The Rebel Bride

Shannon McNear

Dec 2019 · Daughters of the Mayflower Book 10 · Barbour Publishing

About this ebook

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 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)
 

Ratings and reviews

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

I loved this novel! Each book in this exciting multi-author series is better than the one before! The setting of The Rebel Bride is mid-Civil War. The historical content includes things I’ve not heard before. The characters are well-defined and engaging, especially those struggling to deal with circumstances through their eyes of faith rather than their very human feelings. Pearl is her parents’ only daughter. Her mother passed away. Her three older brothers served the Confederacy and were killed in battle. Her family strongly disapproves of owning other human beings but agreed with other issues at hand. Her younger brother, Clem, is still at home and helps out when he chooses. Pa had a spell that took some mobility on one side, and his mind is fading. Pa does remember scripture well. His mind is the clearest when they discuss how to handle what they are facing. He reads often from the Psalms, finding comfort and direction in them. Their food stores are dwindling, many vegetables and all their animals were taken by the troops. When Pearl’s cousin Travis brings two injured Union soldiers who are prisoners of the Confederacy, she is tried in ways she never imagined. Travis said everyone in the area is taking in wounded, whether it be from their side or the Union; Yankees will be relocated to prisons when they are doing better and travel can be arranged. Travis sends Portius, a black freedman who is loyal to Travis, to help her learn how to nurse the men according to their needs. Josh, a sergeant from an Ohio unit, is one of two men delivered to her. His left hand and forearm were lost in battle, and his pain is nearly unbearable. Much of the time he is unconscious. The man brought with him, Bernt, was born in Norway and happy to serve his new country. He is also severely injured. Both men are at risk of life-threatening infection. Pearl thought that nursing enemy soldiers was beyond what she could do, especially when Travis brings more. Her father considers the men to be guests. He repeatedly quotes scripture to her, including how when an enemy is hungry, feed him. He also reminds her that each man in somebody’s son, perhaps a brother or husband. Pearl learns to make one meal at a time and trust the Lord for provisions as she would if her brothers were still there. Learning to pray for them and nurse them is difficult, until beginning to see that there are men of faith among the Union men, also. Travis proposes to Pearl again. He has wanted to marry her for years. She sees him more like a brother and doesn’t want to marry him. When Josh and she talk about their differences as a northerner and a southerner, something begins to happen between them. They find themselves listening, really listening, and are also attracted to each other. Both wrestle with their feelings, especially when less-friendly prisoners try to harm them, and Josh tries to keep a protective eye on her. This novel is a very compelling read! We see Pearl’s faith grow through challenges, the faith of men on both sides of the battle line, scripture, deprivation, historical facts, and the traitorous hearts of a man and woman on opposite sides growing towards each other. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate excellent Christian historical fiction during the Civil War, making excellent use of scripture and faith. From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

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.

About the author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.