In this world, you will have tribulation.In 1861, a tragic war fell upon America’s United States, dividing them North against South. Some might say a young woman can’t be too fussy when almost every unattached young man is off fighting, but that shouldn’t mean the daughter of a Union man has any excuse for canoodling with a Rebel. Still, eighteen-year-old Gigi longed for true love, and the … the dashing Texas Ranger turned Kentucky Confederate vies for her heart. How will they overcome the odds and a war to be together? A Civil War indeed, such an oxymoron!
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A whirlwind Civil War romance. Gigi is strong-willed and goes after what she wants. Ephraim is a Texas Ranger and a soldier on the “wrong“ side of the war. They knew immediately that God had made them for each other. But during a war nothing is easy. This was a great story and I would recommend it.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review
Loved Ephraim and Gigi’s story!! Love that they both are Christians, strong in their faith, and love their friends and family more than anything else. The War is what brings them together. Without it, they may never have met. Like so many in real life, things were out of their control with the war, and while they would have preferred a few decisions to be different, once made, they followed through to the best of their ability. Friends fighting friends, brothers against brothers, fathers against sons, and in-laws against in-laws. That was there in real life, too. Love that Ephraim and Bo were best friends, regardless of skin color. The only real difference that matters is whether or nor we know Jesus.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
What I think you should know:
Kentucky Bride by Caryl McAdoo is the eight book in the North and South series, a series that has 36 books set during the Civil War. It is a Christian Historical Fiction set in 1861 Kentucky. In this book Gigi, like many other women around the country, were left behind to care for their homes and family businesses while boys and men went off to war.
What you might need to know:
The story does have two slaves, Bo and Daisy, the book speaks of them more as family members or employees rather than slaves.
What I think about this book:
McAdoo has a gift for writing so I always know that I am in for a treat when I read one of her books. With realistic characters and descriptive writing she has a way of making her story come to life . This is a story of love at first sight, from a character that does not believe in it until it happens to her. Gigi was young, but felt her choice of men and chances at love were limited. She however was a hard worker and determined to help make life easier on her aging Grandfather after her Father and brother joined the Federal army. I enjoyed the relationship between Gigi and Gramps. Ephraim, a Texas Ranger is only on the side of the Confederates because of his loyalty to the Rangers. I enjoyed seeing Gigi and Ephraim’s relationship develop and understand how things can happen quicker in times of war, even if I don’t understand love at first sight. I hope that Daisy and Bo’s story is one that I will get the opportunity to read. I highly recommend this book to any historical fiction fans!
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Love at first sight!
It’s 1861 and the Civil War has reached neutral Kentucky. Since father, brother and uncle are fighting for the Union, Gigi is busy helping her grandfather by delivering goods – this time to the Confederate camp. All of the soldiers are polite and helpful, but Ephraim, a Texas Ranger and a gentleman, leaves a lasting impression on Gigi. In fact, it is love at first sight for them both.
This delightful romance gives the reader a new picture of the joys and sorrows in a war that saw neighbor fighting neighbor. Will their love last through the trials of war?
I received an ARC of this wonderful story through CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
I always love having the opportunity to read and review books by Caryl McAdoo. She does an excellent job of creating characters that come to life and storylines that capture my attention and imagination. Kentucky Bride was no exception. Set in 1861 during the Civil War, Gigi is a feisty and determined young woman. Her father and brother are off fighting the war while her grandfather, mother, sister, and herself try to keep things going at their mercantile.
Of course, girl has to meet boy so sparks can fly. This book shows it is possible to fall in love in a short period of time. I love how this book examines not only the time of the Civil War, but also how different people had different views on slavery and how they treated their slaves/servants. The relationship between Gigi and Daisy as well as Ephraim and Bonaparte illustrates how familial bonds can transcend everything else.
Of course, no book like this reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet would be complete without a meddlesome parent, and in this case that role goes to Gigi’s mother. But Gigi’s grandfather is able to put her mother in her place, and helps make Gigi’s plans come to life.
So if you like Christian Historical fiction, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The Civil War was known for dividing our country but we Kentuckians know that this war also divided families. Kentucky was a neutral state and its men fought on both sides.One brother might choose the Union while the other chose the Confederacy and fathers often were pitted against their own sons. But what would happen if a daughter of a Union soldier found herself falling in love with someone fighting for the South? This is the premise of Kentucky Bride and author Caryl McAdoo has written a wonderful tale of love, loyalty, and trying to do the right thing. Gardenie Gladiolia Garland and Ephraim Edward Kerns are immediately drawn to each other but the deadly war and their divided loyalties are certainly a hindrance to their romance. Will their differences prevent them from being together? Can Bowling Green, Kentucky survive the Confederate troops that have invaded their small town? Will this Romeo and Juliet find happiness once the war is over?
McAdoo has created an enjoyable story filled with memorable characters, historical detail, and a message of God and faith. I recommend Kentucky Bride to fans of historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Award-winning, best-selling author Caryl McAdoo has written a delightful historical Civil War Christian romance entitled Kentucky Bride. It is easy to see why she is so well loved. Author McAdoo is a gifted storyteller that gives God glory in her books. Each one is better than the last.
This is the tale of eighteen-year-old Gardenia Gladiola Garland or Gigi as she likes to be called. She assists her grandfather in the family store near Bowling Green, Kentucky. They sell and deliver supplies to both Union and Rebel soldiers even though the other men In the family have joined the Union army.
As Gigi is delivering the supplies she is met by Rebel Texas Ranger Ephraim Kerns. Immediately Gigi is intrigued by the handsome soldier and sparks begin to fly between the two of them. He finagles a way to spend a lot more time with her and their story begins.
With the gifted pen of author McAdoo the characters come to life on the pages. The conversations were quaint and sounded authentic. Bowling Green is not very far from my home so it was easy to picture everything with the descriptions. McAdoo obviously did her research and it was rewarded in this lovely take on Romeo and Juliet.
I appreciate that even though much of the subject matter dealing with the Civil War is horrendous that this book is a nice, light read. I tend to shy away from “war” stories because of the heartbreak and bloodshed. This one manages to just give a nod to all of that without delving into details. More than once I found myself chuckling as I read. I appreciate McAdoo’s sense of humor, dedication to God, and gift of story-telling.
I highly recommend this Christian historical romance. If you like Civil War stories, romance, or historical Christian, you will be pleased with this book. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these were my honest words.
A very sweet novella that is set in Kentucky during the Civil War. I love the character’s names, Gardenia Gladiola (GiGi) her sister Marigold and even their maid, raised from birth, Daisy. GiGi helped in the family owned general store in Bowling Green. Her father and brother were away fighting for the Union Army. Supplies were needed by the Confederate Army so GiGi found herself traveling with the meal in a wagon pulled by a couple of mules. A Rebel Army officer, Ephraim was ordered to ride back with GiGi for protection. That’s all it took for the love arrow to hit both of them. It was such a sweet love at first sight story. Ephraim was a Texas Ranger and signed up with his fellow Rangers to fight for the south. GiGi was worried that it might come a time when Ephraim might have to shoot her father or brother. I did not know that Kentucky was a neutral state and men could choose which side they wanted to fight for. How can their love story ever come to fruition with the war and the separate sides? This was a quick read for me and I enjoyed the characters and the story within.
I received a complimentary copy of this novella but was not required to write a review.
Love cannot be stopped even if there is a war on. Kentucky Bride is just such a story that shows that young love can overcome the many obstacles in it’s way.
Gigi is 18 and is already living with the brutality of war as her father and brothers have left to fight on the Union side when she serendipitously meets Ephraim, a Texas Ranger who is fighting with the Confederates. In a perfect world theirs is a love match made in heaven, but this is not a perfect world and their backdrop is war.
This focused more on the relationship of Gigi and Ephraim, along with some of their closest friends and confidants. It is a whirlwind romance of two people who are on opposite sides of the war yet are willing to put all that aside to have a life after peace has come. A little bit more of a happier Romeo and Juliet story.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
“Had the Almighty placed her there? On that day, at that time? Thrown her together with the man for His purpose?”
Book number 8 in the North and South series, “Kentucky Bride” by Caryl McAdoo is a sweet romance that can be read as a standalone. It is a quick read, but despite its brevity, McAdoo infuses her story with heart and humor. Because Kentucky was a neutral state in 1861, when this story takes place, there is more latitude for a diverse range of characters, and they are the driving force of the novel. The name of the eponymous heroine is Gardenia Gladiola Garland, or Gigi, and she finds the Civil War most inconvenient, especially since her family is fighting for the Union and her beau is a Confederate Texas Ranger.
While touching on serious subject matter, “Kentucky Bride” takes a lighthearted approach, focusing on the good and including more harsh realities with only brief mention. As such, this book is quite suitable for older adolescent and teen readers; this is something that I would not have had trouble reading in grades 5 or 6, but it is also of course appropriate for adult readers as well. Moreover, it is a clean romance and a definitively Christian story, which I am always so glad to see. McAdoo’s use of different third-person narrative voices, split between the four focal characters, adds depth and offers perspectives from unique figures, both slave and free. The story puts me somewhat in mind of the sentimental novel with its idealism, but honestly, it is refreshing to read something in which the majority of the relationships are good and they treat each other with respect, working side by side. As one of the characters sagely notes, “It sure would be hard to stay on the straight and narrow if all you saw and heard went against what the good book taught.” McAdoo makes it clear at the end of the book that no one escapes trials and hard times here on earth, but thanks to Jesus, our future in eternity is secure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Caryl writes such wonderful novels. They’re full of fun characters and God’s love. Kentucky Bride is no different. It’s a quick and fast read. I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters.
The Civil War is one of my favorite time periods. We reenact the Civil War in our family though we haven’t had any events this year with the virus and all. I actually met my husband through our reenacting so it’s definitely a fun memory and hobby.
This was a fun interaction of north vs south or Yankee vs Confederate and I read the whole thing through in one sitting.
Gigi is a sweet yet precocious determined young lady. Her father fights for the Federal army. Imagine her surprise when she falls for a man serving in the Confederate army. What will her family say? She’s determined to marry him.
I highly recommend this novel. I’ve loved all of the books I’ve read by Caryl McAdoo and I think you will too. I’m going to have to check out the rest of the books in this series now.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I enjoyed this sweet romance and love story set in 1861 Kentucky during the Civil War. I was previously unaware that Kentucky was a neutral state, and that its residents could sign on with either the Union or Confederate armies. It is a very vivid picture of the results of the division that occurred during this was.
Gardenia Gladiola “Gigi” Garland works in the family’s general store in Bowling Green. Her father, brother, and uncle went north to sign up for the Union army but she has not heard yet where they are. Gigi and Gramps went to deliver a wagonload of corn meal to the Rebel army. Gramps becomes ill on the way to General Hindman’s camp. When they arrive at Aunt Peggy Sue’s to spend the night, Gigi left him there the next day when she headed for the camp.
Corporal Ephraim Kerns, originally from San Antonio and a Texas Ranger, was sent down the road to meet and escort Garland’s delivery. Needless to stay, he was quite surprised to find a young, beautiful woman driving the cart. He wanted her to drive the mules faster, and quickly took over. When arriving at the camp, they learn that Gramps did not bring the amount of meal they needed, so Ephraim offered to accompany Gigi to Bowling Green and back to get more, as well as other supplies.
Gigi has found Ephraim, despite being a Confederate, is a Christian, as she is, a man lavish with his compliments, and well-read. They begin to have feelings with for other even as they set out to pick up Gramps at her aunt’s. A note there advised Peggy Sue had taken Gramps to town as he was worse, so the pair left for Bowling Green. They become fast friends and develop a strong attraction to each other. By the time they arrive at Bowling Green that night, each believe the other is the person the Lord has for them to marry.
From Gigi’s mom to her concerns for her family fighting one side of the war and Ephraim on the other, there are many obstacles between the two of them realizing their dream. It shows a glimpse of life during the Civil War that isn’t often considered. Both Gigi and Ephraim have a strong faith in the Lord, without Whom, nothing could be possible.
While I didn’t feel I got to know the characters very well, I did get to know their love for the Lord and for each other and watch them grow through the challenges. I enjoyed Daisy and Bo and watching them get to know each other, also. I recommend this to fans of the author, and women of all ages who appreciate sweet love stories between men and women who believe in Jesus especially through times of national upheaval and family crises.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.
Oh love at first sight is such a cherished blessing. There are times when the heart wants what the heart wants. I don’t believe in set rules about falling in love. That’s why this story is so special. Gigi is such a delightful character. She has a spark in her eye when she meets the dashing Texas Ranger known as Ephraim. Her heart did a flip flop seeing him for the first time. I admired her faith and how much she loved her gramps.
The author does an amazing job of taking readers back in time to the Civil War. It was a difficult time for the country as brothers and friends took opposite sides in the war. My heart would break if my sons were on different sides. Many families faced this and the heartbreak they endured was overwhelming. I enjoyed reading how Gigi’s family supplied much needed supplies to soldiers. There is a bit of danger that Gigi faces as she travels to deliver the much needed merchandise. God was definitely there to protect her. The author portrayed the time period with accuracy which made the story more realistic.
The relationship between Gigi and Ephraim was enjoyable to read. I loved how they wanted each other to be safe and their ingenious way to talk to each other while surrounded by people. Their faith was evident in their actions and respect for each other. The author does include slaves in her story which was present during this time. What I liked was how she included them in the story in a way that was not offensive and gave them a love interest.
The story ended a little too soon for me. I was so involved with the characters that I wanted the story to continue as they started their lives together. I’m hoping the author will do a follow up book to continue the journey of Gigi and Ephraim. As I always say with each book the author writes, I draw closer to God with her faith filled stories that shine a light on Him.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Loved it! First time reading Caryl McAdoo but she is sure to become a favorite! Great story and relateable characters, I didn’t want the story to end!
The author has penned a heart warming and fun story of a couple who must overcome all odds to arrive at love during the Civil War. This is the story of Gardenia Gladiola Garland (Gigi), a Southern girl from Kentucky, and Corporal Ephraim Edward Kerns, a Texas Ranger from Texas. After falling in love at first sight, the couple will have many obstacles to overcome if they are ever to arrive at a HEA. In the wonderful style of Caryl McAdoo, the couple’s faith will play a big part in their lives. This was a very enjoyable story and I highly recommend it. It is one of those feel good stories that will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.
This book is so good. It tells of love during the war. The author’s descriptions are very real, and it feels like you are on the road with them. Thoroughly enjoying this series!
This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. I loved Gigi and Ephraim’s story. Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to stop. This is a book you don’t want to end, but you just have to know what happens next. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This installment to the North and South series is wonderful. I loved this story line and the love story that developed in this story. This is a lovely, clean, and entertaining romance that made it hard for me to take breaks when I needed to. This story and the other stories in this series are definitely worth the read.