Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour: A Thousand Shall Fall

About the Book

A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War

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.

Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally–and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

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 Rating

Spring

My Review

A Thousand Shall Fall begins with an author's note promising that a lot of research went into this historical fiction series. And it shows! Throughout this first installment you'll find plenty of tidbits about the American Civil War (from pertinent facts mentioned in dialogue to telegrams and article snippets between some chapters).

I confess there were times facts and explanations felt a bit forced or crammed in to the narrative and dialogue. I think this partly led to some conversations coming across as stilted, in combination with the formal tone the characters sometimes took with one another. Of course, it helps for the reader to be aware of the historical context, and formal dialogue has its place in such a story! I just think these things can sometimes play a part in keeping the reader from becoming fully engaged.

But that's not to say I didn't find this story interesting. The scenes were well-paced, the cast of characters varied in personality and motives, and the romance led to some charming moments. I enjoyed following Carrie Ann on her adventures and misadventures; she's a character with a lot of spunk, which serves her well in the dangerous situations she finds herself in. And Colonel Peyton Collier, well...for the most part he proves himself to be a worthy match for Carrie and a likable hero.

Overall, did I find this book intriguing? You bet! Was I pleased with the way certain plot elements played out? Not entirely. And I didn't find myself as emotionally invested as I would have liked to have been, especially for a story set during a very heart-wrenching time in US history. But fans of Civil War fiction with a bit of sweet romance and a dash of suspense should find this to be a pleasing read.

*With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, to be shared during the Litfuse Publicity blog tour.*

About the Author

Andrea Boeshaar is the cofounder of American Christian Fiction Writers and runs “The Writer’s ER,” a coaching service for writers. She is the author of thirty published works, including Threads of Faith, a finalist in the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards. Andrea is also the author of a popular devotional and regularly blogs on a number of sites.

Find out more about Andrea at www.andreaboeshaar.com.

To Learn More: click HERE

Blog Tour: Check out reviews from other blog tour participants HERE.

Giveaway!

Andrea is celebrating the release of A Thousand Shall Fall with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Thousand Shall Fall
• A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 10th. The winner will be announced December 11th on Andrea's blog.