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| Return to Shirley Plantation |
Helping Hands Press, 2013
Reviewed by
Diana Flowers
~5 stars*****
Enthralling
Historical Fiction!
In Return to Shirley Plantation,
Carrie Fancett Pagels has crafted an intriguing novella set during the most
tumultuous, heartbreaking time in America's history --- the Civil War...as
brother fought against brother and father against son.
Matthew Scott, the head of the
Theatrical Troupe in Ohio, is thrilled to be booked three months in
advance to entertain the northern troops. Much to his horror, however, he finds
himself conscripted by the Confederate army because of his father's political
leanings. Meanwhile on the battlefield Matthew is given a missive by
Lieutenant Carter to deliver to his family at Shirley
Plantation, Virginia, which the Union army has turned into a field hospital...
and meets the lovely Angelina.
Angelina is one-eighth African
and a freed slave -- appearing to be white with lovely, flowing
tresses of gold and bronze -- and is a servant in the Carter household. However, she dresses herself in mourners'
apparel and pretends to be one of the Carter family at Shirley Plantation to
ward off unwanted advances from the Union soldiers. Matthew finds out some
shocking secrets concerning his own heritage and a seemingly futile, deep
attraction develops between the two of them. Can a field of love bloom amidst a
battlefield of hate?
Carrie Fancett Pagels is a fresh,
new voice in Christian historical fiction and one to definitely keep our
eyes on! I am amazed that this is her debut novel...so impeccable is her
research and close attention to detail, her characters realistic and fleshed
out, and her storyline full of excitement and depth! This is definitely one
that will keep the reader turning those pages until the satisfying conclusion. Nicely done, Ms Pagels!
This book is currently available through Amazon.com.
This book is currently available through Amazon.com.
Great review Diana! I agree, it kept me turning the pages, or rather scrolling the pages. I can definitely see more publications in Carrie's future.
ReplyDeleteThank you, DEBBIE! And I agree with you, this is just the beginning for CARRIE!
DeleteThanks, Debbie, I pray you are right!!!
DeleteOh dear! Now, I need to find time to finish my current book, so I can bump this book up to the top of my TBR list-especially now, that I know, you my dear (& your loving husband, Paul) make an appearance in this book! Unfortunately, I have the 2nd part of a ticket to be used in Milan today and a bit mor Fri. AM, so I doubt, if I will get much reading time in until probably after the weekend--I'm so impatient! LOL Maybe, I need to add some extra weight to my walking today, and carry my Kindle with me, so I can sneak in a bit of reading through-out my day...
ReplyDeleteFYI--again, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and Paul--I hope you two are able to do something extra fun (like come see me in Italy? LOL) to celebrate this big day!
VICKI, don't I wish!! The closest I will ever get to Italy is to become a character in someone else's book. lol I was shocked when I happened onto Paul and Diana Flowers in Return to Shirley Plantation, but I liked 'em! ;) Hope you get some reading time in sooner than expected and have a very safe trip!
DeleteDIANA, I just love your reviews and your way with words!! 'Can a field of love bloom amidst a battlefield of hate?' Pure poetry! :) You're so right about the impeccable research and attention to detail that Carrie put into this book - I've learnt so much more about the Civil War from just reading this wonderful story. Truly fascinating! Looking forward to reading more of Carrie's work!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe TERESA helped me out with that line? lol Nah, but it just popped in my mind and I struggled with it...does it sound corny or not? Because nothing about this book was anything but sheer reading pleasure! Thank you, NOELA, I love your reviews as well!
DeleteNope, it doesn't sound corny one little bit and was a perfect way to sum up that part! I was actually going to ask if TERESA the poetess gave you that line lol!! Wish lines like that would pop into my head, I could do with a good one for the one I'm writing now! Maybe I'll ask Teresa.. ;)
DeleteLOL, NOELA! Those poetic lines don't have a habit of popping up in my head either. I prayed and asked God to help me and He is the Master poet!
DeleteI am so glad you learned more from this book and so glad you enjoyed my novella, NOELA--is that poetic, they rhymed!!
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ReplyDeleteDiana, this review is great! I am so happy for Carrie. It must be very exciting, and it's a great accomplishment. I just wish everything(or so many) are coming out in e-books now instead of print. Oh, well, one day I will read it. I enjoyed listening to her on the radio video. Thanks! Maxie
MAXIE, thank you, dear lady! It will be out in paperback, I'm just not certain when. But we'll try to be sure and let you know when that happens. Wasn't that radio show great? Did Carrie sound like you thought she would? haha
DeleteThat was fun having you pop in at the end, too, MAXIE!!!
DeleteAwesome review, Diana! I also need to write my review down. I hope many more people will enjoy Carrie's wonderful story!
ReplyDeleteMe, too, MARIAN! I hope she sells lots and lots of copies. You make a great party planner and decorator, MARIAN. One of your many talents -- can't wait to read your review!
DeleteMarian the Party Planner. I didn't know I had it in me.
DeleteI also can't wait to read my review - lol, but I first need to get my work for Kok done.
MARIAN, you are so cute and funny. What are we gonna do with you? Keep you I guess! haha I hope your KOK book is good and not boring...happy reading!
DeleteI hope so, too, MARIAN. Thanks SO much for this awesome Pink week. I know you all worked hard on it but I also know Marian did a lot of the web stuff for the party, which was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteIt was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much, MARIAN!
DeleteDIANA, Thanks so much for your review! I really appreciate it! Your faith in my work keeps me going! In fact, I better get over there and write a little while Clark is watching tv! Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteYW, CARRIE! Keep writing, gf! I really loved this story---we all did.
DeleteDiana, this is such a great review of what sounds like a wonderful novella. It is on my TBR list, but I think after reading your review that I might move it up a couple of notches! Thanks to all who've participated in this wonderful Pink Party and the reviews of the stories. I'm so excited to be a small part of it.
ReplyDeleteI love historical fiction, so I'm eager to start reading Carrie's novella. Hugs...Joy Ross Davis
JOY, thank you so much for stopping by! You are such an encourager and a whole lotta fun! Thank you also for helping to make CARRIE'S PINK PARTY such a success!
DeleteDIANA good job on this review even if I can't take the credit for that line! LOL Maybe next time! :) CARRIE I am tickled PINK (lol) about your book! What a great week it has been!! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, T! I may need your advice next time since NOELA liked that poetic line so much! JK! ;) Yes, this has been such a great week, and I'm so thankful for my OWG sisters AND all of our viewers who helped make it sooo special! And it isn't over yet!!!!
DeleteThis is a great review! Now I really want to read Carrie's book!
ReplyDeletepmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Thank you so much, PAM! CARRIE outdid herself on this one!
DeleteBeautiful review, Diana! I'm looking forward to reading a lot more of Carrie's work! She has a beautiful style, and knowledge to back her up. Loved the book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancee! I have read several of Carrie's MSs and I know we will be hearing alot more about her books being published in the near future!
DeleteCarrie is one of the sweetest people I've come to know in the writing world! I'm so thrilled with her wonderful achievements. I've swapped chapters with her and know she's going to shine as a writer.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I'm your biggest Aussie fan! Congratulations, dear friend. xx
You and NOELA both, DOROTHY! lol Thank you for coming by to encourage CARRIE. She IS sweet and I'm so proud to be counted as one of her best buds!
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