There is death everywhere in Charlotte Garret’s life, something she can’t run away from no matter how hard she tries. Before the war started she was innocent and newly wed to her husband Josh. However, the war started and like any dutiful bride she let him go to join the army like other men. What she didn’t count on was that this army would mark the end of her innocence, introducing her to a whole different world that she never thought of seeing. Not wanting to stay at home and wondering what her husband is up to, she becomes Charlie Garrett. Charlie is a great sharpshooter during the war but makes her wonder where her mind was when she became a “man”.

Captain Daniel Reid is a man who cares too much and is at the point where he’s about to have a breakdown from all the death he sees each day. As a doctor death is a reality, but to see it in young men’s face, even teenagers, breaks his heart. There is one man that he admires, Charlie, with his determination and quick cunning to stay alive in a time where thousands are dying each day. However, Charlie is very clever indeed and he soon learns that he is not all he seems. As each day goes by Daniel starts to think the war will never end making him do drastic things. Each risk he takes puts his life and those around him in more in danger. How can both of them have a life after the war? Can they both survive?

Secrets and Sacrifices by Diana Wylie is a book that every reader needs to read because of its action, portrayal of innocence taken, and a war that separates so many people be they friends or couples. Not only does the story touch on these ideas, but Diana Wylie does a superb job bringing the history to life with rich dialogue and scenes that seem so real to this reviewer. What readers will discover above all is love that surpasses everything, including a war. Although the book is a historical there are scenes that are somewhat gruesome, realistic, and unimaginable yet they must be read to understand what goes on within the plot and really appreciate it for what it’s worth, a memorable book that will touch any reviewer.

Reviewed by: Lena C.