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Reviews for Secrets and Sacrifices
Romantic Times Book Club
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
This heartfelt drama delivers tension, passion, hope and fear.
The heroine begins in the guise of a boy but grows into a passionate, caring woman who meets her soul mate after losing her
husband. The research is meticulous, and a grand cast of characters leaps off the page. This is one for the keeper shelf.
Summary: Charlotte "Charlie" Garrett follows her husband into battle for the South. After Josh is killed, she
continues as a sharpshooter, becoming a better shot than many of the men. One evening she finds a private place to bathe and
is discovered and attacked. Captain Daniel Reid, a Confederate doctor, uncovers her disguise when he rescues her.
This
chance meeting connects the lives of not only Daniel and Charlie but also of their families. He smuggles drugs and supplies
from the North and she's involved in the Underground Railroad. There are renewed requests to re-enlist in the conflict and
betrayal from someone unexpected.
—Donna M. Brown
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"A reader must first point out their immediate interests...opening the
first page of Secrets and Sacrifices, I was open-minded, but not sure if this was going to be a satisfying piece for me. Boy
was I wrong. The historical Civil War accuracies! The stubborn, yet heroic for love, Charlotte "Charlie" Garret! The fascinating
story, tugging on the reader's emotional strings like a puppet-master, that rips love from Charlie's soul and then brings
it back via an unexpected Confederate surgeon, named Captain Daniel Reid.
Secrets and Sacrifices unfolds with Charlie
disguising herself as a man to fight in the Civil War. She wants to be near her husband, Joshua. When he dies, she takes up
a reckless abandon and uncaring attitude, seeking revenge as a sharpshooter in the 25th Virginia. A terribly unfortunate rape
attempt turns into something more. It leads Charlie to a new love, growing a fond relationship with the surgeon. They share
some comforting moments amidst the horror-filled results of Civil War battle.
This is a dazzling romance
novel, with incredible characters and detail. It teaches that no matter how heart-breaking a turn in life is, with bitter
sweet memories, there can always be hope and better days ahead!"
4 Pearls
Reagan Rothe, Author of Misanthropy: Book I:
The Tower, Creator of Black Rose Writing
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CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Rating:
5 Shamrocks
Since her
stunning award winning debut novel MY ENEMY, MY LOVE,
this author has impressed me with her richly detailed emotional storytelling talent.
She has taken the Civil War, thoroughly researched her facts of battles, conditions and written powerfully complex
characters interacting in a powerful tableau to engage the readers emotions. With Charlie you are introduced to a marvelous
unforgettable heroine, where the author has the reader feeling her abject grief as she holds the lifeless body of her beloved
husband, then details her struggle back to living and finding love once more with the wonderfully honorable and stalwart Dr.
Reid and the sacrifices they would make to be together. Woven throughout Wylie
describes it all including the blood, the gore, and the shameful inhuman treatment
that was faced by all in one of the costliest wars of human suffering and death
of one of the most horrific times in the history of America.
This is
a stunning and powerful read that I most highly recommend from an author who displays a rare talent and leaves you wanting
more.
Marilyn Rondeau, RIO – Reviewers International Organization
Fallen Angels Reviews
Rating:
5 Angels
Diane M. Wylie’s debut novel, My Enemy, My Love was a runaway success. Once again, this author’s solid
research and talent for creating a believable, heart-warming romantic tale will transport her many fans back to the foundation
of America’s unique spirit in Secrets and Sacrifices. In the name of love, a young woman fought
for her country, but the pain and passion of Charlie’s journey will change many lives.
Reviewed by Naomi
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Diane Wylie is definitely a new author that is headed to the top!
I became an instant fan after reading her first book,
‘My Enemy, My Love’, and have anxiously waited for more.
‘Secrets and Sacrifices’,
her second book, is just as powerful and entertaining as her first. From the beginning, I couldn’t stop reading
until I finished the entire book.
Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Garrett, the heroine, is a gutsy, dare-taking, and
determined woman who puts others welfare before her own. She dangerously fights side by side with the soldiers, never once
complaining. Her dedication and loyalty to the men she loves motivates her beyond what most women of the period could tolerate.
She discovers how difficult and unfair life can be, but it can also unexpectedly give her a second chance, especially with
love in the arms of one Captain Daniel Reid.
Diane has a way of instantly connecting the reader to her characters.
Her Civil War historical romances are filled with adventure, hardship, and love. She has a magical way of entwining
her main characters with the secondary ones, to create a fascinating plot. Diane breathes life into her unforgettable characters
and weaves the stories in a refreshing way that totally grabs and sucks you into the worlds she creates. I always feel as
if I’m watching a movie while reading Diane’s books. Her love scenes are tender and spicy, filled with deep emotions,
while her descriptive writing style hurls the reader right into the action of the Civil War.
I would love for Diane
Wylie to continue this series with her previous secondary characters. Daniel’s brother and sister, Brad and Nora, and
Daniel’s friend, Major Will Mattingly, definitely need their own love story.
Reviewed by Deborah
A. Hymon, from Historical Passions
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Coffee
Time Romance
Rating: 5 Cups
Ms. Wylie has crafted an amazing novel set during the worst time in United States history. She
sweeps you into the battlefields right along with the characters. What stands out about this story is that it is not a fluffy
romance novel. It makes you feel the raw emotions of the struggles and sacrifices of the characters. SECRETS AND SACRIFICES
is a stunning novel of bravery, hope, and love.
Reviewed by Bonnie-Lass
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Fallen Angels Reviews
Rating:
4 Angels
Secrets
and Sacrifices by Diane Wylie is a
book that every reader needs to read because of its action, portrayal of innocence taken, and a war that separates so many
people be they friends or couples. Not only does the story touch on these ideas, but Diane Wylie does a superb job
bringing the history to life with rich dialogue and scenes that seem so real to this reviewer. What readers will discover
above all is love that surpasses everything, including a war. Although the book is a historical there are scenes that are
somewhat gruesome, realistic, and unimaginable yet they must be read to understand what goes on within the plot and really
appreciate it for what it’s worth, a memorable book that will touch any reviewer.
Reviewed by: Lena C.
Fresh Fiction
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=13105
SECRETS AND SACRIFICES is Wylie's second historical novel. Like her first,
My ENEMY, MY LOVE, Wylie expertly brings the reader back in time as she weaves the perfect web of history, lust, and intrigue.
Her attention to detail as well as the accurate depiction of the Civil War enables Wylie to draw the reader in and keeps the
reader coming back for more. An absolute must-read! SECRETS AND SACRIFICES is a sure winner.
Reviewed by: Jennifer Vido
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The Romance Studio
Rating: 5 hearts
...Readers will be fascinated by the strength that is demonstrated
by the character of Charlie. Charlie fights to do the right thing and protect love ones. When Joshua dies the sadness threatens
to overwhelm Charlie. When Charlie finds a reason to go on readers will cheer the effort it takes. Each emotion demonstrated
is effective and conveyed strongly to the readers
...Secrets and Sacrifices by Diane Wylie is a creative and wonderfully
accurate depiction of the Civil War. Readers will find themselves drawn into the story from the very beginning. This is a
story readers will remember and return to read again. I highly recommend it to the readers that enjoy historical romance.
Sensuality rating: Very sensual
Reviewer: Anita
January
11, 2007
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MyBookCravings.com
Rating: 5 roses
Charlotte Garrett, known as Charlie by her family and friends, disguised
herself as a boy to join the Confederate Army. Charlie followed her husband, Joshua, to war since she could not bear
life without him. She was trained as a sharpshooter. Charlie had never shot a man before, but she knows this war
is about to change everything. Her life will never be the same.
Captain Daniel
Reid is a surgeon for the Confederate Army. All Daniel wants to do is ease the pain and suffering this war has caused.
Another comrade named Clarence comes to Daniel for help. A young boy in his unit has suffered the loss of a loved one
in the war and seems to be taking it very hard. Daniel is drawn to Charlie immediately. He will be shocked when
he discovers Charlie’s secret.
Ms. Wylie has
written a wonderful story filled with emotion. As you read this book you will feel like you are reliving life in the
south during the Civil War. The emotions that both the Confederates and the Yankees must have felt during the war are
described in perfect detail. As you read about the pain and suffering endured you will discover that many secrets and
sacrifices were made on both sides. This book will show you that even though the pain and heartache seems more then
anyone should have to endure, love can help you to overcome tragedy and become whole again. This book is a keeper.
Reviewed by Sherry
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4 and a half roses
Charlie has a secret; she has followed her husband into battle. She has learned to be a solider alongside her husband.
Because of her skills she has become a sharpshooter...
Captain Daniel Reid is sick of the war, sick of the dying, sick of not having enough medicine to help the wounded...
Enjoyable book. The characters are strong, likable. Charlie had strong beliefs; she also questioned them, which made
her grow as the story progressed. Daniel was a true gentleman; he didn’t force himself on Charlie in any way.
Reviewed in October 2006 by Pat.
http://www.aromancereview.com/reviews/index.php?app_state=show_event&bookid=9158
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