Can Love Form Amidst Tensions of War? During the clash between Union and Confederacy, quiet Tennessean Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to nurse both Rebel and Yankee wounded who seek refuge at her family’s farm. She is determined to remain unmoved by the Yankee cause–until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee. The MacFarlane family fits no stereotype … fits no stereotype Joshua believed in; still he is desperate to regain his footing–as a soldier, as a man, as a Christian–in the aftermath of his debilitating injury. He will use his time behind enemy lines to gather useful intelligence for the Union–if the courageous Rebel woman will stay out of the line of danger.
Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear.
More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)
The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1836 Texas (February 2019)
The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1849 San Francisco (April 2019)
The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1860 Utah (July 2019)
more
I’ve greatly enjoyed the Daughters of the Mayflower series. What I’ve appreciated the most is finding new-to-me authors such as Kathleen Y’Barbo, MaryLu Tyndall, and Shannon McNear. Honestly, all of the authors who have written for this series are amazing, but I have to say that Ms. McNear is a stand-out to me. I was completely blown away by The Cumberland Bride, and now with The Rebel Bride, I can confidently say that McNear is a novelist I will definitely follow. The Rebel Bride is superb storytelling. The plot is outstanding, the conflict is so engaging I couldn’t help but stay up late into the night turning pages, Pearl and Josh’s romance had me swooning, and the history is so artfully brought to life I felt like I was in Tennessee in 1863. Truly, The Rebel Bride is an amazing ride!
To keep things simple, I’ve created a list detailing why I love this book.
1. The conflict between Pearl and Josh is perfect. A Confederate woman falls in love with a Unionist soldier. Talk about compelling the reader to turn page after page! On their own, Pearl and Josh are unique characters. Pearl is feisty and strong and courageous and so hardworking. And her faith! I long to have faith like Pearl. Josh is rugged, handsome, polite, and so strong. And his need to protect Pearl — be still my heart! Separate, as unique characters, Pearl and Josh are great, but together they are an amazing couple. And the chemistry between the two is perfect. I love how their relationship builds over the course of the story — very genuine and realistic.
2. I love that historically speaking Ms. McNear wrote the truth. She didn’t sugarcoat or romanticize anything. The Civil War was truly awful and it killed thousands upon thousands of men. Not all men for the Union fought to free slaves. In fact, many men in the Union were worried about losing jobs to the now-freed slaves. And, many Southerners found slavery repugnant. What they hated was a government forcing its will upon sovereign states. Isn’t that why America fought against the tyrannous British during the Revolutionary War? What I appreciate about The Rebel Bride is that McNear does an excellent job of illustrating a realistic portrayal of the men and women and children affected by the Civil War. There are no stereotypes in this story, and it really gets the reader thinking.
3. My most favorite aspect of this novel is the illustration of relying on God. Pearl is forced to open her home to the enemy. Not only is she forced to give her enemy food and shelter, but she is also required to care for them and nurse them back to health. On her own, Pearl is incapable of such a task. But with God, Pearl is able to rise above her circumstances and her very real feelings and do what needs doing. At first, it is awful. She goes to God often. She is in prayer every minute she can spare, and her earthly father quotes apt Bible verses to help keep her on track. Over time, Pearl does come to see that her notions about the enemy are mostly incorrect and that the men who have come to her for care are men just like her brothers, cousin, and father. But she never would have been able to get to this point if it weren’t for God.
I could go on and on about how excellent this novel is, but I won’t because I don’t want to spoil a single thing. Suffice to say, The Rebel Bride is an excellent novel — one I cannot recommend enough. Purchase a copy for yourself today. You will not be disappointed!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Barbour Books, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear is the 10th book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series from Barbour. It is an outstanding story of conflict and faith.
Years ago, my husband and I visited the battlefields at Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga . It was a memorable experience. I was thrilled to find that this story took place in the aftermath of Chickamauga.
It is a powerful rendition of the realities of war and the personal struggles of soldiers and civilians alike in dealing with the wounded after battle.
Pearl MacFarlane has lost three brothers to battles in the Civil War. Yet she, her father and youngest brother are tasked with opening their humble home to enemy wounded. She does her best, with meager resources, to tend the fallen before they are shipped off to prison. Northerner Joshua Wheeler has lost a hand in the fighting and Pearl nurses him through fever and festering.
Pearl is admonished by her father and the Bible to tend to the soldiers : “ If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head”
Through discussions, Pearl and Josh delve into the motives of each side of the controversy which caused this great war.
The flavor of the time period comes through in the cadence of the Southern speech and the politeness and common courtesy even in times of adversity. But also brought to reality are the brutality of war and the cruelty and sinfulness that plague man.
In the forward, the author has stated that she was uncomfortable writing about the Civil War because she lives in the South. Previous time periods were more familiar and less controversial. She has done a stellar job of capturing this era and the thoughts and actions of her characters are believable and thought provoking. She brings to life the inner turmoil of those questioning the reasons behind this awful war. Pearl asks her father :”Who is the wicked in this terrible war?” He responds: “There is none righteous, no, not one. If we have not the comfort of knowing our Savior and doing our best each day to serve and follow Him, what do we have? Are not all equally lost, whether North or South, white or black, without knowledge of Him? We must seek to know God and Him only.”
Ms. McNear shows that there was loyalty on both sides, strong faith on both sides, love of country on both sides, sin on both sides.
The authors notes shed more light on her research of this exceptional story,
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
History fairly leaps off the pages through the lives of these dynamic characters! I enjoyed my time spent reading this story and hated to see the last chapter arrive. I easily felt like I was part of the story and living the events right alongside the characters.
The effects of the choices leading up to and following the American Civil War are ones that are still seen to this day. The wounds from any War are deep, but wars fought on your own soil seems to be long-lasting for those who live there. The American Civil War saw the largest number of casualties and split our county in two.
Rich with historical details, and with characters that quickly warm your heart, this story is one that will resonate with anyone and one that will linger with you long after you’ve read the final words on the page.
I would encourage anyone who loves historical fiction to pick up a copy of this story to enjoy! Likely, like me, you’ll want to own your own copy for your personal library, so as to easily pick-up an enjoy again!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
I can’t get enough of this series! I love how each one highlights a different period of time in American history. With there being so many Civil War stories out there it can sometimes be challenging to find a story that is original. I think that Shannon McNear did an excellent job with her story! She gives us a fresh look at what life was like for families on the home front. I hadn’t read any stories about anyone being forced to open their homes and to care for those they consider the enemy. She did a great job describing hospital life and also military details. This book was so good! I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear is Historical Fiction set in the Civil War South. What a blessing to read a book that begins with the Word of God and a prayer. An honest look at those who lived in that time and place. War is a vision of hell so real that it calls all to repentance. I loved the character’s Biblical application to every aspect of their daily life. This book reminds us what a joy it is to walk with the Lord moment by moment even in troubled times. I enjoyed the wonderful historical details and obvious research effort that went into writing this book. New perspectives on the causes of the war and the opinion of others was also enlightening. The author also wrote an afterword that was very interesting in itself. I have enjoyed very book in this Historical Christian Series Daughters of the Mayflower because each Daughter has her own special story to tell about God‘s faithfulness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
Good story! Pearl is a great addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I must say that I really appreciated the author’s research. War is terrible. The Civil War, in my opinion, is the worst in America’s history. This is a very well written story about two people on opposite sides of the battle, forced together by rather unique circumstances.
I liked how Pearl chooses to pray for those in her care and “heap coals upon their heads.” I really liked how she so tenderly cared for Josh during his fever and how protective he felt of her once he was well. They developed a true friendship and eventual love.
While injuries and some battles are discussed, there is nothing gruesome or gritty described (another thing I greatly appreciated).
I highly recommend this book and this series. Each is a stand-alone story, connected through a family tree.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.
An amazing account of the Civil War
Wow! Shannon McNear taught me so much about the Civil War in this story, though it only encompassed several months of that terrible time in history. As I read the introduction and the author’s thoughts about writing this story, how she selected a middle-class family instead of one living on a plantation, how the issues leading up to the war went so much deeper than slavery, and especially how she had never even wanted to write a story about this terrible war, I knew that this was going to be an amazing book.
I tend to shy away from books about the Civil War. For some reason, I always think of this war as being far more horrendous than any other. So when I heard that the author of The Cumberland Bride, which I loved, was writing one set in this era, I cringed and debated about whether I should read it. Truely, if I had not already read The Cumberland Bride, I would have passed on The Rebel Bride.
From the very start, I was enthralled!
When Pearl’s cousin delivered a wagon full of Yankees for her to convalesce at her house, she was appalled. Not just at the work, which she was untrained for, or the lack of provisions to feed them, or even the fact she would have to give up her bedroom and sleep in the attic. The very thought of harboring the enemy grated on her every nerve!
Oh, how I loved Pearl’s Pa! His wisdom as he exhorted her with Scripture blessed me.
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20
Pearl learned so much about how to follow Christ, especially when it wasn’t easy. Her care of the enemy, even if at first her motivation was simply heaping those coals of fire, was pretty amazing.
Josh was one of those enemy soldiers needing care. In fact, he wasn’t even conscious for days after he arrived. The injury he sustained was terrible, yet he adapted. And then began to help the best he could. I loved his very protective nature and the strength of character he exhibited.
Clem, Pearl’s younger brother and the only one who survived the war, was written so well! This young boy appeared to be simply avoiding the work needed around the house. Yet when I found out what this industrious lad was up to … my, my!
Rich descriptions made me feel like I was there, crawling through blackberry bushes, seeing Missionary Ridge, hearing the sounds of battle, feeling the frigid creek, smelling the odors of the house-turned-hospital. I quaked in fear, grieved at the loss, questioned which side was right, rejoiced over the unexpected miracle, and hoped for peace.
Read my review of The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I truely enjoyed this story. History is filled with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Most authors like to leave out the bad and most of the ugly when it comes to their main characters. I love how this author depicted real characters with complicated lives and thought processes.
I received this copy directly from the publisher, but as always, my opinions are my own.
The Civil War. A time discussed often, but only on the surface. Most often the stories of this period are told from two perspectives- one being the plantation owner who wants to keep slaves, the other a person from the North who is fighting to abolish slavery. The Rebel Bride is an in depth tale from very different points of view. Perhaps ones not many have thought about. Shannon McNear definitely did research, and left no fact buried. Historically accurate this novel could act as a sort of textbook. Romantically this book could cause a Southern Belle to swoon. All wrapped up in a neat package, this read is a gift to every reader who chooses to crack open the cover.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the advanced copy of this story.
WOW! I truly loved this novel! After Reading “The Cumberland Bride” this is the second novel I read by Ms Shannon Mc Near, and I think this one could have surpassed the previous one, even though I also loved it! Ms Mc Near is a excellent author, and I can tell in her stories, that shes a meticulous researcher. Even if I’m not a Civil War Era expert, I can tell… The Mayflower Brides Series is excellent. I can’t praise this series enough. So much history, though it’s never dragging, there’s a lot of action, sweet and clean romance and an inspiring message. And this book was not the exception.
Pearl Mac Farlane is taking care of her family farm in Tenessee, while tending to his ailing father, mentally and phisically, which tears at Pearls heart. Suddenly, her cousin brings to their door a wagon full of Unionists, all badly injured, so Pearls falls into the struggling task of nursing her enemy to health. But is the war just Confederate versus Unionists? I learned a lot from this book, especially that things during this war where nor black and White, and that there where confederates who didn’t support slavery, like the Mac Farlands who didn’t own a slave. But taking sides sometimes dependes on the side of America you were born to. In any case, these men were enemies for Pearl and she struggled to treat them as her equals. Her heart told her to, and God speaks to her through Bible verses, so that her vision of these people gradually changes. These men are, like her, children of God. And they don’t deserve what they are going through.
Josh Wheeler, a now war amputee, is one of the man needing of her care. He’s not very conscious at first. But when he comes to, he’s surprised by this feisty, strong and hardworking woman who is selflessly tending to them, the enemy at her own house. There’s a beautiful friendship that starts to develop between them, that will gradualy turn into something more. But can their love be more impossible than two enemies in survival mode? The romance was really tender and swooning. I loved Josh’s protectiveness of Pearl. And the way he admired her and saw her, especially after the days wore on, and he could be of more help to her and to the other wounded.
I loved Pearl’s love and care of her Pa. It was heart-wrenching for her to see him deteriorate. But she was strong. And I loved how her faith sustained her during the whole trial. And how her faith inspired Josh and many more.
The story flowed, never dragged, and I was captivated by the characters and how they confronted the ugliness of the war.
This was a beautiful read I vividly recommend. I book I will definitely reread! It left me feeling inspired and humbled.
This is a wonderful historical romance!
The main characters are incredibly well developed. I was enthralled by the depth of the interaction and relationships between people on differing sides of the conflict of The Civil War. There were a lot of details that I hadn’t thought of when I studied this period in school. The heartache and self-questioning was very realistic in this book and made me really think about things I had skimmed over before.
One of the things that I really enjoyed was seeing how each person was trying to do what they felt God wanted them to. They knew scripture and it was a surprise to many of them to see that those on the other side did too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
A Tennessee girl is thrown full force into the Civil War being expected to care for injured soldiers from both sides injured in battle close to her home. This author has brought the Civil War to life with the descriptive and real life situations this family is put through. You will feel the struggle in the minds of both sides not wanting to be near the other side and the young girl trying to be neutral and do her best in caring for all of them. A story that tells a bit of history that needed to be re-told. I requested and was gifted a copy through NetGalley, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
Written during the Battle of Chickamauga, Pearl MacFarlane, along with her brother, Clem, and father, are trying to keep the farm running. Three brothers are already presumed lost to the war and their mother has been gone. When their cousin, Travis, brings a bunch of wounded soldiers to their home, their home becomes a hospital. Pearl does her best to tend to the wounds and healing but a certain soldier, Josh, becomes special to her and her to him. When choosing sides, which one prevails and can they put aside their differences to create a home. With father ailing and the battle coming closer, Pearl feels like everything is closing in on her. Josh is healing and trying to help as much as possible. As they tend to the ailing, Pearl and Josh become noticeably closer. If you have to choose a side, which do you choose? When you have to choose between head and heart, which do you choose? Another great story in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.
History comes to life in this touching story, showing God moves and love flourishes even in the hardest of times. Shannon McNear put names and faces on the Civil War and the hardships faced by both soldiers and civilians, North and South. Her level of detail and research gives the reader another reason to dive into the story and not come up until it is done. The characters feel like friends, letting the reader in on a snapshot of their lives. They come to life through their banter, struggles, and commitment to each other and God.
How is a staunch Southern girl suppose to react when her home is filled with Northern soldiers, needing nursing and care. With little food, no real nursing skills and an ailing father, Pearl must put aside her own comfort and take care of what God has put before her. What is a Northern soldier to do when the pretty Rebel farm girl turned nurse makes him think of more than healing and rejoining the battle. God will ask for both sides to open their minds to considering the good on the other side, and following Him even when it seems to make no sense.
Whether an avid fan of historical books or looking to pick one up for the first time, this story will entertain and delight. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I love this particular series because he takes historical events and creates a romance that is plausible to have happened during that time period. This story is just wonderful. It is clean, dramatic, never stopping, and very romantic.
Pearl MacFarlane lived with her father and younger brother in Tennessee during the final days/months of the Civil War. Her three older brothers had left for the war and had been killed. Her father is aging and in poor health and she feels frantic with the situation around her. After a big battle in the surrounding area, she is tasked with housing and treating some of the enemy Union soldiers because there are so many wounded. One of those, is Joshua, who has lost his hand and had part of his forearm amputated by the doctor. He is delirious with pain and fever and not likely to survive his injury but Pearl is determined that he won’t die under her care. She spends days tending to him, as well as all the others.
The story is about how she and others of her family who are staunch Confederate supporters learn that the Union soldiers aren’t’ always the enemy. There are good and bad men among them, too. Pearl and Josh develop feelings for one another that don’t seem possible because of the fact that they are on two opposing sides of a civil war. But, sometimes love can conquer all.
This was definitely a Christian based story with scriptures from the Bible scattered throughout the chapters. It wasn’t heavy but might offend some that don’t like that. There was great character development in the story with a multitude of characters to create a very rich story.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
This book is now on my list of favorite Civil war era books!!
I loved how Shannon McNear explained both sides of the war and her descriptions of events were so realistic. I really enjoyed reading about these characters, Shannon McNear brought them to life and made me invested in their outcomes right from the start. I can not more highly recommend reading a book! Its full of adventure, survival, compassion, love… It has so much to offer.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the beautifully crafted characters, the inspiring story-line, and for the great description Shannon McNear gave of both sides in the war.
*I volunteered to read this story in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Pearl MacFarlane is already struggling after having much of the harvest and stock taken from her fields by both Yankee and Rebel soldiers. Pearl is also dealing with the loss of her mother and three brothers plus having an ailing father. Pearl is not very sympathetic when her cousin Travis brings her five Yankee prisoners to nurse. Her father quotes scripture to remind her how she should care even for these enemy soldiers. In caring for the men, especially amputee Joshua Wheeler, she struggles to keep them alive. As Joshua regains his strength and seeing Pearl’s struggle, he works to help her and protect her. I received a free copy of this eBook from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Even though I normally don’t enjoy reading about the Civil War, this is my favorite Daughter of the Mayflower book. The author has put a lot of research in this book to keep it as historically accurate as possible. Pearl and Travis are well developed faith filled characters. Through this book and the character of Pearl, I can understand why someone might support the confederacy even though they personally didn’t believe in slavery. Through their conversations and struggles, Pearl and Travis found common ground in their beliefs and found love. I am so glad that I read this book and will look forward to reading more by this author.
A unique look at a complex issue:
The Rebel Bride was a fresh and captivating novel set in the South during the Civil War. I appreciated that different sides of the dilemma and complexities were presented without declaring who was ultimately right or wrong. Another question explored was what do you do/think when there are godly people on both sides of the war who are each praying for the Lord’s protection and intervention? Despite these heavy topics, this was ultimately a romance about two people from opposite sides who come to realize that love can bridge the gap and bring you together regardless. I really liked the message of serving others with grace and in Christ’s name despite the fact that they are your enemy. It was an interesting and engaging read that whilst historical still felt relevant and something that modern day readers can relate to.
Whilst the authour’s notes at the beginning and end of the book were very factual, I thought they were far too long and a bit apologetic in nature.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
The Mayflower Bride series are stories that take history and make the various events come alive as readers follow the ancestry of one fictional family, named Lytton, throughout the years. In the latest installment set during the Civil War years, readers are taken on a heart-gripping tale in Tennessee in the year 1863.
Pearl MacFarlane is a woman who is shouldering much responsibility during the tumultuous years of the war. Her cousin serves in the Confederacy and has now deposited the sick and wounded at her door. What hardships the family has already endured have just increased exponentially since supplies of all kinds are almost nonexistent.
Grudgingly she begins to care for those who need her ministrations, but it is her heart that the Lord is working on. Pearl’s father is a man of faith whose own failing health brings more sorrow than Pearl is sure she can bear. What will become of one of the recovering men she has taken care of? Will he be shipped off to prison and more than likely death? Or will he be able to help care for those who still need tending?
There is much heart and soul woven in the pages of the story. I can tell that the author put forth much time in researching and I wager in prayer. The story is told in such a way that shows the hardships to both body and soul in the war, as well as extoling how God cared for the MacFarlane family and soldiers. I cannot wait for others to read and enjoy such an engaging tale!
The Daughters of the Mayflower series has been a fabulous historical fiction series, and book #10, The Rebel Bride, lives up to my expectations. The series follows a family tree linked by the daughters across American history, from the landing of the Mayflower through the events of World War II. In The Rebel Bride, McNear brings to life a few months of the Civil War in Tennessee with characters from both sides, The Union and The Rebels (or the Secessionists). The conflicts were not just military but very personal, and the characters realistically portray those discordant thoughts and emotions. Could a Union soldier and a Confederate daughter find a way to make their growing love into a wedded life together? Where could they live that their marriage would be accepted? The characters are portrayed with realism and are relatable. I like the way the author weaves a strong thread of faith in God throughout the story reminding readers that He is the source of strength in the hard times of life. The pages of this book were infused with drama, history, family, and emotional tension. I am looking forward to reading more of this author’s works and more, as well, in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, a series for those who love stories of history, adventure, romance, and family legacy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.