The Civil War has ended, but the struggle to rebuild America is just beginning.
Carrie and Janie are living their dream in Philadelphia, but what price will they pay when cholera sweeps through America once again?
Robert searches for peace on the plantation, but forces are in place that are determined to deny it. Moses and Rose are driven by forces beyond their control to become leaders in the midst of a violent racial revolution.
Jeremy discovers love, but will the reality of his heritage make it impossible, and will he survive the forces determined to destroy the factory? And will Matthew finally free his heart?
Volume # 7 of the Bregdan Chronicles continues to sweeping historical saga that now encompasses the first full year of American Reconstruction.
In this chapter of the Bregdan Chronicles, the characters are dealing with the horrors of life after the Emancipation Proclamation. Riots in Memphis and New Orleans are evidence of the hate that existed after the War. The blacks on Cromwell Plantation as well as Thomas and his family in Richmond have incidents of violence by those who are still angry about the new rights of blacks...and anyone who supports them. Romance blooms for two of the main characters, and Carrie finally is ready to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor. The only bad thing about this book is having to wait until spring to get the next installment.
I continue to love this series but this was a very difficult book to read. I knew life wasn’t easy after the Civil War but I had no idea how bad it was. There were parts when I was crying and parts I had to skim through. It’s embarrassing that I didn’t know some of these details in my country’s history.
Hmm. I really struggled with this one. I'd taken a break from this series, so it took me a bit to remember what went on in the other books. The events in this book made me uncomfortable and ashamed of what happened in my country during the turbulent years before, during and after the American Civil War. It's hard to imagine things were that awful once that war ended. In fact, I had to search the internet concerning the riots in Memphis and New Orleans. While I do believe Ms. Dye's depiction was a bit overdone, there is no doubt both events were terrible. I do have a problem with the depiction that almost all confederates were bad, except for the ones in this book. I do like the direction I hope she plans to take with Matthew's coverage of the times. Unfortunately, this book dragged quite a bit, so I'm not sure I will continue on with this series. Happy reading!
I have to say I enjoyed reading the earlier books of this series more, but that is because of the shameful truth of what happened in this country after the Civil War ended. What a difficult time to have lived. It would have been nearly impossible to hope for a more promising future. I have read other books of this time, but Ginny has done an excellent job of bringing the details of life during this time to our attention. Thanks, Ginny!
The 7th book in the series was difficult to get through with the majority of the story emphasizing the horrid events in the aftermath of the war. The racist acts of white against black as depicted in the riots in Memphis and New Orleans gave me a realistic reminder of the struggle it was for the freedmen as they tried to find their way in the South where many still saw them as slaves. Add to the story the struggle women had trying to prove themselves equal to men and acquire the right to vote; it was eye-opening and a vivid reminder of how much was sacrificed to reunite the country and gain equality for the blacks and for women. So much history was incorporated in this installment that it made the reading both educational and enjoyable.
MINOR SPOILERS: I can't believe I'm moving on to book eight! So many things happened in this book and the riots that occurred(and that Matthew witnessed) were so sad. I really felt for the characters in the book; how they try so hard to rejoice in the ending of slavery yet got hit by other obstacles just as dangerous and significant.
••UPDATE•• I tried to read book 8 shortly after finishing this installment. However, I could not bring myself to finish it and stopped about half way through. The books seemed to drag after the first six, and no plot point seemed to rouse my emotions like they did in the beginning books. Overall I feel like this series would have been better if there were a set amount of books and if it weren't so ongoing.
I loved all the books in the Bregdan Chronicles. So happy I purchased all the books in the series. I finished on and had the next one to start. So sad that I have finished all 7 books and am ready for more. Thank you Ginny for a very interesting historical fictional series.
I admit I am an avid reader but must say it is very difficult to find 7 books in a series that would hold my interest. i found all the Bregdan Chronicles fascinating and would barely finish one and then start the next. Hoping there are more coming. Thank you Ginny Dye for creating this wonderful series.
I feel that this author offers a truthful accounting of the years after the Civil War ended. It opened my eyes to the fact that some men feared giving the black people the vote would mean that women would be the next to get it.
I (not being one who loved/ loves the study of history) had no idea how very terrible the aftermath of the Civil War was. This book shocked and depressed me, but I am glad I read it. I committed myself to the 7 books in the series and have read them all. Now I find out there is an eighth?!
Excellent book. really helped me understand what took place after the Civil War. I have enjoyed all 7 of Ginny's books and look forward to reading # 8 which was just released. I have grown to love the characters as if they were my own family. Highly suggested read.
I thought that by the 7book I would be tired of the story and characters,but I am not! In fact, I wish there were 8 more books after this. The way they have grown and matured is wonderful and I just can't get enough of this period in history. Well done.
This was a great book! Nice easy relaxing reading!!! Nice to read a clean romance story!!! I hope that Ginny Dye continues writing this series of books!!!!
It's hard to believe life was like this! Hart breaking but full of hope to. I found myself laughing one moment then crying the next. I can't wait to get to the next book.
I enjoyed this book as it went in many different ways to help the characters grow. Matthew is on his way to a new life and Janie will be right there to help him. I was also glad to see where Jeremy and Marietta were going. It is a shame to see what human beings can do to one another due to race. Can't wait to read book 8.
The war is over, but the bitter struggle for freedom continues. Changes are happening, both in the country and in the people. Good stuff! On to the next book!
Carrie & Janie are living in Philadelphia going to medical school. Abbie invited Carrie, Janie and their other housemates to New York to attend a tour of the Medical College for Women and to attend some classes. Four cases of cholera were reported but there was a surprising reprieve with no one else falling sick. They were able to have a long dinner with Dr. Clemence Sophia Lozer who had founded the New York Medical College. This was an exciting time for them. Robert, Moses and Matthew go to Memphis to celebrate the end of the war. They become involved in a riot where they were all threatened. Many black people were wounded and killed. It seemed like the war did not accomplish the freedom they dreamed about. Jeremy discovers love. Will his heritage make it possible for a life he has dreamed about?
Love, love, love this series. I've started the 8th book and I started reading the series 2 weeks ago (with Thanksgiving in there too so my reading time was limited lol). My only small issue with this book was probably more of an issue with myself because for the life of me I can't relate to Carrie and Rose's desire for "more". Neither of them are happy with what they have now and it drives me insane. Carrie IS running a clinic. She doesn't have the Dr. in front of her name, but that doesn't seem to bother her patients so why should it bother her? I can concede that she will probably learn a little more, but to leave her husband after 4 years of a horrible war? I don't see how it is worth it. Much harder than that though is Rose wanting more than being a teacher in her school. Umm, isn't that her dream? No idea what she expects to gain by going to college other than just a huge waste of time when she could be at home teaching all the kids who need her so badly. I really don't see her gaining a ton of helpful information in college and therefore is being selfish. Other then wanting to shake the heck out of these women and tell them not to be in a rush to get away from their wonderful families, I still love these books so much and wouldn't take away any stars at all.
Excellent book on the "After the War". Hatred and prejudices have not blown away after the war. In fact, the north and the South were in more of a battle for change. The South thought the blacks should work the plantations, just as before. The North was enraged that they had to compete with the blacks for jobs. It really doesn't sound like much has changed.