did not.

4 1/2 stars
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,083 reviews130 followers
June 11, 2018
In her novel My Dearest Enemy, author Jennifer Moore brings to life an excellent story that takes place during the war of 1812. Moore does an excellent job of research and bringing to life the battles, places, and characters in this epic story. My Dearest Enemy is a historical enriching and thrilling book that readers will absolutely enjoy! Readers will love the unexpected strength of a young women healer, Abigail Tidwell, who does more and is better at her job than males expect of her for this time period. Abigail is a strong and accomplished woman that readers will thoroughly love and enjoy. Readers will not want to miss out on this exciting and delightful historical romance from Moore.

Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: April 2, 2018
Number of pages: 231

A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
267 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I'm so used to Regency era that it so a nice change to read about something on the North American continent. It gave me a different feel for what was going on during that time period. I love to see how what is socially acceptable in society has changed over the many years, both for better and for worse. The characters are amazing as is the storyline. In a way I feel like the story could be continued which is fun to speculate but I was happy with the ending. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical romance, although it does touch on some of the unpleastantries of war so it may not be good for some.
Profile Image for Ariell.
362 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2018
I don't think I have ever read a book set during the war of 1812. I learned a few things and gained an interest in learning more about it. I really liked the characters. It seemed to me that the MCs fell in love really fast.
The MC is a doctor so part of the story involves her caring for battle wounds.
Profile Image for Tori (Book Chick).
842 reviews51 followers
April 5, 2018
I think this may have been my first book to read based during the War of 1812. I loved the history- Jennifer Moore never skimps on her research. Even though it wasn't a long book, all the characters were really well developed and the story felt complete. I admired Abigail's bravery and loved the love story. :)
Profile Image for Mara.
1,464 reviews111 followers
July 31, 2018
4.5 stars for this latest book by one of my favorite authors. I love the cover and I wanted to read it since it's by Jennifer Moore. Sad to say I don't remember anything about the war of 1812 (high school American History was 44 long years ago), so I had to look up a map to see where the story was taking place.

Abigail Tidwell is solely responsible for taking care of her family's farm in Canada since her father and brother are away because of the war. She blames the Americans for her loneliness, and adversity. so imagine her surprise (and possible horror) to find one of the enemy lying badly wounded in her barn. American Army Captain Emmett Prescott doesn't remember much of the Indian attack upon his small group of men or how he came to be in Abigail's barn, but he knows he needs to get back to his men. Emmett gets Abigail to return with him to help one of his severely injured men, and as they spend time together on the journey there and at their makeshift campsite she finds herself attracted to the handsome Captain, even though he's the enemy.

Is it traitorous to have feelings for someone on the opposing side? How much can you do to help someone who's in need before you're considered a traitor to your country? Just because someone is considered the enemy does it make it wrong to help them?

Abigail is a strong female character for this time. "It seemed once her mind was made up, Abigail was the sort of person who did not alter her course." She's practically a doctor and is in to geology, which was really uncommon for women in the early 1800's. She may have blamed the Americans for her family being away but when she found Emmett badly wounded she didn't hesitate to help him by cleaning and stitching up his wounds, and feeding him. She also went with Emmett to help Barney's brother Luke, who was gravely ill because of a wound he sustained in the Indian attack.

I loved how Abigail helped Luke because Barney "asked politely". She helped others out of kindness even if there were her "enemy". I also liked Emmett and his small band of soldiers who took care of each other like family. You can tell Jennifer Moore does her research from all the details in the book describing the battles and the town.

Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the opportunity to read and review this book.
1,247 reviews23 followers
April 17, 2018
Loved every minute. The strong willed Abigail and the loyal emmitt.
Favorite quote: “Let a persons character be the indicator of a true enemy not the color of their coat”
Americans verses the British and Indians

One woman’s struggle to practice medicine and find her calling while trying to be true to herself and her country.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,944 reviews70 followers
April 17, 2018
I loved this book! It’s set during the War of 1812. The author did a fabulous job of painting the sights and sounds of the war.

Our heroine, Abigail, finds herself alone due to the war. But there’s something wrong, someone has entered her barn. What she finds there is terrifying, an enemy soldier. He’s unconscious and bleeding. Her father is a doctor and she’s been around enough wounds to know what to do. But she knows if he wakes up, she’s in danger. I love what she does next. She ties him up in way that he can’t escape or really even move, before taking care of his wounds so that there’s no way he can hurt her. I really loved watching the way she grows throughout the book. At the beginning, Emmett is the enemy. She doesn’t really want to help him, but does because she can’t stand the thought of not helping. But as she gets to know Emmett and his men that she helps, she begins to care what happens to them. She works very hard to take care of them, protect them and she even risks her own life at one point.

I liked Emmett too. I loved the way he always wants to protect Abigail, especially from the vile man that has him in his sights. But he was a little bit clueless about what she really needs in her life. I think that’s how we all are just a little bit. We see what we want to see, not necessarily what is truly there. But I loved that Emmett had a chance – and took it – to make up for this.

The plot of this one is full of adventure. There’s war battles, fires, daring escapes, and of course, romance. I loved the whole book!
Profile Image for Taffy.
983 reviews62 followers
February 28, 2018
Opening line:

""Blast the United States of America," Abigail Tidewell spoke in a loud voice, feeling very self-satisfied at the echo the words produced in the empty woodbox."

I always learn a history lesson or two from Jennifer Moore. I had no idea how far north American armies ventured in the war of 1812.
I enjoyed the two main characters, Abigail and Emmet, as well as the secondary characters. They were very well written and came to life on the page. The romance was slow and sweet and just right. The tension in the romance, the war, the enemies kept the story well-paced and flowing well. This may be one of my favorites of Ms. Moore.
162 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2018
Omg !!!! such a beautiful story set against the backdrop of the war of 1812...I dont know anything about this war but in her novel My Dearest Enemy, author Jennifer Moore has given us an insight of this war, by her brilliant & hopefully acurate research ...she brings to life an excellent story that takes place during the war ...the fresh thing i noted was this book puts light on history from perspectives of all sides- British, Canadian, and American.

The start itself was so mind blowing ,i got hooked onto from the 1st chapter itself....Abigail is a healer from Canada and on the British side of the War. When she finds a wounded soldier in her barn who is barely alive,,, she treats & heals him despite being at odds with the side he is fighting on...Captain Emmett Prescott is a strong leader with solid integrity and plenty of courage,he is charming, funny, and logical.Emmett is mending, his men find him and recruit Abigail to doctor one of the other men in his small patrol on American soil.

All the characters have been well ingrained in the book ...a particular detail i loved in the story was Emmett and Abigail's interest in rocks and geology... Abigail's character is compassionate nature , incredibly strong,independent and intelligent, She has a strong desire to help and feel needed. She learns more about these men and grows to care for them all despite them being American. She even grows to love Emmett and he grows to love her as well.

This is the 1st book by Jennifer that i have read . am glad to say it was a total delight ... The hardships, struggle faced by people because of war.climate in those times was phenomenal... can't even imagine the difficulties , turbulent times,undue situations dealt by the people of that ....Jennifer had very well presented her book taking into regard all the research & beautifully incorporated with the story ... pls do read the book its a sweet , engrossing book .... i highly recommend it
162 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2018
Omg !!!! such a beautiful story set against the backdrop of the war of 1812...I dont know anything about this war but in her novel My Dearest Enemy, author Jennifer Moore has given us an insight of this war, by her brilliant & hopefully acurate research ...she brings to life an excellent story that takes place during the war ...the fresh thing i noted was this book puts light on history from perspectives of all sides- British, Canadian, and American.

The start itself was so mind blowing ,i got hooked onto from the 1st chapter itself....Abigail is a healer from Canada and on the British side of the War. When she finds a wounded soldier in her barn who is barely alive,,, she treats & heals him despite being at odds with the side he is fighting on...Captain Emmett Prescott is a strong leader with solid integrity and plenty of courage,he is charming, funny, and logical.Emmett is mending, his men find him and recruit Abigail to doctor one of the other men in his small patrol on American soil.

All the characters have been well ingrained in the book ...a particular detail i loved in the story was Emmett and Abigail's interest in rocks and geology... Abigail's character is compassionate nature , incredibly strong,independent and intelligent, She has a strong desire to help and feel needed. She learns more about these men and grows to care for them all despite them being American. She even grows to love Emmett and he grows to love her as well.

This is the 1st book by Jennifer that i have read . am glad to say it was a total delight ... The hardships, struggle faced by people because of war.climate in those times was phenomenal... can't even imagine the difficulties , turbulent times,undue situations dealt by the people of that ....Jennifer had very well presented her book taking into regard all the research & beautifully incorporated with the story ... pls do read the book its a sweet , engrossing book .... i highly recommend it




Profile Image for Charissa.
Author 19 books81 followers
April 12, 2018
This book is absolutely decadent! I would definitely read it again. The characters are Abigail and Emmett. One is a British citizen living in the Canadian frontier. The other is an American soldier, fighting the British. They are enemies. Abigail finds a wounded Emmett in her barn while her father and brother are off fighting and doctoring for the English. She is running the farm alone. Knowing how to suture wounds and other medical procedures from her doctor dad, she helps the cursed American, but also ties his hands apart so he cannot pull any funny business with her. But when the tables turn and Abigail becomes Emmett’s prisoner instead, she is surprised to find her heart falling for the kind, compassionate, and good leader…even though he is her avowed enemy.

This book was a treasure to read, just like the pretty, unique rocks that Emmett and Abigail both loved for their geological qualities. The qualities it had were great character depth, a cold, snowy setting in Canada that I could feel clear to my bones. Shiver. It had great plot twists, intriguing historical facts and scenes, a despicable villain, and my favorite...romantic tension. I loved it so much I inhaled it in two days.

This is set after the Revolutionary war when England fought with the Indians against the Americans in the early 1800s (Since I'm not a historian, you'll have to be content with my lame description.) The side characters are phenomenal. Jasper, Luke, Murphy, Barney, Abigail’s father and brother. They added lots of dimension and reality to the plot, and fleshed out the MCs. Overall, this is a great historical piece of romantic fiction about a little known time and place in the American story that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Amy.
685 reviews41 followers
July 7, 2018
Wow!!! Seriously this might just be my favorite from Jennifer Moore! Which is saying a lot because I loved Lockwood & the Hyde Park novella. Ok, first of all I will admit I’m super picky about American historical novels. I’m super biased I know, I’m English and I’ll choose something set in my motherland anyday. Yet, some authors are starting to change my mind. Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears, Pam Hillman and without a doubt, Jody Hedlund. In fact if you have read any of Jody’s series set in Michigan you will love this book from Moore. Jody’s book set on Mackinac Island, which covers this same war (1812) then you should not, and I mean SHOULD NOT miss, this captivating read ‘My Dearest Enemy’. I seriously could not put this down. The author skillfully engages the reader right from the first few chapters. I felt 100% drawn into the lives of Emmett & Abigail, the specific roles they play - both in the development of their personal relationship - but also into the situations they encounter. The life saving efforts that Abigail plays a major role in. The group under Captain Pickett’s command will quickly endear themselves to you. The side story with the rocks and minerals was unique and a fun way to connect two people.

This book had me both hooked and emotionally invested.

Thanks to Netgalley & Covenant for the eARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Hillary.
417 reviews8 followers
January 9, 2021
Sometimes you just need to reread a good book. It had been a couple of years since I read My Dearest Enemy by Jennifer Moore and it was even better than I remembered! There’s a concept in writing that basically says to raise the stakes in your book and to create tension, you chase your characters up a tree and set the tree on fire. Moore effectively accomplishes this with her delightful main characters and one incredibly heinous villain.

When Abigail finds an injured enemy soldier in her barn, she decides to save his life instead of reporting him to the authorities. As he starts to heal, Emmett, explains that another soldier from his unit needs her help. Abigail agrees to go with him, catapulting them both into an adventure where their lives and hearts are on the line.

I love how Moore brings moments in history to life. Through vivid details and unique characters, she tells a compelling story that leaves an impression. I enjoyed how she wove in the interests of both Abigail and Emmett (geology), adding depth to these lovable characters and making them even more memorable. My one caution is that this book does contain some detailed battle scenes. However, these moments add to the tone and help establish the struggles of the time period.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,822 reviews39 followers
June 30, 2018
Romance, clean; period
This was probably my favorite of all of J.M.'s books I have read. I loved the period war setting, and the characters were likeable and real. Not totally sure of the historical accuracy of all of the medical things, I confess I am not sure about that, hopefully the author researched it. That being said, this was a lovely read. Tension, drama, life and death, and in the course of it all Abigail and Emmett manage to fall deeply in love. Loved the rocks and how they helped the story along. A beautiful, period love story with some great secondary supporting characters.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
171 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2019
I know I will love any Jennifer Moore book! They always take me to a new place in history, and often places I’ve never been such as the War of 1812.

I didn’t realize all the sides that followed the British army in this was and I learned how Canada and some Native Americans helped them in this book.

Abigail hates Americans and especially American soldiers. But when one turns up injured and unresponsive in her barn she will do everything to save his life because she is such a good person.

I loved Abigail and as a nurse I especially loved her medical knowledge and how she treated each of her patients.

I wouldn’t mind finding an injured Emmett in my barn to take care of. I loved him.

Clean romance.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,530 reviews108 followers
April 14, 2018
I always enjoy Jennifer Moore's gentle historical romances and this one is no exception. Like the author's other books, it's quick, clean, and contains more depth than typical novels in this genre. The plot's predictable, but that's to be expected. It didn't really bother me. The characters are sympathetic and likable, although they're not super original or memorable. Prose-wise, this one's more tell than show. Still, I found the story engaging and appreciated its hopeful tone and easy readability.
Profile Image for Paula Bothwell.
1,622 reviews44 followers
November 15, 2018
My Dearest Enemy - PG
Violence: war, general details
Language: nothing offensive
Sex: no sex, but there were some swoontastic kisses

Whoa, but I love me a strong female lead! Our heroine is amazing and such a kind, loving person. Her perfect match is our Hero and one of the forces that keeps them apart is absolutely terrible. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Lisa.
280 reviews
July 4, 2018
Jennifer Moore is one of my favorite authors, and I am so glad she continues to write. I love the setting of her books, so different from tea parties and balls with fancy dresses and all the dancing. Another great read.
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