Review of Carrie Fancett Pagels' debut novella Return to Shirley Plantation by Noela Nancarrow

Return to Shirley Plantation

Return to Shirley Plantation

Cry of Freedom – Volume 1

By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Helping Hands Press, 2013

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 stars~*****

A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph

It is 1862 and the Civil war is raging. The Carter family and others at Shirley Plantation in Virginia are already fearful knowing the armies are moving in their direction. It is a time of great unrest and angst with reports reaching them of numerous fierce battles and a voluminous number of deaths. The troubling knowledge that loved ones are fighting in this brutal conflict and may never come home is an added cause of distress for this family.

Angelina Rose, a seamstress who was a former slave and is one-eighth African, is staying at the Old House on the plantation with her sister’s orphaned children who were not yet freed. When one day she hears the sound of marching men and looks out the window, she is chilled to see the expansive lawns covered with hundreds of Union soldiers pitching tents and laying bedrolls. The army had taken over Shirley Plantation as a field hospital and the sounds of unearthly moans and groans of rows and rows of injured soldiers filled her ears.  What will all this mean to this beautiful young woman? Could she possibly get safe passage back with the Union soldiers for her and the children? And will she be safe in the meantime having to help take care of these soldiers?

Matthew Scott was the owner of the Theatrical Troupe in Ohio and was elated that his company had just been booked for the next three months, when he was effectively taken and conscripted by the Confederate army as he exited the building. He finds himself on the battlefield and experiencing what he could only describe as hell. He falls when wounded with the thundering noises of war reverberating around him as he passes out. Matthew is then found and taken by the Union army with other wounded to Shirley Plantation.

While Angelina tends to the needs and wounds of the soldier’s, Matthew and Angelina are drawn to one another. However, she is a woman with secrets and is masquerading as a widow in mourning and guarding closely the secret of her heritage. Will Matthew and the army be a means of freedom for her and the children? And will he understand when he discovers her deception?

Matthew, having been forced to fight for the Confederates, and with his father being a Copperhead, is still at risk along with Angelina. Can they ever find freedom and safety?

This is a fascinating and intricately woven story. It is hugely satisfying to see the pieces fit together with the mysteries and circumstances surrounding both Matthew and Angelina.

Return to Shirley Plantation is steeped in history and written with such authenticity, it truly is a step back in time to a place that is synonymous with much tragedy, but also one that represents many stories of faith, romance, hope and triumph in the face of the horrors of war. This story also conveys the pivotal message of listening to and obeying God.

As Carrie Fancett Pagels' debut novel, this is a commanding and brilliant story! Well done Carrie!

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