A thousand shall fall: Shenandoah Valley saga.
By Andrea Boesharr
Genre: historical fiction, christian fiction, romance
Synopsis:
Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off–only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy.
Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they’re all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.
Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, A Thousand Shall Fall is framed around compelling characters and a very romantic setting in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Andrea Boeshaar’s extensive research guarantees historical accuracy and romance genre enthusiasts and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy the Christian perspectives on actual historical events.
My thoughts:
Overall this story was well done in many aspects.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction. Someday, I hope to write historical fiction. This-civil-war-era story presented us with a view of the struggles of several people affected by the war, specifically a young girl who’s father left for the war, and the family of Colonel Peyton, who has had to deal with criticism for their alliance to the North, while surrounded by Southern sympathizers.
I enjoyed most of the characters, and the heartwarming love story that developed. The two main protagonists were well developed, full of realistic flaws, and full of endearing qualities as well. I appreciated the way Carrie Ann reacted to seeing bloodshed for the first time. It was believable and realistic for a girl her age who had never witnessed a scene of battle beforehand. The plot flowed quickly, with romance and wartime action blended nicely together, though it was heavy on the romantic side. (Which is what I lovvve) I appreciate action sequences in any genre. It builds tension and drives the plot forward.
If you’re a fan of romance and historical fiction, particularly civil war era books, you’ll likely enjoy this story.
