Too Deep for Words ~ Review

Too Deep for Words
Shenandoah Valley Saga
By Andrea Boeshaar

Carrie Ann Collier has become a new person at least to those who use to know her when she lived in Woodstock and was Carrie Ann Bell.  Her new husband Peyton has changed her life for the better and unknown to her he has invited her sister Margaret to join them leaving the abuse of the Wayfarers Inn behind forever.  But Margaret has changed since Carrie Ann last saw her. She's grown up and she is appreciative of all that Carrie Ann had done for her.

But after a brutal battle news is delivered to Carrie Ann that Peyton is missing and presumed dead. But she refuses to believe her husband of less than one month has been killed. But everyone else believes the awful news that their nephew, brother, brother-in-law, and friend has died. Even more upsetting is Peyton's directive naming his close friend Eli Kent as executor of his will. How could he pick someone on the opposing side of the war?

To Eli, Peyton's request is a blessing in disguise offering him an opportunity to care for his family while looking out for Carrie Ann as well. But can he help Carrie Ann when she most needs it - searching for her husband behind enemy lines in the most notorious prison camp - Libby Prison?

This book is a fictionalized account of the Civil War from October 1864 to March 1865 with actual dated news reports throughout. The focus of this book is the Confederate viewpoint and the destruction that was wrought on the Shenandoah Valley. The pain and suffering of war is well portrayed and the utter lack of the essentials was a driving force in the harsh conditions that the prisoners found themselves in.

This is a story of faith and family. I have not read the first book but I was able to easily able to pick up on the storyline without any difficulty. This is a moving historical romance that will appeal to a wide readership. I highly recommend this book it would be an excellent choice for a book club selection. Carrie Ann's journey and faith would be well worth an examination.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review.

About the Book:

Carrie Ann Collier has been a newlywed for nineteen blissful days--as blissful as life can be in the midst of war, that is. Soon that war will take a toll she never expected. When her new husband, Peyton, goes missing during battle, she refuses to believe he is dead and must find a way to move forward with everyday life in the face of fear.

As Carrie struggles with how to welcome her estranged sister, Margaret, back into her life, another new arrival appears on her doorstep--her husband's best friend, and rebel officer, Eli. Wounded and bitter, Eli is nonetheless committed to keeping his promise to Peyton: take care of the Collier women, no matter what. But to Carrie, he's a painful reminder of her lost love.

Then unexpected news makes Carrie wonder if miracles do happen. If Carrie infiltrates the enemy once again, she might find out what really happened to the love of her life. Will Eli be able to keep his promise to keep her safe? Can they forgive each other if promises are broken?

As fans of Boeshaar's books have come to expect, Too Deep for Words is a meticulously researched novel. Readers are taken directly into the heart of the realities of the Civil War and reminded how, even in the darkest circumstances, faith in Christ offers hope.