Soldier's Lady, The: A Novel - eBook

Michael Phillips is a bestselling author who has penned more than seventy books, both fiction and nonfiction. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly thirty more books. Over the past thirty years, his persistent efforts have helped reawaken interest in the writings of nineteenth century Scotsman George MacDonald. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland, but make their home near Sacramento, California. Visit Michael's website at www.fatheroftheinklings.com.

Michael Phillips’ newest novel, The Soldier’s Lady, begins just after the Civil War when a racially-mixed Southern family adopts Micah Duff, a wandering Union veteran and educated black man, into their fold. Micah’s new friends, Mayme, Katie, and Emma, begin to share their faith journeys with him while in the background a conspiracy is brewing. As Micah shares Christ’s love with his new family, Emma’s former master plots to murder Emma and her son to cover up a scandal.
Although the book does have some excitement and good points, these are, unfortunately, few and far between. Several insignificant subplots trample the main plot, centering the novel on the characters’ emotions instead of their actions. Characters are well-developed, but the plot cannot display this character growth. For half of the novel, a pseudo-love triangle is the only thing supporting the storyline.
The novel does have a good message, but stretches on for far too long to be a worthy story. Younger teen girls might enjoy the book’s characters but will be disappointed with its thin plot. – Jennifer Opperman, Christian Book Previews.com