The Aftermath. Ladies of Oberlin, #3

The AftermathLadies of Oberlin Book 3 Betsy loves her husband, Nate, but losing his leg in the Civil War has changed him. He never touched alcohol before the war, but now he's turning into a drunk. She doesn't know how to help him, but to save their marriage she's going to do everything she can. If only she can figure out how. Tormented by the loss of his leg, Nate feels worthless. His drinking only makes things worse, but he can't stop.
It's only a matter of time before he drives Betsy away. Why did God allow this to happen? What does he owe God now, after this betrayal? Nate's anger and bitterness are building a wall that neither he nor Betsy can break down or climb over. Only God can help them, but Nate is no longer on speaking terms with the Lord. Is there any hope for them? Meet the Ladies of Oberlin, the causes they're willing to fight for, and the men who capture their hearts. "The Aftermath" paints a realistic picture of the courageous women who fought for women's rights and for temperance following the Civil War.
The author Tamera Lynn Kraft does an excellent job of drawing the reader in with historical accuracy and by filling the pages with the angst women endured from husband abuse as a direct result of alcoholism, without being preachy. She writes of a time when men who survived the war, dealt with their then unknown PTSD by burying their pain in whiskey, causing consequences for their families. This page turner tells of two friend's journeys toward overcoming fears and standing strong against forces that might tear their lives apart.
Her main characters were relatable and strong, making me cheer for their victories and cry when they faced difficulties. I highly recommend this historic women's fiction.  --- Bettie Boswell, author of On Cue Series and Forest Glen Suspense SeriesThis novel's message spotlights the ways people often find to numb themselves in hard times, contrasted with the way they can find true and lasting hope in those challenges.
The way Tamera Kraft "crafts" her characters in The Aftermath with such realistic vulnerabilities and beautifully complex relationships kept me thinking about this story in between reads. I was always in a hurry to get back to it! Truths about addiction, friendships, marriage, PTSD, and human rights are explored with here in a compassionate and compelling plot!  -- Kim Garee, author of The Together Series