Love Beyond the Grave: A Review of "Stones River" by M.F. Jones

When you pick up a paranormal romance set during the Civil War, you don’t expect to be moved as deeply as you are entertained—but that’s exactly what happens in Stones River: A Civil War Story of Courage, Sacrifice, and an Otherworldly Love by M.F. Jones. Published by Fieldwood Books and part of a tour sponsored by iRead Book Tour, this touching novel offers more than just a ghostly love story—it delivers a layered tale of history, heart, and healing.

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. Read more below and enter the giveaway for a chance to win the book for yourself!

A Love That Transcends Time

The story follows Jessie Gibbs, a relatable, down-to-earth protagonist who stumbles into something extraordinary when she meets Lemuel Sanders. At first glance, Lem is the perfect man—thoughtful, sincere, charmingly old-fashioned. But there’s just one complication: he’s been dead for over 140 years.

That’s not a spoiler—it’s the premise, and a deeply intriguing one. Lemuel is the ghost of a Civil War soldier, still tethered to the battlefield where he died, longing to complete one final mission so he can find peace. As Jessie and Lem form a connection, the stakes quickly become emotional: if she helps him move on, she’ll lose him forever. But if she doesn't, neither of them can ever fully live.

It’s an impossible choice—and Jones writes it with grace and tenderness.

Romance First, History Woven In

One of the best aspects of Stones River is how the author handles the historical setting. Rather than overwhelming readers with dry details or info dumps (a common pitfall in indie historical fiction), M.F. Jones opts to sprinkle the past throughout the present, using Lemuel’s perspective to bring Civil War history into the modern day in a way that feels natural and emotionally resonant.

You learn about the war, the battlefield, and the people of that era—but always through the lens of Lem’s experience or Jessie’s growing curiosity. This keeps the focus where it belongs: on the emotional core of the story.

Characters That Feel Real—Even the Ghosts

It’s no small feat to make a ghost feel like a fully realized romantic lead, but Jones pulls it off beautifully. Lemuel is curious about modern life, yet grounded in his 1860s roots. He’s earnest, respectful, and refreshingly different from the typical alpha-male romantic hero.

Jessie, meanwhile, is strong yet vulnerable—believable in her reactions, even when she seems a bit too trusting at times. Her naivety in some scenes, especially early in the story, can be a little frustrating (“Come on, Jessie, he’s clearly not from this century!”). At times, her dialogue and choices feel intentionally youthful, which may have been a character decision to make her more open-hearted or innocent, but it does flirt with cliché.

Still, the emotional development between Jessie and Lem is slow, believable, and filled with tension—not the spooky kind, but the “I know I’m going to get my heart broken” kind. And that’s what makes this story shine: the romantic arc never feels rushed or gimmicky. It's a genuine love story, even with a supernatural twist.

Themes That Resonate Long

Stones River delivers as a historical paranormal romance, it also taps into bigger ideas—grief, longing, the cost of war, and the power of love to endure even death. It’s about letting go, choosing peace over possession, and recognizing that some love stories are meant to change us, even if they can’t last forever.

The novel also serves as a quiet tribute to those lost in war—especially those whose stories are buried in unmarked graves or forgotten battlefields. Through Lem, we see a man frozen in time, still aching for closure. And through Jessie, we experience the courage it takes to love someone you might lose.

A Few Stumbles, But a Memorable Ride

The novel isn’t without its flaws. A few of the scenes where Lem and Jessie meet feel a little too conveniently timed or emotionally accelerated. And as mentioned, Jessie’s naivety occasionally detracts from the otherwise grounded storytelling.

But those are small quibbles in a story that’s ultimately heartfelt, beautifully written, and genuinely moving. The ending is bittersweet, the message is hopeful, and the journey is one you won’t regret taking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a paranormal love story with historical soul, Stones River delivers. It’s a tender, sometimes tearful tale of connection across time—one that stays with you long after the final page.

Highly recommended for fans of:

• Civil War fiction

• Paranormal romance

• Love stories with emotional depth

• Dual-timeline or ghostly historical fiction

  
  

Whether you're a history buff or a hopeless romantic (or both!), Stones River has something to offer. M.F. Jones is a name to watch, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she writes next.

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