Showing posts with label Civil War. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Civil War. Show all posts
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Review of Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig
Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig
Fully authorized by the Margaret Mitchell estate, Rhett Butler's People is the astonishing and long-awaited novel that parallels the Great American Novel, Gone With The Wind. Twelve years in the making, the publication of Rhett Butler's People marks a major and historic cultural event.
Through the storytelling mastery of award-winning writer Donald McCaig, the life and times of the dashing Rhett Butler unfolds. Through Rhett's eyes we meet the people who shaped his larger than life personality as it sprang from Margaret Mitchell's unforgettable pages: Langston Butler, Rhett's unyielding father; Rosemary his steadfast sister; Tunis Bonneau, Rhett's best friend and a onetime slave; Belle Watling, the woman for whom Rhett cared long before he met Scarlett O'Hara at Twelve Oaks Plantation, on the fateful eve of the Civil War.
Of course there is Scarlett. Katie Scarlett O'Hara, the headstrong, passionate woman whose life is inextricably entwined with Rhett's: more like him than she cares to admit; more in love with him than she'll ever know…
Brought to vivid and authentic life by the hand of a master, Rhett Butler's People fulfills the dreams of those whose imaginations have been indelibly marked by Gone With The Wind.
Leona's Review:
I won this book from goodreads.com. I have always liked the movie Gone With the Wind and since this was authorized by the Margaret Mitchell estate I thought it would be a good book to read.
There is some history that was changed as the author admits but it did not change my opinion of the book.
Rhett Butler's People is about the people, friends, enemies and family of Rhett Butler. It is not always about Rhett Butler and Scarlett. There is the history of the Civil War and how it changed so many lives. Like Gone With the Wind, it had hard times and sad times; it also shows people can and will come through hardships.
A lot of Gone With the Wind is in Rhett Butler's People and I thought it was well done.
The movie happened to be on while I was reading this book and it helped me picture the characters. It kept the main characters as they were in the movie; Melanie is still sweet and Scarlett is still demanding.
I have never read Gone With the Wind but have watched the movie many times. I see I need to read the book now.
I give it a 5 star rating. I did like it and will read it again.
Donald MaCaig is on facebook.
Leona Olson
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Review of A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander
Book Review of A Beauty So Rare by Tamera
Alexanear.
From goodreads.com:
From
the USA Today bestselling author of To Whisper Her Name and A Lasting Impression
comes a moving historical novel about a bold young woman drawn to a group of
people forgotten by Nashville society--and to the one man with whom she has no
business falling in love.
Eleanor Braddock, a spinster--plain, practical, no stunning Southern beauty--has long since dismissed any hope of marriage. But when a dying soldier whispers his final words, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. But this compassionate deed takes a harsh turn, and Eleanor finds herself dependent upon the richest woman in America and the most despised woman in Nashville--her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, mistress of Belmont Mansion. A clandestine act of kindness leads Eleanor to an unlikely path for her life--building a home for destitute widows and children from the Civil War. And while Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve.
Gerhard Marcus Gottfried, Archduke of the House of Habsburg and fourth in line to the Austrian throne, arrives in Nashville in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Collaborating with botanist Luther Burbank, Marcus seeks to combine his own passion for nature with his expertise in architecture. But his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widow's and children's home run contrary to the wishes of practical, frugal Eleanor, who sees his ideas as costly nonsense.
Yet as the construction project continues, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expected. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor to marry, and even if he were, someone who knows Marcus's secrets is about to reveal them all.(less)
Eleanor Braddock, a spinster--plain, practical, no stunning Southern beauty--has long since dismissed any hope of marriage. But when a dying soldier whispers his final words, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. But this compassionate deed takes a harsh turn, and Eleanor finds herself dependent upon the richest woman in America and the most despised woman in Nashville--her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, mistress of Belmont Mansion. A clandestine act of kindness leads Eleanor to an unlikely path for her life--building a home for destitute widows and children from the Civil War. And while Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve.
Gerhard Marcus Gottfried, Archduke of the House of Habsburg and fourth in line to the Austrian throne, arrives in Nashville in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Collaborating with botanist Luther Burbank, Marcus seeks to combine his own passion for nature with his expertise in architecture. But his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widow's and children's home run contrary to the wishes of practical, frugal Eleanor, who sees his ideas as costly nonsense.
Yet as the construction project continues, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expected. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor to marry, and even if he were, someone who knows Marcus's secrets is about to reveal them all.(less)
Paperback, 484
pages
Published March 25th 2014 by Bethany House Publishers (Baker
Publishing Group)
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Carolina Gold by Dorothy Love
Carolina Gold by Dorothy Love
From booksneeze.com:
Book Description
The war is over, but at Fairhaven Plantation, Charlotte's struggle has
just begun.
Following her father’s death, Charlotte Fraser returns to Fairhaven, her
family’s rice plantation in the South Carolina Lowcountry. With no one else to
rely upon, smart, independent Charlotte is determined to resume cultivating the
superior strain of rice called Carolina Gold. But the war has left the
plantation in ruins, her father’s former bondsmen are free, and workers and
equipment are in short supply.
To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to tutor the two young
daughters of her widowed neighbor and heir to Willowood Plantation, Nicholas
Betancourt. Just as her friendship with Nick deepens, he embarks upon a quest to
prove his claim to Willowood and sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that
uncovers a long-held family secret, and threatens everything she holds
dear.
Inspired by the life of a 19th-century woman rice farmer, Carolina
Gold pays tribute to the
hauntingly beautiful Lowcountry and weaves together mystery, romance, and
historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman’s struggle to
restore her ruined world.
Leona's Review:
Carolina Gold by Dorothy Love takes us back to the time era
after the Civil War of the United States. The book begins in Charleston, South
Carolina, 3 March 1868.
Charlotte Fraser has lost her father and is about the meet
with his lawyer. She is 23 years of age and alone as both of her parents are
gone, her mother when Charlotte was 12 years old. Their plantation grew rice
before the war and Charlotte if trying to grow the crop again.
Carolina Gold concentrates on a young woman trying to survive
without help, a home that has been partially destroyed and money that is very
tight for Charlotte as well as her neighbors who also lost so much during this
trying time. It does not spend a lot of time on the war period but after the war
and the problems they have. There are also some good times that are refreshing,
the beach for example.
Charlotte tutors the children of Nicholas Betancourt, who has
lost his wife; the children and Charlotte become very close. I really liked the
character of Daniel and was so glad he was added to the book. In fact, all the
characters played an important role. Every woman needs a good friend such as
Augusta.
Charlotte's father told her "you must have patience and
faith." (page 150)
"Circumstances has given me little choice" says Charlotte.
(page 266)
Real life situations such as "swatting flies", "humidity and
wiping the face with a handkerchief" and "bleeding patients". Some politics and
just enough to add to the time period. Books and education were some of the
main topics and played an important role.
Many occasions in the book which add to the story and always
seem to advance the projects such as reading, drawing, sickness, crops ruined
and searching for what and why her father was telling her before he
died.
I liked this book and give it a 5 star. There was a lot of
history and I personally thought feelings for the characters. The clothes of
the period, carriages, needlework, church, sickness, New Orleans, the South,
books, the beach and when and how to do the crops. No bad language and a love
story that is of the time era such as courtships.
I would have liked to see a recipe for Augusta's tea cakes,
they sounded good.
The front of the book has a map (always appreciated) and the
back has a Reading Group Guide. (page 323) Question # 3: How did the war change
the roles of Southern women? How were these changes shown in the
book?
The book is "Dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Waties
Allston Pringle (1845-1921), whose remarkable life and work inspired this novel"
There is also a picture of her on the dedication page.
Author's Note on page 320.
Acknowledgements on page 325.
About the Author on page 328.
I received a complimentary copy of Carolina Gold from
booksneeze.com to read and review. The opinions are my own.
Dorothy Love may be reached at: www.dorothylovebooks.com
Leona Olson
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Book review of Grant, Savior of the Union by Mitchell Yockelson
Grant Savior of the Union (The Generals Series)
By Mitchell Yockelson
Published by Thomas Nelson
Book Description
When Ulysses S. Grant accepted the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865, he became the Savior of the Union. But he was more than just a general during the most controversial and costly time in American history.One hundred and fifty years since the Civil War commenced, Ulysses S. Grant is still considered one of the greatest officers to wear the uniform of the United States Army. But he began his military career reluctantly.
After his father submitted an application to West Point for his son, Grant reluctantly attended. A few years after graduation he served in the Mexican War and distinguished himself in combat, but while he enjoyed the excitement of war, shortly after he married he became despondent at the amount of time his army life kept him away from his family and resigned. But when the country split apart in 1861 and war between the northern and southern states erupted, Grant was eager to wear a uniform again and serve his country.
Joining the Union Army meant more to Grant than becoming a soldier again. He fought because he believed it was his duty to do so. He firmly believed the war was fought over the issue of slavery, and so even after he was unable to secure a commission with the regular army he signed up with the Illinois volunteer army. Grant was a natural leader and rose quickly to Commander of the Union Army. He was a soldier’s soldier and the men who served under him respected his abilities to lead them in battle.
After the war, Grant went on to become the eighteenth president of the United States, serving two terms and presiding over the second half of Reconstruction, fighting for African American and Native American civil rights, and signing bills promoting black voting rights and Klan prosecution.
After years of resisting offers to write about his Civil War experience he suddenly found himself rushed to complete his memoirs when he was diagnosed with throat cancer. His two-volume memoirs were completed days before he died and were published posthumously in 1885. They are considered to be the greatest work of the genre and through them his military contributions remain with us always.
Leona's Review of Grant, Savior of the Union:
I personally this was a well written book of history on our 18th president of the United States. The time he spent at war, time at West Point and his family are so important in knowing this man. Recently, I re-watched North and South and noticed when Grant's name was mentioned.
We have a hotel/restaurant near our home with the name of the Grant house (Rush City, Minnesota) and an article in the paper last month said Grant had been to this hotel many times.
The book is based on his time in the army and of his personal life. Lots of battle scenes were included in the book. If a reader is a scholar on the Civil War and of Grant, maybe this is not the book for them. For someone who knew little (or forgot from school) this was a good read and informational.
I did tire of the war scenes but when it came to Vicksburg, I had a lot of interest because I have visited there.
I would have liked to have seen some maps.
I would suggest this for a young student. I give it a 4 star because I did learn something.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review from booksneeze.com and Thomas Nelson Publishers. The opinions are my own.
You may find Mitchell Yockelson on goodreads.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4628025.Mitchell_Yockelson%22%3EMitchell
Leona Olson
mnleona.blospot.com
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Chasing the Sun
Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson
Hannah Dandridge is in Cedar Springs, Texas near Dallas awaiting for the
return of her father John, who has gone to Vicksburg, Mississippi to see his
dying mother. His partner, Herbert Lockhart, has told Hannah he has been
probably been taken prisoner by the Union and may be dead. This is in the middle
of the Civil War, October 1863. Herbert Lockhard had been wanting Hannah to
marry him but she does not love him. The siblings of Hannah by her step-mother
are also worried about their father; Andy is 8 years old and Marty is 5 years
old; their mother died at Marty's birth.
They came to Texas after the death of Hannah's step-mother because John
Dandridge had become depressed. The ranch they now owned was confiscated by the
government because the Barnetts left to fight on the side of the Union.
On the ranch there is also Berto Montoya and his wife Juanita who worked
for the Barnetts. They have two children, Pepita and Pablo.
This is also the time of the Comanche raids in the area.
Andy has left the ranch as a Longhorn has wandered. He comes across a
soldier who is coming home after being wounded. As they are trying to free the
animal, a young Indian warrior comes towards them but his horse is spooked and
he falls to the ground. Andy brings both home to the ranch; one is William
Barnett and the other is Night Bear of the Comanche tribe. The author uses the
word Numunuu which is what the Comanche's name for themselves. (All the books I
have read, this is the first time I have seen this name. The author uses respect
in this book for the Tribe.).
The book is one I have found to be very emotional and also fun such as the
birth of a calf. The Civil war was a hard time for our country but the book is
also about hardships in this time period. There is love, friendship, hardships,
death, greed, family and history. This is a Christian Romance book. I give it a
five star.
I have been to Vicksburg, Mississippi and have seen the graves of many
soldiers who died. It is a startling fact and very somber.
I was given a complimentary copy of "Chasing the Sun" by Tracie Peterson
from Bethany House to read and review. The opinions are my
own.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Galveston
I received a complimentary e-book copy of Galveston from LibraryThing and the author P.G. Nagle.
The book is about the Civil War and the personal emotions of the characters in the book; the book works up to the Battle in Galveston, Texas on January 1, 1863 and the retaking of Galveston by the Confederates from the Union.
I also have a new e-reader and prefer a book because it is easier to find a passage in the book when checking details but must say I liked this version because I took it on a cruise and also had other books with me.
I liked this book and since it has been a long time since I had Texas History in school, it taught me something about the Civil War in Galveston and this area. I found the facts in the book interesting and books like this always encourage me to check deeper into the subject. Two examples: Albert Miller Lea has a town in Minnesota named after him ( I now live in Minnesota) and John Bankhead Magruder's middle name is the name of the highway in my hometown of Monahans, Texas; US 80 and now Interstate 20.
The book begins with so many characters, I had to reread the pages to get organized. The Russell family are the main characters in the book and names fall into place; even the horse that belongs to Jamie (James) is named Cocoa. I personally think the names bring you closer to understanding the characters. Emma, sister of Jamie, lost her fiance, Stephen, in the Battle at Valverde and her emotions show in the wiping the tears from her eyes as an example. He is mentioned throughout the book as one really would remember a loved one in real life.
Jamie takes Emma to Galveston to be with the sister of their mother, May, and new characters are brought in to the book. Emma has worked hard on the family farm with her parents and brothers and now in Galveston takes music lessons as well as learning needlework. "She turned over her embroidery hoop and began to pick at her knot with her needle". Anyone who has done needlework knows of this problem.
The actions in the Battle of Galveston felt real and were very detailed. One ship the Harriet Lane is a boat in history and the battle.
The author has a Union Lieutenant, Quincy Wheat, a main character in the book and the chapters go back and forth between the main characters; this gives the reader gets a look into the feelings of both sides.
Reading this book is an opening to gain information about the history of Texas and the Civil War in another area we usually do not think of the war.
The book is about the Civil War and the personal emotions of the characters in the book; the book works up to the Battle in Galveston, Texas on January 1, 1863 and the retaking of Galveston by the Confederates from the Union.
I also have a new e-reader and prefer a book because it is easier to find a passage in the book when checking details but must say I liked this version because I took it on a cruise and also had other books with me.
I liked this book and since it has been a long time since I had Texas History in school, it taught me something about the Civil War in Galveston and this area. I found the facts in the book interesting and books like this always encourage me to check deeper into the subject. Two examples: Albert Miller Lea has a town in Minnesota named after him ( I now live in Minnesota) and John Bankhead Magruder's middle name is the name of the highway in my hometown of Monahans, Texas; US 80 and now Interstate 20.
The book begins with so many characters, I had to reread the pages to get organized. The Russell family are the main characters in the book and names fall into place; even the horse that belongs to Jamie (James) is named Cocoa. I personally think the names bring you closer to understanding the characters. Emma, sister of Jamie, lost her fiance, Stephen, in the Battle at Valverde and her emotions show in the wiping the tears from her eyes as an example. He is mentioned throughout the book as one really would remember a loved one in real life.
Jamie takes Emma to Galveston to be with the sister of their mother, May, and new characters are brought in to the book. Emma has worked hard on the family farm with her parents and brothers and now in Galveston takes music lessons as well as learning needlework. "She turned over her embroidery hoop and began to pick at her knot with her needle". Anyone who has done needlework knows of this problem.
The actions in the Battle of Galveston felt real and were very detailed. One ship the Harriet Lane is a boat in history and the battle.
The author has a Union Lieutenant, Quincy Wheat, a main character in the book and the chapters go back and forth between the main characters; this gives the reader gets a look into the feelings of both sides.
Reading this book is an opening to gain information about the history of Texas and the Civil War in another area we usually do not think of the war.
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