Romance

Title: Wedded to War
Author: Jocelyn Green
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewer: Joyce M. Gilmour

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 0802405762

It's April 1861, and the Union Army's Medical Department is a disaster, completely unprepared for the magnitude of war. A small group of New York City women, including 28-year-old Charlotte Waverly, decide to do something about it, and end up changing the course of the war, despite criticism, ridicule and social ostracism. Charlotte leaves a life of privilege, wealth-and confining expectations-to be one of the first female nurses for the Union Army. She quickly discovers that she's fighting more than just the Rebellion by working in the hospitals. Corruption, harassment, and opposition from Northern doctors threaten to push her out of her new role. At the same time, her sweetheart disapproves of her shocking strength and independence, forcing her to make an impossible decision: Will she choose love and marriage, or duty to a cause that seems to be losing? An Irish immigrant named Ruby O'Flannery, who turns to the unthinkable in the face of starvation, holds the secret that will unlock the door to Charlotte's future. But will the rich and poor confide in each other in time?

Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey's letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured.

Title: Luzon
Author: Richard Whitten Barnes
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewer: Joyce M. Gilmour

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 1613099037

It's 1941, and Riza Manceda, a beautiful American intelligence officer, needs someone to impersonate a Japanese officer for a dangerous mission to her homeland of the Philippines. Her search uncovers the ideal man in Daniel Suhiro, a first generation Nisei with perfect credentials for the job...but maybe not so perfect. The mission is to prevent the Japanese from discovering the Allies have broken their "unbreakable" Purple code. This secret could shorten - or lengthen - the war by years, and is known by an officer captured in Luzon. Riza and Daniel train to either rescue the officer or, if necessary, assassinate him. The compelling story of their harrowing venture meticulously comes to life as the pair becomes drawn closer to each other and then thrown headlong into incredible peril.

Title: Commitment
Author: Jeffrey W. Bennett
Genre: Romance
Reviewer: Bob Doerr

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): B0057U3GLS

Marta and husband Raymond were living their dreams; serving as missionaries in Indonesia. It was their paradise and they loved living among the peaceful villagers who had years earlier accepted them as their own. Nothing could take away their happiness...or so they thought.

A rival villager has killed Raymond and now Marta is alone. What will her future hold in Iryan Jaya? Will she be able to continue the work without Raymond?

More than anything, John wants to be an airline pilot. Fresh from the Vietnam war, he begins his odyssey flying missionaries over the jungles of Iryan Jaya, Indonesia. He plans to stay a short time as he gains flying experience. However, he didn't count on meeting Marta.

Now a killer has disturbed their peace and Marta is kidnapped. Can John get to her in time?

Title: Navy Rules
Author: Geri Krotow
Genre: Romance
Reviewer: Barbara peacock

ISBN (links go to the MWSA Amazon store): 0373717865

Wounded during a military rescue, Commander Max Ford returns to a naval base on Whidbey Island to recover. And part of his treatment involves working with a therapy dog. Max is surprised to learn that the dog's owner is Winnie Armstrong, widow of his closest friend. She and Max were close in those months following her husband's death. But they drifted apart, until that one night two years ago. The night friendship turned to passion.

Now he's even more shocked to learn that Winnie has been keeping a secret from him. A baby girl. His daughter. It's even more important he heal so he can be a part of his child's life—and Winnie's. Because all the attraction that pulled them together that one night is still there…only stronger.