“The Quaker and the Rebel” by Mary Ellis: A Civil War Romeo and Juliet Story

About the book: Emily Harrison’s life has been turned upside down. At the beginning of the Civil War, she bravely attempted to continue her parents’ work as conductors in the Underground Railroad until their Ohio farm was sold in foreclosure. Now alone, she accepts a position as a governess with a doctor’s family in slave-holding Virginia. Perhaps she can continue her rescue efforts from there.

Alexander Hunt is the doctor’s handsome nephew. While he does not deny a growing attraction to his uncle’s newest employee, he cannot take time to pursue Emily. Alex is not at all what he seems—rich, spoiled, and indolent. He is the elusive Gray Wraith, a Quaker leader of Rebel partisans. A man of the shadows, he carries no firearm and wholeheartedly believes in Emily’s antislavery convictions.

The path before Alex and Emily is complicated and sometimes life threatening. The war brings betrayal, entrapment, and danger to both of them. Amid their growing feelings for each other, can they find faith in God amid the challenges they face and trust in the possibility for a bright future together?

Review:  A young Quaker woman, who is loyal to the Union, becomes a governess with a doctor’s family in Virginia. Despite its dangerous nature, she continues to assist in the escape of slaves. Becoming involved with a man who is secretly a famous Confederate soldier is not in her best interest, but they are drawn to each other anyway. Filled with intrigue, twists around every chapter, and nail-biting tension, ‘The Quaker and the Rebel” is a well-rounded book bound to enthrall. Upon doing some research I found that romantic novels seldom ever include Quakers as subject matter; when reflecting on the many similar books that I had read in the past I was shocked to find that this was indeed the case. Therefore, it was refreshing to read a novel that incorporated the less literary explored life of the average Quaker. You will fall in love with the spunky character of Emily Harrison as well as her dashing Gray Wraith, Alexander Hunt, as they tiptoe across serious political and moral issues, such as slavery, as well as cross enemy lines. I recommend this book to anyone with an appetite for adventure and romance. (reviewed by Jael B.)

 About the author:  Mary Ellis is the bestselling author of many books, including A Widow's Hope, An Amish Family Reunion, and Living in Harmony. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life. What Mary Ellis says.... “The Quaker and the Rebel is first of a new series that allowed me to put years of stomping around Civil War battlefields, sleeping in drafty B&B's, and reading dozens of non-fictional bios of famous generals to good use. My historical romance pits a Yankee pacifist against a Southern planter's son, allowing both to come to new understanding of God's will during wartime. I hope you enjoy!”

DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy was provided by Harvest House Publishers  in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.