The One Who Waits for Me

by Lori Copeland

He touched her heart as no other man ever had...
Would she be willing to wait for him?

Summer, 1865 — In the months just after the end of the Civil War, old ways of life are changing in the South. At a plantation in North Carolina, three young women are determined to leave everything behind for an unknown future without an evil uncle or cousin.

But Beth Jornigan, her sister, Joanie, and their friend Trella encounter trouble from the very start. A fire racing through dry cotton fields almost ends their journey before it has a chance to begin. Fortunately, soldiers on their way home rescue them just in time. Only these brave young men don't want the trouble that lovely, defenseless women will surely bring. They are more than ready to do nothing but put the war behind them, eat fresh-baked pie and drink sweet tea surrounded again by their families.

And yet both the men and women discover that God sometimes has othe rplans than the ones we hold dear, and embracing those plans just may be an adventure and a chance for all of their dreams to come true.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Historical Romance, Christian Romance

297 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Lori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.

Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

While an easy amusing read, the premise was very unrealistic and there was an error involving Catholicism. The main male characters are three soldiers returning home after the Civil War. Two had fought for the Confederacy; one for the Union (even though he was a Southerner, the son of a plantation owner--because he was afraid of what would economically happen to the slaves if they were freed). One of them had been a Lieutenant in the Confederate Army--and he was Black. The third was a Cherokee. The females are two sisters whose uncle owned the family plantation and worked them like slaves, and a Black woman who worked with them, who had a baby while on the road. The girls happened to have Indian blood. One of the places they happen upon was St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Abby. While Mother Seton died in 1820, she wasn't canonized until 1975. I think you can see where it is going, and to some extent you'd be right, but the actual end adds yet another unrealistic touch.

I've read Lori Copeland's work before and frankly, I'm disappointed in this one.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice message in this book which meant it hit the mark for Inspriational Fiction. That is a good thing because otherwise I would have thought it should have been labelled Alternative History or Fantasy. The setting and the interaction between the characters did not seem to have any basis in the reality of the time period or the region. The plot was a little too convenient. More research needed!

[Lucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: You will have an intense craving for sweet tea after reading this book!
The One Who Waits for me is an incredible and hilarious romantic comedy about two sisters Beth and Joanie Jornigan, and their African-American friend, Trella who live in the south just after the Civil War. When trying to flee Beth and Joanie's abusive uncle and not-so-bright cousin, they get rescued by three handsome soldiers who just got through fighting and just want to get home to finally relax and drink some homemade sweet tea.
The three men are a very unique trio: Pierce, a White man who fought for the North. Gray Eagle, a biracial half-Cherokee who fought for the South, and Preacher, a African-American who fought for the south for reasons that is not explained. History says some slave owners made their slaves fight for the south, and this might be an explanation.
When Pierce, Gray Eagle and Preacher meet Beth, Joanie, and a VERY pregnant Trella, they realize their their Southern Gentlemen's honor will not allow them to rest-or have their precious sweet tea!-until the ladies are safe from their abusers.
The comedy in this book is hilarious with plenty of one-liners like these:
"You and your sweet tea!"
-Grey Eagle
"What is the Cherokee word for idiot?"
-Pierce
Out of the three romances in the book, I liked Joanie and Gray Eagle's the best. I love the idea of the sickly heroine and the Native American healer finding love with each other. <3


(John Dye, Adam Beach, and Sidney Portier, my mental images for Pierce Montgomery, Gray Eagle, and Samuel "Preacher" Madison.)

(Jill Duggar, Jana Duggar, and Enuka Okuma, my mental images for Beth Jornigan, Joanie Jornigan, and Trella.)
If you love a clean Christian romance with handsome Southern gentlemen, you'll love The One Who Waits for Me! Enjoy with a side of sweet tea! :)

[Fredell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this somewhat unique look at the age-old theme: young woman waits for young man to return from the war.
Summer, 1865 — In the months just after the end of the Civil War, old ways of life are changing in the South. At a plantation in North Carolina, three young women are determined to leave everything behind for an unknown future. Beth Jornigan (who hates and distrusts all men), her sister, Joanie, who suffers from asthma, and their friend Trella, a pregnant young slave girl, encounter trouble from the very start. Their journey almost ends before it has a chance to begin. There is fire in cotton fields that threatens their lives. Three soldiers on their way home rescue them just in time. Trella gives birth at the side of the road and their troubles continue to mount. They eventually find refuge in a small nunnery. The men are a young white plantation owner's son who fought for the North; an Indian scout who fought with him; and a young black preacher on his way home to take over his father's congregation. All six are pursued by the hateful and oppressive uncle and cousin of the Jornigan sisters.
And yet both the men and women discover that God sometimes has other plans than the ones we hold dear, and embracing those plans just may be an adventure and a chance for all of their dreams to come true.

[Rosina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Lori Copeland, writes great fiction. I like polished endings and this was book was a little unfinished. A mother and father pass within a few days of each other leaving two daughters to defend an ugly controlling uncle who has evil in his heart. The two girls bury their parents, burn the house to keep the uncle away from them while they leave the abuse with hopes a better world. They take one of their uncles slaves with them. She is pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl. They uncle and his son are on a chase to get the girls back. The girls encounter three perfectly young men who match each one of the three girls personalities to fall in love and rescue them.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book about two sisters who escape the tyranny of their uncle and are saved by 3 soldiers returning from the Civil War which has just ended. Each has ideas of what their future will be, plans they have made, but they soon find God has other plans. Along with a slave woman who gives birth during the escape, they stay with a tribe of Native Americans until God leads them by some guidance from a local monastery to start a town for wayward travelers, just as they had all once been.

[Abbigayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It is chalk full of forgiveness, adventure, and finding God's will.

Beth and Joanie have lived a long time under the grip of their evil uncle and his men. But when they run in with several soldiers returning from war, they find out that not all men are bad, and that God has control over all details of their life. Even the most crazy parts.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith filled tale of a different reconciliation of the North and South

Believable characters with human flaws that God used to make a life that reflects His plans. Tender and sweet yet an easy read for a winter day.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Glad it was a short book.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Had a hard time putting it down.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in less than 3 hours! It is that good!

[kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can't even begin to explain how bad this book is. A DNF and good riddance.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book a lot and thought it was worth reading, I had a hard time trying to decide what rating to give because I didn’t “love” it by any means.

This is a story set in the 1860’s right after the Civil War. There are three soldiers heading home after the war, including a black man and a Cherokee and when they decide to take an alternate route to home they run in to three young ladies running for their lives. The soldiers end up rescuing the girls and thus begin their journey to home and freedom. Two of the girls are sisters who worked for their Uncle on a family plantation. Their parents had recently passed on and they knew that staying with Uncle Walt and his son Bear was going to be awful because they were awful men. The third lady was a black slave who had became pregnant and was trying to escape the awful Walt and Bear too.

The girls seem to keep causing trouble as they try to escape and the soldiers end up having to save them numerous times!! The whole situation to me just didn’t seem realistic. I didn’t quite believe that everyone was going to get along as smoothly as they did in this story. To me it seemed like their still would have been racial diversity among everyone right after the Civil War and there would have been more struggles for everyone than there was. In fact, there seemed to be no racial barriers at all. I also didn’t feel that threatened by Walt and Bear and I felt the author lacked in convincing me that they were scary.

On to what I enjoyed; I thought the characters were all pretty sweet and enjoyable. I really loved how Beth cared so much for her sister and was always willing to die for her safety and health. The Cherokee and his love for Joanie was so sweet and to be honest I wanted to read more about them then about Beth and Pierce. I wasn’t 100% convinced that Pierce and Beth actually loved each other unlike the other characters in the story! There was lots of spiritual threads in here and I enjoyed reading about Beth struggling with her faith due to the cruel life she lived but all the wonderful Christians in her life that didn’t push her to believe in God but let that relationship develop on its own.

Like I said before, I did really enjoy the story and I was flipping through the pages quickly so I do think other Christian fiction fans will enjoy this story. There was lots of action and sweet moments but I just felt like I couldn’t connect to the characters and I had to remind myself their names while writing this review because I’d forgotten them already. Maybe I’m being too harsh, I’m not sure.

I have not read any of Copeland’s books before so I’m not sure how this book compares to her others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House and First Wild Card Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ONE WHO WAITS FOR ME is classic Lori Copland. Full of rich characters, obstacles to overcome, and a spark of romance, this latest release from Copeland is sure to please anyone interested in love and the great outdoors.

Beth Jornigan is literally running for her life. Fleeing from a violent uncle and cousin, Beth, along with her sickly sister Joanie, and a pregnant Trella, one of her uncle’s servants, take flight from the plantation that has done nothing but brought them pain and fear. Without much of a plan, the trio of women find themselves at the mercy of three soldiers, war weary and on their way home. Beth has lived her entire life in fear of men, and though these men quickly come to their defense against her uncle and cousin, she still does not trust them and looks for the first opportunity to escape their care.

Pierce, Gray Eagle, and Preach can think of nothing but getting home. Though Pierce fought for the North, and Grey Eagle and Preach fought for the South, their friendship transcends territorial lines. When they come upon three women running from a tyrannical plantation owner, they promise to get them safely to the next town. This turns out to be harder than expected.

What transpires is a unique story of three women with distinctive wounds and the men that want nothing more than to see them safe and loved. As their time together grows, Beth begins to have feelings for Pierce. But, with Joanie so ill, she can only think of getting her sister the medical care she needs. Joanie is her priority. Joanie knows that her illness most likely will claim her life, but with the healing touch Gray Eagle offers her, she begins to have hope for not only her health but her heart. Trella will do anything for her infant daughter, and though she has feelings for Preach, she convinces herself he deserve a woman that is clean and untainted. These women are strong and willful and refuse to listen to their hearts.

I enjoyed THE ONE WHO WAITS FOR ME. While I usually don’t appreciate a slow romance where the characters are self-depreciating and continually keeping their distance, I was able to overlook Beth’s constant need to flee because I knew her heart would win out. A quick and enjoyable read. Exactly what I expect from Lori Copeland.

Book provided for review purposes.

[Michelle Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read by Lori Copeland. I believe I have found a new favorite author! I truly enjoyed this book from the start to finish. When I finished the book, I had to remind myself that it’s the first in a series and I’m really hoping that there are more books in the series about these characters! I hope the rest of the series is not just about other stories in that location or time or something like that because although many things were resolved enough not to have more books about these characters, I would LOVE to know more about them and see how things develop down the road with them also! One thing I did think was a little confusing is that Samuel is called “Preach” for the whole book and sometimes that got a little confusing with Pierce. I often found that I had to remind myself which one was Pierce and which was Preach because sometimes I mixed them up since they both started with a “P.”

However, that slight confusion aside, I truly enjoyed the book. For me, it was a great mixture of Christian fiction, Historical fiction, and Clean/Sweet Romance. There were plenty of ups and downs in the lives of the characters and surprises along the way — although I do have to admit that the romantic relationships were a bit predictable early on in the book. That is not completely a bad thing, especially because I did enjoy seeing the relationships develop more too, but there were some things that I thought lacked an element of mystery to them. I think that may have been because there were other intriguing things going on and I felt that there should be a little more of that within the paring up of characters too. However, I did thoroughly enjoy the book and (as mentioned before) I have found a new author to add to my “favorites” list now. My favorite time in US History is WWII, but I also enjoy other times in my country’s history and I enjoyed the things that Ms. Copeland brought into the story from the Civil War era also. Things mentioned about slavery and plantations and American Indians and the war itself really made me think more and remember lessons learned from that time period. Ms. Copeland successfully made me feel like I was there with the characters and that I was part of that time period in history, which is awesome for a History major (double major with Spanish) like myself!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

What do you get when you throw three desperate women on the run from an evil man right into the path of three men eager to return home after the war? Trouble. And a boatload of it! In The One Who Waits for Me, Lori Copeland weaves together the lives of six very unlikely people who, by the end, have been knit together into three healing, and loving, couples. I thought it was rather convenient that each man feel in love with a different girl, and that they in turn returned those feelings as ardently, but it was a sweet story that historical fiction fans will love.

One might think it would be confusing having six characters who take a main role in this book but Lori writes it all well and everything flowed. A lot of “head hopping” was done, which confused me a bit. First I would be in this characters head, and then all of a sudden I’d find myself in another’s! While it is mildly confusing and kinda pulled me from the story a bit, it wasn’t overly distracting and if you don’t mind head hopping, you probably wouldn’t notice.

The story plot was interesting and refreshingly new. I haven’t read any historical fictions set in the years after the War Between the States recently, so found this a delight to read. I was kind of disappointed in the complete stupidity of Walt and Bear; the “evil relatives”. I think the book would’ve been more gripping if Pierce, Preach, and Gray Eagle actually had a worthy enemy that they had to fight in order to keep the girls safe. But that might just be me. The story went along at good pace and I found it very easy to read.

I honestly didn’t see much behind the title The One Who Waits for Me, as the girls don’t have to wait for the men until the last chapter or two, but it is a very compelling title. One of my favorite angles to the story was the message of prayer that Lori brings to her readers. Beth is so confused as she sees all the different ways people pray to the Lord – her sister, the nuns, the Indians, etc. Watching her grow and listening to her sister, Joanie, and Pierce explain and teach her was very encouraging. I loved this lesson. All in all, The One Who Waits for Me was an enjoyable, one-time read and I would recommend for any teen girl who is into historical fiction.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a southerner and a North Carolinian I can appreciate the flavor of the book. After all, it is set in NC after the Civil War just ended. Folks were disillusioned and despairing of ever having a better life, or of recovering from the devastation that the war caused. My mind kept overlaying scenes from Gone with the Wind and I heard the voices of Scarlett & Rhett and Mellie & Ashley :) But I stepped into the lives of Beth & Joanie Jornigan and Trella, a pregnant slave from their uncles plantation.

Following the death of both their parents, Beth & Joanie seek to escape Walt (their uncle) and Bear (their cousin) who are abusive toward them and the workers. After an unexpected mishap during their escape plan, the girls are rescued by three soldiers on their way home from the war: Captain Pierce Montgomery, a southerner who fought for the North, 2nd Lt Samuel "Preach" Madison, a soldier for the South and 1st Lt Gray Eagle, a Cherokee and a scout who fought for the South. Needless to say, turmoil ensues for the soldiers because they don't want to be responsible for the women. They just want to get to their respectives homes and have some good old down home cooking and sweet tea. But, after a run in with Walt & Bear, they feel honor bound to get the women to the nearest town and to safety. They end up staying with an Indian tribe near an Abbey full of nuns and what transpires throughout the rest of the book is humorous as well as a journey to faith for Beth, healing for Joanie, and freedom for Trella.

Personally, I thought Beth was rather irritating in her adament hatred of men. Pierce eventually wins her trust and proves to be a pretty good hero. My favorite characters were Joanie and Gray Eagle. Theirs is a sweet and tender love that blossoms. Samuel takes to Trella pretty quick and eventually convinces her she is worthy of love in spite of the abuses she suffered at the hands of her Task Master. Add in the awesome nuns at the Abbey and you have an interesting mix of characters that probably wouldn't have really teamed up together but it was an easy read and enjoyable for the most part.

I was provided a free copy of this book by Harvest House Publishers in
exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth Jornigan is strong, determined and resourceful, but the men in her family have created a strong dislike and distrust for all men in her heart and mind. As Beth, her sister, Joanie, and their friend, Trella, attempt to escape abusive Uncle Walt, an unexpected wildfire forces them to rely on three Civil War soldiers. Beth is extremely resistant to the assistance of Captain Pierce, Preach and Gray Eagle. However, with little money and relentless family members, Beth, Joanie and Trella agree to accept the men's temporary assistance. As the days pass on, each woman finds herself attracted to a man. Will the relationships blossom or whither away when the men return home? Are the women just attracted to the men because they rescued them or is it possibly true love?

The One Who Waits for Me is typical Lori Copeland fiction romance. It is sweet and has some wonderfully humorous moments, but it is also quite predictable. Something about the characters of Beth and Pierce never really rang true for me. Beth has experienced abuse and dislikes all men, yet is quite naïve. Somehow those traits just don't go together in my mind. Abuse has a way of making a person grow up fast. Conversely, other characters, Sister Mary Margret for example, were authentic and delightful.

I applaud Copeland for her realistic depictions of the American Indians. Too often in Christian fiction, they are depicted as ruthless warriors. Copeland treated the subject of their displacement with sensitivity and respect. I think an American Indian could read this book and not be offended at Copeland's depictions.

Overall, The One Who Waits for Me by Lori Copeland is a sweet read, but I recommend renting it from the library before purchasing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from publisher as part of FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Sara ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book was really cute.... It was just a little too.... easy.

The story line was fairly serious, but Lori Copeland's writing style is a little too... cutesy? to really go with it. That was my biggest hangup about this book. Two of the characters, Joanie and Beth Jornigan, have basically lived under the tyrannical thumb of their evil uncle their whole lives, picking cotton alongside his VERY poorly treated slaves, one of whom is Trella (also a main character in this story). Joanie has severe asthma and will probably die soon without treatment, but Uncle Walt wouldn't let her do anything about it. And Trella is VERY VERY pregnant from some random overseer guy at the plantation, because Walt allowed the men to "enjoy" the female slaves all they wanted. (She has the baby right off the bat (I think it was the stress of escaping), so she's got a newborn baby and, OH YEAH! Is also RECOVERING FROM CHILDBIRTH during the story, which isn't even mentioned....) So we're dealing with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse all stemming from this evil character (whether he was directly involved or not) and his evil son, Bear (DUMB name!)... But then the story just ends up being super cutesy. It just didn't mesh well together—the story and the writing.

But the story is about how these three women escape from the evil uncle and cousin, and end up running into 3 men who are on their way home from fighting in the Civil War. Captain Pierce Montgomery (Beth's love interest), Gray Eagle, who is half Cherokee and half white (Joanie's love interest), and Samuel "Preach" Madison (Trella's love interest). I mean, seriously. It was all just a bit too convenient, in my opinion. I mean, I'm not saying God couldn't make something like this happen, because he totally could, but srsly. They all fall in love and live happily ever after (we assume) I really quite liked all the characters, especially the local nun, Sister Mary Margaret. She was funny and quite fab.

But overall, it was really really not realistic! Or doctrinally correct, but I wasn't expecting that. It drives me crazy how no one ever gets baptized in these books! :P

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: THE ONE WHO WAITS FOR ME
Author: Lori Copeland
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
August 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7369-3018-5
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Three men, Preach, Pierce, and Gray Eagle are returning to their homes after the war between the states. One is Indian, but the best learned of the trio. Pierce was a Yankee soldier, and the other two fought for the confederate side. They are anxious to get back to their respective homes, dreaming of hot food and soft beds.

Beth and her sister Joanie had just lost their parents to a serious illness and are desperate to escape the clutches of a wicked uncle and cousin. So Beth sets fire to their home but she and Joanie are overcome with smoke before they could escape. Preach, Pierce and Gray Eagle ride in to the rescue, but things rapidly go from bad to worse.

Before they can make their escape, Joanie dies and a third woman, Trella, gives birth in the middle of the road. The men save Joanie’s life and deliver the baby, but what else could possibly go wrong before they get home?

THE ONE WHO WAITS FOR ME starts out with a prologue in the men’s point of view that really sets the stage for the story. This prologue is necessary and must be read to be able to understand why these three men are traveling together and where they are going. The first chapter starts with a death (a prerequisite for a historical) and Beth setting fire to her house. But in trying to escape everything that possibly can go wrong does.

Some of the events that happen really feel contrived and forced, but the reader has to keep reading to see what happens and how the situations are resolved. The three men are truly heroes, between the three of them to know how to fix almost anything. This is a nice change from the weak heroes and the super powerful heroines that most historical romances prefer, but on the other hand…well…it wasn’t completely realistic. Still, if you are looking for a historical romance that is different than the usual War-Between-the-States-Ending then THE ONE WHO WAITS FOR ME is the book you waited for. $13.99. 320 pages.

I received this book in return for review from the publicist.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making a blanket judgement can be seen as looking at the world with one eye closed, when really you need both eyes to absorb the true beauty around you. In this novel, hardship has colored three womans minds on the opposite gender. From their experience in being whipped like slaves and having no real comparison to show them difference, Beth Jornigan believes all men to be untrustworthy and has decided that marriage and children aren't in her future. Taking the future into her own hands after the death of both her parents, she starts a fire for distraction to run from the oppression that her uncle and cousin have over her for working the cotton fields and ruling her and her sickly sister, Jonie's life.

This fire burns out of control and 3 soldiers on their way home from the civil war rescue them from death. these soldiers become their protectors and the Jornigan sisters are pursued by their evil kin in hopes of securing the deed to the plantation that only Beth know the whereabouts for.

The sisters bring along along a friend, who is a black, cotton picker in labor adding one more female to the soldiers growing obstacles in their journey to return home.

Gray Eagle, a confederate scout, part white and part Cherokee Indian grows an attraction for Jonie and helps her find relief for her ailing asthma attacks.

Captain Pierce Montgomery also fought for the Confederacy and finds that helping Beth to see that not all men are like her uncle and cousin is his goal in life.

Preach is a black soldier, who fought for the Union, but now that the war is over the three are friends who travel together for safety. Preach's heart latches onto the new baby, Ester and her mother Trella wanting to give her a better future from the past.

All these men fight for the woman they come to love while following the guidance of the Lord in doing what he has planned for their future.

[Chickadee · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book in the new Carolina Moon Series, The One Who Waits For Me is sure to please loyal readers of Lori Copeland. And for those who haven’t had the chance to read any of Lori’s books yet, this would be a great series to start with.

Best known for her romantic western novels, Lori strikes again with a story that takes readers back in time. The eclectic blend of characters work really well in this story and somehow Lori is able to blend nuns, slaves, Civil War soldiers and Native Americans together into a wonderful tale.

Three war weary soldiers headed home are looking forward to a much-needed rest when their paths collide with two sisters, who are on the run from their cruel, brutal uncle. Against their better judgment, the soldiers decide to help the two sisters and soon come across a third young woman who also needs their help and protection. From there, the story takes off and readers are swept away into a (sometimes humorous) story of faith, hope and love amidst tragedy, deceit and hardship.

Lori creates characters that her readers care about and easily connect with. This was such a good book, I hated to see it come to an end. I enjoyed this story very much and was reminded once again, why Lori Copeland continues to be a best-selling author. Lori’s books are not only entertaining, they are interesting and I appreciate that she maintains her integrity as a Christian author by keeping her books clean.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story line was a bit of a stretch. The black man, Cherokee, and Union soldier traveling together after the end of the Civil War meet up with three women who are escaping a tyrannical plantation owner. This part I could live with.

What kept me confused throughout the book was the landscape of North Carolina which included spanish moss draped trees, a creek with possible alligators, a hot spring, a deep ravine with a bluff that included at least five caves--accessible only by a rope from a tree top, Cherokee land, large plantations, and an Abbey--all within a couple mile area. It was as though the whole state had been smashed into a 5 square mile plot.

Also, the indians described seemed to be a mixture of plains indians (references to buffalo herds, and skin tents) and the woodlands indians of a century earlier (doeskin dresses, bear hide pants, wigwam type houses), but they were supposed to be Cherokee.

The story ends happily with the three men marrying the three women. A loose end was the cousin--left to sweat in a sweat lodge and never mentioned again (except in a very general way that indicated he was still alive, but not why he was no longer a threat to the women).

I have read and enjoyed other books by this author, but would not recommend this one.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lori Copeland's fiction is always a joy to read. The One Who Waits for Me, her latest romance set during the summer following the end of the Civil War, is no exception. While I would have preferred a more in depth look at the relationships of Beth, Joanie, and their friend Trella I kept turning the pages. Since there are so many characters front and center all with their own personal battles and love interests The One Who Waits for Me reads a lot like a novella. I was left wanting more! Gray Eagle a former Confederate spy really intrigued me. After having read Laura Frantz's Courting Morrow Little and The Frontiersman's Daughter with absolutely amazing Native American heroes I was hoping to get to know Gray a bit better but I was a bit let down. Despite that The One Who Waits for Me was a great story that I don't regret reading. I loved seeing the close relationship between Beth and her sister and I loved reading a post-bellum story that wasn't set in the West. Copeland fans and readers of romance should probably give this a try!

***Special thanks to Karri James, Marketing Assistant, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place right after the Civil War, this book will take you back to a time when slavery was still being practiced in the South and soldiers were going home to their new lives. This story tells about two sisters, Beth and Joanie and their need to escape their abusive Uncle Walt.

Beth is a strong young woman who does everything she can to protect her asthma stricken sister. She is sensible but quite hot-headed and at times very impulsive. Her sister, Joanie, is opposite. She's meek and gentle and a strong Christian. When they find they have to depend on a group of soldiers to help them, Beth's reaction of mistrust gives the reader a peek of the life she had lived before her parents died.

This is a well written novel of adventure, suspense, faith and trust with some romance mixed in. It is humorous at times, and carries a nice message about having faith and trusting God. For me, this is a book that is perfect for a nice cozy read with a hot cup of a favorite tea in your favorite spot.

This is the first book I've read by Lori Copeland, and it certainly will not be the last. I really enjoyed her writing style and found this book to be a very satisfying read!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found this to be a very fast read, and enjoyed it. I found a lot of things that bothered me in the facts used.
The story revolves around two girls who have just finished burying their Father, and their Mother has passed in the past week. Beth and Joanie are now running from their evil Uncle. They are to meet with Trella, a pregnant Slave...who end up giving birth on the road.
With many twists and turns an being chased by the Evil Uncle Walt and his Son Bear. They are rescued and helped by three returning Civil War Vets. One a black man who fought for the North Samuel, another a Cherokee Scout for the South Gray Eagle, and Pierce who is a Southerner who wants to never see violence again!
Six different characters who lives will be forever changed as they look for peace and sanctuary!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House and First Wild Card Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fever takes the lives of Beth and Joanie Jornigan’s parents, putting them in harm’s way of their Uncle Walt and his son Bear. He’s brutal and cantankerous. He abuses his slaves as well as the girls. So the girls decide to run away along with one of the slaves, Trella, who is very pregnant. They are rescued by three soldiers on their way home from the Civil War, one of whom didn’t want any interruptions getting there!

Thus Lori Copeland creates the tumultuous events that occur to her characters. The characters are portrayed as spunky, determined, rugged, ruthless, trustworthy, and brave. Beth’s distrust of all men makes for a difficult time for her rescuers. And matches in the hands of Beth are a matter of safety for all involved!

There’s plenty of humor, romance, danger, rescue, friendship and trust in Lori’s book. The faith of some is sorely tested, while others are challenged to believe and trust in God to give them their dreams and a future.

The book is well-written and interesting, but it didn’t catch my attention like other books have. It’s a personal preference, as I was looking for more suspense to up the ante. Romance readers will definitely enjoy Lori’s book!

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light Christian and a somewhat entertaining, but implausible story, set post Civil War as soldiers are returning home. Three soldiers encounter three young women running away from abusive situations. Predictably, their lives are turned upside down as they try and help. Everyone falls in love, the bad guys are eliminated and the stage is set for future books in the series. It all wraps up neatly with the strong Christian characters helping to strengthen those who doubt.

I haven't ever read Lori Copeland before and I know she's very popular among Christian fiction writers. I think that prolific writers sometimes become a little stale. Their stories tend toward being somewhat formulaic. Not having read Copeland before, I wasn't overly impressed with this one but found it lightly entertaining. Fans of Lori Copeland will undoubtedly love it.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The one who waits for me” by Lori Copeland. Harvest House Publishers. Eugene, Oregon 2011

“The one who waits for me” is historical Christian fiction based on the conflict between the North and the South during the civil war. Beth and Joanie are two sisters that have lost their parents to death and are fleeing from their uncle and cousin. Lori Copeland introduces conflict with a human v. fate approach. “The older man’s face hardened into granite. “Don’t matter what they want. I’m their uncle, and I say I’m taking them with me.” “No! the girl’s muffled voice softly pleaded.” Please I’ll do anything. Just don’t let him take us.” The two girls are rounded characters in that their conflict is so severe that they are tested to trust Union soldiers coming home from the war, to help them. The girls are relatable. It’s beneficial to add conflict that is realistic with raw emotions.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://belovedgraceful-carissasbooksh...

Title: The One Who Waits for Me

Author: Lori Copeland

Series: no

Chapters: 42

Pages: 300

Genre: Christian historical fiction

Rating: 4 ½ stars

The One Who Waits for me is set just after the Civil War, when three Soldier’s two Rebs and one union come across two sisters and a former slave; on a smoke filled road. The One who Waits for me is the first book by Lori Copeland and found that I enjoyed it more that I thought I would.
To me The One Who waits for me, had just the right amount of history, and action. There was a little bit of romance not a lot, but enough to make the story sweet. If you are looking for a Civil War novel that doesn't focus on the war, but on the social aspect then this would be the book for you.