Will Matthew’s return to Shirley Plantation settle a mystery concerning his father’s past? And help Matthew find the family he longs for?
Matthew is torn from his theatrical troupe and forced to fight. Angelina gave up a new beginning for the sake of those who need her most. Both have encountered hardship, but now they face an even greater conflict–the Civil War.
I really liked this view into a time that is easy to pass over with a shake of the head. Pagels provides an intriguing look into a Southern home where all is not as it seems and facades are precious. I enjoyed the fact that Matthew and Angelina are sweet with each other from the beginning (seems like the trend in historical fiction is a hero and heroine who start out annoyed with each other…though that can be hilarious to read, it was nice to read this adorable couple’s interchanges and see them being nice!).
I also liked the level of intrigue the author supported from the beginning. Secrets are everywhere! A mystery is unraveled in the end–and a twister I did not see coming certainly threw me for quite the loop!
Because there was a bit of intrigue going on in the background, I was confused at a couple key passages. Also, the abundance of characters was a bit much for my taste for the length of this story. However, everything balanced out in the end, and I really enjoyed this book!
Looking for a dip into American history? With fine writing? And characters whose hearts prove stronger than their struggles? Check out Carrie Fancett Pagels fiction debut, Return to Shirley Plantation.
About the Author
Carrie Fancett Pagels writes “romantic historical fiction.” Her short story “Snowed In: A Northwoods Christmas” will be published in the fall of 2013 as part of Guidepost Books’ “A Cup of Christmas Cheer” collection. Carrie also contributed to “God’s Provision in Tough Times,” by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy releasing July 2013. Previously a psychologist for twenty five years, Carrie lives in Virginia with her family. She loves God, history, and romance!
Find Carrie on Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Goodreads
Disclosure: The author sent me this book to review. This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Oh, and to answer the question, I was in Houston once for a Bible Quiz Tournament, we spent most of the time hanging out at Wal-Mart lol!
Sounds like a great book, Carrie! Congratulations, and the very best of success to you!
DEANNA, I pulled my submission back because I sent one of the MSes to a publisher requiring exclusivity while they considered it. And that allowed me then, PTL, to use the Civil War story in that three book proposal when Murray was looking for participants! I think this story was meant to be a novella rather than a full length novel. Thanks, Deanna!
CARRIE, you are welcome. They sure don't know what they missed when they pulled your book.
Bonnie, My mom's and dad's families were from eastern Kentucky and moved north to MI. later.
I live in Ky., love the charm of the south, & love Civil War stories!<br /><br />Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!<br /><br />[email protected]
SIERRA, I t is about an hour and a quarter drive out to Shirley Plantation from where I live in VA. All around us in the historic triangle there are Civil War sites. I have mine at Shirley because I love the place and have had so much support from them and I was so inspired by the story of the charity of the Shirley women. Hot here today!!!
I live in Georgia, y'all! ^.^
DEANNA, Thanks so much!!! You are such a sweetheart! This was supposed to be full length and got pulled from a 3-book proposal. Great to see you here!!!
I actually do live in the south and there is nearby town where a civil war battle was fought…not wait it was Revolutionary :P Anyway there is definitely a lot history about the civil war down here! Thanks for the giveaway, it sounds like an interesting book!
I already have a copy of this book. I just stopped by to say that I loved it and as I already told Carrie in a personal email that I didn't want the story to end and I thought it would be great as a full length novel. I have only read the first two in the series and I think Carrie's is the best!