Shades of Honor

Rating:
Summary: Comments from several reviewers...
Review: Books that win the RWA's Golden Heart are usually excellent, and this one is no exception. Set in post-Civil War upperstate New York, Shades of Honor has likable, believable characters; a perfectly (or nearly perfectly) plotted story; and, best of all, a great, heart-thumping romance.

Evelyn is the heroine, a woman who feels like a misfit because she spends most of her time running around in "britches" and doing manual labor in her father's livery. She's engaged to her long-time friend, Kyle, but is already having doubts about the upcoming marriage when Kyle's elder brother comes back home to reclaim his halcyon boyhood (or something).

Radford, continuing the tradition of romance heroes with weird names, is haunted by the ever popular battlefield shock syndrome from the Civil War. He comes home to try and find peace for himself and his daughter, but Kyle is belligerent and he's forced to help out at the neighbor's (Evelyn and her father) livery. Radford and Evelyn are immediately attracted to one another, but of course Evelyn is engaged to Rad's brother. Isn't she?

I challenge any romance lover not to like this book. The characters were very fun and likable, especially Evie, and the sexual tension between Radford and Evelyn was palatable. This is an excellently written novel that deserves to be looked at.

So, why did I give Shades of Honor only three stars? First and foremost, historical novels that take place in America aren't really my cup of tea--they just don't capture my interest. The fact that this novel was able to do so only adds to my admiration of it, but I still don't like American novels. Secondly, parts of this book were INCREDIBLY sappy. I suppose some would call them "heart rending," but they were sappy. Lastly, there was one character (if you could call her that) in this book that I didn't like, and that was Rebecca, who was completely unbelievable and soon strayed into the annoying category.

Other than that, this book was great. I unreservedly recommend it, especially to people interested in American history, the Civil War in particular. Even if you aren't interested in that, however, Shades of Honor is a great read.

Rating:
Summary: Impossible Not to Like
Review: Books that win the RWA's Golden Heart are usually excellent, and this one is no exception. Set in post-Civil War upperstate New York, Shades of Honor has likable, believable characters; a perfectly (or nearly perfectly) plotted story; and, best of all, a great, heart-thumping romance.

Evelyn is the heroine, a woman who feels like a misfit because she spends most of her time running around in "britches" and doing manual labor in her father's livery. She's engaged to her long-time friend, Kyle, but is already having doubts about the upcoming marriage when Kyle's elder brother comes back home to reclaim his halcyon boyhood (or something).

Radford, continuing the tradition of romance heroes with weird names, is haunted by the ever popular battlefield shock syndrome from the Civil War. He comes home to try and find peace for himself and his daughter, but Kyle is belligerent and he's forced to help out at the neighbor's (Evelyn and her father) livery. Radford and Evelyn are immediately attracted to one another, but of course Evelyn is engaged to Rad's brother. Isn't she?

I challenge any romance lover not to like this book. The characters were very fun and likable, especially Evie, and the sexual tension between Radford and Evelyn was palatable. This is an excellently written novel that deserves to be looked at.

So, why did I give Shades of Honor only three stars? First and foremost, historical novels that take place in America aren't really my cup of tea--they just don't capture my interest. The fact that this novel was able to do so only adds to my admiration of it, but I still don't like American novels. Secondly, parts of this book were INCREDIBLY sappy. I suppose some would call them "heart rending," but they were sappy. Lastly, there was one character (if you could call her that) in this book that I didn't like, and that was Rebecca, who was completely unbelievable and soon strayed into the annoying category.

Other than that, this book was great. I unreservedly recommend it, especially to people interested in American history, the Civil War in particular. Even if you aren't interested in that, however, Shades of Honor is a great read.

Rating:
Summary: powerful Reconstruction Era romance
Review: In 1870, Radford Grayson knows his fearful four-year-old daughter Rebecca depends on him, but guiltily he always has let her down, but vows not to this time. Knowing he needs the help of his estranges family, he returns to his hometown of Fredonia, New York desperate to provide a nurturing environment for his motherless child. He promised the youngster never to leave her again as even a few seconds apart mean apprehension and resignation of being abandoned for the frightened lass.

The first person he sees upon reaching the family saw mill is childhood friend Evelyn Tucker dressed in breeches. Evelyn is engaged to Radford's brother, Kyle, the dependable sibling. However, first Rebecca and then Radford reach her heart as she falls in love with the woe-some twosome. Father and daughter reciprocate her feelings, but her close friend Kyle is his sibling and her fiancé leaving any relationship between them potentially destroying a delicate balance of a fragile little girl.

This powerful Reconstruction Era romance will remind readers of Elvis' Love Me Tender . The story line is loaded with passion and emotion, at times quite overwhelming for the audience, as guilty consciences, silent accusations, and pointed recriminations cause frictional relationships. The cast makes award winning Wendy Lindstrom's tale into a triumph for Americana historical romance readers who relish a character study that hopefully leads to sequels set in Fredonia.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: powerful Reconstruction Era romance
Review: In 1870, Radford Grayson knows his fearful four-year-old daughter Rebecca depends on him, but guiltily he always has let her down, but vows not to this time. Knowing he needs the help of his estranges family, he returns to his hometown of Fredonia, New York desperate to provide a nurturing environment for his motherless child. He promised the youngster never to leave her again as even a few seconds apart mean apprehension and resignation of being abandoned for the frightened lass.

The first person he sees upon reaching the family saw mill is childhood friend Evelyn Tucker dressed in breeches. Evelyn is engaged to Radford's brother, Kyle, the dependable sibling. However, first Rebecca and then Radford reach her heart as she falls in love with the woe-some twosome. Father and daughter reciprocate her feelings, but her close friend Kyle is his sibling and her fiancé leaving any relationship between them potentially destroying a delicate balance of a fragile little girl.

This powerful Reconstruction Era romance will remind readers of Elvis' Love Me Tender . The story line is loaded with passion and emotion, at times quite overwhelming for the audience, as guilty consciences, silent accusations, and pointed recriminations cause frictional relationships. The cast makes award winning Wendy Lindstrom's tale into a triumph for Americana historical romance readers who relish a character study that hopefully leads to sequels set in Fredonia.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Comments from several reviewers...
Review: Remember how LaVyrle Spencer's books swept you away to another place and time, while you fell madly, passionately in love with her fabulous characters? SHADES OF HONOR took me to that height of reading pleasure. Ms. Lindstrom has created fresh, vibrant characters, impossible situations, and genuine, heartfelt emotions and masterfully weaved them into a passionate romance that will have you smiling as you shed a few tears.
Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth for The Romance Readers Connection

The awesome underlying emotional power of Ms. Lindstrom's story grabs hold as she deftly explores the love between father and child, friends, and the deep, sometimes ambiguous, bonds between brothers. The regrets, the jealousies, the anger and the ultimate love that holds a family together through times of trouble and triumph are all here and guaranteed to move you to tears and even laughter. The first book in a trilogy, SHADES OF HONOR is a portent of great things to come from a very powerful new voice in the genre.
Reviewed by Kathe Robin for Romantic Times magazine - 4 stars

An enchanting tale of loyalty, passion and true love. Ms. Lindstrom is a talented writer and I found myself wrapped in the characters and story to the point I cried.
Reviewed by Teresa Sanders for Historical Romance Writers

Lindstrom's powerful characterization aptly portrays the inner conflicts that all of us have experienced at one time or another. The characters are real and suffer human emotions and longings...that's what makes this novel so powerful, the idea that these are things that real people experience every day. SHADES OF HONOR is the book that you'll re-read.
Reviewed by Julie Singleton for Escape to Romance

Ms. Lindstrom has achieved success in making her story fresh and delightful. Her ability to capture the warmth and essence of her characters is a rare gift. SHADES OF HONOR is a heartwarming and passionate tale...and this reader anxiously waits for the second [book] in the series.
Reviewed by Denise Clark for Road to Romance

A poignant romance. If you enjoy a sweet, tender, romantic story that also has great conflict and depth of character, you'll enjoy SHADES OF HONOR.
Reviewed by Carla Hosom for Romance and Friends!

Shades of Honor is a Golden Heart award-winning novel, and in this case it was an award well deserved. I've almost forgotten what it's like to be so enthralled in a book and so concerned for the characters that I lose all track of time. As the hours flew by I knew it was going to be a late night (or maybe an early morning?) but the lost sleep was worth it. Shades of Honor is a perfect name for this book, as Evelyn and Radford come to terms with what it means to be honorable in different ways, both in relationships and on a battlefield. I love a good moral dilemma, and this is a juicy one. Characters often agonize over their choices in romance novels, but frequently the correct choice is ridiculously obvious to the reader. Kudos to the author for careful plotting and deft characterization. A fabulous effort, particularly for a first time author. I would love to see [Shades of Honor] get the audience it deserves, particularly among American Historical fans who are tired of the ubiquitous western. And if you start it late at night like I did, you can always sleep another time.
Reviewed by Blythe Barnhill for All About Romance

Lindstrom's superbly written, beautifully poignant debut romance has a wonderful emotional richness and depth of characterization that will appeal to readers who love authors like Lorraine Heath and Maggie Osborne.
Booklist: John Charles - Copyright © American Library Association.

An amazing debut novel!
Reviewed by LISA for Book Review Cafe

Shades of Honor is a rare gem of a book that hits every note exactly right. Radford is a wonderful hero: an average, honorable man forced into horrible circumstances. Evie is a plucky heroine whose spunkiness never spills over into stupidity or becomes obnoxious. Both characters are believable, intelligent, reasonable and highly sympathetic. There are no villains in the book, only well-meaning, warm-hearted people whose goals are in opposition. The conflict among Rad, Evie, and Kyle is heart-breaking because we know how much they all truly care for each other, and yet it appears there's no way to solve their problems that won't bring one or all of them to the brink of tragedy. Despite that, the resolution is remarkable for being true to everything the author has already established about the characters. I'll be eagerly awaiting [the sequel].
Reviewed by Karen McCullough for Scribes World Reviews - 5 Stars

Rating:
Summary: A Romantic Debut Novel
Review: This is an amazing novel by Wendy Lindstorm. Her words of the late 1800s reflect her creative ability. It gave me chills up and down my spine when I was reading!

Radford Grayson has been gone from his hometown of Fredonia New York, for five years. He went to fight in the war, but felt he had abandonded his family in running the mill. Radford also has a small addition with him in his return. His daughter Rebecca, from a short-lived affair with a woman he met on his travels.

Visions of coming home with open arms from his family, especially his brother Kyle, was instantly deflated. Kyle, with his hot-headed, ambitious nature, has been running the mill for years now, and is even getting married to a wooman, Evelyn, they had all been friends with growing up.

Evelyn is a very petite, shy woman, who has been taking care of the livery for her father. It has been hard work for a woman and because of this, business has been slow. Evelyn's father, William, wanted Radford to help run the livery. Even though Evelyn protested, William insisted.

While Evelyn and Radford worked together everyday, you could sense the flying sparks between them. Instead of imagining what kind of lover Kyle, her soon-to-be-husband, would be, she dreamed of Radford. What was causing these feelings?

Radford doesn't want anyone, especially Evelyn, getting too close to his daughter. When Rebecca was smaller, Radford hired a nanny to care for her while he worked. The first woman hurt Rebecca when she moved away and got married. The second woman was a little more cruel. She abused her physically and mentally leaving her cowering from everyone except her father. He didn't want anyone doing that to her again.

Radford keeps his distance from Evelyn, but is always watching and wanting her from afar. Can Radford let someone in his heart again after all the pain he's endured over the years? Will Evelyn leave Kyle who's always been a good provider and secure for her, even though the relationship is loveless? Find out in 'Shades of Honor!'

Rating:
Summary: A Romantic Debut Novel
Review: This is an amazing novel by Wendy Lindstorm. Her words of the late 1800s reflect her creative ability. It gave me chills up and down my spine when I was reading!

Radford Grayson has been gone from his hometown of Fredonia New York, for five years. He went to fight in the war, but felt he had abandonded his family in running the mill. Radford also has a small addition with him in his return. His daughter Rebecca, from a short-lived affair with a woman he met on his travels.

Visions of coming home with open arms from his family, especially his brother Kyle, was instantly deflated. Kyle, with his hot-headed, ambitious nature, has been running the mill for years now, and is even getting married to a wooman, Evelyn, they had all been friends with growing up.

Evelyn is a very petite, shy woman, who has been taking care of the livery for her father. It has been hard work for a woman and because of this, business has been slow. Evelyn's father, William, wanted Radford to help run the livery. Even though Evelyn protested, William insisted.

While Evelyn and Radford worked together everyday, you could sense the flying sparks between them. Instead of imagining what kind of lover Kyle, her soon-to-be-husband, would be, she dreamed of Radford. What was causing these feelings?

Radford doesn't want anyone, especially Evelyn, getting too close to his daughter. When Rebecca was smaller, Radford hired a nanny to care for her while he worked. The first woman hurt Rebecca when she moved away and got married. The second woman was a little more cruel. She abused her physically and mentally leaving her cowering from everyone except her father. He didn't want anyone doing that to her again.

Radford keeps his distance from Evelyn, but is always watching and wanting her from afar. Can Radford let someone in his heart again after all the pain he's endured over the years? Will Evelyn leave Kyle who's always been a good provider and secure for her, even though the relationship is loveless? Find out in 'Shades of Honor!'

Rating:
Summary: Shades of Honor
Review: This is not your typical romance book. It's a family saga, and not only will you fall in love with the two main characters, but with a frail man and a scared little girl as well. I cried in three different areas of the book, and when it ended I felt a deep loss, wanting it to go on forever. Great writing. Great research. Great love story. And a great writer. If you're looking for a story with several plotlines, a hint of civil war memorabilia, and a desire to root for the heroes, this is the one for you.

Rating:
Summary: Shades of Honor
Review: This is not your typical romance book. It's a family saga, and not only will you fall in love with the two main characters, but with a frail man and a scared little girl as well. I cried in three different areas of the book, and when it ended I felt a deep loss, wanting it to go on forever. Great writing. Great research. Great love story. And a great writer. If you're looking for a story with several plotlines, a hint of civil war memorabilia, and a desire to root for the heroes, this is the one for you.