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10 Year Anniverary & New Releases Winners: Carrie Fancett Pagels' Butterfly Cottage - Melanie B, Dogwood Plantation - Patty H R, Janet Grunst's winner is Connie S., Denise Weimer's Winner is Kay M., Naomi Musch's winner is Chappy Debbie, Angela Couch - Kathleen Maher, Pegg Thomas Beverly D. M. & Gracie Y., Christy Distler - Kailey B., Shannon McNear - Marilyn R.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Reviews/Endorsements by MaryLu Tyndall and Lisa Norato of "Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance" by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Review of Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance
Short novella by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Five Stars *****
 I was hooked by the first line with the beautiful writing.  The story itself quickly reeled me in with the conflicts of its two, endearing, main characters.  Carrie makes history come alive with her words and brings her southern setting to life so that I felt I was right there on a gorgeous Virginia plantation in the midst of the Civil War.

It is 1862 and thespian Matthew Scott is abducted from Ohio and the theater troupe he manages.  He is conscripted against his will into serving with the Confederate army because of his father’s political leanings.  He is not a soldier and feels lost and out of place as he follows the troops to Shirley Plantation in Virginia.  There he meets the lovely Angelina Rose and begins to feel some hope and the stirrings of love. 

With her fair skin, Matt does not know Angie is a freed slave of mixed race.  She was given an opportunity to leave the south and start a new life for herself, but she did not take it because she has been working as a seamstress to earn the freedom of her deceased sister’s illegitimate twins.  Matt knows nothing of this.  He only knows that he is falling in love with a mysterious woman, and there is something very suspicious about his father’s claims of having no family.
A lot of story is packed into this beautiful, redemptive novella.  It was a pure joy to read and reminded me of why I love reading historical romance novels!
Lisa Norato, author of Prize of My Heart and Where Eagles Fly.

Lisa Norato

Fabulous Debut Novella!


Five stars *****

This review is from: Murray Pura's Cry of Freedom - Volume 1 - Return To Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance by Carrie Fancett Pagels

What can I say that all the other reviewers haven't already (on Amazon reviews) stated? This short novella was a pure joy to read. Without going into the details of the story, which so many have done here (on Amazon), let me just say that I found myself completely enamored with the story, the characters, the secrets and mystery, the endearing love and the history!

The author's exquisite attention to historical detail will make this a delight for all historical fiction readers. The romance will draw in those of us who are die-hard romantics, and the suspense will keep the rest of you itching to turn the page.

All in all, a well written, fascinating look into life on the Shirley Plantation in Virginia during one of the worst times our country has experienced. Despite the horrors of war, you'll come away feeling satisfied and hopeful and longing for more.

Reviewed By MaryLuTyndall, Best-selling author of Veil of Pearls


MaryLu Tyndall


 You can also read Teresa Mathews' (click here) and Diana L. Flowers' (click here) reviews on Overcoming with God.

CQ Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a Kindle copy of the book plus a pack of note cards from Shirley Plantation and assorted post cards from Shirley.

28 comments:

  1. I want to thank Lisa and MaryLu for their reviews/endorsements of my debut novella! Seems rather unreal to think I am posting reviews about my own work!!! Blessings!

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  2. Awesome reviews, MaryLu and Lisa! I love reading authors' perspectives on Carrie's novella...same as mine only with much prettier words! lol

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    1. Your reviews are lovely, too, Diana! Thanks for yours and the link is up there, too! Hugs!

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  3. MARYLU and LISA thank you for the splendid reviews and endorsements. CARRIE we are so glad you are finally having your time in the spotlight! Well Deserved!

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    1. Thanks, Teresa! I am glad to have this novella out and I pray I will start finding the readers who will like my work and want to read more! Hugs!!!

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  4. I think that all of the reviews are great and totally accurate! Congrats again Carrie, so happy for you!

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    1. Happy Birthday! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

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    2. Thanks so much, Debbie, and thanks again for giving me my very first review of my debut book! There will be something pink coming to you in the very near future! Hugs!

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    3. Wow, anticipation! Did you see that I featured your book on my blog? Here is the link:
      http://redemptiondrawsnear.blogspot.com/

      Hugs!

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  5. Congrats once again Carrie.

    What great endorsements from two talented authors!

    arieljo12(at)hotmail.com

    Blessings
    Janella

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  6. I love prize presents! Congratulations and love your fun parties! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. We love having you here, KATHLEEN! Thanks n blessings!

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  7. Great review, Lisa and MaryLu. Congratulations again, Carrie, for the interest in and success of your new novella. May this open doors to many more of your stories.

    Blessings,
    Janet

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    1. Thanks so much Janet, and I pray you are heard by God! Thanks for being my friend! Hugs!

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  8. Carrie, your novella was a joy to read and a pleasure to review. Congratulations on writing such a wonderful story! I can't wait to read more from you. Happy Birthday to your precious son! And Happy Birthday to you, Debbie! I hope everyone has a great weekend.

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    1. LISA, I am so glad you enjoyed it and were willing to endorse "Return to Shirley Plantation" for me! Have a super weekend yourself! Hugs!!!

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    2. Thank you Lisa! I had a very nice quiet birthday! :)

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  9. I am always looking for new authors to read. This book sounds really good.
    JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Well, you've found the right person--this is my debut fiction release, JOYE!!! Thanks!

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    1. Wonder when I will see yours, Marian ;) Thanks for coming by!

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  11. Wow, Carrie!!! Congratulations on such a stellar debut!

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    1. CONNIE, I was so blessed to have Julian Charity give me the Civil War historical background and Kathy Maher also assist me in keeping my facts straight. I dedicated this novella to them. Thanks for your kind words!

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    2. Per random.org you are the winner of a pack of notecards from Shirley Plantation, Connie! Congrats!

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  12. These are terrific reviews! So well deserved, too. :) Congrats, Carrie. I am tickled pink for you! heehee

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  13. Thank you for the review ladies! I just ordered my copy, Carrie, and look forward to settling by the fire tonight and reading Return to Shirley Plantation! Congratulations on your debut!

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