The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers

The Second Mrs. Hockaday

by Susan Rivers

"When Major Gryffth Hockaday is called to the front lines of the Civil War, his new bride is left to care for her husband's 300-acre farm and infant son. A mere teenager herself, Placidia must endure the darkest days of the war on her own. By the time Major Hockaday returns two years later, she is bound for jail, accused of having borne a child in his absence and murdering it. What transpired in the two years he was away? Inspired by a true incident, this saga reveals how that generation -- and the next -- began to see their world anew." -- Back cover.

Reviewed by chymerra on

5 of 5 stars

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This was a fantastic book and I loved reading it. Told through letters and journals, it brings Civil War Era South to life.

I have read plenty of Civil War Era books to know when one is good or not. This is a good one. The plot is fantastic and for the author to use letters and journals to tell a story that is horrendous was wonderful. She seamlessly weaved the letters and journal into a spellbound story that you can’t put down.

I will say that there are several twists in this story. I called one of them but the other one (which was told by Charlie’s perspective) really surprised and haunted me after I was done reading the book. I just wanted to take Placidia and give her a huge hug.

How many stars will I give The Second Mrs Hockaday? 5

Why? It is a beautifully written book with several twists in the plot.

Will I reccomend it to family and friends? Yes

Will I reread it? Yes

Age range? Adult on up.

Why? There are scenes of rape, beating of slaves (post beating) and some extreme and gory violence.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 7 June, 2016: Finished reading
  • 7 June, 2016: Reviewed