Return to Shirley Plantation and Bachelor Buttons

Welcome to Shirley Plantation (built 1613) in Charles County, Virginia, the setting of our first story, Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels. We will also be joined by author Kathleen L. Maher who  has written volume three Bachelor Buttons in the Cry of Freedom series. Please join us as we note the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Enjoy coffee, lemonade and iced tea and delicious sweets as we meet our authors.


PLEASE LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN OUR DELIGHTFUL GIVEAWAY! 

~ an ebook or paperback copy of Carrie's and Kathy's books, reader's choice

~ a mug from Carrie with RtSP cover and her name/website

~ Shirley Plantation book by Julian Charity

~ A Shirley Plantation ornament

~ A teal-colored picnic tablecloth (Kathy's favorite color)

CRY OF FREEDOM:  150 years ago the history of America changed forever. Live 1863 through the stories of some of our finest writers – the passion, the romance, the tragedy, and the triumph.

The plantations. The Underground Railroad. Chancellorsville. Vicksburg. Gettysburg. Little Round Top. Chickamauga. Chattanooga. Missionary Ridge. The soldiers in the field. The families at home. The nurses in the hospitals. The speeches at Richmond and Washington. The prayers in churches North and South. It’s all here in one of the most dramatic series ever produced. A new story by a different author released every two weeks between April and November. Join us for one of the most exciting events in American inspirational publishing – Helping Hands Press presents CRY OF FREEDOM! The volumes in order of appearance....

Title: Return to Shirley Plantation (Vol. 1)

Author: Carrie Fancett Pagels
Publisher: Helping Hands Press


Abducted against his will, Matthew Scott is conscripted into the Confederate army because of his Copperhead father’s political leanings. Injured at Malvern Hill, Matthew is taken by the Union army to Shirley Plantation in Virginia where he is tended by seamstress Angelina Rose, a freed slave. Given an opportunity to leave the South and start a new life for herself, Angelina remained for the sake of her sister’s orphaned twins who are still enslaved. Will Matthew’s return to Shirley Plantation settle a mystery concerning his father’s past? And help Matthew find the family he longs for.

My review of Return to Shirley Plantation:

As I read Return to Shirley Plantation I was impressed. it showed a maturity in fiction writing, and a depth revealed in Ms. Pagels' characters' unique internal conflicts. She doesn't just stop as many do with an external conflict, she goes much deeper into her characters' lives and feelings.

I also appreciated her details; they lend a very real and sensitive note to the story. For instance, I never realized slaves' skin could not come in contact with white owners or their clothing. I always feel if I've learned something new after reading a story, it's enriched it for me all the more. The gentile setting. and lovely way Angelina's & Matt's relationship is handled makes this a memorable debut for this author.

Ms. Pagels tells a strong story with a delicate touch. 

Title: Bachelor Buttons (Vol. 3)
Author: Kahleen L. Maher
Publisher: Helping Hands Press


The daughter of immigrants who fled the Irish Potato Famine, Rose Meehan longs for a better life than the tenements of New York City. Courted by two men--a young doctor who represents material security, and a poor violin instructor who has captured her heart--she must choose between a life of advantage-grabbing or a life of faith. When Manhattan explodes in mob rule following Lincoln's unpopular draft, the heroic action of one suitor brings provision for those she loves, and reveals God's plan.


Kathleen L. Maher’s novella Bachelor Buttons released through Helping Hands Press in May, 2013 as part of a Civil War sesquicentennial collection. Her manuscript Closer than a Brother won the historical category of ACFW’s Genesis contest in 2012. Her work has finaled in several writing contest since 2009. She is represented by Terry Burns of Hartline Literary Agency.

Kathleen blogs about New York State history and enjoys reading and writing reviews for historical CBA releases. She and her husband live in a 100-year-old farmhouse in upstate NY with their three children. Two rescued Newfoundland dogs and a tuxedo cat complete their family.


My Review of Bachelor Buttons:

Admittedly I was first drawn to this story because Kathy and I share so much background though I've never met her--we are both New Yorkers, have ancestors who came here during the Irish potato famine, and even share an ancestral name--Meehan.

I've read some of Kathy's other work and am especially impressed by Ms. Maher's writing style; it is lovely, lyrical writing. She brings the spirited Rose, William and Ian to life as they struggle to seek fulfillment in the tenements of New York during the upheaval of the draft riots. I was immediately captured by Rose's story and the choice she must make--for herself and her family.