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| The Steeplechase by Carrie Fancett Pagels |
The Steeplechase (Forget Me Not Romances, February 2016)
By Carrie Fancett Pagels
Blurb: Martha Osborne fears for her six-year-old brother, who was shuffled off to boarding school when his British mother departed to England. Set in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in the build-up to the War of 1812, expert rider Martha plans to substitute for her older brother in a “race to the steeple” to win the prize—and a bet with Phillip Paulson, equestrian trainer at Yorkview Academy, to help have her little brother returned home. When Phillip stumbles upon the real reasons behind the secret race he finds he may not be able to keep his end of the bargain. Can he save Martha and her brother? And will his heart be lost in the process?
Five Stars *****
Are the British Returning?
Review by Betti Mace
Fall 1810 – a beautiful season in Virginia. A wonderful time for a long carriage ride, or perhaps a race on horseback. The Commonwealth was still young, but thriving. Unfortunately there still were those who sympathized with the British. Martha Osborne found herself in such an awkward place. Since her mother had passed away, her father had remarried a British lady, who seemed to think spending time in England was preferred to being with her family, especially her young son, Johnny. Did this mean the Osborne family were British sympathizers?
How do a steeplechase, a horse breeder, an academy for boys and the militia figure into this wonderful story? Read on to discover all.
Giveaway: Three Kindle copies of The Steeplechase. Answer this question - Have you read any stories leading up to the War of 1812? Do you like Early American fiction?
I haven't read any books leading up to that time period, but I love early American books. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to find Regency romances, Marsha, but not Early American!
DeleteI haven't read any books leading up to that time period, but I love early American books. :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats, you won a copy, Marsha! Now to find your email address!
DeleteI haven't! And would love to!
ReplyDeleteI've seen a few but even in our Colonial Quills group we don't have a lot in this time frame.
DeleteI have read some and I loved the early era as I love historical fiction
ReplyDeletePam, if you come back, tell us what the books were. Also, please leave your email address in case you win! Blessings!
DeleteNo I haven't read any from that era, but I have enjoyed Civil War era novels.
ReplyDeleteTonja Saylor
I'm not so sure why this is a less popular time frame, Tonja. I have a Civil War book that has just re-released, too, "Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance."
DeleteThx so much for being our guest on OWG, BETTI, and for your great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Diana. I loved this story, and was happy to share, hoping others would be encouraged to read it :)
DeleteI'd like to read more in this time period and this story sounds interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read more in this time period and this story sounds interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb! this time for our country, was an exciting time in the build up of our country. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI really enjoy early American history, but I have not read or made a study of the period.
ReplyDeleteHey Phyllis, I used to have a subscription to Early American magazine and I need to renew that. It had great information in it! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteGreat review Betti!
ReplyDeleteI am not entering the contest but want to say Congratulations Carrie!
Blessings, Tina
Thanks Tina - it was such a treat to read 😀
DeleteThanks so much, Tina! Thank you for all your help, too! Blessings!
DeleteVery interesting review! I love the title and the cover and the whole book looks and sounds so enticing! No, I have not read books before 1812. I love Carrie's books because I always learn about history in a very interesting way. I would love, love, love to win this book. flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary Lou - it gave me some very interesting history of the time before the War of 1812.
DeleteBetti, great review! I love the historical time period best. So many awesome stories to read about the people who lived back then. I don't believe I've read any books leading up to the War of 1812, however I've read MaryLu Tyndall's "Surrender to Destiny" series, which takes place during the War of 1812. No need to enter me in the drawing. I'm here to support Carrie! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Angi. Historical fiction is such a lovely way to learn more history, without having to remember all those dates, like we did in school.....;)
DeleteWonderful review and post on Carrie's novella, BETTI!! Love having you as our guest!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Noela - I am very privileged to be a guest here on OWG!
DeleteI have not read a book leading to the War of 1812 lately. I do love early American History! I would love to win a copy of the book! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by, Brenda~ If you visit again would you please leave your email address so we can reach you, thanks!
DeleteI must say this story was just a treat to read, Carrie. It opened my eyes to a whole different way of considering that period of history.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Betti! You are such a blessing to me!
DeleteI have not read about the time before the War of 1812, what led up to it. Historical fiction is my very favorite genre. Thank you to authors for your research, so much greater than we might have learned in school. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a wonderful reader, reviewer, and blogger Half-Irish Kathleen!!! God bless and keep you!
DeleteThanks for your guest review of Carrie's beautiful novella, Betti!! Congrats, Carrie!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie. This was such a treat to read, I read it twice before I wrote my review :)
DeleteWhat a fantastic concept for a story! I can't wait to read it, Carrie.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Carla! Per random.org you are one of the winners!!! I hope you'll love it as much as I love your stories, Carla! Congrats again on getting on my 2015 list!
DeleteI believe this will be the first book I have read leading up to the War of 1812 if I am fortunate enough to win a copy. Thank you Betti and Carrie!
ReplyDeleteYou are in for a wonderful story, Melanie :)
DeleteCarrie, I really enjoyed this book. I can't think of any other books I've read that were written in this time frame. Perhaps, you could remedy this situation. I loved the history you shared in the story! (Not entering. Just stopping to say how much I like the book)!
ReplyDeleteNot a time period I have read a lot of. Sounds wonderful thank you.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Nope i have not read a book leading up to the war of 1812. Before or after. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteWell it is time for you to read this time frame in fiction, then, Kim! Blessings!
DeleteI can't recall reading a book set in this particular time frame, although I would love to read this one. I do enjoy Early American fiction. Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeletepwestfall7 at hotmail dot vom
Hey Pam! On the Colonial Quills blog, we include fiction up to about 1820 so it is really fun to finally have a book out that is in one of my favorite time frames! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteCongrats, Pam, you are also one of the winners, per random.org! Blessings!
DeleteI've read and enjoyed a lot of Early American Fiction, but I can't recall having read anything in the 1812 time period.
ReplyDeleteI love horses, so am looking forward to reading The Steeplechase!
lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au
I hope you will enjoy The Steeplechase, Lientjie. You didn't win here, but you did as one of my newsletter subscribers!
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