Soldiers Rest
by Kathryn Hohmann
Historical Fiction
A haunting historical mystery. Soldiers Rest explores the thin boundaries between illusion and truth, the past and the present.
It's 1899 in central Maryland when Tess McPherson marries into the powerful Wakefield family and moves to Soldier's Rest, their historic estate. She's expecting a bright future. Soon she knows that she's surrounded by wealth and cherished traditions – and a deadly secret.
Strolling the property, she discovers an abandoned greenhouse. Its transparent walls, worn dim by sunlight and rain, are made of glass-plate negatives salvaged after the Civil War years. In the glass panes, Tess can make out the faded, menacing faces of fighting men. Haunted by their images, she probes deeper, determined to learn why their spirits linger at Soldier's Rest. But the Wakefields will stop at nothing to prevent her from uncovering the truth.
The author provided a free copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Tess McPherson achieves her childhood dream by marrying into the powerful, high society Wakefield family. As a sensitive, Tess has had ‘spells’ her whole life but none more disturbing than what she encounters at Soldiers Rest, the Wakefield estate. Driven by her natural curiosity and compassion for Colonel Wakefield, she uncovers ancient secrets that may be best left buried, for everyone’s sake.
The tale of Soldiers Rest is a historical novel, beginning in 19th century Maryland that is obviously well researched. Author, Kathryn Hohmann, incorporates history into the story seamlessly and her imagery draws scenes in rich detail. Soldiers Rest begins slowly but gains momentum in chapter 3. Its unique story line is engaging and Tess McPherson’s character is well developed. Sentence length tends to be tedious, especially within the first two chapters and there is some unnecessary repetition. Overall, I enjoyed the book, though.
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Thursday, October 22, 2015