Book Review
Jan. 19th, 2023 10:09 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariA Hope Divided
by Alyssa Cole
This romance novel was unusually tense for the genre, but really, really good. It's set in North Carolina during the Civil War. Marlie is a free biracial woman living with her Unionist white half sister Sarah. Marlie uses her knowledge of herbs to provide healing to Union soldiers at the nearby prison camp, while Sasrah brings books and food. There Marlie meets Ewan McCall, a soldier who has done some less than admirable things in service to his country. They strike up a friendship largely conducted via notes discussing the books they read, and develop a strong attraction. When Ewan is injured while escaping, Marlie hides him in her workroom. The close proximity and communication that results deepens their relationship. Unfortunately, Confederate forces commandeer Sarah and Marlie's home, jeopardizing everyone's safety and Marlie's freedom. Ewan and Marlie must then flee north.
I really enjoyed this book. Cole is one of the best writers for giving equal importance to both elements of the historical romance genre. The high amount of danger Marlie and Ewan were in made this an intense read. Their relationship was a slow burn rather than an explosion of passion which made a nice contrast to the dangerous and volatile situation they were in. I loved how much their love was based in an intellectual connection and that it developed through shared reading experiences.
by Alyssa Cole
This romance novel was unusually tense for the genre, but really, really good. It's set in North Carolina during the Civil War. Marlie is a free biracial woman living with her Unionist white half sister Sarah. Marlie uses her knowledge of herbs to provide healing to Union soldiers at the nearby prison camp, while Sasrah brings books and food. There Marlie meets Ewan McCall, a soldier who has done some less than admirable things in service to his country. They strike up a friendship largely conducted via notes discussing the books they read, and develop a strong attraction. When Ewan is injured while escaping, Marlie hides him in her workroom. The close proximity and communication that results deepens their relationship. Unfortunately, Confederate forces commandeer Sarah and Marlie's home, jeopardizing everyone's safety and Marlie's freedom. Ewan and Marlie must then flee north.
I really enjoyed this book. Cole is one of the best writers for giving equal importance to both elements of the historical romance genre. The high amount of danger Marlie and Ewan were in made this an intense read. Their relationship was a slow burn rather than an explosion of passion which made a nice contrast to the dangerous and volatile situation they were in. I loved how much their love was based in an intellectual connection and that it developed through shared reading experiences.
