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.

3.75 stars- This is the second book I’ve read by this author, the first being “The Cumberland Bride”, an earlier installment in the Brides of the Mayflower series. The author does a great job of weaving wonderful word pictures and really transporting her readers to the time and place of the story.
I have always been intrigued by the Civil War and that time in history. One of the reasons is because of the photographs. Every other time period before the 1860’s, there are only paintings or drawings, no actual photographs of the people alive at that time. So to see what people and places really looked like then fascinates me.
I can tell from the lengthy notes by the author that this story was a work of heart. She struggled over the best way to write this story. You can clearly feel the struggles of the characters to survive during this time and the constant question of whether they’ve chosen the right side.
The storytelling was great and the author did an amazing job of drawing us into Pearl’s world and seeing the war through her eyes. My struggle with this book is what I think was also the author’s. It is very difficult to not put our modern day thoughts, feelings and sentiments into a story. What I have noticed about Civil War stories in recent years is that they have become more and more politically correct. Where every main character, whether Northerner or Southerner is against slavery and feels everyone is equal. (As, of course, we know everyone is equal.) But let’s face it, if everyone had thought that way back then there never would have been a Civil War and slavery would have never existed in the first place. That is what happened with this story for me. The main characters just felt too “modern”.
I do think this book brings up a lot of valuable discussion on just that point. It would be great for a book club where members could talk about the history surrounding the book and viewpoints compared to then and now.
As far as the relationships between the characters, the author did an amazing job of really drawing her readers in and showing the raw emotion of what the characters were feeling. The emotional scene towards the end of the book involving Pearl, Josh and Pearl’s father after a recent battle was heart wrenching.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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.

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.

This is one of the best books i have read in any category. The author gives a fresh perspective on the civil war era and how people were divided on the ownership of people. Everyone in the south did not own slaves and everyone in the north did not think it was evil too. So it is more diverse time period than just calling one side evil and the other good. Of course slavery is evil, i mean the way the south was presented and north was not the only ways to look at it. Anyway, the book shows the heroine placed where she has to accept enemy soldiers in her home to care for, as a lot of people were. Somehow she found it in her heart to do it with grace and caring, after a lot of praying for guidance. The book has religious undertones but i don't think it gets overbearing and it is woven seamlessly in to the plot, characters and even the love story. The hero was a charmer and over all good person. This is not a boring book. I couldn't put it down. I loved every chapter. I would recommend this to school libraries and anyone who is interested in history or just a good book. Actually, I would recommend the entire series. Everyone has been an excellent read by different authors.

This book was given to me as an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. The opinions are my own.

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.

Pearl lives in Tennessee during the Civil War. She has just buried her brother, who was killed during a recent battle, and her father is not well and the Confederate army is requiring her to house and nurse injured Federal soldiers. At first she fights against such an atrocity, but her father reminds her to "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares"; and "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." So that becomes her mantra. She slowly becomes aware of the fact that these are men that were fighting for a cause, just like her three older brothers, who were all killed in the War. She especially develops an attachment for a young red haired Sergeant Joshua Wheeler of the First Ohio, Army of the Cumberland. and he for her. Pearl learns her worth and her strengths and what it means to truly extend hospitality to her fellow man. Once she has nursed the soldiers back to health, she helps them escape and return to the Federal camp, along with her younger brother, Clem. When Josh and Clem realize Pearl is in danger, they borrow a horse and hightail it back just in time to find Pearl running a group of Cavalrymen out of her house at gunpoint after they threatened to burn the house. This is a beautiful, well-written story of how love can bloom anywhere. I also enjoyed the "Historical Note" at the end, which was very informative.

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author did an amazing job representing some of the intricacies involved with the Civil War. This book also delves into the nuances of right and wrong, and how the line may not always be as clear as we think. I loved watching the characters wrestle with this and see their humility and growth.

Though there is a solid romance, this book is not “just” a romance. There is so much substance, heart, and depth. I really appreciated the secondary characters as well.

Great book, recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction or civil war history.

**There is some battle talk and a few slightly gruesome descriptions.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a 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