History Brought To Life
353619
A great history lessons amid eight novellas written about Colonial America. These authors bring to life a time period that captures how difficult life was for Backcountry Women.
Carrie Fancett Pagels lets her unique style of writing shine in Shenandoah Hearts. I loved this quote, Lets pray. Mama bowed her head. Her heartfelt prayer, spoken in German, went beyond that which Magdalene had offered up. But she knew in her soul, that God heard even the unspoken requests.
With characters that jump from the page into your heart you will quickly turn the pages to see the outcome. Well researched and great characters.
Hearts of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor has the lovable character of Mabel Walker. She is strong, independent, spunky, and weary of men who want to marry her for the lumber mill. She is a force to be reckoned with.
Her Redcoat by Peg Thomas, who is a new author to me , is a tender, heart touching account. Motherless and isolated in a cabin for months, Laurette is drawn to an injured Redcoat. Her loneliness and desire to learn to read her mothers Bible endears her to me.
A Heart So Tender by Debra E Marvin is so descriptive you can imagine the style of clothing and feel the heart palpitations as the different tribes converge at Fort Niagara. Will Miss Kimball be able to keep her promise to herself to never marry?
A Worthy Groom by Angela K Couch deals with an abused widow who is weary of her new husband arranged by her father in law. Add the mystery of things disappearing and other occurrences and you have the makings of an outstanding novella.
Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer is a sure fire winner. Jenny White is brought to life and leaps from the pages into your heart. She is respected for her strength and ability to care for others, but sees herself as the wallflower compared to the beauty of her sister. You can feel her inward struggle from the well penned words,  He might admire her spirit and strength, but when it came to picking the wife he would want to wake to every morning, like the Morris brothers, like all men, he would choose a Hester over a Jenny every time. Oh the angst she must feel.
The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear is a tale of pretense for the sake of war and a brave young lady who learns to trust a stranger over the strong handedness of her family. She is brave and strong in the face of danger.
Loves Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer is last but not least in this collection. It is a story of prejudices and finding yourself amidst the cruelties of them because of your skin color. A must read.
Each story brings light to the times and troubles of this Era. It is a compilation of strong women in difficult times and lets you see history unfold through their eyes. An outstanding Barbour Collection.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
3701512
The people and events seemed to come alive in this book. There were joys as well as many hardships revealed through the journeys that were taken. I learned much about some of the history of our nation during the civil war.  It was such a blessing to me to see how God worked in lives in the midst of hardship in this special story.  Thanks, Joe for taking the time to write this book. I thoroughly enjoyed!
565166
I did not want this book to end -- I wanted to know more and keep reading about these people.
So well written, I loved this look into history through the characters. My next read will be about the same period, different people.
2202233
Having just visited Williamsburg, I read The River Where America Began.  It brought to life all of which I had just seen, but in clear vivid and historically correct detail.  I was instantly immersed into the culture and events of the time.  Bob Deans writes beautifully and I can't wait to see whats next.
3585846
A part of this country's history that I was completely unaware of - brought to life in a very real contemporary setting.  Most enjoyable reading.
4729890
I read the book whenever I had time between long flights or waiting at doctor's office.  The time flew by quickly.  Any history book can be too dry with many names and events, you will not remember, this book has that as well, but the author included lot of details stories which add texture,  color and reality to what took place many thousands and hundreds years ago.
3585784
This book captured my interest from the first chapter and as the story developed it was difficult to stop reading.  I enjoy reading about this time in history and the author did a terrific job bringing it to life
56110
Interesting and liked the way history was brought to life with personable characters. They provided more than I ever thought I wanted to know about the building of the Hoover Dam. Remember seeing it as a child but now as an adult I'm even more impressed!
2056286
Having not finished the book yet, I can only comment on what I've read so far.  Wolraich gives a great history of not just the events, but the people behind them.  It's a fascinating look at a wildly turbulent period of American history that often is condensed down to a few lectures in history classes, which really fails to give an indication of the power of those times. There are also many parallels to be drawn with our current political climate, although sadly, many of them show our generation coming up short.  Wolraich delivers a great combo of education and entertainment.  When the characters are drawn so vividly, you might think you were reading historical fiction if you didn't know it all really happened.  Highly recommended!
4157151
A captivating story right out of the pages of our history giving those of us an educational view of what life was like for the people of that day.
2801128
Adeventure packed with historical accuracy; a great read.
3063227
This is an excellent portrayal of one of the world's most significant cities from the time it was first settled, and it highlights its role throughout the times of the various empires/world powers. It brings the city to life, placing you right in the midst of the activity, feeling as if you can hear the sounds and even feel what the people at the time would have felt. The author does a wonderful job of helping the reader understand more of the mindsets of the different eras as well. I was thoroughly engrossed in the author's portrayal of this most magnificent city.
3720815
Mandy Scott brings to life a period of ancient history in a way that is unparalleled. The events are brought to life as if the reader is there - hearing the sights and sounds of both terrifying battle and everyday life.  The characters are complex and passionate - they kindle both love and hate in equal measures. A truly great read.
2035776
This is what I call historical faction (neither fact nor fiction) and told in a way that brings the period to life with characters who seem real and who draw you into their world through story tellers. The book is written in a way which keeps you in touch with the story no matter if you have had to put it down for a few days or even weeks. This was not something I could do as it kept me enthralled and like the gleeman's audience waiting for the next installment; putting it down at the end of an episode was never a simple matter. It was only the thought that I had to do something that made me close the book.

The author's origins in the wilds of the Somerset/Dorset border and knowledge of the sea are clearly shown in the attention to detail described which only come from personal experience.

This was a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and which left me hungry for the next installment which fortunately I already had to hand. My only minor criticism as a Sony eBook reader was that the maps were difficult to read due to the limitations of the reader rather than any failing by the author
1772420
The historical insights were fabulous.  Recently I have visited two of the presidential libraries ( Truman and FDR).
The book made history come alive.  Wonderful
3793378
Even thought it is fiction, there are elements of truth and history in the book that make it a fascinating read.  I didn't want to put it down.
1321670
Brings history to life, intertwining multiple stories.  This book is even more enjoyable for anyone who has lived in or visited Chicago.