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The Redmond Family Saga #2
Paths of Peace
In the months following the end of the Civil War, the South is in turmoil. Some men return, some do not, and of the ones who do return, many were carrying permanent injuries. Addiction to opium based pain killers is epidemic, as men who had started the war as hale and fit workers can no longer even climb stairs or hold a pen, or an axe or a hoe.
The Redmond family is no different. The patriarch of the clan, who had been horribly injured at the Battle of Appomattox Station, is in constant pain, and is very limited in what he can do, with missing fingers, and a permanently damaged leg. His wife, Rebecca is occupied with trying to raise five very active children while rebuilding the horse farm that is her family’s traditional source of income.
Charlie and Rebecca are joined by old friends from Culpeper and from the Army to rebuild their lives and the town of Culpeper, while new people slowly return or migrate to the town, hoping for a new life.
In this carefully researched second book of the Redmond Family Saga, Charlie and Rebecca’s relationship continues to grow, as Charlie finally comes to recognize that he is indeed a man, though with the body of a woman, and to accept himself. Rebecca is pleased to have her Charlie back, and in one piece, if not physically, at least emotionally.
The Redmond family is no different. The patriarch of the clan, who had been horribly injured at the Battle of Appomattox Station, is in constant pain, and is very limited in what he can do, with missing fingers, and a permanently damaged leg. His wife, Rebecca is occupied with trying to raise five very active children while rebuilding the horse farm that is her family’s traditional source of income.
Charlie and Rebecca are joined by old friends from Culpeper and from the Army to rebuild their lives and the town of Culpeper, while new people slowly return or migrate to the town, hoping for a new life.
In this carefully researched second book of the Redmond Family Saga, Charlie and Rebecca’s relationship continues to grow, as Charlie finally comes to recognize that he is indeed a man, though with the body of a woman, and to accept himself. Rebecca is pleased to have her Charlie back, and in one piece, if not physically, at least emotionally.
- GenresHistoricalLGBTRomanceWar
542 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2020
9 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
T. Novan
17 books40 followersAuthor T. Novan, has been writing essentially his entire life. His love of the craft and his desire to master the art started young when he won a community creative writing contest at the age of 8 with a short story about how mankind would settle future disputes over a chessboard.
40 years later, he realized that after spending some time as an auto mechanic, police officer and even most recently a chimpanzee keeper it was time to return to the one thing that he simply cannot escape his love of and the need to write.
He is married, with one daughter and three grandchildren and he currently lives about 20 minutes outside Richmond, Virginia where he splits his time between writing and being a 'Gentleman Farmer' on his small family homestead.
After being in semi-retirement for the last few years, TN has reemerged with classic titles like Madam President, First Lady and Words Heard in Silence (Book 1 of the Redmond Family Saga) rereleased for the first time in nearly 15 years. Now he and his writing partner and wife Taylor Rickard, have released Paths of Peace and Enemies in the Gates (Books 2 and 3 in the Redmond Family Saga). They are working on the fourth book in the Redmond series, Honor Thy Father.
40 years later, he realized that after spending some time as an auto mechanic, police officer and even most recently a chimpanzee keeper it was time to return to the one thing that he simply cannot escape his love of and the need to write.
He is married, with one daughter and three grandchildren and he currently lives about 20 minutes outside Richmond, Virginia where he splits his time between writing and being a 'Gentleman Farmer' on his small family homestead.
After being in semi-retirement for the last few years, TN has reemerged with classic titles like Madam President, First Lady and Words Heard in Silence (Book 1 of the Redmond Family Saga) rereleased for the first time in nearly 15 years. Now he and his writing partner and wife Taylor Rickard, have released Paths of Peace and Enemies in the Gates (Books 2 and 3 in the Redmond Family Saga). They are working on the fourth book in the Redmond series, Honor Thy Father.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 11, 2021
5 stars - long, but really enjoyable read
This is the second book of the series and we get to see Charlie and Rebecca grow in their relationship. Their little family grows by leaps and bounds with more children being adopted. We also get a nice resolution to Charlie’s war injuries through the help of new characters to the series namely Rex who performs some wonders with Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
While in the first book the story was definitely in the “woman disguised as a man“ trope in this book it becomes quite clear that Charlie is not a woman but is in fact a trans man and it is really sweet the way he and his wife come gently to that conclusion and accept it totally.
Well this is historical fictional romance it really is very fictional as far as everything always resolving in a positive manner for the most part. I found that there was still plenty of action and drama but not lengthy periods of anguish and angst. I really enjoyed every minute of this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
This is the second book of the series and we get to see Charlie and Rebecca grow in their relationship. Their little family grows by leaps and bounds with more children being adopted. We also get a nice resolution to Charlie’s war injuries through the help of new characters to the series namely Rex who performs some wonders with Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
While in the first book the story was definitely in the “woman disguised as a man“ trope in this book it becomes quite clear that Charlie is not a woman but is in fact a trans man and it is really sweet the way he and his wife come gently to that conclusion and accept it totally.
Well this is historical fictional romance it really is very fictional as far as everything always resolving in a positive manner for the most part. I found that there was still plenty of action and drama but not lengthy periods of anguish and angst. I really enjoyed every minute of this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2022
Just gets better!
What I like most about this book, is it's set within a few years. Many series jump from meeting to maybe ten years ahead. This series doesn't. It gives a greater sense of realism, because you are living their lives with them and not missing huge chunks. We are seeing the Redmond Family grow as well as those around them. Historically it seems pretty spot on but it's been a few years since I studied American history. But the story is not only awesome but interesting. I loved it and definitely want more. Can't wait for book three.
What I like most about this book, is it's set within a few years. Many series jump from meeting to maybe ten years ahead. This series doesn't. It gives a greater sense of realism, because you are living their lives with them and not missing huge chunks. We are seeing the Redmond Family grow as well as those around them. Historically it seems pretty spot on but it's been a few years since I studied American history. But the story is not only awesome but interesting. I loved it and definitely want more. Can't wait for book three.
January 29, 2021
I absolutely love the Redmond Civil War Romance series. I highly recommend to anyone, especial those who love historical Drama/Romances. It’s one of my favorites and I’ve read it several times. This series always makes me cry for some reason or another. You feel every emotion with Charlie and Rebecca. All I of it happiness, the love, the pain, and the fear.
In book 2 Paths of Peace, Charlie and Rebecca settle into Redmond Stables after the end of the Civil War in Culpepper, Virginia. Charlie works to help rebuild the community, while Rebecca works hard to manage home, family, and their growing horse stable. Old and new friends come and join their circle of close friends and extended family. The close friends from book one return. Love and growing families bless them all. Two very special children Darby (age 10) and Suzanne (age 4) are welcomed into the family. They join Charlie and Rebecca’s three other children, adopted in book one, Emily (age 3), Buddy (age 1) and Andy (age 1). The love and care Rebecca and Charlie show their children is often a source of happy tears for me. They truly cherish every single one of them. Another source of tears is the pain Charlie endures from his wounds sustained in the war. The Laudanum he turns to for relief becomes an addiction that would kill him. Luckily, new found friend Rex helps Charlie through detox and into a new and better way to manage his pain. It greatly improves his quality of life.
In book 2 Paths of Peace, Charlie and Rebecca settle into Redmond Stables after the end of the Civil War in Culpepper, Virginia. Charlie works to help rebuild the community, while Rebecca works hard to manage home, family, and their growing horse stable. Old and new friends come and join their circle of close friends and extended family. The close friends from book one return. Love and growing families bless them all. Two very special children Darby (age 10) and Suzanne (age 4) are welcomed into the family. They join Charlie and Rebecca’s three other children, adopted in book one, Emily (age 3), Buddy (age 1) and Andy (age 1). The love and care Rebecca and Charlie show their children is often a source of happy tears for me. They truly cherish every single one of them. Another source of tears is the pain Charlie endures from his wounds sustained in the war. The Laudanum he turns to for relief becomes an addiction that would kill him. Luckily, new found friend Rex helps Charlie through detox and into a new and better way to manage his pain. It greatly improves his quality of life.
September 14, 2021
4,25 stars
I liked the first one better. Maybe because it didn't require much knowledge about US history, maybe because I really like the "getting to know each other" parts of romance novels. But it was still good
I liked the first one better. Maybe because it didn't require much knowledge about US history, maybe because I really like the "getting to know each other" parts of romance novels. But it was still good
January 30, 2021
I absolutely love the Redmond Civil War Romance series. I highly recommend to anyone, especial those who love historical Drama/Romances. It’s one of my favorites and I’ve read it several times. This series always makes me cry for some reason or another. You feel every emotion with Charlie and Rebecca. All of it the happiness, the love, the pain, and the fear.
In book 2 Paths of Peace, Charlie and Rebecca settle into Redmond Stables after the end of the Civil War in Culpepper, Virginia. Charlie works to help rebuild the community, while Rebecca works hard to manage home, family, and their growing horse stable. Old and new friends come and join their circle of close friends and extended family. The close friends from book one return. Love and growing families bless them all. Two very special children Darby (age 10) and Suzanne (age 4) are welcomed into the family. They join Charlie and Rebecca’s three other children, adopted in book one, Emily (age 3), Buddy (age 1) and Andy (age 1). The love and care Rebecca and Charlie show their children is often a source of happy tears for me. They truly cherish every single one of them. Another source of tears is the pain Charlie endures from his wounds sustained in the war. The Laudanum he turns to for relief becomes an addiction that would kill him. Luckily, new found friend Rex helps Charlie through detox and into a new and better way to manage his pain. It greatly improves his quality of life.
In book 2 Paths of Peace, Charlie and Rebecca settle into Redmond Stables after the end of the Civil War in Culpepper, Virginia. Charlie works to help rebuild the community, while Rebecca works hard to manage home, family, and their growing horse stable. Old and new friends come and join their circle of close friends and extended family. The close friends from book one return. Love and growing families bless them all. Two very special children Darby (age 10) and Suzanne (age 4) are welcomed into the family. They join Charlie and Rebecca’s three other children, adopted in book one, Emily (age 3), Buddy (age 1) and Andy (age 1). The love and care Rebecca and Charlie show their children is often a source of happy tears for me. They truly cherish every single one of them. Another source of tears is the pain Charlie endures from his wounds sustained in the war. The Laudanum he turns to for relief becomes an addiction that would kill him. Luckily, new found friend Rex helps Charlie through detox and into a new and better way to manage his pain. It greatly improves his quality of life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2016
My rating doesn't reflect how much I love this book, because I have loved Charlie and Rebecca for years. "Paths of Peace" continues that saga for those like me who became addicted to them in "Words Heard in Silence." Truth is, I've waited impatiently for years on the author's yahoo group for them to finally finish and publish this, and once I started reading, I couldn't wait to get home to read more each night.
The only reason I can't give it five stars are technical reasons that certainly didn't keep me from enjoying the book and won't keep me from re-reading it after I finish the third book that I've already purchased. So, what sapped the last two stars?
1) The story is episodic with no plot arc that I could discern. Did that stop me from enjoying it? Absolutely not.
2) There were some glitches -- typos -- but as a published writer, I certainly understand reading through a manuscript eight times and still finding something you didn't see before. However, it would have been worth their money to pay a professional to format the ebook for them. Scene breaks were missing. It doesn't keep you from enjoying the story, it's just a bit of polish for publication.
That said, time away hasn't dulled either of the authors' ability to entertain. I'm not a big reader of historical novels, but I'll read anything that T.Novan writes. I've long been a fan and still am. And when they publish the fourth Charlie and Rebecca book that they're working on now, I'll buy that one, too.
The only reason I can't give it five stars are technical reasons that certainly didn't keep me from enjoying the book and won't keep me from re-reading it after I finish the third book that I've already purchased. So, what sapped the last two stars?
1) The story is episodic with no plot arc that I could discern. Did that stop me from enjoying it? Absolutely not.
2) There were some glitches -- typos -- but as a published writer, I certainly understand reading through a manuscript eight times and still finding something you didn't see before. However, it would have been worth their money to pay a professional to format the ebook for them. Scene breaks were missing. It doesn't keep you from enjoying the story, it's just a bit of polish for publication.
That said, time away hasn't dulled either of the authors' ability to entertain. I'm not a big reader of historical novels, but I'll read anything that T.Novan writes. I've long been a fan and still am. And when they publish the fourth Charlie and Rebecca book that they're working on now, I'll buy that one, too.
June 4, 2020
I'm totally in love with the Redmond family and their friends. Read the first part years and years ago. Have to find it to reread it too!
March 10, 2021
The characters are very well developed and love between the two main characters is really strong. Very good read highly recommend. I loved the history lesson. Thanks
March 28, 2021
Excellent.
I loved Paths of Peace. Book 2 in The Redmond Family Saga. The war is over and the farm is thriving.
I loved Paths of Peace. Book 2 in The Redmond Family Saga. The war is over and the farm is thriving.
May 29, 2017
Well Done!
This second installment of the Redmond Family Saga is even better than the first book. I love these characters and their general outlook and approach to life.
As with the first book, the authors do a great job of providing sufficient background and a lot of detail for the main and secondary characters. Especially the two main characters (Rebecca/Charlie) are very likable, easy to relate to, and for the most part, stay true to form. This is one of those books that I enjoyed reading so much, I didn't want to put it down. I definitely recommend this book.
This second installment of the Redmond Family Saga is even better than the first book. I love these characters and their general outlook and approach to life.
As with the first book, the authors do a great job of providing sufficient background and a lot of detail for the main and secondary characters. Especially the two main characters (Rebecca/Charlie) are very likable, easy to relate to, and for the most part, stay true to form. This is one of those books that I enjoyed reading so much, I didn't want to put it down. I definitely recommend this book.
July 28, 2016
This was such a good book. I am reading the 3rd one now and it is even better. But in the "Paths of Peace," Charlie, our transgendered General Redmond, has to face an addiction to laudanum but also comes to terms once and for all with his sexuality. Our arch villian Alex Raeburn is of course up to no good but finding evidence to prove any crime he commits continues to be a problem.
September 29, 2016
Excellent sequel to an excellent book.
The characters both new and previously established are enjoyable. The history is well researched with very few anachronistic moments. Recommended.
The characters both new and previously established are enjoyable. The history is well researched with very few anachronistic moments. Recommended.
June 28, 2016
Oh the dashing Charlie Redmond! I am well and hooked on this series!
July 1, 2022
so much goodness.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews