It's up to Pearl MacFarlane to keep what's left of her family together. She must keep her wondering younger brother in check, keep an eye on her ailing father, and find enough food to feed the three of them. Joshua Wheeler is injured during battle. He's taken to a local farm to convalesce and then return to the fighting. Pearl and Joshua must come together to thwart danger. A truce between enemies just might turn into her being his Rebel Bride.

Pearl MacFarlane is trying to figure out how to feed her family with what little they have left. A secret stash under the barn is the only thing getting them through the war. A visit from her cousin has her forced into taking in the wounded enemy. In the first group of soldiers is Joshua Wheeler who was badly wounded in the most recent battle in the area. Pearl isn't happy about taking in the enemy and must come to terms with her feelings about the whole situation. With help from her father and younger brother they take care of the wounded with what little supplies the military gives them along with what they have on hand. Joshua arrived unconscious and finally awakes to find that he's lost his hand. He believes its his duty along with the other prisoners at the farm to escape as soon as possible. When more wounded arrive and are put in the barn. Joshua must decide on how to spend his internment either at the farm helping or in a camp. He begins helping Pearl to take care of the wounded. Pearl grudgingly starts to show sympathy for the soldiers. Her ailing father starts to get worse and when he wonders off it scares Pearl. She asks her sister-in-law to come and help take care of the wounded. As they work together and get to know each other Pearl and Joshua begin to have a friendship that turns into more. They think that there is no way that they can have a future together. Pearl receives a marriage proposal from her cousin. An unexpected family member returns with news of a upcoming battle. Pearl must make a decision on whether to help the man she loves return to the war. Joshua becomes like a member of the family. Her father last bout with his ailing health has him not recovering. Pearl is left alone at the farm with the wounded that are left. Danger comes when the battle has soldiers fleeing past the farm. When a group of union soldiers are about to burn the farm Joshua shows up to save the day. He returns to the war and when its over comes back to the farm for Pearl. Pearl and Joshua are married and talk of moving west where they can build a life without the stigma of being from the north or south. A local preacher marries them along with her brother and his wife.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series moves into the Civil War years by bringing together to supposed enemies and showing them that it doesn't matter your affiliation you can find true love together. Their circumstances have them thinking that they can't have a future together but between love and God they'll find a way with determination and love to come through the danger and tumult of a war. The Rebel Bride story shows that a strong family of women through generations can tackle historical events and hardship with their determination and faith in God and find love when they least expect it.

I loved this story! It was beautifully written and encouraging.
I loved how hard it was to pick a side either yankee or rebel they both were fighting for what they thought was right and some just because they were born on that border.

I did not want this book to end.

The Rebel Bride is the 10th book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series by Barbour Publishing. I’ve enjoyed each of these books as they’ve been released and am pleased to see many more still to come. This is Shannon McNear’s second book in this series. She also wrote The Cumberland Bride (#5). The best thing about this series is that each book stands on its own so you can begin reading anywhere and won’t be confused. They are all relatively short, so they’re great for those who don’t have the time or effort to delve into thick books, but they still have all the spiritual impact and story layers people look for in Christian historical romances, at least I think so.
My favorite part of this book is how well the author brought-out the beliefs and stands of both the North and the South during this challenging time in history. She presented a well-balanced look at both sides while still bring out the prejudices the two had against each other. It wasn’t as cut and dry as we would like it to be.
After seeing a note from the author on Facebook, I was concerned about the level of gruesomeness considering this is a war book and we are dealing with amputation. I’m pleased to say that it was tactfully described and while it is repulsive, it wasn’t too much. If you can watch war movies, you won’t have a problem with this book. If you avoid blood and guts like the plague, this may not be the book for you.
I loved that the author didn’t make the resolution easy for these characters. The trials and internal struggles that they dealt with took effort to overcome.

The Rebel Bride is Shannon McNear’s second entry in the multi-author Daughters of the Mayflower series from Barbour Books. Spanning from one major battle through another, with the meat of the story between, this is a story based in the conscription of private homes to house the injured of the American Civil War.

As Pearl MacFarlane contends with the wounded Federal soldiers forced into her care on her family’s Tennessee farm, including red-headed Yankee Joshua Wheeler among the gravely wounded, the fraught nature of their circumstance and the strength of faith and character of the people caught in them are what comes to the fore. While decidedly a romance, and an enjoyable one at that, it is the dynamics between the various characters and the depth of the faith and convictions that drive them that hold the readers interest. So much so that I found myself slowing down to appreciate a paragraph or a scene, eventually losing sight of this novel being part of a genealogically linked series.

If not for the author’s notes that began and ended my reading, I would not have realized it was her first set in the Civil War era. Having now read eight of the first ten novels in this series, and enjoyed them to various degrees, The Rebel Bride stands out as one of the best and is quite able to stand on its own.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy Civil War fiction, Historical Christian Romance that does not stint on quoting the Psalms in particular, or just a well-researched story well told.

This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

History comes to life in this touching story, showing God moves and love flourishes even in the hardest of times. Shannon McNear put names and faces on the Civil War and the hardships faced by both soldiers and civilians, North and South. Her level of detail and research gives the reader another reason to dive into the story and not come up until it is done. The characters feel like friends, letting the reader in on a snapshot of their lives. They come to life through their banter, struggles, and commitment to each other and God.
How is a staunch Southern girl suppose to react when her home is filled with Northern soldiers, needing nursing and care. With little food, no real nursing skills and an ailing father, Pearl must put aside her own comfort and take care of what God has put before her. What is a Northern soldier to do when the pretty Rebel farm girl turned nurse makes him think of more than healing and rejoining the battle. God will ask for both sides to open their minds to considering the good on the other side, and following Him even when it seems to make no sense.
Whether an avid fan of historical books or looking to pick one up for the first time, this story will entertain and delight. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book- here is the description---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.

It was an interesting read, one that i felt was heartfelt and intriguing. Thanks to #netgalley for the advanced copy. Very enjoyable! #therebelbride

I wasn't sure how this book would go... I was very impressed with the sensitivity that Shannon McNear wrote this book. I have really enjoyed reading each book in the Daughter's of the Mayflower series. There are definitely some books that I want to delve into the history more than others.
With this book I couldn't help but look at the craziness of two sides of an issue... We do find ourselves in a place today where we stand with people on some things and stand with another set of people on others. I always challenge people to figure stuff out for yourself with the guidance or the Holy Spirit! Don't just take anyone's word for it and follow blindly... not a Pastor or a Person. Follow God and fight for the convictions He gives you. I loved how this depicted good people on both sides because there are in what goes on today...


I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

"The Rebel Bride" was a wonderful addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower" series. The civil war was one of the most bloodiest war ever fought . Families were torn apart because of what side they fought on. It was brother against brother. This is the first book by Shannon MacNear I have read and she didn't disappoint me. Shannon MacNear wrote a great story of love, war and forgiveness.

I would gladly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great book!

I received this complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review

Set in the midst of the worst battles of the Civil War, a Confederate family in Tennessee struggles to maintain its Christian values in caring for Union wounded, when their home is requisitioned as a hospital. In this novel, we see Christian values in practice on both sides become woven into a genuine love story, one which presages the beginning of the healing of the rift between the Union and the Confederacy after the Civil War. This novel contains no vulgarity and would be suitable for both adult and young adult readers.

This is the second “Daughters of the Mayflower” novel I have reviewed. This one is set during the American civil war just outside Chattanooga. The story is one of star-crossed lovers Pearl, is a southern girl and confederate through and through. Her love interest Josh is a wounded Union solider foisted on Pearl to nurse.

At the beginning of the novel Pearl is very unhappy with the arrangement. But as the story progresses and Josh recovers a tentative love grows between them. This is a very believable romance, it’s sweet and wholesome- refreshing set against the bloody background of the war.

Throughout the novel the war is always just over the ridge and the threat seems ever imminent. This book is very well researched, it’s clear that Shannon Mcnear has done her homework here. The world building is wonderful, I felt very much immersed in civil war life. As a Brit I have very limited knowledge of the civil war and this novel allowed enough information for someone who didn’t know this period of history at all.

That said, this novel is very Christian. I found myself skipping massive bits of text which was just bible verse. I understand this is very on brand for the time, especially in the American south, but this novel is hard work in pages if you aren’t religious. At one point towards the end Pearl and her father recite 5 pages of bible quotes, that is a lot. In some points as well scripture is used instead of what could actually be some meaningful conversation between characters. It’s a shame because the other novel I read from this collection, “The Chisholm Bride” plays on the religiousness of the time without being preachy and honestly this novel borders on preachy.

However the one thing I was most intrigued and pleased was the treatment of racial tensions in the novel. There are a few characters of colour in the novel who are fully formed and interesting. Pearl and her family, despite being confederates aren’t discriminatory. In fact a number of union soilders are actually quite racist, an interesting take. The novel isn’t very complimentary of Abraham Lincoln either, who is almost godlike to most Americans. I like the way McNear didn’t make obvious choices aka Unions = good and confederates = bad. The novel sides with neither North or South, which helps with the romantic aspect of the plot.

All in all this is a well easy read that deals with an intriguing part of American history in interesting and knowledgeable detail.

This ebook was provided for free thanks to #netgalley for a honest review - all thoughts are my own.

Wow, what a story of Love and loss and heartache in the midst of the civil war. The suffering on both sides was horrible and the stories of the families on the edges is not often told. I appreciated the attempt to remain historically accurate when possible and the soul searching folks on both sides must have gone through.  A wonderful story.

I love this particular series because he takes historical events and creates a romance that is plausible to have happened during that time period. This story is just wonderful. It is clean, dramatic, never stopping, and very romantic.

Pearl MacFarlane lived with her father and younger brother in Tennessee during the final days/months of the Civil War. Her three older brothers had left for the war and had been killed. Her father is aging and in poor health and she feels frantic with the situation around her. After a big battle in the surrounding area, she is tasked with housing and treating some of the enemy Union soldiers because there are so many wounded. One of those, is Joshua, who has lost his hand and had part of his forearm amputated by the doctor. He is delirious with pain and fever and not likely to survive his injury but Pearl is determined that he won't die under her care. She spends days tending to him, as well as all the others.

The story is about how she and others of her family who are staunch Confederate supporters learn that the Union soldiers aren't' always the enemy. There are good and bad men among them, too. Pearl and Josh develop feelings for one another that don't seem possible because of the fact that they are on two opposing sides of a civil war. But, sometimes love can conquer all.

This was definitely a Christian based story with scriptures from the Bible scattered throughout the chapters. It wasn't heavy but might offend some that don't like that. There was great character development in the story with a multitude of characters to create a very rich story.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

Thank you for the advanced copy!

I have to admit that I wasn't expecting to like this book, which is why I pushed it off for as long as I did.
I expected wrong.

The pacing of this book was wonderful. There was never a time I felt like it dragged, it kept me pulled in and engaged the entire time. The way the author writes moments of history is so enrapturing, I definitely felt transported there and then. It was so well done.

I loved the depiction of how Pearl is treated and how she overcomes, how she turns to God for comfort and later to Josh. She and Mr. Wheeler's romance is so beautiful, and I'm glad that he finally convinces her that she has a choice outside of marrying her cousin.

Even the racism is handled.. tastefully. Accurately.

I am looking forward to going back and reading the others in this series.

My only issue was the formatting of the editions making it hard to read- I would revisit that.


Thank you again for the ARC!

Once in a while, you will find a title or two that will trigger some nostalgia for days gone by. The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear did this for me. It brought me back to anti-social evenings as a young teen, curled up in my bed, ignoring my family, quite lost in fictional tales of American history with incredibly strong female leads and their often heroic male counterparts – the books that led me to believe that woman can persevere through anything, and that while a man isn’t needed, he is a wonderful sidekick in the struggles of life.

The Rebel Bride is set in Tennessee during the Civil War. Our heroine is a quiet, peaceable woman who is caught between the Union and the Confederacy as the tensions of war literally camp on her doorstep and flood her home. Not only must she deal with wounded soldiers from both sides, but her family is also suffering a number of losses and hardships. She is a remarkably strong woman with pain and fear and struggles who can pull up her bootstraps when needed. She’s often stubborn and more impulsive than she ought to be – acting in the best interest of her family, but not always being able to control the outcome.

Without giving away the whole story, I can say that this one captured my interest. It was fast-paced, heart-wrenching, and even frustrating at times. Watching the characters struggle with loyalties, issues of faith, and the delicate tendrils of a mismatched romance in a dangerous time pulled the heartstrings. The action in the story provided enough danger and excitement to keep things interesting.

Ms. McNear did a remarkable job of creating a picturesque novel of courage – overcoming stereotypes and presenting a vivid recreation of the emotions one might face in such an uncertain era. While it wasn’t a dark tale (and I’m sure the Civil War left a big ol’ cloud of darkness and despair behind every battle) it was an emotional journey of strength with a happy ending in a not-so-happy element. A recommended read for those who enjoy wholesome historical fiction – with drama, danger, and romance aplenty.

I was provided with a complimentary Advanced Reading Copy of this novel via NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

•°o•:*:•.Rich, Close-up View of Civil War Era Characters.•:*:• o°•

I found this historical, faith-filled romance interesting, but for me the topic is a bit heavy. War is hard. These people did their best to get through it and deal with the matters at hand. The Civil War was especially hard on our country as family members choose sides or multiple sons did not return. The lack of medical training and supplies that left men broken – so much to think about here. But, Pearl does her best to do as she is told and house wounded Yankee soldiers in her Rebel home. With the help of her father, she learns to see the men as humans and not just the enemy. Likewise, I appreciated how Josh was able to learn the same lesson as Pearl showed him and the others hospitality in nursing, feeding, and caring for them even though they were prisoners forced on her by the military (as were many in the surrounding farm homes). I think my view of the cause of the war has changed. I thought it was primarily about slavery, but this book gave me a better understanding that it was about the Northern States wanting to be united (Unionists), believing that’s what the forefathers intended and what was best for our country, while the Southern States wanted Secession (Secessionists) – governing themselves freely and that slavery was only a small part of the issue. I learned several tidbits from the beginning and the back of the book. For example, I always assumed Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, was black, not white. The Fifteenth Wisconsin was mostly comprised of Norwegian immigrants, plus some Swedish, Danish and Dutch who were full of pride to fight for their new homeland. The character Berndt Thorsson is a tribute to those men. Both sides used flags and torches to signal each other across battle lines, which was a system created by Albert J. Myer – an assistant surgeon who later became the first Chief Signal Officer.
Quote I enjoyed: “If we have not the comfort of knowing our Savior, Pearl, and doing our best each day to serve and follow Him, what do we have? Are not all equally lost, whether North or South, white or black, without knowledge of Him? We must seek to know God, and Him only. ‘I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.’”
I believe the author has treated the topic with respect and passion. I would recommend this book as a solid read for those enjoying historical, Christian fiction with a touch of romance. The Civil War details are not the forefront of the story, but rather the backdrop as we get to know the characters and the challenges they are dealing with.
I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation.

So far in this series, twelve books have been written by varied authors so they loosely reference each other’s characters in the family tree, and therefore need not be read together or in order. You can read about them at DaughtersOfTheMayflowerDotCom.

I have posted reviews to my blog, goodreads, B&N, AMZN, & CBD, my Pinterest

MY BLOG REVIEW ALSO INCLUDES A COUPLE REPLICA CIVIL WAR MUGS :)

This book is now on my list of favorite Civil war era books!!
I loved how Shannon McNear explained both sides of the war and her descriptions of events were so realistic. I really enjoyed reading about these characters, Shannon McNear brought them to life and made me invested in their outcomes right from the start. I can not more highly recommend reading a book! Its full of adventure, survival, compassion, love... It has so much to offer.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the beautifully crafted characters, the inspiring story-line, and for the great description Shannon McNear gave of both sides in the war.

Pearl MacFarlane is already struggling after having much of the harvest and stock taken from her fields by both Yankee and Rebel soldiers. Pearl is also dealing with the loss of her mother and three brothers plus having an ailing father. Pearl is not very sympathetic when her cousin Travis brings her five Yankee prisoners to nurse. Her father quotes scripture to remind her how she should care even for these enemy soldiers. In caring for the men, especially amputee Joshua Wheeler, she struggles to keep them alive. As Joshua regains his strength and seeing Pearl's struggle, he works to help her and protect her. I received a free copy of this eBook from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Even though I normally don't enjoy reading about the Civil War, this is my favorite Daughter of the Mayflower book. The author has put a lot of research in this book to keep it as historically accurate as possible. Pearl and Travis are well developed faith filled characters. Through this book and the character of Pearl, I can understand why someone might support the confederacy even though they personally didn't believe in slavery. Through their conversations and struggles, Pearl and Travis found common ground in their beliefs and found love. I am so glad that I read this book and will look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher Barbour Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues in Shannon McNear's The Rebel Bride, the tenth book in the adventure series featuring brave women forging their own way throughout the early days of America's beginning. The Rebel Bride tells the story of Pearl MacFarlane, a fiercely loyal Confederate of Tennessee who is charged with the care of wounded Union soldiers in her home. She has already lost three brothers to the Confederate cause, so she is reluctant to care too much for the plight of the enemy. As she begins to nurse the wounded men she begins to see that they aren't so different after all and soon the bitterness and hatred begin to melt away as she witnesses the struggle of Union Soldier Joshua Wheeler as he contends with his life changing injury. When they find themselves falling in love with one another they begin to question their loyalties, their beliefs and what life may look like for a Rebel and a Unionist.

The author has written a compelling and exciting Civil War story with characters both complex and endearing. It was interesting to see the different perspectives of the conflict of the Civil War and how faith and love overcome the pain and adversity they both have experienced. The author clearly has done her research of the time and has done the job admirably. The Rebel Bride is a wonderful and perfect addition to this historical series.

My review is posted on Goodreads and Amazon.

Can a Yankee & a Rebel find Forever 💞 during the Civil War? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shannon McNear's Outstanding, Inspirational, Christian, Civil War, Romance, "The Rebel Bride", is set in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area.

Pearl has been single-handedly caring for her invalid Father, & teenaged Brother, on their subsistence Farm. Then she's forced to house & nurse injured Yankee POWs, as well. The POWs are supposed to be transferred to a Rebel Prison, once they recover. While caring for the pain wracked Soldiers, Opal's heart is softened toward the Yankees.

Joshua lost his hand in the recent battle, & woke up in Opal's Home. As he recovers, Joshua & Opal develop feelings for each other. Opal's Brother leads the recovered Yankees into Yankee held Chattanooga, to keep Opal safe!

When the tide of the War switches, the Yankee's advance toward Opal's Farm. Can Joshua get back there in time to rescue Opal & her Brother? How do Opal Joshua get their Forever 💞? I Highly Recommend You Read this Engrossing & Suspenseful Story & find out!📖❤️

This book was received as an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. - Barbour Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read most of the Mayflower Bride series and I am in love with them so far but The Rebel Bride really surprised me unexpectedly and was very unpredictable in the series which I loved very much. Pearl McFarlane is a nurse that has to treat the Rebel and Yankee who seek refuge at her family's farm. She meets Joshua Wheele who is a Union soldier and a recent amputee and as she treats him, they develop a bond that is not easily broken. Protected by their rights and family legacies, they question their relationship and risk it all. It works well with Joshua's determination and Pearl's rebellious nature. I was smiling ear to ear at the change of pace this series brought with The Rebel Bride and I know our readers will love that too.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.