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18 February 2016

Diana's Review Of 'The Steeplechase' By Carrie Fancett Pagels


Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~

(No spoilers!)

                    Heart"racing" Historical Romance!

With a sweep of her pen, er quill rather, author Carrie Fancett Pagels has written an intriguing story of our country's history leading up to the war of 1812. Excitement and romance are in the air as Americans celebrate their freedom from British rule and signs of a new nation being rebuilt are everywhere. However, under the guise of gaiety, parties, frippery, and trips to the theater—emerges an underlying fear—as rumors of another war and spies are whispered about, and young Americans are being kidnapped to fight for the British navy.

Martha Osborne of Virginia is terribly concerned for her six-year-old brother, Johnny, who has been sent off to boarding school while her stepmother continually travels back and forth to her homeland of England. Her one desire is to somehow earn enough money to retrieve her brother from school and put a deposit on the livery and cottage she hopes to run. Oh, to be out from under her stepmother's berating tongue and to be able to ride her horse to her heart's content. Praying for God to send her an angel, it appears her prayers have been answered as the handsome Phillip Paulson—equestrian trainer at Yorkview Academy and premier horseman in all of Virginia—enters her life. But can he be trusted during these unsettling times—or for that matter can anyone? An expert rider, Martha decides to enter the race to the steeple in lieu of her brother, Christopher, as the prize money will be enough to accomplish her goals. She enters into a bet with Phillip, but as danger begins to nip at her heels will the price be too high to pay?

Carrie Fancett Pagels has written an outstanding, detailed story that is so jam-packed it reads like a full length novel. Action, intrigue, spies, breathtaking romance—it's all in there! I found the concept of the steeplechase in historical times fascinating, and wasn't aware there were no rules and that maps were actually drawn out beforehand to aid in a swift race to the church steeple! Ms. Pagels descriptive imagery of the countryside, opulent plantations, and the sights and scents of the busy malodorous docks, all lend to the exhilarating aura of colonial Virginia! With some surprises and as many twists and turns as a steeplechase map...be sure to order your copy of one of my fave novellas today!

Will Phillip beat Martha to the steeple!?
The answer may surprise you!

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This novel may be purchased through Amazon.


GIVEAWAY: I will be giving away two ebook copies to two blessed commenters to celebrate Carrie Fancett Pagels' new release! *International entrants welcome!* To be eligible be sure to leave an email address for contact purposes written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers.


40 comments:

  1. This looks like a great story. I live in Virginia and love to read stories with a Virginia setting. :-)

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    1. Melissa at ahenderson312(at)gmail(dot)com

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    2. Hi, MELISSA! I have never been to VA except through Carrie's books and tv movies, but it is such a beautiful state! Thank you for coming by!

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    3. I hope you read and enjoy the story, Melissa!

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  2. Enjoyed your review Diana. I was born in Roanoke, VA and love reading stories about Virginia, especially colonial Virginia (anything colonial really). Agree, there is a lot going on in this novella, much like a full length novel.

    I am not entering the contest as I have read it and have a copy. Congratulations Carrie!!

    blessings,Tina

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    1. TINA, thank you for coming by and showing your support of Carrie's new novella! There seemed to be a lot of book settings long ago in Roanoke -- not so much anymore. VA is a beautiful state!

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  3. Hi Diana. I have never been to Virginia but I love living there vicariously through novels such as this. And it sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for a chance to win this book. spotts06(at)comcast(dot)net.

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    1. I really enjoyed it, STELLA. I'm not a novella reader per se, but this one is by far in the top 3 of the best I have ever read!

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  4. Great review. This sounds like a true winner. Would love a copy!!!!!

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    1. I would love to be able to gift you a copy, ROBIN!! Thank you!

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  5. oops, forgot email. rebunting(@)yahoo(dot)com :-)

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    1. Thx for coming back, Robin! I don't want you to miss out on the drawing!!

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  6. Diana, Thanks for the beautiful review! You really nailed the heart of the story, I love that! Big hugs Angel Girl!

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    1. You're welcome, CARRIE! I really loved this novella, and you did such a grand job of describing colonial VA! Big hugs back your way!

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    2. It's almost worth the blood, sweat, and tears of writing a book to get such an amazing review from you, Diana! Hugs!

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    3. Awww...thanks, CARRIE. You're the sweetest! Hugs back!

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  7. Really enjoy historical fiction. Great review, definitely adding to my TBR list.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I just loved the aura of excitement leading up to the steeplechase, DIANNE! Thanks so much and lotsa luck in the drawing.

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    2. I hope you will read and enjoy, Dianne! If you like Early American or even Regency you may enjoy this tale of romance and espionage!

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  8. CARRIE is cranking out the books! No wonder she is sick. ;) Anyway, another fab review, DIANA!!! Love the cover on this book. {{hugs}}
    Don't enter me because I get a PB later on.

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    1. Thanks, ANNE!! It's a wonderful cover to match an equally wonderful story. One of my favorites of all Carrie's books! :) {{hugs back!}}

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  9. Wonderful review, Diana. I enjoyed this story very much and am looking forward to reading it again when I get a PB.

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    1. Thanks so much, Betti! I'm sure Carrie will be pleased by your comment!

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    2. Paperbacks should be out within a week or so, Betti! Thanks for being such a great beta reader for this tale! Hugs!

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  10. Beautiful review Diana! I loved this story!!!!

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, CARYL! I certainly did as well!

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    2. Thanks, Caryl! Your pink posts and Beta reads are such encouragements to me! Hugs!

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  11. A great review thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  12. Awesome review DIANA!! Loved all the clever puns too. ;) Carrie... I am SO looking forward to reading your story!! Congrats!

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    1. Thank you, my dear cohort! Not sure why all the puns with this one and where they came from; I'm usually not good at those. lol You'll enjoy it, NOELA!

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    2. You two angels are so punny!!! Haha! Love you both!

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    3. Now that was too punny, CARRIE. hehehe Love you back!

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    1. And nice KIM! :) Thank you and good luck in the drawing!

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    2. Cynthia Hickey designed the cover for Forget-Me-Not Press, Kim! Thanks for coming by!

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  14. Sounds like another wonderful Carrie book! I also am impressed with how many books she is pumping out so quickly! Great job Carrie. I would love a copy of this book! And you know where to find me. ;-)
    Vicki

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    1. It is, VICKI! Carrie does seem to write them quickly, doesn't she?! I don't have that vivid of an imagination. BTW I'm not always sure where in the world you are! Lol

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    2. My schedule will be slowing down dramatically very soon, Vicki! Only God could have gotten me through all this writing! My upcoming release, "Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter," a full length novel, was actually written about 5+ years ago and got an editing overhaul for White Rose/Pelican but it had already been written. And my upcoming release with Forget Me Not Press was also written a few years ago, so that helps!

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  15. Congrats to Melissa Henderson and Dianne Casey for winning an ecopy of The Steeplechase!! I'll be emailing you!

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