In the shadow of a grieving nation, two broken souls are bound by duty, drawn together by circumstance, and tested by a love neither expected.

Washington, D.C., 1921. As America prepares to honor the first Unknown Soldier, Elsie St. Clair longs for freedom from her father's cruel control and the chance to build a life of her own. Instead, she is forced into the spotlight of the upcoming ceremonies when she's chosen to serve as companion to Gunnery Sergeant Phillip Pierce -- a decorated Marine tasked with bearing the Unknown Soldier to his final rest.

Phillip is a war hero, but the medals pinned to his chest weigh heavy with loss and unspoken pain. To Elsie, his quiet strength and battle-hardened scars stir a hope she thought long dead: the hope of being truly seen and loved. Yet danger shadows their every step -- from subtle whispers in the capital to the schemes of a jealous rival determined to come between them.

When Phillip offers Elsie a marriage of convenience, it seems a practical way to shield her from harm and keep his own heart untouched. But as they raise her orphaned nephew together, friendship blossoms into a tender bond neither can deny. Still, secrets from the past threaten to shatter the fragile peace they've found, forcing them to decide if they will cling to silence -- or risk everything for the kind of love that bears all things.


"With rich historical details, a romance that is hard-won and beautiful, and unexpected twists, Tabers has penned a debut novel that will leave you sitting not only in awe of her story-telling, but also in awe of the brave soldiers her story represents. Their Burden to Bear will leave you with a new and profound reverence for and understanding of the men who are represented by the Unkown Soldier and the men who served along those who never made it home and still remain unknown. This story will leave an indelible mark on you, and you don't want to miss it."

-Crystal Caudill, Christy Award-winning author and author of Written in Secret

"Set against the turbulent aftermath of the Great War, Their Burden to Bear will grip the reader from the first page with its masterful mix of blackmail, betrayal, and fragile family loyalties. At its heart lies a marriage of convenience that blossoms into something far deeper, as two wounded souls discover the healing power of love and the strength found in bearing one another's burdens. Fans of richly layered historical drama and redemptive romance won't want to miss Heather Tabers' riveting debut."

-Kelly J. Goshorn, best-selling author of The Undercover Heiress of Brockton

"A sweetly protective Marine hero with secrets, an endearingly loquacious heroine with a heart of gold, an unexpected match, swoonilicious kisses, a cruel villain, a heartfelt message of God's love and provision, and an inspiring slice of history -- Their Burden to Bear offers all of this and more! From the very first word, I was fully immersed in Phillip and Elsie's story -- and not just for the kisses (though I'm still delightedly fanning myself from some of those!). Heather Tabers also brings to vivid life the origin of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, touching me deeply with the honor of its history and the depth of human emotion. A beautifully crafted debut novel that I wholeheartedly recommend!"

-Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org

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• RomanceHistorical Romance20th Century
• Literature & FictionHistorical FictionHistorical

• Publication Date: October 21, 2025
• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 426 Pages
• File Size: 17 KB