Loved the story and the author's note at the end reiterating the meaning behind the book. Great characters that can be related to. Wish the ending wasn't as rushed. Great book.

4.5*

When all your hopes and dreams are about to come true, life feels pretty much perfect. Until everything changes and all you had hoped for is gone and not within your grasp anymore. Lydia Prescott is having one of those moments.

I loved Lydia! At first she seems like a beautiful, possibly spoiled, debutante, scheming and planning. But as the story unfolds and moves on, she is anything but. She was a very well written and developed character for me. She didn't fall down when trouble came, she embraced it and worked to make the best of any situation. She was a kind and caring young woman whose world was changed by war.

I couldn't imagine what life would have been like back in the early days of America. Then to have war after war keep occurring. The resiliency of men, woman and children to survive and thrive. This is the second book by this author about the War of 1812. The first book, My Dearest Enemy, focuses on the war in Canada and this one focuses on a couple locations in America. They don't have to be read together or in any particular order. The connecting factor aside from the war is Emmett from, My Dearest Enemy, is Lydia's brother. I've enjoyed both of these books, but I think this is my favorite of the two.

After an Lydia's hopes and dreams are changed, she finds herself quickly married to Jacob Steele. I won't say why but let me tell you, that Jacob Steele is one fine character! I'm not just referencing physical attributes but his character and personality all combined! Yep, a true gentleman. I loved the dynamics between these two. The uncertainty, the desire for friendship, the hopes to create a good life together. It was so sweet. But frustrating too. Of course! These two were tiptoeing around each other trying to find a balance but not speaking and sharing their mind. So, hence, the frustration. But I loved how it all worked out.

I couldn't decide who I wanted to trust or not trust in this book for quite a while. I was for sure a couple characters were shady, but then I was mistaken. I usually don't get tricked like that, but I sure was with this book. Well done Jennifer Moore!

If you enjoy history, there is plenty of it written throughout with this lovely story. I really enjoyed reading about some of the battles and reading the author's note at the end where she discusses more of the historical aspects. And her love of ships comes through in this one and was very captivating for me as the reader.

If you're looking for a sweet and clean romantic story with some history and great characters, definitely pick this one up.

Content: Clean. Sweet romance with some kissing. Some moments of peril, some battles and attacks associated with war but nothing gruesome or overly graphic. I would let my teenage daughters read this.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

This was a fun story. An accident scars Lydia's face and dashes her hopes of marrying the gentleman she had set her sights on. Instead, she finds herself married to Jacob, who offered for her hand after just briefly meeting her, unbeknownst to Lydia.
Lydia soon tries her best to make it work while Jacob seems to be not into the marriage. We find out he's a spy for America against the British in the War of 1812.
I loved both Jacob and Lydia. They take a while to come together in harmony of their marriage, but it turns out very sweet.

To start I have to admit that I am not the person indicated to judge the accuracy of the historical facts presented, but let’s face that in such books that doesn’t matter much. We want the juicy romance, the feels and “fluff” and that’s what matters most.

With that said, I have to admit that I enjoyed the book but think that it has its problems. And the worst one is that there was way too much happening for the length of the book. The ideas were all good, but it was just too much. With all of that happening we had little time to enjoy the places and to better know all the characters, and everything felt cramped and rushed.

If this was a bigger novel, the story could accommodate every plot point much better and could guide us through it much more smoothly.

Since everything was rushed we missed some parts and stories that could be better expanded and we been left feeling that some occurrences by the end were added to just conclude the story while inside the word limit.
For example, Alden was one of the secondary characters that I got extremely curious about but in the end of the book still felt like I needed to know more about him.

But overall it was a very entertaining book with its nice moments.

I have read lots of Revolutionary War and civil War stories, but to my best recollection this is the first story I've read that takes place during the War of 1812. At the end of chapter three I had to take a little detour on-line to reacquaint myself with the basics of that war. I was glad that I did because it aided my understanding of the rest of the story.

While I typically read and review Christian fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this clean historical romance. Jennifer Moore's research, character development, well-paced story line, and sometimes humorous story drew me in and kept me entranced, allowing me to complete it in one day. I will be on the lookout for other books by this new-to-me author and from this new-to-me publisher in the days to come.

In The Shipbuilder's Wife, Lydia Prescott, a southern debutante, is released from her engagement following an explosion that left her face scarred. Believing no one will ever want her, Lydia is surprised and bewildered when her father arranges her marriage to Jacob Steele, a shipbuilder from Annapolis. As far as she can remember Lydia has only met the gentleman once before, and they didn't exactly take to one another. As Lydia and Jacob learn to live in the same house they consistently misread both circumstances and one another, causing the reader great angst, and a desire to read on.

I thank NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing me with a copy of The Shipbuilder's Wife in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under not obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

I've enjoyed reading Jennifer Moore's books that take place during the War of 1812. It is not a common genere to read books about that time period (as it relates to the United States).

I will not lie, I've enjoyed other of Moore's books better than this one. I did, however, enjoy this book more than I enjoyed its sister book "My Dearest Enemy."

The story was compelling and the characters likeable.

I did look up some of the actual facts of this story afterwards and was pleased to see that Ms. Moore did her research. Things she included about the buring of Washington, DC were accurate, and I even learned about a few events that I'd never known before.

I was eagerly looking forward to reading, The Shipbuilder's Wife. I mean look at that cover, very eye appealing.
This is the second in the War of 1812 Series. A young flirtatious woman full of self confidence she is sure an engagement is coming her way the night of her parent's garden party. Sadly this engagement is short lived after a surprise attack from the British while hiding in a shed with her lady's maid. Beauty is only skin deep or is it? A disfiguring wound to Lydia Prescott leaves her a shell of the woman she was especially when her fiancee drops her like a hot potato after her disfigurement. With a war raging around them the man she so briefly meets, Jacob may just be her saving grace. I enjoyed reading the historical aspect of the this time period and enjoyed meeting back up with characters in the first book in the series. I hope the series continues with some more of the minor characters and they get their own stories.
Pub Date 01 Sep 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Covenant Communications through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

This new-to-me author painted a historically vivid and interesting picture of the War of 1812 which is considered the Second War of Independence. Jacob Steele is a shipbuilder as well as an espionage agent for the Americans, and is a gentle giant who has difficulty with talking to people. Lydia Prescott is a southern belle awaiting a proposal from her wealthy beau until the British invade her plantation destroying and pillaging leaving Lydia with a large piece of broken glass in her face and a scar that changes her entire life.

The history inside this story was fascinating and obviously well researched by Moore. I knew very little about the War of 1812, but Moore's incredible detail and vivid word pictures bring this period to life. The story pulled me in from the very beginning as I found myself rooting for the totally unprepared young American nation. The main characters were each so likable from huge soft-hearted Jacob, to dramatically funny Alden, to sweet Elnora. I especially liked that the romance played a role behind the history. Both Lydia and Jacob found themselves in what they believed was a marriage of necessity, and they each had their preconceived notions about what the other was doing and why. Yet in the meantime, each was falling more and more in love with other.

I will definitely be looking for more books by Jennifer Moore as this one made my 2018 favorites list.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Lydia Prescott's future seems bright despite the War of 1812 waging not far from her; as the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, she has received a proposal from her beau, who owns a plantation not far from her home. However, a British raid on her family's property leaves Lydia wounded and scarred, and her fiancé cries off.

Jacob Steele, a shipbuilder and a spy for the American forces, rescued Lydia from a burning building, and when he finds out her fickle fiancé has ended their engagement, he convinces Lydia's father to allow him to marry her instead.

Although Lydia's plans have taken a drastic turn from what she expected, as she sets out on a new life with Jacob, she tries to make the best of it--but Jacob works long hours and doesn't seem to want to open up to her at all.

Jacob is drawn to Lydia, but at the same time, he can't bring himself to trust her--after all, lives are at stake and someone is clearly giving the British information. With the fates of their country and their marriage at stake, can Lydia and Jacob learn to trust one another?

I love Jennifer Moore's books; she always introduces me to aspects of history that are so fascinating. I haven't read many books about the War of 1812, so I loved getting the chance to read about that era and what life was like for the Americans at that time. I also thoroughly enjoyed the espionage angle; it moved the plot along quickly and was very interesting. I really loved Jacob's character--he's one of those super good guys with a strong moral compass who can't really face his feelings. He's both realistic and endearing. Lydia starts out seeming like she's spoiled and flighty, but it doesn't take long to see she has more depth and goodness than it initially appeared.

Another terrific read from Jennifer Moore--a great choice for fans of gentle romances and historical fiction.

I read an ARC of #TheShipbuildersWife via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you net galley for the advance read copy of this novel. I love this author and again she does not disappoint. I was thrilled to discover that this novel included the family from the "my dearest enemy" nove! . This was a novel of Lydia Prescott and Jacob Steele during the war of 1812. I enjoyed the slow clean romance in this novel. I hope the author has two more novels --one for Best Prescott and one for Alden. The author hinted at a relationship gone sour for Alden but never revealed details. I thought that the last few chapters had a bit too much fighting for my tastes. Great read and would recommend!

I love the cover of this book. Lydia is determined to get married and has the perfect man in mind, but things don't always work out, the way that she wants them to. When someone enters, Lydia's life, who doesn't trust easily, she trys to think of ways to build the relationship, and earn his trust. This book takes place, around the Revolutionary war and is fast paced. Jennifer Moore has written quite a few historical romances and is a great writer.

This books starts on the plantation and via Washington gets to the shipyard. I'm unfamilair with the historical context but really enjoyed the story. It has made me want to learn more about that time in America.

The Author gives detailed descriptions of all the characters and they really come alive. She acknowledges Carla Kelly and there are similarities in the style of writing which is very good as I enjoy that author as well. Lydia is a very interesting heroine and I liked her journey into her confidence and independance. She's brave and is willing to do what is needed no matter the danger. Jacob is a lovely hero and I was pleased that he was brave in achieving his happy ending.

It's a clean story and normally I like a bit more passion but it worked very well., I shall continue to look out for other titles by this author. My Dearest Enemy might be a good start as it could be viewed as a companion book as it stars Lydia's brother and I wonder if the author will write the story of Jacob's friend Aldred Thatcher?

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGallery in exchange for my honest review

The Shipbuilder's Wife was such an incredible book. Just like Moore's other books, this book had a real life feel to it. You could actually feel as if you were right there as the Americans fought the English and as they trembled in fear not knowing if their loved ones were safe.

Lydia Prescott is a beautiful young lady who has grown up on a plantation. She has her sights set on marrying a wealthy young man who just inherited a plantation, but one night and an attack from the English changes her world. She gets an injury that mars her physical beauty.

Jacob Steele is a shipbuilder that after meeting Lydia cannot help but intervene when her hears her engagement has been called off due to her injury. He marries Lydia and takes her to his home in Annapolis. Lydia has some overcoming to do as she deals with the emotions of having a physical injury. But Jacob is more than he appears to be. He is working as a spy for the Americans, but that has made him suspicious of everyone, even Lydia. This fear has kept him from getting close to his wife. When a threat for America's safety is made know, Lydia knows she must stand up for her country and tell someone of the plans the English have. She never expected to meet her husband on her way to report the news. Jacob and Lydia go to deliver the news together. Jacob then leaves to fight the English and Lydia goes to try and protect Jacob's family. Unfortunately things do not go as planned but maybe that is what will finally draw Lydia and Jacob together.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest feedback.

The Shipbuilder’s Wife was an okay read for me. It had some slow scenes but picked up quickly. I am giving this story three stars.

The Revolutionary War is going on. Brave men, good men on both sides fighting for what they believe is right. Lydia lives in Virginia on a tobacco plantation. She is almost engaged to Jefferson Caraway, a young, handsome plantation owner in his own right. Lydia is waiting to meet him before he goes into the party, that her family is throwing. She looks up and it is not him, but a really big, handsome man named Jacob. He and his family are there to ask for money and support for the flotilla that try to keep the people and crops safe that are close to the rivers. Jacob and Alden are ship builders and members of America's Military, they are fighting for America against the English. There is a bombing and Lydia is injured. She is saved by Jacob and eventually marries him. Spies are everywhere, times are scary as the war is in everyone's back yard. Who can you trust? I loved this book. It has some romance, but it tells the story of the Revolutionary War from the side of the people that are affected. The author captures the times with amazing research. Slaves are a part of the story as well as freemen. This is part of the history of that time, but it is told with care. Very well written. I recommend it to those who love this time period and the history of the beginning of our country. And the romance. I could only tell a small part of the story without giving away the plot. I received this book from Net Galley and Covenant Communications for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. The opinions are my own.

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
This novel was an enjoyable read. It involves the history of the War of 1812 when the British attacked the capital in Washington, D.C. Lydia Prescott has a natural way with people. As the daughter of a plantation owner, she eagerly await the proposal of another plantation owner when she meets Jacob Steele, who is more than a ship builder. Lydia draws her opinions of his based on their meeting. Jacob hides a tender heart behind a rough exterior. When the British set fire to Lydia's home, Jacob is the one who saves her, but it leaves Lydia with a scar. To save Lydia, Jacob decides to marry her. They go through the trials of a newly married couple, not knowing each other well. Secrets will hurt their blooming relationship and threaten to tare them apart during this time of war. Neither realized how much they need the other until it is almost too late. Love happens in the most unexpected ways and one must grab onto to it quickly or have regrets of not following their heart's desire.

I loved learning details about the War of 1812 from a more personal perspective, which is one reason I enjoy historical fiction. This author in particular is gifted at exposing me to times, locations, or events that I know little about, and enlarging my perspective of the world and the people in it. The danger, harsh circumstances, and struggles kept me turning the pages, and the gentle romance that grew between Lydia and Jacob tempered the heavier aspects of the plot. Lydia undergoes a definite change from the beginning of the book, and I admired the way her compassion for others grew into a selfless nature. The story is also told from Jacob's perspective, and he was an intriguing character with all the qualities I look for in a hero- strong and brave, yet vulnerable in ways not always seen at first. I loved the feeling of patriotism and devotion to a cause that is larger than themselves. Definitely a book that will be enjoyed and loved by fans of historical fiction and sweet romance.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)