Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction for Thomas Nelson Publishing, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her newest novel, His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, just released November 2011. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It isn’t until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Belle must choose between love and family.
It’s the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.
When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.
Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?
Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.
If you would like to read the first chapter of His Steadfast Love, go HERE.
Learn more about Golden and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
His Steadfast Love is a love story set during the Civil War, yet its primary Texas setting is decidedly different from most novels I have read about that period of time. The author’s attention to detail enhanced the story that was filled with various perspectives from several different participants of the story.By the end of the book, I felt that I had been given an intimate look at how this war affected the entire nation, from the slaves to the soldiers and their families. And I could also understand the reasoning behind why each side fought this war. His Steadfast Love does not attempt to cause the reader to choose sides but illustrates the horrible tragedy of war.
The story was made more personal as it centered around Amanda Belle and her family who lived on the Texas Gulf coast. When war was declared, not only did Amanda’s brother Daniel leave home to fight for the south, but Kent Littlefield, the man she loved was a Union officer. As the war raged on, Amanda was forced to make several difficult choices, even one that could separate her from her beloved family.
His Steadfast Love contains many emotional scenes that include sickness, injuries, death, and other tragedies as well as joyful scenes when loved ones are reunited. There are enough twists and surprises to keep those pages turning. Very well written, this book stresses the importance of forgiveness and dependence upon the Lord. I would recommend His Steadfast Love to those who enjoy historical fiction.
