Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse ~ Photo: Mark Papke

Sunday, July 21, 2013

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.


42 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for featuring Kathy's and my novellas! I really hope readers will be blessed by both books. I still think about my character Angelina's commitment to obedience to God. She's one of my favorite heroines that I have written! Blessings, Pat!

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  2. Greetings, Ladies! I have read Return to Shirley Plantation and your review captures Carrie's writing perfectly, Pat! A truly wonderful story. I haven't yet read Kathy's Bachelor Buttons, but I do want to read it and look forward to her story. This is my first time visiting your blog, Pat, and I am very impressed. The picture you use as your icon is hanging by my desk at work-lovely.

    lisatreesa@yahoo.com

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    1. LISA, Thanks so much for being an endorser for this novella! You are such a blessing to me!!! And thanks for coming by!

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    2. Lisa, thank you for your kind words. Bless you!

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  3. Pat, what a beautiful blog you have. I am honored to have my story featured here, and am so thankful for your generosity. Your reviews are so insightful! You are so right about Carrie's deep POV characters and their internal conflicts. She is a very talented writer with a keen insight into the human psyche. It is a treat to read her work.
    I have to wonder now that you mention a common ancestral name if we might somehow be related. We are definitely kindred either way :)

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  4. Enjoyed your blog and reviews! I love to read about our history. It's very important. Thank you for sharing and please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you!
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Barbara, thanks so much for visiting. :D Good luck!

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  5. Both books sound intriguing and interesting. History is one of my loves. :) Great reviews that would make the reader want to read the books, and I love the covers. Thanks!
    browncarole212(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Carole! So great to see you here! The cover for Return to Shirley Plantation were photographed by their staff photographer! Didn't Alice take a cool pic? Loved it and they gave me permission to use for this book. Blessings!

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    2. Thanks for your kind comments, Caroline. My son designed my cover. He's not only good, but he was cheap. ha! Hope you get a chance to read both of these--Carrie's is awesome. And I had a lot of fun writing mine.

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  6. I have visited Shirley Plantation and loved it! I know this story will be absolutely lovely. Best regards to Murray and all of you with this release!

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    1. Mary, I am trying to set up a luncheon and a tour of Shirley Plantation the end of August. Sure wish you could be here to go with us!!! Thanks so much! Blessings!

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    2. Thank you, Mary. Every time I see your name I think of my sister MaryAlice. :D So nice to have you here to visit.

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  7. I have read Kathleen's Bachelor Buttons, and it is a delight! I haven't yet read Carrie's, but I really want to! I LOVE the Shirley Plantation! That would be my dream house!

    Congratulations to both of you, Carrie and Kathleen! May God bless you my friends!

    Amber Schamel

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    1. Amber you are such a dear girl! Thank you! You will love Carrie's. Her heroine is one of my favorites ever, and her writing really brings to life the plantation setting and all of its nuances. A great read.

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  8. Thanks for reviewing these, Pat. I hope to read them soon. :)

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    1. That would be great, Lori! Kathy and I both loved "Burning Sky!"

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  9. Oh-h-h--So glad you could all pop in ladies!

    Lovely setting, two great stories and a neat giveaway! Thank you Carrie and Kathy--and the other kind folks who've stopped in to chat. Lisa, (thanks for the follow :) And to Barbara, Caroline, Mary and Amber--hope you all have a peaceful and enjoyable evening. (re: the flooding--Carrie, hope all is well tonight!)

    <>

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    1. Thank God it is sunny right now and I pray it is drying up the ground out there so if it rains it will soak it right in! Great visiting with you, Pat!!!

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  10. You have a lovely website and what an interesting review, Pat. I too have family that came over during the Irish Potato Famine, Pat & Kathleen. I enjoyed reading Return to Shirley Plantation and look forward to reading Bachelor Buttons.

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  11. I love reading books set in that era and have hopes of writing my own someday as well. Please enter me in your giveaway. ozarkwriter(at)gmail(dot)com

    Thanks!
    Savanna

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    1. Awesome, Savanna--best wishes on your writing journey!

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  12. I loved the review and would love to win Return to Shirley's Plantation. Since Ashton Park by Murray Pura, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I am becoming a fan now of historical Christian fiction - a new genre for me. I would love to win this book by you, Carrie. Please enter me in this contest! thanks so much.. Blessings.
    Mary Lou K flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Mary Lou, I think you have been waiting patiently for Return To Shirley Plantation! I am still waiting on my galleys but have been assured they should be here shortly and Kathy's has been printed. So great to see you here and thanks for sharing on FB! Blessings!

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  13. I enjoyed the great reviews! I would love to visit The Shirley Plantation. I love history and until these books were written, I knew nothing about this plantation. Thank you for sharing and please enter me in the giveaway.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Barbara! This is the most extensive original colonial plantation still standing today and it is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year!!! Blessings!

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  14. Please don't enter me. I just wanted to offer my congrats to these two awesome ladies and authors (Carrie and Kathleen) once again. If y'all haven't read their books please do yourself a favor and put them at the top your Wishlist! As Loreal says, "YOU'RE WORTH IT." :)

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    1. That is so sweet, Diana, and thanks!!! You are such a blessing and such a dear friend. An angel, actually!!! Hugs!!!

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  15. Great reviews and I have also read Carrie's book and totally enjoyed learning about the Shirley Plantation through her book. The characters i her book were also great--a true love story that was quite believable--hard to believe it was her first book.
    I have not yet read kathy's book, but look forward to doing so, and I would love to win this giveaway--thanks for the opportuity.
    Vicki
    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Well, it isn't my first book, Vicki, that is why, lol! I have a bunch more full-length manuscripts and I have another novella (20K) that I have finished but they haven't sold yet. And I have my short story that did sell to Guideposts. Kathy's book is lovely--you have to read it Vicki! Have a blessed evening!

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  16. Hi Everyone--

    Carrie and Kathy--thank your for keeping the party going! I have to say whoever wins the giveaway will certainly enjoy those terrific stories! But don't wait for that--check them out on amazon and order them for a great summer read.

    I want to say thank you to my new followers for joining up as well.

    Lovely comments....I have a question though--every time I try to leave a comment on my own site or CQ, it comes up twice. Anyone know why that happens, and how it can be corrected? I always have to go back in and delete one of my comments. Thanks for any words of wisdom....

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    1. Pat, you are such a special lady. God bless you for having us on this week!!! Hugs and more hugs!!!

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    2. Pat you are a sweet melody in an otherwise discordant world. Thank you so much for blessing me with this blog post feature for my little story. I am so privileged to count you as a friend, and to have this terrific writing community's support and encouragement. You rox! :D

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  17. Sorry I'm a little late here, but just wanted to say Hi and add my congrats on these two amazing authors, Carrie and Kathleen, and their equally amazing and VERY memorable stories!! Blessings!

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    1. NOELA!!! And to our awesome OWG Aussie reviewer I am sending a huge hug--thanks so much for all you do for OWG and our readers and thanks for reading and reviewing my novella!

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  18. Hey ladies! How are you all doing? Carrie, I pray it is not flooding anymore where you are. I've read both of these books and I loved them. I didn't know they were going to be in paperback. If I'm not too late, please enter me into the contest please. I would love actual paperback copies of them. I just recently read Kathi's story SAFE HOUSE and it is right there with these two stories....wonderfully written and leaving me wanting more! Hugs and God bless.

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    1. No more flooding but the ditches are full, Debbie. We will get you entered!!! Yes, Kathi Macias' story was lovely, too! We are both honored to be in the company of such wonderful writers!

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  19. Both books sound interesting. I used to live in RIchmond, VA and have visited the Shirley Plantation. Nice to picture the plantation while reading :0) Then again my husband is of Irish decent.
    zoehgwp@gmail.com

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    1. I am going to Shirley Plantation tomorrow, Zoe! That has to make this story come to life for you since you know it. Kathy's novella is fabulous! Blessings!

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  20. A final thank-you to authors Carrie Fancett Pagels, Kathleen Maher and everyone who stopped in to help celebrate this Civil War anniversary and the stories hi-lighted this week! God bless you!

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  21. A final huge thank you to Carrie Fancett Pagels and Kathleen Maher for being my guests this week--and to all who became followers and visitors who commented on these two great stories!

    Moving on...before my computer goes down again! Weather changes are not kind to my poor old Dell!

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