I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review here and on my blog Samwise Reviews. This was not my cup of tea. It had a lot of potential and I liked the idea, but I did not like the story. I found everything really harsh, from the graphic scenes to the characters themselves. I found some of them a bit unecessary and the plot didn't always make sense to me. I don't regret giving it a chance, it just didn't end up being my thing. This did fit the "Title Beginning With A" part of my 2020 reading challenge though. ( )

"Along Came a Soldier" by Brenda Davies is a compelling tale of forbidden love set against the backdrop of 19th century Cornwall. The story follows Charity, who calls the small village of St Merryn home, but it is also the place where her mother was murdered, the killer never caught. When Charity meets Jethro, the son of the man accused of her mother's murder, they develop an instant attraction, but their love is forbidden due to the longstanding feud between their families.

As their relationship deepens, Charity must choose between loyalty to her family and her growing desire for Jethro. Meanwhile, a soldier seeking revenge returns to the village, and Jethro is accused of murder. Charity risks everything to save him from the hangman's noose, and in the process uncovers secrets about the past that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear.

"Along Came a Soldier" is a captivating and emotional tale of love, loyalty, and forgiveness. The vivid descriptions of 19th century Cornwall and the complex and well-developed characters make this a standout historical romance. With steamy scenes and a killer lurking in the woods, this book is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Forbidden love. A Romeo and Juliet set of circumstances. Can these star-crossed lovers ever find happiness? Charity’s mother was murdered in their village, the killer never caught. Jethro’s father is a terrible drunk and was accused of the murder. Charity and Jethro wind up falling for one another. (LOL that first kiss.) As this novel set in early 1800s Cornwall opens, we’re introduced to the hardships of life. Infected wounds. Shunnings by the village for crimes your family members may or may not have committed. 19th century understanding of differences (I had to feel for Charity’s younger brother and the scene with the rabbits—I would not have done well in that time period), attitudes towards things like women working outside the home, and having agency. Fun times!

One thing I like that the book examines is the way that people in this time period were often trapped by their circumstances—by lack of funds to pay rent, by being female, by a drunk, violent parent, by the condemnation of the villagers for something you may not have done, by the trauma of war. Of course, these issues are still present today, and in the 1800s, with fewer support systems in place they probably felt even more bleak.

This is my second book by Brenda Davies, and just like the first, what I adored about it most of all were the vivid descriptions. We had various medical treatments—some performed skillfully by Grace the Bonesetter (still my favorite—she comes off the page with such clarity you expect her to walk right through your door) like a dislocated shoulder set back into place and others… well, I’ll let you use your imagination. Let’s just say this was not a good time for hygiene and maggots. Oy! Breathtaking descriptions of flowers, bluebells and mushrooms. I loved the early 1800s Cornwall setting and the cast of characters that stayed with you long after you reached the last page. Charity and Jethro. Thomas and Joe. Henry. Grace the Bonesetter. Each one is fleshed out vividly and has their own interesting backstory. This had quite a few surprises in store, some steamy scenes as the slow-burn romance picked up speed, and a killer lurking in Greenoak Woods. Another delightful tale!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
( )

Well I loved this book. It does contain some graphic detail of violence, but I don't have a problem with that. I don't like my history to be sugar coated and I think this shows the past as it was, tough, hard and at times violent. The soldier, Henry, who came back for revenge had his own mental health problems and this was delicately explored. The love story was so tender and compassionate that it offset the violence. I do believe that in those times, when life was usually short, they grabbed at love when it came their way. The writing is excellent, it brings everything to life so you feel like you are right there. The characters were very well drawn, my particular favourite being Grace, the bonesetter. This plot was intricate, yet easy to follow and the ending I did not expect. A very realistic portrayal of life in the 1820s. ( )

Two small villages in Cornwall, 1820 have been feuding for years after the murder of Charity Perrow's mother. Jethro Ennor's father was accused but acquitted of the crime. Now, Charity takes care of her father and brothers, but feels trapped in her home. Jethro is a farrier who desperately wants to leave his violent and drunk father, but needs to wait until his little brother is of age. While roaming the woods collecting mushroom for the town bonesetter, Charity and Jethro meet without knowing who the other is. Even after they find out, Charity and Jethro can't stay away from one another. However, another danger lurks in the woods. Henry Blight, a returned soldier from Waterloo has come back to seek revenge against those who made him commit an unspeakable act years ago.

Along Came A Soldier is a complex and intriguing historical murder mystery paired with romantic suspense. The characters were interesting and caught my attention early along with the tensions between the two towns. Charity is caring and adventurous. Jethro is impulsive and rough around the edges. Together, Charity and Jethro make a perfect pair. Henry is haunted, showing signs of what we would call PTSD, but still wanted to right his wrong from the past making him a sympathetic villain. I also loved Grace's knowledgeable, meddling and well-meaning character, although I don't know why her boobs had to be described every time she moved. The mystery also pulled me along, though I had the gist of it pretty early, element were added to the very end for an unexpected and satisfying ending.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )