Sunshine and the Soldier by Stephanie McRae: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Hearts of the Revolution (Book #3)
• Length: 530 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: September 22, 2026

Tropes

• Brother’s friend
• Second chance romance
• Grumpy + sunshine

My Rating

Book Description

“September, 1775

Sergeant Nathaniel Ingram arrives at the Williamsburg encampment with his late father’s campaign tent. Raised on his grandsire’s tales of military order and sacrifice, he is dismayed by the chaos he encounters in camp. With British ships threatening to burn Hampton and Lord Dunmore expanding his presence in the Tory stronghold of Norfolk, the patriots don’t have time for disorder or distractions, not even those that come with a smile like sunshine.

Miss Polly Morris hasn’t touched Nathaniel Ingram in a year and a half — and would have been content to make it a lifetime. Raised on her father’s tales of warm affection and impulsive romance, she has no interest in associating with a man so cold and proper. But when her cat gets lost at her brother’s military encampment, and Nat Ingram comes to her aid, she begrudgingly accepts his escort. Then her sisters insist on an introduction. She can’t escape the acquaintance, so she is forced to pretend there has never been anything between them — a facade her former beau does nothing to challenge.

But as the conflict grows warmer, she begins to wonder if Nat’s feelings aren’t as cold as they had once seemed.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Could an unexpected reunion lead to their second chance at love?

While Polly and Nat both still cared about each other, there were clearly hurt feelings and misunderstandings on both sides.

Nat was proper to the point of rigidity at times, which could make him come across as cold. And Polly had a slightly misguided idea of what true love should look like (obvious shows of affection, passionate romantic declarations, etc.). 

Good on Beatrice for pointing out that just because a man shows his love in quieter ways, doesn’t mean he loves a woman any less 👏

Nat and Polly’s estrangement showed that our own emotions and beliefs can frequently skew our recollection of events. And that time and hindsight can often clarify things.

Eventually, they realized their own mistakes and grew to appreciate traits in the other that previously annoyed them.

It was funny how the two of them still noticed/remembered things about each other and worried about each other, even when they wouldn’t admit the true reasons for their concern 🤭

After reading the epilogue, I’m hoping Rabbie Morris’ story will be next 😄

Thank you to Stephanie McRae for the gifted ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.

Favorite Moments

🇺🇸 Mr. Ingram’s cloak
🌻 reinforcements arrive
🇺🇸 Nat in the surgery
🌻 fire at Norfolk

Favorite Quotes

“‘What are you working on?’ He scooted closer and craned his neck to see.

‘A set of seat covers.’

‘With sunflowers.’

‘Aye. I like them. They’re bright and unexpected.’

‘Like you,’ he said then looked away.“

Stephanie McRae

“‘I canna believe ye remembered all that.’

‘I remember every word you ever wrote me.’“

Stephanie McRae

“Was that what those old letters had meant? She had been waiting for a passionate declaration — hoping that one day he would share one with her. She hadn’t considered that each civil and circumspect letter might be a love letter — written because he was thinking of her when she was far away.“

Stephanie McRae

“She had been waiting for a passionate declaration. He had offered a slow and steady devotion.“

Stephanie McRae

“‘Sir, yes, sir,’ she said with a clumsy imitation of a salute.

He fought back a laugh. ‘You make a terrible soldier.’ Then he kissed her cheek. ‘But a very good Polly.’“

Stephanie McRae

“‘There may be some lean years,’ he explained. ‘I don’t know when I’ll have a proper paying position. It won’t be easy, but—’

‘For richer or poorer,’ she interrupted, quoting the old marriage vow. ‘For better or worse.’

‘It will always be better, with you.’“

Stephanie McRae

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