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Soldier's Heart

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Junior Thompson, son of a freed slave, and Webbie Henderson, son of a wealthy family, cross a forbidden boundary between their properties and forge an unlikely friendship in the years that culminate in the Civil War. Young as they are, both must become the men of their families when their fathers are called to battle. When the war comes to their hometown of Carlisle and nearby Gettysburg, will they survive?

An historically authentic, fast-paced, multicultural family saga, Soldier's Heart takes place over a fifteen-year period, culminating on April 9, 1865: Junior Thompson's twelfth birthday, and also the day General Lee will surrender, formally ending the Civil War. Though the victory of the war may be at hand, this unforgettable story reveals how the private battles of the heart rage on.

Soldier's Heart is inspired by the untold true story of the Thompsons, a black family, and the Hendersons, a white family, who lived as neighbors in Carlisle, PA. The author is their direct descendant.

300 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2015

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Michele McKnight Baker

5 books18 followers

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5 stars
66 (30%)
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78 (35%)
3 stars
55 (25%)
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12 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Catherine.
Author 8 books15 followers
January 12, 2016
I read this Civil-War era novel in manuscript form. Many fiction manuscripts have crossed my desk through the years. But few have made as strong an impression on me as this one did. The characters, the setting, the time period, the twists of plot, authentic conflicts, and the theme of generational sins and reconciliations make Soldier’s Heart an unforgettable read. What we now call PTSD, often diagnosed in military personnel returning from war, used to be called “soldier’s heart.” If you enjoy Christian historical fiction—read this novel.
Profile Image for Diana.
556 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2016
This book tells a story of two boys during the Civil War- as different as day and night, one is rich and white, the other is black and poor. They become best friends. It was interesting to be taken back in time and see the war from so many perspectives- not just the boys' but also how it affected their mothers and fathers. The book starts with one very stunning revelation for me- PTSD did not start in this century- they just called it something else. One thing that was never covered in history classes was how the Civil War affected people. This book opened my eyes to the thoughts and feelings of that time. It gave very detailed accounts of the war, the friendship of a white boy and the son of a freed slave, and the hardships of the colonial times. If you want to experience the Civil War in a way that history books are not going to show you- don't miss this book! I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews86 followers
April 17, 2017
Carlisle, PA. Junior Thompson (freed slave, Chance/Sarai’s son) attended church with his parents: Robert Chance Thompson (pap, woodworker) & Sarai Thompson (mam).
Preacher Wing was quite flamboyant in his preaching style.
Mrs. Margaretha Brumbach (German widow, Friedrich’s niece, Teacher), Abigail Brumbach (daughter), Representative Robert Henderson (pa, R, former Union General) Mrs. Henderson (ma), Webster “Webbie” Henderson (wealthy family, son/brother), Lizzy Henderson (baby daughter/sister), Nathan Henderson (Uncle, former Union Captain, shell-shock), & Dr. Cook were all in the congregation pews.

Mrs. Brumbach taught their combined grade school.
The students are: Junior, Webbie, Abigail, Evers Johnson & many other colored/white children.
Years later Chance had his own construction crew. Andrew “Clipper” Clark (Forman, former journeyman), & Graysom (freed slave, Chance’s BMF), & others work for him.
Robert Henderson (Attorney, former Union Brigadier General, 15th. district Provost Marshal) felt he was quite the suitor for Margaret “Maggie” Turnbrough Webster (26, Henry’s sister, pianist).
Fast forward, the Civil War begins/ends.

Who will return to carry on their lives? Or who will perish in 1 of the bloodiest US battles ever?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Civil War era historical fiction (true-to-life) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Civil War era movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolina’s; Heritage Beacon Fiction; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Julia.
2,649 reviews81 followers
December 3, 2015
Soldier's Heart by Michele McKnight Baker is an epic story of friendship spanning the years of the American civil war. It starts at the end of the war, goes back to the beginning and works forward to finish on the day it began.
It is a tale of two boys and their families - one white and one African American. Web and Junior are friends who see past the colours of their skin and look into each other's hearts. They are friends forever. Blood brothers. The same cannot be said for their families, as there is a reserve in the older generation. However as the story progresses the reader learns how the lives of individual family members have intertwined over the years.
Soldier's Heart is an amazing read, covering many themes. It shows the futility of war, especially it seems, civil war. Men kill men; men kill boys; boys kill men; boys kill boys. What's left at the end is dead bodies and the guilt of the living. No one is really a winner in war.
Racial prejudice rears its head. The war was partly fought because the south did not want to give the negroes their freedom. The army is not interested in having negroes fight either.
Linked in to that theme is that of slavery. Web's great grandfather Elisha Tyson is seen as a hero among the negroes. Mary Wilson, now an old lady, remembers being aged eight and freed by Elisha Tyson, saying "it only takes one person with courage to stand up and make a world of difference." People need to stand up for what is right, regardless of what others may think.
As a historian I found Soldier's Heart a fascinating read. I was educated about some of the battles in the civil war. I was totally enthralled by the characters of Web and Junior. Oh that the world could be seen through the eyes of children. They look beyond outward appearances and into the heart.
Soldier's Heart did make for difficult reading at times. Michele McKnight Baker tackled the issues of war and prejudice sensitively. I was left at the end of the novel with a positive feeling from the bond of friendship rather than the negative impact of war.
I can highly recommend this excellent novel.
September 5, 2017
A woven tale

2 families. 2 stories. Each person tells their tales and we eventually see how they all connect. With the backdrop of before, during, and after the Civil War we watch how these try to survive the tragedies of their lives and of how the Civil War affects each of them differently.
Profile Image for Tammi.
342 reviews
November 20, 2015
Wow. This novel is set during the Civil War in Pennsylvania. I was fortunate to be given an advanced reader’s copy to read and review. This is not a simple story, but it is intensely captivating. The story is about two young boys, Junior Thompson and Webster “Webbie” Henderson. Junior’s family is black and Webbie’s family is white. They are neighbors and best friends but their story is far from black and white. Their story is based off of the true historical account of the Thompsons and the Hendersons, and it is written by a direct descendant of the family.

If you enjoy historical fiction, the Civil War, and coming of age stories, then this book will be an amazing treat for you. This novel is comparable to a meal that sticks to your ribs. You won’t be forgetting it anytime soon. It is a story that comes full circle. I highly recommend it.
827 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2015
I was impressed with this story by Michele McKnight Baker. It was obvious that she had put a lot of time and research into it. It's told from the viewpoints of two different families during the Civil War time--the Hendersons who were white and the Johnsons who were black. The sons, Web and Junior became friends and a lot of the story revolved around them. Even though the story wasn't a cheerful one, due to the subject matter, it was very informative about the types of things that happened during the war. The first of the story jumped around in time a little, and I got a bit confused as to who everyone was and what the time period was, but it all came together later. Thanks to the author for an interesting and thought-provoking story.
Profile Image for Diane Perry.
1,235 reviews34 followers
December 23, 2015
I was asked to read in return for an honest review. I don't read much historical fiction, but when I do I want it to be not only well-written, as accurate to the time the book is referring to. The author did all that and more. This is a touching story that is set in the Civil War. The characters are we developed and the story is so moving and lovely. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Gwen.
377 reviews13 followers
May 8, 2017
It amazes me how history is viewed so differently through the eyes of individuals. Friends, one white and one a freed slave lived during the same time but their experiences were totally different. History affects each of us based on where we are and what we are doing during that time. An excellent portrayal of the individual's feelings as they live through war.
Profile Image for Meaghan.
36 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2015
I got to read this as a beta reader and I have to say this is a story that will stick with you. A must read for any historical fiction lover. Can't wait to see what Michele McKnight Baker's second novel will hold!
Profile Image for Amy Oblender.
1 review
November 9, 2015
I was fortunate to have been asked to read Soldier's Heart as a beta reader. From the moment I read the first few paragraphs, I was hooked. I do not normally read a lot of historical fiction, but this one held my interest to the end!
Profile Image for Michele Baker.
Author 5 books18 followers
April 29, 2018
What can I say? I wrote it, took eight years from research to publication. No regrets.
2 reviews
January 10, 2018
Based on the story of real-life Civil War soldier Charley Goddard, this is a historical fiction look at what his experiences with the Minnesota Volunteers might have been like. In the summer of 1861, Charley is only fifteen years old, technically too young to enlist but like many boys during times of war, he decides to lie about his age in order to have an adventure / life experience outside of his simple country upbringing. As Paulsen describes, Charley is still too young to be able to grow a beard and only recently had his voice crack, yet he's contemplating fighting for his country, possibly to the death. Heavy stuff for a teen! Goddard serves until the end of the war four years later, having seen and survived unspeakably gruesome scenes and yet still only nineteen years old! By war's end, Goddard was said to have "a soldier's heart" because he seemed, at least to others, to have come through relatively unscathed by the experience. However, as this novel lays out, in reality that was more than likely anything but true. In the afterword, Paulsen explains that the real Goddard ended up fighting in nearly every major battle throughout the duration of the war. While the fictional Charley experiences the horrors of The Battle Of Bull Run, the real Charley was battling a violent case of dysentery at the time. This novella looks at what Charley might have experienced in his first three battles.
969 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2022
Soldier’s Heart by Michelle McKnight Baker was a lovely story about two young boys living during the time of the Civil War. One boy is Junion Thompson, a black boy, and Webbie Henderson, son of a wealthy family living in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Their families’ properties lie next to each other. Growing up, these boys become fast friends.

When war comes, each one’s father marches off to join the Union army and the boys become the heads of their households, as much as a young man can. Hard times reach both families. The war has taken their livestock, food, and fuel. The boys are privy to things that no young boy should be.

After the war, they find that the battles and the deprivations of each family change them in many ways. They remain friends throughout it all. The story is very riveting because the reader is always thinking that something bad will befall these young boys.

What made this more interesting to me is that this story is inspired by an untold true story of the Thompsons, a black family, and the Henderson’s, a white family who lived as neighbors in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The author is their direct descendant. I was so glad to read that these two families were and remained friends throughout this period.

I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-F4. Reviews of other books can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
Author 1 book62 followers
January 30, 2021
(Carlisle, Pennsylvania) Junior Thompson, son of a freed slave, and Webbie Henderson, son of a wealthy family forge a friendship in the years that culminate in the Civil War. Young as they are, both must become the men of their families when their fathers are called to battle. When the war comes to their hometown of Carlisle and nearby Gettysburg, will they survive? War is horrible and this story brings that out. Evil seems to grow darker, as relationships grow more important. It's nice to see those who don't see color, as Junior and Webbie. At times it became difficult to follow the story, as there were many main characters. Yet, I got the gist of the story and liked the message.
824 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2024
This is the story of two young boys who are friends during Civil War times one black the other white. Junior Thompson is the son of a black freed slave and his best friend Webbie Henderson is the son of a white wealthy family. Their family’s properties border next to each other and they become friends. Junior and Webbie's father’s join the Union Army and their families food and supplies were seized from them during the war. After the war each family faced deprivation from the war but the boys remain friends throughout their trauma. I really enjoyed this wonderfully written historical fiction novel which was inspired by the untold true story by the author’s direct descendant.
Profile Image for Scribblescribe.
143 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2017
It's been at least 7 months since I have been able to finish a book so it really says a lot about this book that I was able to finish it. It also speaks to the book's readability, in the sense that it draws you along. The book also does a fantastic job of immersing you into it, which some books struggle to do due to lack of believability (also known as suspension of disbelief). Overall, it is a well written book and well worth the read.

The following should not discourage anyone from reading this book (seriously, if you don't read this book, you are missing out) but is intended as a sort of critical analysis for the author since this is their first novel.

Some issues I had with the book were Sarai's personality, and certain descriptions that read like the author was copying them out of their notebook (notably the description of the distillery and the civil war zone). I don't know what it is about these sorts of descriptions, but my brain completely blanks them out and I want a diagram to *show* me what the author is talking about. Words aren't enough for me.

As for Sarai, I was truly puzzled by how she was written. I wasn't able to understand her inexplicable bursts of anger towards others. They didn't make sense to me, nor did the inexplicable reconcilliation between her and Maggie make much sense when Sarai fell ill after the uneasy wagon ride to Maggie's relative's house. Perhaps it was the long time Sarai and Maggie spent together in Lancaster that did it, but I didn't feel like this healing was properly explained/made believable.

I also would've liked to have known what happened to Nathan in the end. It really seemed like he was treated unfairly, hit by Robert and then you don't hear anything about him. I really wish his character would've been developed more too, because he was very interesting. It would've been nice to have had more from his perspective.

The Colonel was interesting as well too, but he's mostly silent in the book. Brooding, quiet, etc. In the background.

I think my favorite character was Robert just because at first I thought he was a good person, and then at the end of the book I concluded I didn't like him and that he wasn't nice afterall due to how he treated Nathan. Complex character. I love complex characters.

I think what I am trying to say is that the author really is on the verge of creating fantastic characters and they honestly did fascinate me if I'm writing so much about them in this review. She just has to flesh them out a little more somehow and it would bring the quality of her book up a notch into the nethersphere of holy-crap-what-did-I-just-read? It left me wanting more.

I would also want to say that when you write about a section of the population that you aren't, you have to be really careful. Because, each of us has grown up with our own experiences and our own "ecosystem" if you will of the people that surround us. What I am trying to say is that people who are white, get the perspectives and opinions of other people who are white, in a closed system and the ability to see outside that closed system is really difficult. It's unclear to me whether or not the author was able to do that in this book when writing about African American characters, or whether she white washed it by saying color didn't matter and sidestepping the uncomfortable truths, and differences of the reality of being black back then. Even though she attempted to convey some of it, I'm not sure whether she succeeded. Most of her white characters waved away the Thompson's blackness as if it were nothing and had no impact on them. Did none of them grow up influenced by racism, at least being racist as a child and living to regret it? Or did they live in a bubble? Was this how things were in the North? If so, it would've been nice to contrast it with the Southern perspective somehow. Maybe by having Chance captured by the enemy and having to escape back North.

I also found the ending a bit abrupt, like having a door shut in my face. I'm trying to think of how this could've been done better, maybe ease out of it?

All that having been said, I think this book made it clear that the author's strong suit is research research reseach. This is really a skill she has and she utilizes it very well. It makes suspension of disbelief very easy to do. And overall the book is very well written. I was very impressed when I read this book, thinking to myself "Wow, she must've spent hours and hours and hours practicing how to write." because it really shows. She knows how to write, and it would be a crime if she didn't continue to write. Her plotting is beautiful, and some of her metaphors are stunning.

Rarely have I ever come across an author, an independent author writing for a small publishing company, who writes so well. I've read a lot of indie books, and they make me shrug my shoulders, inwardly groan and roll my eyes. No such thing occured with this book. I was continually impressed with it. This is really her calling in life, to be an author. There are many many authors who I think should not be fiction authors, but she is not one of them. She is meant to be one and she should really pursue it.

If I had to choose between pushing Stephen King and this author off a cliff, I'd choose Stephen King without blinking.

Sorry Stephen King.

Keep writing Michele.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 12, 2020
This book was an awesome experience through the eyes of Junior and Web, showing a friendship in an era where so much hatred was displayed. I would have loved to see if Web survived the beating and remembered Junior.
Profile Image for Audrey Grant.
458 reviews25 followers
September 8, 2018
NOOooo!

I love this book and the author 's way of weaving a story but WHY end it there!??! What a horrible way to end!
66 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2019
Excellent

Well written , engaging book. Great characters with well thought out backgrounds for each of them. Enjoyed Web and Junior growing up to become fine young men.
333 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2019
Soldier's Heart.

A fascinating book with invites into the civil war in America. Slow at the start, but as the characters develop it was hard to put down
23 reviews
September 8, 2019
What an incredible journey

Just about the best story I can remember reading. This book is one emotional heartbeat and teardrop after the other.
Profile Image for Patsy.
615 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2016
This is a true story written by a direct descendant of the family. This spans 15 years before, during and after the Civil War, which ended in 1865. The two families lived in Carilise, PA where they were neighbors; One family , Mr. Robert Henderson, his wife, Margaret,and their son Wesbster (Webbie) lived on a large piece of property behind the house was a large corn field, a lake, some woods and a big oak tree which separated the two properties. Beyond the lake was his neighbor's house Mr. Chance Thompson, his wife Sarai, and their son, Junior. Mr. Thompson had the talent of working with wood and he taught Junior all about the trees and the wood that was produced, and things that could be made from the wood. Hoping someday his son could take over his business.

The young boys became close friends, soon there was path worn through the corn field between the two houses, the boys were always together, They saw each other almost daily as they grew up. Webbie and Junior spent time with Webbie's grandfather teaching the boys about running a business.

Robert goes to fight the Civil War, Chance also left home to fight in the war. The two boys had to become the men of the houses while their fathers was gone. There were some Civil War battle scenes in the story that were interesting, especially the young boys fighting along beside the grown men. The women heard the soldiers were coming; Margaret and Sarai, left together in a wagon with the two boys and headed to a relative's house.

This was a good story but sometimes it was hard to follow due to flash backs; there was not any warning, suddenly you would be in another time period, with other people. The plot was good, the characters well described with an enjoyable story.. I enjoy reading historical stories, I always learn from the author's research. I recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Brittany.
17 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2016
First I would love to thank the author, Michele McKnight Baker, for personally sending me a signed copy of this book! I won it as a giveaway on Goodreads and receiving this book definitely made my day :)

Okay, so I love historical fiction. I also love historical fiction that has anything to do with the Civil War (and WW1/WW2). I was pretty stoked to start reading this book, although I had no idea what I was getting into. Two boys... two families... white and black.. Civil War. That's all I knew.

What I quickly learned while starting to read this book is that I had to pay attention. This isn't a bad thing at all. The story jumps time periods to pre, during, and post Civil War. Not only does it do this but it also does this with different characters. What I appreciated about this was that I was getting to know the main two boys, but also their parents and an uncle here or there. I would learn tidbits about each character and slowly piece together why each character acted the way they did. The big picture comes together progressively and I was always thinking about it and wanting to come home from work so I could read!

This story is based on a true story, and that's part of the reason why I appreciated it so much. It gives not a pretty image of war, but a true lens of what it was like for those in it and how it affected their families. It shows courage, faith, and how strong the bonds of friendship can be.




455 reviews28 followers
February 7, 2017
Was very interesting to see interaction of black and white during this time period and how much the races are interrelated. Saw a side of that time I had not read about before, guess I was disappointed that the author did not take the relationship further, left one wondering what happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Randy Grossman.
505 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2016
Watching War From The Outside

Although this story revolved around the Civil War, the bulk of it was the ups and downs of two families (one white one black) during that period of history. At times it was a bit bogged down, with some of the personal antidotes, but also several interesting storylines based on the historical setting. Even though it didn't cover it in a lot of detail, there was still plenty of references to the horrors of this war. It seems history will always have some type of war....but I never can see any beauty in it. Even the characters of the story seem to reflect that last statement...IMHO
74 reviews
August 4, 2016
Interesting

I enjoyed the story, though I'm not sure the flashbacks were needed. I think I would have like it better just written chronologically.
Also, I didn't care for the ending. Too many lose ends and rather confusing. At first I thought maybe there was a sequel, but that doesn't seem be the case.
Profile Image for Regina.
389 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2016
As much as I liked it, I couldn't finish it

This book was really good. The characters and story line were easy to follow. The reason for the low review, the cussing. I am of a high opinion it doesn't belong in Christian books. One or times I can overlook but consistently. I was halfway through reading when I finally had enough.
463 reviews
July 10, 2016
This was an interesting book about two diverse families during the Civil War. Though some parts were strongly presented in character development, I found the layout of the story to be confusing at times.
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