This Time Forever by Linda Swift

Blurb:
The Civil War brought casualties beyond the bloody battlefields as North fought South. Philip Burke, against his family's wishes, volunteered to defend the Union and became a prisoner of war who bartered his medical expertise to remain out of prison. When the Union Army invaded Tennessee, Clarissa Wakefield's antebellum mansion became a Confederate hospital. Philip was placed in charge and against propriety, she volunteered to stay on and help nurse the wounded. Clarissa's husband was a Confederate soldier and Philip's fiancee waited for him in Oswego but the fire between them soon raged out of control. As the opposing armies fought for possession of Chattanooga, Clarissa and Philip faced their own battle. Caught in the passions of war and love, with hurt inevitable either way, would they be faithful to their vows or listen to their hearts? 

Review:
If you are looking for a fascinating read that will keep you on your toes, look not further as Ms. Swift has just provided you with this very book. My first thought when I finished the last sentence on the very last page was "Wow, just wow". No matter how good of a review I give this book, it can not adequately describe my feelings and how much I fell in love with this book.

The depth of the characters is a vital element in this story. If this book had not delved into each character as much as it did, I believe it might not have been as captivating. Yet with just the right amount of background information and character development, I felt myself completely immersed in the story line.

Clarissa's character is a strong young woman who holds fast in her convictions. Not above putting herself in a position where gossip and rumor might surround her, Clarissa takes on the duty of being a nurse. Here she meets Phillip, an integral part of this book. Clarissa's life will never again remain the same. With full bodied characters, I could not help but feel connected to each and every character. Even the villain in the story held credibility and at times I felt almost sympathetic towards him.

This Time Forever is set amidst the tragedy that we call The Civil War. Rich in heartfelt emotion, be prepared to be swept away with compelling characters as well as an intriguing plot line. Ms. Swift has captured the essence of this time period in the little details of the characters behavior, their dress and even down to the way they speak. I was fascinated with the interaction through letters between those in the battlefield and their loved ones.

This Time Forever will captivate you through the heartbreaking and graphic details of a time when war bred hate between states as well as brother against brother. The twists throughout the story stole my breath and left me surprised but eager to read on as I just had to find out what happened next. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a captivating romance. Although I am a huge fan of Ms. Swift, I have to say that this is the one book that stands out from the rest and is my personal favorite.

Buy This Time Forever here