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The Bregdan Chronicles #14
Misty Shadows of Hope: 1870
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
Carrie and Abby, hoping for a peaceful visit to the plantation find themselves pulled into a violent conflict in Richmond as struggle for control of the city boils over.
Rose and Moses are happy on the plantation, enjoying a respite from all the violence, while Susan travels north to expand the plantation breeding operation.
Matthew finds himself embroiled in another type of southern war as KKK violence spills into North Carolina. What he discovers will change things for Janie.
Jeremy and Marietta are forging through challenges to create a new life in Philadelphia, but wonder if Jeremy’s new passion for baseball will be the tipping point for the violence they hoped to avoid when they left Richmond.
Bregdan Women comes to life with an astounding array of women fighting to change America for the better.
When everyone really just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they have to discover misty shadows of hope in the midst of the life they are living.
Carrie and Abby, hoping for a peaceful visit to the plantation find themselves pulled into a violent conflict in Richmond as struggle for control of the city boils over.
Rose and Moses are happy on the plantation, enjoying a respite from all the violence, while Susan travels north to expand the plantation breeding operation.
Matthew finds himself embroiled in another type of southern war as KKK violence spills into North Carolina. What he discovers will change things for Janie.
Jeremy and Marietta are forging through challenges to create a new life in Philadelphia, but wonder if Jeremy’s new passion for baseball will be the tipping point for the violence they hoped to avoid when they left Richmond.
Bregdan Women comes to life with an astounding array of women fighting to change America for the better.
When everyone really just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they have to discover misty shadows of hope in the midst of the life they are living.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2018
2276 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Dye
69 books383 followersHas previously published books under the pseudonym Virginia Gaffney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 22, 2018
Another great book!
I enjoy reading the Bregdan chronicles. In Misty Shadows of Hope I learned more history about the KKK. The way Ms. Dye integrates the history of our country with the plot makes for delicious reading. As I read each new book in this series I continue to see the reflection of this country’s past with what is happening right now-the increase of violence along racial and poverty lines, the rich getting richer through political manipulation while the poor continue to struggle just to survive. If only we were to learn through our past historical consequences one would think there would be no reputation. Immersed in the ongoing lives of the characters I can’t wait to read the next book. Hope is just around the corner for a brighter future...
I enjoy reading the Bregdan chronicles. In Misty Shadows of Hope I learned more history about the KKK. The way Ms. Dye integrates the history of our country with the plot makes for delicious reading. As I read each new book in this series I continue to see the reflection of this country’s past with what is happening right now-the increase of violence along racial and poverty lines, the rich getting richer through political manipulation while the poor continue to struggle just to survive. If only we were to learn through our past historical consequences one would think there would be no reputation. Immersed in the ongoing lives of the characters I can’t wait to read the next book. Hope is just around the corner for a brighter future...
January 2, 2019
If you have not read the Bregdan Chronicles, you are missing out. The best historical fiction books you’ll ever read. The detail in the research of historical facts is truly amazing. Ginny Dye is relentless in her research to make sure we read the true facts of what actually happened in our country for every year that she writes about. This series should be required reading in history classes.
January 5, 2019
I absolutely love this series! Each book is riveting and a must-read for people who love historical novels and the civil war and after periods in history. I’ve learned so much not only about history but how strong people needed to be to survive this period in history! Learning that no matter how progressive we seem to be today, we are repeating mistakes from over 100+ years ago!
January 30, 2019
Love the Chronicles
I've read all 14 cannot wait for #15 and have enjoyed each and everyone of them. The characters, New and Old intrigue me.
I've read all 14 cannot wait for #15 and have enjoyed each and everyone of them. The characters, New and Old intrigue me.
January 18, 2019
Only thing I dislike about all the Bregdan Chronicle books is that I get involved in them and I finish them too fast! Love the story line and can't wait for next one this spring.
May 22, 2020
Continue to live this series. For some reason this one didn’t engage me as much as all the others, but sill good!
January 3, 2019
Another wonderful Ginny Dye book, the newest in her Bregdan Chronicles Series: I devoured it and prepared myself to wait for the next installment. Oh, if only Ginny could write and publish books at the speed at which I read! That will remain my selfish fantasy.
As to the impact of Misty Shadows Of Hope, it would be so fitting, and potentially amazing and productive, if all of her enlightened (of course!) and committed readers would follow the example of Carrie, Abby, and Rose and begin their own Bregdan Women empowerment groups in their own communities! It's been a long time since the days of Women's Liberation (Was that the 70s?) redefined life for females. I was raised by an educated and energetic Women's Libber who opened and ran the local Planned Parenthood Clinic. I didn't ask my mother for advice on anything really that I can recall, but she surely served as my beacon and illustrated that anything was possible if you worked hard enough for it. And the power of working in concert with others, male and female, of like minds can never be overstated. Consider the outcomes of the recent US Midterm Elections, for example! There's a tremendous need for grassroots activism right now, especially in politics. We need to keep the momentum going; we need to decide in groups if possible: where do we need to go? What must we do now?
Let us join the ranks as Bregdan Women and Men, and make sure our energies and our lives have meaning and represent our values, whatever they might be.
As to the impact of Misty Shadows Of Hope, it would be so fitting, and potentially amazing and productive, if all of her enlightened (of course!) and committed readers would follow the example of Carrie, Abby, and Rose and begin their own Bregdan Women empowerment groups in their own communities! It's been a long time since the days of Women's Liberation (Was that the 70s?) redefined life for females. I was raised by an educated and energetic Women's Libber who opened and ran the local Planned Parenthood Clinic. I didn't ask my mother for advice on anything really that I can recall, but she surely served as my beacon and illustrated that anything was possible if you worked hard enough for it. And the power of working in concert with others, male and female, of like minds can never be overstated. Consider the outcomes of the recent US Midterm Elections, for example! There's a tremendous need for grassroots activism right now, especially in politics. We need to keep the momentum going; we need to decide in groups if possible: where do we need to go? What must we do now?
Let us join the ranks as Bregdan Women and Men, and make sure our energies and our lives have meaning and represent our values, whatever they might be.
July 8, 2019
This book is written with great accuracy for the events that occurred in 1870. Where the author really gets it wrong is in the reflections, verbiage , and attitudes she assigns to her characters. She has done little if any research into daily life at the time, and therefore disrespects history by giving everyone a modern attitude and conversation skills. For example the character Moses in one book speaks like a slave would have, and in another he appears very educated and claims two white women are very "conservative and resourceful. By far the most noticeable thing in this book is that in attempting to appeal to a modern audience, the author allows the characters to talk about the "Black people, black quarters, black hospital, etc, " retaining her indifference to historical accuracy. In 1870, well into the 20th century, nobody was black, all members of that race were always referred to as colored or Negro. This is why you see pictures in the time frame of water fountains, etc. marked "colored". I understand that those are not the preferred terms, however if you want to be considered an author with integrity, you must conform your writing to the time frame, no matter where it leads you
March 10, 2019
I only read a third of it. I have loved all her books but this one is so off base as to history. She needs to research a bit more as to the Enforcement act of 1870. Read about here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enforce...
It was the Republicans starting with Ulysses S. Grant, a republican and right on down that made the laws and stopped the Ku Klux Klan. The Republicans had the house and senate and the only way it all got accomplished. As most people know or should know, Abraham Lincoln was a Republican and Andrew Johnson his VP that took over when he was assassinated was a Democrat and he did nothing to help the Negros and totally botched the reconstruction. Grant took over and things took a turn for the better.
One other huge goof. They were never referred to as "blacks". They were Negros back then.
Ginny Dye needs to be ashamed of herself for trying to change history to try to make her own political party look good. Shame shame
It was the Republicans starting with Ulysses S. Grant, a republican and right on down that made the laws and stopped the Ku Klux Klan. The Republicans had the house and senate and the only way it all got accomplished. As most people know or should know, Abraham Lincoln was a Republican and Andrew Johnson his VP that took over when he was assassinated was a Democrat and he did nothing to help the Negros and totally botched the reconstruction. Grant took over and things took a turn for the better.
One other huge goof. They were never referred to as "blacks". They were Negros back then.
Ginny Dye needs to be ashamed of herself for trying to change history to try to make her own political party look good. Shame shame
January 8, 2019
This Series Gives Me Hope
Ginny, thank you. You are writing a series I don't think exists except for you. I fell in love with learning the truths about slavery and the civil war through historical novels. They stick with me more than ready a straight history book because I can emotionally connect with the characters.
Of all the series and books I've read, this is the only series I know of that continues beyond the end of the war and into the real issues of reconstruction. I don't believe enough attention is given to this pivotal point in our history. The political corruption that took place during this time created the Jim Crow era and another civil war that silently raged for a continued 100 years. Still to this day African Americans suffer from repercussions of this sorry history.
The main characters in this story represent what we could be if we chose to be better human beings. Thank you again Ginny for the examples you give us. I will choose to remember grace and compassion.
Ginny, thank you. You are writing a series I don't think exists except for you. I fell in love with learning the truths about slavery and the civil war through historical novels. They stick with me more than ready a straight history book because I can emotionally connect with the characters.
Of all the series and books I've read, this is the only series I know of that continues beyond the end of the war and into the real issues of reconstruction. I don't believe enough attention is given to this pivotal point in our history. The political corruption that took place during this time created the Jim Crow era and another civil war that silently raged for a continued 100 years. Still to this day African Americans suffer from repercussions of this sorry history.
The main characters in this story represent what we could be if we chose to be better human beings. Thank you again Ginny for the examples you give us. I will choose to remember grace and compassion.
January 26, 2023
Another great novel!
I have read every book in this series before beginning Misty Shadows. As a historian I am continually impressed with the encompassing history during the reconstruction era.
Carrie forges through on her one year surgical internship. It becomes increasingly more difficult for her living in Philadelphia when every one she loves is at the family plantation.
More horrors of the reconstruction era come to life, including: KKK beating and murdering freed blacks along with any white people so tried to help; horrors caused by very poor building integrity...results hitting way to close for comfort. Southern Democrats become like a steamroller, targeting Republicans, those who encourage black voters, and making sure murderous KKK members are freed from jail (canceling pending court action.)
During all this our female leading ladies find out they can make a real difference. Bregdan groups recruit more local women, helping the poor find ways to make a living during the confusing year.
I have read every book in this series before beginning Misty Shadows. As a historian I am continually impressed with the encompassing history during the reconstruction era.
Carrie forges through on her one year surgical internship. It becomes increasingly more difficult for her living in Philadelphia when every one she loves is at the family plantation.
More horrors of the reconstruction era come to life, including: KKK beating and murdering freed blacks along with any white people so tried to help; horrors caused by very poor building integrity...results hitting way to close for comfort. Southern Democrats become like a steamroller, targeting Republicans, those who encourage black voters, and making sure murderous KKK members are freed from jail (canceling pending court action.)
During all this our female leading ladies find out they can make a real difference. Bregdan groups recruit more local women, helping the poor find ways to make a living during the confusing year.
September 6, 2025
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
Carrie and Abby, hoping for a peaceful visit to the plantation find themselves pulled into a violent conflict in Richmond as struggle for control of the city boils over.
Rose and Moses are happy on the plantation, enjoying a respite from all the violence, while Susan travels north to expand the plantation breeding operation.
Matthew finds himself embroiled in another type of southern war as KKK violence spills into North Carolina. What he discovers will change things for Janie.
Jeremy and Marietta are forging through challenges to create a new life in Philadelphia, but wonder if Jeremy’s new passion for baseball will be the tipping point for the violence they hoped to avoid when they left Richmond.
Bregdan Women comes to life with an astounding array of women fighting to change America for the better.
When everyone really just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they have to discover misty shadows of hope in the midst of the life they are living.
Carrie and Abby, hoping for a peaceful visit to the plantation find themselves pulled into a violent conflict in Richmond as struggle for control of the city boils over.
Rose and Moses are happy on the plantation, enjoying a respite from all the violence, while Susan travels north to expand the plantation breeding operation.
Matthew finds himself embroiled in another type of southern war as KKK violence spills into North Carolina. What he discovers will change things for Janie.
Jeremy and Marietta are forging through challenges to create a new life in Philadelphia, but wonder if Jeremy’s new passion for baseball will be the tipping point for the violence they hoped to avoid when they left Richmond.
Bregdan Women comes to life with an astounding array of women fighting to change America for the better.
When everyone really just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they have to discover misty shadows of hope in the midst of the life they are living.
October 23, 2025
I have enjoyed every book in this pre, during and after the Civil War. The war has been over for 5 years, but still so many are suffering especially in the south. The former slaves now free just want to make a life for themselves and their families. The hate from the whites is mostly because they too are desperate. They were forced to go to war fighting for something they had no idea why. They survive the war and come back to nothing. Their home and farm destroyed. Many of these soldiers are missing limbs. They are angry. It all comes down to the federal government. Virginia and most states have come back to the union but with a lot of discord. The Democrats want the old south back and many of these people are told it’s because of the blacks causing jobs lost etc. The Democrats are hiding behind the KKK to do their dirty work. I feel and now understand both sides. But as of now in 1870 the Federal Government has cowered to do anything about it. I so worry about our dear characters what may happen and to others we may not know yet…
December 31, 2018
I love the continuing story and am always left wanting more at the end. While waiting or the next book, I am rereading the series and realizing that I missed details in the first read. There is so much history that it bares rereading because it differs in many ways from what I was taught in school and/or have read in other books. The older I get the more I realize that history is written by the victors of war or for differing political reasons. This is why, besides loving the story, I appreciate the fact that Ginny goes to original documents for the historical facts in her books.
Reading about history gives me hope for the present time because no matter how violent things get, the people of America somehow muddle through and come out right. There is real hope now that we have more women in Congress that ever before, that we can finally get the legislation needed for real equality in our country.
Reading about history gives me hope for the present time because no matter how violent things get, the people of America somehow muddle through and come out right. There is real hope now that we have more women in Congress that ever before, that we can finally get the legislation needed for real equality in our country.
December 17, 2018
Inspiring
I always love this book series. I can never just read it because Google calls me to get more information on each of the brilliantly researched historic events. But, like Abby, I have been looking for more in my retirement. My family comes first always but as the two eldest of my beloved grandsons approach college graduation I feel the stirrings to do more than quilt, and read, care for the younger grands, and help out middle grandson approach his mom verbal world....something bigger than I. So I'll be joining these brave women, and I include the author in that group, to try to ponder what that may be.
As always this is a delightful, informative, moving continuation of the saga.....eagerly awaiting the next installment
I always love this book series. I can never just read it because Google calls me to get more information on each of the brilliantly researched historic events. But, like Abby, I have been looking for more in my retirement. My family comes first always but as the two eldest of my beloved grandsons approach college graduation I feel the stirrings to do more than quilt, and read, care for the younger grands, and help out middle grandson approach his mom verbal world....something bigger than I. So I'll be joining these brave women, and I include the author in that group, to try to ponder what that may be.
As always this is a delightful, informative, moving continuation of the saga.....eagerly awaiting the next installment
March 18, 2022
p. 110-111 "Hope is like the sun. If we keep on traveling toward it, the sun casts the shadow of our burdens behind us. Keep choosing hope. There will be times we can see only misty shadows of hope, but we have to keep moving forward."
p. 177, "Forgiveness is like peeling an onion. It takes a long time to peel away all the layers until you get to the core. You must keep choosing to forgive as you discover more layers."
p. 179, "Forgiveness is like spring melting away all the hard cold of winter."
p. 417, "I'm learning that sometimes the worst situations can produce the best results. You just have to survive the process."
p. 434 "Ignorance makes prejudice a weed that grows without hope of being ripped out. There's nothing more frightening than ignorance in action."
p. 177, "Forgiveness is like peeling an onion. It takes a long time to peel away all the layers until you get to the core. You must keep choosing to forgive as you discover more layers."
p. 179, "Forgiveness is like spring melting away all the hard cold of winter."
p. 417, "I'm learning that sometimes the worst situations can produce the best results. You just have to survive the process."
p. 434 "Ignorance makes prejudice a weed that grows without hope of being ripped out. There's nothing more frightening than ignorance in action."
December 31, 2018
Hope is the Answer!
Another Wonderful Read!
I was happy to read the ever changing, evolving lives of all the Wonderful Women and Men of Misty Shadows of Hope. This story so much reference to the present everchanging turmoils and beliefs of some, that fear, oppression and violence is the answer. If we honestly look at history and know that those hateful options don't work! Thank you Ginny Dye, for your thorough work of opening the doors of history so painfully and yet so inspiringly hopeful to know that we did overcome the problems of the past. Continued Hope for our Future! Continued Blessings for You!
Another Wonderful Read!
I was happy to read the ever changing, evolving lives of all the Wonderful Women and Men of Misty Shadows of Hope. This story so much reference to the present everchanging turmoils and beliefs of some, that fear, oppression and violence is the answer. If we honestly look at history and know that those hateful options don't work! Thank you Ginny Dye, for your thorough work of opening the doors of history so painfully and yet so inspiringly hopeful to know that we did overcome the problems of the past. Continued Hope for our Future! Continued Blessings for You!
December 27, 2018
I enjoy the history I am learning.
It's been a long time since I was in school. History was my favorite subject but I didn't learn a lot of what I am reading in these books. The personal stories intermixed make learning so much more interesting. Shame real classes can't be so enjoyable.
Even living in the West I heard about the KKK, but didn't know of the origin. Even the politics from past to present seems about the same. And that's a shame, will we never learn to not repeat the past?
I recommend these books to everyone.
It's been a long time since I was in school. History was my favorite subject but I didn't learn a lot of what I am reading in these books. The personal stories intermixed make learning so much more interesting. Shame real classes can't be so enjoyable.
Even living in the West I heard about the KKK, but didn't know of the origin. Even the politics from past to present seems about the same. And that's a shame, will we never learn to not repeat the past?
I recommend these books to everyone.
January 8, 2019
This is a fantastic series! Often as I read it, I will google the facts and they are correct. This book proves the saying "history repeats itself". It is amazing how so much has not changed. Unfortunately today many politicians, celebrities, and others don't know American history. Many think the Republicans were against the blacks and slavery when in fact it was the Democrats as was stated in the book. There is still so much hate in this country as in the Reconstruction era. We just have to keep HOPE. I can't wait until the next book comes out.
January 9, 2019
Comparatively just ok
At this point in the series I've gotten used to a much more riveting and complete story. Comparatively, this edition was lacking. There was some choppiness that was a bit distracting and lack of depth that I've become accustomed to. This all sounds negative, but knowing that the author has faced some personal crises and this book may not have been written, I'm actually setting my reservations aside. I'm looking forward to the next chapter with great anticipation. This is truly the best series that I've ever read!
At this point in the series I've gotten used to a much more riveting and complete story. Comparatively, this edition was lacking. There was some choppiness that was a bit distracting and lack of depth that I've become accustomed to. This all sounds negative, but knowing that the author has faced some personal crises and this book may not have been written, I'm actually setting my reservations aside. I'm looking forward to the next chapter with great anticipation. This is truly the best series that I've ever read!
October 25, 2019
In this thirteenth installment of her Bregdan Chronicles series, Ms. Dye continues the saga of Carrie Cromwell, a woman who grew up on a slave-holding plantation before, during, and after the Civil War. The writing, however, is not top notch, and she breaks the first rule of writing - show, don't tell - consistently. Way too much dialogue with long explanations. Although I am a history buff and appreciate the bits of cultural history presented into the story, they are not woven in but rather see superimposed. Nevertheless, well researched.
December 20, 2019
This is book #13 of the series, the Bregdan Chronicles. Fascinating for me as the main character is a Southern woman who became a physician. The series started before the Civil War on her father’s slaveholding Virginia plantation. This current book is set in the reconstruction. I’ve learned a lot about our post civil war government, especially following Lincoln’s death, the resentments of the South and now the development and rise of the KKK. Women’s suffrage movement is going on simultaneously, especially in the last book, with several very strong female characters, black and white
May 13, 2021
While I liked this book, as I have the rest of the series, it seemed to me to be just a bit more preachy than most of the other books in the series. While all of them do have a huge historical component, and the women in the books always do fight of the rights of the downtrodden, it just felt like this book had more preachiness than story. It could be my mood, and I can't exactly put my finger on the difference, but that's the way it felt. Otherwise, I still loved the book and will continue with the series.
December 21, 2018
All the favorite characters are back
It feels like the story is winding down. Somehow this book doesn’t have the power of the previous books... The violence in Richmond was vivid, but when the story moved to New York and North Carolina, it seemed to lose steam. Abby’s frustration with being retired was the most believable struggle. Although the KKK and reconstruction are the key events, they just don’t have the fire that we felt in previous books.
It feels like the story is winding down. Somehow this book doesn’t have the power of the previous books... The violence in Richmond was vivid, but when the story moved to New York and North Carolina, it seemed to lose steam. Abby’s frustration with being retired was the most believable struggle. Although the KKK and reconstruction are the key events, they just don’t have the fire that we felt in previous books.
January 26, 2019
Awesome as anticipated
I can't remember ever enjoying a series as much as I have enjoyed the Bregdan Chronicles. I can hardly wait for the next installment. I've been taking a theology program at my church and this year's theme is living in a multicultural world. I have been able to relate the chronicles with my studies which gives a while new outlook on my studies. Thank you again for all you do and keep them coming
Kathleen Murat
I can't remember ever enjoying a series as much as I have enjoyed the Bregdan Chronicles. I can hardly wait for the next installment. I've been taking a theology program at my church and this year's theme is living in a multicultural world. I have been able to relate the chronicles with my studies which gives a while new outlook on my studies. Thank you again for all you do and keep them coming
Kathleen Murat
June 15, 2022
So much
Haven't been able to let this series go. Sometimes it is too much to take in. Yet learning the history and different ways people view situations is so enlightening. Hard not to go from sadness, disappointment to hope. Amazing to know how deep our history goes and battles still being fought. A must read if you're willing to deal with truth. The author has done excellent research.
Haven't been able to let this series go. Sometimes it is too much to take in. Yet learning the history and different ways people view situations is so enlightening. Hard not to go from sadness, disappointment to hope. Amazing to know how deep our history goes and battles still being fought. A must read if you're willing to deal with truth. The author has done excellent research.
February 6, 2023
treat others as you would like to be treated
The Bregdan Chronicles continue to be good read. I am amazed at how much they relate to today’s unfolding events. Hatred is still very real. My heart goes out to all who have suffered at the hands of evil hearts. Thank you for bringing to light past injustices and May we glean from those and make a better life for our fellow human beings.
The Bregdan Chronicles continue to be good read. I am amazed at how much they relate to today’s unfolding events. Hatred is still very real. My heart goes out to all who have suffered at the hands of evil hearts. Thank you for bringing to light past injustices and May we glean from those and make a better life for our fellow human beings.
May 2, 2023
The best historical fiction I have ever read.
At 1st I did not think I would like this book. But once I started reading I felt in love with the characters and all of the history behind the civil war. Also the teaching of the Bregdon saying is powerful.
This book explains how hard it was for women to live in that era. The strength it took to become who we are today. I have yet to finish all of the books And cannot wait For more
At 1st I did not think I would like this book. But once I started reading I felt in love with the characters and all of the history behind the civil war. Also the teaching of the Bregdon saying is powerful.
This book explains how hard it was for women to live in that era. The strength it took to become who we are today. I have yet to finish all of the books And cannot wait For more
January 7, 2019
As Time Goes By
I was scared that I'd have to re-read the last book so I knew where the story left off since so many months had passed. I started reading this book and by the end of page two I felt like I was back at home reading and living all the characters lives as my own. This was an outstanding book!! Can't wait till Spring and the continuing journey.
I was scared that I'd have to re-read the last book so I knew where the story left off since so many months had passed. I started reading this book and by the end of page two I felt like I was back at home reading and living all the characters lives as my own. This was an outstanding book!! Can't wait till Spring and the continuing journey.
January 11, 2019
I have fallen in love with these books, and this book did not disappoint! There are so many lessons in these books. So many issues Carrie, Rose, Abby, and the other characters deal with are still relevant today. The history buff in me loves the detail in these books. And the added bonus of Jeremy and his baseball team thrilled this baseball mom's heart! I can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews