It’s hard to find happiness in a war-torn United States, but these two stand a fighting chance—if they can save what’s left of their hearts.
In 1862 America, the Civil War has raged for twelve months. Pepper Fitzpatrick Brown’s heart was broken when her husband died with the first volley at Manassas. Now she’s a widow raising three young boys and plans to honor his sacrifice by volunteering at the army hospital.
When Colonel Elijah Williams can grab a few minutes to nap between his duties as head surgeon at MacDougall Army Hospital in the Bronx, his sleep is invaded with nightmares of the atrocities he’s seen. His life has narrowed to nothing but the bloody war … until he meets Pepper Brown. But her father is concerned Elijah doesn’t have the best intentions, and Pepper is fearful of loving and losing again.
It’s hard to find happiness in a war-torn United States, but these two stand a fighting chance—if they can save what’s left of their hearts.
Excerpt
With a child holding tightly to each hand, Pepper walked slowly through the large, peaceful cemetery until she came to the gray stone marker for her husband. Both seven- year-old Matthew and five-year-old Mark carried a colorful bouquet of flowers to adorn the grave. Pepper knelt while the boys deposited their flowers, then put an arm around each silent, somber boy.
“There’s no need to be quiet. Tell your papa hello,” she encouraged them, and gave a gentle shove to each boy, propelling them toward the marker.
“Hello, Papa,” Matthew stared at the marker blankly as he spoke.
“Hello, Papa,” Mark followed his brother’s actions, although Pepper noticed he had reached for Matthew’s hand before he spoke.
“What do you want to talk to your papa about today? Do you want to tell him what you miss most about him?”
“I miss riding piggyback,” Mark whispered. “I just miss him.” Matthew’s eyes welled up with tears. Pepper put her arm around Matthew and brushed a kiss on his temple. Her chin trembled as she did so. “So do I. Your papa was a very good man, and I don’t want either of you to ever forget him. Your baby brother was born after your papa died, and he won’thave any memories to hold on to. So it’s up to the two of you to explain to Luke, when he’s able to understand, how wonderful your father was.”
Matthew’s tears spilled over and cascaded down his cheeks. “I don’t remember anymore what Papa looked like.”
Pepper sighed softly and brought her hand to her heart. She was having trouble remembering, too. She guessed memories faded over time in order to allow the living to move forward. But the knowledge of why they faded didn’t make it any easier.
Professional Reviews
Touching Story of the Civil War
This may be the most touching of the Cotillion Ball series. Because of the Civil War Pepper Fitzpatrick Brown has been widowed at 31. She is left with three boys under the age of eight and a hollow place in her heart. At the book's opening Pepper is coming out of a year of mourning and trying to find something to do to make a difference. She goes to the Army hospital to volunteer where she meets Colonel Elijah Williams, a widower and the doctor who now lives only for his work. The two of them have seen the results of the war, he, professionally, she, personally, and that gives them a special bond. The more they learn about each other, the deeper the bond becomes.
Lower does in this book what she does so very well--presents the great events of 19th century U.S. history through the eyes of people who are affected by them. In this book particularly, it's not hard to see the parallels between our history and our present in the implications for today's young solders and their spouses as they deal with the trauma and injuries of war.
Love In The Time of War
The Civil War has finally reached out and touched the Fitzpatrick family. In this penultimate book in the series, the oldest daughter, Pepper, has been left a widow with three young boys. Her husband was killed in the first land battle of the Civil War. Now that the year of mourning has passed, Pepper is ready to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She forsakes her black mourning clothes and begins to volunteer at a nearby military hospital. Her purpose is to provide comfort to wounded soldiers. However, she soon realizes that the over-worked surgeon dealing with an avalanche of victims also needs her assistance. The relationship begins with Pepper bringing the doctor food prepared by her talented cook but their shared attraction soon confuses the lovely widow. Since I am not a huge fan of Civil War books (except for the incomparable Gone With the Wind), I had been dreading the inevitable moment when the war would intrude on this family saga. However, I loved the book and the way that it focused on the effect that the war had on civilians as well as on the wounded warriors. The battles have all been covered in exhaustive detail in so many military books. A Widow's Salvation deals with the aftermath of those battles and the human cost of the war.
A Second Chance at Love
Book Eight in the Cotillion Ball Series is set during the American Civil War. What a powerful time, not only for those fighting, but for the women and children at home waiting for their men to return. For Pepper Fitzpatrick Brown, there is no happy reunion. Her husband is killed in the first battle at Manassas and she is left a widow with three young boys to raise. When her year of mourning finishes, she joins her mother in volunteering at the local military hospital where she meets the overworked surgeon, Colonel Elijah Williams. She watches as he operates around the clock forgetting to eat or sleep. She decides to take him in hand, bringing him regular meals and convincing him to rest. They both slowly realise there is life after loss and tragedy and open themselves to the possibility of a second chance at love.
I love this heroine – not a feisty young miss, but a gentle woman who has built her strength through adversity, compassion for others and the rigours of motherhood. Set during the turmoil of the Civil War, the story focusses, not on the battles being fought, but the effects on those left behind; their resilience and ability to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. Beautifully written with an intense chemistry between the hero and heroine. A must read!
Nobleman's son, Todd Ramble, returns home after years abroad and finds himself falling in love with his step-sister, who was now a grown woman. Unfortunately their love is brutally challenged by his tyrannical father.
Love is universal and not limited to the most perfect among us. In this collection of romantic short stories and poetry, love comes to those who are decidedly imperfect, who possess very real human flaws, scars, and challenges. Awaiting us as we are.
