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The Bregdan Chronicles #1
Storm Clouds Rolling In
Review: I expected to like this book. I did not expect to be hooked! This series is, quite simply, the best historical fiction I have ever read. I’m in love with the characters, I can’t sleep because I’m too busy reading, I have learned more than I ever thought possible, and I’ve been inspired to become a better person. My advice to you? READ THEM!
Storm Clouds Rolling In is the first book in the Bregdan Chronicles historical fiction series. As of today, there are 10 books in the series. It's readers like you who have turned the series into a world-wide best-seller. Thank you!
Book Description: Carrie Cromwell comes of age as the dark clouds of the Civil War swallow the country. Born with a fiery spirit and a strong mind, she finds herself struggling between the common wisdom of the South and the truth she has discovered.
The activities of the Underground Railroad and her close friendships with the Cromwell Plantation slaves create difficult choices. But when her decisions put her at odds with her heritage, and challenge her dreams, will she be able to give up all that is precious to her?
This first book of The Bregdan Chronicles historical fiction series will pull you in and never let you go. You'll experience the Civil War era (and all the years to come) through the eyes of both White and Black, free & slave, Southern & Northern - and you'll fall in love with every character.
How many books will be in the Bregdan Chronicles? No one knows yet… Ginny intends to write these character's stories, one year at a time, for as long as she is able to write. She is passionate about bringing history to life through historical fiction. Since she is amazingly healthy, that could be for a very long time! She doesn’t like stories to end any more than you do. This one won't end for a very long time!
Review: I'm an avid Gone With The Wind Fan. The movie and book...was skeptical I have to admit, but I love historical fiction so I thought at least it might be an interesting read...but...to my surprise and delight it has pulled me into the saga I longed for... I have been unable to put it down! Well written...believable characters...a real page turner!
Review: Absolutely could not put any of the books down in this series. I have read many books over the years, and never felt the compassion and talent from any author. If you get a chance to read this series, you won't be sorry. Every one of the books was written so eloquently you feel like you are in the same room with the characters. She describes each character with such depth and descriptive qualities with your mind’s eye you can actually see them. I only hope there will be another book and I will be waiting to see. Thank you for taking me to a place back in history I would not have been able to experience. Again, thank you for your ability to transform and entertain me with such beautiful artistry.... So talented.
Review: I have just finished reading this, the 7th book in the Bregdan Chronicles and I have one word to describe the whole sage...MAGNIFICENT!! I am a big fan of books from the Civil War Era and this saga is without a doubt the BEST account I have ever read of that period of time. All of the characters are developed so colorfully and realistically that I have become very attached to them. As we all know, it was a time of great upheaval in our country, and these people live this upheaval every day of their lives. It was a dangerous time as well. The horror of the war is not downplayed one bit in these books...
509 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,032 reviews
June 17, 2015
I found this series as one being compared to Diana Galbadon's OUTLANDER. There is NO WAY this is comparable.
This book, the first of a series that gets no better, is predictable, poorly written and demands editing for gross errors.
The characters all speak the same. You have to look for "so and so said" to know who is talking. The reader is told everything and doesn't see the development of character changes. Amazing rescues, ridiculously unbelievable ways characters reconnect and find each other in the midst of the chaos of a war, and stupid inclusion of modern elements as in a black man announcing he has "to go to the restroom" in a scene dated 1865 border on sci if. The plantations of the two main characters remain intact despite being located in areas located near highly conflicted battle zones. As new historical developments occur, the reader is subjected to long speeches of one character to the others gathered around to be spoken to as attendees at a lecture hall. Characters who clearly experience PTSD for months suddenly hear the voice of a non-family member's child and immediately respond in recovery!
For anyone who truly enjoys historical fiction, who enjoys good literature and who appreciates quality will find this series on Civil War America sadly lacking and a waste of time.
This book, the first of a series that gets no better, is predictable, poorly written and demands editing for gross errors.
The characters all speak the same. You have to look for "so and so said" to know who is talking. The reader is told everything and doesn't see the development of character changes. Amazing rescues, ridiculously unbelievable ways characters reconnect and find each other in the midst of the chaos of a war, and stupid inclusion of modern elements as in a black man announcing he has "to go to the restroom" in a scene dated 1865 border on sci if. The plantations of the two main characters remain intact despite being located in areas located near highly conflicted battle zones. As new historical developments occur, the reader is subjected to long speeches of one character to the others gathered around to be spoken to as attendees at a lecture hall. Characters who clearly experience PTSD for months suddenly hear the voice of a non-family member's child and immediately respond in recovery!
For anyone who truly enjoys historical fiction, who enjoys good literature and who appreciates quality will find this series on Civil War America sadly lacking and a waste of time.
February 2, 2015
This book should be labeled Christian historical fiction and not romance. It was okay but not what it was purported to be. Just a bit too verbose.
October 7, 2014
This is the first in a series of novels, and I am already starting the second. Being compared to Gone with the Wind is inevitable, but these books are more historically accurate in their portrayal of slavery and the turmoil leading up to the Civil War. The characters are interesting and likable, except of course for the evil overseer. Carrie, the main character, is a child of the plantation/slavery way of life, but struggles to believe that people were meant to be owned by someone. Complicating her confusion is the political situation, her unique for-her-time independent spirit, and her increasing love for a young handsome plantation owner. Would recommend this one, especially for anyone interested in Civil War era novels.
February 26, 2015
4 STARS - I REALLY LIKED IT
AUDIOBOOK
This book is historical fiction set during the time leading up to the American Civil War. I found it interesting and entertaining. The author tried to create a realistic setting of plantation life in the South where slaves were an everyday part of life and the North was fighting to free slaves. There were several different characters that we followed, the book showed plantation owners who believed that slavery was a responsibility given to them by God and we saw people who worked under-ground to free slaves because they believed that God created all people to be free. This book involves a lot of religion in it and I found it very interesting how both sides used the Bible to support their beliefs. We see the main female character, Carrie, struggle with what she was taught her entire life which is that black people need white people to guide them because they were not created equally and could not survive on their own and would revert back to how they survived in tiny tribes in Africa. Carrie, however, sees that her fathers slaves are the ones who work the fields, make the bricks, care for the animals, clean the house, and cook the food and doesn't believe that they couldn't care for themselves. We watch how Carrie struggles to figure out what she, herself, believes. We also see a lot of hate and how hate can drive people to treat others very badly. Also, in the background, is the unrest that is happening in the country and how 7 Southern states are threatening secession if the North chooses to jeopardize the institution of slavery. With Abraham Lincoln being elected President, things escalate because he has made it clear that he is against slavery.
There were parts of the story that were a bit slow, other parts that were a bit too "sweet", and, as I stated before, there is a lot of religious discussion since it is the bases that both the pro and anti slavery advocates use as the basis for their beliefs. I enjoyed this story and I feel like I got a better idea of what 1860 America was like. This story does not end with book 1 but rather leads up to just as the war begins. There is a small amount of romance as well, but it is very mild and the couple are at opposing ends of the slavery issue which has stalled them moving forward. I look forward to continuing with the series.
June 3, 2020
Life in the South specifically Virgina pre-Civil war is highlighted in this series opener. We are introduced to the main cast of characters and their individual situations. From plantation owner, Thomas Cromwell and his independent daughter Carrie, t0 slaves Rose and her wise woman mother Sarah.
Change is coming and everyone can feel it. But when and what is going to happen? Dread,hope,denial all swirl together in the atmosphere.Desperate for change and desperate for things to remain the same. The book did a great job outlining and detailing the angst of both sides.
This is Christian historical fiction. Pretty well done, the reader is not often hit over the head with the authors' spiritual perspective, but it is there.
This is a very long series. I'm not sure how invested Ill be in reading them all, but I can see myself reading one or two more.
Change is coming and everyone can feel it. But when and what is going to happen? Dread,hope,denial all swirl together in the atmosphere.Desperate for change and desperate for things to remain the same. The book did a great job outlining and detailing the angst of both sides.
This is Christian historical fiction. Pretty well done, the reader is not often hit over the head with the authors' spiritual perspective, but it is there.
This is a very long series. I'm not sure how invested Ill be in reading them all, but I can see myself reading one or two more.
March 30, 2015
My Musings
I found Storm Clouds Rolling In while re-reading Gone with the Wind a couple of months ago. I actually saw it advertised on Facebook. I am so grateful I found this astonishing book. While there are similarities between this book and GWTW, I actually like the characters in this one much better, especially Carrie Cromwell.
Carrie Cromwell is a strong-willed eighteen year old that has very far-thinking views on life and all the rumors surrounding the year leading up to the firing on Fort Sumter. Her closest friends are the slaves that live on her father’s plantation. As the only child of Thomas Cromwell, she has been indulged, but not in the way that would have been expected. Her father has treated as an equal in many ways, allowing her to learn how to run the great plantation.
Her mother despairs of ever turning Carrie into a proper southern mistress for her future husband’s plantation. Since Carrie has no plans to marry in the near future, her mother will be sadly disappointed when she arranges for her daughter to meet a dear friend’s son, Robert Borden.
Robert Borden is immediately attracted to the high-spirited, raven-haired beauty. In fact he falls hard from the moment she gives him a lock of her hair as a token for the tournament being enacted at a neighboring plantation. When he wins, he picks her as his queen at the evening ball.
While Carrie is extremely attracted to Robert, some of his views on slavery are vastly different from Carrie’s when he tells her of his breeding program at his plantation, the breeding of slaves. Carrie is appalled by this, yet is still drawn to him, battling her conscience over her heart.
When Carrie’s mother dies and her father leaves her in charge of Cromwell Plantation, she becomes involved with the Underground Railroad and helps more than a dozen slaves in their bid for freedom. Her best friend, Rose and her husband, Moses stay by her side. Even though, Carrie has offered to help them escape. When Rose is attacked by the overseer, the head-strong young woman, with shot gun in hand, demands he leave her lands forever.
Thomas Cromwell is so steeped in grief; he no longer keeps his pulse on the plantation. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter, with the help of his overseer, will keep the property prosperous, he never knows Carrie has fired Ike Adams. He becomes deeply involved in the politics as his beloved Virginia marches closer to war, a war that will tear his country asunder.
This first volume ends as Virginia secedes from the union and with Carrie telling Robert she cannot marry him, even though she is in love with him. Storm Clouds Rolling In does end on a positive note, letting the reader know that all is not lost between Carrie and the dashing Robert.
While I thoroughly enjoy the romance between the hero and heroine, what is much more fascinating is the workings of Carrie’s mind as she grows in her belief that slavery is not God’s will, no matter what her father and the rest of the south believe. This story has a thread of spiritualism running through it, but is not over done at all. It only enhances this amazing epic tale.
Carrie is a marvelous character, so fierce, as she develops into an independent woman, determined to help her friends gain their freedom if they choose to travel down that path. While Carrie would love to become a doctor, she puts those dreams to the side to continue her work in freeing any of her father’s slaves who seek their freedom. Her ability to walk the thin line between outright lying to her father and evading the truth is incredible. Carrie Cromwell is truly an unforgettable character.
This is a book with a great deal of historical detail regarding the thoughts and times leading up to the Civil War. As I read, I wished that I had discovered this epic series while my mother still lived. She would have enjoyed this book and series immensely as I know you will as well. If you love a well-written historical fiction novel with strong romantic elements, then this is a book you will not want to miss. Happy reading!
I found Storm Clouds Rolling In while re-reading Gone with the Wind a couple of months ago. I actually saw it advertised on Facebook. I am so grateful I found this astonishing book. While there are similarities between this book and GWTW, I actually like the characters in this one much better, especially Carrie Cromwell.
Carrie Cromwell is a strong-willed eighteen year old that has very far-thinking views on life and all the rumors surrounding the year leading up to the firing on Fort Sumter. Her closest friends are the slaves that live on her father’s plantation. As the only child of Thomas Cromwell, she has been indulged, but not in the way that would have been expected. Her father has treated as an equal in many ways, allowing her to learn how to run the great plantation.
Her mother despairs of ever turning Carrie into a proper southern mistress for her future husband’s plantation. Since Carrie has no plans to marry in the near future, her mother will be sadly disappointed when she arranges for her daughter to meet a dear friend’s son, Robert Borden.
Robert Borden is immediately attracted to the high-spirited, raven-haired beauty. In fact he falls hard from the moment she gives him a lock of her hair as a token for the tournament being enacted at a neighboring plantation. When he wins, he picks her as his queen at the evening ball.
While Carrie is extremely attracted to Robert, some of his views on slavery are vastly different from Carrie’s when he tells her of his breeding program at his plantation, the breeding of slaves. Carrie is appalled by this, yet is still drawn to him, battling her conscience over her heart.
When Carrie’s mother dies and her father leaves her in charge of Cromwell Plantation, she becomes involved with the Underground Railroad and helps more than a dozen slaves in their bid for freedom. Her best friend, Rose and her husband, Moses stay by her side. Even though, Carrie has offered to help them escape. When Rose is attacked by the overseer, the head-strong young woman, with shot gun in hand, demands he leave her lands forever.
Thomas Cromwell is so steeped in grief; he no longer keeps his pulse on the plantation. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter, with the help of his overseer, will keep the property prosperous, he never knows Carrie has fired Ike Adams. He becomes deeply involved in the politics as his beloved Virginia marches closer to war, a war that will tear his country asunder.
This first volume ends as Virginia secedes from the union and with Carrie telling Robert she cannot marry him, even though she is in love with him. Storm Clouds Rolling In does end on a positive note, letting the reader know that all is not lost between Carrie and the dashing Robert.
While I thoroughly enjoy the romance between the hero and heroine, what is much more fascinating is the workings of Carrie’s mind as she grows in her belief that slavery is not God’s will, no matter what her father and the rest of the south believe. This story has a thread of spiritualism running through it, but is not over done at all. It only enhances this amazing epic tale.
Carrie is a marvelous character, so fierce, as she develops into an independent woman, determined to help her friends gain their freedom if they choose to travel down that path. While Carrie would love to become a doctor, she puts those dreams to the side to continue her work in freeing any of her father’s slaves who seek their freedom. Her ability to walk the thin line between outright lying to her father and evading the truth is incredible. Carrie Cromwell is truly an unforgettable character.
This is a book with a great deal of historical detail regarding the thoughts and times leading up to the Civil War. As I read, I wished that I had discovered this epic series while my mother still lived. She would have enjoyed this book and series immensely as I know you will as well. If you love a well-written historical fiction novel with strong romantic elements, then this is a book you will not want to miss. Happy reading!
June 22, 2015
I enjoyed the book - to a point. I think the author did a tremendous about of research, but it fell a little short in the dialog. I have a hard time believing that an Antebellum Southern Belle would use the word, "okay", refer to an old college friend as "buddy" or give "big hugs". These are all late 20th century words/phrases. I had a little bit of a hard time with the personal religious experiences too. It was a little too much for me. I really enjoyed the story and the historical accuracy, though.
August 5, 2014
This had so much potential.... I hope that the author becomes more consistent with her writing (sometimes brilliant, sometimes awkward, other times just, sorry to say, bad). The characters were likable enough, pacing was mostly ok (on occasion it staggered). There are some moments of real wisdom, which definitely made it worth the read. Here's hoping the author gets a better editor, as well.
July 8, 2015
This series was recommended for people who love Downton Abbey and were looking for something to tide them over until January. That said, I was pretty surprised to discover it was set in Civil War times Virginia! Having bought #1 of 6 on my Kindle already, I decided to give it a go. It was actually pretty good! While I know about the Civil War, I've never really known exactly how or why it started. With SC and the rebel flag all over the news right now, it was a good time to get more background. The story centers on Carrie Cromwell, a young woman growing up on her family plantation, who has never quite fit in with her mother's plan of being a demure, pretty thing without a serious thought in her head. She fortunately has a father with no sons who has let her do pretty much as she has pleased her whole life and has dealt with his wife on her behalf. Their plantation prides itself on treating their slaves well, but they are surrounded by folks who think they are just domesticated animals to do with as necessary. Carrie struggles throughout this book with the whole concept of slavery and it is a very thoughtful analysis of all the factors in play. I enjoyed this one and have begun the second. I guess the referencing of Downton Abbey is because she is rich and has poor people with their own lives working for her in a great house.
April 6, 2023
Author Ginny Dye posted in the Historical Novel Society Facebook group about being horrified when she discovered that her ancestors not only owned slaves but also financially supported the Ku Klux Klan. She wrote The Bregdan Chronicles as a way of atoning. Her heart is certainly in the right place. I am in awe of her prolific output--she's about to publish Book 18 in this series--and of her apparent success, judging by the astounding number of ratings and reviews. This is the most impressive saga of the American South I'd never heard of before.
Yet Dye's execution of the story so far isn't what I'd wish for. She manages to be anti-slavery and simultaneously pro-South. She writes rapturously about the Southern way of life with an event such as a jousting tournament in which the hero crowns the heroine as the Queen of Love and Beauty. The original title of this novel was Under the Southern Moon, which is telling in its evocation of the "moonlight and magnolias" myth. Much of the novel is disturbingly cheery.
I say disturbingly because that glamourous Southern way of life was built on slavery, which Dye certainly acknowledges. Her opening scene is a failed slave rebellion. Her enslaved characters are sympathetic and as rounded as the White ones, with hopes and dreams of their own. But I feel as if Dye undermines herself with that cheeriness, that "Southern life is spectacular" living alongside the honest depictions of slavery and enslaved people.
Which brings me to our heroine, Carrie. She's practically a saint. Her father adores her, and all of her slaves adore her. They care deeply about her welfare. Her enslaved maid, Rose, is Carrie's best friend. None of the slaves on Carrie's plantation are ever beaten. By the end of the novel, Carrie has helped close to 20 of them escape, although it isn't clear how the work is still getting done. By having the main plantation in the novel be a "humane" one, Dye's anti-slavery message is undermined.
Then there's the purported hero, Robert. His father was killed in that opening scene by an enslaved man he was lynching. Robert is a racist and repeatedly uses the n-word. When a few of Robert's slaves escape, he punishes three others as an example, killing a slave boy by the severity of the beating. Yes, this is the hero. To Carrie's credit, when she learns of this, she says she cannot marry Robert. But I looked ahead to the subsequent books in the series, and as I suspected, Carrie and Robert will eventually get together. Let that sink in: our romantic "hero" beat a child to death, and as of the end of this book, he isn't sorry. I suspect Robert will undergo a redemption arc, and that will make his prior actions "OK." Not in my book.
Which finally brings me to my other problem with this book: the Christian elements. When a character is undergoing a crisis, God literally speaks to them and makes it all better. That's not satisfying to me.
This is like a more progressive Gone With the Wind. Dye has done her research, and this has its merits. I wish her well. I'm sure the series as a whole allows the reader to learn about Civil War and Reconstruction history. If I could borrow the audiobook from a library, I'd probably listen to the next one. But I have too many issues with this to use my Audible credits on any more.
Yet Dye's execution of the story so far isn't what I'd wish for. She manages to be anti-slavery and simultaneously pro-South. She writes rapturously about the Southern way of life with an event such as a jousting tournament in which the hero crowns the heroine as the Queen of Love and Beauty. The original title of this novel was Under the Southern Moon, which is telling in its evocation of the "moonlight and magnolias" myth. Much of the novel is disturbingly cheery.
I say disturbingly because that glamourous Southern way of life was built on slavery, which Dye certainly acknowledges. Her opening scene is a failed slave rebellion. Her enslaved characters are sympathetic and as rounded as the White ones, with hopes and dreams of their own. But I feel as if Dye undermines herself with that cheeriness, that "Southern life is spectacular" living alongside the honest depictions of slavery and enslaved people.
Which brings me to our heroine, Carrie. She's practically a saint. Her father adores her, and all of her slaves adore her. They care deeply about her welfare. Her enslaved maid, Rose, is Carrie's best friend. None of the slaves on Carrie's plantation are ever beaten. By the end of the novel, Carrie has helped close to 20 of them escape, although it isn't clear how the work is still getting done. By having the main plantation in the novel be a "humane" one, Dye's anti-slavery message is undermined.
Then there's the purported hero, Robert. His father was killed in that opening scene by an enslaved man he was lynching. Robert is a racist and repeatedly uses the n-word. When a few of Robert's slaves escape, he punishes three others as an example, killing a slave boy by the severity of the beating. Yes, this is the hero. To Carrie's credit, when she learns of this, she says she cannot marry Robert. But I looked ahead to the subsequent books in the series, and as I suspected, Carrie and Robert will eventually get together. Let that sink in: our romantic "hero" beat a child to death, and as of the end of this book, he isn't sorry. I suspect Robert will undergo a redemption arc, and that will make his prior actions "OK." Not in my book.
Which finally brings me to my other problem with this book: the Christian elements. When a character is undergoing a crisis, God literally speaks to them and makes it all better. That's not satisfying to me.
This is like a more progressive Gone With the Wind. Dye has done her research, and this has its merits. I wish her well. I'm sure the series as a whole allows the reader to learn about Civil War and Reconstruction history. If I could borrow the audiobook from a library, I'd probably listen to the next one. But I have too many issues with this to use my Audible credits on any more.
March 24, 2016
This is the first book of the Bregdan Chronicles by Ginny Dye. I did like this book although I thought the dialogue was a little juvenile. The story is about the Cromwell family, in particular Carrie Cromwell. It starts out in anticipation of the Civil War. I wanted to read this book because I love reading about the Civil War era. I felt that this book gave a different perspective on the events leading up to the war that I had not read about before. Carrie is a young 18 year old that had grown up on a thriving plantation as an only child. The story follows her as she comes to terms with what it means to be the owners of slaves. She grew up being a best friend to a slave girl, Rose, and the story follows them as they mature and their relationship evolves. Her family never mistreated their slaves but Carrie begins to doubt the purpose of owning slaves. She is very head strong and is constantly being reminded (first by her father and then by the man she is falling in love with) that slave ownership is their right according to the Bible. I had never heard this reasoning before and not sure that was true of slave holders during that time. However Carrie does a lot of soul searching to try to figure out just what she does believe in. This book ends at the firing on Ft. Sumter. I do want to read the next book just to see where it goes and hopefully I will be able to give it a better rating.
August 26, 2015
This book was so good! I love the main character this book concentrates on, Carrie. Ginny dye did her research, and weaved in the story the events and issues that lead up to the American Civil war through the eyes of her characters, as it must have been for many that lived in that time. This story takes place mostly in the south in a plantation outside of Richmond Virginia. You get to see how many folks felt about slavery in the south at that time and the reasons they felt that way, and you get to meet some slaves who I found such neat people! You get to see what there lives must have been like. That part breaks my heart, but I feel I needed to know these things more than what I've read in history books when I was younger.
I can't imagine growing up in that time, with those types of beliefs prevalent then, but I loved watching Carrie grow up and realize so many things on her own. She leaned on the Lord, and her good sense and truth to guide her.
I've read very little about the Civil war, except for what I learned in school growing up. I am learning much from these books, and love these well developed characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, On to Richmond!
I can't imagine growing up in that time, with those types of beliefs prevalent then, but I loved watching Carrie grow up and realize so many things on her own. She leaned on the Lord, and her good sense and truth to guide her.
I've read very little about the Civil war, except for what I learned in school growing up. I am learning much from these books, and love these well developed characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, On to Richmond!
May 29, 2015
This is an interesting beginning to a series about the Civil War. It begins pre- war in the times leading up to it. The story features Carrie, the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner. She is their only child. and although her mother wants her to be a normal girl of that era in that station in life, Carrie is not interested in being a carbon of her mother. Her father indulges her and loves her for her spirit and desire to be more than a plantation wife. Secretly Carrie wants to be a doctor, but this is a time and place where women stayed at home and certainly did not take on careers such as Carrie wants. I liked Carrie a lot as she loves the land and the plantation, and her father gives her the freedom of going anywhere on their property on her beautiful horse she loves. Carrie's father of course has slaves and she has grown up with the slave girl who is her personal maid, Rose. This is a plantation where the slaves are treated well, but they are still property. Carrie along the way decides she is against slavery which is definitely not the norm in her environment. The book is very very much anti-slavery which I did not object to of course.
I am not going to go into the story other than it is a light romantic love story when Carrie meets the young owner of another plantation. She and Robert are attracted to each other from the beginning but as the story progresses it is obvious they have a huge difference of opinion about slavery. There is much more to this, but it is part of the story so I won't go into it here.
Carrie's father, Thomas, is a big part of the story as well as several of the slaves, notably Moses. His dark story as a child is wound in with an equally dark story of Robert's childhood, but we only know that early on and neither of them know so I assume this will come later.
I need to give a general opinion of the book. I have studied some about the Civil War but it has been years ago, so I found this very interesting. I never read anything pre- war that was from the South perspective and was very interesting to me. The story takes place in Virginia and shows the reluctance of some to leave the Union and the way some of it was played out politically. It gets quite deep into slavery, not only from the perspective of the slaves in the book but philosophically as Carrie ponders the right and wrong of it. I felt this book should be tagged Christian as faith and God are very much a part of the story.
I liked the history a lot but have to admit some of it dragged for me. I probably would have enjoyed it more had it been edited down some. I think for me there were so many characters. and I wasn't terribly interested in some of them. A few little things kind of got tiresome like Carrie always "knowing" she was going to like someone before they even said something. The history made it a four star for me.
I am not going to go into the story other than it is a light romantic love story when Carrie meets the young owner of another plantation. She and Robert are attracted to each other from the beginning but as the story progresses it is obvious they have a huge difference of opinion about slavery. There is much more to this, but it is part of the story so I won't go into it here.
Carrie's father, Thomas, is a big part of the story as well as several of the slaves, notably Moses. His dark story as a child is wound in with an equally dark story of Robert's childhood, but we only know that early on and neither of them know so I assume this will come later.
I need to give a general opinion of the book. I have studied some about the Civil War but it has been years ago, so I found this very interesting. I never read anything pre- war that was from the South perspective and was very interesting to me. The story takes place in Virginia and shows the reluctance of some to leave the Union and the way some of it was played out politically. It gets quite deep into slavery, not only from the perspective of the slaves in the book but philosophically as Carrie ponders the right and wrong of it. I felt this book should be tagged Christian as faith and God are very much a part of the story.
I liked the history a lot but have to admit some of it dragged for me. I probably would have enjoyed it more had it been edited down some. I think for me there were so many characters. and I wasn't terribly interested in some of them. A few little things kind of got tiresome like Carrie always "knowing" she was going to like someone before they even said something. The history made it a four star for me.
May 12, 2015
Storm Clouds Rolling In
This book captured my attention as I read the first page. I love historical novels. The books covering the Civil War are of particular interest. The characters in this story are well developed. I was drawn in immediately when introduced to Carrie the independent daughter of a plantation owner. She was not a shrew but rather a young girl trying to live as a plantation girl but also trying to come to terms with her own beliefs....especially the issue of slavery. Her slave and childhood friend, Rose, introduces us to life, traditions and beliefs in the slave quarters. Everything, including family and friend relationships, the southern way of life and politics in both the North and the South takes the reader to the beginnings of the war between the states. A very good read. It kept my attention throughout. I look forward to beginning the second book in the series of seven...and counting.
This book captured my attention as I read the first page. I love historical novels. The books covering the Civil War are of particular interest. The characters in this story are well developed. I was drawn in immediately when introduced to Carrie the independent daughter of a plantation owner. She was not a shrew but rather a young girl trying to live as a plantation girl but also trying to come to terms with her own beliefs....especially the issue of slavery. Her slave and childhood friend, Rose, introduces us to life, traditions and beliefs in the slave quarters. Everything, including family and friend relationships, the southern way of life and politics in both the North and the South takes the reader to the beginnings of the war between the states. A very good read. It kept my attention throughout. I look forward to beginning the second book in the series of seven...and counting.
July 25, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the book! More about how Carrie Cromwell deals with her own dreams, ideas, and truth while growing up as a plantation daughter. She had a spirit that most young privileged ladies of the south did not. I look forward to the next book!
October 30, 2018
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The presentation of the history from the pre-Civil War era was phenomenal!
The characters are depicted clearly and are developed throughout the book. Accurate descriptions bring sights and feelings alive for the reader.
The presentation of the history from the pre-Civil War era was phenomenal!
The characters are depicted clearly and are developed throughout the book. Accurate descriptions bring sights and feelings alive for the reader.
free-on-amazon-today
October 19, 2023Free 20/10/23
February 7, 2017
I read the first book in The Bregdan Chronicles, “Storm Clouds Rolling In” by Ginny Dye. I can honestly say that I could not put this book down. The theme of this series is the Civil War as it affects the plantation owners and southern sympathizers as the South tries to decide its fate during the unstable times in the 1860’s. Ms. Dye clearly show the reader the conundrum faced by those in the south, some who want to remain with the Union, and some who want to secede from the Union because they fear their way of life is changing. Politicians from the north are speaking out against slavery and abolitionists are becoming more intense in their pursuit of freeing as many slaves and they can. The Underground Railroad is up and running and slaves are seeking their freedom in Canada if they can get away safely from the plantations. Of course, the attitude towards slavery is the catalyst that brings the south to have to decide its future. Some southerners and slave owners are beginning to see that this way of life is wrong and are adamant that the Union should be preserved.
Carrie Cromwell’s family owns a plantation and slaves. She has never had a thought about her way of life until the sentiment of the country begins to cause her to question her beliefs. She is, of course, at odds with the beliefs of her parents who think that the black people are inferior and are no better than animals to be treated as such. Carrie’s beau might be handsome and charming, but his ideals are so far from Carrie’s that the marriage match does not happen as he would want.
I could go on and on, but I won’t because if you read this first novel, I am sure that you will want to read all the novels in the series. At this point there are nine. I would recommend that you read them in order to fully understand that which Ms. Dye is expressing in her writing. She is a fine writer and her work is excellently carried out.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-pf, and also other reviews on my blog at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
Carrie Cromwell’s family owns a plantation and slaves. She has never had a thought about her way of life until the sentiment of the country begins to cause her to question her beliefs. She is, of course, at odds with the beliefs of her parents who think that the black people are inferior and are no better than animals to be treated as such. Carrie’s beau might be handsome and charming, but his ideals are so far from Carrie’s that the marriage match does not happen as he would want.
I could go on and on, but I won’t because if you read this first novel, I am sure that you will want to read all the novels in the series. At this point there are nine. I would recommend that you read them in order to fully understand that which Ms. Dye is expressing in her writing. She is a fine writer and her work is excellently carried out.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-pf, and also other reviews on my blog at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
September 7, 2016
Wow... this was an intense book! Slavery, and all the abuse of slaves is troublesome to read. The author does a great job with this terrible time in our history. Luckily, the plantation and the family in this book are good people (ignorant and blind, but they didn't mistreat their slaves). Carrie is such a strong character for someone so young. At 18, she is just amazing! I love her spirit, her strength, passion and compassion.
I would have loved to give this book 5 stars, but I was bored to tears with all the political gibber-jabber. And, there was more of it than I cared for. GRANTED.. I can see why the author did this as an educating of the reader but frankly it was dull and difficult for me to get through those parts. That being said, the book shined beyond belief in all the other areas. I really liked this book and I have to read the next soon as it's a gripping story.
I would have loved to give this book 5 stars, but I was bored to tears with all the political gibber-jabber. And, there was more of it than I cared for. GRANTED.. I can see why the author did this as an educating of the reader but frankly it was dull and difficult for me to get through those parts. That being said, the book shined beyond belief in all the other areas. I really liked this book and I have to read the next soon as it's a gripping story.
October 8, 2015
Well researched but had it been labeled correctly, I would not have purchased this series.Comparing it to Downton Abbey is arrogant. Needs serious editing and formatting. This is a basic "first attempt" that should never have found its way to the public until it had been well edited.
If you want Christian Preaching...this is your book. If you want literature, it is NOT. FB did us all a disservice.Lesson learned. Now how to return to Amazon?
If you want Christian Preaching...this is your book. If you want literature, it is NOT. FB did us all a disservice.Lesson learned. Now how to return to Amazon?
May 28, 2012
Excellent story, powerfully written. A good reminder to all of a dark time in our nation's history and why it was so important. Wonderful focus on Christ.
September 2, 2021
My followers are going to shoot me - this is another series of 17 I just started. I am just loving ripping thru series, not having to think about what to read next. So boring if you are following me. I don't generally like civil war era stories, but this was really good and satisfying to read.
September 8, 2018
Historical fiction being my favorite genre, I especially enjoy Civil War era stories. This book is the first in the Bregdan Chronicles series about the Cromwell Plantation and its 19-year old mistress, who must take over the running of the plantation after her mother dies. With the Civil War looming, I will probably read the next book to follow how the war impacts the family members, who have vastly different attitudes toward slavery. Writing not nearly on the level of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, as promised, but an easy read and kept my attention.
March 1, 2017
This historical fiction book was an enjoyable read, although it was a bit heavy on the history and politics leading up to the Civil War. There is a lot of time spent on who said/did/believed what and a lot of "Oh, I hope this does/doesn't happen!" I am sure it was the constant talk before the war (similar to how there was nothing but Clinton and Trump talk for months leading up to the election), but I wish less time was devoted to it. I found it repetitive and am used to Civil War novels with less discussion of the politics and more character and plot development.
A dozen or so characters are introduced and developed, and I expect most will be developed more throughout this series. Carrie, Rose, Sarah and Aunt Abby are easy to love; however, they are a bit too perfect for me. They are all so wise, patient, and they trust so easily in God. I wish I had their strength and faith!
Romance is woven in with Carrie and Robert and also with Rose and Moses. I am hoping for more development in the next book (although I could take or leave Robert).
Yes, I will read the next installment and I am looking forward to it!
A dozen or so characters are introduced and developed, and I expect most will be developed more throughout this series. Carrie, Rose, Sarah and Aunt Abby are easy to love; however, they are a bit too perfect for me. They are all so wise, patient, and they trust so easily in God. I wish I had their strength and faith!
Romance is woven in with Carrie and Robert and also with Rose and Moses. I am hoping for more development in the next book (although I could take or leave Robert).
Yes, I will read the next installment and I am looking forward to it!
May 24, 2016
“Nothing great in the world was accomplished without passion”. This quote of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831) perfectly describes the pulchritudinous raven haired Carrie Cromwell. Everything and everyone she confronted with passion. In a time of uncertainty and threatening turmoil, she hoped she could save her perceived way of life and not be pulled into the conflict that would surely split her country in half. She grows up with her handmaid, Rose, and they are both friends and confidants. The slaves of the Cromwell Plantation are considered by most family. As whispers of succession turn to shouts of war, the life at Cromwell Plantation changes dramatically, and fears of the future come crashing in.
This tale much resembles the immortal 1936 novel, Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, and its 1992 sequel, Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley. This is the first book of Bregdan Chronicles and deal with the first year of the American Civil War. Although the general views are southern, in most instances they are unbiased and impartial, sometimes naïve but also refreshing, but without the frivolous and short-sighted outlook of Scarlet O’Hara. Ginny Dye includes real historical events and characters to color her narrative. This story is a symphony for the senses. Sights, smells, and tastes of the old south flow from every page. From the glittering ballrooms to the dirt-floored slave shanties, images are imprinted vividly in the reader’s mind, and war, love, and social changes are beautifully presented and can’t help but leave a deep impression on the reader. The missive presents the reader two conflicting sides of the same coin, one full of wealth and plenty, the other oppressive and depressive gloom. The characters are strongly developed and are also sure to remain with the readers long after the last word is read and the book closed. History is brought to life and the horrors and tragedies of institutionalized slavery are brought to the forefront by example. Political issues are explored and the path seems to be inevitable; this is a prelude to war.
Books, like friends, should be kept close and visited regularly. This is a reread that is long overdue. Each time a good book is reread, small details and different perspectives add to the story, making it even better. Storm Clouds Rolling In is the first book in the Bregdan Chronicles Historical Fiction Series and if this is any indication of the series as a whole, I can just hope that it just goes on and on. This is a bleak but necessary chapter in the history of the United States and should never be forgotten.
It would be amiss if I didn’t mention a few criticisms. Many readers would brand this tale as vanilla. Many modern novels openly explore and display human passions and sexuality; adding an extra dimension lacking in earlier styles. I missed this facet but nevertheless enjoyed the missive. I think it is a must read for all lovers of American history. All that is left to say is enjoy….
This tale much resembles the immortal 1936 novel, Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, and its 1992 sequel, Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley. This is the first book of Bregdan Chronicles and deal with the first year of the American Civil War. Although the general views are southern, in most instances they are unbiased and impartial, sometimes naïve but also refreshing, but without the frivolous and short-sighted outlook of Scarlet O’Hara. Ginny Dye includes real historical events and characters to color her narrative. This story is a symphony for the senses. Sights, smells, and tastes of the old south flow from every page. From the glittering ballrooms to the dirt-floored slave shanties, images are imprinted vividly in the reader’s mind, and war, love, and social changes are beautifully presented and can’t help but leave a deep impression on the reader. The missive presents the reader two conflicting sides of the same coin, one full of wealth and plenty, the other oppressive and depressive gloom. The characters are strongly developed and are also sure to remain with the readers long after the last word is read and the book closed. History is brought to life and the horrors and tragedies of institutionalized slavery are brought to the forefront by example. Political issues are explored and the path seems to be inevitable; this is a prelude to war.
Books, like friends, should be kept close and visited regularly. This is a reread that is long overdue. Each time a good book is reread, small details and different perspectives add to the story, making it even better. Storm Clouds Rolling In is the first book in the Bregdan Chronicles Historical Fiction Series and if this is any indication of the series as a whole, I can just hope that it just goes on and on. This is a bleak but necessary chapter in the history of the United States and should never be forgotten.
It would be amiss if I didn’t mention a few criticisms. Many readers would brand this tale as vanilla. Many modern novels openly explore and display human passions and sexuality; adding an extra dimension lacking in earlier styles. I missed this facet but nevertheless enjoyed the missive. I think it is a must read for all lovers of American history. All that is left to say is enjoy….
Read
January 7, 2020I was about 60 pages into this 500+ page book before deciding to put it down.
In that time there was no immorality and one swear word; apparently it is pretty clean.
It was just grating on my nerves with how unrealistic it is, I guess.
An eighteen-year-old girl is riding over her father’s land (like she does every day) and suddenly out of the blue wonders whether her knowledge of this land will ever be useful.
That’s a pretty clear indication that the author intends this girl’s knowledge of the land to be useful.
The thing that I found particularly unbelievable was the part when a man has dinner with them and they talk politics. This girl lives on a plantation that has been worked by slaves since the time of her great-grandparents, and that’s the only place she’s lived her entire life. She has never ever - not once - questioned the system, although she is kind to the slaves and thinks of them as friends.
But suddenly during this dinner she starts getting angry at the talk of slavery. At least twice it is stated that she doesn’t know why the talk bothers her.
It was annoying to me because there was no background as to why she suddenly had these thoughts out of the blue. If I found the lack of development and the unrealistic nature of the story so off-putting in the first threescore pages, no doubt I’d be ready to chuck it out the window had I finished the book.
The dialog was also plodding and at times ridiculous, including modern verbiage, as a slave asking her mistress, “Are you okay?” I have read a great deal of period literature (diaries, journals, letters, memoirs) and never one time have I come across that phrase. Obviously I haven’t read everything ever written during the time period in question, but I have read enough to know that the likelihood of that question being asked in that way at that time would probably be right around slim to none.
If you’re going to take the time to write over 500 pages of a novel (plus a seemingly endless stream of sequels), I would think you would want to make the dialog at least semi-realistic.
From a couple review I’ve seen, I know some people love this book and the subsequent series, but it just wasn’t for me.
In that time there was no immorality and one swear word; apparently it is pretty clean.
It was just grating on my nerves with how unrealistic it is, I guess.
An eighteen-year-old girl is riding over her father’s land (like she does every day) and suddenly out of the blue wonders whether her knowledge of this land will ever be useful.
That’s a pretty clear indication that the author intends this girl’s knowledge of the land to be useful.
The thing that I found particularly unbelievable was the part when a man has dinner with them and they talk politics. This girl lives on a plantation that has been worked by slaves since the time of her great-grandparents, and that’s the only place she’s lived her entire life. She has never ever - not once - questioned the system, although she is kind to the slaves and thinks of them as friends.
But suddenly during this dinner she starts getting angry at the talk of slavery. At least twice it is stated that she doesn’t know why the talk bothers her.
It was annoying to me because there was no background as to why she suddenly had these thoughts out of the blue. If I found the lack of development and the unrealistic nature of the story so off-putting in the first threescore pages, no doubt I’d be ready to chuck it out the window had I finished the book.
The dialog was also plodding and at times ridiculous, including modern verbiage, as a slave asking her mistress, “Are you okay?” I have read a great deal of period literature (diaries, journals, letters, memoirs) and never one time have I come across that phrase. Obviously I haven’t read everything ever written during the time period in question, but I have read enough to know that the likelihood of that question being asked in that way at that time would probably be right around slim to none.
If you’re going to take the time to write over 500 pages of a novel (plus a seemingly endless stream of sequels), I would think you would want to make the dialog at least semi-realistic.
From a couple review I’ve seen, I know some people love this book and the subsequent series, but it just wasn’t for me.
July 11, 2015
This is a rather long Christian novel that explores several fictional characters associated within a Virgina plantation just prior to the Civil War. It is a quick read and is not at all offensive in depicting the milieu of that tumultuous time. I was unaware of "The Wide Awakes" as a paramilitary campaign organization affiliated with the Republican Party during the United States presidential election of 1860.
Actually this is a rehash of events similar to that miserable Oprah selection https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... but is MUCH better except that it is incredibly long!
Actually this is a rehash of events similar to that miserable Oprah selection https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... but is MUCH better except that it is incredibly long!
November 8, 2017
Oh my goodness. I read this book and was absolutely "taken" with it and books 2-11 as well. I can't wait for the next "episode" . I fell in love with all the characters and felt I was part of the families, experiencing every situation they were going through.
I became intrigued with several incidents that I was never taught in school, esp. the tragic destruction of the overcrowded boat carrying passengers anxiously awaiting a reunion with their families; the escape from Libby Prison and more.
While these books almost seem at times (to me), like a soap opera, I repeat, I have fallen in love with Ginny Dye and the Bregdan Chronicles. This is fantastic reading!!
I became intrigued with several incidents that I was never taught in school, esp. the tragic destruction of the overcrowded boat carrying passengers anxiously awaiting a reunion with their families; the escape from Libby Prison and more.
While these books almost seem at times (to me), like a soap opera, I repeat, I have fallen in love with Ginny Dye and the Bregdan Chronicles. This is fantastic reading!!
April 10, 2013
Storm Clouds Rolling In by Ginny Dye is the first of a four book series about a Virginian family during the years 1860-1865 ( Civil War years). The Cromwells are wealthy plantation owners just south of Richmond. The only child is a daughter, Carrie, wants to be a doctor. She fimds as she lives through the pre-war years in the first book that she differs in many respects from her parents.
This book is a quick read and is written to entice you to keep reading until the last page. If you like historical fiction/romance this book will hold your interest.
This book is a quick read and is written to entice you to keep reading until the last page. If you like historical fiction/romance this book will hold your interest.
October 19, 2014
This book is interesting in that it follows a Southern Belle (Carrie) who is questioning all she has been taught is right: the way the Southern states are founded on the institution of slavery is a good thing. This historical fiction account does a good job at reviewing the issues of slavery, and why some people – even those who used it as a way to sustain their own lives – believed it was wrong and were willing to stand against the laws of slavery to help end the oppression of a whole people. Carrie is a strong leading lady and easy to love. I am looking forward to her continuing story.
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