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A Disloyal Element
He was the enemy. Saving him could cost her everything.
In war-torn Richmond, Annie Campbell’s search for her missing brother will lead her into forbidden love, dangerous secrets, and a choice between loyalty and survival.
When Annie learns her estranged father has been executed as a spy, she fears his actions may have cost her missing brother’s life. Her search is interrupted when Matthew Cooper, an escaped Union prisoner barely clinging to life, collapses at her door. Hiding him brands her a traitor in the eyes of her neighbors — and draws her into danger she never intended.
As old allies and buried secrets surface, Annie must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth. In a city at war with itself, loyalty can be fatal — and love may be the most treacherous risk of all.
In war-torn Richmond, Annie Campbell’s search for her missing brother will lead her into forbidden love, dangerous secrets, and a choice between loyalty and survival.
When Annie learns her estranged father has been executed as a spy, she fears his actions may have cost her missing brother’s life. Her search is interrupted when Matthew Cooper, an escaped Union prisoner barely clinging to life, collapses at her door. Hiding him brands her a traitor in the eyes of her neighbors — and draws her into danger she never intended.
As old allies and buried secrets surface, Annie must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth. In a city at war with itself, loyalty can be fatal — and love may be the most treacherous risk of all.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
43 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Martinez
1 book12 followersBarbara Martinez, author of A Disloyal Element, is a first-time novelist who turned her interest in American history, and the Civil War in particular, to that time period for her first historical fiction novel. Several years spent volunteering at the local museum and living in a 100-year-old house made her pause to think of those people from another time and put herself "literarily" in their shoes. The interest must run in the family. Her husband publishes a local historical magazine. So far, their four cats aren't impressed.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 21, 2022
War Turmoil
Very well written story about the war between the North and South. Romance was woven into the story very cleverly.
Very well written story about the war between the North and South. Romance was woven into the story very cleverly.
August 30, 2023
huge editing error
What a tragedy. This is a great story, but whoever did the editing committed a terrible miss justice to this book, and in many ways, I blame the author. There are parts of this book that have been highlighted in blue. it is almost impossible to read, and therefore their gaping holes in the story. The characters were great the storyline, unusual theory believable, but whoever did the final proofing of this book made a huge mistake. I would’ve given it five stars I love the story, but I couldn’t read parts of it. Shame on you Barbara Martines for not looking at the final copy.
What a tragedy. This is a great story, but whoever did the editing committed a terrible miss justice to this book, and in many ways, I blame the author. There are parts of this book that have been highlighted in blue. it is almost impossible to read, and therefore their gaping holes in the story. The characters were great the storyline, unusual theory believable, but whoever did the final proofing of this book made a huge mistake. I would’ve given it five stars I love the story, but I couldn’t read parts of it. Shame on you Barbara Martines for not looking at the final copy.
January 15, 2025
Richmond, Virginia
When Union soldier Matthew Cooper, near death, escapes from Libby Prison he collapses near Annie Campbell’s barn. After secretly hiding him in her house and nursing him back to health, they fall in love. But then Annie finds something among Matthew’s belonging that breaks her heart and she marries another man for reasons of her own.
When Union soldier Matthew Cooper, near death, escapes from Libby Prison he collapses near Annie Campbell’s barn. After secretly hiding him in her house and nursing him back to health, they fall in love. But then Annie finds something among Matthew’s belonging that breaks her heart and she marries another man for reasons of her own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2023
Well written! I shy away from anything resembling a "romance novel," but this romance was cleverly woven into the plot, and it offers so much more!
April 1, 2022
A complex story so much more than a Romance, a mystery, historical, thriller and son. A fantastic read. Even after finishing it the characters, the horror of war, and the innocents damaged and yet stand will follow you. I'm so taken with the surprising heroes and loyalty. I look forward to everything Barbara Martinez may write. I wish I had more stars to offer.
August 17, 2023
Good Book
Good story about what happened to some people during the Civil War. Very realistic picture. This is about a young woman who helps an escapee from Libby prison and their relationship. She becomes a spy for the Union. Very good.
Good story about what happened to some people during the Civil War. Very realistic picture. This is about a young woman who helps an escapee from Libby prison and their relationship. She becomes a spy for the Union. Very good.
July 1, 2023
A Disloyal Element: A Civil War Historical Romance
I have read many books, and it was one of the best I’ve read! The characters were true to life with a great story attached. Reach out and read this piece of literature, and I think you will agree it is worth your reading.
I have read many books, and it was one of the best I’ve read! The characters were true to life with a great story attached. Reach out and read this piece of literature, and I think you will agree it is worth your reading.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews