As a fan of previous Lori Copeland works, I was quite anxious to read this new Historical novel by this talented author. I was pleasantly surprised! This is a novel that, while it could have been a bit more detailed historically, was an over all enjoyable read. The characters were filled with flaws, the plot line was inviting, and the messages rang true.

Three young soldiers, all from the South, meet up on the way back from Virginia to head home to North Carolina. One of them fought for the North, one for the South, and one a Cherokee scout for the leaders of the armies. All the best of friends. On their travels back to North Carolina, trouble awaits them in the form of 3 young women, running from a life of pain, sickness and heartache. Can they get past the need of moving on from the war to find what God has in store for them and their hearts?

Pierce, Gray Eagle, Preach, Beth, Joanie and Trella are wonderful characters. Each owned a piece of my heart by the end. And through their journey, traveling along side of them, I felt transported to another place in history. I could see the plantations, the soldiers in their Civil War uniforms, the ladies with their tears and frightened looks on their faces. I loved how Ms. Copeland incorporated the use of Nuns and a convent to witness to Beth, a lonely soul who didn't believe in God or prayers.

I really enjoyed reading this story. It's filled with a message of God's love, and that He is the ultimate deciding factor of our lives and what happens. He is the one that can perform miracles. A story of love, hope, longing, and trusting fills the pages of this newest novel by a seasoned author. I recommend this southern fiction novel to all with a 4 Book rating. If you like stories of Civil War, romance, and God's love, then this is a must read for you. ( )

Beth Jornigan is strong, determined and resourceful, but the men in her family have created a strong dislike and distrust for all men in her heart and mind. As Beth, her sister, Joanie, and their friend, Trella, attempt to escape abusive Uncle Walt, an unexpected wildfire forces them to rely on three Civil War soldiers. Beth is extremely resistant to the assistance of Captain Pierce, Preach and Gray Eagle. However, with little money and relentless family members, Beth, Joanie and Trella agree to accept the men's temporary assistance. As the days pass on, each woman finds herself attracted to a man. Will the relationships blossom or whither away when the men return home? Are the women just attracted to the men because they rescued them or is it possibly true love?

The One Who Waits for Me is typical Lori Copeland fiction romance. It is sweet and has some wonderfully humorous moments, but it is also quite predictable. Something about the characters of Beth and Pierce never really rang true for me. Beth has experienced abuse and dislikes all men, yet is quite naïve. Somehow those traits just don't go together in my mind. Abuse has a way of making a person grow up fast. Conversely, other characters, Sister Mary Margret for example, were authentic and delightful.

I applaud Copeland for her realistic depictions of the American Indians. Too often in Christian fiction, they are depicted as ruthless warriors. Copeland treated the subject of their displacement with sensitivity and respect. I think an American Indian could read this book and not be offended at Copeland's depictions.

Overall, The One Who Waits for Me by Lori Copeland is a sweet read, but I recommend renting it from the library before purchasing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from publisher as part of FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." ( )

Taking place right after the Civil War, this book will take you back to a time when slavery was still being practiced in the South and soldiers were going home to their new lives. This story tells about two sisters, Beth and Joanie and their need to escape their abusive Uncle Walt.

Beth is a strong young woman who does everything she can to protect her asthma stricken sister. She is sensible but quite hot-headed and at times very impulsive. Her sister, Joanie, is opposite. She's meek and gentle and a strong Christian. When they find they have to depend on a group of soldiers to help them, Beth's reaction of mistrust gives the reader a peek of the life she had lived before her parents died.

This is a well written novel of adventure, suspense, faith and trust with some romance mixed in. It is humorous at times, and carries a nice message about having faith and trusting God. For me, this is a book that is perfect for a nice cozy read with a hot cup of a favorite tea in your favorite spot.

This is the first book I've read by Lori Copeland, and it certainly will not be the last. I really enjoyed her writing style and found this book to be a very satisfying read! ( )