For Love or Country by Jennifer Hudson Taylor - REVIEWED

About the Book:
Hugh has one chance to honor his country—and one chance at love. Which will he choose?At the height of the Revolutionary War, Tyra MacGregor is successful at thwarting the British Army with her colonial spy efforts. But her sleuthing ways come to a screeching halt when Captain Donahue “Hugh” Morgan puts her under house arrest.

Hugh is intrigued by this courageous spy the natives call “War Woman.” She’s more daring than most men and is intelligent in defending her convictions. Even more impressive to Hugh is the strength of Tyra’s unshakeable faith in God.

When Tyra saves his life during an attack, Hugh vows to return the favor. Before he can intervene, however, she is caught by his superior officer and imprisoned. Soon Hugh’s honor, faith, country, and love are all on the line. Can he risk it all to gain everything?

My Thoughts:

“Twill not be long, Mama.  Let us keep praying.  We cannot give up hope.”  (p. 264)

This statement was made by Tyra MacGregor to her mother after YEARS of war!  At the point she utters these words they have lost MUCH!!  I think the thing that has struck me most about Jennifer Hudson Taylor’s  For Love or Country is the sheer endurance that was evident in the lives of those who fought to establish the United States of America!  I cannot think of a better way to be reminded of the sacrifice so many made so that we can live and breathe in freedom!!

Tyra was blessed to have a father who trained her well before leaving for the war.  She is one of the bravest heroine’s I’ve met in fiction lately!! I loved the way her mother’s gentle, constant strength and faith tempered Tyra’s strong will.  They gave each other balance throughout the story.  Together, what remained of the MacGregor family in North Caroline were made to endure more that my mind can really comprehend.  I guess I didn’t realize the importance of the Indian role during the war.  I mean, I knew they played a role, but Taylor really gives us an inside look into the relationship between the Patriots and the Indians. 

Taylor doesn’t attempt to make the harsh realities of war mild at all.  I appreciate the way she wrote of the details of the hardships everyone had to endure from physical illness, wounds, lack of food…attempted rape….harshness of the weather….she covers it in all its brutality.  I just found myself questioning whether or not the people living and breathing in this hard won freedom today would sacrifice as our forefathers did in the 1800’s.  I would hope so, but I have to admit that I have my doubts.

There is romance intertwined throughout the novel, and even that shows how emotionally difficult the choices were for everyone enduring this very long war!  For Love or Country is the second in the MacGregor Legacy series!  You don’t want to miss this series!  You will be inspired and encouraged!

Have a very HAPPY 4^th of July!!

About the Author:

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award-winning author of inspirational fiction set in historical Europe and the Carolinas. Her books, which include Path of Freedom, Highland Blessings, and Highland Sanctuary, have been critically acclaimed by publications such as RT Book Reviews and USA Today’sHappy Ever After blog. Visit Jennifer online at JenniferHudsonTaylor.com.