Unwilling Warrior by Andrea Boeshaar

The War Between the States has Valerie Fontaine frightened about her future. She never suspects she’ll be thrust into the middle of it.

Benjamin McCabe’s got a noble dream of photographing the Civil War – and he never expected to fall in love with a New Orleans socialite.

When Valerie’s father is arrested on charges of treason, Ben secures a way for her to leave the city and travel to his family’s home in Jericho Junction, Missouri where she’ll be safe.

Can Valerie adjust to life on the prairie and remain true to her promise to wait for Ben no matter what the cost?

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea’s educational background includes the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.

Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn’t until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women’s Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.

In 2003, Andrea joined the Hartline Literary Agency and worked for Joyce Hart as a literary agent. She saw much success. But then in 2007, Andrea realized she was more of a teacher/encourager than a sales person. She left the agency and became a certified Christian life coach. Now, in addition to her writing, Andrea enjoys encouraging others to use their God-given talents and gifts to their fullest.

Andrea has taught workshops at such writers conferences as: Write-To-Publish; American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW); Oregon Christian Writers Conference; Mount Hermon Writers Conference and many local writers conferences. She also speaks at various churches and women’s groups.

Another of Andrea’s accomplishments is co-founder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on both its Advisory Board and as its CEO.

My Impressions:

The Civil War has just begun and Valerie Fontaine is caught up in the intrigue and danger of the times.  Unbeknownst to her, Valerie’s father is entangled in a number of schemes — collaborating with the Yankees and promising Valerie to a scoundrel. All Valerie wants is her home to be the haven it was before her mother died.  But New Orleans in 1862 is not the peaceful sanctuary Valerie seeks.  Enter Ben McCabe, free-lance photographer on a search for his brother since the battle of Bull Run.  The two fall quickly in love, despite the odds against them.  To escape from the clutches of both her intended husband and the Confederate forces, Ben and Valerie get married and then get out of town!

Unwilling Warrior chronicles the uncertain times of the American Civil War in a sweet love story.  And true to any romance there are obstacles to overcome — distance, family opinions and scorned loves.  Boeshaar’s novel, the first in her Seasons of Redemption series, gives fans of romance everything they could want — a lovely, sweet, determined heroine, a handsome and strong hero and enough humor and wit to make this a fun and enjoyable read.  If you like historical romance, you’ll love Unwilling Warrior.  Check it out today.

(I received Unwilling Warrior in exchange for an honest review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.  Thanks to Andrea Boeshaar and Glass Road Public Relations for the chance to read this book.)

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