Wedded To War
by Jocelyn Green
I especially like historical Christian novels. I am transported back in time through the author and her characters to experience the emotional and physical challenges of that period. Ms. Green’s research into this era and her attention to details made this an amazing book!
Wedded to War did an excellent job of allowing me to understand and learn about the struggles of women desiring to serve as nurses during the Civil War and also the suffering and sacrifices of those who fought.
Charlotte Waverly was born with a silver spoon in her mouth you might say. She had wealth, beauty and education far beyond young women of her day. She wasn’t caught up in all the frivolous, useless activities of high society in the 1860’s. Her desire and purpose was to serve others and make a difference, not just exist. It was surprising how restricting the social structure was for the wealthy during this era. The “have alls” weren’t free to “do all”.
This brave young woman overcame many obstacles to accomplish her dream of becoming a nurse to the wounded soldiers. Not only did she have to overstep society’s boundaries, and her mother’s objections to her pursuing such a career, but also not meeting the qualifications of the U.S. Sanitary Commission. None of this stopped her and she continued until she was accepted in a training program for Union nurses. She knew this was God’s calling on her life and persisted with faith and determination.
The detail and even graphic accounts of the duties and experiences of Civil War nurses gave me a totally different view of the war. Their day to day work was horrific without the disrespect and ill treatment of doctors who felt they had no place in medicine. I was also shocked at the suffering of the wounded and sick men. Not only from the lack of available medical care but also how was primitive medicine at its best.
The story unfolds as her loyalty and commitment are tested in increasingly difficult ways, not only in the war but likewise in her personal life. Through her faithfulness to God and unselfishness, I saw God protecting and rewarding her as she could never have imagined. This was a reminder that God does the same for us when we trust and follow Him. This was a powerful book!
I received this book free from Moody publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255