The first book I read penned by author Cathy Gohlke was, "Promise Me This". I instantly fell in love with her writing. I went on to read, "Band of Sisters", which I equally loved. I had seen many talking about her first books. "William Henry Is A Fine Name", and "I Have Seen Him In The Watchfires." People were saying wonderful things about this Civil War series. I had to add these choices to my bookshelf. I just finished reading, "William Henry Is A Fine Name", and I can tell you I was blown away. Cathy Gohlke is a master story teller. She weaves a story like poetry. It's as though a fire ignites as your reading and your pulled in to a time long ago, but yet with her writing style it's as though your right there with the characters.
In this first book of the series my heart was captivated by these young characters. William Henry is indeed a fine name, but as you will see, the name Robert Leslie Glover is also a fine name. This is one of those books that needs to be on every bookshelf in every school. This book won the Christy Award, an award of excellence. I found this book to be so much more. I cried with these young men. I laughed with their antics. But most of all, I walked away from this book with a deep yearning to follow the honor of young Robert and William.
This is more than a Civil War series. It's much more than a coming of age story. It's a story of the heart. A story that leaves you changed. One that you will not soon forget. The characters in this story are so very real. Cathy brings out their personalities in the truest form. For some this could be a difficult read. There were parts that hurt to read. To know these things took place and people stood by doing nothing breaks my heart. But to know there were people like William and Robert makes my heart soar. These were just young boys who took a stand. They looked fear in the face and faced it head on with dignity and honor. They knew the line between right and wrong and they weren't going to stand for wrong.
We see both sides. The ugly and the beauty that rises from the ash. You will love some characters and dislike others. Throughout this book Cathy gives a beautiful portrayal of God's love, faith, and grace. This is one that stirred my heart. I am eager to begin reading the second in the series, "I Have Seen Him In The Watchfires".
This book was a gift from Moody Publishing for sharing my review with you.
Cathy Gohlke's writing has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Single's Soul, My Turn to Care: Encouragement for Caregivers of Aging Parents, and Woman's World. She worked as a school librarian, drama director for adults and young people, and as a director of children's and education ministries. Cathy lives with her husband in Elkton, Maryland.
