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?  

Early Valentine's Soiree at Shirley Plantation!

Shirley Plantation

Welcome to our

Valentine Soiree!

(Virtual site is Shirley Plantation 

in Charles City, Virginia!)

AMC filmed many scenes from their upcoming television series "Turn" at Shirley Plantation.

(Click here for the "Turn" website with trailer--warning it is a secular show and violent.)

The servants will be coming through with tea, coffee, and cider. 

Kitchen at Shirley Plantation

They've been busy in the kitchens, preparing pies, cakes, tarts and all manner of foods for our guests. 

Reproduction Colonial  Sugar Bowl 

Giveaways: Gifts from Lady Cessalye's gift shop, an antique reproduction blue and white china sugar bowl from Yorktown Victory Center.

Whispers from the Shadows

A  copy of Roseanna White's novel, which shares similar elements as Alexander Rose's "Turn" but is a Christian fiction.












And a copy of Carrie Fancett Pagels' a copy of "Return to Shirley Plantation" novella.

Return to Shirley Plantation and Shirley ornament 

If you've come in character and dressed accordingly, you'll receive extra entries for the giveaways! Leave your comments and let the fun begin!

First giveaway:

Fine Tea from Colonial Williamsburg

This adorable little spoon rest is something I also found at a museum store!

Oh my!!! We have some new "company" who were not invited! They may call themselves privateers, but the militia at the garrison call them pirates! Oh dear!!!

Yorktown Privateers

I'm going to hand out a few our the lovely Shirley Plantation history books for those of our guests who may have decided to, er…hastily depart rather than sup with these "watermen" who've brought no fish with them, although their arrival here is rather "fishy" at best!





Ah, there come the Charles City Militia, ready to escort these "gentlemen" to their ships down at the James River!

Several types of colonial American military coats

Upcoming Tea Party - Early Valentine's Soiree!!!

Shirley Plantation

No Tea Party in January here on Colonial Quills but in February we'd like to cordially invite our Followers, and other guests, to attend our:

Valentine Soiree

on 

February 7th

on 

the 

Colonial Quills 

website

(Virtual site is Shirley Plantation 

in Charles City, Virginia!)

Did you know?  AMC filmed many scenes from their upcoming television series "Turn" at Shirley Plantation?  And Shirley is celebrating its 400th anniversary!

Attire:  Formalwear, come in character. Servants will need to report to the ancillary buildings for instructions.

RVSP:  Right here!

Special: Several lovely giveaways including gifts from Lady Cessalye's gift shop, an antique reproduction blue and white china sugar bowl from Yorktown Victory Center, and a copy of Roseanna White's novel, which shares similar elements as Alexander Rose's "Turn" but is a Christian fiction.

400th Anniversary of Shirley Plantation

Far shot of approach to Shirley Plantation's Great House.

This year marks the 400th year of Shirley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia! 

Shirley is the first plantation in Virginia!  That is really saying something--it was settled in 1613.

When you arrive at Shirley you are a one-of-a-kind Colonial place--according to experts there is no other place that holds so many original colonial plantation buildings on original site!

Shirley Plantations Great House, Charles City, VA.

The Great House is spectacular!  When I was writing my novella "Return to Shirley Plantation" my hero, Matthew, approaches this home realizing how old it was even then (about 150 years old!) Look at the picture above and note the two story brick building to the left, in front of it and one to the right, also.  If you look to the left of the picture and the right in the margins forefront in the picture you will see a tiny bit of the two--two story L-shaped brick buildings that are closest to the parking area--the storehouse and the ice house.

Dovecote at Shirley Plantation

One of my favorite buildings in the Dovecote.  The colonials ate young doves.  It was fun to have a fellow history geek with me at Shirley and this person didn't know what it was.

Ice House at Shirley Plantation

This is a shot from inside of the ice house.  This large L-shaped brick building is on the right side forefront as you approach the house.

Exterior side of Shirley Plantation Store house

The Flemish bond brickwork is spectacular.  The bricks for the house and the buildings on the property were made onsite.

It is thought that indentured servants helped design and build the home and the outlying buildings on the property.


RT: Inside the storehouse building.  Note the wooden shutters. Various displays are showcased inside of the storehouse, hence the light fixtures.

Kitchen Display at Shirley Plantation

See the pie in the oven on the left?

Shirley Plantation's Kitchen

The kitchen is house on the first floor of a two story brick building to the right of the property and closer to the house.  On the side of the Great House there is an entry/exit door used to go to and from the kitchen.  The modern day kitchen is in the basement of the house.

The Carter family still owns the home although they were not the original owners of the property, Carters married into the Hill family and have occupied it for hundreds of years.  This is the oldest continuously working farm in Virginia!  Depending upon the time of year that you drive through, various crops are growing in the fields all around Shirley, which sits adjacent to the James River.

If you have never visited this National Historic Site, I encourage you to do so!  There is nothing quite like it!

Post cards of Return to Shirley Plantation and the 400th Anniversary Ornament

Giveaway:  We are giving away one of the beautiful 400th Year Anniversary Ornaments, thanks to Janet Appel, Director of Shirley Plantation, to one of our readers!  Leave a comment to enter!

Shirley Plantation and Carrie Fancett Pagels' Blog Tour

Shirley Plantation Great House

I am interviewed on my own blog Overcoming With God this week by Marian Baay, our European reviewer who is also a freelance editor for Kok international in the Netherlands.  Our senior reviewer, Diana L. Flowers, our reviewer/poetess Teresa Mathews, and Australian reviewer Noela Nancarrow are also putting up reviews and hosting a Pink Party online this week at www.OvercomingWithGod.com.  So come on by!  Prizes all week long!

Shirley Plantation has many amazing outbuildings!

Brand new blogger and fellow Michigander, Nancee Marchinowski, has her review up of "Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance" and a giveaway.  Make sure to Follow Nancee's blog called Perspectives By Nancee!

Side Exterior of Storehouse

The lovely Debbie Lynne Costello has my post up all week in which I name "Three Thoughts on God' Provision After Delay."  Like this storehouse on the left, from Shirley Plantation, sometimes God is piling up blessings for us and waiting.  I am not talking about writing in my post on Debbie Lynne's blog, though--I am talking about how I waited a very long time to receive a blessing God promised me.  My son.  Not a book publication.  My boy. Who turns eleven this week, praise the Lord for His provision.






Now off to spend more quality time with my big blessing while he is on Spring Break!  Comments are closed BUT  put   "CQ"  on your comments on these three blogs' post and I will count your entry THREE times (each blog) for the giveaways!!!  And BTW, in case you didn't guess it, I have a WONDERFUL place I plan to go this week, not on a blog, but out to historic Shirley Plantation.  There is nothing like it--with original Great House and multiple original outbuildings!  Can't wait to go again and of course my sweet child will go with me.  And possibly some friends.  Won't you put a trip to Shirley Plantation on your schedule?

Carrie Fancett Pagels Interviewed on Blog Talk Radio

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels was interviewed on Giovanni Gelatti's Blog Talk Radio, Tuesday, March 26th. Julian Charity, Historian from the beautiful colonial Shirley Plantation, also answered questions as did Murray Pura, Editor for the anthology "Cry of Freedom."
Link to the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gelatisscoop/2013/03/26/launch-party-for-cry-of-freedo0m

Listen to part (or all!) of the show and come back and leave a comment here. Question: What were you surprised by when you listened to the interview? 

Giveaway: Three commenters will win a PDF copy of Carrie's upcoming ebook novella release "Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance."  One person will receive Shirley Plantation note cards, chocolate(!), a PDF copy of Carrie's novella and a copy of Julian Charity's book on Military history of Shirley Plantation. 

Shirley Plantation at Christmas

Shirley Plantation Great House - Christmas

If you are looking for a wonderful place to visit that can offer up a true taste of colonial Virginia, look no further than Shirley Plantation in Charles City.  

Gift Shop at Shirley Plantation, Christmas tree

Located between Richmond and Williamsburg, along the river, it is a lovely drive up Highway 5 in the countryside to arrive at Shirley.  Open to the public now for over fifty years, Shirley is currently accessible to visitors throughout the week. Tours, such as schools, also can be arranged by contacting Janet Appel, Director, at Shirley Plantation.

This time of year, the gift store is full of all kinds of goodies, including a great assortment of jams made especially for Shirley Plantation.  Artwork, books, jewelry, dishes, ornaments, and more can be found on location. 

The lion greets guests!

This beautiful plantation is still an operational farm and family-owned.  Five original structures are open for viewing. After parking, visitors enter through the Queen Anne style forecourt.  Two brick structures flank the left and two flank the right.  At the center and top of the forecourt is the Great House.  Two original flankers are no longer present on the property.  

Christmas tree in the kitchen.

Decorated for Christmas, this year the kitchen held the Christmas tree. I have a manuscript, out on submission, set at Shirley Plantation and going there is like a Christmas gift to myself!

Colonial fare displayed in the kitchen building.

A feast was being prepared in the kitchen building. I am going to admit that Julian Charity, the historian, Janet Appel, and the delightful Randy Carter and I did not partake of our luncheon in the kitchen (it is all replicas of authentic colonial food!)  A beautiful display, though!

And in closing...(From the Shirley Plantation Facebook page For a gift that lasts all year long...a Shirley Plantation Foundation membership starts at just $40.00! Call 1-800-232-1613 or visit www.shirleyplantation.com for information.

Bio: Carrie Fancett Pagels is owner/administrator of Colonial Quills.  She writes "romantic" historical fiction and is represented by Joyce Hart.  Carrie is the ACFW MidAtlantic Zone Director.  She also has an international group blog "Overcoming With God."

Guest Post - Julian Charity of Shirley Plantation on Slavery in Colonial Times

Our guest post today is by Julian Charity, Historian for Shirley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia.  Julian also has a new book release that we will be giving away to one lucky visitor this week.  We will be reviewing his book, about war at Shirley Plantation from the American Revolution, soon.

Slavery at Shirley Plantation 

by Julian Charity

Plantations in the New World supplied the English empire with an abundance of tobacco.  Cultivation of tobacco was labor intensive and cost prohibitive unless it is produced in large quantities. In order to keep the cost down and the production quantity up, indentured servants and slaves provided an economical labor force.  With indentured servants and slaves, the plantations became the economic backbone of the English empire.

The first record of servants at Shirley Plantation dates to 1616 when John Rolfe documented that Captain Isaac Madison commanded 25 men in planting and curing tobacco. These men were all white and indentured servants, also called indentures. Indentured servants were the original labor force at Shirley as well as in the rest of the English colonies. Indentured servants were people of various races who were contractually obligated to become laborers for a specified period of time in exchange for debt repayment, food, lodging, transportation to the colonies, and the teaching of a trade. Indentured servants were brought from Africa, the Caribbean islands, Scotland, Ireland, and England. In some of the British colonies of New England, servitude took the form of apprenticeships, in which an individual was a servant in exchange for learning a craft. In Virginia and throughout the southern colonies, where the economy was primarily agricultural, most indentured servants were field hands who tended tobacco fields. Though indentured servitude sounded appealing, the lives of these men and women were very difficult. They faced harsh punishments for petty crimes and transgressions against their masters. Penalties included whipping, hanging, shooting, and even burning the indenture alive. Masters could extend servants contracts and they had little recourse, legal or otherwise.

Africans first arrived in Virginia in 1619. The majority of these Africans likely became indentured servants though records from this era were unclear regarding their fates. The first documented African slave in Virginia came in 1640. John Punch, an African indentured servant, ran away from his master and a Virginia court ordered that Punch’s punishment be a lifetime of service to his master. In 1622, records for Shirley Plantation first mention an African or islander when documents indicated that eleven men including “One Negar,” had died since April.

Until Virginians committed to slave labor, indentured servants comprised the majority of the workforce.  Edward Hill I, the first Hill Carter family member to live at Shirley, probably took part in the indentured servant system. He imported 43 people in 1661. These people were likely indentures because the indentured servant system was more cost-effective and practical than the African slave system.

In The Making of New World Slavery:  From the Baroque to the Modern, 1492-1800, Robin Blackburn argued that indentured servants were a better investment until the end of the 1600s for several reasons. The high mortality rate of new arrivals to the New World was a contributing factor. An indentured contract may have only called for three or four years of service, but if the person only lived three or four years, then investing in more servants and fewer slaves was more cost efficient. White indentures were more popular because their masters knew their language and their work habits. Credit for purchasing servants was more easily received when buying white indentured labor (Blackburn 241-242). By the end of the seventeenth century, these issues became irrelevant and slaves began replacing indentures.

Bacon’s Rebellion in 1675 was a major contributing factor to the demise of the indentured servant system. Former and current indentured servants supported Nathaniel Bacon in his uprising. Colonial elite no longer favored the indentured servants after their collaboration with Bacon. Still in need of inexpensive labor, the importation of slaves to the colonies increased.

Read the entire article by clicking here.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of Julian's book.