Historical Fiction Review: Stones River by M.F. Jones

This morning, I have a unique novel to share! I always say that I'm not a "romance" novel fan unless there is more to the story--and this novel gives readers a lot more to the romance. Learn about historical fiction/ supernatural romance novel Stones River and author M.F. Jones, read my thoughts on the book and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title:  Stones River: A Civil War Story of Courage, Sacrifice, and an Otherworldly Love by M.F. Jones
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 yrs +), 302 pages
Genre: Historical fiction with a supernatural love story at its heart.
Publisher:  Fieldwood Books
Release date:   Sep 27, 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: The novel has a married sex scene that is intimate though does not have explicit details. There is no profanity in the book, except for mild curses like "damn" and "hell."

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About the Book

When Jessie Gibbs meets Lemuel Sanders, she thinks she has finally found her ideal man—until she discovers that he is the ghost of a Civil War soldier. For 144 years, Lem has kept vigil at his unmarked battlefield grave, seeking someone to complete a personal mission so he can go to his final rest. As love grows between them, Jessie is torn. If she succeeds in fulfilling Lem’s wish, she’ll lose him when he passes into the afterlife. But if she fails and he remains in the world, she’ll never be free to find intimacy with a living man.

A riveting story of faith, passion, and selfless devotion, STONES RIVER shows the power of love to overcome all obstacles—even death itself.

STONES RIVER is Book I of The Sentinel Heart Trilogy, with Book II, SOLDIER’S JOY, coming out in 2026!

My Review

Stones River Brings a Unique Storyline to Your Reading List. This novel seamlessly blends historical fiction, paranormal romance, and fantasy in a way that, surprisingly, makes it feel both believable and thought-provoking. While Jessie is a little immature, and the instant-romance factor is introduced quickly into the story, the overall narrative is much deeper and historically rooted in its setting, offering readers much more than a ghostly love story.

The Characters Connect Very Well. Initially, I found myself rolling my eyes at Jessie's character and the jump into the "falling in love with a ghost" dynamic of the story. However, as the storyline developed and the author began connecting her characters, telling Lem's story, and creating the emotional pull of the romantic elements, it was easy to become deeply invested in their relationship and in the story's resolution.

Would I Recommend Stones River by M.F. Jones? This book is written in a way that lets historical romance fans enjoy the novel, while also giving a lot for paranormal romance lovers to enjoy as well. The historical fiction side was very well-crafted and seamlessly blended with the modern-day paranormal ghost story. While I didn't initially love Jessie's character, the relationship and storyline that grew (both because of her personality and despite it) made the novel one that was very worth the spot on my reading list.

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Meet the Author

Before beginning to write full-time in 2008, M. F. (Mimi) Jones was an editor at Viking Press, where she discovered Judith Guest's bestseller ORDINARY PEOPLE in the slush pile and became its editor. She went on to senior editorial positions at Redbook, Family Circle, and Reader’s Digest magazines. In addition to writing, she’s a devotee of reading, knitting (while listening to audiobooks), choral singing, and hiking with her rescue dog, Ruby. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, composer Douglas Hedwig.

Connect with the author: Website ~ goodreads

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