5 stars ***** out of 5
Historical Novel

This novel is set in the Ozark Mountains, and by what I have read in other books, it is a great setting if you want to write a book that deals superstitions. Mental health, and Spook-lights are just two of them explored in this book.( I should mention that Spook-light is not just superstition, it is true) The story starts with a shout, as U.S. Marshall Ian Cowley tries to run down the outlaw. Lyric has more than an unusual name to cause her to shy away from the general public, her ill mother, the house they live in and more. Lori Copeland weaves a tale that kept me on edge through out story, reading in long stretches as I followed the people. There were times, as I was reading at night that I looked for the light, so vivid did she write about the things around the characters. And the hole in the barn? Well, I guess you need to read the book to find out about that!

I received this Ebook free from Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own. ( )

The Lady and The Officer, takes place during the Civil War, a war that tore our Country apart. This is Madeline Howards story, and a remarkable woman she was, loosing her new husband to the war, then loosing her home, and livelihood, she embarks across enemy lines to stay with the only family she has remaining, in the Capital of the Confederacy, Richmond Va.
With her loyalties lying with the North she is now living with her Aunt and Uncle and Cousin in the South. Not only that, but her Uncle works directly with Jefferson Davis, President of The Confederacy. Before she left the North she had an encounter with a Union General, James Dowling, and now she is in the South with Col Elliot Haywood, the only patient, her one-day of nursing, she saved.
Now there are two men who are vying for her, and it takes until the end of the book to find out whom God has chosen for her. I loved seeing how these people lived during this tough time, Madeline’s family are rather well off, but times and circumstances of the War sure change things. With all the death, and hardships that War brings, we watch these people dig in and give to those who are less fortunate. There are also tidbits of real facts about what is going on at this time, such a black mark on our beloved Country.
We of course, living way in the future from this time, know what happens, and who wins, but in a way everyone was a looser. I felt the only way any of them survived was because of their great faith in God, no mater which church they worshiped in.
Journey with Madeline on this historic visit and decisions that alter all of their lives, you will be glad you picked up this book.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

The Lady And The Officer is historical fiction set in the lean and perilous final years of the War Between the States. Madeline Howard is a young widow of a Union soldier. Her husband, a horse breeder when they married, had answered the call of his country and was killed in the First Battle of Manassas. Madeline tries to continue her husband Tobias' work, but it is difficult to do alone.

The war has come to her Pennsylvania community and Rebel soldiers have already stripped her crops from her fields and orchard. When Union officers stop in her yard, still on horseback, she exasperatedly asks that they quit trampling her flowers. They are not inclined to respect her private property rights, that is, until General James Dowling takes note and directs his men to return to the road. But his attention and good manners strike Mrs. Howard as presumptuous and she retreats inside her house.

It is not long though before Madeline needs help again, and she rides to the general's headquarters to request his assistance. His respect and admiration for her grows, even as she decides she can no longer survive alone, deciding she must move South to Richmond, Virginia, where her only living relatives can offer her shelter. The young widow and the 38 year old general have developed an unspoken bond, even as they must separate. Madeline remains a Northerner in her heart and mind, but is torn because of the love and respect she feels for her Southern protectors. To make matters more tense, one of the Southern officers stationed in Richmond is clearly smitten with her.

Madeline's faith and spiritual life offer her strength during difficult times, even as she struggles with what God would have her do in the midst of these desperate times. Is she justified in trying to get secret strategic information into Northern hands? Will her willingness to help the Northern cause bring disaster on her beloved Southern family? ( )