Wedded to War
Authors: Jocelyn Green
| Wedded to War | |
| Heroines Behind the Lines-Civil War [1] | |
| Jocelyn Green | |
| River North (2012) | |
| Rating: | ***** |
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.
Jocelyn Green's debut novel is endorsed by historians and professors for its historical accuracy and detail, by award-winning novelists for its spell-binding storytelling, and by entertainment journalists and book club leaders for its deep and complex content, perfect to share and discuss with others.
When war erupted, she gave up a life of privilege for a life of significance.
Tending to the army's sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she's combatting more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse. Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?
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. This is the first in the series "Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War," a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war.
JOCELYN GREEN
is an award-winning author, freelance writer and editor. A former military wife, she authored, along with contributing writers, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2008) and Faith Deployed . . . Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2011). Jocelyn is also co-author of the award-winning Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan (AMG Publishers 2009), and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (AMG 2012). She maintains her own award-winning Web site for military wives at faithdeployed.com . She holds a B.A. in English from Taylor University, and is an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Evangelical Press Association, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and the Christian Authors Network. She and her husband have two children and reside in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at jocelyngreen.com and join her at facebook.com/jocelyngreenauthor .
Wedded to War
This novel left me in awe—of Jocelyn Green’s talent in telling a fabulous story, in her attention to historical detail, and how she brings to life a unique aspect of the Civil War.
—L
AURIE
A
LICE
E
AKES
, author of
Heart’s Safe Passage
A haunting Civil War epic,
Wedded to War
is a rich historical tapestry interwoven with a gentle love story that will steal both your heart and your sleep. Mark my words, Jocelyn Green is an author to watch—and read—over and over again.
—J
ULIE
L
ESSMAN
, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series
Fascinating, dramatic, and romantic.
Wedded to War
by Jocelyn Green sheds light on the harrowing world of Civil War nursing through the eyes of a delightful heroine. Detailed research and a powerful message about mercy make this story a keeper.
—S
ARAH
S
UNDIN
, award-winning author of the Wings of Glory series
Jocelyn Green lends her considerable talent to a tale both historically interesting and emotionally absorbing. Her Heroines Behind the Lines series is sure to draw readers eager for accurate stories of the Civil War, but also grab readers’ yearning for well-drawn characters who battle forces bigger than themselves in a quest for acceptance, grace, and love.
Wedded to War
does a fine job with both.
—A
NN
B
YLE
, author of
The Making of a Christian Bestseller
Although fictional,
Wedded to War
brings to life the important, and often dismissed, story of women’s entrance into Civil War nursing—and, in particular, the virulent opposition they faced from military doctors. It reminds us all that the access to employment and political rights that American women take for granted were achieved on deeply contested ground, and that women showed both ambition and courage in opposing those who wished to defend their own turf.
—D
R
. L
ORI
G
INZBERG
, professor of History and Women’s Studies, Penn State University, and author of
Women and the Work of Benevolence
Jocelyn Green’s exceptional
Wedded to War
kept me up late at night wanting to read “just one chapter more.” Set amid the tragedy of the Civil War, Green explores characters both seedy and honorable as they wade their way through life trying to determine who to love and who to serve. A story of grace and promise,
Wedded to War
just became one of my favorite historical novels.
—K
RISTINA
S
ELESHANKO
, author of
60 Civil War–Era Fashion Patterns, Victorian & Edwardian Fashions for Women
and other books
They said that war was no place for women, but in 1861 women went to war: they battled public opinion, the fears of their families, the disdain of the medical establishment, and the suspicions of the military. The soldiers—ill, wounded, and dying—appreciated their presence as women ran laundries and food kitchens, nursed, and organized hospital work at a time of disorganization.
Wedded to War
is based on extensive research. The letters of Georgeanna Woolsey provided the inspiration for the novel’s main character, Charlotte, who obtains nursing training in New York City after the outbreak of fighting and then goes to Washington to put her skills to work. With stirring detail and a firm grasp of the historical background, the novel totally engages the reader and shows the difficulties these women encounter as they strive to serve the Union and make unconventional choices. The pleasure of this novel is reading about believable women striving to find themselves useful in society as they break from old patterns while at the same time they seek to fulfill their own emotional needs.
—C
AROL
K
AMMEN
, editorial writer for
History News
(the journal of the American Association for State and Local History) and Tompkins County (N.Y.) Historian
Powerful, deep, and heartfelt,
Wedded to War
swept me away with its gripping story and cast of conflicted characters. It moved me, and it marked me. This is one book I can’t forget—nor would I want to, for it was woven from the fabric of our history.
Wedded to War
is meant to be experienced and shared with others. With so much to discuss within its pages, it’s a top choice for book clubs!
—N
ORA
S
T
. L
AURENT
, cofounder and CEO of The Book Club Network, columnist for
Christian Fiction Online
magazine, former ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Book Club Coordinator
Jocelyn Green has taken a little-known historical gem from the Civil War and turned it into a treasure chest through engaging characters and a beautifully written story.
—J
ANE
H
AMPTON
C
OOK
, presidential historian and author of
Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War
In
Wedded to War
, the first in a new series of historical novels, author Jocelyn Green explores the complex social and cultural constraints placed upon nurses during the Civil War era. She gives the reader a glimpse at the challenges women faced navigating a man’s world while striving to make changes that would forever influence the way wounded soldiers were cared for by the military. An insightful yet entertaining read for those who enjoy history, fiction, romance, or exploring the interplay between male and female relationships in the work environment.
—S
HELLY
B
EACH
, speaker and Christy Award–winning author of
The Silent Seduction of Self-Talk
Wedded to War
is a timeless historical novel honoring the strength of women during the early years of the Civil War. Their compassion comes alive in Jocelyn Green’s tribute to the unknown heroes who became self-sacrificing in serving wounded soldiers. Readers of historical fiction will appreciate the abundance of authentic detail found on every page.
—M
ARY
N
ICHELSON
, lead journalist for
The Wordsmith Journal Magazine
Heroines Behind the Lines
C
IVIL
W
AR
B
OOK
1
EDDED
t
o
W
AR
JOCELYN GREEN
M
OODY
P
UBLISHERS
CHICAGO
© 2012 by
J
OCELYN
G
REEN
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Published in association with the literary agency of Credo Communications, LLC, Grand Rapids, Michigan,
www.credocommunications.net
.
| Edited by Pam Pugh | Interior Design: Ragont Design |
| Cover Image: Shutterstock.com images | Cover Design: Left Coast Design |
The girl’s face (78047833) / © Best PhotoStudio
Part of woman’s dress (72595243) / © ASC
American flag (8797239) and Confederate flag (13054141 / © ayzek
Author Photo: Paul Kestel of Catchlight Imaging
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Green, Jocelyn.
Wedded to war: a novel / Jocelyn Green.
p. cm.
Summary: “This is the first book in a series based on the real life stories of women who lived and worked during the Civil War. The author has done extensive research around the lives of military women during the Civil War for a nonfiction title and became inspired to share their stories in a fictionalized depiction based on her historical research. Charlotte Waverly is a 28-year-old upper-class woman from New York and one of only 100 women chosen for nursing training. On the battlefields, she and the other nurses find themselves up against corruption, opposition, and wounded men such as they have never seen before. Charlotte’s life intersects with that of an Irish immigrant who turns to the unthinkable when faced with starvation after her husband leaves for war. These women find hope and gain restored lives as war wages all around.”—Provided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-8024-0576-0 (pbk.)
1. Nurses—Fiction. 2. United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women—Fiction. 3. Nursing—United States—History—19th century—Fiction. 4. United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Medical care—Fiction. I. Title.
PS3607.R4329255W43 2012
813’.6—dc23
2012007383
Though many of the events in this story are based on true incidents, characters are either fictional or depicted fictitiously. Dates of events are given as closely as possible to their occurrences, though some exceptions were made to fit the fictional timeline.
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