Her Rebel Heart

by Shannon Farrington

There was a time when Julia Stanton's fondest wish was to be Samuel Ward's wife. But that was before the war. As pro-Confederacy sentiments clash with the Union troops occupying Baltimore, fear and suspicion turn friends to foes. Julia chooses the Confederacy…Samuel does not. And his decision is one she's sure she'll never forgive.Samuel would gladly give his life for Julia. Still, he cannot go against the certainty he feels that slavery is wrong—even after his beliefs cost him Julia's love. Yet as they work to comfort a city in turmoil, Samuel prays God's guidance will lead them to common ground. For where there is courage and faith, two divided hearts may come together once more.…

Genres: Love Inspired Historical, Christian Fiction, Love Inspired, Historical, Historical Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

Shannon Farrington is a former teacher and an avid history buff. She and her husband have been married for over 25 years and have two children. When she isn't researching or writing you can find her gardening, reading the classics or visiting national parks and historical sites with her family.
In addition to Goodreads you can also follow her on twitter @_SFarrington

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Civil War time period is one of my favorites, and this book presented the dilemmas facing, and sometimes separating, families, couples, etc. very well. Enlisting in the Union or Confederate armies, assisting slaves, breaking the law in order to protect others, and the importance of engaged couples remaining on the same side of the conflict are all dealt with. Slavery was a very divisive issue, and the way one character in this novel found out more about what was really happening and changed her viewpoint was very well done. The characters of Samuel, Julia, and Sally were enjoyable, but at times I didn't feel like I knew them as well as I could have.

[Sean MacKenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get past the fact that Julia always acted like a spoiled two year old instead of her twenty something age. Throwing tantrums and although she is a Christian she rarely ever showed it. Samuel was a poor excuse for a hero and instead of staying close to his beliefs, he was more concerned about what silly Julia thought. If it weren't for Sally Julia's friend I would have given this a 1* she was the only character worth reading.

[MariaFernanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The history was very interesting and well-developed. The characters though were a little dull. There wasn't as much romance though, it all just felt like a tantrum. I felt like it needed more oomph. It was all fairly flat and I found myself just turning pages...

[Anna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: This is book one of a series of six. It's not indicated on Goodreads or anywhere on the book, so be aware!
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This was an amazing, eye-opening story that... well, it kind of blew me away!

First, there's the historical angle. Farrington is not one to shy away from facts and unsung tales - and this story about a young woman in Maryland supporting the South during the Civil War because of the atrocities of the Federal army is a storyline that we just don't hear a lot about. For her, it has nothing to do with slavery, and we never hear about the other reasons people had for supporting the rebels.

Another fun thing in this one is that her true love supports the North... so they're now at odds - enemies, even, to her mind. How he handles it, still loving her, hoping to help her see more than just the narrow view that she's looking at - is pretty impressive.

I loved the storytelling, the descriptive writing, and the characterization. Julia is by no means perfect. Neither is Sam... although what he lives through makes him pretty darn heroic, by the end of the book. But I love the spirit both of them show, and how their tale unfolds as we go along.

HIGHLY recommended!!

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are certain topics I have a difficult time reading fiction about and the American civil war is one but this book respected history pretty well. I wish the author had chosen to write a series as I would like to know the fates of some of the other characters. It was worth a read.

[Arnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Civil War era books and Christian fiction. This was a lovely blend of both with a young engaged couple suddenly on opposite sides of the conflict. Full of adventure, conflict and providing an interesting perspective on the issues at stake - quite wonderful!

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rebel Heart by Shannon Farrington is a well written historical romance. It is well researched about the state of Maryland around the time of the Civil War. it shows both sides and helps you understand why Maryland as a border state had problems. Shannon Farrington brings the history and the feelings of the day to live. A very enjoyable read that is also educational.

I received a copy of this book thru A Goodreads Giveaway.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book is a childhood friend of mine that I treasure dearly, so when I heard she was writing a book, I had to read it. My husband purchased the book for me for Christmas and it was amazing. I am not much into romance, hence the 4 stars, but I would recommend this to anyone! Bravo Shannon!

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 Stars!!
Review:
Not sure why Goodreads says i read this before cause i dont remember reading this before but ok lol I thought this book was a sad but sweet story and i loved the ending but i hated the female main character's complaining to Samuel on and off through out the story and is why i rated it 3 stars!!

Overall besides the character complaining i wanted to love this book!!

[LInda L · Rating 2 out of 5]

The heroine was kind of silly, but women didn''t have much education back then. She finally got a backbone before the end. Very religion based.