Too Deep for Words

Readers interested in the Civil War will find much to delight in Boeshaar’s (A Thousand Shall Fall) writing, but would be wise to read the series in order. In this second installment in the Shenandoah Valley Saga, the Civil War has changed newlywed Carrie Ann Collier’s life in many ways. Her husband, a Union soldier, is missing in battle. Carrie learns her husband entrusted her care to his best friend, Eli, a Confederate soldier, and when she tries to find out why Eli, and what exactly happened, she finds herself in dangerous territory. She and Eli must come to terms with the new realities war has thrust upon them. Readers who have not read the first book may find themselves abruptly dropped into the story, creating a sense of displacement that is only increased by the frequent point-of-view changes. The plot meanders and characters spend many scenes reacting to more interesting events, slowing the pace dramatically. As a second book in a series, some unresolved plotlines are expected, but the ending creates more frustration than anticipation. (Apr.)