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.