Amanda Graham is widowed after
her Colonel husband John is killed during the First Battle of Manassas in July of 1861.
While she, along with most of the nation, hopes that this War Between the States will end
quickly, such is not the case. Approached by Lt. Colonel Will Jackson, a Confederate
officer and long time friend of her husband’s, Amanda agrees to smuggle medical
supplies to the Southern troops from her home in Fredericksburg, just across the river
from the Northern boundary.
At home she also cares for the infant daughter of
her long time friend, Lt. Sam Prescott, who recently returned from duty in New Mexico and
is now serving in the Union forces. Torn between loyalty and compassion for soldiers of
both sides of this new war, Amanda does what she can for them, risking danger, capture and
even prison and hanging if captured. As the war draws on, and everyone begins to
understand that it will not end any time soon, Amanda is caught in a tug-of-war that
involves her heart. Both Will and Sam vie for her heart, sending Amanda into a maelstrom
of conflicting emotions, desires and uncertainty. Desperate to love and be loved, Amanda
is faced with making a decision, and must do so before the dangers of war does it for her
and she loses everything and everyone she holds dear to her heart.
Ms. Murphy’s Promise & Honor
brilliantly captures the mixed feelings of a woman caught in the middle; of not only a war
she wants no part of, but of the two men from opposite sides who hope for her affections.
The author’s ability to write gritty yet realistic battle scenes effectively portrays
the sacrifices made by the men of both sides. Well fleshed out characters bring that
intensity to life, and her exciting narrative propels the reader on a grim and realistic
journey into the heart of one woman’s struggle to find an enduring love in the midst
of hell. This reader/reviewer certainly hopes to see more from this wonderful new author.
Reviewed by Denise M. Clark 1/03
Denise’s Pieces Author Site & Book
Reviews
http://www.denisemclark.com
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