In His Eyes

Author: Stephenia H. McGee
Genre: Historical Romance

Her heart sought shelter. Her soul found home. 

Ella Whitaker rescues a newborn from the dying arms of a woman of ill repute and at long last she has someone to love. In need of a wet nurse, she arrives at Belmont Plantation just as Federal soldiers demand to speak to the owner. Thinking quickly, Ella masquerades as a Yankee officer's widow in order to have a roof over her head and a home for the child.

Major Westley Remington has dedicated his life to serving his country. The Civil War has divided his family, torn his thoughts of glory, and left him with a wound that may never heal. Westley returns home on medical furlough to settle his father’s estate at Belmont Plantation, only to find his home is being run by a fiery and independent woman—one many believe to be his wife. Now he is faced with a conflict he’s never been trained to fight, and one she has yet to conquer.

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Reviewer: A. J. White

In His Eyes is a sweet, romantic story of hope set in Mississippi in the aftermath of the Civil War.  Ella Whitaker is a displaced woman who sacrifices to try and rescue a newborn baby.  Her journey leads her to Belmont Plantation where the owners and their only son are apparently dead.  A sudden decision puts Ella in a position to live at the plantation and be the person who stands between keeping the land or losing it to Federal soldiers and tax collectors.

Even though I knew from the beginning how the story was going to turn out, I enjoyed seeing how the many relationships were all going to unfold and develop.  The author does a good job of revealing how the characters were impacted by the war.  You discover the upheaval of class distinctions and devastation of war upon the women, children, and blacks of the South.  There were many moments of plot twists and challenges.  Interwoven in the narrative is Ella’s renewal of faith and finding hope again after the fear and loneliness brought on by the war.

The author, Stephenia H. McGee, has written a pleasant story that makes the reader wanting the main characters to find peace and love once more. 

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Reviewer: Kelly Potts

This is the first book I have read by Stephenia H McGee. I was asked to do a book review but I do not know if I would have picked up this book in a store or library as I was not drawn to the cover. The story itself, however, drew me in immediately. The plight of Ella was instantaneous and the reader is drawn in. I felt that the character of Wesley could have had a bit more development around his Christian wavering. I liked Ella’s “dreams” and how they wove into the story but they reminded me I was reading fiction. I would recommend this book to anyone with a passion for American civil war history, Christ and a bit of romance.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Now, little impostor, we shall see what game you play."

Major Westley Remington has barely survived the Civil War, being a Yankee officer while inheriting a large property in Greenville, Mississippi; returning home with a decided limp after suffering a nearly mortal leg wound. Reported as deceased, his appearance at Belmont causes quite a stir, especially upon learning that he has acquired a wife and newborn son during his long absence. 

Eleanor Whitaker took drastic measures to save herself, and the newborn baby of a deceased acquaintance, when she fabricated a story about her marriage to Major Remington. It seemed the only logical thing to do at the time, but when her "husband" returns home, very much alive, her bravado is short lived, for the major is a force to be reckoned with. Afraid that once again, she will be forced to depend on herself for survival, she cannot help but be intrigued by the glimpses of kindness that Westley Remington exudes in her presence. What in the world is he going to do with her? 

Incredibly enjoyable to read, "In His Eyes" follows the hearts of two broken souls whose paths have taken very different routes towards a common destination.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

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