This was an enjoyable, easy read if not a little corny at times. I liked the characters, Lydia, Jacob, Alden. They were credible and worked well together as interacting characters. I loved the setting, 1814, and the history of that time in the United States, the war of 1812 and the efforts of the British to colonise the US. Historical fiction is a genre that I tend to enjoy quite a lot anyway and this was no exception. The war and Lydia's impending marriage, her wealthy background and life on the plantation all serve to provide a substantial novel for our enjoyment.

Romance, clean, period;
Lydia and Jacob's story set during the War of 1812 was heartfelt, honest, hurting, and a well done imagining of the American revolt, and of the War of 1812 British attack on Washington City as part of the story. Their sweet romance also an integral part of the story. The backstory of Lydia's and Jacob's first meeting, the attack on her home and her injury during the attack, the servants, the other side characters, and their life in Annapolis, all well described. Lydia's care for her servants, her pain and worry with her physical 'trial' (no spoilers here!), and Jacob's worry, and misunderstanding of her interactions with him, made it all the sweeter at the conclusion of the novel.
Loved the setting, the backstory, and their sweet moments throughout the novel. J.L.M. had some fun historical details that she included as part of the novel that made it even more interesting. Perfect escape read with that bit of history thrown in.

I have tried to get into this book several time. I feel as though there is more details than a story line and by the time it gets to the story line I am confused. Maybe it is just me. I feel like I may have just not been in the mood for this story and will have to try it again another time. I know this author is a great writer. I am a firm believer in being in the mood for curtain books and stories. Thanks NetGalley & Jennifer Moore for the Book.

"Of course, as a slave, Francine would go wherever she was told, but Lydia liked to think that her maid would remain with her because she wished to."

📚This wasn't a plot point but I just couldn't get pass it. I know that her thoughts are accurate for a white priviledged woman of that time period but I prefer to read books where the marginalized people are more than slaves. So that quote made me feel uncomfortable, she's not even aware of the privileges that she has. And deep down Lydia doesn't care about Francine (her maid), she only cares about her own well being.

And the problems that the main characters had could have been resolved if they just actually talked to each other. And Jason thinking that Lydia suspected that he was a spy was silly on his part. He should be more intelligent, it was obvious that she had no idea that he was a spy.

Just finished this book and it just hit the right spot at the right time, I thoroughly enjoyed it. An easy read, full of a little bit of everything, Alden’s humor, Lydia’s social graces, Jacob’s lack of social etiquette, bit of romance, mystery and the English attacking thrown in. The war scenes were a little hard to follow with all going on, but you could picture some of them as the flotilla was scuttled and Washington City is under siege.
It is a fun read and I give this one 5 star’s. Well done!!!
I was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to receive this book from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This one gets 5*****’s.

This is another wonderful book from Jennifer Moore! I love her historical novels.
She always portraits the era so accurately and her descriptions make me feel in that time and place.
I loved the premise of the story, set in America in the early 1800's, on the verge of being invaded by the British. Lydia seems a bit naive at first, a bit oblivious to all the turmoil raging around her, distracted and blissful by the marriage proposal she just received... Jacob bursts unexpectedly in her life and finds himself in the need to protect her and save her from all the danger assaulting them.
This story has everything I like in a story: compelling characters, sweet romance, adventure and danger.
Lydia and Jacob were both endearing to me. My heart ached for Jacob, having grown an orphan, always looking out for others, he's afraid of being left alone and rejected. He's a huge and looming man, but oh so vulnerable on the inside, he has a trusting issue, and opening his heart is not an easy feat... I wanted to shake him a bit at times, but finally understood his reluctance to voice his feelings, due to the suffering from his childhood... Lydia was sweet and spunky. And vulnerable too. I think they were perfect for each other. It just took a bit of time for them to overcome all the obstacles thrown their way. But the Happily Ever After was so much worth it!
This is definitely a novel I recommend vividly! Great plot, deep characters, war, adventure, and sweet romance. What else can you need?
I received a copy of this book from Covenant Communications via NetGalley. This is my voluntary and honest review.

I received a free copy of the Ship Builder's Wife in exchange for an honest review.

I was really looking forward to be deviating from the normal historical romance books involving rich and entitled characters. I thought for sure a shipbuilder would be the perfect book, and couldn't wait to get started.

This was an easy read, but it was the same cliche. Lydia was from a wealthy and entitled family and was set to marry another over entitled upper class gentleman. Jacob was a shipbuilder/spy in the war.

Jacob the shipbuilder, just didn't do it for me, and I was never able to determine what Jacob's motivation was for wanting to marry Lydia. Also, if you are looking steamy, passionate scenes, this is not the book for you

Overall, this book did not meet.my expectations, even though it was well written. Three stars for lack of plot creatativity and mediocre characters.

Jennifer Moore always creates compelling characters with relatable struggles to overcome. Giving good insight into her characters through relevant character introspection so we feel like we’re right there along with them.

Her books are always well researched, but she often makes plot jumps that are hard for me to follow. Jacob marrying Lydia was one of those. It seemed an out of the blue and illogical step. But I love how she used that later in the story for him to have that introspection she’s so good at about why he really married her in the first place.

I also had a hard time following the timeline at times, but found myself really invested in the characters, so much so that I really hope all of her hints about Alden’s mysterious experiences mean we’ll get to have a book about him down the road.

Lydia Prescott was a southern debutante who lived for garden parties and balls. She was engaged to another plantation owner until a tragic accident left her scarred and broken. Her weasley fiance' couldn't bear her disfiguration so he broke their engagement. Jacob Steele was a good an honest man who loved his country and was determined to do what was right, including saving Miss Lydia Prescott. Would their love grown in time or would they both be destroyed during this time of war and difficulty?

I am such a fan of Jennifer Moore's writing. She has a way of developing characters where you feel you are experiencing the time period along with them. They could be your friends. Her writing transports you to another time and place to participate in her character's lives.

I was given an arc of this book and I willingly and wholeheartedly offer my review. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspenseful romance and love story. It is a clean story with a wonderful message.

Lydia was the "perfect" woman until tragedy struck and destroyed her obvious beauty. Jacob found himself inexplicably attached to the woman and offered to marry her despite her "defect". Fortunately, Lydia's beauty was much more than just skin deep. She's a good woman who happened to be beautiful rather than the vain woman her beauty could have made her be. Jacob is the gentle giant, so to speak. I liked the characters and the story. The romance was more a backdrop for the rest of the story, which I really appreciated as well. Jennifer Moore does a good job of making the history part of the fun. Overall, it's a great read!

**I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Lydia Prescott seems to have everything--she's beautiful, from a wealthy family with a beautiful home and is about to become engaged to a handsome, wealthy man she's sure she will come to love. With the wedding soon upon them, her family's home is attacked by the British while her parents are away. Lydia and her maid are able to hide but she's injured which leaves a scar on her once beautiful face. Suddenly she's no longer engaged to Jefferson Caraway, who cancelled their engagement "after seeing her face."

Jacob Steele is a shipbuilder who also helps Commodore Joshua Barney and his flotilla against the British during the war of 1812. He's large in stature, some would describe him as imposing, but a man of few words. He decides to marry Lydia Prescott without any prodding, incentive or bribery on the part of her father. He's a true gentleman in every way, but because of his childhood he's not very trusting of others, which leads him into a bit of trouble in his new and unusual marriage.

I liked Lydia. She's what we Southerners would call a steel Magnolia, so it's fitting that her married name was Steele. We find out that there's more to her than her beauty when the British attack her father's plantation and she suffers an accident that leaves her beautiful face scarred. She shows compassion to all those around her who are affected by the war. She showed so much bravery when she walked into the British camp to get a doctor for Jacob, who was badly wounded.

I really liked Jacob's best friend Alden and would love to read his story. He balances Jacob with his wit and almost laughed out loud picturing him disguised in women's clothing. What a sight that must've been.

Lydia and Jacob balanced each other and had me rooting for them to finally talk to each other so they could get their happy ending. There's some intrigue in the form of a traitorous spy, and I was surprised to find out who it was.

Jennifer Moore is one of my favorite historical writers because of her diligence in researching the events of the time, the places they take place, etc. Her research helps bring the book to life for me. As I read about the homes being taken over by the British, and their carriages and horses taken by the Americans I can't imagine how that must have been. So many people leaving towns to avoid the war, and those that couldn't leave--the only experience I have close to that was evacuating to Texas for Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and not knowing what I would be returning to when we were allowed back into the city.

This is a clean romance and the descriptions of the battles and attacks aren't graphic. Thank you Covenant Communications (through NetGalley) for my copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fancy some light reading? Don't pick this one! While some books can gift you an easy escape from reality, others (like this one) instead will take you back in time. You'll feel like your jolting around in the carriage, walking the old streets of Washington City & right there on the battlefield. Jennifer Moore masterfully creates historical works of art. Her stories are rich and adventurous. Her characters have depth and soul.

In this second book of her 1812 series, and I certainly hope there's more, we find ourselves in Lydia's world. Younger sister of Emmett Prescott (My Dearest Enemy), she has her entire future mapped out. A chance encounter with Jacob, who is everything the cover of the book shows, may not be life changing for either of them. The British may have something to say -or do - about that, and suddenly Lydia & Jacob are trying to understand just how they came to be together.

A beautiful story jam packed with everything we come to expect from Jennifer Moore, this one will not disappoint.

Thanks to Covenant Communications & Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.

Lydia, daughter of a plantation owner, is certain she is safe from the British forces in the area. A raid leaves her scarred, and her fiancé breaks their engagement. Lydia marries Jacob Steele, certain he was the only man her father could find to take her. Can they learn to trust each other?

The story alternates between Lydia and Jacob. Lydia starts off as a flirtatious debutante, eager for the man she admires to propose. Jacob’s work as a shipbuilder has made him invaluable to the flotilla that defends the area from British invading forces. They both have a reason not to trust the other, which made me want to shake them both.

The plot moves at a nice pace. The air of tension between Lydia and Jacob remains constant until they are forced to admit their suspicions aloud. The secondary characters were a good support and I hope Jacob’s friend, adopted brother, gets a happy ending in the future.

I received a copy from NetGalley for reviewing purposes.

A sweet historical romance with enough suspense to keep me from putting the book down. I love that the main character is a typical Southern Belle with lofty goals until her life is changed by the war. While sad that people were really judged by physical scars, it made her change-for the better! Full of likable characters and a suspenseful plot, The Shipbuilder's Wife was a fast read. I would have liked more story about some of the side characters, but overall a fun read.

Jennifer Moore's latest release takes the reader back to colonial times and country on the brink of invasion. The romance that Lydia thinks is her future is quickly changed when she cant deny her attraction to Jacob Steele and an timely accident. Jacob and Lydia's story is back dropped by Jacobs secret life and underground web of spies. Will their love win out or will Lydia go back to her parents under false pretenses. Will the British find their way past Jacob and his colonial militia? How can Lydia prove that she is on Jacob's side?

I love historical romance. I believe it is my favorite type of novel. This novel is about the War of 1812. It had me by the heart strings just a few paragraphs in. The characters are so real, you would want them as a best friend or at least a neighbor. Jennifer has a special ability to make the settings come to life. I grew up in this area, but a few years later though, and it took me right back there, I loved the character of Jacob Steele and his best friend and brother Adam. Their personalities were so different, but I loved them both. I would have a hard time picking a favorite.

Poor Lydia Prescott, I felt sorry for her. She had it rough right from the start. He family was not very supportive, especially her dad. She was engaged to a real fop. She had a terrible accident, and her fiance called off the wedding. She felt forced into marrying Jacob, but knew she would have no other options. The first few months of their marriage did not go well, mainly due to misunderstandings. But she was a very intelligent strong woman and she never gave up. She played and important part to the outcome of the war.

This was a book that kept me guessing and wanting more. I hope we learn more about Adam in the future, he is too great of a character to just let him fade off into the sunset. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

I received a copy from Covenant Communications through NetGallley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love a good historical fiction with a side of romance. And this got the spot!

Lydia was preparing to marry when an English raid on her father's plantation during the war of 1812 leaves her "deformed" and jilted by her intended. Then suddenly married to a tall and quiet man she hardly knows.

Jacob is a shipbuilder and has a great of gold. A featherhead at times, but so good! Misunderstanding and intrigue abound during wartime, even within families. And the fate of a nation hangs in the balance of trust between a newly wedded husband and wife.

The research and details were magnificent, with true historical characters and fictional ones seamlessly woven together. And i appreciate the author's note at the end that clarified the real history from the fictional story.

I received a review copy, and this is my voluntary opinion. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the publisher or author.

Jennifer Moore has such a talent for writing a story that completely immerses the reader into the time period. She does so much research into the reality of the time and history that you can’t help but learn history as you dive into her story.

I really liked learning about early America and the war of 1812. Our protagonists, Lydia and Jacob, came from completely different worlds and went through a lot to find what they truly wanted and needed. Lydia is injured during an attack on her family’s plantation and the entire course of her life changes as a result.

Jacob trusts his gut instinct and proposes to marry Lydia, and the course of his life is also changed as a result. There are so many endearing moments in this book- moments of friendship amidst a war, moments of love amidst mistrust, and more.

There was a lot of misunderstanding going on between some characters that frustrated me, but overall still a great story with a lot of attention to characterization and detail.

Loved the story and the author's note at the end reiterating the meaning behind the book. Great characters that can be related to. Wish the ending wasn't as rushed. Great book.

4.5*

When all your hopes and dreams are about to come true, life feels pretty much perfect. Until everything changes and all you had hoped for is gone and not within your grasp anymore. Lydia Prescott is having one of those moments.

I loved Lydia! At first she seems like a beautiful, possibly spoiled, debutante, scheming and planning. But as the story unfolds and moves on, she is anything but. She was a very well written and developed character for me. She didn't fall down when trouble came, she embraced it and worked to make the best of any situation. She was a kind and caring young woman whose world was changed by war.

I couldn't imagine what life would have been like back in the early days of America. Then to have war after war keep occurring. The resiliency of men, woman and children to survive and thrive. This is the second book by this author about the War of 1812. The first book, My Dearest Enemy, focuses on the war in Canada and this one focuses on a couple locations in America. They don't have to be read together or in any particular order. The connecting factor aside from the war is Emmett from, My Dearest Enemy, is Lydia's brother. I've enjoyed both of these books, but I think this is my favorite of the two.

After an Lydia's hopes and dreams are changed, she finds herself quickly married to Jacob Steele. I won't say why but let me tell you, that Jacob Steele is one fine character! I'm not just referencing physical attributes but his character and personality all combined! Yep, a true gentleman. I loved the dynamics between these two. The uncertainty, the desire for friendship, the hopes to create a good life together. It was so sweet. But frustrating too. Of course! These two were tiptoeing around each other trying to find a balance but not speaking and sharing their mind. So, hence, the frustration. But I loved how it all worked out.

I couldn't decide who I wanted to trust or not trust in this book for quite a while. I was for sure a couple characters were shady, but then I was mistaken. I usually don't get tricked like that, but I sure was with this book. Well done Jennifer Moore!

If you enjoy history, there is plenty of it written throughout with this lovely story. I really enjoyed reading about some of the battles and reading the author's note at the end where she discusses more of the historical aspects. And her love of ships comes through in this one and was very captivating for me as the reader.

If you're looking for a sweet and clean romantic story with some history and great characters, definitely pick this one up.

Content: Clean. Sweet romance with some kissing. Some moments of peril, some battles and attacks associated with war but nothing gruesome or overly graphic. I would let my teenage daughters read this.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!