Loving Lydia

Rescued Hearts of the Civil War #2

by Susan Pope Sloan

Two Southerners thrown together by the Union army. He’s on a quest for vengeance. She’s determined to preserve her family.

Lydia Gibson’s life is overturned when the Union Army invades her hometown and burns down the cotton mill where she and her stepdaughter worked. Even worse, she and the other workers are arrested and sent to Marietta, where they wait for the army to send them north.

Confederate Sergeant Seth Morgan finally reaches Marietta to check on his family, but the last thing he expects is to meet a woman who sparks attraction he thought he’d never feel again. Unfortunately, she’s a Yankee prisoner and being sent north to Louisville, Kentucky.

Seth is forced to return to his unit in Virginia, and he never anticipated their next meeting would be when he’s taken to Louisville as a prisoner. While Seth searches the Confederate ranks for the man who murdered his wife, Lydia implores him to ask after her missing nephew. Neither one expects just how far the search will take them, or what they’ll discover along the way.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War

349 pages, ebook

First published April 25, 2023

Reviews

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series, so I knew I’d enjoy this one as well. Loving Lydia, book 2, works nicely as a standalone, but gives readers of the first book familiarity and a fresh perspective.

This story focuses on Lydia and Seth—their hardships, slow-burn attraction, and growing faith. They are each working through their own difficulties, and seeking answers, but discover that God works through all things.

I was invested from the beginning and my interest never waned. The author’s research is evident and themes of forgiveness and salvation give the story so much depth.

First Line: Hundreds of Union soldiers camped outside the village, their mere presence enough to set the locals on edge.
Series: Rescued Hearts of the Civil War book 2
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Susan Pope Slone
Page Count: 340

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series, I had high expectations for this second book in the series. I was not disappointed! Loving Lydia is an engaging, heartwarming story of friendship, love, family, and loyalty complicated by the realities of war. The cleverly crafted plot features intriguing, unexpected twists and revelations. Well-developed, compelling, relatable characters capture your heart and drive the story forward. Rich historical details, showing evidence of extensive research, add authenticity and place you alongside the characters as you feel their joys and struggles. Sweet romance and an inspiring faith thread add depth and interest to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it especially for fans of historical romance set in the Civil War Era. Note: This book can easily be read as a standalone even though it is the second book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brandi | RB Momma Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Loving Lydia" is a great continuation of the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series. However, the story can stand alone. There is some fun overlap from a different POV from book one, but one wouldn't know if "Rescuing Rose" wasn't read first (which should also read).

The hardships and ups and downs Lydia and Seth face lead them back to God and leave the reader with the hope that God will work things out for the two of them to find happiness. As they each face their trials, one of them wrestles with doing right for a while, and the other strives to honor God from the beginning. Eventually, both do their best to honor and serve the Lord with their lives, even if that means they might not get their "happily ever after."

The gospel is presented in this book, and I always appreciate a CF novel that points the reader back to Christ. It is presented in a way that could plant a seed if the reader isn't ready yet to receive The Word, but also, if one is ready, gives them scripture needed and points fully to Christ. I would gladly share this book with anyone, Christian or otherwise, and know they will enjoy a fulfilling Civil War era novel, rich with historical tidbits, and just a great story.

This review is my own; I was given an advanced reader copy to read and review.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story began very similarly to Rescuing Rose, the first book in Susan Pope Sloan’s Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series, as a cotton mill was burned down and its workers taken north as Yankee prisoners. Readers are caught up with Rose and Celeste Carrigan and some other familiar people. It was interesting to read about corresponding events through the perspectives of different characters. This book focuses on Lydia Gibson and her stepdaughter who are part of the displaced group of Southerners. After Lydia meets Seth while helping tend to his illness, a slow-burning attraction develops which will face its own complications as the story progresses. A strong and inspiring theme of forgiveness ensues as Lydia and Seth work through past personal hurts in order to move forward in their lives and their faith. Readers of Civil War era historical fiction and romance would enjoy this book.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via BookFunnel and Celebrate Lit Bloggers and Reviewers. A positive review was not required and the opinions stated here are my own.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of Rescued Hearts of the Civil War tells the tale of Lydia who is trying to survive during the Civil War.  She is determined to protect her stepdaughter at all costs.

  

Lydia is a caregiver and a survivor.  She takes care of so many and sacrifices her own happiness.  She is finally enjoying her freedom after being married to a cruel husband. She has not heard anything from him and assumes he died fighting in the war.


Seth is on a mission to hunt down the man who killed his wife. He was focused until he met Lydia.


God works miracles.  Both Lydia and Seth are recipients of God's grace. They  learned that forgiveness gives them peace and the ability to move on.


I have read the first book as well.  Very well written.  

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a wonderful story that captures the historical facts in a way that brings them to life. Being driven out of her home by Union Soldiers changed Lydia’s life. Her first thought is to get as far away as she can and protect her step daughter. Their journey finds them in a new town unsure what would happen to them. I can’t image the turmoil Lydia’s life took as she tried to survive on meager supplies. I liked how she and a group of other women came together to look out for each other. Lydia has been told that her husband died so she is on her own now.

Seth is my favorite character because he is kind, willing to help others and watches out for the women who took over his home while he hides in the basement. Seth has longed to take action against the man who murdered his wife and that bitterness may cost him a future. I liked how the author incorporates historical facts in the story such as the assassination of President Lincoln. This news affects everyone and Seth wonders what will happen to him when he himself becomes a prisoner.

The relationship between Seth and Lydia is slow and I appreciate how the author nurtures this bond with faith. It is not always easy for our main characters to see eye to eye but they sure go through a lot on their journey. One part of the story illustrates about forgiveness. Lydia will face a hard decision when someone she never wanted to see again needs help in their final days. Seth will be face to face with the man who has caused him pain and anger. I loved how the author uses faith in these moments to show how important it is to forgive and also be able to ask for forgiveness.

The story is not without a bit of action and a look at a war that pitted friends and families against each other. The research of this era is evident with the details used to make the story realistic. I loved the writing and how the author use this story to help one person become more confident in themselves and demonstrates how peace allows both main characters to give grace and find happiness.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Historical Romance books, they are one of my favorite genres. I recently read Loving Lydia by Susan Pope Sloan, Book 2 in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series. I read Book 1 in this series and have been anxiously anticipating this book.

The Setting is Marietta, GA during the Civil War Era. Lydia Gibson is devasted when the Cotton Mill that she has worked at is burned down by the Union Army. Lydia, her stepdaughter, and co-workers are arrested by the Union Army and sent to Marietta and they will be sent north. Seth Morgan, who is a Confederate Sergeant, is looking for his family in Marietta. He is in Marietta to check on his family, and he is struck by the beauty of Lydia Gibson. Sergeant Morgan doesn't get his hopes up about Lydia as he knows that she is a Yankee prisoner and is being sent up north. Sergeant Seth has to return to his unit in Virginia. He never anticipated being taken a prisoner himself and being sent to a Louisville, KY Prison. He also never anticipated seeing Lydia again, so he was quite happy to see her at the Prison. Sergeant Seth is looking for the man who murdered his wife and Lydia asks for his assistance in finding her nephew, whom she fears might have been killed in the war. Will Sergeant Seth find the man who murdered his wife? Will there be a relationship between Seth and Lydia?

WOW, I really enjoyed this story from the very first chapter. I have to say my favorite Character was Seth. He really has a mission to find the guy who murdered his wife and his determination in doing so is amazing. Lydia is also a good character in the story. She doesn't let her current status as a prisoner deter her happiness from being free from her abusive husband I really enjoyed how the Author really has done the research for this book and I feel I truly learned something new about the Civil War Era while reading this book. The book also is Faith-Based and the characters rely on God through some major parts of the journey. I HIGHLY Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. AMAZING BOOK!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series so we get to revisit some favorite characters from book one. This can be read alone but book one was also very well written and I loved it as well.

This book is about Lydia Gibson and the Confederate soldier our group from Marietta Georgia came across in the cellar of the home they were housed in. Lydia had no idea when she first met Seth Morgan that it would set in motion a path for a future. Lydia has endured a lot in her life and when her husband left to join the army and died, she was almost relieved. She was raising her stepdaughter and both were happy to be on their own. That is until the Union army came into their town and took them all away to go north. They had to face hardships and learn to adapt but they also made lifelong friends and saw how strong they could be.

Seth Morgan is seeking revenge from his wife's killer. He has been after this evil man for a long time and is determined to find him. He has no plans to remarry but when he first meets Lydia as she helps nurse him back to health, he is taken with her and can't seem to get her out of his mind. It seems God has plans that Seth was not aware of and Lydia will cross his path again.

This book is so well written and the characters are interesting and well thought out. I loved how actual history and fiction have mingled in this series so we get some idea of what really happened to these women during the Civil War. The author has researched and made it a story to capture your attention and is hard to put down. It has humor as well as heartache and some lessons on forgiveness. I can't wait for the next book in the series to continue with our group of women to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Lydia by Susan Pope Sloan is a work of Christian Historical Romance. This is the second book in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series. I definitely recommend reading the first book in the series Rescuing Rose first.

Southerners find themselves thrown together thanks to the Union Army. Lydia Gibson finds the lives of herself and her stepdaughter disrupted when the Union Army comes in and burns down the factory where she and her stepdaughter worked. As they are forced to travel north by the army, they find themselves in Marrietta, Georgia, where Lydia, along with some other women they are traveling with, find themselves working to care for and keep Seth Morgan safe in his family’s home.

Seth Morgan, a Southerner and a Confederate soldier, while serving in the army also works to find the man who murdered his wife. I feel the author does an excellent job of bringing Seth and Lydia together. The author weaves the entire cast of characters together beautifully. Backstories, current events, and more pulled me into this book.

With twists and turns, redemption arcs, and more, this book kept me reading. I found the acts of kindness and charity that occurred at unexpected times to be the perfect element to this story. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book and want to read more about the other characters in these stories. I look forward to reading this third book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the Civil War since I was a little girl. When I was 7 my family attended a Civil War reenactment and they were hooked! As a family, we started attending and reenacting as well. Some of my best memories of our family are of us at Civil War reenactments. From there my love grew and I studied and learned as much as I could about the time period. I met my husband at a reenactment and our children have grown up attending and participating in them as well.

If you enjoy historical fiction you should definitely read this series. I always recommend that you read the entire series in the order written. While that is my recommendation here you can read this book as a stand-alone as well. This book contains things that happened in book one but from a different perspective.

I enjoyed getting to know Seth and Lydia. Lydia is a prisoner of war after the mill she worked at was burned down. She meets Seth as he’s off to rejoin the army but then he comes back into her life as another prisoner. They both have questions about family members and want answers. Join them on their quest and see where it leads them!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the Civil War, southern factory workers were captured and sent up North by the Union Army. They were treated as well as could be in a time of shortage and war. Lydia Gibson and her young pregnant stepdaughter are two such women who were trying to flee but could not. Lydia had worked at a cotton mill while her husband Cal went off to war. Now she doesn't know if Cal is alive or dead, and she is unsure where to turn next.

Seth Morgan is a Confederate Sergeant who has been working to get back home to check in with his family. He is also holding a vengeance in his heart at the man who is guilty of murdering his late wife and aims to make him pay.

We get both Seth and Lydia's stories for a little while before they meet up. Then they do and Seth is nursed back to health by Lydia, and he begins to fall for her. However, they have much to get through and many truths to uncover before they could even think about being together. And there is a war going on that has upturned all of their lives.

This is the second in the series Rescued Hearts of the Civil War that is about a few tidbits of history I am unfamiliar with.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...

[Becky Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second book in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series and it is important to read the books in order. This book overlaps the events of the first book for a good portion of the book but from different points of view. It is helpful to have an understanding of what is happening and who the characters are by reading the books in order. It was interesting to see the events from different perspectives. For the most part, I enjoyed reading this book. Unfortunately, it contained one of my biggest pet peeves in historical fiction...the self serve grocery store before 1916. I am annoyed that writers continue to perpetuate the falsehood that people walked into the general store and just perused the aisles for what they wanted. This was not what happened until 1916 (and then it didn't immediately take effect in all grocery stores, either) Customers would give their list to the worker who would retrieve the items from shelves behind the counter and give them to the customer. I did appreciate the biblical faith thread and clear gospel message in the book.

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Lydia is written by Susan Pope Sloan. This is book two in the rescued hearts in the Civil War. I have read the first book, but they can be read as a stand alone. The author does a fantastic job transporting us back to the Civil War Time period. Her historic details allows the story to come alive through the pages.

Lydia Gibson and her step daughter work in a cotton mill. Until the Union Army comes in and burns it down. She becomes a prisoner along with her fellow workers and await the trip north. Confederate Sergeant Seth Morgan does not expect to find what he does when he gets to Marietta. He has made it there to check on his family. He is drawn to Lydia - however she is a prisoner of war. When their paths cross again in the Louisville prison, She tends to his wounds. This starts the beginning of their relationship growing. The author writes a great reminder of forgiveness and second chances into this story.

The story is well written, the plot will draw you in within the first chapter. I love this series. The author has been doing a great job with it. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Lydia by Susan Pope Sloan is the second book in the heartbreaking Rescued Hearts of the Civil War Series. War is always difficult for civilians, being even more true in this case. General Sherman’s strategy of burning the South as he moved forward is well known history. That he wanted to South to understand that they could not win would shorten the war, battles and casualties. However, until this series I had never heard of the women and children who were taken and forced moved. I appreciate the extensive research and resources making this as historical accurate as possible, but it is the characters who are the heart of the story.

Susan Pope Sloan has made this time and these people come to life in her stories. Confederate Sergeant Seth Morgan and Lydia Gibson are engaging characters thrown together through politics and the war caused by it. They were people more interested in family but having to endure hardships. These characters loved, lost suffered and persevered. I felt all the emotions right along with them in this heart felt story.

The publisher Wild Hearts Books provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Pope Sloan was a new author to me but her research into the history of this time period was stellar. From July 8, 1864 to May 26, 1865, this story covers the latter part of the Civil War and a short time beyond. The Union Army was slowly capturing the Confederates, confiscating their properties and burning down homes and businesses. It was basically told from the view point of the Confederate soldiers and civilians. Their hardships and troubled lives were brought to the forefront during this time period.
The lives of Seth Morgan and Lydia Gibson crossed during one of their travels from Georgia to Kentucky. They both were captives of the Yankees and forced into imprisonment. All the turmoil had scattered families here and yon and searching out certain ones took all their strength and ingenuity. Will they be able to survive this turbulent time?
Many other wonderful characters added to the storyline and aided each other in their day to day struggles.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

[Kelsie Carlson (Alaskan.BookDragon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This can be read as a stand alone or as the second book in the rescued hearts of the civil war series. I recommend reading Rescuing Rose first though. I thought it was neat how allot of this book takes place at the same time as Rescuing Rose but from a different persons perspective. Not a continuation with the main person from the last book as a side character like allot of series do. Loving Lydia ends with a side plot not yet takin care of so I look forward to hopefully that being finished in book three which has Lydias step daughter as the main character. I thought the beginning of the book felt a bit rushed, the ending as well. I did enjoy the middle however. Even though I was familiar with the events from the previous book it still felt like reading something new, but with fun easter eggs! I have been enjoying the story of displaced mill workers, its a different story line than what is written about the Civil War most of the time. Always nice to read about something new.

I am now on to book three Managing Millie and enjoying yet another persons perspective on the events. I am really enjoying the different perspectives I have not read a series before that takes that approach. I do still want a book from Celeste's perspective even though we know how her story ends in Loving Lydia.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book from the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series, Rescuing Rose. Susan Pope Sloan does not disappoint in the second installment, Loving Lydia. The author's talents truly shine through in this one. The historical details were so vivid that had me transported back in time. There was a lot of intrigue and twists with Lydia and Seth story that captured my attention from start until the end. I loved their tale and had to stay up late at night to finish reading it.

I give Loving Lydia five plus stars. I highly recommend it for fans of clean historical fiction, particularly those set around the time of the American Civil War. I do hope there will be a third addition to the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series.

I received a digital copy of Loving Lydia from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War does not disappoint. It is almost hard to believe some of the experiences people had to deal with to continue to live. Lydia, along with her stepdaughter Millie, joins with a number of other displaced women and some elderly folk. They are all attempting to stay away from the fighting. Moved from one place to another by the Union soldiers, they become a family.

The story shows what can happen when vengeance is all you want - how it can eat away at you. But it also shows how wonderful forgiveness can be, when you ask for it. Forgiving oneself is perhaps the most difficult but it can bring about second chances.

This ebook was received through WildHeart Books, BookFunnel and CelebrateLit. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Heather Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite a difficult start in life, Lydia pushes through the new invasion of Union soldiers in order to keep her step daughter safe. She puts others first, including a man she found when taken by Union soldiers to Marietta, Georgia. What will life look for her now that she has been displaced?

The author revealed a new perspective of the era of the Civil War to me. Women, children, and the elderly had their own set of battles when they were left at home by the men who went to fight. I loved how she gave me a new view of life during the time period. The theme of forgiveness is woven through the storyline as the two find a way to move forward.

I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I liked how this book intersects with the previous book and we see characters from that first book. I liked getting to know Lydia and Seth and seeing how they both dealt with the war and being separated from their homes. I thought the author did a great job of showing us what the South would have been like during the Civil War, especially as the war was nearing its end. I found the characters to be lovable and that I cared about what happened to them. I look forward to reading more books by this author and more books set in this series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series, I was anxious to read this next book. You don't have to read the first book, but in my opinion, you would gain a greater understanding of the characters and timeline for this book. I can't say that Lydia, the main character in this story, stood out much in the first book but it was interesting to hear her story in this book. She didn't have a great marriage (it was her husband's second marriage, and she was quite young when she married him) and he'd gone off to fight in the war. He'd been listed as missing in action and assumed dead, so she presumed she was a widow throughout the book. She ached to be a mother, but it had been denied her during her brief marriage so when her stepdaughter was pregnant, she felt this was her chance to at least do some kind of mothering. Seth's wife was murdered and if it's the last thing he does, he'll hunt down the murderer and make him pay. He vows he'll never marry again but doesn't worry about it with the war going on. His path and Lydia's cross numerous times and they have an effect on each other in different ways. The research in the book is fantastic and I found myself caught up in the details of the everyday lives of the characters, imagining how it would have been for the people of that time period. I loved the element of faith that was interwoven throughout the story too. There are surprises and twists and turns in the plot. An interesting story and well-developed characters!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a joy to read. There were surprises that I didn’t see coming. This was a story of forgiveness as well as a story of a second chance at love for several of the characters. I would say this book was a happy ever after type fake.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Lydia

This was a sweet story of letting go of the past, giving the future to God and taking one step at a time. Lydia has her struggles from the past as does Seth. These struggles get in the way of their inner healing but as their faith and dependence on God strengthens so does their willingness to move forward for themselves and each other.

[Linda Larramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Susan Sloan’s portrayal of Lydia, a widow who is struggling to survive with her 16-year-old stepdaughter, I was again immersed in a small Georgia town, New Manchester, taken over by Union soldiers. Sloan’s engaging narrative detailing Lydia’s struggles and triumphs kept me turning the pages, rooting for her with every surprising twist and turn in her story.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great sequel to Rescuing Rose. It had a lot of the same characters and a few of the same scenes, but told from different points of view. I really loved Lydia's story and how she overcame her fears. If you like Christian historical fiction, this is a must-read.

[Diane Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

half a repeat

The first half of this book was a repeat from book one. A lot of it word for word with a few new thoughts added about Seth and Lydia. I was becoming very disappointed but then the last half much more interesting.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice

Susan Pope Sloan has written this book in a very nice way. A love is found with a new found and lost family. This is a very enjoyable book to read. This is book 2 in this series but it can be a stand alone book to read.