Review: Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie F Pagels
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 3, 2014
Murray Pura's American Civil War Series—Cry of Freedom—Volume 1:Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels*****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.~~I received a copy of this book from the author and [...]