Yay for the manly brotherhood to return!
This third book deal with the most depthful issues within this wonderful series - while staying true to all its powers.

Two of the Fab Four are still single, but will not stay for long if they would have anything to say about it, because both Major Ethan Kelly and Captain Devin Monroe find they better halves here, true women to challenge them and to better them. But these princesses know well the thorns of life and castles (invisible to the eyes, but stronger for that) to held them in captivity. So all of them need to find the true freedom.

I love this series. Maybe because it has all the swoonworthiness and lightness of the more worldly read well combined with the values and growth. The sworn brothers are, honestly put, hot. Their manliness is expressed sharply and truely to a dot. And here I am not speaking about bodies, but about this essence of what makes man a man - a mentality, a setting of someone who is ready to fight the right fights (even if these fightings come with a price tag). I am speaking about the true quality. We seriously need more of true manliness in the reality of our world.
The guys always fight for a cause - and here the causes are the most interesting of the series. Because the females here here are survivors, strong women.
Let me here discuss both Lizbeth Barclay and Julianne VanFleet, because I love them both. I like Julianne's boldness and unapologetic recognition of all she did to survive during the war. She did the necessary (if wrong) choices and she has learned to live with it and rise upon them. She is here to look you in the eye and said: here I am, the way I am. And I love that strength. Yes, a bit of humility would be nice, because she did flawed choices - yet Julianne is not full of herself. She is true to herself and has learned to value herself and not to live in the past. And this is the lesson to be learned.
Lizbeth had had no choices in the hardships of her life. She was left to herself alone to fight the poverty, trauma and shame. When Julianne's shame is known to public, Lizbeth's one is lived in the silence - and this captivity is worse in my opinion. So Lizbeth's way to finding her voice is powerful and her (newly found) dignity is inspirational. Lizbeth learns to value herself on the pages of this book, during the course of the novel, so she may seem meeker and weaker compared to Julianne - yet her fight has needed maybe even more courage, because she was hurt more.
As I said before, I love the both.
And I love how they both are able to confront and call out the guys if they do not behave well (and yes, here they sometives behaves like machos, are patronizing and need to be strictly reprimanded for disrespecting the very private matters). Which is a good plotting, as the flawed heroes are simply more relatable.

So yes, me likey very much. This series is simply a good read - and is much, much more. Because in the heart of the engaging novels are deep and raw questions and the satisfying answers.

Recommended read.

I have reviewed this book on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble and CBD if it was available there. I didn't realize I needed to review here, and in the future will do so.

I have read many books by this author and I absolutely loved this one as well, even though it’s different from her other Amish fiction books. The characters were great-I really enjoyed Lizbeth and Julianne; and Major Ethan Kelly and Captain Devin Monroe’s war friendship. This story is set during the after the war between the states. There are tragic war events that happen during this book but there are alot of great events, including romance, as well.

I really enjoyed the interesting steady plot-highly recommend!

I liked this one, but for me it was slow. I was actually confused at first at who the characters were and how they fit together. When I have to restart a book to figure it out, it hurts the flow. It was a big departure from other Shelley Shepard Gray books that I have read. The redeeming qualities for me were the setting, and the descriptions of the times Ethan and Devin were living in. That part of the story was interesting.

The third is the series Lone Star Hero is a tidy wrap up of the first two in this series. I found it lagging a bit about 1/4 of the way on, but it picked back up.
I love historical fiction and the rest of the story filled in the gaps quite well. The war is finally over but the wounds are still healing for the men as well as the women left behind. They were forced to do things they would never have done before the war and are ashamed of now. Dreams were shattered and new lives became possible as they learned to forgive and be forgiven for things that were over now.
There is love and some surprises along the way. Some subject matter about rape and sexual abuse that follows through the story. It might be too intense for teen readers.
I thank NetGalley and Zondervan for the chance to read this book. All opinions voiced are my own.

I am an avid fan of Shelley's books and gave this book a read. I was not disappointed and the story line flowed. If you like Shelley's books then give this one a try.

Wow. This book gripped me from the start. I am not too familiar with Gray’s writings but this one is very captivating because of the complexity of the romance. Usually I am able to figure things out in romance novels and see how it will all piece together. With this book it has me reading through the night wondering how the book resolves itself. The characters I feel could use a bit more depth, and there are times I felt like it got a bit too wordy, but overall a good read.

Love Held Captive is a book driven by emotion. The four main characters have all been hurt by the Civil war. All have demons and are survivors. Their lives have been altered by the things they had to do, or had done to them.

This book focuses on forgiveness. The pain that some of the characters feel was caused by one wicked man. I do not consider him one of the main characters, but his actions drive this book. Each of the characters must come to terms with what he did to them or the one's they love. They must survive and prevail.

There is a quote from the book that really struck and appealed to me. "Someone recently told me writers and poets make wars seem glorious but only fools think that way."

I enjoyed this book. I loved the romance, it was sweet and tender. The healing and forgiveness are exemplary. It does mention rape, indiscretions, and violence. This is the third book in a series, but only the second I have read. I think that a reader could pick up this one without reading the first and follow along well.

Source: I requested a copy of this book from netgalley a long time ago. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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I'm not gonna reiterate the entire plot since others have already but this was a nice read. It centers on four characters and two romantic relationships post Civil War. The men are high ranking soldiers. The women is a former maid who lost everything and a woman was a mistress of a disliked Army officer. The disliked Army officer has hurt both women greatly and their men seeks to stop him once for all.

I like the main characters. They weren't all perfect but they were still likable. The story was good though I wish there was more development for the romances.

I recommend this book to others.

RIveting!

I’ve said it before: Shelley Shepard Gray’s Lone Star Hero’s series may not be Amish (what?!), but it is amazing. The latest and final installment of this series, Love Held Captive, is no exception. No doubt, you are about to have some sleepless nights reading this one!

Major Ethan Kelly is haunted by a woman named Lizbeth Barclay. He encountered her while serving the Confederacy. He was in charge of a raid on her home. When he runs into her after the war, she does not know who he REALLY is – and she is scarred, both mentally and physically.

Captain Devin Monroe is ambling through life after war when he meets one Julianne VanFleet. He is smitten at first glance – but then he learns of her past.

When Devin and Ethan find that their file former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is at the epicenter of both women’s pain, they enlist the help of their band of brothers to bring about swift justice. Will then find who and what they’re looking for?

I was given Love Held Captive in exchange for my honest review. I was riveted after reading the first pages. Gray does an amazing job of weaving intricate storylines into a sweeping tale of valor, justice, and healing. A wonderful ending to an incredible series, I dare say that Gray has mastered a new niche in the Christian fiction market.

Shelley Shepard Gray has outdone herself in this book. I did not read the previous two books in the Lone Star Hero's series, so some of the events and characters in the book would probably have made more sense to me if I had read them first. This book was still very exciting. The Civil War, like any war, was ugly, brutal, and frightening. The characters dealt with rape, prostitution, abuse, and then they must find their own healing and forgiveness for the things they have done or had done to them. Forgiveness doesn't come easily for the characters, as it doesn't come easily for most of us.
I think this book handles the sensitive and difficult issues with grace and honesty. The book has been researched well. Details of the Civil War were obviously researched thoroughly.
I am rating this book 4**** stars. Some of the issues in the book would make it more appropriate for adults and not for teens.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Zondervan Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write an honest review.

This was a good book with a different storyline. The one man, Major Ethan Kelly, seeking to find absolution for a past action/decision he made during the war and another, Captain Devin Monroe, struggling to come to terms with the choices made by the woman he loves to survive during the war. The men band together to help find justice for both of their women against a former fellow soldier. The book sets a good pace and keeps you wanting to turn the page—one of my measurements for a good book. (I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.)

The lives of these two potential couples intersect and entwine into one cohesive story melded together with the bonds of friendship and justice. The author balances the darkness and despair of the war years with the endearing (and entertaining) courting attempts which are equal parts chivalry and awkward efforts to sweep the ladies off their feet.

As this series draws to a close, I'm reminded of the immensity and sufficiency of God's grace. No one is too broken, damaged, or lost to be redeemed, restored, and blessed beyond measure by His grace. Although many of the characters throughout these stories witnessed or experienced the very depths of man's depravity and yet, they were able to move forward, experience healing, and receive peace. I will definitely pick up future western releases from this author.

I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

I need to start by saying that I am neither a fan of historical fiction, and despite being a Christian, nor a reader of religious fiction. Despite this, however, I loved this book. Just the right amount of narrative and dialogue to provide sufficient information about the scene, whilst keeping you invested in the characters. I found myself continually questioning and re-evaluating my own values whilst reading, which added another dimension to the experience. Even away from the book, the messages and the decisions have stayed with me. I will definitely be looking for more books by Shelley Shephard Gray.

I enjoyed the pace of this novel- and when I discovered I was 85% through it, I was like "what- no way! There's no way we've been going this long- we are just getting started here!!" I didn't want it to end.
Maybe it was the fact that the plot was split evenly between two couples and their love story's, but it didn't feel long enough to me. Or, maybe it was the lengthy flashbacks the dude MC's had of their time in the POW camp, but my only two complaints are as to the length- like I said, it felt like I was in the first four chapters when I was already 3/4 of the way through- and that there were so many flashbacks to the POW camp that- given wanting it to be longer, I felt that maybe it detracted somewhat from what extra content there was to be had?? I don't know.

But other than that- stupendous read. I truly enjoyed it. The reading style was beautiful and concise, I loved the characters- Ethan's charisma was (clearly) lovable, and Lizbeth's personality was too. I enjoyed following the plot along and the characters- my only complaint is that I feel they could have been developed more over a longer story...I think it was the whole splitting a book between two couples (Four main characters) that had me perhaps wishing for a bit more airtime for each one.
Otherwise- really enjoyed Love Held Captive.

The final installment of the Lone Star Heroes series begins somewhat confusingly. We’re told that the prologue is set at the Johnson’s Island POW camp in Ohio in 1865, but the events that unfold in it are clearly set in a different place and time. The reason for the discrepancy is eventually made clear, but not before I’d re-read a couple of pages thinking I’d missed something.

The focus of Love Held Captive is how the war changed people. Sometimes they changed for the better, but not always. The former prisoners have been altered by their time on the battlefield and in the prison camp; now they’re trying to find where they fit in this post-war America. When we think of war we tend to think mostly of the men who fought in them, but Lizbeth and Julianne’s brutal experiences remind us that people at home suffered as well. Parts of this book aren’t pretty and veer on the disturbing side as well. I didn’t like the proposed plan the men formed to deal with Bushnell, and I hoped there would be a change of heart before the end. I could understand why they thought they had to do what they did, but I couldn’t agree with it.

If the book had ended with the culmination of their plan I’d have to give low marks to Love Held Captive. Thankfully, the concluding pages redeem it. The actual end takes the reader back to 1865 and the end of the war. The men are questioning why they had to endure such nightmare experiences, much as many of us question why bad things happen. One of them realizes that they, like us, will have to rest in the knowledge that we’ll get all our answers in heaven.

Thank you to Zondervan for my complimentary electronic copy of Love Held Captive, which I downloaded for my honest review.

Thoughts:
In LOVE HELD CAPTIVE by Shelley Shepard Gray, we travel back to 1867 where we make a crash landing in Texas.

The war is over and residents of these States attempt to settle into a new routine, but the ravages of the bloodshed still linger. People suffered and died, families are broken, memories battle with the conscience, minds thirst for peace, bodies bear many scars, and some wrongs become righted but not all. The nightmares for some are far from over, and many are not ready to pursue the dreams they held before it all began.

Ethan Kelly is often called by his former rank. However, this major is not able to focus on tomorrow as yesterday still haunts him. All of his wrongs in life seem alive, and his guilt creates its fresh wound. His problems worsen once he realizes that the woman in front of him is the same woman he hurt not long ago. Somehow, he must make his past toward her right. His identity to her remains a mystery. How much longer will it remain so? Can a battle-scarred man become a hero in her eyes?

Meanwhile, Devin Monroe is a former captain and Prisoner of War. His life, since his return home, remains quiet. He is not seeking out companionship while confronting his postwar demons head-on–until a chance meeting transports his emotions back to when he considers marriage in his future. This brief encounter brings Devin inside the challenges of courting a woman. It doesn’t take long for his lack of recent experience to cause awkward moments as he seeks out Julianne VanFleet.

Her demeanor proves that she is an honorable woman, but Julianne seems almost intimidated by her beauty. The shocking, brutal honesty she oozes brings memories back for Devin causing him much pain. While her revelations unveil a lack of his honesty to himself, she brings Devin to know he is familiar with a monster from the war.

Is it possible for him to approach any relationship without secretly judging another? Alternatively, could Miss VanFleet forgive his lack of backbone in admitting to his own faults?

After this war, trust needs to be re-earned by both men and women. Their broken hearts require mending as their past craves forgiveness but understanding must remain a constant companion to all as the engagement to right these wrongs still rage.


***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:
Texas, in the year 1867, is where LOVE HELD CAPTIVE by Shelley Shepard Gray brings Major Ethan Kelly and Captain Devin Monroe from the Prisoner of War encampment back home.

The horrors of this battle and the wrongs that lead to it and that happened during it weigh heavily upon each man. While trying to rediscover life from these ruins, the nightmares and guilt strain them on a daily basis as they uncover some of the faces which match the wrongs, including Daniel Bushnell, one of their comrades. However, his reputation was evil inside war and worsens in its aftermath.

Each man faces the pains he has caused others by trying to right their wrongs. Once Bushnell causes more hurt on the innocent, these men struggle with what to do next!

However, the women these two meet on their way to forgiveness have had their own hard times and find trust of limited value. Their living conditions during the war were harsh, and they’ve met the worst of people in uniform. How can either dare be around a former officer, now?

Set in San Antonio, this book covers about a month’s worth of time. During the story Lizbeth is approached inappropriately by Bushnell. This leads her literally to the room of Ethan. Ethan and Lizbeth met, though only he knows it, during the War when Ethan’s team was scavenging for supplies for the Confederacy. She has haunted his dreams for the years inbetween; he is surprised to run into her in San Antonio.

Devin and Julianne may be star-crossed lovers; their backgrounds are quite different. But, the book keeps emphasizing that war changes everyone.

The antagonist in the story is Bushnell; a fellow Confederate soldier who has been a pain to Ethan and Devin for many years. To wrap up the trilogy of the four soldiers, Devin and Ethan call on Robert Truax and Thomas Baker to help them settle the score with Bushnell.

Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to forgive himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. After the War Between the States, he longs to heal the heart of thic beautiful woman but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her. He struggles to get through each day until he can cross paths with Lizbeth Barclay, the woman he is trying to forget. Life after the war is not much different for Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but can he come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war? Then Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain. They call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. The men band together to earn the trust of the women they love. Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal. The characters are strong in their faith, and the author touches on PTSD.

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

If there was ever a book that captures the heart of the Civil War, this book certainly has proven its ability to transport readers back in time. The detail and historical facts make the story come alive. I could see the men in the battlefield and hear their cries as bullets can be heard in the distance. The author has done an outstanding job of taking a subject and given it breath and realism.

There are several characters that stand out in this book. They each grabbed my attention for different reasons. Instead of naming the characters I am choosing to do my review a bit different for this book. The two main women in the story each had been hurt and ridiculed in some way. Some of the men in town mocked them and made them feel dirty and ashamed. I kept thinking of the scripture, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone,” The women were brave, strong , fierce and each find a way to hold their head up with dignity.

Two of the men in the story fought on the battlefield and knew how hard it was to forget what they did in order to survive. They have remorse for the desperation they felt as they found ways to get food and blankets. What I liked about the story is how each of the four main characters carried around guilt and through faith and the help of friends, they were able to let the past go.

There are some difficult moments in the story that was hard to read, but I felt it was necessary so readers would understand what torture and humility the women went through. Will the town ever welcome these two women? What happens when the two men find out that one person is responsible for the pain they have each gone through? I loved the emotional turmoil the men felt and how they needed to “avenge the honor of the women,” The story is one that I thought was very well written with gritty details that show readers how hard it was during the Civil War. I would love to see this book become a movie. It would be a powerful and emotional journey to show how God can forgive and redeem people.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.