This Hallowed Ground by Donna E. Lane

The audio version of this review was first shared in Episode 38: Guest Tracie Peterson  and a Review of This Hallowed Ground by Donna E. Lane

THE BOOK

How much can war steal from one man?

Georgia, 1861. As the tides of war sweep south, Aidan MacAlister is drawn north like water up a reed by the inexorable pull to defend his land. After tragedy strikes at Gettysburg, Aidan spirals into unfamiliar, dark places of unbridled fury, earning him the nickname, the Fourth Horseman.

A hero to his fellow soldiers, Aidan’s self-loathing consumes him, and every lesson his family taught him crumbles to dust beneath its weight. Aidan returns to the farm to find it ravaged by Yankee patrols. War has taken all—perhaps even his soul.

Aidan’s one chance at redemption sends him West to fight the Native people who, like him, are defending their land. His sympathies lie with the people. His lieutenant demands he kill them all. But Aidan’s encounter with the Lakota begins his transformational passage to a different life.

When love offers Aidan renewed hope, will his past thunder across the plains and steal everything from him again?

Dances with Wolves meets the story of Job in this gripping historical epic of tragedy, loss, and redemption.

THE REVIEW

5 things from This Hallowed Ground By Donna E. Lane

1)Mac fights for causes he doesn’t believe in for the South, the North and the Lakota

2)He is wounded and spends time in Richmond recuperating with Mary’s family who adopts him as a brother.

3)After the war, Mac enlists for the North to earn back his family land where he is captured by the Lakota

4) Civil war, Richmond Fire, Western expansion, Native American territory

5) I bend my face to my knees and clutch handfuls of hair. “Please Dear Lord, spare me this torment! I don’t know what to do. Help me. Help me, please.” I realize I’m moanin’ aloud, so I wrap my arms over my head. I don’t wanna think about what others are thinkin’ of me. We have to sort this out, the two of us. I need answers. I’m Jacob, grapplin’ with God. I’m Job, demandin’ an explanation. I don’t want to need Him, but, Lord help me, I do.

Another fantastic book by Donna E Lane!! This book plunges you deep into grief and despair many times. And just as many times, drags you onto the shore of hope to let you to let you bask in the sun to heal.

 If you enjoyed the tv series, Doctor Quinn Medicine Woman and loong books, you should read this! This story is real and raw. You will need tissues.

THE AUTHOR

Donna E. Lane, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor of Counseling at Mercer University, and a Christian counselor practicing since 1978. She is a Charter Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. She has published numerous articles in professional journals in the field of counseling, and has presented internationally and nationally on trauma, grief and loss, narrative counseling, faith in counseling, and prayer. Donna is also the founder of the Cody Lane Foundation, which provides individual and small group spiritual direction and Christian education. She has led numerous retreats for church groups and women’s groups and presented about her writings at a variety of churches as well as multiple Christian organizations. She is an author of both fiction and nonfiction Christian books.

Reviewed by Naomi Craig from NaomiCraig.com

Hi, I’m Naomi.

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, Pastor’s wife, and mom to an amazing young lady. I love reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time.  When I’m not serving in various areas at church, or trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes, you’ll most likely find me enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee.

Disclaimer: The author offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.