Review: A Dip into History
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 14, 2013
What I LovedMatthew is torn from his theatrical troupe and forced to fight. Angelina gave up a new beginning for the sake of those who need her most. Both have encountered hardship, but now they face an even greater conflict--the Civil War.I really liked this view into a time that is easy to pass over with a shake of the head. Pagels provides an intriguing look into a Southern home where all is not as it seems and facades are precious. I enjoyed the fact that Matthew and Angelina are sweet with each other from the beginning (seems like the trend in historical fiction is a hero and heroine who start out annoyed with each other...though that can be hilarious to read, it was nice to read this adorable couple's interchanges and see them being nice!).I also liked the level of intrigue the author supported from the beginning. Secrets are everywhere! A mystery is unraveled in the end--and a twister I did not see coming certainly threw me for quite the loop!What I Didn't Like As MuchBecause there was a bit of intrigue going on in the background, I was confused at a couple key passages. Also, the abundance of characters was a bit much for my taste for the length of this story. However, everything balanced out in the end, and I really enjoyed this book!Looking for a dip into American history? With fine writing? And characters whose hearts prove stronger than their struggles? Check out Carrie Fancett Pagels fiction debut, Return to Shirley Plantation.