For Love or Country by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

This is the second in The MacGregor Legacy. See my review of For Love or Loyalty here.

This is my idea of great historical fiction. In addition to a compelling story, I learned some things about the Revolutionary War, the British, and the local Indians.

The year is 1780 and the Revolutionary War is in progress. The MacGregor men have left their rice plantation southeast of Wilmington and are part of the Continental Army. Remaining at the home are Mrs. MacGregor, Tyra, and a young son. The Tuscarora Indians, whom the MacGregors have befriended, discover two wounded Redcoats and take them to the MacGregor plantation. One of the men is Captain Donahue “Hugh” Morgan. As he recuperates in the MacGregor household, he becomes fond of Tyra.

But Tyra is a patriot. Known as the “War Woman,” she is not afraid to help the colonialist cause. Her fiery temper doesn't help at all when she comes to the attention of Hugh's superior officer. She is in trouble and Hugh has to choose between love and country.

Hudson lets us know at the very beginning the historical facts the novel is based upon. The Tuscarora Indians actually lived in the swamps in the Wilmington area. Several of the officers in the story are historical as well. I really appreciate that information at the beginning of the book.

I love it when I learn something while reading fiction and Hudson has done a great job of describing the conditions for colonialists during the Revolutionary War. I was surprised to learn it affected churches too. For example, the MacGregors had attended a Presbyterian church. The church was run by Scotland. Most of the families were loyal to the King of England, having taken an oath to do so after the Jacobite rebellion. When the Revolutionary War began, those who supported the colonial cause were asked to leave the church. I was happy to read that the MacGregors retained their strong faith nonetheless.

I highly recommend this historical novel. You will get a sense of what the war was like and you will learn some history. The characters are well developed and believable. The historical accuracy of the book is great and the romance well done.

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of inspirational fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas. Her work has appeared in national publications. She provides keynotes and presentations on the publishing industry, the craft of writing, building an author platform and social media marketing. You can visit Jennifer online at http://jenniferswriting.blogspot.com/, http://jenniferhudsontaylorsbooks.blogspot.com/, http://carolinascots-irish.blogspot.com/ and on Facebook.

Abingdon Press, 352 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Upon the Rock Publicity for the purpose of an independent and honest review.