Schuyler McConkey

I'm not even sure where to start with this book, because just you just have to read it to fall in love with Pearlie, laugh with Terry, and find a peaceful home with Ben and Charlotte. And of course there are so many more characters to love and learn from. This book is set during World War 1 and you'll experience some of the horror of war, the separation of families, the pain of betrayal, and the trust of friends and allies. Because of the variety of characters, I'm positive that each reader will find at least one character who they can identify with while following their struggles and joys to the very last page.

War of Loyalities is (as most well-written books are) 735 pages of heartfelt research, love, and dedication. I'm already a fan of historical fiction, but well-researched historical fiction is even better. Especially when it gets down the little things in daily life. There are moments of happiness and joy, but the sadness of war is a big part. A spy ring is no simple thing, and it's hard to live when your family, friends, and life itself are in danger. I appreciate Schuyler's willingness to tackle moral and ethical issues of war also. There are no easy answers for death, killing, pain, and murder, but that doesn't mean we shy from them. In fact, sometimes it's better we remember.

And so, entering the word of books, in the centennial years of World War 1, we have War of Loyalties. This isn't necessarily a "Christian" book, in the sense that it doesn't make faith it's main topic. However, I pray that, through the lives of the characters who clung to their faith regardless of the situations around them, you will find the hope and peace in the Lord again at the close of 2017.

Well done, Schuyler. Congrats. May this book be just the beginnings of stories and novels to come.… (mere)