The carnage that was the American Civil War and the bravery of United States citizens who fought on both sides is graphically portrayed in Linda Lael Miller’s The Yankee Widow. Caroline receives word that her husband, Jacob, is injured while fighting in the battle of Chancellorsville and has been taken to Washington, D.C. for treatment. Caroline travels alone to Washington in hopes of locating Jacob – not knowing what she will find. She returns shortly after to her young daughter, Rachel, and their small farm outside of Gettysburg amidst warnings that the War would soon reach them. Thus unfolds a rich story of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, a story that illuminates the impact of the Civil War on individuals and communities, personalizing many issues that surrounded that period in American history. Runaway slaves, women and war, free black men, friends that have become enemies, and Civil War battlegrounds are woven into this rich tale of love and war.

This book just seemed too depressing and slow. Usually her books suck me right in but not this one. I could see where the story was going but I just couldn't make myself invest that much time.

A very realistic glimpse into a sad time in our history. This story shows many aspects of the Civil War from different character's voices. Both sides, North and South are represented along with a slave and free man by credible stories. Caroline's strength and courage rang true as did all the main characters in this book. Highly recommended!

I enjoy the historical aspect of the novel personal I find war a hard subject to read but I enjoy this book and have a few customer I will be recommending this book to.

This book is a little different for me but I've read quite a few by this author and still really enjoyed it. The pace was a little slow to start but it picked up for me. Very good read. Recommended!

I love historical fiction, and Linda Lael Miller's Civil War story is a great read for that genre.
When Caroline learns that her husband has been wounded fighting for the Union she leaves for Washington DC. She returns home a widow, and is faced with raising her young daughter and maintaining the farm on her own. She is managing with the help of a loyal freed slave (who has troubles of his own) and the advice of her grandmother when the Battle of Gettysburg happens and her farm ends up as a Union field hospital.
This book re-imagines the issues of the day without being stale. Books about the horrors of the Civil War (slavery, North vs South, friend vs friend, homes being overtaken by troops) isn't a new concept, but I was never bored or felt like I'd heard the same story before.
Miller's female characters are strong, as women had to be during that time to get through day-to-day life. It's very enjoyable to follow Caroline's journey to discovering who she is after the loss of her husband, with a love triangle to add some spice to the story line.
Overall this book was an enjoyable escape to another time, portrayed through realistic characters (male and female) with strength and grit. The drama isn't overdone or forced. My favorite aspect of Miller's writing was the relationships between the main characters. Even during times of disagreement they stayed loyal to each other while being true to themselves. I will definitely be purchasing this in hardcover.
Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for this ARC.

I loved this book! I will not give away the story, but I will tell you that, contrary to another reviewer, the setting is not the South. So put away your sweet tea and mint julep and delve into a good historical novel set mostly on a small farm outside of Gettysburg, PA.

The writing is lovely. I read most of it on a plane ride home from Barcelona, and my fellow travelers must have thought something terrible was awaiting me in New York. Tears often ran down my cheeks, not just from sadness, but from the author's ability to reach into depths of human feeling and put that into words. This is one of those books that is underlined and noted over and over.

While not the same depth of writing and story, there is a feeling of Cold Mountain, The Widow of the South, and The Second Mrs. Hockaday. There is a little more romance than I like, and the story ties up a bit too neatly, but it was a very satisfying read. I can see someone making a very moving film from this book, and it must have Bradley Cooper as Bridger!😉

I liked the concept of this story, but the pace was very slow. Far more description than dialogue and I had trouble relating to the characters because of it.