This book review is my own, honest opinion and not required, freely given. I received an ARC through Netgalley.

I have not read any books by Shannon McNear before but I did mostly enjoy this book. This is a Christian novel, but not preachy in any way. A very moral, clean book. The characters were quite well developed though not deeply. The background and history were very well portrayed in this book. Both the North and South were fairly portrayed in this book. The reasons that the war was fought were well portrayed also. You could tell the author invested a lot of time and effort in showing true, historical events.

Now, for what I did not care for. At times, the story dragged and was slow. The sentences were not always written in the clearest manner. The sentence layout at times was quite confusing. Also, I hope that this book will get a final review for editing as there were enough errors to warrant another review. Poor editing makes reading a book less enjoyable and this is how I felt reading this book. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars because of these issues. I would maybe recommend this book depending on the person. If you enjoy historical fiction it is a good read even with my complaints against the book.

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.

This is a very good book. It was quite an eye opener about the hardships of the people after a battle was fought. Not only were the battles fought right on their properties. But they were expected to take in wounded enemy soldiers and tend them after the battle. This is what happened to the MacFarlane family. Pearl has lost three brothers to the war. Now she is expected to care for those responsible for their death. Against her will she is drawn to one of the Union soldiers. This is their story about how they overcome their differences.

I recommend this book. I was given this book Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I really enjoyed The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear. The whole Daughter of the Mayflower series is an amazing walk through American history. Written by different authors, each can be read as stand alone stories, but I have truly enjoyed reading each of them in order. What a wonderful concept and an amazing series!

Shannon McNear gives us a taste of the brutal reality of the civil war, as well as the questions that surround the reasons for the civil war, that still exist even now. She deftly handles all points of view as she tells us this story set in Tennessee after the Battle of Chickamauga, and before and during the Battle of Chatanooga. Having been to the top of Lookout Mountain twice, I could totally picture where part of this story takes place.

This is the story of Pearl MacFarlane, the granddaughter of Kate and Thomas MacFarlane from The Cumberland Bride (loved that story too). The author gives us a vivid picture of the war torn land, and how Pearl McFarlane and her Southern family are ordered to shelter and care for Union soldiers wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga. Pearl stuggles with aiding the enemy. Her sweet father reminds her “If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink...”

Wonderful main characters and secondary characters. I loved the sweet romance as well as the growth in faith and trust in God during this difficult time in their lives. Don't miss the The Historical Note at the end, she has really done her homework and I enjoyed reading what she had to say about it, and why she wrote things the way she did. I highly recommend the Rebel Bride and to check out the rest of the stories in the Daughters of the Mayflower series!

The Rebel Bride is a wonderful historical romance set during the Civil War near Chattanooga, TN. This is a steady and easy book to read. I really enjoyed it because I am a born and bred Tennessean. (go Vols) I learned new things about the war and felt the book had a refreshing and a bit different slant about it compared to other stories out there. The heroine is a brave and feisty young woman who worked tirelessly nursing Union soldiers in her Confederate Tennessee home. The hero lost his left hand in battle fighting against the rebels. The romance built gradually and the kisses made me swoon. I thoroughly enjoyed it and even checked out the author's Pinterest page and fell totally in love with Josh Wheeler the hero.
*I was given a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to leave a review.
4.5 Stars

A unique look at a complex issue
The Rebel Bride was a fresh and captivating novel set in the South during the Civil War. I appreciated that different sides of the dilemma and complexities were presented without declaring who was ultimately right or wrong. Another question explored was what do you do/think when there are godly people on both sides of the war who are each praying for the Lord's protection and intervention? Despite these heavy topics, this was ultimately a romance about two people from opposite sides who come to realize that love can bridge the gap and bring you together regardless. I really liked the message of serving others with grace and in Christ's name despite the fact that they are your enemy. It was an interesting and engaging read that whilst historical still felt relevant and something that modern day readers can relate to.

Whilst the authour's notes at the beginning and end of the book were very factual, I thought they were far too long and a bit apologetic in nature.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I was so glad to find another well researched, well written book in the Mayflower Brides series!
I really enjoyed the different than the norm view of the civil war, and the low key romance spun through the story.
I will be looking for more by this author.

I received a complementary copy of this story from the publisher.

This is a beautiful stand alone book, but is also the 10th in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I don't know when I have enjoyed a series so much. Ms. McNear has done a excellent job of writing about a very hard time in America's history. She has a special way of bringing light into the darkness. I have learned more about the war between the states, as I have with all the other books in this series. I will not miss out by not reading the authors notes at the end. There are so many great details there. I found myself shedding tears as well as laughing out loud a few times. I thought this was an outstanding story and a great addition to my favorite series. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I truely enjoyed this story. History is filled with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Most authors like to leave out the bad and most of the ugly when it comes to their main characters. I love how this author depicted real characters with complicated lives and thought processes.
I received this copy directly from the publisher, but as always, my opinions are my own.

I have been enjoying this series. So I was thrilled to read the new addition to the series. Pearl is already buried under with responsibilities when her cousin shows up with wounded soldiers, and they are the enemy prisoners. Yet as a Christian she accepts the many patients and tries to help them and nurse them back to health. Josh is one of the patients. But he is different and captures her attention. The book is detailed with descriptions that add dimension to the story. The struggles of this small farm is representative of the life during that time and place. I enjoyed the book.

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear is set during 1863 in southern Tennessee. Pearl MacFarland has just learned her third brother has been killed in the conflict between North and South. While she, her father, and younger brother, Clem are still grieving her cousin, Confederacy soldier Travis, brings her wounded prisoners to tend. He tells her all the homes in the area are being used as make shift hospitals for the Confederacy. Not sure how she will manage as her father is in failing health. Travis agrees to send her someone to help and sends Portius a free black man who is also on the southern side of the war. They nurse the men as best they can and some survive. Josh Wheeler is one of the first survivors and as he heals, he begins to help also. As they struggle side by side Josh and the MacFarland family become quite close. What will happen when the prisoners are sent on the prison camps? If the Federals take over the area and free them what will happen to the MacFarland’s?
Wow, there was a lot going on in this story and it was hard for me to put it down. The conflict between the sides is so apparent in some ways, yet they also must be tolerant of each other as their survival depends on it. The characters are so realistic and have deep feelings of their personal convictions about the war, life and their personal faith in God. There are several surprises in the book that I was not expecting and it certainly changed the atmosphere surrounding the prisoners. I give this book 5 of 5 stars and believe it will appeal to a wide audience of historical romance readers.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Another good novel and another new author to this reader in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, "The Rebel Bride" takes place in Tennessee during the Civil War where Pearl MacFarlane is a dominant Southern belle. Although a confederate, her religious belief is one of not believing that people should owned by other people…especially slaves.

Pearl and Josh Wheeler are wonderful characters and others in the story have their own distinctive characteristics. My only drawback is the very hypocritical reverend…not to my liking. Again, this is another enticing novel of the Mayflower Brides where I found myself caught up in the struggles and lives of these delightful and interesting people. Also, a story where I found it hard to put down to the very end. A very well-written historical novel with plenty of history, redemption, forgiveness and clean romance.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5-Stars

This book was a gem to read. Love and war. How does love survive? This is a rare and exquisite story, and one of the most atmospheric novels I have read in a long time.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with an grieving Confederate family forced to take care of wounded Union soldiers. Pearl has lost three brothers but with her father's encouragement nurses the soldiers after the fierce battle of Chickamauga. When Josh, one of the Union soldiers arrives in critical condition, Pearl must overcome her grief to save his life. This novel is well researched in history and scripture. I loved the author's historical note at the end. Recommended!

On the surface, The Rebel Bride seems like a typical Confederate-Union romance of opposites. But McNear provides so much more.

Pearl MacFarlane is not your stereotypical Confederate. She doesn’t believe in slavery, and she respects African-Americans. But she does have a deep-seated love and allegiance to the South.

Joshua Wheeler is a devoted Yankee. Convinced that God is on his side, he has no qualms that the Union cause is the right cause. Until he meets the MacFarlanes.

McNear paints a thought-provoking picture of two conflicting sides believing they are both sanctioned by God. By underscoring the issues through the characters rather than a soapbox, McNear leaves the reader examining their own opinions of the Civil War. Was one side completely in the right? Or were they both guilty?

While not my favorite Shannon McNear story, I can’t deny the pull that made me keep turning pages. By straying away from the stereotypes and assumptions, McNear presents the emotionally-charged turmoil of a war-ravaged countryside. Her characters are captivating and sympathetic. There’s also a poignant aspect as McNear strips away the glory of war to reveal the impact of a nation torn asunder. As she presents the negative aspects of both sides.

Anyone with a love of history can’t go wrong with The Rebel Bride, especially if you love to read stories set in the Civil War.

(The review on the blog will go live Nov. 29 at 5:00 PM)

This book was the first I have read by this author and I enjoyed it! It was a unique perspective on the Civil War because it was set during the battles rather than immediately following or leading up to. The love story was sweet and historical elements interesting. I was a little disappointed with the ending as I felt it was a bit rushed and would like to have seen more of the characters story. Overall, I would recommend this book!

I liked the approached this author took in regards to the Civil War. There is no clear cut way to view this era in American history. A great number of ideas and beliefs went into this dark period of our nations history. The prayer of both the Union and Confederate was for God to let their "righteous" side win the conflict.
This story takes you to the hills of Tennessee. Where the poor, non-owning slave families lived, supporting themselves. But war would come to them. Forced to take in wounded Yankee soldiers, Pearl, a loyal Southern girl, must not only care for the wounded enemy, but come face to face with some hard questions about the war and beliefs of both sides. Falling in love with Josh, a Yankee, humanizes the northern men fighting to keep the Union together.

This book had all the feel goods for me - the Civil War and Chattanooga. It was a perfect book to continue the Daughter of the Mayflower series. I whooped at the mention of the Wisconsin/Minnesota family - Halvorson - I will forgive the author for choosing this variation because it is common in that area, even though mine is Halverson (NE/NW Iowa).

This is the story of Pearl MacFarlane, the granddaughter of Kate and Thomas MacFarlane from The Cumberland Bride, along with her father and younger brother, Clem, whose home becomes a "hospital" for Northern soldiers injured in the Battle of Chickamauga. How she is trying to keep the farm going even after it has been savaged by soldiers on both sides, care for an ailing father, keep her younger brother in line, and morn the loss of three of her older brothers - all in different battles.

It is also about Josh Bledsoe a soldier from Ohio who looses part of his arm during the battle and is sent to the MacFarlane home to be nursed back to health before possibly being sent to prison in Richmond. But once he lays eyes on Pearl he knows he has to avoid being sent away at all costs. Even if that means having to leave and rejoin the Northern forces for the upcoming Battle of Chattanooga. But Josh is not going to let anything harm Pearl.

The Christian faith both Pearl and Josh have keeps their spirits high. But it is not easy when each thinks their side is the right one to fight for.

If I haven't said it before, I think this is my favorite of this series, although I think I say that about every book in this series. This one just had so many positives in it for me. Chattanooga is a favorite vacation spot for my family - we go at least 4 times a year, we have had a private tour of the battlefield at Chickamauga (3.5 hours long!), and the Civil War is such a diverse time in history that you learn something new in each book you read. This is a 5 star read for me, and I would highly recommend it.

I was given a free copy of this through Netgalley and Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.

The Rebel Bride is the tenth book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. If you haven't read any of the books in this unique series, you need to know that they are all loosely connected by the Lytton family tree and each book can be read as a stand alone. I have enjoyed that the books are written by different authors and because of this I was introduced to new authors I have come to enjoy reading including Shannon McNear. I have also enjoyed the covers and how they highlight the progression of fashion throughout history.

The Rebel Bride is set in Southern Tennessee during the Civil War. The time period was well researched by the author and this translates in the way the story leaps from the page and the casualties of war are presented honestly instead of candy-coated. The main theme of this novel is grace. One of the characters says, "God is full of grace, is He not?" and as the characters find themselves on opposite sides of this war, they must decide if they will extend God's grace to each other. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst give him drink." I enjoyed the humor Shannon McNear interjected with the rest of this verse "and so heap coals of fire on his head." Often it is difficult to extend grace to an enemy, but extending grace can also bring us blessing as the characters in this novel discover. I really enjoyed reading The Rebel Bride. It is a book in this series I can see myself returning to again.

This is a sweet, encouraging story set in Tennessee during the Civil War. With heartache of her own, Pearl is told to take in and care for Union soldiers. There is a previous, slow romance that develops. Between all their differences, will they be able to one day live their lives together? I was encouraged by Pearl’s seeking the Lord and Scripture throughout the book.
I received The Rebel Bride through NetGalley as an arc.
4.25 stars

The 10th novel of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, "The Rebel Bride" takes place in Tennessee during the Civil War. A rebel family is forced to house and tend injured Union soldiers, a common practice then. This fact always surprises me.

Pearl MacFarlane is no simpering Southern belle. She's religious and while a Confederate, she does not believe in owning slaves. Her Yankee love interest Josh Wheeler is a wonderful hero. The characters are well-drawn. Little brother Clem is sweet, and while it appears Mr. MacFarlane suffers from dementia, he is a lovely man and sometimes very clear-headed. The Reverend is a huge hypocrite.

This novel was well-researched. Descriptions of the countryside are vivid and due to the war, are not always pretty. All in all, this is a fine novel with clear prose and very few grammatical errors. This is a great addition to the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this novel.