My Heart Belongs in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Clarissa's Conflict by Murray Pura
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Slaves--Underground Railroad--Conductors--Secret identities. All of these are featured in the beginning pages of this story and the adventure and intrigue never stop. My Heart Belongs in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania begins in 1860 when Clarissa Ross is a nineteen year old woman secretly involved in helping to lead slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad. As her story continus over the next three years, we watch as she struggles with romantic feelings for two very different men and also frets and worries that war may eventually come to her beloved Gettysburg and change it forever.

Clarissa was a complicated young lady and I sometimes found myself irritated by her actions. Her red hair was often the excuse that she used for both her impulsiveness and her quick temper but there was also a positive side to her fiery nature. She strongly believed that all men are equal and none should be considered inferior and she never stopped trying to convince others. There aren't many fair maidens who would choose to dress like a man, chew tobacco and go into battle but Clarissa had no reservations in fighting for her beliefs or for the safety of the man that she loved.

It is very apparent that author Murray Pura thoroughly researched this part of our United States history and he has been able to weave the facts into a fascinating story. I never realized that the Amish, Mennonites and Quakers often aided the slaves in their journeys to freedom and I had forgotten that those who helped the slaves escape were referred to as conductors and that Moses was the code name for Harriet Tubman, the chief conductor of the Underground Railroad. I love history and this book has offered me a whole new understanding of the many causes that contributed to the Civil War and I've also been given a new insight into the intense suffering of those involved. I have gained a better concept of the Gettysburg Address that President Abraham Lincoln delivered in November 1863 and a deeper appreciation for those stirring words that I memorized many, many years ago!

I thoroughly enjoyed My Heart Belongs in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.



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