Review: Experience romance and history at Shirley Plantation
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 28, 2013
Carrie Fancett Pagels has spun gold in her tale about a real and beautiful place and time, with elements of romance and fiction told by a master story teller. This debut novella, part of the Civil War collection by Murray Pura, depicts the story of a Copperhead senator's son from Ohio who is conscripted by the Confederate army. Matthew Scott is a thespian whose theater troupe makes loose ties to John Wilkes Booth. Before he knows it, Matthew finds himself serving on the front lines in Virginia, and among the wounded transported to Shirley Plantation near Harrison's Landing.Angelina Rose is a 1/8 black former slave woman who would have gone North except for two things, her commitment to her niece and nephew still in slavery's grip, and a strong impression from the Lord to wait. When Matthew arrives as one of the wounded, they catch one another's eye.How will a Union man escape forced conscription into an army he does not sympathize with? Matthew faces this dilemma and others, wondering why the Lord has led him here. Could it be that God's leading could bring love, answers to long-standing questions of his past, and a new family he never imagined?This novella is a big story wrapped in a short package. A heart stealing cast of characters and a lovely, authentic, and well researched setting will delight every fan of historical fiction, and the sweet and satisfying romance will make you wish this book could go on forever.A great new voice from debut author Carrie Fancett Pagels will surely make you put her on your watch list of new talent.