The Problem of Slavery

"Overboard," courtesy of the Bristol Radical History Group

Slavery. Just the word makes us cringe. Moderns very nearly lose their minds in the simplest of discussions over the subject, because of recent resurgence of racial tensions in our country. But for any student of colonial history—really, of any history at all—it’s absolutely unavoidable.

The first thing that comes to mind in relation to slavery is, of course, the American Civil War. I’m currently neck-deep in writing a story set right in the middle of the Civil War—which is still somewhat of a shock to me, since colonial America is still my favorite—but this means I’m having to grapple with the issue of slavery as never before. In considering how it relates to the colonial era, and all the problems we moderns tend to have even in merely discussing it, I’ve made some interesting observations about this terrible fixture of history.

To begin with, like many other aspects of history, slavery isn’t always taught in schools with the best of accuracy. Some are even under the impression that slavery actually originated with the European “invasion” of America. Well, not so. Slavery—the practice of forcibly taking and keeping human beings for profit, subjugation, or sacrifice—has been around nearly as long as humans themselves. The exact nature of slavery, or the purposes behind it, might have varied, but the practice most definitely did not start here in our country, or even with Europeans. Almost every major civilization practiced slavery of some kind of another, from the Romans to the Greeks and all the way back to the Egyptians and beyond, and then forward to our time, perpetrated as human trafficking or an act of war by extremist groups such as ISIS or Boko Haram.

Another problem of discussing such awful realities is a moral one, because we never want to appear that we’re condoning or justifying slavery in any form, but as historians we are obligated to acknowledge it as a very real cultural and societal force.

It was a strongly defining force in American history, for sure, as it was for many other nations. The case could be made that chattel slavery, the term simply used to refer to treating people as property, was first introduced to the Americas by Europeans, but slavery in various forms was certainly not a new thing to the native populations.

Christian slaves in Algiers, 1706

Slavery did, however, mean different things to different peoples. We tend to think of it in terms of permanence, with no way of escape or recourse in case of wrong, as was mostly the case of the American colonies (and later, specifically the South). But as I mentioned in previous posts, native customs of taking captives fell mostly into one of two categories: one, for vengeance, where many of these were killed as sacrifices, or two, in bereavement, where captives were adopted in place of deceased family members. It’s well documented, however, that both blacks and natives did practice chattel slavery, and at least one article discusses how many wealthy Cherokee took their black slaves along on the Trail of Tears. I uncovered so much on the various aspects of slavery during the colonial era that I’d like to take the next couple months to explore both its impact on native tribes, and abolitionist attitudes specific to the Revolutionary War. So—please stay tuned!

Author Interview with Pegg Thomas

Available in April of 2017, Pegg’s debut story, Embattled Hearts will be part of The Pony Express Romance Collection published by Barbour.

Alannah Fagan grew up learning how to take care of herself in the Kentucky wilderness. But when her mother’s death leaves her with a brutal stepfather, her only hope is escape. Together with Conn, her younger brother, she flees their westbound wagon train with no plan other than to survive. Stewart McCann is the middle son of a northern Virginia family with seven brothers. He moved west because he refused to take sides in the Civil War. But when a battered young woman and her brother take refuge at his Pony Express station, he finds himself in the middle of another type of battle. A battle for his heart.

Thank you for being with us today PEGG! I so enjoyed reading Embattled Hearts.

TR: What is your inspiration for Embattled Hearts?

PT: Thank you for hosting me!
I wish I had a really great answer for this, but I don’t. The story grew out of my research on the Pony Express. I knew I wanted to include the importance of the Pony Express in the Civil War effort. From there, it took turns I even I wasn’t expecting.

TR: Was there any traveling involved in your research, if so, where?

PT: In a backward sort of way. Horseshoe Station was located in an area of Wyoming I’d been through just a few years prior. I had some photos I’d taken, plus I found a hand-drawn picture of the station as it was in the 1860s.

TR: What was the most interesting or favorite thing you learned about the Pony Express?

PT: Most interesting in a weird sort of way was the original advertisement stating—right in print—that orphans were the preferred candidates for riders. Wow! Talk about transparency. You might not survive this, so if you’re an orphan, all the better.

TR: Do you have a favorite character?

PT: Absolutely, it's Cyclops. This horse is modeled—except for the one-eyed part—after my son’s first horse, Jason. He was an off-track thoroughbred, 16.2 hands, solid black, and one of the smartest horses I’ve ever known. I loved writing him into a story.

TR: Do you have a favorite scene?

PT: My favorite scene would be a spoiler. Here's one that tells a bit about the characters:

     If the blue-gray of her eye had been a lance, he'd be skewered to the wall behind the stove. That red hair of hers, wet and bedraggled as it was, warned of a temper loud and clear. He shook his head. What he knew about women would fit in a thimble and not crowd the finger. (Tweet This) Raised in a passel of boys on a remote tobacco plantation, he'd always thought of women as a foreign species. This one, however, looked more like a skinny grizzly bear with a bad grouch on.
     He stirred the mush until it bubbled and thickened, then set the frying pan on the table before scooping a pair of bowls and two spoons off the shelf. He also grabbed a pot of molasses. Maybe it would sweeten her up a bit.
     “Got any cream?” Conn's vivid green eyes held no animosity.
     Stewart grinned. The best way to a boy's heart was through his stomach. “Sorry.”
     Conn shrugged and filled his bowl. His sister remained behind the chair across the room, unmoved since she'd taken her post there. A blast of wind rattled the timbers that framed the cabin, followed by more ground-shaking thunder. She might relax if he left, but he wasn't about to go out in this storm.
     “Please, won't you sit and eat?” He pasted on what he hoped was a welcoming smile. Between her silent scowls and the threat of men coming after them, he'd be happy to see the pair ride off as soon as the weather cleared. But they had nothing to ride and apparently nothing to eat. Likely they didn't have a nickel between them either. He clenched his teeth to keep his smile in place.
     Her gaze flicked to the table and back to him, but she didn't move.
     What was he supposed to do? He couldn't make her eat. The way Conn slurped up the corn mush there wouldn't be any left if she didn't decide soon. She just stared at him. Then it dawned on him that he was staring at her. Oh. Maybe that was the problem.

TR: When did you first become interested in historical Colonial America? How has it impacted your writing? Do you usually blend factual historical events in with your fictional story

PT: I can’t remember ever not being interested in history. I remember visiting the Colonial Fort Michilimackinac as a kid and loving it. Since historical fiction is my favorite genre to read, it didn’t take any big leap to decide that’s what I wanted to write. And to me, historical fiction means there is real history in there. I’m always disappointed to pick up a book called historical fiction and find no historical content whatsoever.

TR: How important is it to you to have characters who live a godly life and a strong faith element woven within your storyline?

PT: My preferred story—mine or another author’s—is where the faith element is expressed in a very organic way throughout the story. I don’t like preachy writing. I don’t want to be beaten over the head with the Bible when I’m reading fiction. What I want to see is character growth and development, flawed characters who find their way to Christ, or hurting characters that find healing with Him.

TR: Just for fun question: Can you picture yourself and your horse, Trooper, speeding away from a Pony Express station across the wilderness toward the next Pony Express station? 

PT: My daredevil days are long behind me, and Trooper is now 25 years old. No, we don’t speed. We’re very happy just plodding along these days.

TR: What are you currently working on and when will it be released?

PT: I just finished In Sheep’s Clothing which is set in Colonial Connecticut Colony. My heroine is a spinner and weaver. The story takes place shortly after King William III signed the Wool Act. It will be published in the Bouquet of Brides Romance Collection in January of 2018.

TR: Anything else you would like to share?

PT: I do have some big news to share. I’ve accepted the Managing Editor position for Smitten, the Historical Romance imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. It’s still a bit overwhelming, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. And I’ll still keep plugging away at my own stories too. That ought to keep me busy enough.  ;)

Readers can connect with me at:

PeggThomas.com

Amazon

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Review of WIDOW by Tina St. Clair Rice

The Restoration Trilogy: When Jennifer Rushmore accepts a brooding bachelor’s job offer to act as coordinator for the restoration of his family’s historic doctor’s house (White), apothecary (Widow) and log cabin (Witch) in a rural Georgia community, little does she know it’s her own heart that will undergo the greatest renovation. Three stories. Three centuries. Three lessons on the healing of the heart. And one buried mystery that threatens their redemption.

 

Widow is the second book in the Restoration Trilogy, but can be read as a stand-alone book. The story spans two eras: Civil War-era Oglethorpe County, Georgia and present day. It is interesting that many of the characters of the past parallel present day characters' in their life experiences, heartaches, struggles, joys and faith. There are events that occur in both eras that are not something I like to read about but the author has sensitively dealt with these events—I appreciate that not much detail is given about them but it is clear what those event(s) are.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the restoration process and the lifestyle of the past era. I would like to see the mural of the Dunham Plantation in the parlor that Stella painted, it sounds beautiful. One of the characters from the past era felt she was a widow even though her abusive husband was very much alive due to the events in their lives together—I could see why she felt that way.

Jennifer Rushmore’s ideas for the small community where she is restoring the house and apothecary shop of Michael Johnson’s ancestors excites most of the community. Michael and Jennifer often didn't agree on things but learned to overcome their differences and work together on the restoration. Little by little the suppressed past Jennifer has long hidden from others—and herself—is triggered, bringing fresh pain and heartache. I love the Bible verse Stella shares with Jennifer, “He will give us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3 KJV) and reminds her that as a Christian she is “no broken piece of pottery”. Michael has his own heartaches and griefs from his past which he is struggling with as well. His past griefs certainly impacted his life in every way. Will he open his heart to God and finally forgive and let the past go?

I enjoyed the friendship between Jennifer and a 12-year-old girl, Montana and how they interact. The armadillo infestation was fun to watch as Michael, Jennifer and the others tried to prevent further damage to the yard and gardens and their ultimate solution. Then there is the mysterious accidents and danger that occur on the restoration site which brings anxiety, uncertainties and possible danger.

We see the characters applying the lessons learned from the past regarding many areas in their own lives: overcoming heartbreak, importance of friendships, how forgiveness frees the one doing the forgiving, love, faith and God's unfailing love and grace.

~ I received a PDF copy of this book from the author, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

Widow releases Sept. 1. Pre-order link on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Widow-Restoration-Trilogy-Denise-Weimer/dp/0997011939/

Denise Weimer's author page: http://deniseweimerbooks.webs.com

 

The Apothecary Shop

 

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?  

December's Tea Party - Andrea Boeshaar, Elaine Marie Cooper, and Angela Couch

Welcome to our December Tea Party!

'Tis a festive time of year to celebrate new historical book releases! We're celebrating in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley!

Newly Released: A Thousand Shall Fall: A Civil War Novel

 A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War

Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off–only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy. 

TO PURCHASE BOOK CLICK HERE!

Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they’re all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.

Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally–and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, A Thousand Shall Fall is framed around compelling characters and a very romantic setting in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Andrea Boeshaar’s extensive research guarantees historical accuracy and romance genre enthusiasts and Civil War buffs alike will enjoy the Christian perspectives on actual historical events.

Bio: Andrea Boeshaar is a co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and runs “Steeple View Coaching & Writer’s ER." She is the author of thirty published works, including Threads of Faith, a finalist in the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards. Andrea is also the author of a popular devotional and
regularly blogs on a number of sites.

Make your Christmas even merrier!
From now until December 10th, enter to win a Kindle Fire HD 6"

To Enter CLICK HERE!

You might also enjoy Andrea's Civil War Christmas novella Everlasting Light. The e-book is only .99 in celebration of today's tea party. It's also available in audiobook edition. 

To purchase, CLICK HERE!

Also releasing this month is Road to Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper.

About the book:
War is in the air in 1777 in western Massachusetts. The able-bodied men have all left Deer Run to fight the battle at Saratoga, New York, leaving the Colonial women and the elderly behind to tend the families. While news of the American victory is heartening, the personal losses are already felt by the Thomsen women in Deer Run.

Still reeling from the loss of her brother, young Mary Thomsen comes upon an unexpected and terrifying discovery: A wounded King's soldier. Her heart wants to hate, but her compassion and sense of Christian duty overcome her grief. But becoming a Good Samaritan takes a terrifying toll, and brings Mary on an adventure of fear and passion that she could never have anticipated.

Road to Deer Run first appeared in 2010 but has been given new life with a new publisher, new edits and new book cover. This new release will be available on December 10, but the paperback can be pre-ordered through CrossRiver Media here. If you use the code DEERRUN25, you will get a 25% discount through release day. You can pre-order the kindle version at Amazon here.

GIVEAWAY: Elaine Marie Cooper will send a signed copy of Road to Deer Run to one person who leaves a comment today.


Elaine's Bio: Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Bethany’s Calendar and Fields of the Fatherless. Her re-release of the Deer Run Saga begins with Road to Deer Run this month and will be followed by Promise of Deer Run (June 2016) and Legacy of Deer Run (December, 2016). Saratoga Letters will be released by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in October, 2016. Elaine's passions are her faith, her family, and the history of the American Revolution, the era in which her historical fiction novels are set. You can read her blog on her website here Elaine is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary Agency. 

And last but not least... (Though perhaps they are least--I mean, they are short stories.)

 A Bit of Christmas and A Kiss is Still a Kiss are short story anthologies with one thing in common...stories by Angela K Couch!

I Head the Bells (Dec 1, 2015)

Virginia, December 1864:
Three years ago, Gabriel Morgan left his home in Virginia to fight for the Union army, despite his family and his fiancée’s loyalties to the South. Now, with battle fresh in his mind, and the war still raging, he chances a quick trip home with one prayer…to make peace this Christmas.

Shackled (Nov 1, 2015)

Arizona Territory 1883:
He came west to find freedom and ended up shackled to a chair. She’s not sure she ever wants to let him go.

Bio: Angela K Couch is an award-winning author for her short stories, and a semi-finalist in ACFW's 2015 Genesis Contest. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. Angela lives in Alberta, Canada with her "hero" and three munchkins. www.angelakcouch.com

Find her books on Amazon or Goodreads! 
GIVEAWAY: Both an e-book and a print copy of A Bit of Christmas!

The American Revolution vs. The Civil War

I enjoy chatting history with fellow history buffs. I'm a total geek about things of the past—and not afraid to admit it!

So when engaging in conversation with a customer at a recent Barnes & Noble book signing, I inwardly shuddered while smiling on the outside. The gentleman referred to the topic of my American Revolutionary novel as being from "the Civil War."

After gently reminding the man that Fields of the Fatherless was a story from the Revolutionary War, I was once again reminded of how often two very important wars in our nation are confused.

I once saw a reviewer of my novel—the one from my book-signing—write that it was a novel about the Civil War. This reviewer had gone so far as to describe the clearly-designated British soldier as "A Confederate soldier."

Wow. Perhaps we could all use a brief history lesson...

The American Revolution was the war that changed Colonial America into the United States of America. It was fought between the American colonists against Great Britain, the mother nation.

It began in 1775 and lasted eight years. The signing of the Declaration of Independence, for which we celebrate the 4^th of July and the birth of our nation, occurred in 1776. So 2014 celebrates our 238^th Birthday.

George Washington became the 1^st president of the United States, starting after the first election in 1789.

The Civil War started on April 12, 1861 and was fought between the Northern states and the Southern states of this country. It ended when General Robert E. Lee surrendered the last Confederate (Southern) Army to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 (although the last battle was actually fought in Texas on May 13, 1865).

The core conflict was the issue of slavery and states rights.

The war took place during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16^th president.

                                                          *     *     *     *     *

As you can see from this extremely brief history lesson, the wars occurred in completely different centuries and had conflicts born of varying concerns.

As a writer of historical fiction set in the American Revolution, I hope that my work brings to light the issues that led to the birth of the United States. And as a believer in freedom wrought with such difficulty by so many, I pray that our liberty continues to ring as we hold to the Christian principles that were so evident in the founding of this nation.

May your Christmas be blessed!

(Photos Courtesy of Thomas Deitner)

Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of Fields of the Fatherless, as well as the newly-released, Bethany's Calendar, a memoir of her daughter.