Book Review: For The Brave (The Gentrys of Paradise, Book 2) by Holly Bush

Hi all,

Those of you who read my blog already know that I love books by author Holly Bush. I began reading her novels years ago starting with Train Station Bride, and have read every one ever since. So, when the opportunity arose to read her latest – For The Brave – I jumped at it. Was I ever in for a sweet surprise. I’m already a big fan and already believed that Holly was a talented writer, but For The Brave proved to me that she is much more than just talented. Her writing is vivid and compelling, making it difficult to put this book down. I’m in awe of how much she has grown as a writer, and I think we should look forward to big things happening for Holly Bush.

Here is more about the book and my 5-Star review.

 

For The Brave

(The Gentrys of Paradise, Book 2)

Holly Bush

 

Book Description:

1869 – Matthew Gentry joined the Confederate Army at eighteen years of age after an argument with his father, leaving Paradise, his Virginia home and famed horse breeding stables, for the fields of Gettysburg. Having survived the War Between the States, Gentry is haunted by the violence and inhumanity of the war. He continues to roam the country long after the conflict is over, finding solace in the arms of soiled doves and at the bottom of whiskey bottles. Finally traveling home after learning of a family tragedy, he nearly loses his life in a spring-flooded riverbed.

Annie Campbell, lone survivor of her family, lives at a remote farm near the North River, raising pigs and trying to grow enough to feed herself, and to stay out of the crosshairs of the Thurmans, violent men who run the town of Bridgewater. Annie’s secrets threaten her safety, even as she rescues and nurses Matthew Gentry.

Matthew knows he must return to Paradise, to grieve with his family. Will his heart lead him back to Bridgewater and Annie Campbell?

 

Buy Now:

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My 5-Star Review:

For The Brave continues the story of The Gentrys of Paradise which began with the novella, Into The Evermore. Eleanor and Beau’s son, Matthew, leaves home at age eighteen to fight in the Civil War. After what he’s experienced at Gettysburg, as well as other battles, he’s found it easier to lose himself in a bottle and by traveling anywhere except home. Until one day when an beloved employee and good friend of his family finally finds him. Tragedy has struck his family, and it is time for Matthew to come home. However, on the way home, Matthew almost dies crossing a swollen river and is saved and cared for by the spunky Annie Campbell. After months of recuperating at Annie’s home, Matthew finds himself drawn to the strong, caring Annie. He is torn as he knows he must go home, but he doesn’t want to leave Annie behind.

For The Brave immediately pulls you back in history to a time and place when life was simpler but difficult. Matthew starts out in the story as a rough and tough, hard drinking and fun seeking man who is reigned in quickly after hearing he must go home. While recuperating at Annie’s, we see his softer side as he instinctively wants to protect her, despite her protests. Matthew is a fully fleshed out character with a past that we soon learn about that helps you to understand how he’d ended up so unhappy. In turn, Annie’s character is also well-written and fully rounded. I found myself wishing only the best for these two haunted characters who needed love to make them feel whole again.

Vivid, well-written, and compelling. This novel is definitely author Holly Bush’s greatest achievement so far, and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.

(I received an advance copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest review.)

 

About the Author:

“. . . I intended to be fearless tonight, and found it was easier to face cannons in battle than show feelings that might not be returned. But you’re my brave warrior.” For the Brave

Holly Bush books are set during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s. The first two books in her newest series, The Gentrys of Paradise, will release in the spring of 2017, beginning with Into the Evermore where readers will meet Virginia horse breeders, Eleanor and Beauregard Gentry. The following books will feature their children, Adam, Matthew, and Olivia. For the Brave is Matthew’s story and is the first full length book of the series.

The Crawford Family Series following the fortunes of the three Boston born Crawford sisters and includes Train Station Bride, Contract to Wed, Her Safe Harbor, and companion novella, The Maid’s Quarters. Cross the Ocean and Charming the Duke are both British set Victorian romances. Fan favorites stand-alone historical romance novels include Romancing Olive and Reconstructing Jackson. Her books are described as ‘emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance.’

Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

 

Connect with Holly:

www.hollybushbooks.com  

Twitter @hollybushbooks,

Facebook

 

 

Check out my other reviews of Holly Bush’s books:

Train Station Bride

 

Contract to Wed

 

The Maid’s Quarters

 

Her Safe Harbor

 

Charming the Duke

 

Cross the Ocean

 

Romancing Olive

 

Reconstructing Jackson