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The Bregdan Chronicles #15
Shining Through Dark Clouds: 1870-1871
#15 in The Bregdan Chronicles by BestSelling Author, Ginny Dye.
Review: Best Historical Fiction series I have ever read! Keep them coming! Dotti
Is Reconstruction healing America, or are Dark Clouds sending a warning?
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone...
Carrie struggles to start a new practice in Richmond as tragedy changes her life dramatically.
Janie welcomes new life into the world.
Rose and Moses almost lose what they hold most precious, and then face
new violence on the plantation as anger and frustration boil over. Salvation comes from an unexpected source.
Florence Robinson, on the verge of joining the Richmond medical practice,
finds herself trapped an ocean away.
Felicia, on the brink of womanhood, discovers a new talent that gives her great joy, even while struggling to deal with the source of a burning anger.
When everyone really just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they have to search for the light shining through growing dark clouds.
***************
Volume # 15 of the Bregdan Chronicles continues the sweeping historical saga that now encompasses the last months of 1870 through March 1871.
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!
Is Reconstruction healing America, or are Dark Clouds sending a warning?
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone...
Carrie struggles to start a new practice in Richmond as tragedy changes her life dramatically.
Janie welcomes new life into the world.
Rose and Moses almost lose what they hold most precious, and then face
new violence on the plantation as anger and frustration boil over. Salvation comes from an unexpected source.
Florence Robinson, on the verge of joining the Richmond medical practice,
finds herself trapped an ocean away.
Felicia, on the brink of womanhood, discovers a new talent that gives her great joy, even while struggling to deal with the source of a burning anger.
When everyone really just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they have to search for the light shining through growing dark clouds.
***************
Volume # 15 of the Bregdan Chronicles continues the sweeping historical saga that now encompasses the last months of 1870 through March 1871.
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!
500 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2019
1523 people are currently reading
299 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 102 reviews
June 6, 2020
The series continues to teach and remind. It made me sad to think that some of the characters went through some of the same things in 1870 that are affecting our country right now.
June 24, 2019
Ginny Dye
Another wonderful chapter in the saga Ginny Dye has created. It only took 2 afternoons to read this book as I couldn’t put it down. But that is never a problem when a download another Brendan Chronicles. I am 75 years old and have learned so much about the history of our country through the lives of Carrie and all the other wonderful women in her circle. Anxiously await the next book. Hope you health is improved and that you will continue to write for many years to come.
Another wonderful chapter in the saga Ginny Dye has created. It only took 2 afternoons to read this book as I couldn’t put it down. But that is never a problem when a download another Brendan Chronicles. I am 75 years old and have learned so much about the history of our country through the lives of Carrie and all the other wonderful women in her circle. Anxiously await the next book. Hope you health is improved and that you will continue to write for many years to come.
June 25, 2019
When will we learn
to love one another as brothers & sisters of the human race, and not hate based on skin color or differences? The emotions provoked by SHINING THROUGH DARK CLOUDS left me exhausted. To walk that path with Felicia while she dealt with her memories was almost more than I could stand. And yet it solicited more compassion than I could ever have imagined. The stories of The Brendan Chronicles should force us to strive to never let this horrible part of our history repeat!!!
to love one another as brothers & sisters of the human race, and not hate based on skin color or differences? The emotions provoked by SHINING THROUGH DARK CLOUDS left me exhausted. To walk that path with Felicia while she dealt with her memories was almost more than I could stand. And yet it solicited more compassion than I could ever have imagined. The stories of The Brendan Chronicles should force us to strive to never let this horrible part of our history repeat!!!
June 27, 2019
Old friends
Each time a new book comes out, I feel like I am reuniting with old friends. I can't wait to catch up with Carrie, Rose, and all the Brendan women and their families. And just like old friends, I hate to say goodbye when each book ends. I look forward to when we can meet again.
Each time a new book comes out, I feel like I am reuniting with old friends. I can't wait to catch up with Carrie, Rose, and all the Brendan women and their families. And just like old friends, I hate to say goodbye when each book ends. I look forward to when we can meet again.
June 22, 2019
I love this series and the characters in the books.
I received this book yesterday. I read all through the day. I'm sorry I've come to the end but am confident another chapter of the saga will come to delight me another day. Keep writing, Ginny. I'm waiting anxiously!
I received this book yesterday. I read all through the day. I'm sorry I've come to the end but am confident another chapter of the saga will come to delight me another day. Keep writing, Ginny. I'm waiting anxiously!
July 26, 2019
Healings after loss
Ginny’s books are such wonderful looks into the the past.
If you love the Richmond area and southern history from a female point of view, these are for you.
This latest book covered the loss of parents and how to turn anger into a positive force for change. I love her messages on coping with change in positive ways...the constant optimism.
Ginny’s books are such wonderful looks into the the past.
If you love the Richmond area and southern history from a female point of view, these are for you.
This latest book covered the loss of parents and how to turn anger into a positive force for change. I love her messages on coping with change in positive ways...the constant optimism.
October 7, 2019
I have so enjoyed this series. This is book 14 with 15 coming out soon, Look forward to reading it.
September 17, 2019
Highly recommend this series. There isn't a book in this series I haven't liked. It's so educational.
This does have a couple of fires in it that could be a trigger for some people. It also has a lot of ups to it too that is like I said so educational. She is writing more books for this series.
This does have a couple of fires in it that could be a trigger for some people. It also has a lot of ups to it too that is like I said so educational. She is writing more books for this series.
June 27, 2019
Another great book!
Ginny writes in a way that brings light into my life and the past of our country into the present. There are so many recurring themes in history. This novel presents the tragedies of war and makes them real. The siege of Paris by the Prussians resulted in the women and children starving and dying. It is the vulnerable of our society that are hurt the most in any tragedy. And war is tragedy. I always read new and interesting historical facts in the Bregdan Chronicles, such as the use of hot air balloons and carrier pigeons to get messages in and out of Paris during the siege. I also love the emphasis on women and girls in the novels and the important role we play in our lives and others. Even in telling realistic history such as how horrible and prevalent fire was post civil war or how factories misused child labor there is always the hope of change.
Ginny writes in a way that brings light into my life and the past of our country into the present. There are so many recurring themes in history. This novel presents the tragedies of war and makes them real. The siege of Paris by the Prussians resulted in the women and children starving and dying. It is the vulnerable of our society that are hurt the most in any tragedy. And war is tragedy. I always read new and interesting historical facts in the Bregdan Chronicles, such as the use of hot air balloons and carrier pigeons to get messages in and out of Paris during the siege. I also love the emphasis on women and girls in the novels and the important role we play in our lives and others. Even in telling realistic history such as how horrible and prevalent fire was post civil war or how factories misused child labor there is always the hope of change.
February 11, 2023
Hope only a small word but a powerful meaning
My heart resonated many times with the suffering of the characters of this book. Death, pain, anger…. But hope changes it all. While we all suffer things throughout this journey called life, Hope revitalizes us. It gives us strength to persevere knowing that each choice we make has a ripple affect. When dark clouds decrease our visibility, we have a choice to remain in the darkness or step out in faith. It may not be easy but it will propel us forward. Have your pity party, grieve, be angry and then let it go. It’s the only way to persevere and bring hope to yourself and others. So blessed to see the young girl Felicia overcome her anger and move forward to be all she can be.
My heart resonated many times with the suffering of the characters of this book. Death, pain, anger…. But hope changes it all. While we all suffer things throughout this journey called life, Hope revitalizes us. It gives us strength to persevere knowing that each choice we make has a ripple affect. When dark clouds decrease our visibility, we have a choice to remain in the darkness or step out in faith. It may not be easy but it will propel us forward. Have your pity party, grieve, be angry and then let it go. It’s the only way to persevere and bring hope to yourself and others. So blessed to see the young girl Felicia overcome her anger and move forward to be all she can be.
July 2, 2019
I love all of Ginny Dye's books and this one is amazing. They are all very interesting. I learn new things with each book. The knowledge with Herbs and everything that they are used for. Did not know you can use them for so many things. I think that if our medical society would go back to natural cures that we would all be better off. Anyways, that is only one thing that is good. Knowing what people went through at those times are happening in our country again today. Each person in the books come to life for me. I can't wait for the next one. I tell my family that I am going in to read and please do not bother me until I am done.
July 7, 2019
I don't know how she does it! Every time I read a Bregdan Chronicle book by Ginny Dye, I think it's the best she's written. This book however goes beyond that. It was fabulous! So many topics covered, so much to think about, and so sad I finished it so quickly. I couldn't help myself. It was so good. I love a book that makes me feel like I'm right in the midst of all the conversations! I can practically see the James River and Cara's secret place. Feel the confines of the tunnel, smell and hear the sounds in the stables, and above all feel the pain and joy in this book. Marvelous job Ginny! Looking forward to #16 and beyond! ❤️
February 15, 2023
The real USA after Civil War
Reconstruction continues, and after a southern sympathizing President, Lincoln's VP Johnson, the south has sunk itself at a steady pace. Still, Carrie and her female doctor friends forge forward in opening a women's clinic in Richmond. Meanwhile, Carrie's own family witness another family's tragedy, and become a soft place to fall for survivors.
As the KKK terrorized the South, they set eyes on the successful Cromwell plantation. It seems that everywhere they turn, another blow makes it worse. How can any person cling to hope and avoid the pitfalls anger casts in their way?
Reconstruction continues, and after a southern sympathizing President, Lincoln's VP Johnson, the south has sunk itself at a steady pace. Still, Carrie and her female doctor friends forge forward in opening a women's clinic in Richmond. Meanwhile, Carrie's own family witness another family's tragedy, and become a soft place to fall for survivors.
As the KKK terrorized the South, they set eyes on the successful Cromwell plantation. It seems that everywhere they turn, another blow makes it worse. How can any person cling to hope and avoid the pitfalls anger casts in their way?
July 2, 2019
And history continues to flow...
That is what I enjoy most about these books. They are well researched, thought out, written and gives us insight into our historical past. The stories of the women and their men that people the books are real as well as interesting. I've learned things I never knew or had forgotten. Things history books don't tell us today. There is so much deep thinking and subtle lessons on its pages for all of us to learn. Now, on to the next experience.
That is what I enjoy most about these books. They are well researched, thought out, written and gives us insight into our historical past. The stories of the women and their men that people the books are real as well as interesting. I've learned things I never knew or had forgotten. Things history books don't tell us today. There is so much deep thinking and subtle lessons on its pages for all of us to learn. Now, on to the next experience.
July 6, 2019
This one had me in tears. I now can see where these stories are going. Flelisha will be a hero in the Civil Rights movement and I cannot wait to see just how all the Bregdian Women contribute their parts.
Please put me down for the next fall of 2019 book. Ginny Dye, don't ever stop writing. Absolutely entrowed in these books. Yes, I was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of WV and now live in the Pacific northwest. I feel as though I've taken your journey with you. Looking forward to the next book.
Please put me down for the next fall of 2019 book. Ginny Dye, don't ever stop writing. Absolutely entrowed in these books. Yes, I was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of WV and now live in the Pacific northwest. I feel as though I've taken your journey with you. Looking forward to the next book.
July 7, 2019
Another Bregdan Chronicles novel by Ginny Dye
A great story mostly takes place in the Southern states destabilising the years after the Civil War. Three young ladies are finishing medical school and plan to set up medical practice in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the era of no women physicians plus they plan to treat all races no matter their color. It tells of hardships the country is having even though the war is over. A very good history lesson. Can't wait until the next novel in the series is ready to read.
A great story mostly takes place in the Southern states destabilising the years after the Civil War. Three young ladies are finishing medical school and plan to set up medical practice in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the era of no women physicians plus they plan to treat all races no matter their color. It tells of hardships the country is having even though the war is over. A very good history lesson. Can't wait until the next novel in the series is ready to read.
July 10, 2019
Carrie is a surgeon now and they open the clinic. Lots happens in this book the capitol collapses and Anthony and Matthew are hurt badly Minnie's family dies in a fire and Anthony and Carrie take her in. Felicia goes back to Memphis to say good bye to her parents that were killed in the riots there.Florence goes to France to celebrate graduating and gets caught in the war on Paris and meets and falls in love with Dr Amberton and gets married. Well written as always and lots of history for us to learn.
August 25, 2019
This is #15 in the Bregdan Chronicles and continues the saga of the family and all of the characters who surround the family. This one is fairly predictable. I'm hoping that her future books have more twists and turns than this one does. There are the, what has become the norm for her books, attempted attacks on the plantation, the battles around becoming a woman who is valued and allowed to live her passion and dreams and the ever present crises around become a woman of substance. These books are getting too predictable and "apple pie" for me.
March 6, 2021
This book was as good as the last 12 (I didn't read #13 since it wasn't a part of the Bregdan Chronicle story). On a scale of 1 to 5 I give all of these books a 10! I love reading about the Civil War and Reconstruction period. I also love reading about how our country has dealt with racism over the years since the horrible period of slavery in this country. Ginny's books are well researched and she has that rare ability to pull the readers right into the story as if we are sitting and watching and loving each character as if they're my own family. I highly recommend reading this series.
November 3, 2025
Another hard year for Reconstruction for the country after the Civil War. This book begins with the mass flooding of the James River. Many people lost everything, but on the plantation they lost their good harvest of tobacco leaves. Moses in his thinking ahead had saved some extra from previous crops to help everyone get a new start on the next years crop. Each year is hard but as this family and friends make it through together. Continuing to the next one in the series of what history remains.
August 18, 2019
Another great book
I have read every book in this series. I just finished reading Shining Through Dark Clouds. I read the last couple of chapters slow, because I didn’t want it to end. The characters are so real now, they seem to jump off the page. I can’t wait for the end of September for the next book. I learned so much about the reconstruction of the South. Great book...wonderful series.
I have read every book in this series. I just finished reading Shining Through Dark Clouds. I read the last couple of chapters slow, because I didn’t want it to end. The characters are so real now, they seem to jump off the page. I can’t wait for the end of September for the next book. I learned so much about the reconstruction of the South. Great book...wonderful series.
September 21, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! I could not put it down! The entire series has been an eye opener to me. I think “what can I do to make a difference”, even if it is to help someone who isn’t able to help themself. What difference can I make in someone else’s life? It saddens me though that as far as we have come today, we are repeating history with the discord. I am eager to read what comes next! Cannot wait for the next book!
April 10, 2023
Hope with the sadness
I cried while I read this book. I know these things didn't happen to me. I am a white woman who has experienced much sadness and loss in my life. I was able to at least start on the road to recovery during this book. I am hopeful that start will continue to grow and fill me with hope for the remainder of my life. I hope to share that hope with my children and put that hope into their future.
I cried while I read this book. I know these things didn't happen to me. I am a white woman who has experienced much sadness and loss in my life. I was able to at least start on the road to recovery during this book. I am hopeful that start will continue to grow and fill me with hope for the remainder of my life. I hope to share that hope with my children and put that hope into their future.
May 8, 2024
this is going along tooooo long and loosing the pull to read more
I still like the characters but getting a little tired of all of it mostly being the women who have the most action in the book. In reading this book have lost the desire to continue on to the next.. Loved the first 8-10 books but Sorry this one just makes me hope for more of the story the first ones had… I will skip some of this book and hope the next one jumps back in to the pull of the first ones.
I still like the characters but getting a little tired of all of it mostly being the women who have the most action in the book. In reading this book have lost the desire to continue on to the next.. Loved the first 8-10 books but Sorry this one just makes me hope for more of the story the first ones had… I will skip some of this book and hope the next one jumps back in to the pull of the first ones.
June 29, 2019
Another book that I want to keep going ....
It seemed too short, yet a lot happened to my favorite characters and several new ones! Part of the action moved to France and the Prussian invasion. I was quickly caught up in that drama. The women’s health clinic became a reality in Richmond. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for the next Bregdan book!
It seemed too short, yet a lot happened to my favorite characters and several new ones! Part of the action moved to France and the Prussian invasion. I was quickly caught up in that drama. The women’s health clinic became a reality in Richmond. I’m going to have a hard time waiting for the next Bregdan book!
July 6, 2019
Thought provoking.
As usual Ginny has provided another great and thought provoking book. History was never my strongest class. The details that Ginny provides, wrapped in an awesome book, make history come alive with the characters she creates. Thank you Ginny for all the extensive research you put into this series!
As usual Ginny has provided another great and thought provoking book. History was never my strongest class. The details that Ginny provides, wrapped in an awesome book, make history come alive with the characters she creates. Thank you Ginny for all the extensive research you put into this series!
July 15, 2019
Enjoyable
Much better than the previous one. More significant events than the issue of slavery in this book and additional characters as well. One issue which keeps coming into the scenes is the severe descriptions of heavy snows and winters ; these are literary license, i.e., exaggerations ( I'm a Southerner). All in all, enjoyable.
Much better than the previous one. More significant events than the issue of slavery in this book and additional characters as well. One issue which keeps coming into the scenes is the severe descriptions of heavy snows and winters ; these are literary license, i.e., exaggerations ( I'm a Southerner). All in all, enjoyable.
July 15, 2019
While I am still fascinated with the way the characters weave their way into and thru history in this post Civil War period--including so many events local and international that I would have otherwise not associated with post Civil War--I find myself slightly bored at times.
Will I stop reading them before Ginny Dye stops writing them? Not on your life!!!
Will I stop reading them before Ginny Dye stops writing them? Not on your life!!!
July 29, 2019
Shinning Through Dark Clouds
As always, absolutely absorbing in every way as you immerse yourself into the world of the Bregdan Series! Ginny brings to life the realities of life for every human being that lived during that time. Her sensitivity and compassion are truly valued in believing in the spirit of what we are blessed to become.
As always, absolutely absorbing in every way as you immerse yourself into the world of the Bregdan Series! Ginny brings to life the realities of life for every human being that lived during that time. Her sensitivity and compassion are truly valued in believing in the spirit of what we are blessed to become.
August 4, 2019
Thank you Kindle and Amazon Prime
If it weren't for my Kindle and Amazon Prime I would never have had the pleasure of meeting Ginny Dye and spent the hundreds of hours of wonderful reading that I continue to enjoy. Keep them coming Ginny, you are my favorite writer of all times.
If it weren't for my Kindle and Amazon Prime I would never have had the pleasure of meeting Ginny Dye and spent the hundreds of hours of wonderful reading that I continue to enjoy. Keep them coming Ginny, you are my favorite writer of all times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews