Synopses & Reviews
From bestselling author Stephanie Grace Whitson comes the story of two women-
Missouri neighbors drawn into the heart of the Civil War from opposite sides.
As the mistress of her brother's Missouri plantation, Miss Elizabeth Blair has learned to play her part as the perfect hostess-and to not ask questions about her brother Walker's business affairs. When Walker's political aspirations lead him to organize the Wildwood Guard in support of the Confederacy-and to offer his plantation as the center of operations-Libbie must gracefully manage a house with officers in residence and soldiers camped on the lawn. But she is truly put to the test as the war draws ever closer to her doorstep, and she must find a way to protect the people who depend on her.
Libbie's closest neighbor, Irish immigrant Maggie Malone, wants no part of the war either. She's content to let "the Americans" settle their differences-until her brothers join Missouri's Irish Brigade, and one of their names shows up on a list of injured soldiers. Desperate for news, Maggie sets off for Boonville, where the Federal army is camped. There she quickly captures the attention of Sergeant John Coulter, who grows to admire her skill and dedication. When circumstances force Maggie to remain with the brigade, she discovers that there's a lot a good woman can do to help the men she has come to think of as "her boys." She doesn't see herself as the kind of woman a man would court, but John Coulter is determined to convince her otherwise.
Review
"A vivid portrait of life on the Missouri River, from the cramped quarters of the packet boat, through the outpost settlements up the river, to the squalid docks of St. Louis. . .[A]n entertaining historical tale of faith, action, and romance."--Publisher's Weekly on A Captain for Laura Rose
Review
"This stand-alone novel has all the makings of a great romance: love, intrigue, mystery and unforgettable characters. Whitson's historical details on female riverboat captains are incredible."--RT Book Reviews, starred review, on A Captain for Laura Rose
Review
"As usual, Stephanie Grace Whitson skillfully weaves unforgettable characters with an unforgettable time in history. Step aboard the Laura Rose. You will definitely enjoy the ride!"--Nancy Moser, bestselling author of The Journey of Josephine and Mozart's Sister on A Captain for Laura Rose
Synopsis
Irish immigrant Maggie Malone wants no part of the war. She'd rather let "the Americans" settle their differences-until her brothers join Missouri's Union Irish Brigade, and one of their names appears on a list of injured soldiers. Desperate for news, Maggie heads for Boonville, where the Federal army is camped. There she captures the attention of Sergeant John Coulter. When circumstances force Maggie to remain with the brigade, she discovers how capable she is of helping the men she comes to think of as "her boys." And while she doesn't see herself as someone a man would court, John Coulter is determined to convince her otherwise.
As the mistress of her brother's Missouri plantation, Elizabeth Blair has learned to play her part as the perfect hostess-and not to question her brother Walker's business affairs. When Walker helps organize the Wildwood Guard for the Confederacy, and offers his plantation as the Center of Operations, Libbie must gracefully manage a house with officers in residence and soldiers camped on the lawn. As the war draws ever closer to her doorstep, she must also find a way to protect the people who depend on her.
Despite being neighbors, Maggie and Libbie have led such different lives that they barely know one another-until war brings them together, and each woman discovers that both friendship and love can come from the unlikeliest of places.
About the Author
Stephanie Grace Whitson is the author of over 20 inspirational novels and two works of nonfiction. When she isn't writing, speaking, or trying to keep up with her five grown children and perfect grandchildren, Stephanie loves to take long distance rides aboard her Honda Magna motorcycle named Kitty. Her church and the International Quilt Study Center and Museum take up the rest of her free time. She received her Master of Arts degree in history in the spring of 2012. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities. Stephanie resides with her husband in Lincoln, NE.