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17 April 2013

Teresa Mathews Reviews Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green

Widow of Gettysburg



5 Stars*****
Reviewed by Teresa Mathews


A Magnificent Tale of Strength in the Midst of War

In this heartrending story of the Battle of Gettysburg Jocelyn Green gives us a look into the lives of several of the many women that struggled to survive the horrors of war. 

Liberty Holloway, our nineteen year old heroine has been a widow for almost two years since her young husband Levi died in the Battle of Bull Run. Since a young age Liberty was taught by her cruel aunt she wasn’t worth anything and that she would never make anything of her life. That’s why her mother gave her away. So now Liberty lives all alone on her farm still in her Widow’s Weeds. Will she forever be known as the Widow of Gettysburg representing all the women who’ve lost so much? Will she ever feel she has made something of her life?

The day a stranger rode up to the farm and asked for something to eat was the day things began to change for Liberty. She has no clue he is Silas Ford, the handsome young man that tried to befriend her when her aunt would belittle her as a child. Once upon a time Silas had been a student at the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg until an outrageous chain of events forever changed his life. When Silas mentions to Liberty that she should start living again, at first she is upset but after he leaves she thinks about it and decides he is right so she puts away her mourning clothes. Will Liberty ever see this handsome stranger again?

Bella Jamison, a freed slave that works for some of the ladies of Gettysburg, remembers the feel of a whip slicing her back apart. She remembers every atrocity done to her at the hand of an evil master and because of an unspeakable act Bella has to keep a secret that could destroy the live of someone she holds dear if it ever comes to light.

On July 1st 1863 the first sounds of battle were heard and Liberty had no clue that in a very few hours her house would be used as a field hospital for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. When the doctor asks Liberty to help hold a light for him to perform amputations she tells him she cannot do it.  Will Liberty find a strength that can only come from God to help these men whose cause took the life of her husband? Will she follow God’s leading and realize she can make her life count by helping those who cannot help themselves?

My simple words cannot begin to describe the depth of this novel. From the very beginning I found myself drawn in the story, it was as if I could close my eyes and hear the sounds of battle—the cannons firing, the sounds of the wounded in agony.  Then I think of all that was lost during that time—the young men who only a few years before were babies on their momma’s laps, the men who died that day because of their love for this country who left behind wives and children. Ms. Green did a superb job bringing to light the strength of the women that were left to clean up the carnage this war left behind. Ms. Green has actual statements from women that survived this horrific time, it was so enthralling to read in their own words how they felt about what was happening. This book is not for the faint of heart because there are scenes that will disturb you. Even though I found myself in tears at one point from the descriptions I feel my life is so much more enriched after reading this and I know you will feel the same. Thank you Ms. Green, for creating this masterpiece.

You may purchase this book and Wedded to War at AmazonCBDBooks a Million and other stores. 
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GIVEAWAY: A copy of Wedded to War or Widow of Gettysburg. Answer the question to be entered in the contest and don't forget to add your EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you if you are the winner.

QUESTION: Have you ever had to keep a devastating secret? Please don't feel you have to share it with us, you can just say yes or no.

103 comments:

  1. Great job, Teresa. You made me feel as tho I was there too. Jocelyn is a nice person and friend. She has encouraged many women. I would love to win this newest book. Yes, I have a secret such as this that I never told until a few years back when one of my granddaughters was abused. And, I have one that would have helped no one but maybe myself. But, the Lord knows. Please put my name in the drawing. Maxie
    mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. MAXIE thank you so much!! This is the first book I've read by Jocelyn and it really is outstanding!!

      I'm so sorry you had to hold on to such secrets, sometime it's hard to know the best way to handle those situations.

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    2. MAXIE, thanks so much for your kind words, again!

      I'm so sorry to hear about the abuse of your granddaughter-how tragic!-and whatever else happened to you that you felt best locked away. You're absolutely right, the Lord knows. He sees it all. Blessings!

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  2. Awesome review, Teresa! Loved reading it!!

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    1. MARIAN thanks!! So glad you loved it, I know you'll love the book. :)

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    2. MARIAN, I agree, TERESA did a fabulous job!!! I loved your descriptions and all the questions. There really is a lot of mystery in this book, isn't there? My mom is reading it right now (maybe she finished it by now) and I know she was writing all her questions down on a post-it note as she went along. "Who was Bella's mother? Who is her daughter? What's the deal with Silas Ford?" LOL

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  3. Wow, fabulous review TERESA! I appreciate all you put into in writing this Sissy and you've certainly made it sound like a fascinating book to read!!

    Yes I can think of one devastating secret for sure that my husband and I have had to keep, and to do this for this relative, meant he missed out on a relationship with this particular loved one that no-one should ever be asked to give up.

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    1. NOELA thank you! I think everyone should read this even if you are not into history. It will touch your heart to think about the sacrifices that were made during this time.

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    2. NOELA, Teresa really did a wonderful job of enticing the reader! I hope that if you start the first chapter you will be hooked just like Teresa was. In fact, you can read the first few chapters here: http://heroinesbehindthelines.com/?page_id=997 just scroll down under the discussion questions, you'll see a huge book cover image-that's the one.

      So sorry to hear of the missed relationship for your husband. What a loss.

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    3. Thanks JOCELYN, I will do just that!!

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  4. WOW--seems like there are a lot about the civil war right now. Sounds like one that would be hard to put down. Please add my name to the giveaway!

    I can't think of any secrets I have had to keep, & it s a good thing, because I can't keep secrets very well. ;-)
    Vicki OWG

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    1. VICKI this was one I didn't want to put down. There was quite a few times I caught myself frantically flipping pages to see what happens next.

      That's funny about not keeping secrets, I am pretty bad about that too. ;) My in-laws that never let me forget the Christmas my oldest son was about 9 months and I was wrapping his presents and I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT have let him play with a couple of them!! :D

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    2. VICKI-yes, plenty of Civil War reads right now! I'm sure it has to do with the fact that we are now in the 150th anniversary of the war. I timed the four books in my series to come out CLOSE to the anniversary of the events portrayed in the book.

      TERESA-I am so tickled with your frantic page-flipping! :) I wonder which parts those were.... :)

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  5. Wow what a great review and I really want to read the book. The battle was so devastating and in many ways senseless. How hard it would have been on the towns folk. We know about the battle but I dont think we think about the people who lived there. So many men killed on what I am told is a beautiful stretch of land.

    I dont think I have had a devastating secret really. I was bullied and sexually harrassed in year 11 at high school most of the year to the point I would pretend I was sick on certain days just so I didn't have to face what would happen at school. some days were worse than others. It was devastating to me what happened and scarred me and I still carry the scars but I never told mum and I am glad she never knew how bad it was. Its really only the past few years I can talk more openly about what happened.

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    1. JENNY I am so sorry for all you had to go through as a young girl. How devastating that had to be. We'll be praying for you to fully overcome the memories of it. Thank you for sharing that with us. :)

      I have been to Pennsylvania but never to the Gettysburg area. When we take a vacation we always love to go to a historical site.

      Can you leave us you email address in case you are the winner!! ;)

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    2. JENNY, yes, our history books are full of details of the battle of Gettysburg but very little mention has been made of the civilians who lived through it, and had to clean up after the armies left 21,000 casualties behind! The Gettysburg area is breathtakingly beautiful, even today.

      I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to you during high school. I second TERESA, we'll be praying for you to fully recover from that trauma.

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    3. Teresa, Carrie has my email as we are meeting on my tour.

      I can now be in the same store as the main bully but its taken time. I know the following year he was sorry for what he did but he has never said sorry and I often think I would like to say do you know what you did to me and how it scarred me but he would have no idea. But thanks to talking and even talking with the counsilor about it I dealing with it. Im still not a huggy person and anyone coming behind me and touching me is lightly to get hit but I am much better than I was. I can also use it to help others to let them know its not ok and it is ok to tell someone.

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    4. Gee, I hope you don't hit me while u r here, Jenny, cuz I am a huggy person!!! I am very sorry you were bullied. It happens a lot, unfortunately. BTW, JENNY you are one of our winners this week: Your choice of book/choice of format. CONGRATS!!!

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    5. Thanks Carrie, I can handle it in this case! I am so excited to win and I choose Widow of Gettysburg (did I get it right) I have the first book. May even be able to read it on the flight. (the dr asked if I had books to read and I told her I would take my kindle with over 200 to choose from only I have gone from about 3 books a week to 2 a month).

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  6. Wow, what a great review! I was able to go to Gettysburg about 2 years ago with my friends and family, and let me tell you... wow. The car tour that we took was amazing, and filled with such beautiful places that you wouldn't even guess had once been such terribile fighting grounds.

    As for the question, I don't believe that I've ever had to keep a devastating secret- thank God!

    Thanks for the great giveaway! I have yet to read Wedded to War, but I am looking forward to The Widow of Gettysburg!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. ELYSSA, what a beautiful name you have. :) My daughter's name is close-Elsa.
      I'm so glad you were able to go to Gettysburg! I had the same reaction when I visited-the land was just SO beautiful and tranquil. The contrast between the beauty and the ugliness of what happened there really struck me. I'm sure it made the battle all the more surreal for the people who experienced it.

      Hope you get a chance to read both books! If you plan to read both, start with Wedded! :)

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  7. Awesome review, TERESA!!! Thanks so much for reading and sharing this post! You are such a blessing to all of us at OWG! Hugs!!!

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    1. CARRIE thank you so much. I thank God often that I met you and all the wonderful friends I've made here on OWG! GOD IS SO GOOD!! :)

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  8. JOCELYN is an awesome writer and she really does her research! Accurate and right on the money. Thank you for the wonderful review, TERESA!

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    1. DIANA thank you, I really enjoyed reading WoG, Jocelyn's writing is awesome! Not going to give anything away but there were a few surprises!! :) Don't we love surprises??!!

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  9. CARRIE and DIANA, TERESA really did a remarkable job with this review, didn't she? I was really blessed by it. TERESA you made the story sound so exciting! :) LOL

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    1. JOCELYN mygoodnessgracous...thank you but you were the one that put all the hard work into it. What a outstanding book...sure to be an award winner!! :)

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  10. This book sounds GREAT! Can't wait to get a copy! I did have a secret for a lot of years, and oh, what a relief when I was able to be freed from the power it held over me!!

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    1. LAURA this book is absolutely wonderful!! I hope you get to read it soon, who knows you could be the winner!! :)

      I'm glad to hear that secret doesn't have a hold on you anymore! PTL!

      Please come back and leave your email address in case you win!! :)

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    2. LAURA so glad to hear you are no longer in bondage to a secret! I know how that can be, too. What a relief to have that gone.

      Thank you for your interest in Widow!

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  11. I have been waiting for this book to be released! I'd love to read it. But no, I've never kept a devastating secret. :)

    amanda at ohamanda dot com

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    1. AMANDA I'm glad you've never had to hold onto a secret...that's a good thing.

      Thanks for coming by, hope you get to read this book really soon! It's magnificent!!

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    2. AMANDA I love that you've been waiting for this book to release! It seems like an awfully long process to write and publish a book, doesn't it? Actually, it seems like an incredibly SHORT amount of time to write a novel from scratch, and then a REALLY long time to get it edited and typeset and all that good stuff. It's all relative. :) I hope you find this book worth the wait!

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  12. You know what, I don't think I have! If I have had that kind of secret then I have done well by blocking it out of my mind. :)
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

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    1. Susan thanks for coming by. I'm glad you haven't had to worry over a secret. Hope you get to read this book soon so you can find out Bella's secret. :)

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    2. It was a great post and yes, I cannot wait to read it! I love anything having to do with the Civil War and Gettysburg.

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    3. Oh boy SUSAN if you love anything to do with Civil War and Gettysburg, this is absolutely a must-read for you. There is so much history that we simply were not taught, because it wasn't deemed worthy enough. The women of Gettysburg were HEROICALLY strong, and I am so proud of them! Sounds weird, I know. But I just knew I had to give them a voice when I read their letters!!

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  13. Yes, Thanks for the review and giveaway. RHONDA
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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    1. Rhonda glad you stopped by, thanks for answering the question. :)

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    2. RHONDA, thank you for your interest! Hope you get a chance to read Widow soon!

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  14. I wait with great anticipation to read this book. I don't live too far from Gettysburg and visit often. I took a class about the civilians of Gettysburg during the battle. This is something we don't think of when we read/study about it.

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    1. I forgot to answer the original question to be entered in the contest. My answer is yes to keeping a secret but naturally I don't want to reveal it. peg0105@hotmail.com

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    2. PEGGY you made me giggle....you don't have to share your secret..wouldn't be one if you did!! :D Thank you for answering the question and I 'm so glad you liked the review. I sure hope you will get to read this as it was so good! Thanks for coming by!!

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    3. PEGGY that is so cool you took a class about the civilians in Gettysburg. Then I hope this book will be all the more interesting to you! Thanks for entering this drawing!

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  15. Yes I have had to keep a devastating secret. Not one I would want to talk about.
    I'm looking forward Widow of Gettysburg. Loved Wedded to War, which was one of my favorites of 2012.
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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    1. AMY thanks for answering the question and I didn't want anyone to reveal their secret or talk about it if they didn't want to. I guess we have all had something at one time or another we've kept secret. Thank you for coming by and I hope you get to read WoG soon!! :)

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    2. AMY, I'm so glad to hear Wedded was one of your favorites of 2012. I hope Widow makes it into a special place in your heart for 2013!

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  16. A widow for 2 years and she is only 19? That sentence alone makes this book fascinating.
    Yes, I've had to keep a devastating secret, my own. Over the years, I've been able to open up about it to trusted loved ones and friends. It's a healing process, needing forgiveness before the healing began. Hugs and God bless.

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    1. DEBBIE I also found Liberty being such a young bride fascinating, I guess back then they married early. My mom had an older sister that was married before my mom was even born. She had children older than my mom....she was thirteen. ~GASP~ 13 years old when she was married.

      I'm so glad you are healing from what happened to you. Sometimes it might take years and a lot of prayers.

      My mom had something horrible to happen to her at the age of 14, she is 86 now. We never knew about it until my father passed away 17 years ago. He went to his grave protecting mom's secret. She finally told my older sister about it a few months after he passed away. It was so horrible and the man that did it to her was never punished. I don't think she has ever gotten over it. I pray God's healing will be with you. Thanks for coming by, you always bring a smile to our faces when you come by. :)

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    2. DEBBIE, I'm so glad to hear that healing has begun for you. What a great deal of hope I read in that sentence.

      TERESA- a 13-year-old bride? That is crazy. And I'm SO sorry about whatever happened to your mother. Just heart-breaking.

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    3. Thanks ladies, it's souls like yours that put a smile on my face. Such wonderful spirits you have. Hugs.

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  17. I have had, what I considered, to be a devastating secret. For years I suffered in silence with anxiety/depression, fearing that if others knew that I would be looked down upon and that it would negatively affect my standing in my grad program. But when I finally revealed my issue, I found out that I was not the only one and got the support that I needed.

    I am a historian of the Civil War and have actualy written and researched the women of Gettysburg and what stood out to me was the profound faith they had. Severally remarked in their diaries and memoirs on how their faith in the Lord helped them get through the turmoil of the battle and its aftermath. While we may never be placed in the same situation that they faced, we can all learn from these amazing women about the power of love, faith, and charity.

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    1. MICHELLE I'm so glad you got the help you needed, it's terrible to suffer in silence when you are not well.

      How fascinating to be a historian of the Civil War. I know you will love this book because you can tell Jocelyn has done her homework. There are a lot of quotes from ladies that survived the war. I pray we will never have to face the horrors they did, if so I am afraid some of the people of America won't have the faith these women did. It's so sad that America was founded on Christian beliefs but now those beliefs are being looked at as foolish.

      Thank you for coming by, please come back and give us your email in case you're our winner. :)

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    2. MICHELLE, I echo TERESA-I'm so relieved to hear you did get the help you needed. Isolation makes anxiety and depression even worse, as I learned personally, so it's a vicious cycle.

      I was so impressed by the women of Gettysburg's faith, as well, when I read the primary documents. I read a contemporary historian's account of the battle of Gettysburg and he went out of his way to say that really, most people weren't Christians, and had little use for church or the Bible or faith. Hmmm.... I've got photocopies of plenty of diaries and letters and Christian Commission reports that say otherwise.

      I am putting together a library talk for this June on the faith of the people at Gettysburg-the soldiers (both sides), the civilians, the volunteer and relief workers... Indeed, I don't know how a person could have survived that type of warfare without faith. I know not everyone had it, but MANY people clung to that as their anchor.

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  18. I know that I've been asked to keep secrets but I can't think of a 'devastating' secret anyone asked me to keep.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. WENDY I think that's a blessing, it would be hard to keep that kind of secret! I know it would be for me.

      Thanks for coming by! :)

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    2. Yep, that's good! Devastating secrets seem like burdens. Thanks for entering!

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  19. I don't think so, regular sorts of secrets, yes, but devastating, I don't believe so. I certainly would love to read the book, and fin out more about this secret :)

    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. BETZ it's a good one, but I can't say anything else. I hope you get to read Liberty's story.

      Thanks for coming by.


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    2. BETZ, that sounds pretty normal to me. :) I do hope you get a chance to find out all the secrets in Widow of Gettysburg. Secrets are so fun (at least in fiction). Maybe in my next novel, Yankee in Atlanta, I'll give every main character a secret. :) And I usually have at least four main characters.

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  20. Yes, I have had to keep such secrets.

    Thanks for the giveaway

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. CINDI glad you came by and you are very welcome.This is a book I know you will enjoy. Good Luck!!

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    2. CINDI thank you so much for entering the drawing!

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  21. As a nurse I have had some good one's but devastating is so subjective. I can't wait to read about your secrets. Thanks for the chance.

    ldwrncpn@comcast.net

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    1. LORI that's the truth, what one person thinks is the end of the world another person wouldn't worry about at all.
      Thanks for coming by.

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    2. LORI oh yes, I bet you've learned some interesting things in your line of work! Since you're a nurse, I really hope you'll get to read Widow. Lots of interesting stuff in there about battlefield medical care.

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  22. This sounds like a good book. I can't wait to read it. Shirley Culpepper
    bluebell5071@yahoo.com

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    1. SHIRLEY glad you came by, :) Would you like to answer the question? You don't have to give the details just a yes or no will be good!

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    2. SHIRLEY thank you so much for your interest and for dropping in!

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  23. The only secrets I have are of longing to do something with my life that would make me feel like I'm worthy enough that someone would like to be my friend. Jocelyn your book sounds really intense and I hope your book does great! Susan Meisner wrote a book called A Sound Among the Trees and it talked about that era and had me sad and all sorts of emotions going on. I enjoyed your blog Theresa!
    jennydtipton[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. JENNY I will be praying God will send you a friend who will love you for YOU! You shouldn't have to feel you aren't worthy of friends, I am sadden to hear you have felt that way. I want to tell you everyone of us on this blog, Carrie, Diana, Marian, Noela and myself would love to be your friend and we will all be praying for you.

      Jocelyn's writing is intense but also very enjoyable, there is a beautiful love story that I didn't have room to get into.

      I don't think I have heard of Susan before...I'll have to look her up.

      Thank you for coming by Overcoming With God I am so glad you stopped by. Please come back again. :)

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    2. JENNY, God makes us worthy. Period. If people aren't choosing to be your friend they are losing out. One quote I remember is "To find a friend, be a friend." Jenny, there are many people out there with disabilities who have trouble finding friends and you might try reaching out as a ministry and connecting with people diagnosed with autism or other issues. And there are many people who "don't care what you know until they know what that you care." Blessings and prayers!

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    3. JENNY I'm so glad you came to this blog today. TERESA and CARRIE are right on in their words of wisdom to you. I know that you are worthy without meeting you, because Jesus died for you. Maybe you've heard that before, and it makes sense in your head, but your heart longs for a friend here on earth to confirm that. God built us to live in community so that is very natural, and he wants us to friendships. But don't let anyone else determine your worth for you. You've got to believe on your own that you are so worthy and valuable. Nobody else gets to take that away from you, OK? Uh-oh, I feel a sermon coming on here.... I better cut this short, but just know we are praying for you. Once you feel confident in your worth (remember, the fact that you are worthy has already been decided) it will really free you up to be the friend to others that you would love to have for yourself. CARRIE's quote is a great illustration of that. Do come back again, I know you will find encouragement here on OWG.

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    4. JENNY, with Jesus you never have to be alone. The Bible says to have friends--show yourself friendly. There are others that need to feel loved, too, and would love to be your friend. Begin to show yourself friendly as God gives you wisdom and pray for Him to send the right friends your way. It isn't about being worthy to have friends....Jesus' blood makes you worthy. And we at OWG would feel very blessed to have you as a friend!!!

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    5. Please take the above words on board JENNY, they are very wise words but I can also tell you from experience, that they are also very TRUE words! And you'll find as you continue to focus on God and on others you will be so blessed yourself. Trust in God and His incredibly deep love for you, you are so worthy that He died for you! And as Teresa says, we would love to be your new friends, in fact it would bless us enormously to be your friend!

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  24. YES!!!

    Thank you for your review. A story I am going to enjoy reading.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. MARY, I do hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for entering!

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    2. MARY you are very welcome! I know you are going to thoroughly enjoy it! Thanks for coming by.

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  25. I guess I have to say yes, and it is not fun. Thank you for the chance to win.

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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    1. Nope, it's not fun at all. :( I'm sorry for the burden you are bearing.

      Thank you for entering the drawing here, and good luck!

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    2. ANGELA you are so right it is very hard to carry around something like that. Thanks for dropping by.

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  26. I don't recall ever having to keep a devastating secret, thankfully. Wedded to War was such a terrific book. It sounds like Widow of Gettysburg is just as powerful a book. I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. PAM, that is great news!
      Since you were such a big fan of Wedded, I'm pretty sure you're going to love Widow!

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    2. PAM I have to admit I haven't read WtW but I KNOW that WoG is so beautifully written you will love it. So glad you came by. :)

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  27. Yes.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. JANET Thanks for dropping by and answering the question. Good luck!!

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  28. I did have to keep a difficult (not devastating) secret at one time, but as all things turn out, through prayer and supplication everything worked out for good! Thanks for the beautiful review! I love Civil War fiction, so my fingers are all crossed (when I'm not typing)! Thanks for offering such a wonderful contest!
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. NANCEE that's cute...it is very difficult to type with crossed fingers!! lol

      I am glad things worked out about the secret. Isn't it always comforting to be able to share everything with our FATHER and have the faith to know HE will work it out?

      Glad you came by and good luck in the drawing! :)

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  29. Since I generally am a listener, rather than a talker, I have been the recipient of many secrets through the years. I try to not repeat anything I've heard that might remotely be a confidentiality. You never know what might be "devastating" to someone else, even though it doesn't seem that way to me. Thank you for the wonderful review. I am looking forward to reading both books. Gettysburg has a special place in my heart.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. KAY being a good listener is a wonderful trait to have, I'm sure your friends appreciate that. I try to be a good listener but I'm afraid I do like to talk too! lol I'm like you I wouldn't want to ever repeat something that would cause pain to someone if they knew I had told their secret. I'm so glad you dropped by and I'm glad you liked the review. I know you will love both of Jocelyn's book, she is a very talented writer. :)

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    2. Hi KAY, if Gettysburg holds a special place in your heart, this is just a book you have to have. :) Gettysburg is important in our national history but when it became personal to me, by reading the diaries and letters of the women who lived through the battle and aftermath, well, now it is vividly in my heart and mind like almost no other place.

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  30. no can't say I've had to keep a devastating secret.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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    1. Hello APPLE BLOSSOM thanks for stopping by and answering the question. I'm glad you've never had to keep a terrible secret, that's a blessing!

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  31. No, and I thank God for that. I can keep secrets but thankfully I have never had to keep a devastating or horrendous secret. I actually lead a very quiet and dull life, hence the reason I read fiction, I can vicariously go on all kinds of adventures.
    Blessings!
    Jasmine A.

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    1. Should have mentioned my email and that I have really been wanting to read Jocelyn's books.
      Jasmine A.
      montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com

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    2. JASMINE I'm glad for you that's there been nothing devastating you've had to keep. JASMINE there is nothing wrong with a quiet and boring life unless you are lonely, but if that be the case you have come to the right place! There is never a dull moment around here. I'm with you too about loving to read fiction, I especially love reading stories about sailing on a pirate ship, but you couldn't pay me huge amounts of money to get on a ship to sail across the ocean!! lol Thank you for coming by, and good luck in the drawing!

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  32. I cannot wait to read this book. I have read a few novels with Civil War heroes and have seen movies with the same. This novel is one that I am sure I would pick up and never want to put it down until I am finished.

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    1. ANONYMOUS please come back and leave us a simple yes or no for the question and leave us your email address. We have to have a way to reach you if you win!! Thanks for coming by though. :)

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  33. I would love to read this book...love Historical Fiction and usually put it on my Kindle. Hard copy of a wonderful book would be treasured. I am so glad there are authors that still write Historical Fiction...History is a part of all of us, and we all had ancestors who travelled these roads.

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    1. CLEM250 we would love for you to read JOCELYN'S book and e-book or a hard copy is will be a treasure, it is really cool to hold a book in your hands...nothing like it!! Thank you for stopping by.

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  34. Teresa Matthews-I tried to comment o your comment concerning my comment, but it wouldn't let me. That is funny about you maybe or maybe not, allowing your child play with the Christmas toys. My son who is now 37, proved that he takes after his parents in that regard--when he was about 3 or so, & he was excited about the coming of Christmas, he started to tell me what he and Daddy got me for Christmas, when I stopped him and said, "You aren't suppose to tell me what you got for Christmas--it is a surprise! o, he said, "Oh! OK--I won't tell you we got you a necklace for Christmas!" LOL Out of the mouth of babes...

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    1. VICKI you gotta love the innocence of little children, how I wish I could roll back time some days. :) Thanks for the sweet story.

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  35. Yes, I had to hide a secret of someone I love for many years. It was very hard and hurt me more than anybody, I think.
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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