Their Daring Hearts Review!

Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene MacLaren

Book Description:

Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of sheer desperation. 
Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold "his" gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.
But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?

My Opinion:
An interesting read!  Though not necessarily one I devoured.  This is my first read from Sharlene.  And I really enjoyed her style of writing.  One thing the book description doesn't say, and I personally think it should, is that there's a hidden traitor in this story.  And right when I started feeling like the pace of the story was starting to lull Sharlene would throw another crumb in about the mystery!  It was nice since my intrigue was once again spiked and I'd want to go on!  I also liked learning more about the Quakers!  There were some interesting things I hadn't known before!  I have known about and heard about women disguising themselves and joining the army in the civil war, but hadn't read a book with the main character doing just that.  It was really interesting with all the details included about what Josephine had to go through!  I really LOVED the Faith messages in this story!  Both main characters have VERY strong relationships with The Lord and I loved that!  Plus this story does have a little of everything in that, there's redemption stories, secrets revealed, mysteries solved, healing, romance, and more!  Overall this was a sweet read that I enjoyed!     

Songs: "Battle Hymn of the Republic"
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Deuteronomy 31:6. Philippians 4:6, Romans 3:23, Psalm 4:8, Luke 4:10, Psalm 91:11, Psalm 46

~ASC

*I requested and received this book as a member of Celebrate Lit for the purpose of reviewing it.  This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Their Daring Hearts. ~ASC

Giveaway

About the Author

Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.com, www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.

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