Review and Giveaway: Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene Maclaren

About the Book

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: Christian Historical Romance (Civil War)

Release Date: Jan 9, 2018

Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with her chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of desperation.

Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold “his” gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.

But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?

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My Thoughts:

I do not read too many books where the girl disguises herself as a man. It is not really a favorite storyline of mine but this was an interesting one as it takes place during the Civil War, and Josie disguises herself as a man to become a Union soldier. Her reasons for doing so seemed a bit weak for me and her cousin gives her some pretty good alternatives, but whether it was her pride or youth, 19 year old Josie goes off to war. She is a pretty good soldier and fools her fellow comrades including Levi Albright. Levi is also a conundrum as he is a Quaker but has decided to go to war to keep the Union together. I was pleasantly surprised at how both of these characters were very out of the box with their way of thinking and tried to rely on God and do right.

Besides the tension of the war, knowing a battle was coming soon, and knowing that Josie was a woman and the anticipation of danger to her was great, there is also a spy among them. One who is ruthless and going a bit mad. Besides Levi’s and Josie’s point of views, we are also given the spy’s and were privy to his hit list of the Union soldiers he planned on taking out. I thought the author did a good job of keeping his identity hidden and wondering when this mad man would strike next. We were introduced to several soldiers that had me trying to guess who it was. I did not guess correctly.

The first half of this book was like a waiting game; the second half picks up the dangers of the war, the spy’s nefarious plans, and ultimately the romance. This was a pretty good read at keeping me on my toes so to speak.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.com, www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Whitaker House is giving away:

Grand Prize Package: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom Series #1) signed by the author, Sharlene MacLaren, Abba Jerusalem Hyssop 6” Pillar Candle.
1st Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1) by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.
2nd Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c602