Review: Love and War (Alex and Eliza #2)

Title: Love and War (Alex and Eliza #2)
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: April 17, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

1780. Albany, New York. 

As the war for American Independence carries on, two newlyweds are settling into their new adventure: marriage. But the honeymoon’s over, and Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler are learning firsthand just how tricky wedded life can be. Alex is still General George Washington’s right-hand man and his attention these days is nothing if not divided–much like the colonies’ interests as the end of the Revolution draws near. Alex & Eliza’s relationship is tested further by lingering jealousies and family drama. 

Review:

1780: Newlyweds Alexander and Eliza Hamilton are settling into their new life. They haven’t been able to settle into their own home yet because of Alex’s unstable job and traveling around. He has been General Washington’s right hand man, but he’s ready to take a bigger role for himself. While Alex decides to take some chances with his job, Eliza has to deal with family drama at home.

Though this story takes place almost 250 years ago, there were some timely aspects of it. America is still fighting in the Revolutionary War in the story. Alex has ideas about how America should be governed after the war. He believes the states should be united, using the same currency and laws. This theme of unity is prevalent today in the President Joe Biden’s plans for his presidency. There was a quote from Eliza at the end of the book which is so relevant today: “[The United States of America] is a shared space and a shared vision, and only when we learn that our different points of view give us a special strength will we tap into the full potential of our unique, united sensibilities.” Our differences make the world special, and they shouldn’t divide us.

I learned a lot about American history in this story. I didn’t know the details about how the country was formed during the Revolutionary War. I also found it fascinating how these historical problems, like the division between two groups of people, are still so relevant today.

This is a beautiful historical series!

What to read next:

Other books in the series:

• Alex and Eliza
• All for One

Have you read Love and War? What did you think of it?