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

The Steeplechase By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Forget Me Not Romances, Feb. 2016

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.