Seen by Moonlight

Kathleen Escheburg has crafted another winner here. The story is filled with raw emotion, wonderful characterization and miles and miles of description that put you right there. The love story is sweet and remains true to plot and character. That's why the book works.

Brought to the brink of bankruptcy following her father's illness and death, Annabelle Halleston agrees to honor a bargain struck between her father and Royce Kincaid's father. It allows her to save the family home while assuring her brother's futures. In addition to a few other demands, however, she changes their wedding day to April Fool's Day. Royce counters with his own expectations regarding inheritance of his property in the event of his death or the dissolution of their marriage should he survive the war. Indeed, should he survive the war, Royce intends to go west and wishes no further contact with Annabelle. It does not take long for Royce to realize that if he does not die in the coming war, he would live to regret this marriage.Author Kathleen Eschenburg recreates the beauty and the grace of the south before the Civil War with all possible poignancy and pain of that lost era. She deftly exposes the flaws of slaveholders, for example, yet they can be ethical, sympathetic and terribly flawed. The result is a story that springs vividly alive with the tragic nuances, triumphs and perplexities that makes it truly believable. From the main characters to the slaves, these are characters readers come to care for. One of the most entertaining Civil War stories I have had the privilege to review, SEEN BY MOONLIGHT comes very highly recommended.

A story that has everything set against the background of the civil war. Really enjoyable. See Klausner review above.

Seen By Moonlight is a love story that goes far beyond romance. The story spans the Civil War, showing us the beautiful Virginia countryside from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the great river valleys in peacetime before taking us through the destruction that the war brought to that country. Ms. Eschenburg's skill as a writer is to put the reader into a scene so fully that you will believe you are there. I recently saw the movie Cold Mountain, which has a similar setting. This novel painted more of a picture of beauty, horror and love than the big screen was able to capture. With the horrors of war raging around them we see Royce Kincaid and Annabelle Hallston slowly changing until each of them chooses to take the most courageous step of all--to surrender to love. Don't be fooled by the embrace on the book jacket--the love these two share is not mere lust. They discover the depths of each other as people before they ever explore their physical passion. When that time comes Ms. Eschenburg uses her wonderful descriptive skills to show us both tenderness and fire. This is a book I won't soon forget.

This book has got all the elements for a great love story.It takes place during the Civil War and focuses on the Kincaid family. Miss Eschenburg has shot to the top of my favorite authors list with this book. This book took my breath away.For all you historical readers out there you wont be disappointed.Miss Eschenburg's first book (The Nightingale's Song) is really the sequel to this book. If you have'nt read it yet I would suggest reading Seen By Moonlight first. You will not be disappointed. I know I will read this book again and again.