The Whistle Walk

Ironwood Plantation Family #1

by Stephenia H. McGee

In a time where unity seems impossible, two women will forge a friendship in the fires of redemption and thrust Ironwood into a new future—where the battle for freedom has merely begun.

Mississippi - 1862

Stolen from her home and forced into the disgrace of being sold, Ruth refuses to let go of the faith that holds her heart together. Determined to survive in her new role at Ironwood, Ruth never expects to find any common ground with the plantation owner’s wife. But when God keeps nudging her to speak up for her race and forge an unlikely friendship, she makes a dangerous choice that could cost more than she’s ready to give.

Bride to a man she barely knows and bound by her secrets, Lydia is struggling to step into her new title as the mistress of Ironwood. Inspired by the fiery spirit and quiet dignity of an enslaved woman, Lydia’s eyes begin to open to the harsh realities of the world around her. But if there is ever going to be a new future for Ironwood, she will have to start with shedding her own pretenses.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Civil War

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2014

About the author

Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

Reviews

[R.J. Rodda]

This is essentially a romanticised view of the Southern slaveholder. Is it possible to keep a hundred slaves working for you and be a decent, kind person? Mr Charles Harper is portrayed as such a man in this book. He clothes and feeds his slaves well and tries not to overwork them. He tells his foremen that they are not to rape the women. Yet fundamentally the book seems to forget that the purpose of slaves was to provide their owner with a lavish lifestyle, a lifestyle Mr Harper enjoyed. I don't see how you can keep a hundred slaves in subjugation, denying them freedom and compensation for their labor without resorting to fear and cruelty. Of necessity it was a brutal business and I find it impossible to believe that a nice decent, kind Christian slave-owner existed as described. It is notable that Mr Harper is never shown punishing a slave or actually grappling with unwilling slaves who resented being made to work.

On the flip side I could believe in the friendship between Mrs Harper and Ruth, despite the fundamental disparity in their positions.

It should be noted this book does deal with rape and rape occurring to women of all positions in society. There was enough detail here to make me flinch without the actual mechanics being described.

There were things about the book I liked - the kindness of Charles to his new young bride was a nice surprise. The personal growth of Lydia and her friendship with Ruth and even Lydia's heart at the end of the book - believable or not it was in the right place. The relationship between Noah and Ruth was a highlight too.

But overall these aspects were undercut by the image of wonderful Charles who cares so well for the one hundred slaves he owns.

[Elizabeth Crews · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am deeply appalled by the content of this book. I don’t want to hear that this woman had good intentions while writing this. It is wrong to have written this book. White women were (and still are) best treated of all women and to compare that situation to a person who was enslaved and not even considered a person, just property? To romanticize a time during/after the slave trade, One Drop rule, and so many other countless atrocities took place following the initial kidnapping, enslavement, and dehumanization of Black people, supported by the South and upheld by the entire U. S. government (even after the Civil War)? Not okay.

White people need to stop portraying us as saviors and focus on stories we can tell that don’t romanticize the Deep South and its nefarious history. White people need to write stories that don’t recall Black individuals as slaves. White people need to stop centering themselves as heroes in stories about this time in history. Think of some fresh content and do some anti-racist work.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so hard to put down! I loved it! There was so much detail that the story just came to life! This story idea was very original. I really enjoyed it! I loved Lydia and Ruth. I can’t wait to read the next book!!


I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Andrea Boeshaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Story

"The Whistle Walk" is a very enjoyable read , especially for a Civil War enthusiast like myself. The characters are compelling and the book is definitely a page-turner, filled with twists and turns. I did not want to put it down. A few plot twists are predictable and there are enough spelling and grammatical errors to become distracting which is why I gave this book 4-stars and not 5. Nonetheless, it's a good story and well worth the time readers will invest in reading it cover to cover! I recommend this book.

[Yannick Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts during the Civil war in 1862.
Lydia has just got married to Charles and follow him at Ironwood his plantation.
Ruth and her sister Bridget are two stolen slaves, beaten and seperated from each other.
One day Lydia witness Ruth beaten in the street and decide to purchase the young woman.
Ruth becomes her personal house girl and an unexpected friendship grow between them.
They cross the barrier of their skin colour to see each other as human being facing the same fears, life challenges, hurts...
Lydia is very open and friendly she is aware that changes is coming and slavery will not last long anymore..., she will have to take new measures for the people who work in their fields, seeing them with new eyes realizing their value in God's eyes.
I like Charles character he is a very kind man, loving his wife and he accepted her as she is despite her past and the secret she has kept from him, he encourage her to turn her eyes to God and forgive.
Ruth is strong and courageous girl and her life is going to change after her encouter with Lydia.
It is an interesting story about the civil war, it reminds us that we are all created in God's image we are more than a skin colour and if we open our hands to reach others we can see the beauty hidden in them.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It seems to me like evil pays no mind to your status or color."

As a tentative new bride, Lydia Harper is horrified to witness a young Negro woman's brutal beating upon a trip into town, surprising even her husband by purchasing the woman to serve as her own lady's maid. Ruth, having recently been stolen from her previous master's plantation, is grateful to be alive and quickly learns what the mistress of her new home expects of her. When the call to war descends upon the deep South, Lydia and Ruth become determined to save Ironwood for generations to come, no matter what the cost.

Two women, separated by societal expectations and inexplicably united by injustice, forge a union that transcends the "whistle walk" along Mississippi's beautiful Ironwood plantation. Would that we would all "write our story on the wall", for "there is a balm in Gilead . . . . to cure a sin-sick soul".

[Anne Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably good

I didn’t have high hopes for this novel. I’ve been disappointed with the “all southern white people were evil during the civil war and after” mentality of most of the recent civil war novels I’ve read lately, but I do love me some civil war fiction so I decided to give it a try. Boy am I glad that I did. This novel is fresh and faithful to the history of the times. Yes there was darkness but there were also glimmers of Hope to be found even in the darkest of times. Just as is true today there were good people and bad in all colors of skin and wearing different uniforms. I loved everything about this book, the characters and the setting felt real and unvarnished. I laughed, I cried and I longed for the happy ending. I won’t spoil it by telling you whether I got it or not.

[MK ( MaKayla) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why I did not finish The Whistle Walk ;

* The third person POV - I cannot stand it , it drives me crazy for whatever reason .

* Our MC is that rich girl who'd rather live with horses than drink tea .

* The servants talk like this ; “Ruth? Is you listening to me?”

* I didn't connect with the characters .

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great retelling of The Civil War from a fictional angle. I was reminded of "Gone With The Wind" but I liked "The Whistle Walk" a little better because it told the story from both a free woman and a slave.

This book was hard to put down because I wanted to see what happened next. This book made me cried at some of the scenes.

This book is a story of friendship between two women in a time when these two shouldn't have been according to the customs.

I was given a pfd file of the book for an honest review and even though the story line sounded like a story I would like, I have to say I had no idea that I would like it so well and want a copy of the print book to keep on my shelf. This book should be made into a movie, I think it could be a favorite for history fans and romance fans.

This book is also a love story but that story is secondary to the courage that Ruth and Lydia has to accept.

There are surprises in this book, that I personally didn't see coming but I am so glad that they happened.

If I would have lived back in the days before the Civil War, Ironwood Plantation is the type of plantation that I would have wanted to be a part of, the slaves weren't treated badly but I am glad that I was born after that time as no one should be the properly of another man!

"The Whistle Walk" starts out in narrative language but as the story progresses it is written so well that you don't notice it being narrative. I could actually see the scenes unfold in my mind.

I recommend this book to all readers.

" The Whistle Walk " is the first book in the "Ironwood Plantation Family Saga" and the second book promises to be just as good as the first. Stephenia is well on her way to being a great author and is one of my new favorite authors!

I am giving "The Whistle Walk" five stars!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

by Andrea Renee Cox

So many authors write Christian fiction these days that it’s nearly impossible to keep up. One way I discover new-to-me authors is by participating in group reads in one of the online book clubs I’m a member of.

That’s how I came across The Whistle Walk by Stephenia H. McGee.

The Whistle Walk is a Civil War tale of a bride becoming the Lady of Ironwood. Lydia struggles to find her proper place as a wife, hostess, and slave owner. Just as she begins to make sense of things, a war rips apart the country and turns everything inside out. Will Lydia be able to keep her beloved Ironwood Plantation in one piece—and its slave in their place—until her husband returns home from battle? Or will the various trials she faces prove more than her inner strength can withstand?

This book was quite a surprise to me. It’s a beautiful story of family, honor, and pushing beyond the boundaries society demands we adhere to. Faith in God also played an important role, which is always a key feature of Christian fiction that I enjoy. It was interesting to see the different points of view during the Civil War, from the lady of a plantation to the slaves who kept the place running to a soldier in the war. Each role was delivered perfectly, giving me a pretty complete idea of what it would have been like to live at that time.

The only thing I disliked about this book is how much sexual relations were hinted at. For that reason, I cannot recommend it for anyone under the age of eighteen.

However, I did greatly enjoy the journey Lydia (and others) made through The Whistle Walk. I only hope I am blessed with as much strength and courage as she possessed, should the need arise.

[Becca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my wow! Talk about a book that swallowed me whole--hook, line, and sinker! Thankfully Heir of Hope is sitting next on my TBR pile so I can jump right back into the world again to check on all the characters. I am not ready to let them go!

One of the most amazing things about this story was how vividly Stephenia McGee was able to create the setting and develop the characters so that you couldn't help but feel as if you were standing right in the midst of it all. My heart-rate fluctuated right along with Lydia and Ruth each step of the way! This was one of those books that you don't merely read, but experience. And that my friends, is the mark of a great book!

I appreciated that while the characters may have stepped outside of the stereotypical mold for the time period, they were still realistic and believable. Real, permanent change can't truly happen until people are able to look outside of themselves and consider others with love and compassion. One of the most thought-provoking quotes for me was: "Strange how she always thought being equal would make them like her. She'd never considered giving up her place to be like them." Lydia realized that part of making life easier for the people in her home, was to be willing to carry part of their burdens. Kindness was not enough, and true friendship was not possible unless she was willing to humble herself. Her journey to this realization was a remarkable thing to witness.

I don't think I could say enough wonderful things about this book! If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend you give it a read! I'm off to read the next in the series so I'm sure you'll hear my thoughts on that one as well very soon :)

[Patricia Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whistle Walk had me at the title. This is one of the best Civil War novels I've read. Stephenia H. McGee captured the feelings of so many white Southerners and her characters are well drawn. I loved Lydia from the start when she slipped away on her eve of her wedding to be by herself, and later in the book, we see her strength when the war comes to Ironwood--a true steel Magnolia. And Charles was such a gentle man. McGee also captured Ruth's indomitable spirit and her loyalty to the woman who saved her life.

I intended to read only a chapter or two before going to sleep. instead I read well into the night. It is a book that is hard to put down.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books as well as its sequel, Heir of Hope, are two of the best books I have read that take place during the time of the Civil War. In this book the author has written a story with characters so real I felt like I was living the story with them. After I started it, I read it in one setting because I could not put it down. The author also has captured in a very real way the spirit of that time. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author.

[Lynn's · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Whistle Walk by Stephenia H. McGee will immerse you into the plantation era of Mississippi at the beginning of the Civil War with characters that are both deeply broken but courageously brave.
The destiny of two women lead them to Ironwood Plantation, located in a fictional town that would be close to modern day Corinth, Mississippi. The heroine, Lydia Harper, ends up there by marriage and her maid, Ruth, by the trade of the day, slavery. Together, they forge a friendship that would be considered improper for that day and time, but is portrayed as a desire to break away from the evil of the culture, though they are still very much a part of the south.

I enjoyed reading this book on a weekend getaway to Corinth, Mississippi to visit Shiloh National Battlefield. After visiting the battlefield and hearing how the locals thought of the war in the beginning gave me a deeper appreciation for The Whistle Walk. While the novel was more about Lydia and Ruth and their struggles as women in that era than it was about the war, I liked the viewpoint the author gave of what it was like for the women who had to stay behind while the men had to go away and fight. When you pick up a book that’s set in the Civil War, you never know what the author is going to choose to emphasize from that turbulent time in our nation's history. The emphasis here was definitely more about the struggles of women, both black and white, during the time. It was a story of healing and growth.

In other reviews, it had been mentioned that the story was a bit romanticized for the time period. I don’t disagree with that but don’t think it is necessarily a bad thing either. The time period was one of change, heartache and suffering - and the author chose to portray that in a fictional story with characters who were trying to let go of the pretenses of the culture and live with a more biblical, Christian worldview. While we understand that was not always the case in real life with every plantation owner, I appreciate that the author could create a character like Mr. and Mrs. Harper, who in the end, could change their views on life, race and slavery.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy books written by Stephenia H. McGee. Her books are fiction, based on real events and the characters that "live" in the era. I think her books bring a realness to the fiction. Here, I think she did a great job showing how women can be broken but can rise from the ashes and become stronger. There is hope for these women to begin to trust and hope in a better day. There is nothing wrong with that! Humanity is flawed and only by the grace of God can we do better, her books remind us of this.

It is sad the negativity of some of the comments. We say "do better" "be kind" but some of these are really harsh. Speak about the type of writer that Stephenia is, the way she sets the stage for the story, or even the great characters, not only using the forum as a chance to criticize the topic and base it on our personal perception of history. We all have opinions, but we do not have to be unkind.

[Sally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful historical novel!

It's hard to pin down just one reason I really enjoyed this book. An arranged marriage, the Civil War & the strength the heroine portrays while her new husband is off fighting, lots of action & many surprises - it was great! It broke my heart to read about the treatment of the slaves. Not that I was ignorant of their suffering, but I got emotionally invested with Ruth & her sister & those who were taken captive & so very abominably mistreated! And I'm sure it was even worse for many. It goes to show how evil the human heart is & how much we need a Savior.
I love how the author brings out that we all have the same heart, no matter the shade of our skin & I love the strong friendship that unites the Mistress & her lady's maid. Good lessons, too!

[Barbara Labbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Step Into the Southern Plantation Era

This is the first book I have read of Stephenia McGee but it definitely will not be the last. I was caught from the 1st chapter reading about Lydia emerging from girl to Lady Harper on her plantation and the growing friendship between her and Ruth. I loved how Lydia did not see the color of Ruth’s skin, but saw a women who shared the same trauma that linked them to each other and the live and friendship that grows from that trauma. The surprise appearance of an angel telling Charles Harper how God sees things was a nice addition to the book (we entertain angels unaware at times). I’m diving into the next book of the Ironwood Series.

[Emock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise and nature of this story a lot. There were a few elements that seemed a bit too "fantastical" for the setting and foundation of the story, but otherwise well executed storytelling, character development, and setting.
I know the author was setting up book number two, but the two dream (future telling) sequences seemed abrupt and dropped into the story without much context or fit.
I also find it extremely convenient that the hero and a main character's sister just happened to travel back together (but we aren't given a glimpse of their travels at all). That seemed somewhat conveniently contrived.
Overall a special book and definitely worth a read!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs a 10-star rating! It is truly remarkable, educational and inspirational, not just entertaining. In Mississippi 1862, Lydia is a young bride learning to be a wife and mistress of Ironwood Plantation and its workers. She stops a man beating a slave woman and buys her. Ruth recognizes that the white woman has saved her. The two begin a tentative work and friendship relationship that I have yet to read about in history nor fiction of the time. How the plantation is run is fiction but something to think about. Everyone would be enriched by reading this outstanding book!Hats off to the author for creating Charles Harper, Lydia's excellent and understanding husband!

[Susan's Kathie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME Story Set in MY FAVORITE ERA OF HISTORY!!!

This Story WAS AMAZING!!! I SMILED AND I CRIED And I Fell in love with EACH OF THE WONDERFUL CHARACTERS THAT BROUGHT IT TO LIFE FOR ME!!!! I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH THAT I IMMEDIATELY Purchased Every Book that I could find written by Stephanie H. McGee!!!! I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO LOVES THE HISTORY OF THE PRE CIVIL WAR YEARS AND THAT SAD AND SORRY WAR BETWEEN THE STATES!!!! CONGRATULATIONS MS. McGee!!!! YOU HAVE WRITTEN AN AMAZING STORY AND I CAN'T WAIT TO START READING THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS SERIES!!!!! AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WILL WRITE!!!!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book from the moment I started. It really pulls you into the story of the struggle Southerners had when the Union started the Civil War. I love the perspective of Lydia especially and the strength she possessed to help change the way of life she'd always known. And Ruth for the strength that she showed and very trying situations it made you feel like you were back in the Civil War and how could people treat other humans like this. I love this time. For books and this one is one of the best!

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always intrigued about plantations, the war and the people that lived it. I can honestly say this book had me feeling like I was living it! I laughed, I cried, I was filled with hope and I was angry. A story of friendship that crosses that great division of skin color and money, how brave these women were! If only we all could be them. It was also an amazing story of God's love, protection and divine plan. Even in sorrow, anger and pain these women knew God had a plan, all they had to do was trust Him. I can't wait to get the follow up book!!

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a plantation in Mississippi in the late 1800's. Lydia married Charles the owner of Ironwood Plantation. She becomes a strong and powerful Lady of Ironwood when Charles leaves to fight in the Civil War that tears our nation apart.

Lydia is shopping in town when she sees a man mistreating slaves that are all tied together. Lydia being a strong willed person drops her packages and runs in the street and yells at the man. She buys the young slave, Ruth had always been a field hand. Lydia takes her home and puts her in the Big House to work.

A wonderful story of two women during the late 1800's finding their way in life. The plot was well written with a great storyline having many twists and turns and mysteries throughout. All the characters were defined so well each one came alive. This is a book you can't put down. A wonderful Civil War Novel that you will not forget.

[Sandra Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

I love this story of a horrible time in history that being slavery. A tale of how it was to be black and to be white in these troubling times. Lydia saves and purchases a black lady being beaten in the streets. And the wonderful adventure begins to try and have blacks and whites live in a better world together as equals. I highly recommend you read this story and the other in this series. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! The Whistle Walk grabbed my attention and never let go. The Whistle Walk does deal with the horrors of the civil war, and at the same time, I love how this story shows what the civil war could have been like if more people had been like Charles and Lydia Harper. Author Stephenia H McGee tackles difficult topics with candor and hope. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to Heir of Hope.

[PAMpublish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and fascinating Civil War novel (with an eye-catching title and cover) about a newlywed bride who marries a kind plantation owner, and rescues through buying an abused young female slave, soon becoming good friends. As an author of a Civil War story, I realize how difficult it is to write about sensitive social issues in a politically correct but historically factual manner and this author nailed it. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys this era and genre.

[Caryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this story! Ms. McGee gives us a unique view of the Civil War in Mississippi. Lydia Harper, a lady in society, encountered trauma in her youth. Ruth was born into slavery. These two women have such courage. I so admired their friendship. They are an unstoppable force!

Recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction with amazing heroines.

I borrowed a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Susan Ajaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

History of war and a time of change bring together a story of strength forged in unbreakable bonds of love.

A story of characters that emerge from a time of privilege that transcends the false divisions of ownership and freedom. Each introduction of someone new brings a need to read more of their triumphs and tragedy and how they all come together. A fast and furious reading experience.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing Story of Hope and Compassion

Enjoyed this storyline and almost felt like a part of the story as author so vividly described the house and the grounds, bot to mention the people. The relationships she established with Ruth, Betsey, and the others was captivating and every time I attempted to stop reading for the night, I found myself reading "a little more" just to find out what happened next. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and held my attention throughout.
I felt so bad for Ruth and her sister. Ruth lost so much yet she managed to hold her head up. I loved her personality and her spunk made me laugh. She was my favorite character.

I liked the pace of the story, but I will say that the ending felt as though everything was tied up in too neat a bow. Even so, I truly enjoyed this novel.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars