Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance Book Review by Tina Rice

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance, 2nd Edition (Hearts Overcoming Press, January 2016) by Carrie Fancett Pagels. Under new cover beautifully designed by Roseanna White. 

Blurb: Abducted against his will, theater manager Matthew Scott is conscripted into the Confederate army because of his Copperhead senator father’s political leanings. Injured at Malvern Hill, Matthew is taken by the Union army to Shirley Plantation in Virginia where he is tended by seamstress Angelina Rose, a freed slave. Given an opportunity to leave the South and start a new life for herself, Angelina remained for the sake of her sister’s orphaned twins who are still enslaved. Matthew must use his acting skills to remain safe. Will his return to Shirley Plantation settle a mystery concerning his father’s past? And will Matthew find the family he longs for?

Shirley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia

Five Stars *****

Review by Tina Rice

Matthew Scott heads a very successful theatrical group in Ohio and has no plans in joining the war on either side. However, because of his father's political ties, he is conscripted to fight in the Confederate Army. During a battle he is wounded and taken to the Shirley Plantation along with other wounded soldiers where the Army has set up a field hospital.

Angelina Rose is a freed slave and is a servant at the Plantation. However, things change quickly when the Army takes over the Plantation making it a field hospital. Angelina is disguised in a black mourning dress as the widow of a Carter relative. Since she is 1/8 African and is light skinned, she easily passes as a family member. She has a job lined up as a seamstress but would not leave her niece and nephew behind who are still slaves. Besides, God has impressed on her to wait.

While helping the wounded Angelina meets a handsome soldier, Matthew and is drawn to him. But will he still be interested in her when he learns of her heritage? What secrets will Matthew learn about his own heritage and how will that affect his life? Can Matthew and Angelina trust God to guide them and will their growing love survive the many secrets as they are revealed? What does the future hold for them?

I love books about the south and the Civil War time period, not about the war but the history, people and the relationships. This book is full of history of that time as well as the struggles of the soldiers and the families left home waiting for their return. As a nurse the field hospital and medical practices of the 1800's is fascinating. I enjoyed reading about the characters, their struggles, triumphs and faith-how they sought God in their decisions, small or large. The story ended too soon for me, would have liked to read more of their story.

Bio: Tina Rice is a newer member of Colonial Quills. She is a reader/reviewer who loves Christian fiction and colonial times. Tina lives with her family in Maryland.

Giveaway of a paperback or ebook copy (USA only for paperback): Answer this question: How many books have you read where the heroine was a former slave?