Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels and Bachelor Buttons by Kathleen Maher

This book was given to me in exchange for a fair and  honest review.

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance
Cry of Freedom Volume 1
By Carrie Fancett Pagels
Ebook
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars








Summary: Abducted against his will, Matthew Scott is conscripted into the Confederate army because of his Copperhead father's political leanings. Injured at Malvern Hill, Matthew is taking by the Union Army to Shirley Plantation in Virginia where he is tended by seamstress Angelina Rose, a freed slave. Given an opportunity to leave the South and start a new life for herself, Angelina remained for the sake of her sister's orphaned twins who are still enslaved. Will Matthew's return to Shirley Plantation settle a mystery concerning his father's past? And help Matthew find the family he longs for.

Review: I have to say if you are a Civil War history buff as I am and you enjoy reading historical fiction then I suggest picking to short novella and giving it a try. Carrie did a very good job of creating characters that come to life on these pages. The added factors of suspense and drama with the historical aspect of this book made me not want to put it down, then there is a hint of romance in the book that I took as another little bonus. This book has it all.  What Angelina did was not only dangerous but brave, I am not sure I could have done that. I think Angelina was a very strong person and I liked how Matthew had an attraction to her.  I give this book a high recommendation to all, and be sure to have the next installment in this series ready to read.

About the author: Carrie writes "romantic" historical fiction and is represented by Joyce Hart. She lives in Virginia with her husband of twenty-five years and their son. An adult daughter lives nearby.Carrie writes “romantic” historical fiction and is represented by Joyce Hart. She lives in Virginia with her husband of twenty-five years and their son. An adult daughter lives nearby. To learn more about Carrie visit her website: HERE

This book was given to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Bachelor Buttons: A Civil War Romance
Cry of Freedom Volume 3
By: Kathleen L. Maher
Ebook
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars






Summary: The daughter of immigrants who fled the Irish Potato Famine, Rose Meehan longs for a better life that the tenements of New York City. Courted by two men -- a young doctor who represents material security, and a poor violin instruction who has captured her heart -- she must choose between a life of advantage-grabbing or a life of faith. When Manhattan explodes in mob rule following Lincoln's unpopular draft, the heroic action of one suitor brings provision for those she loves, and reveals God's plan.

Review: This is another great installment in the Cry of Freedom series. I do not have volume 2 at this time but I am going to have to go back and get it. There is a lot packed into this little novella - you have romance, history, suspense and action - what more can a reader as for. I enjoyed and liked how the author used her own family history to model this novella around. I could only wish my family history has such rich stories in it. I found this installment read just as quickly as the first on I read and again I want more. Kathleen did such a good job of writing this short story it could easily be turned in a full length book. Poor Rose must choose between two men who are both wanting her attention, which bachelor does she choose, well you must read the story to find out, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended book. 

About the author: Kathleen L. Maher is a 21st Century gal with an old soul. Her debut historical novella Bachelor Buttons came out through Helping Hands Press in 2013 and incorporates both her Irish heritage and love of Civil War history. She won the Genesis Contest for unpublished writers, historidal category, in 2012. An active member of American Christian Fictions Writers since 2008, Kathleen created Civil War HIStory yahoo group for CBA writers. She also co-founded CROWN Fiction Marketing Network.
Kathleen contributes to several writing and history blogs and enjoys reviewing new releases. Kathleen and her husband live in an old country farmhouse with their three children, two rescued Newfoundland dogs, and a tuxedo cat.