Novels
Victor’s Blessing
In the fragile balance of life, you have one birth, one death, one time to tell those you love a final farewell. But what if, somehow, you were given one more chance?
Victor Gant’s life is abundant with blessings. Although his mother was an Osage Indian slave, he is a valuable member of the French and German community of charming of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. As the town blacksmith he is respected, well-liked, and makes a proper living for himself and beloved sister. All Victor’s dreams come true when he marries the only woman that had ever caught his eye.
But blessings can be fleeting. When the civil war erupts in 1861 Victor will have to make choices. Torn between what’s best for his family or following his conscience, between keeping promises or following his heart… to finally bestowing an agonizing blessing of his own.
Barbara Sontheimer’s sweeping novel Victor’s Blessing is a journey from the patent office of Washington DC, to the infamous Andersonville prison, to the Battle of Wilderness, where in order for Victor to keep one promise…. another must be broken.
Ava Kessler –
I enjoyed that this civil war story was basically told from the north’s perspective. I also enjoyed learning some of the lesser-known/odd stories of the war. If it’s ever made into a movie Jason Mamoa should be Victor!!!
J. Landon –
As you open the book and start reading, you are plunged into the scene of Victor’s mother dying in childbirth, (which unfortunately happened frequently during pre-Civil War times). And the action, drama, and heartache of Victor’s family become part of your own life.
Historic Ste. Genevieve, Missouri is a cozy small town where everyone knows everyone and you’ll grow to love Victor’s family, friends, and the people of the town. A hulking man of mixed heritage, Victor becomes the town blacksmith. As the story progresses the characters become real. You’ll cry at his wedding to Celena; you’ll rejoice when babies are born healthy; and you’ll tap your feet and cheer at the barn raising.
Your heart will break when Victor and Celena’s brothers go off to fight in the Civil War, not all of them standing on the same side and not all of them returning.
The historic points are flawless. The characters are full of life and the scenes are enchanting. Well worth the read, but you’ll miss the characters when you’re done. This is a seldom found book that includes romance, war, history, and even some paranormal.
I look forward to more historic novels from Barbara Sontheimer in the future!
Elizabeth Peterson –
Victor’s Blessing was a joy from start to finish. Though filled with heartbreak and dissappointment it was also uplifting and satisfying at the end. Celina is a heroine you will not soon forget and Victor is a man ahead of his time, in his thinking and in his actions. This telescopic view into a small town in Missouri leaves readers with a sense that they have lived, if only for a few moments, in that time and palce. Wonderful read!
Richard Brook –
Loved reading Victor’s Blessing. Well researched with historical accuracy I appreciated. Enjoyed the story taking place in St. Geneveive a town I have visited, and I have toured many of the historic log cabin homes and was amazed at the how the author stayed true to the facts. The “love” story woven in was lovely, sad and heart breaking and wonderful.
Peterson –
Loved reading Victor’s Blessing. Well researched with historical accuracy I appreciated. Enjoyed the story taking place in St. Geneveive a town I have visited, and I have toured many of the historic log cabin homes and was amazed at the how the author stayed true to the facts. The “love” story woven in was lovely, sad and heart breaking and wonderful.
Betts Schmidt –
I could not put this book down. Victors Blessing is a civil war era novel but also a novel about people, and the times that they grew up in. Victor is perfect, and true to his nature and so is Celena, a quiet heroine who has the good misfortune of loving Victor! This should be in every book clubs list of books to read!
Mary DiMercurio –
Sontheimer has captured the strength of the men and women living during the civil war era. The struggles and joys of each person rings true to the age and brings the reader back in time. You will cheer and cry right along with the characters in the town of Ste. Genevieve MO.
Angela Connor –
Sontheimer has captured the strength and resilience of the men and women in the Civil War era. The characters are so real the reader feels as they are walking through the town with them.
Mari-Lynn O’Brien –
I can’t even tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book, I became drawn into getting to know the Characters and how life would unfold for them. I also really enjoyed reading about the history of the civil war and what life was like during it for the characters. Getting to hear about it from the North side was interesting. The time and research put into this story shows. I can’t recommend reading this enough. I believe you will become as engaged and eager to find out what happens as I was. I savored this story and believe you will as well. I was sad to have the story end.