phyllish
Written on Nov 26, 2019
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 full review at Among the Reads
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.