An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole

Title: An Extraordinary Union (Loyal League #1)

Author: Alyssa Cole

Publisher: Kensington 2017

Genre: Romance

Pages: 258

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR

Elle Burns is a former slave with a passion for justice and an eidetic memory. Trading in her life of freedom in Massachusetts, she returns to the indignity of slavery in the South—to spy for the Union Army.

Malcolm McCall is a detective for Pinkerton’s Secret Service. Subterfuge is his calling, but he’s facing his deadliest mission yet—risking his life to infiltrate a Rebel enclave in Virginia.

Two undercover agents who share a common cause—and an undeniable attraction—Malcolm and Elle join forces when they discover a plot that could turn the tide of the war in the Confederacy’s favor. Caught in a tightening web of wartime intrigue, and fighting a fiery and forbidden love, Malcolm and Elle must make their boldest move to preserve the Union at any cost—even if it means losing each other. . .

Buddy read pic for February for the Currently Reading Friends group. I am always up for trying out a romance novel/series. This one just didn’t hold my attention ll the way through to make it a very enjoyable read. Kaytee (on Currently Reading) calls this a romance plus novel and she’s right. We get the romance, but we also get lots of conversations and around race during the Civil War, but also how we view black women in society. I found some of those parts interesting, but was a bit thrown off when we got to the sex scenes. There might have been a bit too much whiplash for my brain to stay focused. I don’t think this novel is bad, I just don’t think this one is for me. I am intrigued to read more from Alyssa Cole, just maybe not more in this series.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara

Title: Gods and Generals

Author: Jeff Shaara

Publisher: Ballantine Books 1996

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 512

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR

In this brilliantly written epic novel, Jeff Shaara traces the lives, passions, and careers of the great military leaders from the first gathering clouds of the Civil War. Here is Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, a hopelessly by-the-book military instructor and devout Christian who becomes the greatest commander of the Civil War; Winfield Scott Hancock, a captain of quartermasters who quickly establishes himself as one of the finest leaders of the Union army; Joshua Chamberlain, who gives up his promising academic career and goes on to become one of the most heroic soldiers in American history; and Robert E. Lee, never believing until too late that a civil war would ever truly come to pass. Profound in its insights into the minds and hearts of those who fought in the war, Gods and Generals creates a vivid portrait of the soldiers, the battlefields, and the tumultuous times that forever shaped the nation.

Good book, but I'll admit that war history is not my interest area. I wasn't as engaged with this book as others I have read. Or maybe it's because I have a fair knowledge of the players of the Civil War that I didn't really dive into this book. I can see the value of the book and it is well-written. It's just not my cup of tea.

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Title: The Killer Angels

Author: Michael Shaara

Publisher: McKay 1974

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 368

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; A to Z - K; New Author

In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation’s history, two armies fought for two conflicting dreams. One dreamed of freedom, the other of a way of life. Far more than rifles and bullets were carried into battle. There were memories. There were promises. There was love. And far more than men fell on those Pennsylvania fields. Bright futures, untested innocence, and pristine beauty were also the casualties of war. Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece is unique, sweeping, unforgettable—the dramatic story of the battleground for America’s destiny.

Our book club selection for January. How have I never actually read this book? I love history, I especially love U.S. History, and I love historical fiction. At any rate, This was a fascinating account of the battle of Gettysburg. I loved being able to get into the heads of the various generals and soldiers. Somehow a fictional account of the battle makes it more real. I came out of the book with a better understanding of the battle progression and decisions made by various people. A recommendation for history lovers.