Regina (virgosun) reviewed For This We Are Soldiers: Tales of the Frontier Army on + 886 more book reviews
Not quite what I expected, but still a wonderful collection of short stories about army life on the frontier and how romance fit into the lives of soldiers. It got me thinking of how it might have been for my ancestor who also was a commander in the Arizona/New Mexico territories in the early 1860s. The romantic tales were sweet and some were funny, but the surprising draw is in the true-to-life representation of fort life. 4 stars.
This is a combination of old and new short stories. 'Break a Leg' is from A TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY: THE OLD WEST COLLECTION (2014).
'A Season for Heroes,' 'Mary Murphy,' and 'Such Brave Men' come from the book, HERE'S TO THE LADIES: STORIES OF THE FRONTIER (2004).
Thus, there are only 2 new short stories in this book. I was disappointed because I have been collecting Carla Kelly's books and had the other two anthologies, although I had not read both. I did not know there were reprints until I purchased this book.
'Such Brave Men' This title is amusing because it is about the trials of wives who live with their husbands on any given fort.
'Break a Leg' An aged thespian breaks his leg and helps two shy people get together. This story is unique because it deals with love between mixed races.
'A Season for Heroes,'This story is the treasure of the collection. It is about a white officer leading Negro troops into battle.
**'Take a Memo' This is a humorous story about some miscreant cows and a commanding officer.
'Mary Murphy' This story seemed to need more development. I got the point but I didn't understand how Mary could have raised two extra children on her wage.
**'A Leader of His Troops' This story showed just how important the US Mail was to troopers. A self-absorbed new officer grows up under the tutelage of a lower-ranked man.
** The only two new stories in this book.
'A Season for Heroes,' 'Mary Murphy,' and 'Such Brave Men' come from the book, HERE'S TO THE LADIES: STORIES OF THE FRONTIER (2004).
Thus, there are only 2 new short stories in this book. I was disappointed because I have been collecting Carla Kelly's books and had the other two anthologies, although I had not read both. I did not know there were reprints until I purchased this book.
'Such Brave Men' This title is amusing because it is about the trials of wives who live with their husbands on any given fort.
'Break a Leg' An aged thespian breaks his leg and helps two shy people get together. This story is unique because it deals with love between mixed races.
'A Season for Heroes,'This story is the treasure of the collection. It is about a white officer leading Negro troops into battle.
**'Take a Memo' This is a humorous story about some miscreant cows and a commanding officer.
'Mary Murphy' This story seemed to need more development. I got the point but I didn't understand how Mary could have raised two extra children on her wage.
**'A Leader of His Troops' This story showed just how important the US Mail was to troopers. A self-absorbed new officer grows up under the tutelage of a lower-ranked man.
** The only two new stories in this book.
