What do you think?
Rate this book
Civil Warriors
"A historical saga from a time when things were defined strictly in terms of black and white, reminiscent of Roots, North & South, and Gone with the Wind." –CA Miconi, author of the Be with Me series
As the Civil War rages, enslaved Georgia Anne is caught in a dangerous struggle between the rivalries of a plantation owner’s family and her own hopes, dreams, and desires. A moving work of historical fiction.
“…I love you. God help me, but I do.” The air lay heavy between them. Her eyes were glossy with moisture, his intense with emotion. “Tell me, if you can, you do not feel the same.” He whispered so low it might have been silence, “And make me believe it.”
Sometimes love crosses boundaries, breaks chains, and demands freedom.
The social-order of the eighteen-sixties compels John Richard Sagamore to put aside his negro-pet, Georgia Anne, an accomplished slave. In an attempt to quell his unnatural yearnings, John Richard sets into motion events that divide his family, steal his freedom and threaten his life.
As the Civil War rages, enslaved Georgia Anne is caught in a dangerous struggle between the rivalries of a plantation owner’s family and her own hopes, dreams, and desires. A moving work of historical fiction.
“…I love you. God help me, but I do.” The air lay heavy between them. Her eyes were glossy with moisture, his intense with emotion. “Tell me, if you can, you do not feel the same.” He whispered so low it might have been silence, “And make me believe it.”
Sometimes love crosses boundaries, breaks chains, and demands freedom.
The social-order of the eighteen-sixties compels John Richard Sagamore to put aside his negro-pet, Georgia Anne, an accomplished slave. In an attempt to quell his unnatural yearnings, John Richard sets into motion events that divide his family, steal his freedom and threaten his life.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
457 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Tracy A. Ball
30 books408 followersMade entirely of rum and snacks—International Bestselling Author, Tracy A. Ball, is a native Baltimorean and veteran West Virginian, whose family is a mashup of cultures. She writes real and raw interracial romance with an intensity that burns because she has been busting stereotypes while teaching interracial/generational healing for more than a quarter of a century.
Tracy engages with folks from every twist of fate and all manner of experience. She has hung out with murderers and dined with people who have dined with the Pope, which is why she needs the rum…and a nap.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 6, 2019
Reviewed at Lost In A Book
**4.5 Stars
I'm a sucker for Antebellum/Reconstruction Era stories. That being said, I don't read them often because they tend to rip me to shreds. I'm strange like that.
Civil Warriors was no different.
I was initially drawn in by the trailer for this. It screamed to me that it was going to be a heroic and bold love because of the time period. Then there were some little words of magic that popped up "based on a local legend and an old diary".
BOOM! You got me. I'm ALL in. Because if there was a love that bold and heroic in real life I definitely wanted to know EVERYTHING about it.
Yeah, well. Curiosity definitely killed the cat. The cat being my heart.
I freaking fell in love with John Richard. And I absolutely loved how he was with Georgia Anne when she was little and what he did for her to protect her from Lucy. And dammit I hope you could hear the sneer in my voice when I said that dreadful name.
And then John Richard did something I just can't shake off and I fell completely out of love with him. Sort of. I was mad. I was really, really mad. At him and his brother William.
From this point on I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with them.
There are so many aspects of this story that I don't quite know where to go with my review.
There is the definitely bold and heroic love between these two. But whether the author intended it or not there was also an underlying parallel between interracial relationships in that era and interracial relationships now. I also wonder about love between a slave (although she was not the typical slave) and her master and if it isn't a little Stockholm Syndrome-ish.
Sometimes a love story is just that. A love story. Sometimes it is so much more. Sometimes it makes you really think. Sometimes it destroys you. Sometimes it puts you back together. Sometimes it just puts things into perspective. Sometimes it is everything.
I guess the basic draw from this is love is love. Love has always been love. And true love... True love never dies. True love will always find a way.
Ugh... I hope that wasn't too rambling or all over the place.
Oh, and before I forget. If you're a red pen reader, there are a few errors, but they definitely didn't take too much away from the story.
July 14, 2019
Right way when I saw the book link for Civil Warriors in one of my reading groups I clicked the link. I was excited after reading a brief description of the historical romance book on Amazon. Immediately I downloaded the book and began reading.
I knew and I expected that the book would touch on different subjects regarding blacks and whites issues/ happenings of the era. In the beginning l found myself enjoying the read right away.
But my flow was interrupted after reading chapter 7 going into 8 and my eyebrows began to raise . Huge topics turned into mini situations/tid bits of happenings criss crossed into the storyline that in my opinion should have been further explained, but they were just glossed over leaving me confused.
I hope that the author accepts my sincerest apologies.
I am not someone that wants or desires to tell an author how to write. I don't care if the author takes things in a realistic or unrealistic direction, it's their vision. Because I am a reader that is open to anything, I don't mind as long as a book has a flow I can follow. I am not bashing Civil Warriors. I see there are several readers on Amazon and Goodreads giving the book 5 stars,but for me I cannot. I really wanted to be wooed by this book, but I was not.
I knew and I expected that the book would touch on different subjects regarding blacks and whites issues/ happenings of the era. In the beginning l found myself enjoying the read right away.
But my flow was interrupted after reading chapter 7 going into 8 and my eyebrows began to raise . Huge topics turned into mini situations/tid bits of happenings criss crossed into the storyline that in my opinion should have been further explained, but they were just glossed over leaving me confused.
I hope that the author accepts my sincerest apologies.
I am not someone that wants or desires to tell an author how to write. I don't care if the author takes things in a realistic or unrealistic direction, it's their vision. Because I am a reader that is open to anything, I don't mind as long as a book has a flow I can follow. I am not bashing Civil Warriors. I see there are several readers on Amazon and Goodreads giving the book 5 stars,but for me I cannot. I really wanted to be wooed by this book, but I was not.
March 31, 2023
This is an interesting story about a plantation in the South before the Civil War. The youngest son on the plantation saw this small girl. There she was a beautiful small slave girl that he watch over as she grew up. They fell in love but could not marry because she was a slave and he was the son of the plantation owner. The older son was also in love with her.
She decided the best thing she could do was to run away, she got on her fastest horse and away she went. The life she encounter was unseen in those days. She met two old timers in the woods stopped had supper and rested up and then continued her way until she found an Indian Tribe, she stayed with them for a while. The younger brother was shot but she kept going
After four year she headed back to the plantation. This has a wonderful ending. The whole book is amazing, it's a rather short book, easy to read, fast paced and truly outstanding.. If you like historical stories it has many twists and turns. This is a good book, I wouldn't recommend this for younger children. Not much sex but blood and fights everywhere she went, although I enjoyed this historial, romance story
She decided the best thing she could do was to run away, she got on her fastest horse and away she went. The life she encounter was unseen in those days. She met two old timers in the woods stopped had supper and rested up and then continued her way until she found an Indian Tribe, she stayed with them for a while. The younger brother was shot but she kept going
After four year she headed back to the plantation. This has a wonderful ending. The whole book is amazing, it's a rather short book, easy to read, fast paced and truly outstanding.. If you like historical stories it has many twists and turns. This is a good book, I wouldn't recommend this for younger children. Not much sex but blood and fights everywhere she went, although I enjoyed this historial, romance story
January 20, 2024
Favorite
This is one of the best stories I have ever read. I could not stop reading. The journey the John RIchard and Georiga Ann had to travel to find each other was full of action, sadness, healing, and trumiph. This will be a reread. I encourage others to read it to see how love transends all things.
This is one of the best stories I have ever read. I could not stop reading. The journey the John RIchard and Georiga Ann had to travel to find each other was full of action, sadness, healing, and trumiph. This will be a reread. I encourage others to read it to see how love transends all things.
August 2, 2020
Awesome read
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘this story and was gripped from start to finish. Unlike other interracial storylines the focus was less on intimacy and more on the relationships and friendships. Definitely a must read
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘this story and was gripped from start to finish. Unlike other interracial storylines the focus was less on intimacy and more on the relationships and friendships. Definitely a must read
May 26, 2023
A Fabulous Adventure and Love Story…
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had me so into each page, that I could not wait until the next page. The twist and turns were and the characters were excellent. I truly loved Georgia Anne and how she dazzled the men that she encountered. I was impressed with her strength no matter what she with through. I like how she held to her principles when she was with Red Eagle. She could have easily just settled with one of the me but she new had take care of business. I love 💕 that twin telepathy between Georgie and Georgia Anne. She proved that she was a savvy business woman. Most importantly I love the love between John Richard and Georgia Anne. *I was totally fascinated by the other characters. Great read thank you Ms. Ball. I will be looking forward to your other books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had me so into each page, that I could not wait until the next page. The twist and turns were and the characters were excellent. I truly loved Georgia Anne and how she dazzled the men that she encountered. I was impressed with her strength no matter what she with through. I like how she held to her principles when she was with Red Eagle. She could have easily just settled with one of the me but she new had take care of business. I love 💕 that twin telepathy between Georgie and Georgia Anne. She proved that she was a savvy business woman. Most importantly I love the love between John Richard and Georgia Anne. *I was totally fascinated by the other characters. Great read thank you Ms. Ball. I will be looking forward to your other books.
October 31, 2020
BLOWN Away!!!
Wow, this book was such a pleasure to read and I am glad that I have finally read it now. First off, GA aka Georgia Anne was FIRE!!! I could barely keep up with all the suitors she had and glad for it too. Secondly, I was not even concerned with the afterthought of sexual intimacy because there was none, but I didn’t even notice until I started writing this review. The writing was that excellent! Lastly, I loved the different lights that were cast on GA, especially as a black woman who was a former slave. BRAVO Tracy!!! Well Done!!!
Wow, this book was such a pleasure to read and I am glad that I have finally read it now. First off, GA aka Georgia Anne was FIRE!!! I could barely keep up with all the suitors she had and glad for it too. Secondly, I was not even concerned with the afterthought of sexual intimacy because there was none, but I didn’t even notice until I started writing this review. The writing was that excellent! Lastly, I loved the different lights that were cast on GA, especially as a black woman who was a former slave. BRAVO Tracy!!! Well Done!!!
July 30, 2020
Two brothers
This was an easy read predictable story. It had a lot of twists and turns, but a great ending! A really good book!
This was an easy read predictable story. It had a lot of twists and turns, but a great ending! A really good book!
April 6, 2020
Great lean story!
This was a good story. Historically great. Loved how it blended in different culture. It had you rooting for them in spite of the obstacles.
This was a good story. Historically great. Loved how it blended in different culture. It had you rooting for them in spite of the obstacles.
May 13, 2020
A good romance with history
I love the book based on interracial romance before, during and after the Civil War and how people deal with interracial relation
I love the book based on interracial romance before, during and after the Civil War and how people deal with interracial relation
February 10, 2021
Amazing
Take the time to read this tale from the past. Great relationship building and thoughts on the past. Your sure to keep thing about the story long past the end.
Take the time to read this tale from the past. Great relationship building and thoughts on the past. Your sure to keep thing about the story long past the end.
January 14, 2023
Loved it
I never leave book reviews, but this could be made into a movie. Yes their were a few typos, but the story was deeper than that. Our people were truly brutalized, and yet back then and now we can still love and show compassion even to those who honestly deserved worse than death. I'm sure many loved each other in those times but were too afraid to show it for fear of retribution or just what others would think. Good Read
I never leave book reviews, but this could be made into a movie. Yes their were a few typos, but the story was deeper than that. Our people were truly brutalized, and yet back then and now we can still love and show compassion even to those who honestly deserved worse than death. I'm sure many loved each other in those times but were too afraid to show it for fear of retribution or just what others would think. Good Read
June 29, 2020
Good story
If you can get passed a the part of a slave falling in love with her owner, it's a pretty good story. The way men act around Georgia Ann beauty is similar to Helen of troy. It is everything about her that drives men crazy and her being black makes her a easy target for jealous rich white women. She was able to make something of herself after the war and does end up a free woman .
If you can get passed a the part of a slave falling in love with her owner, it's a pretty good story. The way men act around Georgia Ann beauty is similar to Helen of troy. It is everything about her that drives men crazy and her being black makes her a easy target for jealous rich white women. She was able to make something of herself after the war and does end up a free woman .
July 20, 2022
Well done! A story of an enduring gut-wrenching love, that takes the reader on a wild suspenseful adventure! …I would’ve appreciated a nice smut scene though,😏 but overall I really enjoyed this novel and was relieved there was a happy ending cuz whew…chile, the author had me stressed out!😅
May 11, 2020
Absolutely wonderful!
Could not put this book down! Love that period of time and this type of scenario happened during that time. My family should know!
Could not put this book down! Love that period of time and this type of scenario happened during that time. My family should know!
August 27, 2021
Compelling
This was one of the best novels I have ever read. Could not put it down. Completed in one day. Characters were intriguing and the story line compelling. Thank you!
This was one of the best novels I have ever read. Could not put it down. Completed in one day. Characters were intriguing and the story line compelling. Thank you!
February 21, 2022
10 Stars!
May 20, 2020
Civil Warriors
A great read. The characters, at least the good ones, were awesome. My favorite character was Georgie. Without writing a spoiler, I’ll just say he was awesome.
A great read. The characters, at least the good ones, were awesome. My favorite character was Georgie. Without writing a spoiler, I’ll just say he was awesome.
April 19, 2021
Really good story
April 11, 2020
If only love was color blind
This was unexpected but true of so many things from hate, love, stupidity. It is a wonderful read that will make you laugh, cry and think.
This was unexpected but true of so many things from hate, love, stupidity. It is a wonderful read that will make you laugh, cry and think.
August 14, 2019
Love holds no Barriers
For some. Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder True felling can't. Be erased held in the heart forever and a Day
For some. Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder True felling can't. Be erased held in the heart forever and a Day
May 14, 2021
The romance. The well done timeskip. The siblings relationships. How the characters weren't perfect but still very likable. The well balanced pace. Georgia Anne is now of my favorite characters.
All of that made this reading enjoyable and addicting, even thought it has so many hars themes.
My only problem with it was *spoiler warning*
I wanted to know more about what happened to William after the meeting with Beatrice and in the end they just appear married, without telling us more than that.
I liked how it turned out but I don't think it needed to have a second love triangle WITH ANOTHER BROTHERS. It felt reused and got a little tiring, thankfully it turned out well. *end spoiler*
I had a really good time reading it. And recommend to it to anyone who wants a historical romance with a POC maincharacter.
tw: slavery, racism, rape, sexism, minor characters death
❇Quotes:
"I don’t know how you keep your sanity.”
"I am not sane."
"I’d call him a leprechaun but he’s too tall. He pops in, says something bizarre and then leaves.”
"She wanted to open his chest and climb inside. Only then would she be close enough."
All of that made this reading enjoyable and addicting, even thought it has so many hars themes.
My only problem with it was *spoiler warning*
I wanted to know more about what happened to William after the meeting with Beatrice and in the end they just appear married, without telling us more than that.
I liked how it turned out but I don't think it needed to have a second love triangle WITH ANOTHER BROTHERS. It felt reused and got a little tiring, thankfully it turned out well. *end spoiler*
I had a really good time reading it. And recommend to it to anyone who wants a historical romance with a POC maincharacter.
tw: slavery, racism, rape, sexism, minor characters death
❇Quotes:
"I don’t know how you keep your sanity.”
"I am not sane."
"I’d call him a leprechaun but he’s too tall. He pops in, says something bizarre and then leaves.”
"She wanted to open his chest and climb inside. Only then would she be close enough."
September 26, 2019
What an epic story! We read how Georgia Anne goes from being a scared little 7 y/o slave to a self-assured, elegant and strong-willed free young woman. This is a story about soulmates and it all takes place in the times of the Civil War and Reconstruction. It’s quite a tale but the yearning and passion jumps off the pages between John Richard and Georgia Anne. It is a heartbreaking read at times, but the reader is rewarded. Gave it four stars cuz I wish there was some heat and love scenes in this book, but alas, there were none. Still a decent read and recommended!
Read
March 9, 2022Idk what I expected but this wasn’t what I expected. It was an interesting read. Georgia Anne was an extremely interesting character
May 6, 2020
I would have to say that Tracy such a good job with the accuracy of the reality of interracial romance in the later half of the 1860's where being a interracial couple was seen as a dangerous thing. I also love the fact that she also included a romance between a Native American man named Red Eagle and herself. I really thought that they were going to end up together. Civil Warriors is one of the rarer interracial romances that actually has a story that is placed into the action of the consequences of the Civil War. The only issue that I had with the story at the end was the trial of John Richard. If we are looking at the context of the time period I would have assumed that they would not be allowed to hold hands or even kiss due to at the time what White people thought of freed slaves.
But overall, if you are looking for action, surprising twist and turns, and a realistic happy ending you will enjoy this book!
But overall, if you are looking for action, surprising twist and turns, and a realistic happy ending you will enjoy this book!
June 9, 2022
I liked this “Sassy” book .I was taken by surprise how the little slave girl was with John Richard.. his feelings for was not healthy; he was a teenager;he created a Sassy girl.Georgia Anne loved him all her life. Her behavior around white people was “bass” the white people talked about how Georgia Anne
behavior was not acceptable; but they didn’t do anything about at first! John Richard took his “Littlebit” away from his sister, Lucy. Who does that..The family was spoiled by the father; but he was weak in the end; the mother was a spoiled Southern Bell; dis functional family. I liked how the author always had an loop to go through and kept the story flowing.Georgia Anne; she was brave, smart, courageous character. I enjoyed the story of the Native Americans and how that love story with Red Eagle. I was surprised how CA was able to return back to the town and took care of things that she wanted put things in order; It appeared she enjoyed that she did to the white town and get her enemies a taste of medicine.Her two friends, Hitch and Hightide , George (brother) we faithful to the end. I will read another novel written by Tracy A Ball. I give this book 5 stars
behavior was not acceptable; but they didn’t do anything about at first! John Richard took his “Littlebit” away from his sister, Lucy. Who does that..The family was spoiled by the father; but he was weak in the end; the mother was a spoiled Southern Bell; dis functional family. I liked how the author always had an loop to go through and kept the story flowing.Georgia Anne; she was brave, smart, courageous character. I enjoyed the story of the Native Americans and how that love story with Red Eagle. I was surprised how CA was able to return back to the town and took care of things that she wanted put things in order; It appeared she enjoyed that she did to the white town and get her enemies a taste of medicine.Her two friends, Hitch and Hightide , George (brother) we faithful to the end. I will read another novel written by Tracy A Ball. I give this book 5 stars
April 22, 2020
I was instantly a fan of Georgia Anne and John Richard and their easy relationship with one another. These characters were strongly written, and I knew when things came to a head with the question of slavery that it would set off an intense chain reaction. When the drama really kicked off, it was way more intense than I had even anticipated. This book had all the feels built within a historical context.
Chapter 6 hurt my heart and increased my feelings of angst for their predicament. And in many of the chapters beyond that I was reading with my heart in my throat and on the edge of my seat. So many things were happening and so quickly, and I felt completely helpless as I watched from my side of the page. Ball had me in the palm of her hand and her brilliant writing of this story had put me there. I loved this book and thought the ending was perfection.
Chapter 6 hurt my heart and increased my feelings of angst for their predicament. And in many of the chapters beyond that I was reading with my heart in my throat and on the edge of my seat. So many things were happening and so quickly, and I felt completely helpless as I watched from my side of the page. Ball had me in the palm of her hand and her brilliant writing of this story had put me there. I loved this book and thought the ending was perfection.
November 4, 2020
It’s a must read
Definitely worth the read. It’s well written with a fast moving plot. It’s historical base takes readers back in time to a place where life is difficult and strong will definitely required. Sometimes this is hard to read because I can visualize time period in my head. I can see Georgia Anne and John Richard struggle with wanting to be together in a society where black people aren’t allowed to be married to white people. It’s a time not long ago where WE were property; our families in danger; our freedom not even a thought to many whites. At times in my reading I am angry reading this. At times I am rooting for GA. I was happy that Georgia made it back to Richard. The end was worth the wait indeed. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Read this book and enjoy the journey. 💕
Definitely worth the read. It’s well written with a fast moving plot. It’s historical base takes readers back in time to a place where life is difficult and strong will definitely required. Sometimes this is hard to read because I can visualize time period in my head. I can see Georgia Anne and John Richard struggle with wanting to be together in a society where black people aren’t allowed to be married to white people. It’s a time not long ago where WE were property; our families in danger; our freedom not even a thought to many whites. At times in my reading I am angry reading this. At times I am rooting for GA. I was happy that Georgia made it back to Richard. The end was worth the wait indeed. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Read this book and enjoy the journey. 💕
February 11, 2022
A historical saga from a time when things were defined strictly in terms of black and white, reminiscent of Roots, North & South, and Gone with the Wind. The added bonus to this historical fiction account is the slow burn romance between a slave and her owner, intertwined in a tale of love, lust, and betrayal, set within the atrocities of slavery and discrimination during the Civil War era. I also love stories about strong women, and Georgia Anne demonstrated tremendous strength and resilience in an era when women, especially women of color were expected to remain invisible. Well done, Tracy A. Ball!
April 20, 2020
Definitely Worth 5*'s
This is the first time I have read this author's work and I am extremely ecstatic that I did. Wow.....where to start?
This talented wordsmith captivated me from start to finish. An Intense and brilliant storyline, that conjured up so many emotions. Memorable and lovable characters that blended together well and slowly developed forming lifelong relationships. Excellently written, researched and detailed I felt like I was actually in that era. I have no hesitation what so ever in reccomending this novel. A MUST read. Thank you T A B 😁
This is the first time I have read this author's work and I am extremely ecstatic that I did. Wow.....where to start?
This talented wordsmith captivated me from start to finish. An Intense and brilliant storyline, that conjured up so many emotions. Memorable and lovable characters that blended together well and slowly developed forming lifelong relationships. Excellently written, researched and detailed I felt like I was actually in that era. I have no hesitation what so ever in reccomending this novel. A MUST read. Thank you T A B 😁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews