It's 1863 in Virginia. There are jagged gashs in Jacob as he is struck. The grass is fresh with blood. He feels numb. Jacob was willing to pay the ultimate price for his country although he felt invincible at first. He is married to Caroline and has a daughter Rachel. Jacob is a farmer.

A story about the war... a story about falling in love... a story that will take you into the heart of the worst part of having loved ones fighting and leave you with a sense of knowing the sacrifice everyone makes for those they love. This is the story of a woman whose husband dies in the war and how she finds her place in a world she wasn't sure she wanted to be in. Caroline is a strong character who faces her place with courage and dignity that will have you falling in love with her story.

I truly enjoyed the realism and also the history this book entails. It is a gorgeous story of war and of love and all the in-betweens.

Thanks to Mira for the opportunity to review this story. All opinions are mine.

The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller is a sweeping historical book set during the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War. I had craving for historical fiction and this book totally delivered. While it was a little bit slower than I would have hoped, it met basically all my needs at the time I read it. This is the kind of book you pick up when you have a stretch of time to really absorb the words and the setting.

Miller’s The Yankee Window is about a young woman named Caroline who lives on a farm in Gettysburg with her daughter Rachel as well as their hired man, Enoch. Her husband Jacob is fighting for the Union. Unfortunately, he is gravely wounded at Chancellorsville and so, Caroline goes to him and brings his body back which sort of kicks off a chain of events culminating in the battle of Gettysburg and then a Confederate soldier, Bridger Winslow, recovering at her home as a favor to Union Captain Rogan McBride. The two men, FYI, are interested in marrying Caroline. Meanwhile, there’s also a pregnant runaway slave named Jubie who is hiding out on Caroline’s farm as well.

While there are two love stories in The Yankee Widow, what is best is the relationships between all the different characters – romantic and non-romantic. I thought that Caroline was an excellent mother. I also loved how feminist her grandmother is (she helps with nursing the different soldiers). In addition, there’s the friendship between Enoch and Caroline which is sweet. Enoch’s character is very three dimensional and just, interesting. I thought he was written with a lot of respect in mind. Also, the way this book ends is perfect and just wraps everything up so well. I’d certainly say give this book a read and be transported to an important time in American history.

The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller is an interesting historical read. It is set during the Civil War near Gettysburg. We meet the main characters as the war is raging all around. There is Caroline who becomes a widow due to the war. Enoch, a freed slave on her farm. Rogan, a Captain in the Union Army. Bridger, a Captain in the Confederacy. All are connected and interact with one another throughout the book. The description of these interactions were very believable and showed life’s hardships during times of stress. Of course there is a love story or two thrown in the mix and they too are believable. This seemed to be a pretty accurate depiction and description of the time frame. The only problem that I had was that Miller got a little too wordy in some of the descriptions of what went on during the war. I probably thought this as I was history major and feel that John Q Public might not be as interested in the ins and outs of what happened during this time to this degree. I admit I skimmed some of these descriptions.
Overall, this was a really good book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to give an honest opinion of the story.

Set around the battle of Gettysburg, The Yankee Widow was an excellent read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Enjoyable historical tale about the civil war and the battle of Gettysburg. Strong characters and engaging plotline nake this a quick read.

I have read almost all of this author’s books. This one was a little more historical romance then most of her cowboy ones.

I've recently gotten back into reading historical fiction based on the American Civil War. I jump around when it comes to the eras I'm most interested in reading about. When I was a bit younger I was fascinated by the Civil War, and I've found my way back to reading more about it. This was a great book to read if you enjoy historical fiction about the civil war. Especially if you like there to be a bit of a love interest in your historical fiction, which I do. I am not interested in raunchy romance books from this time period, but a love story in addition to historical fiction always makes it a more interesting read for me. Anyways, Caroline is the type of main character that you are able to relate to/connect with. You feel sorry for her, and then you also admire her strength when dealing with her sorrow. She goes through what so many women had to deal with during the civil war. No family was unaffected by the civil war, and some dealt with more than others. She's compassionate and vulnerable, but she is also strong and determined. Definitely a great read for anyone who enjoys American historical fiction.

I had not read a book by Linda Lael Miller in a while and I was really glad to receive this copy from Net Galley. The book was amazing. I loved her details of the civil war and the story gripped me right from the start to the end. The main character was a very strong woman which was awesome to see for that day and age. Actually all of the women in the book were really strong characters. Her depiction of the Civil War was spot on in very many ways and her life for the people was extremely accurate. I had not read a civil war story for a long time and this one was extremely informative and at the same time a delightful read.

I usually like Linda Lael Miller books and this is no exception. I would recommend to readers at our library. It deals with a Yankee widow hence the title and her husband, their farm, her community and the people who enter her lives. It is a romance but there is no sex scene to put off some readers. This book also takes place over several years, but during the war it turns out her farm was in Adams County, Pennsylvania outside of Gettysburg. It made you feel like you were there as a bystander like the town and surrounding area was. The book, I thought, was well written.

Beautifully written and rich in detail, The Yankee Widow will transport you back in time to an era that is seldom talked about let alone experienced. With a country literally torn in two with brother again brother and friend and foes alike, this atmospheric novel will make you feel like you are in the very heart of the battle, both on the field and off.

A time when war raged the country side, women had to be strong and independent and children grew up way too fast. When men were gentlemen still and freedom was a thing that not everyone experienced or got the luxury of having.


Wonderfully told in alternating point of views, The Yankee Widow will tug at your heart strings and keep you thouroughly engaged the whole way through. Truly a riveting story that you will be glad you took the time to read, enjoy, and learn from.

Jacob Hammond, who joined the Union army, lies wounded and unable to communicate. Almost left for dead he is saved and sent to Washington City. His wife Caroline searches the faces of many men in hospital tents before coming upon the unrecognizable Jacob. She stays with him as he draws his last breath and then takes him home to Gettysburg.

Caroline and Enoch, the hired hand, are doing their best to keep the farm running. Soon, the fighting is close by and they hear the sounds and vibrations of the cannons. Quickly, the Union army bring wounded men onto Caroline’s farm. A soldier that she met in Washington City, Rogan McBride, brings a rebel soldier into her home. Bridger is badly wounded but Caroline and her grandmother tend to his and Rogan’s wounds.

Both men are infatuated with Caroline, but she only has eyes for one. Follow Caroline and Enoch as they try to protect their family and farm. Watch as a romance begins and falters. Is true love real or is marriage only for the convenience of friends.

While this is a book of fiction, it is easy for the reader to forget and become engaged in the time of the civil war. The characters recognize their strengths and flaws. The travesties of war are laid out for the reader in realistic descriptions and emotionally charged phrases. The book portrays a woman with the strength to fight in times of war while recognizing her passion.

This is an exceptional historical read. I enjoy historical fiction and this is a fine book from the Civil War time period. I definitely recommend this book for romance or historical fiction readers.


I received an ARC from Harlequin – Mira through NetGalley in exchange for an

Horrors of war. Innocent people caught up in the devastation. People, families, and generations-old farms and businesses destroyed or left in tatters. That is the story that Linda Lael Miller talks of in A YANKEE WIDOW. The author doesn't mince words when describing the day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute struggle of those forced to face head on the catastrophe known as war. The Civil War was anything but civil and history books outline the results and planning of the conflicts between the Union and Confederate armies. A YANKEE WIDOW illustrates the human horror, struggle, bravery and conscience of those affected.

The angst is palatable. Decisions are difficult to make, consequences may be dire and yet each person has to look into themselves, conquer fear and hope that the end will be better than what they believe will be. News travels through southern lands and none of it is good. Young men have gone out to protect the lives that they are used to. Some come back broken and others don't return at all.

A YANKEE WIDOW is about the family and friends left behind when Corporate Jacob Hammond succumbs to his devastating wounds. Jacob fought for the Union. He fought to protect land owned and operated for generations. He fought to protect his beloved young wife Caroline and their four-year-old daughter. He fought to survive. Caroline has to face her future without her Jacob. She feels it is her duty to continue his fight to protect his legacy. She is fully aware that her decisions are ripe with risks many unknown. But she loves the land.

Caroline has Rachel to look out for. Caroline has her grandmother willing to be part of the necessary support group which also includes Enoch Flynn a free man. Enoch is literate and free due to the heart and soul of the Hammond family. Jacobs's parents provided safety, education, freedom, and respect so often missing from the life of any slave. Enoch and Jacob grew up as friends in a time when black and white did not forge many friendships. A YANKEE WIDOW is a force of nature. Gritty and real. Telling the story of this one small family choosing to face down the uncertain future of their lives after many neighbors have moved away. Heading north in itself was an uncertain path. At twenty-four, Caroline is going to face menaces that will certainly make her grow up faster than anyone could imagine. Every day is a new challenge. Union forces are heading her way with the Confederate forces on their heels. It is almost impossible to truly tell the good men from the bad. There are scavengers among both groups. Can you imagine living on guard constantly?

So expect to be horrified by the situation, impressed with the bearings of amazing folk, awed by the spectacle that is war, gladdened by random acts of kindness and amazed with the rich details of a family struggle during part of our history that is a struggle to understand. A YANKEE WIDOW is fiction, but still a wondrous novel by one of my life-long favorite authors. Anything with Linda Lael Miller's name on its cover attracts my attention. Her usual forays are western in nature but that talent fits so well with a farming family's attempt to survive a tidal wave of destruction that is the Civil War. In true Linda Lael Miller fashion characters tug at your heartstrings from the very beginning when we meet Jacob. Each chapter told from the perspective of another character. No one fashions characters better than Linda Lael Miller. A YANKEE WIDOW is harsh and it is designed to be. Chalk up another winner for this prolific author.

I’ve always been intrigued by the Civil War. My (3x)great grandfather left his family and farm to fight with the northern army. His portrait hung on the wall in my parents’ home. I didn’t truly appreciate the extent of his sacrifice until I began to read accounts of the war – told from various perspectives. Linda Lael Miller’s novel The Yankee Widow is the story of Caroline, a young widow from outside of Gettysburg, PA. Her husband left his young family and farm to fight in the northern army only to succumb to injuries incurred at Chancellorsville. Caroline is left to carry on which is no small task. The war is brought to her front yard as she is grieving the loss of her husband. She must step outside her grief and help with injured men from both sides of the war. Two such men will become central to her story and could very well decide her future. One thing she is certain of: she will make the decision. Showing a strength of character from the beginning of the novel we see even more growth in Caroline as she becomes aware that there are no easy answers except the decision to treat others with compassion – no matter where they are from. The story is filled with vivid battle descriptions that put me in the middle of those scenes. Heartbreaking, to be sure.

Linda Lael Miller swept me along with her story, turning the pages and wondering how Caroline would prevail. For once I was happy a novel ended with a cliff-hanger – I can’t wait to read what happens next. Recommended to fans of the author and historical fiction with a dose of romance.

Over the years, I've read most of Miller's romances and loved them. I would consider, The Yankee Window, to be historical fiction with a side of romance to it, but it was just as enjoyable as her previous books.

The story starts out with Caroline going to find her husband that has been injured in battle during the Civil War. He has been badly injured and dies from his injuries. The rest of the story shows Caroline navigating through her grief and the rest of the war. We also get to follow the story of a free black man and the runaway slave that he saves from a slave catcher as well as best friends that are fighting on opposite sides of the war. Overall, this story was a great read and I'm so glad that I picked it up after not having read Miller's work in quite some time.

This is the first book of Linda Lael Miller's that I couldn't finish. It seemed to go on forever and not in a good way. I found myself skimming the book and not really caring about the ending.

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

Sandy M’s review of The Yankee Widow by Linda Lael Miller
Historical Romance published by MIRA 7 May 19

I’ve not read a lot of historical romance lately, only because the few I have read let me down and left me wanting more. But old favorites like Linda Lael Miller have relit the fuse I need to get back to history when I read. This book is one of the best I’ve come across in a while. And because I didn’t realize it’s also the start of a new series for her, I’m already anxiously waiting for the next one, and I have a feeling it’s going to be as great as this story.


The backdrop of the Civil War has never been a favorite era for me when reading, but this book has perhaps changed that. Gettysburg is still one of the deadliest wars in U.S. history, three days of devastation, and it’s done very well here from the soldiers’ point of view, as well as those it directly affected at the time. Jacob is a young soldier gravely wounded and is holding on by a thread. When his wife Caroline learns of his injuries, she makes her way to Washington D.C. to locate her husband and bring him home, no matter what. The prologue from Jacob’s point of view is heartbreaking and so insightful. We learn in the first chapter how strong Caroline is, and we see it again and again throughout the book.

Making it home, she has to defend the land that has been in Jacob’s family for generations, all for her young daughter Rachel. The war is coming ever closer to Gettysburg, and Ms. Miller does a wonderful job of relaying the fear and strength of Caroline and her little family, which includes Enoch, a freed slave, and now Jubie, a runaway slave. Throw into the mix two soldiers, one Union and one Confederate, and this story goes up an emotional level.

Rogan is the Union officer who first meets Caroline when she’s in D.C. He’s also part of the army that will clash with the Confederacy on the battlefield at Gettysburg. It’s when he meets his childhood friend Bridger during the conflict that Caroline becomes undecided which man she may have a future with. It is also a dilemma for both gentlemen because of their friendship and their feelings for Caroline. She feels a kinship with Rogan because he’s fighting for what she also believes in. Bridger is fighting for the south to save his home and legacy, all the while also believing slavery should be abolished. But it’s Bridger who lights a fire within her, something she didn’t feel with Jacob. There are so many personal conflicts during the recuperation period after the Gettysburg battle has ended, and Ms. Miller does one heck of a job making those issues and emotions jump off the page, leaving the reader with unresolved feelings along with the characters. Enoch and Jubie also have their problems, so much different than those around them. No one is left unscathed.

Of course the war is not over and both men must return to their duties, leaving Caroline to wonder, hope, pray that they will both survive, leaving her with the feeling she’ll never see either of them again. It’s Bridger, however, who knows better and proves her wrong when victory is achieved months later. I like how Ms. Miller works in the Gettysburg Address and how it affects Caroline and her grandmother as Abraham Lincoln is giving his speech. Then there’s Amalie, one of those strong, no-holds-barred Southern women and sister of Bridger. Rogan is in for it with her when the next book is released, and that’s all I’m going to say about that!

So much happens in this wonderful story that I keep thinking of scenes I liked so much, but there’s only so much space and time to tell everything. Pick this book up soon. I highly recommend it and I know you won’t be sorry one bit.

Grade: A+

Powerful! Powerful story, powerful writing. For me powerful is the best word to describe this book. And for me that is what best describes this book.

She's a young woman staying at home on the farm with her child and the hired help. Her husband is fighting in the Civil War. He gets injured and she's going after him to bring him home. He awakens to tell her how much he loves her and then he dies. She's a young widow now...

Mira and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It is being published today.

It's a good thing she has her hired hand. He protects her just like Jacob did. She tries to go on as life did before but she's sorrowful over the loss of her husband. The first thing that happens is that the hired hand saves a slave that's being pursued by a slave catcher who wants the reward on her. Enoch, the hired hand, disagrees and ends up killing the man. When the rest of the slave catchers show up, they have the pregnant girl hidden in a secret compartment. They had been part of the Underground Railroad in the past.

Then soldiers come to her farm and settle on her grounds. They don't bother her but she can't listen to the men moan and not help with the injured. As she does, she gets to know the man in charge and she grows to like him a lot. It's almost love. But then he gives her a Confederate to take care of and she takes him in the house because he's injured so badly. Then he manages to kiss her and that creates a real problem for her. She beginning to love him, too.

She doesn't give up or break even when things are bad. There are some good things happening, too.

You really get a good view of the war and how deadly it was. It was bloody, horses and men were killed or maimed. Many of the men were missing limbs. As she helped them as best she could, she got worn from the worry and care required. You can feel her despair as so many die. Eventually the war is over. Will either man come back for her? Read the story and see.