For the Brave

The Gentrys of Paradise, Book 2

By: Holly Bush

Narrated by: Maury Light

It is 1869. Matthew Gentry joined the Confederate Army at 18 years of age after an argument with his father, leaving Paradise, his Virginia home and famed horse breeding stables, for the fields of Gettysburg. Having survived the War Between the States, Gentry is haunted by the violence and inhumanity of the war. He continues to roam the country long after the conflict is over, finding solace in the arms of soiled doves and at the bottom of whiskey bottles. Finally traveling home after learning of a family tragedy, he nearly loses his life in a spring flooded riverbed.

Annie Campbell, lone survivor of her family, lives at a remote farm near the North River, raising pigs and trying to grow enough to feed herself, and to stay out of the crosshairs of the Thurmans, violent men who run the town of Bridgewater. Annie’s secrets threaten her safety, even as she rescues and nurses Matthew Gentry.

Matthew knows he must return to Paradise, to grieve with his family. Will his heart lead him back to Bridgewater and Annie Campbell?

The Gentrys of Paradise series:

• Into the Evermore, Prequel Novella, Book 1
• For the Brave, Book 2
• For this Moment, Book 3
• For Her Honor, Book 4

©2017 Holly Bush (P)2020 Holly Bush

Wonderful Story

My listen to the first “Into the Evermore” in the Gentry’s of Paradise series by Ms. Bush, I am grateful that she provided me with this story in a two-book giveaway to read. Matthew Gentry, one of the scattered children who left home at age of 18 years to join the Confederate Army because of disagreements with his father, finds himself six years later drifting aimlessly…drowning himself in booze and loose women. It is not until he is summoned home that he is caught in a terrible storm and is left near death. Annie Campbell, a strong woman in her own right who lives along on her own land discovers Matt and decides to aid him. Once her mind is set to do this, their future and lives are altered over time.

Having seen a much kinder side to Beauregard in the first novella, Matthew is completely opposite because of his life he had at home and in the military. Both characters are strong and spirited and you can see this from in the beginning of the story. I loved the growth of both characters and the development of their relationship over the course of the story.

This was a wonderful listen and the narration for me was much better than the novella. I love when an author does an outstanding job with providing much historical information of the places, events and outcomes of the people who survived the Civil War which puts me in mind of the “Daughters of the Mayflower” series that does the same. Such details make the story much more interesting and informative and worth a deserving 4.5 stars

Emotional!

This is the second book in The Gentrys of Paradise series, a Historical Romance. Matthew and Annie's story is beautifully written, sweet, and captivating. Matthew is emotionally damaged by the violence and inhumanity of the war, and he is haunted by regret from his past. He is handsome. Annie's past is totally heartbreaking. She is a wonderful character, strong, caring, and supportive. The storyline is filled with drama, intrigue, and suspense. The supporting characters are great. I love the family bonds in this story. Maury Light did a good job with the narration. Looking forward to listen to For This Moment, the next book in the Series.