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In His Eyes
Her heart sought shelter. Her soul found home.
Ella Whitaker rescues a newborn from the dying arms of a woman of ill repute and at long last she has someone to love. In need of a wet nurse, she arrives at Belmont Plantation just as Federal soldiers demand to speak to the owner. Thinking quickly, Ella masquerades as a Yankee officer's widow in order to have a roof over her head and a home for the child.
Major Westley Remington has dedicated his life to serving his country. The Civil War has divided his family, torn his thoughts of glory, and left him with a wound that may never heal. Westley returns home on medical furlough to settle his father’s estate at Belmont Plantation, only to find his home is being run by a fiery and independent woman—one many believe to be his wife. Now he is faced with a conflict he’s never been trained to fight, and one she has yet to conquer.
Ella Whitaker rescues a newborn from the dying arms of a woman of ill repute and at long last she has someone to love. In need of a wet nurse, she arrives at Belmont Plantation just as Federal soldiers demand to speak to the owner. Thinking quickly, Ella masquerades as a Yankee officer's widow in order to have a roof over her head and a home for the child.
Major Westley Remington has dedicated his life to serving his country. The Civil War has divided his family, torn his thoughts of glory, and left him with a wound that may never heal. Westley returns home on medical furlough to settle his father’s estate at Belmont Plantation, only to find his home is being run by a fiery and independent woman—one many believe to be his wife. Now he is faced with a conflict he’s never been trained to fight, and one she has yet to conquer.
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First published May 5, 2017
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About the author
Stephenia H. McGee
30 books802 followersStephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
May 20, 2017
"My little dragon. Will we ever tame the fire on your tongue?" What an amazing romantic fire Stephenia H. McGee author of In His Eyes unravels before us. Ella Whitaker takes desperate and daring measures to insure a safe and secure life for herself and the newborn that she has saved from a life without love, but at what cost?
McGee has uniquely blended two lives, two stories in a very unusual and charming way. The style of writing had a wonderful crossover from character to character, building emotional bonds that continued to reveal the depth and the strength that each one possessed.
The story also presented the possibility of something a bit mysterious going on in the background with freedmen Sibby and Basil, as McGee quietly weaves events around this intense and passionate love story.
I must say, the way that God is portrayed in the Ella's life is quite fascinating, and written in an extraordinary fashion.
McGee has uniquely blended two lives, two stories in a very unusual and charming way. The style of writing had a wonderful crossover from character to character, building emotional bonds that continued to reveal the depth and the strength that each one possessed.
The story also presented the possibility of something a bit mysterious going on in the background with freedmen Sibby and Basil, as McGee quietly weaves events around this intense and passionate love story.
I must say, the way that God is portrayed in the Ella's life is quite fascinating, and written in an extraordinary fashion.
November 2, 2017
In His Eyes
The premise of this story really intrigued me: an orphaned, homeless young lady who is given a baby and seeks refuge in the home of an alleged-dead Union officer. But you all know me and romances. I’m not a huge, huge fan of romance. And this was more or less a romance. There were other elements in the story: a hint of smuggling, a hint of taxes and keeping a home, and a hint of learning life as a plantation woman of the house. If all of these had been more than a hint, I probably would have enjoyed the book much more. As it was, I really liked the first half—learning about Westley and Ella in their different lives and circumstances. When it got to the latter half, though, it was more of a full-fledged romance.
So this emphasis on romance… there was a lot of emphasis on physical attraction, feelings, and all of the things in a romance that I just don’t care to dwell on (even going into the bedroom). So if you love romance of that type, this book will be for you. If, however, you’re more sensitive to romance and beyond, you may want to pick another post-Civil War book. For me personally, those elements kind of dampened my rating a little.
The spiritual content was another lowered-rating element. At first, there were hints that this would be a strong spiritual themed book, as Ella began with seeking God’s direction then Westley was given a Bible to read and there was evidence that he didn’t trust the God his mother had. But it was more or less a book where the characters didn’t turn to God until something was beyond their control. Even then, there was a slightly different approach as Ella gleaned all of the help she needed from dreams—not from Scripture. I’m a little hesitant to endorse these because while the Bible portrays leadership by dreams, this was before we were given the entirety of Scripture to guide us. The danger would be when a dream would contradict Scripture. In this book, I didn’t notice any contradictions, but it was still odd to me.
I try to find good qualities of a book to present in my reviews, but this just wasn’t my type of book. I realize that it may be for someone else, and if you like what I mentioned above, you may enjoy this book.
The premise of this story really intrigued me: an orphaned, homeless young lady who is given a baby and seeks refuge in the home of an alleged-dead Union officer. But you all know me and romances. I’m not a huge, huge fan of romance. And this was more or less a romance. There were other elements in the story: a hint of smuggling, a hint of taxes and keeping a home, and a hint of learning life as a plantation woman of the house. If all of these had been more than a hint, I probably would have enjoyed the book much more. As it was, I really liked the first half—learning about Westley and Ella in their different lives and circumstances. When it got to the latter half, though, it was more of a full-fledged romance.
So this emphasis on romance… there was a lot of emphasis on physical attraction, feelings, and all of the things in a romance that I just don’t care to dwell on (even going into the bedroom). So if you love romance of that type, this book will be for you. If, however, you’re more sensitive to romance and beyond, you may want to pick another post-Civil War book. For me personally, those elements kind of dampened my rating a little.
The spiritual content was another lowered-rating element. At first, there were hints that this would be a strong spiritual themed book, as Ella began with seeking God’s direction then Westley was given a Bible to read and there was evidence that he didn’t trust the God his mother had. But it was more or less a book where the characters didn’t turn to God until something was beyond their control. Even then, there was a slightly different approach as Ella gleaned all of the help she needed from dreams—not from Scripture. I’m a little hesitant to endorse these because while the Bible portrays leadership by dreams, this was before we were given the entirety of Scripture to guide us. The danger would be when a dream would contradict Scripture. In this book, I didn’t notice any contradictions, but it was still odd to me.
I try to find good qualities of a book to present in my reviews, but this just wasn’t my type of book. I realize that it may be for someone else, and if you like what I mentioned above, you may enjoy this book.
October 23, 2025
This book transported me to the times it describes. When I read the last word, I had to take a deep breath and readjust to the real world because I thought I was somewhere else entirely! Powerful writing. Great heroine - fierce, intelligent and driven by a powerful sense of justice but not reckless. I could feel her fear, her vulnerability but most of all, her unwavering determination. I cheered for her to succeed from page one. Excellent prose. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2017
I was drawn into Ella & Westley's story from the very first chapter. From the very beginning to the very last page, the story never lost momentum. With dynamic, realistic characters and colorful descriptions, I was more than just reading a story on a page, I felt like I was participating in the story. I laughed, I cried, and loved every moment. I hated to see it come to an end.
Ella had a difficult, painful past and she struggled with feelings of inadequacy. She had to learn how God see's her, before she can learn to trust others. I think this is true for all of us. It is all to easy to let self-doubt cloud our vision and to forget who we are. We are His and we are loved.
Westley grew-up with loving, accepting parents. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood. He had always been the strong, independent type. The injury to his leg quickly reminds him that he's not quite as invincible as he thought. He must first learn to accept that he needs help, not just from his fellow-man but also from God.
I loved how this story seamlessly included the gentle reminders of God's love for us and the importance of our reliance upon Him, without coming across pushy or like you are reading a sermon. It's was ever so soft, just like a whisper.
*Visit my blog: http://www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com for my full review
(I received an ARC copy of this story from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Ella had a difficult, painful past and she struggled with feelings of inadequacy. She had to learn how God see's her, before she can learn to trust others. I think this is true for all of us. It is all to easy to let self-doubt cloud our vision and to forget who we are. We are His and we are loved.
Westley grew-up with loving, accepting parents. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood. He had always been the strong, independent type. The injury to his leg quickly reminds him that he's not quite as invincible as he thought. He must first learn to accept that he needs help, not just from his fellow-man but also from God.
I loved how this story seamlessly included the gentle reminders of God's love for us and the importance of our reliance upon Him, without coming across pushy or like you are reading a sermon. It's was ever so soft, just like a whisper.
*Visit my blog: http://www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com for my full review
(I received an ARC copy of this story from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
April 1, 2023
-I LOVE this book more than any other Civil War set book I have read and I would even go on to say it is one of THE BEST Christian Fiction books I have read period. And the reason is because of the messages of True Love with in these pages. Without giving anything away suffice it to say I believe EVERY single woman needs to read this book for the scenes of True Love portrayed within.
-I LOVE these characters! Real, relatable, and HIGHLY entertaining! <3
-This plot is SO unique and is what originally captured me, along with that GORGEOUS cover of coarse. Though while a cover catches my eye the book description either makes it or breaks it for and boy did this one MAKE IT!
-I LOVE how Stephenia writes, her way with words is a true gift. The pictures she weaves are beautiful and well expressed. And I also love and appreciate the way she writes about real raw topics, but in still such a clean Christian way.
-As a single Christian woman I can not say how much I LOVE this story with it's messages of True Love.
-This is a MUST read!
-Overall a FANTASTIC read that I Praise God for giving me to read. He truly led me to this story as it one day just popped up on my facebook feed, so I took a shot on this new to me author from an unknown to me publishing company and to God be the Glory that I did.
Isaiah 43:4
Song: Be Thou My Vision
-I LOVE these characters! Real, relatable, and HIGHLY entertaining! <3
-This plot is SO unique and is what originally captured me, along with that GORGEOUS cover of coarse. Though while a cover catches my eye the book description either makes it or breaks it for and boy did this one MAKE IT!
-I LOVE how Stephenia writes, her way with words is a true gift. The pictures she weaves are beautiful and well expressed. And I also love and appreciate the way she writes about real raw topics, but in still such a clean Christian way.
-As a single Christian woman I can not say how much I LOVE this story with it's messages of True Love.
-This is a MUST read!
-Overall a FANTASTIC read that I Praise God for giving me to read. He truly led me to this story as it one day just popped up on my facebook feed, so I took a shot on this new to me author from an unknown to me publishing company and to God be the Glory that I did.
Isaiah 43:4
Song: Be Thou My Vision
September 9, 2017
I began reading Stephenia McGee’s In His Eyes on my iPhone, meaning to only read a page or two. Three hours later I was still reading…on my iPhone! This book is that good. Ella Whitaker caught my attention and my heart. She showed such courage in taking the baby born to a dying woman to raise as her own when she had nothing, not even milk. Then when she played the part of Major Westley Remington’s wife, that sealed it. I had to see how the story ended.
If you enjoy independent, plucky heroines and honorable, courageous heroes, then In His Eyes if for you.
Merged review:
I began reading Stephenia McGee’s In His Eyes on my iPhone, meaning to only read a page or two. Three hours later I was still reading…on my iPhone! This book is that good. Ella Whitaker caught my attention and my heart. She showed such courage in taking the baby born to a dying woman to raise as her own when she had nothing, not even milk. Then when she played the part of Major Westley Remington’s wife, that sealed it. I had to see how the story ended.
If you enjoy independent, plucky heroines and honorable, courageous heroes, then In His Eyes if for you.
If you enjoy independent, plucky heroines and honorable, courageous heroes, then In His Eyes if for you.
Merged review:
I began reading Stephenia McGee’s In His Eyes on my iPhone, meaning to only read a page or two. Three hours later I was still reading…on my iPhone! This book is that good. Ella Whitaker caught my attention and my heart. She showed such courage in taking the baby born to a dying woman to raise as her own when she had nothing, not even milk. Then when she played the part of Major Westley Remington’s wife, that sealed it. I had to see how the story ended.
If you enjoy independent, plucky heroines and honorable, courageous heroes, then In His Eyes if for you.
April 8, 2021
This is the second novel I’ve read by Stephenia McGee. She is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors based on the fact that she is wonderful at weaving heartwarming stories with faith-based messages. “In His Eyes” is about a young lady (Ella) who rescues a newborn from a dying prostitute, then proceeds to set about on a journey to raise the child in a war-torn South all within the framework of an elaborate lie undertaken by her and a freed slave name Sibby. The different directions the story takes keep you turning the pages as Ella navigates the hostilities of the time, the condescension of the elite, and the problematic issue of taking on the false identity of widowed Union officer’s wife. Ultimately the story morphs into a love story that is neither forced nor contrived (even given the incredible ruse she is living). The pace of the love between her and the gallant Major Westley Remington is a slow burn that builds in a very realistic manner. All along you are pulling for them both in finding true happiness. With our Lord and Savior providing his divine guidance love does prevail. My favorite line comes near the middle. “I am yours, that is who I am.” I have not read a better line in a long, long time. I’ll leave it to future readers to understand its meaning and the powerful way in which it was delivered.
March 14, 2022
A barely existent plot weighed down by superfluous telling and an absence of any showing. Clunky. Honestly, I probably would have enjoyed this as a teen.
July 23, 2024
I read this book thanks to an Instagram post that caught my attention. It is not my typical read,
The Civil War era and the way everything came together with the MC being a union soldier, despite his lands being in the south and his father, having been a confederate sympathizer was an interesting lesson in history. I feel like the author played both angles of the war well (though I do wonder if she, herself, is from the south based on some of what the FMC said the cause of the war was)
It was a really really interesting plot; a fake widow and an orphaned son.
even though I consider myself a devout Christian, I don’t often read Christian novels, mainly because of the preachy aspect of them. This one certainly has its share though for anyone needing the reminder of Gods truth, this has it.
The Civil War era and the way everything came together with the MC being a union soldier, despite his lands being in the south and his father, having been a confederate sympathizer was an interesting lesson in history. I feel like the author played both angles of the war well (though I do wonder if she, herself, is from the south based on some of what the FMC said the cause of the war was)
It was a really really interesting plot; a fake widow and an orphaned son.
even though I consider myself a devout Christian, I don’t often read Christian novels, mainly because of the preachy aspect of them. This one certainly has its share though for anyone needing the reminder of Gods truth, this has it.
July 12, 2024
Leuk combi romantiek en een eigenwijs koppel die denken dat het niet zo is
January 22, 2018
I couldn’t resist the premise of this novel. I mean, what would you do if you returned home from war to find a woman you’ve never met before—with a baby, no less—running your home and pretending she’s your widow? I had to know how the story played out!
As it happens, there’s a lot more than that going on in this novel. Far from leaving the conflict behind, Westley is returning to his Southern home as the enemy—a Yankee soldier. Not only that, but his impostor wife has the support of his servants, who seem to have secrets of their own, and to top it all off, if he can’t pay his late father’s tax debt, he may lose everything. Is it any wonder he’s keen to return to active service as soon as he can convince his superiors his medical furlough isn’t necessary?
Westley and Ella don’t exactly hit it off in the beginning—after all, according to Ella, Westley is an insufferable Yank, and what else is Westley to assume except that Ella is an opportunistic woman of ill-repute—but the more they get to know each other, the more their initial assumptions change. I loved Ella’s strength and her passion, and I loved that Westley didn’t respond to her with knee-jerk reactions. I was always kept guessing as to how he was going to respond!
The one aspect I wasn’t all that keen on was the fact that Ella’s spiritual growth happened through dreams rather than through reading the Bible or being nurtured by other believers. I’m not saying God doesn’t speak to people in dreams, but I do think spiritual growth needs to be based on more than that, and I felt that was missing here.
Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
As it happens, there’s a lot more than that going on in this novel. Far from leaving the conflict behind, Westley is returning to his Southern home as the enemy—a Yankee soldier. Not only that, but his impostor wife has the support of his servants, who seem to have secrets of their own, and to top it all off, if he can’t pay his late father’s tax debt, he may lose everything. Is it any wonder he’s keen to return to active service as soon as he can convince his superiors his medical furlough isn’t necessary?
Westley and Ella don’t exactly hit it off in the beginning—after all, according to Ella, Westley is an insufferable Yank, and what else is Westley to assume except that Ella is an opportunistic woman of ill-repute—but the more they get to know each other, the more their initial assumptions change. I loved Ella’s strength and her passion, and I loved that Westley didn’t respond to her with knee-jerk reactions. I was always kept guessing as to how he was going to respond!
The one aspect I wasn’t all that keen on was the fact that Ella’s spiritual growth happened through dreams rather than through reading the Bible or being nurtured by other believers. I’m not saying God doesn’t speak to people in dreams, but I do think spiritual growth needs to be based on more than that, and I felt that was missing here.
Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 16, 2022
I actually bought the ebook of this one with some credits because I couldn't find it in the library system and I liked the premise. I also like Civil War stories and the big fancy house with a lady in a pretty dress in front. But probably a waste of credits. I'll probably delete it. I was looking for a love story to read around Valentines. This was listed as a Christian Historical Romance, but I'm not sure what to make of that after reading it. It does talk about God some and has some dreams with Jesus that I found really strange. It has more illusions to content I wouldn't expect and while there are no sex scenes, there is plenty of lusting so not sure if that is normal in this genre? In general it's written pretty lightly so it's a fast read, but not a particularly good one.
April 21, 2023
Author Stephenia H. McGee and I have something in common—we are both fascinated with hoop skirts and ball gowns, old architecture, and horse drawn carriages, among other things. I recently discovered her novel, In His Eyes, which is set in Mississippi following the Civil War, a time period that interests me because of the dresses, the big, fancy houses, and the beautiful horses.
In this novel, Ella Whitaker claims an orphaned newborn as her own and travels to Belmont Plantation to find a wet nurse just as Federal soldiers arrive and talk to the head servant, Sibby, the wet nurse. Ella claims to be the wife of the owner, and Sibby goes along with the ruse so that the soldiers will leave them in peace. Ella, a Southern gal who isn’t fond of Yankees who destroyed her home and stole from her family, is desperate for Sibby to feed the newborn and is surprised at her courage to confront these men of whom she fears. Sibby believes they can get away with this deception because she believes the owner of the property is dead.
Major Westley Remington III, however is alive, learning to walk again after being severely injured in battle. He owns Belmont plantation now that his parents died during the war. Major Remington’s home is in the South, but he fought on the Federal side, so he plans to return home long enough to settle accounts and sell the place. When he’s well enough to travel he heads home to do just that but encounters some neighbors who speak of his wife and newborn son. He plans to oust this woman immediately, but curiosity lets her stay.
While this is a love story of two unlikely people, it is also a story of working past wounds. Ella doesn’t think she will ever be loved, and Major Remington doesn’t intend to settle down but to continue his military career and squelch down the horrors of the war. All the secrets cause plenty of misunderstandings.
I also found it interesting to see how he was treated by his neighbors since he fought on the “wrong” side and was seen as a traitor.
Meanwhile the freed slaves are up to something that lands Ella into a heap of trouble while the Major is away. Both Ella and Westley seek to be loved, but Ella remembers who her true love is—Jesus—even while feeling unloved by Westley. While these scenes surprised me at first, they work well with the internal healing going on from the beginning.
Of course, there is a happy ending—I love happy endings—but it’s fun reading your way to the end to see how it all culminates.
Now, I need to visit Belmont Plantation someday since it really exists in Mississippi! I love reading novels set in real places, even though the characters are fictional. 😊 While I visit, I can imagine Ella and Westley walking the halls and Sibby being feisty.
In this novel, Ella Whitaker claims an orphaned newborn as her own and travels to Belmont Plantation to find a wet nurse just as Federal soldiers arrive and talk to the head servant, Sibby, the wet nurse. Ella claims to be the wife of the owner, and Sibby goes along with the ruse so that the soldiers will leave them in peace. Ella, a Southern gal who isn’t fond of Yankees who destroyed her home and stole from her family, is desperate for Sibby to feed the newborn and is surprised at her courage to confront these men of whom she fears. Sibby believes they can get away with this deception because she believes the owner of the property is dead.
Major Westley Remington III, however is alive, learning to walk again after being severely injured in battle. He owns Belmont plantation now that his parents died during the war. Major Remington’s home is in the South, but he fought on the Federal side, so he plans to return home long enough to settle accounts and sell the place. When he’s well enough to travel he heads home to do just that but encounters some neighbors who speak of his wife and newborn son. He plans to oust this woman immediately, but curiosity lets her stay.
While this is a love story of two unlikely people, it is also a story of working past wounds. Ella doesn’t think she will ever be loved, and Major Remington doesn’t intend to settle down but to continue his military career and squelch down the horrors of the war. All the secrets cause plenty of misunderstandings.
I also found it interesting to see how he was treated by his neighbors since he fought on the “wrong” side and was seen as a traitor.
Meanwhile the freed slaves are up to something that lands Ella into a heap of trouble while the Major is away. Both Ella and Westley seek to be loved, but Ella remembers who her true love is—Jesus—even while feeling unloved by Westley. While these scenes surprised me at first, they work well with the internal healing going on from the beginning.
Of course, there is a happy ending—I love happy endings—but it’s fun reading your way to the end to see how it all culminates.
Now, I need to visit Belmont Plantation someday since it really exists in Mississippi! I love reading novels set in real places, even though the characters are fictional. 😊 While I visit, I can imagine Ella and Westley walking the halls and Sibby being feisty.
September 30, 2025
Funny enough I found this book from a Facebook ad. I enjoyed the story but found many parts of it to be too unbelievable. The author did a wonderful job drawing me into to the world of Ella and Westly so much I didn’t want to put it down. However the she tried to put too much into a short amount of space. Most of the story is background and build up. It seemed like the ending was rushed and she used deus ex machina to solve all the problems. That being said the spiritual part touched me personally. It is very much a preaching book. It almost read as a devotional in places. The romance was instant love like many Christian romance novels. But the explanation of the attraction was believable. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I look forward to picking up another book by this author.
August 28, 2025
Ella pretends to be a Yankee wife to protect herself and the servants on the plantation. But she never expected him to return! Major Wesley Remington never expected to return home to a woman claiming to be his wife living in his house with a son supposedly named after him. He is even less prepared for the woman and how he begins to feel about her
I have to say this was a sweet but exciting story. I liked the change from the traditional romance story.
I have to say this was a sweet but exciting story. I liked the change from the traditional romance story.
March 1, 2020
Authentic Feel of Reconstruction South
Ever wondered what it was like to live in Northern Mississippi right after the civil war? Stephenia McGee’s writing puts you right there with characters you can really care about facing realistic difficulties as well as hard-earned joys. I love this author’s writing style which seems to improve with every book.
Ever wondered what it was like to live in Northern Mississippi right after the civil war? Stephenia McGee’s writing puts you right there with characters you can really care about facing realistic difficulties as well as hard-earned joys. I love this author’s writing style which seems to improve with every book.
June 8, 2022
Such an interesting love story. I especially thought the Faith thread was fantastic. The story drew me in right away and kept me wondering what would happen next.
March 20, 2024
Well written story. Kept me wanting to know more and the characters were interesting. Wholesome story but not cheesy.
July 10, 2025
Very hallmark-ish, loved it and a strong plot with clean romance.
November 16, 2024
I’ve never read this time period and found it fascinating. An easy and predictable read but enjoyable. I didn’t care for the characters as much as the setting.
October 15, 2024
Probably closer to a 4, but I demoted a star. I was annoyed with her dreams where she talks and walks with Jesus... Just your very typical Christian message that has really nothing to do with the story.(And obviously, I'm not opposed to Christian messages, just the preachy ones)..And then I did think the wedding night was way too detailed. Other than that, it was an interesting plot, satisfied my need for a fluffy, no purpose read.
November 19, 2020
In His Eyes, by Stephenia McGee, is a captivating Civil War Romance. I enjoyed Ella and Westley's story, watching as they go from complete strangers to finding love. Ella is a young, desperate Southern gal who has rescued a baby from his dying mother. With nowhere to go, she finds herself at Belmont Plantation and, with soldiers there seemingly harassing the help, Ella steps in and poses as the mistress. When the Yankee Major returns home, the drama begins. The author weaves an engaging story with dynamic characters, descriptive scenes, and dialogue that flows realistically and seamlessly without sounding forced. Readers who enjoy historical romance stories will not want to miss this. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and Bryn Austin does a great job narrating Ella and Westley's story. I was not required to write a review, and the opinions are my own.
May 29, 2017
Well-written
I enjoyed this Christian novel with its overall theme of doing for others. Left with a newborn after the death of his mother, Ella next seeks a wet nurse. She leaves behind a respectable, but not a desirable job, finds herself labeled as a harlot, an opportunist, and a deceiver, but stays focused on what was best for the infant. Part of the Christian theme was her learning who she was to God. The story is well-written, has suspense elements that kept me guessing, gave an indication of what Southerners faced during Reconstruction and had a satisfying ending.
I enjoyed this Christian novel with its overall theme of doing for others. Left with a newborn after the death of his mother, Ella next seeks a wet nurse. She leaves behind a respectable, but not a desirable job, finds herself labeled as a harlot, an opportunist, and a deceiver, but stays focused on what was best for the infant. Part of the Christian theme was her learning who she was to God. The story is well-written, has suspense elements that kept me guessing, gave an indication of what Southerners faced during Reconstruction and had a satisfying ending.
January 28, 2025
Ella pretends to be a Yankee officer wife when the plantation that she shows up to for help for the infant she saved after his mother died questions her.
Her pretense works for a time to keep the armies from taking over the house, but then the officer returns, and he is not pleased to find a "pretend" wife and child.
But something is going on at the plantation with the newly freed slaves, and they must work together to try and save the land.
Her pretense works for a time to keep the armies from taking over the house, but then the officer returns, and he is not pleased to find a "pretend" wife and child.
But something is going on at the plantation with the newly freed slaves, and they must work together to try and save the land.
May 15, 2017
An excellent book
This was an amazing book. It captured my attention from the first three paragraphs. I was in awe of the imagery that was presented and the dreams that Ella had. The scenes brought me to tears. The words spoken were straight from the Bible which made the scenes that much more powerful. I loved watching both characters grow into who they were meant to be and in their relationship to Christ. Highly recommend this book.
This was an amazing book. It captured my attention from the first three paragraphs. I was in awe of the imagery that was presented and the dreams that Ella had. The scenes brought me to tears. The words spoken were straight from the Bible which made the scenes that much more powerful. I loved watching both characters grow into who they were meant to be and in their relationship to Christ. Highly recommend this book.
May 6, 2017
In His Eyes
This story touched my heart right from the first page.
Ella helps deliver a baby from a woman of ill repute and then was asked to find a good home for him, but she has no way to feed him. Now she needs a wet nurse and his Mother told her to find Belmont Plantation and they would help her. So she has to find a way to get there and gets in all kinds of situations when she arrives. Federal soldiers are there, now what will she do? Very interesting!
The Civil War is coming to an end and Westley is not even aware of it yet. He has been wounded and very sick. When he wakes up and realizes how long it's been since he was wounded he wants to go back to work and he is trying to build his strength daily. The army wants him to take more time off so he goes home to Belmont Plantation. He is in for a surprise when he gets into town.
A very interesting story follows. The romance in the story is clean but also interesting. The characters are easy to love and I felt like I knew them. The plot made me want to keep reading and one night I did read until 3:30 in the morning and finished this book. It was that great!
We see God's love for us and how at times we have to totally depend on Him. We also read about a miraculous scene that shows us the power of God. The author doesn't preach at us but shows us through the characters that God is for us and helps us throughout life if we just let him.
At the end of the story in the historical notes the author lets us know what is fiction and what is actually real, which shows she did her research. I love stories that I know has been researched and you know things could have happened just like the book. If you've never read a book by this author, try her, and if you like historical fiction I think you will love this story.
I received an advanced copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
This story touched my heart right from the first page.
Ella helps deliver a baby from a woman of ill repute and then was asked to find a good home for him, but she has no way to feed him. Now she needs a wet nurse and his Mother told her to find Belmont Plantation and they would help her. So she has to find a way to get there and gets in all kinds of situations when she arrives. Federal soldiers are there, now what will she do? Very interesting!
The Civil War is coming to an end and Westley is not even aware of it yet. He has been wounded and very sick. When he wakes up and realizes how long it's been since he was wounded he wants to go back to work and he is trying to build his strength daily. The army wants him to take more time off so he goes home to Belmont Plantation. He is in for a surprise when he gets into town.
A very interesting story follows. The romance in the story is clean but also interesting. The characters are easy to love and I felt like I knew them. The plot made me want to keep reading and one night I did read until 3:30 in the morning and finished this book. It was that great!
We see God's love for us and how at times we have to totally depend on Him. We also read about a miraculous scene that shows us the power of God. The author doesn't preach at us but shows us through the characters that God is for us and helps us throughout life if we just let him.
At the end of the story in the historical notes the author lets us know what is fiction and what is actually real, which shows she did her research. I love stories that I know has been researched and you know things could have happened just like the book. If you've never read a book by this author, try her, and if you like historical fiction I think you will love this story.
I received an advanced copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2017
It didn't take but a chapter to get me hooked on this storyline. The scenes where Ella tried to help the woman giving birth just astounded me. And then, to just take the baby and leave like she did, that took a lot of courage. I think that was what instantly drew me to Ella. Her bravery, her courage, and her willingness to do whatever possible to take care of that baby. She was really everything I wanted out of a heroine.
Then the storyline grew even more interesting with Ella pretending to be the "widow" to an officer of the war. What a unique storyline! As Major Westley made his way home I think I was both giddy and nervous for Ella. That is how involved I was with this book - I started feeling for them! That is what makes a good author, someone who can write in a way that pulls me in and connects me to the characters. I felt like I was at Belmont Plantation right along with Ella, Westley, Sibby and the rest.
Perhaps the best part of the story for me was the interactions between Ella and Major Westley. There was this unspoken chemistry and for the life of me I could not figure out why the characters couldn't see it for themselves. Or maybe they did and chose not to address it! Throughout the book you see glimpses of hope for them getting together and I must say it was the perfect way to write their story. Had they come together too soon, I really think it would have ruined the entire book for me. Ella had a lot of growing to do before she could find herself in a relationship. The dreams that she had were so beautifully written. Hats off to the author for including such a majestic way for God to speak to Ella. It spoke to my heart as well and gave me many great reminders!
All in all, you need to read this book. Today. Right now in fact. May you find beauty in it too. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Then the storyline grew even more interesting with Ella pretending to be the "widow" to an officer of the war. What a unique storyline! As Major Westley made his way home I think I was both giddy and nervous for Ella. That is how involved I was with this book - I started feeling for them! That is what makes a good author, someone who can write in a way that pulls me in and connects me to the characters. I felt like I was at Belmont Plantation right along with Ella, Westley, Sibby and the rest.
Perhaps the best part of the story for me was the interactions between Ella and Major Westley. There was this unspoken chemistry and for the life of me I could not figure out why the characters couldn't see it for themselves. Or maybe they did and chose not to address it! Throughout the book you see glimpses of hope for them getting together and I must say it was the perfect way to write their story. Had they come together too soon, I really think it would have ruined the entire book for me. Ella had a lot of growing to do before she could find herself in a relationship. The dreams that she had were so beautifully written. Hats off to the author for including such a majestic way for God to speak to Ella. It spoke to my heart as well and gave me many great reminders!
All in all, you need to read this book. Today. Right now in fact. May you find beauty in it too. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2025
Lovely little romance and an interesting setting. Loved that it was not from the I perspective and that it switched between female and male lead. If you treat all the Jesus stuff like some sort of magical voodoo it's not overbearing and kinda cool, and if you're into that stuff, you'll like it. Overall a good read.
May 10, 2017
A lovely book
I enjoy reading historical fiction and this book was a joy. I liked how Ella grew as a person throughout the book, how she began to remember the God that her mother loved, and introduced her too. The romance was good also. You will enjoy "In His Eyes"
I enjoy reading historical fiction and this book was a joy. I liked how Ella grew as a person throughout the book, how she began to remember the God that her mother loved, and introduced her too. The romance was good also. You will enjoy "In His Eyes"
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