Linda Shenton Matchett

What I think you should know:
Love’s Allegiance is the fourth book in the Wartime Brides series, it is set in the United States. It can be read alone or out of order as it is a stand alone novella. Instead of chronicling a military member or Veteran this book chronicles a Conscientious Objector, Irwin Terrell.

How this book made me think:
As a former military wife I had mixed feelings prior to reading the story and I like many of the characters had prejudiced against them, thinking if my Christian Husband can be deployed to fight why can’t you. However after reading this book I found myself looking at the situation in a different light, I hate the task that many objectors were given as alternatives and they way they were treated for their religious convictions. While I did enjoy the book I felt that many parts of the book were rushed, instead of allowing things to develop BAM it was over, I wish the books were longer to allow more time for that to occur. I look forward to reading more of Linda Shenton Matchet’s works.

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

What I liked most about this book was the faith element throughout the story. It is evident that Rochelle is faith minded and has a sweet disposition. She loves everything around her and enjoys the little things like a flower that is starting to bloom or the garden which provides food . I thought she was so well written that I would like to be her friend. Will she find happiness working at the mental hospital? That is a hard place to work I would think. I loved her determination to see the good in everything.

Irwin is a hard person to like at times. He is a bit taken back with Rochelle and her decision to work at the hospital he also will be at. His father has decided who Irwin should marry and this makes for a wonderful journey to finding faith and learning to trust. He begins to see Rochelle as a 'God fearing woman" and wants to get to know her better. His hesitation in building a relationship will make him face his past.

The story is set during World War II and the author does a great job of letting readers get a feel for how hard it was during this time period. I remember when I was younger that gas was in short supply. People would line up for miles just to get their vehicles filled in hopes it would last them awhile. During WWII people had to endure rationing on another more intense level. Staple items were scarce so having sugar or bread was a luxury for many. I liked how the author showed two people from different backgrounds come together and begin to accept each other.

The author takes us back in time and describes the setting in a way that you feel a part of. The characters are well written and come to life as the story unfolds. I liked how Irwin stood up and decided he couldn't in good conscience serve in the war. His stance didn't set well with some but I liked how he wasn't swayed from his beliefs. It is a nice story that flows with ease and gives us a glance into how opposites attract.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

What is a conscientious objector or CO? This is a person that wants to do their part to support those serving but has religious or moral reasons for not fighting. Thus they spend their time of enlistment doing whatever the government wants them to do. Irwin decides that working in a mental hospital is how he wants to assist his fellow man. Rochelle and her friend Claire are also interested in volunteering where they can planting victory gardens, rolling bandages and other tasks to further the war effort.

Arranged marriages were not a regular practice, but Irwin’s father felt it was his responsibility to find a wife for his son. How on earth would such a thing be possible at a mental hospital? What follows is a lovely tale about two people who learn that working together is the best way to go forward.

This most enjoyable, easy read that highlights a little known aspect of war was received through Shortwave Press and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own.… (más)

Set in Pennsylvania in 1943, this war romance introduces Rochelle Addams and Irwin Terrell. Linda Shenton Matchett has written Love’s Allegiance with two goals in mind, maybe three. First, Matchett provides a modern-day retelling of Isaac and Rebekkah. Secondly, we get a glimpse inside mental hospitals at the time, and thirdly, we are shown the poor treatment of Conscientious Objectors during World War II.
We need more people who think like Irwin working with our mentally ill and special needs people. He realized the value of a person and gave that person the dignity of having space to prove himself.
The romance seemed to be written in a minor key. I kept hoping the “song” would hit some major key phrases, but they didn’t stand out. I wanted to be shown more than told. I really did appreciate the education I received about Co’s role in WWII. I didn’t realize things were quite so difficult once they volunteered.
I think there are many who might really enjoy this book. You may want to check this book out. Points to Matchett for the reader’s guide with questions and the historical notes at the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. This in no way influenced my opinion, which is solely my own.… (más)