The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear is the tenth book in the Daughter of the Mayflower series, though each book is a standalone and does not feature characters from other books. As it’s been my privilege to read most of this series, I’ve followed all the stories through American history and I’ve learned quite a lot, though the main focus are of course the characters and their personal struggles.

I’ve been a fan of Shannon McNear’s other novel in this series, The Cumberland Bride, and this novel doesn’t disappoint either. First, the author states the problems of writing about such a problematic and complicated time, and she does it with care in a very loving way, and I think this has been very well done and explained. I can honestly say I see a bit of her in the main character, both have an inexplicable kindness about them.

Joshua is a bluecoat, who finds himself in a rather precarious position, as he lost his hand at the battle of Chickamauga, and on top of that is imprisoned by the Rebels. He, and a few other man, are dropped off at a house, where they either will recover enough to be placed in a prisoner camp, or well... won’t recover.

Pearl suddenly finds herself with half a dozen Yankees in her home, when she has just recently heard the tragic news that 3 of her brothers have been killed in the war. Her father is suffering from a form of dementia (this is not specified but indicated as this was of course not known at that time period), her younger brother is running wild, and with a swindling food storage and too much to do she’s quite overwhelmed. She reluctanctly takes in the prisoners, because she’s given no choice, and struggles to care for them, as she wants to keep viewing them as the enemy. However this proves quite hard when they are human beings too, and in her care, so she cares. A lot. She can’t help but being kind... Pearl is such a strong woman, she does the impossible, really, and always keeps her faith. And yet, she’s very human too, and overwhelmed by it all, seeing no way out, and slowly she might be unexpected feelings for a handsome handless soldier who questions her loyalties and views, as she questions his.

What I love about this story, is that is really shows both sides, and that it is not as simple as good and evil, but extremely complicated and we’re all flawed and it usually comes down to a much smaller scale, protecting your loved ones and make choices best way you can. You can see the characters struggle, and each may have his and her own path, and you can understand all the choices. That is what makes this a good story, the empathy.

Also, you know a writer is really talented when she can write in the same scene for almost the entire book. Everything is centered around Pearl’s house, and I wasn’t bored for a minute, as there was so much going on! And Josh was also a very interesting character. Still recovering from the loss of his hand, he tries to make himself useful. I personally would have liked to see a bit more of his trauma, as it feels like he just accepts it and immediately pushes to his limits. While admirable, and it can be seen as a coping strategy to keep busy and not think about it, but most people go through grieving stages and I would’ve liked to see this a bit more, it feels like this would have made the story have more depth of character and very encouraging to see him struggle and (hopefully) overcome and accept his new reality. But despite that, he’s a very honorable, kind and thoughtful man, and everything you wish for in a hero.

The story itself was thought provoking, with a lovely slow burn impossible romance, and I really loved it and wanted to keep reading. The secondary characters shone too, especially Pearl’s sister in law, a POC named Lydia. There was quite a bit of diversity in this novel and that made me happy.

All in all, I really loved this story, and I can really recommend it to anyone!

I received a free copy through netgalley, and though I’m really grateful, it hasn’t influenced my opinion on this book.

Readers first meet main character, Pearl MacFarlan, a Tennessee girl, who is thrown into an impossible situation in caring for the wounded, as the military picks up and tries to put life back together again. The aftermath of the Battle of Chickamauga was horrific. The MacFarland’s family is Confederate and are forced to house, feed, nurse the wounded enemy soldiers and deal with the dead. Their family lost three sons in this battle. Now they had to take care of the side that killed them.

The Yankee’s have issues too, as they were vulnerable and lay in the hands of the enemy trusting them for healing, and their very survival. Pearl MacFarlane is doing the best she can to help these soldiers while fighting back tears and feeling the loss of her brothers and ailing father. She needs help to attend to all the Union soldiers who are wounded. She toughens up quick as she deals with the dying and her faith. She treats others the way scripture compels her to do. The work is hard and heart breaking. Pearl turns to scripture for comfort and direction. Prays for help to walk Gods word out her faith. I liked how the message wasn’t preachy put natural.

Things then get interesting for Pearl and Josh as they are drawn to each other by need, want and their faith. Even though Josh is a wounded Yankee soldier he helps Pearl the best he can. I enjoyed this walk-through history, the splash of romance, aftermath of war and family drama as The Daughters of the Mayflower continues. This makes book number 10 in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

This was the next book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. This book was pretty amazing as Pearl MacFarlane is in a situation where she is nursing casualties of the Civil War., both Rebels and Yankees. This is a tremendously difficult position to be in yet she cares for them all in her own home as she remembers these are someone's sons, husbands or fathers. She does all she can do and she and one of the Yankee amputees begin to understand one another's beliefs and feelings despite their opposing sides. Their feelings grow stronger despite their backgrounds.

I really loved this book. It was so detailed in every way and very well researched. The book is a true test of faith. I loved how the author wrote a page to the reader explaining her writings of this book.

It was very well written, highly captivating and definitely Christian. Loved it!

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

War is never easy to right about but I really enjoyed how the author put it all together. She thoroughly did her research and tried as much as possible to treat the topic with as much sympathy but truth.
Pearl and Josh find themselves at two opposing sides of the war brought together by injury. Their convictions are shattered more than once and faith tested and when love comes into the picture, they question the sanity not sure what others would think. I like that they held unto God in times on fear and doubt.
The Daughters of the Mayflower series always brings in a new and educative read for me every time I pick up one of the books and this no less.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts expressed are mine

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed reading this. An interesting story with fun characters. Well written.

Though this was not one of my favourites in the series, I did enjoy the story and character development. I think mostly why I only liked it is that the previous books which were favourites, had a bit more action and intrigue from the start, whereas this one had for almost 40% the same events of Pearl just caring for the wounded soldiers.

What I did like was how Pearl's faith was tested and tried with being forced to take care of enemy soldiers, being challenged with who is in the right and wrong and also dealing with the struggles of an ailing father. I enjoyed how scripture was flowing easily part of the story.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, you will enjoy this historical series. I'm enjoying this series since I'm learning a lot! Looking forward to the next book.

Let me start by saying that I don't typically read books set within or around the Civil War. Let me next say that this book was extremely intriguing and inspired me to do some research into the battles at hand and the key military leaders. The level of detail was incredible and made me feel like I was right there in the action. Not that the book ever really focused overmuch on the battle itself, more on the lives of those affected by it. I enjoyed how the characters evolved over the two months across which the story takes place. Each seemed real in dealing with their fear and pain and love. There are several story points that reflect the changing ideologies of the time and the author makes compelling arguments for both sides without feeling at all like she was taking sides or preaching. This book is an exceptional offering as a stand alone book. I have not read any other books in this series and, despite some odd references in a conversation between characters at the end, there was no need to understand a prior history to enjoy The Rebel Bride. VERY HIGHLY recommended reading for those with an interest in historic romance and the Civil War.

I received a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions above are my own.

I've always enjoyed history, except for certain parts. The Civil War is one of those parts. I have never enjoyed learning about or reading books set during the Civil War. However, since I had already been reading and reviewing the other books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, I decided that I would read a book set in the Civil War just because it was next in the series. I kept seeing it in my list of books to be reviewed but kept putting it off because, well, it was about the Civil War. But I finally read it. And while it was not my favorite book in the series, The Rebel Bride is probably my favorite book set during the Civil War. Shannon McNear does a wonderful job of showing both sides of the Civil War. The historical details were amazing. I really enjoyed how she listed the true historical details at the end of the book for the reader to learn from.  I also enjoyed the romance between Pearl and Joshua. I can't even imagine how hard it would be to be on separate sides of the war and yet love each other.  Another aspect I really enjoyed were the Bible verses and passages that were included in the book. They fit so well with the story. In conclusion, while I still don't want to read books set during the Civil War, I thought that Shannon McNear's The Rebel Bride was worth reading. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Civil War era historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear, 256 pages.
Barbour Publishing Inc., 2019. $13.
Language: PG (6 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When Josh signed up to fight for the Union, he couldn’t have imagined the suffering he would witness and go through for the cause. As a good, Christian Southern woman, Pearl cannot refuse hospitality to the wounded enemies placed in her home for care -- even if they fight against the Confederate cause her family supports. Josh and Pearl both believe in the cause of their side of the war, but will those beliefs blind them to the good that can be found on either side?
I love the unique perspective that McNear’s book gives to the Civil War (continued beyond the fiction to the historical notes she gives after the epilogue). War is always messy, and I feel that civil war is especially so because countrymen fight against countrymen for the land they all love, all of which is illustrated and felt through the struggles of Pearl and Josh. However, I found the title to be misleading as the main characters are not wed for most of the book, which irritated me as I read and anticipated the time when the title would prove true.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

When a Southern miss finds herself taking care of North wounded soldiers, can love get a chance when war is all around ...

This book is number 10 in a multi-authors series, but no need to have read any of the previous stories to understand this one, it is a perfect standalone.

I do not often read Christian stories, I am not a very good believer, and even if I regret it, I am probably biased, afraid of them to be too very prone to biblical quotes and lessons. Sure, there are but it was not cheesy like I assumed it would be. In fact I was quickly caught up in the story, the storyline was not burdened by anything too ostensibly sectarian, this even enlightened the main characters’ thoughts.
In fact it is truly a historical romance as I love them, with a third voice added to the classical two ways point of view, the one given to God by his people.
I have read very few stories with the Civil War as background, why I had to google a bit about the specific events which bring the main couple together.

Both Pearl and Joshua are flawed characters, when they meet, each one sees the other for what they are, the enemy. I loved how Mrs Shannon McNear voiced their struggles, their angst but also the moment they perceive the other as someone else as a foe.
Pearl is a kind and charitable soul but asking her to take care of Yankees when she has lost three brothers under their riffles, is asking a lot. Why she kept everyone at arm’s length, until she slowly sees them for whom they are also, brothers, sons and husbands.
Joshua reawakened crippled and a prisoner in a Rebels’ home. When the miss of the house seems rather plain at first, her devotion and her determination to see him staying among the living stirs firstly respect from him then a more profound emotion.
This tale was full of twists and turns all the while Pearl and Josh explore at length their feelings, as they are caught in between two fires, and whatever might be the outcome of this battle they are still one another’s enemy on paper.

5 stars for this amazing story, I so enjoyed learning about the historical details, the way of life during these harsh times and the conflicted romance Pearl and Josh has to navigate through.
I will definitely read the books to come in this series.
And do not miss the dedication and historical notes left by the author, they are full of informations.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Barbour Books through Netgalley, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series had taken us into the civil war and the perfect story to continue this legacy. This is an emotional and captivating story with a unique twist on the time period that showcases another side of the issues of the day. It blends well with the rest of this fantastic series.

I think that the setting being in the Civil War, with all of its complexities, saved this book. McNear did a really great job showing how things were not as black and white (no pun intended) as we'd like to make them.

Being removed from an event, it gets easier to say "it was about slavery" or "it was about states' rights" and to assume that everyone fighting for the South was pro-slavery. It reminded me of reading Bonhoeffer and seeing, for the first time, how complex it was to be German in WWII. A lot of men felt compelled to fight for their homeland and their loved ones, regardless of politics.

The conversations between Josh and Pearl about the war were enlightening to me and the information that a lot of Northerners didn't even care about the slaves was maybe something I'd heard but definitely hadn't stuck in my mind. They're always painted as all being abolitionists.

Everyone is not going to hold all the views of a side. It'd be easier if they did, but that's not reality and I appreciated Shannon's willingness to portray that.

All of that is what made me give it four stars. Honestly, I felt like the book was kind of slow through the middle. Just men convalescing and Pearl at war within herself. Now, a lot of those great conversations happened in the slower parts, but like I said, that saved it for me.

The Rebel Bride begins with the Battle of Chickamauga, on September 20, 1863, with the opening scene stirring compassion in the reader. This was brilliant and necessary because without compassion the tone of this book would have been completely different.

I have enjoyed all the books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and this one had all the elements I've come to expect. It had interesting characters, descriptive settings, tension, and bits of history. In spite of this and although I really liked the story, this one was not one of my favorites in the series.

It was easy to like the main character, Pearl, because she wasn't a frivolous woman and she had reason to feel negative things. Known as "Pearl of Great Price" to her father, she strives to do the right thing when wounded Yankee soldiers are brought to her for nursing. She, being a Rebel, harbors resentment because Yankees killed her brothers. Pearl's resolve was tested and I cringed as she fought exhaustion and grief. Her interaction with the soldiers and her responsibilities as a daughter to an aging father mad me tires as I read this book.

The descriptions put me in the house and walked me on the battlefield, but neither the characters nor the settings kept me from being aggravated. I liked Josh Wheeler. He was a wounded Yankee soldier under Pearl's care and some of his story aggravated me because some scenes surrounding him seemed repetitive. and overused.

Overall The Rebel Bride was good and I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical novels. Shannon McNear wrote this book and another book I adored in this same series called The Cumberland Bride. If you haven't started the series with The Mayflower Bride, don't be discouraged. You can read these books as standalones.

Thank You, Barbour Books, for a free ebook arc via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This story perfectly encompassed what we all should be practicing...compassion for our fellow humans, no matter what. The civil war was an ugly time in the history of our country and the facts within this this book were evidence of that. It warmed my heart to think that there very possibly people like the characters in this book, who despite their political standing, viewed all men as God's creations who were worthy of care and love. It is something we all should remember and incorporate in our lives!
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

Pearl is a young woman living in Tennessee with her ailing father and young brother during the Civil War. Raised in the Confederate States and with three brothers lost in the fighting, she does not feel sympathetic to the Northern cause or their soldiers. But then she is called upon to turn her home into a makeshift hospital and nurse Yankee soldiers, among them is the handsome Union soldier, Joshua Wheeler.

In bringing him back from the brink of death and later working alongside him as more soldiers are brought to her home to nurse and care for, she begins to see that the divide between the North and South is not as big as she may have initially believed. That every man and woman is simply doing what they can to protect who and what they love.
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<i>The Rebel Bride</i> is the tenth book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This series is co-authored by several different authors across various settings of place and time since the Mayflower came ashore in the New World. <i>The Rebel Bride</i> is authored by Shannon McNear, who also authored the fifth book in the series, <i>The Cumberland Bride</i>. The MacFarlane family, whom this story focuses upon are actually connected to the characters from </i>The Cumberland Bride</i>, as Pearl and her siblings are the grandchildren of Kate and Thomas MacFarlane.

I would like to start this review by clarifying that although I do read some Christain ficiton, it's not really something I seek out when picking a book. And I certainly do not read many Christian Fiction books that are quite so heavy on Scripture as the books in this series are, but I do love any and all historical fiction so I will always give a book a shot.

I received an email inviting me to review this book from NetGalley as I had read and reviewed a previous book in the series. I was a little wary if I was going to enjoy this book, but the writing and storyline really hooked me. I was not much a fan of the previous book in the series I had read, <i>The Express Bride</i>, but I really loved this one from start to finish.

I really felt for Pearl, so much was thrown at her at once and had to bear the weight of so many responsibilites. She was such a strong character, emotionally and mentally. And throughout the many trials she must face, she is struggling to find compassion in her heart for men who do not share the same ideals and ways of thinking that she does and has been raised to see as right.

I loved the dual perspectives working together to tell this story; Pearl and Josh, Confederate and Federal. There is always more than one way of looking at a conflict and the author beautifully portayed this.

I'm so glad the author did the research that she did to weave her story with historical fact and to base characters off of real people who loved through the battles in the very area where our story took place. I believe fact and fiction together always make for a more powerful story and so I enjoyed reading the historical note at the end of the book.

I will be looking into reading the other book in the series by this author and will keep an eye out for upcoming books by her, as well as checking out some of the other books in ther series that intrigue me. I haven't read many of the books, but this is my favorite in the series thus far. I am happy that I decided to read this book and I recommend it to fans of historical fiction or Christian fiction.
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Many thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc for sending me an eARC of <i>The Rebel Bride</i> by Susan McNear. This is my honest review.

This is an interesting historical novel set during the Civil War. Pearl is a Tennessean and keeps house for her widowed father an younger brother. Her cousin, who is a confederate officer, brings wounded Union soldiers from a nearby battle to recover under Pearl's care because he is unable to get them to the prison in the condition they are in. One of the Union soldiers is Josh, who has lost a hand in the recent battle. Pearl's father, while suffering from some dementia, has taught his family and continues to preach about being kinds to and taking care of enemies, so Pearl works at it diligently. Over time, Pearl and Josh form a relationship and the war becomes a side issue to both of them. Neither change their views but their regard for each other continues to grow.


I like the depth of the research the author has done and her handling of the whole situation. I have soldiers from both sides of the conflict in my family tree and all were solid Christian husbands and fathers but also loyal to their homeland. I enjoyed this little view into their life and times.



I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this books which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story set during the Civil War, laid out some difficult questions for the reader. The heroine, Pearl, is a daughter of the Confederacy—but she doesn’t approve of slavery. Joshua, the hero, is a true Yankee and hates slavery. The story unfolds as each of the main characters grapple with their beliefs and why they were fighting and how war fits in with their deeply held religious beliefs. Does God approve of war? Whose side is God on? How could both sides pray to God and be “right?” What does it mean to “give a cup of cold water” to one’s enemies? Highly recommend this story!

I recently received The Rebel Bride from NetGalley and was quickly captivated by the book. I usually hesitate to read books set in the Civil War because they are either idealized or oppressive. This book was neither - instead the author shows the despair of war while offering the hope of Christ. Joshua Wheeler and Pearl MacFarlane are living in a hopeless time yet both of them are full of grace and courage. Their initial difference of being on opposite sides of the War, Joshua a Union soldier and Pearl a Southerner from Tennessee, fades as they both struggle to show Christian love to those suffering from battle wounds. Pearl must care for wounded soldiers while taking care of her father and brother and mourning the loss of two brothers in battle. Joshua finds himself in her care and begins to help her care for soldiers and protects her from evil as they try to make sense of their feelings for each other.

Ms. McNear has written an excellent book. The characters are well-developed and consistent. I was caught up in their story and was cheering for the larger theme of love and forgiveness to triumph over evil and fear. This is a wonderful addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower story and I look forward to reading more from this author.

The Rebel Bride is a historical romance novel set in Tennessee during the Civil War. The heroine Pearl MacFarland has lost three brothers to the war and is being forced to nurse captured Union soldiers in her home despite caring for her ailing father and young brother. That is how she meets Josh Wheeler. He is one of the first to arrive after having his arm amputated due to a gunshot wound. It is a story about history, forgiveness, and coming together despite differences.

This is the first book I have read by Shannon McNear. I like how she has created strong characters and an interesting story line. When I pick up a book I like the story to suck me in from the beginning and where I cannot put it down. For me, this was not it. It was ok but not one I will want to reread or rush out to buy the sequel to.

This book was given to me an an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

The Rebel Bride (Daughter of the Mayflower, #10) by Shannon McNear is an enjoyable, enlightening read. Pearl McFarlane, lives in Tennessee and is called upon by the Confederacy to house Union soldiers that are prisoners of war and are wounded. Pearl is already taking care of her ailing father and younger brother so this request definitely puts a hardship on the McFarlanes. One of the Union soldiers, Josh Wheeler, has lost his hand in battle. Pearl finds herself attracted to him. But there are many hardships that the Union, the Confederacy, and the McFarlanes must endure. Necessities like food and able-bodied help are scarce. Everyone must do the best they can to help out. This historical work of fiction also has Christian undertones. I would highly recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction.