Jesse: 53rd Kentucky

Toe the Mark Series, Book 2

By: Ruth Ochs Webster

Narrated by: Jacob Hashem

Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Jesse Cook knows what he wants - to join the new mounted regiment being raised in his hometown in Kentucky. It’s 1864. The War of Rebellion is nearing its dramatic conclusion, with his side on top. There’s a hefty bounty being offered to every man accepted into the army. That money will serve Jesse well when he marries his sweetheart Eliza.

Jesse has been working at his pa’s side at Cook’s Cooperage since he was a boy, groomed to take over the business. Surely, the shop can do without him for a year. Isn’t enlisting every man’s duty? Yet, his father questions his motives.

And the danger? Jesse can’t imagine there will be any Rebs left to fight. His ma knows better, fearing that her kinfolk in Virginia are far from defeated and will be lying in wait. But isn’t the new unit simply going to be guarding the railroad? Men in power have other plans, sending a force of 5,000 horsemen into Virginia on a raid to destroy and demoralize.

Corporal Cook will find himself tested to the core. Can he fight his way through fear and doubt, a frigid winter, strained family ties, and the inevitable losses of war, while attempting to support the boys in his platoon?

Inspired by the life of an actual veteran of the Civil War: Corporal Jesse J. Cook, Co. B, 53rd KY. This is the second audiobook in the Toe the Mark Civil War Series. Based on military records from the National Archives, regimental records, historical newspaper accounts, and genealogical research.

©2018 Ruth Ochs Webster (P)2018 I'm Hearing Stories

Great Character Development

I was pleasantly surprised with how the Civil War is presented in the book, Jesse, 53rd Kentucky by Ruth Webster. We all know how the Civil War ends but the way the information is provided through the lens of the story’s humble characters was so refreshing. All the research and fact gathering that obviously took place was brought to life with good character development and believable dialogue. It is the story of farm families who are forced to endure atrocities beyond their imaginings; ready to endure all for the things they believed in. I felt a warmth for the wonderful, everyday people who are now part of my own heart.

A terrible war through the lives of ordinary peopl

A great story written beautifully by Ruth Ochs Webster. Not being an American I never learnt much about the Civil War in my country Australia, only through Hollywood. Ruth brings the message home through normal people thrust into a shocking predicament, war.
The story is expertly written and I could feel the plight of the characters, Jesse in particular throughout the tale.
The narration is first class, I enjoyed the slight nuances that Jacob Hashemite brought to the different characters in the book, sometimes subtlety.
I was given this book for free in return for an honest, sincere review.
I highly recommend this book for history buffs and non history buffs, the tale is enjoyable, the characters believable and instantly likable.
5 stars all round.