Above and Beyond

Military Heroes Through History #2

by Jessica James

An Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller in Christian Historical Fiction

Another timeless novel about commitment, honor and faith from Jessica James, winner of the coveted John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction. This novel was a Finalist in the 2013 USA BEST BOOK AWARD contest.

A raging war
An unexpected love
A selfless sacrifice
Above and Beyond is a romantic tale of two people thrown together by war, and torn apart by Destiny.

Confederate spy Sarah Duvall risks all to help cavalry officer Douglas Benton escape a trap set by the Yankees. Will his love be enough to bring her back? Or will a promise he made keep them apart forever?

Suitable for mid-teens and up.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Civil War, Historical Romance, War, Christian

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2013

About the author

Jessica James is an award-winning author of suspense, historical fiction, Christian fiction, and military fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day.

She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.

Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

When not writing, Jessica James can be found on the back roads of the country, finding new historic sites to blog about on www.PastLaneTravels.com.

Her new novel, The Monarch Alliance, is a dual-era mystery that takes place at a real hotel in the Hudson Valley. It releases in April of 2026.

James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and NINC.

AWARDS:
2020 John Esten Cooke Award
2020 Finalist HOLT Medallion Award
2020 Finalist Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award
2019 Finalist Indie Excellence Award
2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2018 Silver Falchion Award Finalist in Suspense
2017 Rone Award for Best Cover (Deadline)
2017 IndieBRAG Medallion Winner
2016 Gold Metal Military Writers Society of America
2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Bronze Winner Romance – Suspense
2016 Finalist for BOOK OF THE YEAR in Foreword Magazine’s IndieFab contest
2015 NJRW Golden Leaf Award
2014 Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Award Finalist
2014 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2014 Reader’s Crown Award Finalist
2014 Next Generation Indie Award Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2013 USA “Best Books 2013” Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2012 Bronze winner Foreword Magazine Book of the Year in Romance
2011 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2011 USA "Best Books 2011" Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Award for Best Regional Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Romance
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
2010 Military Writers Society Award in Historical Fiction
2009 HOLT Medallion Finalist for Best Southern Theme
2008 Indie Next Generation Award for Best Regional Fiction
2008 Indie Next Generation Finalist for Best Historical Fiction

Reviews

[Virginia Campbell]

An author who truly has the gift to place the reader right in the time and setting in which her stories take place, Jessica James offers a beautifully poignant love story in "Above and Beyond: A Novel of the Civil War". Young widow Sarah Duvall is reviled in her Virginia homeland for having married a Union officer. Her own brother considers her to be a traitor. She is known to support the Union cause, but what is known to only a few is that she secretly spies for the Confederacy. Stalwart Colonel of the Confederate Army Douglas Benton is a peerless commander of men who is equally adept at commanding the attention of the females he encounters. Only the beautiful widow Duvall is resistant to his charm. When Colonel Benton discovers that Sarah is actually the valuable informant, "Sid", he balks at working with a woman. Orders are orders, however, and Benton is resigned to his duty. As his admiration for Sarah grows, so does his desire to gain her favor. Sarah is aware of his reputation, and his overbearing, yet gentlemanly manner, and she finds him to be a puzzle. A deepening mutual regard between Douglas and Sarah must be kept at bay due to the intensity of the complex and dangerous situations caused by the War Between the States. Sarah's abiding faith, boundless courage, and great sacrifices have a life-changing effect on Douglas. When all that he holds so dear appears to be lost, will a new-found faith and an awaiting love guide him through his darkest days? Jessica James is a gifted storyteller whose extensive research and love of subject infuse her writing with a vivid authenticity. A highly-recommended author whose work resides on my keeper shelf.

Book Copy Gratis Author

[Danielle Thorne]

Civil War romance is a new genre for me, and I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as the author was new to me as well. With strong characters and a heart-jerking plot, *Above and Beyond* is a wonderful and well-researched tender romance with beautiful scenery and depth. I wasn't expecting it to read like an epic romance, but it did, taking me up high and dropping me low as I read on to see how things would work out. It definitely drew me into its historical world and often made me stop to think--which I love. I like to highlight thoughtful phrases and special images--which I did. It was no problem starting in the middle of the series, and because of the great writing and story in this book, I'm going to be picking up book one. I do so appreciate a well-written, sweet and tasteful romance. This one is super.

[Betty]

I received this book as a free download from the author and enjoyed it so much that now I must go back and read the first one of the series. The period is the Civil War and the heroes are Southerners, an officer and a seemingly private citizen Northern sympathizer who is actually a spy for the Confederate army.I found myself rooting for them until I had an Oops! moment and remembered I'm a Northener and had ancestors who fought for the North. But that tells you that the characters and the narrative were so believable that it was easy to lose myself in the story. That's my criteria for a good book.

[Sarah]

Like this author’s other work I’ve read, she still knows how to tell a dramatic and emotional tale. The reader is sucked in despite the pitfalls and down sides to the book. I zoomed through inside 24 hours, even despite being at work for 9 hours of the day; it was that engrossing.

The author keeps her skills at historical setting and details sharp. The harshness of battle and its effects see thorough exploration, not being softened for her readers. The tension of a territory constantly changing hands during such a harsh war comes through clearly. Sarah’s situation being caught between two sides makes the reader empathize with her and her struggle.

As I mentioned, the emotional draw for this novel doesn’t let up. Despite some other drawbacks interwoven with this aspect of the book, I still found myself crying, smiling, and feeling rage at all the appropriate places. The author has a real talent for drawing her readers into the story and never letting them go. Not every writer can do this. Ms. James has a special talent at it.

Now for those drawbacks… First off are our two main leads. They’re likable enough so that I can relate to them and be invested in their relationship (see emotional draw paragraph above). However, they are far too perfect. Constantly described as such, the reader is hit by a 2x4 in how many times this point is stressed. Brave, strong, gorgeous, pure, dignified, angelic… I mean, really?! Nobody is this perfect. And the point is driven home at least every other page…

I also felt the ending was drawn out far too long. We had the fantastic, suspenseful story going strong, like a runaway train on a downward grade. Climax hits, and the audience holds its breathe in anticipation of a great resolution. Then we get this book’s ending. The book drags its feet in giving us the closing scene, going from scene to scene expounding on how perfect our leads are and how they don’t feel like they deserve each other. It’s enough to make me grind my teeth in exasperation.

The book excels in setting and emotional draw, even despite the character and ending drawbacks. Yet, ending the book on such a note is a big bummer as that’s the closing the reader is left with. I was also glad to see these characters leave my reading experience. I might have loved their romance, but the people themselves would not have been people I’d like to know in real life. Read for the emotions if nothing else, though. Those are powerful and suspenseful enough.

[Loraine]

Jessica James just jumped herself right on to my favorite author's list. This new-to-me author grabbed my attention from page one and held it until the final word. It evoked every emotion possible from a reader. A mixture of grit, determination and respect provided unforgettable characters. Full of imagery, intrigue, intricate details and great historical research, the story line was wonderful. The quotes that introduced each chapter tantalized as they hinted at what might happen next.

Douglas Benton, a brilliant Civil War Confederate leader and tactician, was shell shocked when he learned that the spy who was handing them astonishing information on Union troop movements was none other than the genteel Sarah Duvall. She could dress like a man, ride like a man, and knew the territory better than most scouts. Both Douglas and Sarah fought their own battles. Douglas was proud, cocky, and dependent only on himself and no one else. Sarah, the widow of a Union soldier, supported her friends and neighbors and had a strong faith, but had to hide all but the faith in order to appear a Union sympathizer. The depth of these two characters was wonderfully portrayed. Their slowly developing relationship was done well without focusing on the romance to the detriment of the plot.

James definitely has the ability to draw the reader into the story and never letting to until the last period. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "..one can look respectful in church and still be breaking all the commandments."

"I believed it would be wise....to never accept idle gossip as the truth."

"Duty is not an option...it is an obligation."

"Everyone makes mistakes....Providence does not ask that you pay for them the rest of your life."

[Linda]

From the winner of the coveted John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction comes a sweeping tale of love and redemption. Above and Beyond is the romantic tale of two people thrown together by war and torn apart by Destiny. Confederate spy Sarah Duvall lives alone and reviled in her war-torn homeland of Virginia. Pretending to support the Union cause, her friends and family have no way of knowing she is secretly providing valuable information to the Rebels. Cavalry commander Douglas Benton would much rather flirt with a woman than work with one. When he discovers that the virtuous and devout Sarah Duvall is the spy who has been providing him with valuable intelligence, he fervently resists the arrangement. But Benton is forced to recognize that there is more to being a good soldier than leading a cavalry charge. When Sarah makes a selfless sacrifice, he learns a valuable lesson: That faith is more important than glory -- and love more important than life

[Jerry]

A Christian spy mystery that I almost didn't read

it was slow in the beginning and I had difficulty making myself read the first few chapters. Sarah Duvall was a spy but was she a union spy. She was a southerner who married a union soldier and the union soldiers visited her home often. Douglas Benton was a confederate officer. He was charming ,brave and handsome A ladies man who loved Sarah passionately but there was a war going on and Benton wanted to discredit Sarah. Although I skipped paragraphs ,stay with it and finally could finished it. I cried when Sarah was a prisoner of war and hanged. Benton is filled with remorse and seeks answers from God. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Anne-Marie Webster]

A wonderful story of courage, love, loss and sacrifice. Sarah, a southern widow and spy for the southern states keeps her status secret from all while appearing loyal to the Union, but actually garnering and conveying information to the Confederate army. Isolated even from family and neighbors she courageously carries out her mission in the midst of hostility and without support or acknowledgement. Major Benton, a Confederate officer, discovers to his chagrin, that his most valuable informant is a woman. Their eventual attraction, appreciation and admiration for the character and dedication of one another comes at great cost. A tale of sacrificial love for country and others--clean and compelling. Recommend

[CARMEN P. SELF]

Southern lady

Fell for heroine she was such an awesome woman who stood the test of a horrible time for the South and North soldiers it is a shame that America has allowed such biases concerning this time both sides did what they felt was their right to live as well as possible. I have never understood why the South is attacked for their monuments and flag as a Texan I believe everyone has a right to be proud of their history thanks for writing such a lovely story were love overcomes all things. Carmen

[Kirk]

Excellent Read

Author did exemplary job of developing powerful characters. The story line both engaged and uplifted making it an enjoyable read. I absolutely loved the way the two main, strong-willed characters spoke to each other. The reason for only 4 out of 5 stars is that the book went approximately 40 pages beyond the natural climax that I would have preferred to be the end.

[Sonja Abernathy]

Above and beyond

I began reading and enjoying this book and then was so disappointed at the turn the story took! At that point the author could have redeemed the storyline but made it worse by how stupid the 2 main characters had become. Very disappointed in the last chapters and if this was intended to show the grace of God it totally missed the target. I don't want to read anything else like this ever.

[Terri]

What an amazing story. Regardless which side of the Civil War you favor this is an emotional book about the sacrifices made by not only the men but also the women during that tragic time of our history. I had such respect for Sarah's character and the women she actually represented. As for Douglas Benton, he was a hero for sure and a man who found love amongst the tragedy.

I loved reading this book and highly recommend it.

[Beverly Clites]

War and love brought together in an unusual way.

War between the north and the south is hot and heavy. A young widow tied to both sides in an unusual way faces many trials as she tries to stay aloof to those she comes in contact with. You are quickly drawn into the conflict wondering which side her allegiance is really to. Will she ever be able to love again?

[Susan Garatino]

Courage in Adversity

Sarah Duvall faces the challenges of the Civil War with the utmost of courage and bravery. She spies on one side to help the other. She meets Colonel Benton, who at first cannot believe a woman capable of the intricate web she has woven. Admiration for her turns into love, but the war stand in their way.

[Cheryl Ellis]

Historical Fiction at it's best!

I usually don't like Historical Fiction, but enjoyed this story. Living in a historical town, I could see how this story could have really happened during the Civil War.

[Sylvia Joseph]

Beyond the grave

A touching story of love for your country, love of family place of birth, conflict that tears thru your love, those you love and how God has a hand to bring you through much turmoil.few words mid spelled but easy over looked. Great story of fortitude.

[Anniece Etheredge]

Wonderful read!

Excellently written story with strong characters ,especially Sarah and Benton. Adventure, suspense ,tears and of course romance. You will not want to put it down. Enjoy!

[Don Byrns]

I loved every minute of this book. Love history of the Civil War. Such a love story.

Waiting to read the next one. Couldn't possibly be any better than "Above and Beyond. I also rate it up there with "Gone with the wind".

[Jana]

This story was mesmerizing! I’ve always loved the Civil War period, so was immediately interested when I saw the book. It did not disappoint. The characters come alive as does their emotions and hardships.

[Ellen White]

Sarah married a union soldier, or which other soldiers visited their home often. The question was she also a spy, the author has written a tense, emotion filled story, of a love and of a duty for your country.

[Denise Troutman]

Excellent Writing!

This is a beautifully written story of love and loss during the Civil War. It is a love story, but experiences great difficulties in the midst of war and suffering. I enjoyed Jessica James.’s writing very much.

[Ashley]

I really liked the last Jessica James book I read, but this one was a little too similar in a not-as-good way. Still a fun read, but not as good as Noble Cause.

[Barb Wittwer]

Beauty in a aenseless war

This is a beautiful story of how trials can refine you into the f gold you are meant to become or turn your life into ashes when you ignore his tutoring.

[Kathleen Brunnett]

Another solid Civil War story from this author.

[Daisey]

Clean historical romance. Very well written, keeps moving forward.

[Andrea C. Kubacki]

Wonderful story

I really enjoyed this book. A quick read and lots of action. . .not hard to follow and not a soap opera . . . Worthy of the time spent.👍

[Judy]

gripping

In no time at all you are placed in the midst of the civil war. This is a book that is hard to put down, but at the same time do not want it to end. Very well written.

[Rita]

I enjoyed this up to the end. The ending seemed to come out of no where.

[Kathleen Mast]

Riveting

This was so well-written that it was hard to put down. The characters drew me in and the storyline captured my imagination. Excellent!

[Billie Rice]

Great book!

I want this to be a movie! A great love story! I couldn't stop reading it! I loved this book.