The Quaker and the Rebel

Governess Emily Harrison finds her peace-loving Quaker ways under attack during the Civil War. She walks a fine line between honoring her ideals—helping slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad—and serving her slave-holding Virginian employers with integrity. Soon, she must fight her growing attraction to her employer’s handsome nephew, Alexander Hunt, a seemingly spoiled and lazy slave owner. But Alexander is himself a Quaker trying to support the Rebel cause without violence. His secret nighttime missions have earned him the name “the Gray Wraith” and the ire of the enemy. Emily and Alexander must navigate lies, misunderstandings, betrayal, disparate convictions—and a war—in order to even consider a future together. Ellis (A Widow’s Hope) brings to life the hills and plantations of West Virginia, chaotic war-weary Richmond, and the plight of runaway slaves. She touches on faith lightly, primarily identifying it with Quaker ideals. While the pacing and relationship development are erratic, readers will find the book enjoyable and engrossing. Agency: Seymour Agency (Jan.)