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The Bregdan Chronicles #16
Courage Rising: 1871-1872
#15 in The Bregdan Chronicles by BestSelling Author, Ginny Dye.
Review: Best Historical Fiction series I have ever read! Keep them coming! Dotti
Will Reconstruction unite a divided country, or will it simply test everyone's courage?
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone...
The newly formed Bregdan Medical Clinic faces a challenge no one anticipated. Carrie, Janie and Elizabeth are forced to make unimaginable choices.
Carrie deals with another loss that shatters her heart.
Florence and Silas, flush with the excitement of starting a practice in Paris, are embroiled in a new nightmare.
Rose is presented an impossible choice by the Virginia Board of Education, but also welcomes two new teachers who guarantee to change life on the plantation.
Marietta, eager to visit the plantation with the twins, faces the bigotry that sent her and Jeremy north.
Abby and Thomas are caught up in violence in New York City as America struggles to deal with the huge influx of immigrants.
When everyone really just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they have to search for the courage to keep moving forward.
Will Reconstruction unite a divided country, or will it simply test everyone's courage?
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone...
The newly formed Bregdan Medical Clinic faces a challenge no one anticipated. Carrie, Janie and Elizabeth are forced to make unimaginable choices.
Carrie deals with another loss that shatters her heart.
Florence and Silas, flush with the excitement of starting a practice in Paris, are embroiled in a new nightmare.
Rose is presented an impossible choice by the Virginia Board of Education, but also welcomes two new teachers who guarantee to change life on the plantation.
Marietta, eager to visit the plantation with the twins, faces the bigotry that sent her and Jeremy north.
Abby and Thomas are caught up in violence in New York City as America struggles to deal with the huge influx of immigrants.
When everyone really just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they have to search for the courage to keep moving forward.
500 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2019
1411 people are currently reading
288 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 85 reviews
February 1, 2020
It takes more years and generations to change hatred.
Hatred is fueled by bigotry and ignorance. My mother was of a long past generation. They were country folks and educated, they lived in midcentral Florida. As a small child we had a yardman and maid that took care of the 3 children. I grew up being respective of them not understanding about the bigotry. I now know understand and have little patience with rude mannerless people, especially the, children of these that spout hatred to conservatism. They learned from their parents to bully and be hateful to those different from them.
Hatred is fueled by bigotry and ignorance. My mother was of a long past generation. They were country folks and educated, they lived in midcentral Florida. As a small child we had a yardman and maid that took care of the 3 children. I grew up being respective of them not understanding about the bigotry. I now know understand and have little patience with rude mannerless people, especially the, children of these that spout hatred to conservatism. They learned from their parents to bully and be hateful to those different from them.
August 21, 2020
Another great book in the series!
October 16, 2019
I absolutely love this series of books although it has taken me this long (Book 16) to figure out that I am stuck in my life! I’d like to make a difference to people, to the world, to others, just like the Brendan women but, how do I go about doing that?
I love history but did not know much about Reconstruction after the Civil War. It shocks me that things did not change for blacks or, in addition, to the immigrants entering the United States. How much one can learn from history and apply it to today, yet, how much do things remain the same?
I’m eager to see how the children of Carrie, Janie, Rose and the others. One with the changes after the Civil War. The plantation is a haven but will it remain so?
More questions arise with each book and what can I do in my own life to make changes? Please keep the books coming!
One little issue; I noticed when reading the book on page 322, Rose is riding a horse (the last paragraph) with Felicia. The paragraph reads “Rose pulls Ginger to a stop......”; I thought Rose was riding a horse named Maple? The only little blip I noticed. This book was an amazing read just like the others.
I love history but did not know much about Reconstruction after the Civil War. It shocks me that things did not change for blacks or, in addition, to the immigrants entering the United States. How much one can learn from history and apply it to today, yet, how much do things remain the same?
I’m eager to see how the children of Carrie, Janie, Rose and the others. One with the changes after the Civil War. The plantation is a haven but will it remain so?
More questions arise with each book and what can I do in my own life to make changes? Please keep the books coming!
One little issue; I noticed when reading the book on page 322, Rose is riding a horse (the last paragraph) with Felicia. The paragraph reads “Rose pulls Ginger to a stop......”; I thought Rose was riding a horse named Maple? The only little blip I noticed. This book was an amazing read just like the others.
September 17, 2025
When everyone yearns for peace, will there ever be a time when they don't have to hope for courage to continue?
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
Carrie joins hands with Janie and Elizabeth as threats against their medical clinic become reality.
Anthony fights to support his wife, while facing threats of his own.
In the midst of danger, a new love is born.
Jeremy and Marietta embrace the historic beginning of blacks right to vote – only to lose someone who has become very precious to them.
Abby is in New York City for a Bregdan Woman meeting, but she, Thomas, and Matthew are caught up in unexpected violence and the take down of a corrupt politician.
Peace reigns on the plantation as Moses works to overcome the destruction of the massive flood. Rose fights to keep her school a haven for both black and white students.
Peter, in Chicago for a journalistic conference, is caught up in one of the greatest catastrophes of American history.
When everyone just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they must search for the courage to continue moving forward.
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
Carrie joins hands with Janie and Elizabeth as threats against their medical clinic become reality.
Anthony fights to support his wife, while facing threats of his own.
In the midst of danger, a new love is born.
Jeremy and Marietta embrace the historic beginning of blacks right to vote – only to lose someone who has become very precious to them.
Abby is in New York City for a Bregdan Woman meeting, but she, Thomas, and Matthew are caught up in unexpected violence and the take down of a corrupt politician.
Peace reigns on the plantation as Moses works to overcome the destruction of the massive flood. Rose fights to keep her school a haven for both black and white students.
Peter, in Chicago for a journalistic conference, is caught up in one of the greatest catastrophes of American history.
When everyone just wants a simple, clear future, each person finds they must search for the courage to continue moving forward.
November 6, 2025
So much hatred especially after the Civil War. It does not just belong to the North and the South, slaves and slave owners, freed black men trying to make a living for their family and the KKK… It also is outside of our country’s boundaries to Paris, the French Army, the Siege, hate abounds. We also have hate for all immigrants, allowing them to be hired for the menial jobs, American people think are beneath them. The Irish who immigrated to NYC, 25% of the total immigrants are still fighting hate among each other, Irish Catholics and Protestants not particularly religious reasons, but the English of the Protestants pushing the rest down.
We hear throughout the story Courage Rising. It’s really hard to be brave when you are scared to death. Have fear but be brave walking through it. Lots of stories for each of our characters kept me engrossed for a day of reading, evening to the other.
We hear throughout the story Courage Rising. It’s really hard to be brave when you are scared to death. Have fear but be brave walking through it. Lots of stories for each of our characters kept me engrossed for a day of reading, evening to the other.
February 15, 2023
Courage or Fear
Another heart wrenching read. Great courage is a choice. We can choose to retreat in fear or rise in courage. My heart was overwhelmed with what the characters of this book faced. Yet they did not surrender to their fears and pain. They struggled with the things they faced, even gave into them at times but they also rose in courage. Fear held their hearts but doing brave won out. While I’ve personally not faced all the things they faced, their courage and bravery encourages me to do likewise. As our great nation faces much uncertainty May we all rise in courage and bravery to do good. Hatred cannot win because love conquers all.
Another heart wrenching read. Great courage is a choice. We can choose to retreat in fear or rise in courage. My heart was overwhelmed with what the characters of this book faced. Yet they did not surrender to their fears and pain. They struggled with the things they faced, even gave into them at times but they also rose in courage. Fear held their hearts but doing brave won out. While I’ve personally not faced all the things they faced, their courage and bravery encourages me to do likewise. As our great nation faces much uncertainty May we all rise in courage and bravery to do good. Hatred cannot win because love conquers all.
August 8, 2023
Have plenty of tissues handy when you read Courage Rising. As soon as I completed #15 I started #16.
You can't just put these books down. You never know what you will find on the next page. Always knowing one of the "ladies" will be in a sad situation. Usually Carrie. Must keep reading to find out how the issue is resolved.
The love of horses is so compelling. Its wonderful to watch as Clint and Amber are maturing and able to do so much at the Cromwell Stables. Susan and Harold have a surprise you won't want to miss!
All of the Bregdan Chronicles have my friends in them. Sometimes I meet new friends that become as dear as Carrie.
Don't miss reading The Bregdan Chronicles.
You can't just put these books down. You never know what you will find on the next page. Always knowing one of the "ladies" will be in a sad situation. Usually Carrie. Must keep reading to find out how the issue is resolved.
The love of horses is so compelling. Its wonderful to watch as Clint and Amber are maturing and able to do so much at the Cromwell Stables. Susan and Harold have a surprise you won't want to miss!
All of the Bregdan Chronicles have my friends in them. Sometimes I meet new friends that become as dear as Carrie.
Don't miss reading The Bregdan Chronicles.
January 31, 2020
I loved this book--at this point, it's not so much reading as it is a visit with old friends. It's interesting (or horrifying) that a lot of what was going on in the later 1800s is not that much different than the divisiveness we're experiencing right now. I've always heard it said that if you don't pay attention to history it will repeat itself--and in many ways it is
The only thing I found jarring was the sudden switch to Florence in France What was going on in Europe just seemed like an interruption to what was happening to the characters in the United States.
The only thing I found jarring was the sudden switch to Florence in France What was going on in Europe just seemed like an interruption to what was happening to the characters in the United States.
February 16, 2021
I have been a tremendous Brendan Chronicles fan since book 1, but was disappointed in Courage Rising. While the book held words of hope and wisdom, it lacked Ms. Dye's typical energy and story development. It felt more like final book, wrapping up the series. In reading Ginny's blog much has been happening in her personal life and this book felt like it held some of the feeling paralleling through Carrie's storyline. Hopefully the energy and depth of historical fiction returns to her future books. She also really needs a good proof reader to review her work before publishing.
September 20, 2024
Pride and Prejudices
I really disliked some of the scenes! That's a good thing. The situations where someone's prejudices against women, against blacks, against the Irish of one faith or the other really were upsetting. They should be, it wasn't a nice time. History shouldn't be changed to make us feel good. It's to learn from what happened to not repeat it. We need to read these stories and not allow politicians to use pride in heritage to prejudice us against another group.
I really disliked some of the scenes! That's a good thing. The situations where someone's prejudices against women, against blacks, against the Irish of one faith or the other really were upsetting. They should be, it wasn't a nice time. History shouldn't be changed to make us feel good. It's to learn from what happened to not repeat it. We need to read these stories and not allow politicians to use pride in heritage to prejudice us against another group.
November 21, 2025
Scared is feeling, brave is doing!
As I read this book I am struggling with a great deal of anxiety. The best line in the book for me was scared is feeling and brave is doing. I find myself a bit like Janey, but realized as long as I keep going on in spite of my fears I am brave. I’m telling myself courage rising every time I walk out the door. It is helping. Thanks so much for this book, Ginny. You are making a difference! You say you read your reviews. I hope this one uplifts your heart!
As I read this book I am struggling with a great deal of anxiety. The best line in the book for me was scared is feeling and brave is doing. I find myself a bit like Janey, but realized as long as I keep going on in spite of my fears I am brave. I’m telling myself courage rising every time I walk out the door. It is helping. Thanks so much for this book, Ginny. You are making a difference! You say you read your reviews. I hope this one uplifts your heart!
January 25, 2020
The latest book in the series. As with the others, it was great! My 2 take aways fromthis book. One: Courage Rising- in all situations.
Two- Feel the fear but do the brave. Love this. How hard is this to do.
As life continues in 1871, it appears that the country is going backward not forward.
Can't wait for the neext one.
Two- Feel the fear but do the brave. Love this. How hard is this to do.
As life continues in 1871, it appears that the country is going backward not forward.
Can't wait for the neext one.
February 14, 2020
The history in the book is much like our society today A great racial divide remains, keeping the old hatreds alive just like it existed in the historical period in our country that is covered in this book You could feel the fear people have just walking down the street
What a horrible way to live and exist I look forward to the next book of chronicles by Ginny Dye
What a horrible way to live and exist I look forward to the next book of chronicles by Ginny Dye
June 30, 2025
i have read each of the first 16 books in joy, amazement and astounding enlightenment. Thank you so much Ginny for your attention to detail and ability to research so thoroughly. I love to learn and the books are so informative. The people are so real and the exploration of their characters is wonderful. I will keep reading. Molly Rowland
March 26, 2020
Love all Ginny Dye’s books. Read them as soon as they come out. Her characters feel like family and I love following their lives. In addition, Ginny teaches you things you didn’t know about history, and cheers you on to be a better person. Love her books and her!
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April 21, 2020Loved the continued Histoey
I love these Characters, I love the History. I read #15 and #16 in Six days.
Covid19 stay at home. New Book said to be released in Spring of 2020, I'm ready right now!
I love these Characters, I love the History. I read #15 and #16 in Six days.
Covid19 stay at home. New Book said to be released in Spring of 2020, I'm ready right now!
August 24, 2020
I like this series, but this wasn't my favorite book. The clinic seems like such a waste. I think its starting to lose a little focus. Dye is just writing about whatever she feels like and making it fit in. Maybe some editing will help refocus the story she really wants to tell.
October 18, 2020
Continues to entertain
Some pc of the story are starting to drag a little bit, Some of the characters seem a little 1 dimensional Particularly the protagonist and wonder where that is going
Some pc of the story are starting to drag a little bit, Some of the characters seem a little 1 dimensional Particularly the protagonist and wonder where that is going
February 20, 2022
I'm going to finish this series but the books are starting to lag a little bit. The author also repeats a lot of the material she has written in previous books. The stories don't flow as well as they did in the first few books...but I'm still reading so take that for what it's worth.
June 4, 2022
new paths
As the Bregdan women progress through their lives, the South continues to recover. Or does it? The characters remain dynamic, the scenes delightful from the plantation to theIrish in NYC.
Courage rises … again..
As the Bregdan women progress through their lives, the South continues to recover. Or does it? The characters remain dynamic, the scenes delightful from the plantation to theIrish in NYC.
Courage rises … again..
February 6, 2023
Not the best!
I did not enjoy this book as much as all the previous ones. There seemed to be too much repeating story lines too keep people who have not read previous books updated ANF too much history to be really absorbed as much as I would have liked.
I did not enjoy this book as much as all the previous ones. There seemed to be too much repeating story lines too keep people who have not read previous books updated ANF too much history to be really absorbed as much as I would have liked.
February 6, 2023
Never dull
Courage rising is a book that keeps you wanting more! The setting of the plantation as well as going to NYC and closing the clinic make the girls more intriguing with what's next.
Courage rising is a book that keeps you wanting more! The setting of the plantation as well as going to NYC and closing the clinic make the girls more intriguing with what's next.
April 13, 2023
Love this series
Ginny Dye you bring all the characters to life in all the stories. Happy times as well as sad times. I keep on buying the next book so I can keep up with everyone's lives. Please keep the books coming.
Ginny Dye you bring all the characters to life in all the stories. Happy times as well as sad times. I keep on buying the next book so I can keep up with everyone's lives. Please keep the books coming.
October 6, 2023
Another excellent read in the Bregdan Chronicles
You will want to read every book in this series. There is so much history and the story line and characters steal your heart. You dread ending it! Ginny your books are priceless!
You will want to read every book in this series. There is so much history and the story line and characters steal your heart. You dread ending it! Ginny your books are priceless!
December 13, 2023
Amazing series!
I am up to book 17 of this series. From page 1 of the first book I have not been able to put them down. I love the way the characters are brought to life by utilizing actual historical events. Please keep them coming!
I am up to book 17 of this series. From page 1 of the first book I have not been able to put them down. I love the way the characters are brought to life by utilizing actual historical events. Please keep them coming!
December 17, 2023
The story keeps going!
This author weaves the story just like a tapestry. In and out, back and forth, this is a wonderful series. Thank you so much Ginny Dye for teaching me so much about this period in history!
This author weaves the story just like a tapestry. In and out, back and forth, this is a wonderful series. Thank you so much Ginny Dye for teaching me so much about this period in history!
February 24, 2024
Ginny Dye's series
The previous 15 books were so good. I've learned so much.
I was confused, however on Carrie's horse Granite. Previous book told of his passing and new colt born?
The fictional part seems to be slowing down.
What a wonderful passionate person you are, Ginny.
The previous 15 books were so good. I've learned so much.
I was confused, however on Carrie's horse Granite. Previous book told of his passing and new colt born?
The fictional part seems to be slowing down.
What a wonderful passionate person you are, Ginny.
April 21, 2024
1This book as well as previous books in this series was wonderful. I have recommended it to my gran
Y he or she was brought to life for the reader.Simple and plain words are I loved this series of books.
Y he or she was brought to life for the reader.Simple and plain words are I loved this series of books.
March 19, 2025
Touchs many aspects of history of the time.
You know it is good if on 16th book and counting. Touches on history of the time. Not just around Richmond Virginia but also northeast, France and even Ohio.
You know it is good if on 16th book and counting. Touches on history of the time. Not just around Richmond Virginia but also northeast, France and even Ohio.
December 2, 2025
Another wonderful book in this series by Ginny Dye. I highly recommend reading this historical fiction series.bi have learned so much about the pre civil war through the aftermath. This was #16. Next is September 1871-1872.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews