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The Cotillion Brigade: A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History
Georgia burns.Sherman’s Yankees are closing in.Will the women of LaGrange run or fight?Based on the true story of the celebrated Nancy Hart Rifles, The Cotillion Brigade is a sweeping epic of the Civil War’s ravages on family and love, the resilient bonds of sisterhood amid devastation, and the miracle of reconciliation between bitter enemies.
“Gone With The Wind meets A League Of Their Own.”
1856. Sixteen-year-old Nannie Colquitt Hill makes her debut in the antebellum society of the Chattahoochee River plantations. A thousand miles to the north, a Wisconsin farm boy, Hugh LaGrange, joins an Abolitionist crusade to ban slavery in Bleeding Kansas.
Five years later, secession and total war against the homefronts of Dixie hurl them toward a confrontation unrivaled in American history.*** Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal Winner ****** Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice Award ****** Foreword Magazine Indie Book-of-the-Year Finalist ***
Nannie defies the traditions of Southern gentility by forming a women’s militia and drilling to prepare for Northern invaders. With their men dead, wounded, or retreating with the Confederate armies, only Captain Nannie and her Fighting Nancies stand between their beloved homes and the Yankee torches.
Hardened into a slashing Union cavalry colonel, Hugh duels Rebel generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest across Tennessee and Alabama. As the war churns to a bloody climax, he is ordered to drive a burning stake deep into the heart of the Confederacy.
Yet one Georgia town—which by mocking coincidence bears Hugh’s last name—stands defiant in his path.
Read the remarkable story of the Southern women who formed America’s most famous female militia and the Union officer whose life they changed forever.
“Gone With The Wind meets A League Of Their Own.”
1856. Sixteen-year-old Nannie Colquitt Hill makes her debut in the antebellum society of the Chattahoochee River plantations. A thousand miles to the north, a Wisconsin farm boy, Hugh LaGrange, joins an Abolitionist crusade to ban slavery in Bleeding Kansas.
Five years later, secession and total war against the homefronts of Dixie hurl them toward a confrontation unrivaled in American history.*** Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal Winner ****** Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice Award ****** Foreword Magazine Indie Book-of-the-Year Finalist ***
Nannie defies the traditions of Southern gentility by forming a women’s militia and drilling to prepare for Northern invaders. With their men dead, wounded, or retreating with the Confederate armies, only Captain Nannie and her Fighting Nancies stand between their beloved homes and the Yankee torches.
Hardened into a slashing Union cavalry colonel, Hugh duels Rebel generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest across Tennessee and Alabama. As the war churns to a bloody climax, he is ordered to drive a burning stake deep into the heart of the Confederacy.
Yet one Georgia town—which by mocking coincidence bears Hugh’s last name—stands defiant in his path.
Read the remarkable story of the Southern women who formed America’s most famous female militia and the Union officer whose life they changed forever.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2021
739 people are currently reading
1690 people want to read
About the author
Glen Craney
11 books155 followers
A native Hoosier, GLEN CRANEY is a novelist, screenwriter, journalist, and lawyer. He caught the history bug as a boy while tracing the steps of his ancestors on Civil War battlefields and the reconstructed forts of the first Kentucky pioneers.
His travels around the world have found him playing baseball in Cuba, walking the biblical sites of Israel, exploring the Secret Vatican Archives in Rome, and climbing Templar castles in Scotland and France. His books have taken readers to Occitania during the Albigensian Crusade, to the Scotland of Robert the Bruce, to Portugal during the Age of Discovery, to the trenches of France during World War I, and to the American Hoovervilles of the Great Depression.
He graduated from Hanover College with a major in history and holds graduate degrees from Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. After a stint as a trial lawyer, he joined the Washington, D.C. press corps to report on national politics and the Iran-contra trial for Congressional Quarterly magazine. He then moved to California to write movie scripts, and his feature screenplay, Whisper the Wind, about the Navajo codetalkers of World War II, was awarded the Nicholl Fellowship Prize by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences for best new screenwriting.
With the encouragement of his mentor, Hollywood legend Harry Essex, he tried his hand at historical fiction and mystery-thrillers, and has never looked back. His debut historical novel, The Fire and the Light, was named Best New Fiction by the National Indie Excellence Awards. He is also a three-time indieBRAG Medallion Honoree, a Chaucer Award First-Place Winner, a three-time Foreword Reviews Book-of-the-Year Award Finalist, a Scéal Mystery-Thriller Award Finalist, a Nautilus Silver Award Winner, an IPPY Silver Award Winner, an Eric Hoffer Finalist and Honorable Mention Winner, a Da Vinci Eye Award Finalist, and a BTS Readers Choice Award Honorable Mention.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 12, 2021
Two parallel Civil War era biographies are presented in this book, one begins in the North the other in the South. Over a span of nine years the two stories converge in April 1865 at the end of the war in LaGrange, Georgia where the approaching Union army discovered the city defended by a brigade of armed women. The two historical characters followed by the book’s narrative in alternating chapters are Hugh LaGrange from rural Wisconsin and Nancy “Nannie” Colquitt Hill Morgan of LaGrange, Georgia. Using the tools of historical fiction this book's writing causes these two lives to bloom into life in the reader's mind.
The first five years prior to the war take up about one third of the book so the reader becomes fully acquainted with these two individuals and their backgrounds and the community from which they come. Hugh LaGrange, born on a Wisconsin farm, taught school for awhile, and later became involved with abolitionist causes. He participated in the Bleeding Kansas efforts toward statehood, and later was involved in efforts to free Sherman Booth from imprisonment in the Ableman v. Booth case. Meanwhile Nannie Hill was a typical white southern belle concerned with social events and conniving to marry a good southern gentleman.
The book continuous to give an account of their activities during the war. Their two lives are completely changed by the war, Hugh LaGrange eventually being promoted to colonel in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment, Nannie becoming a newly married bride left in a town largely devoid of able bodied white men.
Hugh participated in the Battle of Chickamauga and later in 1864 at the Battle of Rocky Face Ridge he was taken prisoner by Joseph Wheeler. Several months later Hugh returned to military command after being returned to the north through an exchange of prisoners of war.
As it became apparent that the South might be invaded, Nannie was alarmed by the lack of local military protection and began training a group of women—called the Nancy Harts after a Revolutionary War female hero—in target practice and military maneuvers. Part of her concern was also prompted by the local enslaved population that she feared might become disorderly with the approach of Union forces. However, the women were soon overwhelmed with nursing duties tending to wounded soldiers from the war being shipped into their town via railroad.
As the story nears the end of the war and the reader nears the book’s conclusion, the fact that Hugh and Nannie were eventually going to cross paths has long been apparent. The suspense in reading this book is the anticipation of learning the details their encounter. Are the women going to shoot at the Union forces? The Union Army has orders to destroy any town that offers resistance to their advance.
The fact that LaGrange happens to be the name of both the city and the commander of Union forces just happens to be one of those ironic coincidences of history. This book has a little fun with that coincidence by noting a bit of confusion when Hugh is told the name of the next town after the Battle of West Point, and later when Hugh is introduced to Nannie.
It's interesting to note that Lee's surrender at Appomattox occurred on April 9, 1865, and Hugh LaGrange and Nannie had their meeting on April 17, 1865. News about Lee's surrender didn't reach west George until several days later. I suppose most telegraph lines in the South had been cut, so news didn't move fast. The last meeting of Confederal executive Cabinet occurred on May 5, 1865 when the Confederate Government was declared dissolved.
Anybody who appreciates Civil War historical fiction will enjoy this book. I'd like to thank the author for providing a free copy of the Kindle edition of this book.
A nonfiction account of the confrontation between the Nancy Harts and Col. LaGrange can be read at this link.
A portrait of Hugh LaGrange can be viewed at this link which is the first page of a chapter in a history of the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry. The Cavalry's encounter in LaGrange didn't get included in this history, but page 896 to 898 tells of their chase to capture Jefferson Davis.
There is a photograph of the real Nancy “Nannie” Colquitt Hill Morgan in The Cotillion Brigade, but I have no way of including a link to it here. The book has a number of historical photographs including seven of the Nancy Harts.
The first five years prior to the war take up about one third of the book so the reader becomes fully acquainted with these two individuals and their backgrounds and the community from which they come. Hugh LaGrange, born on a Wisconsin farm, taught school for awhile, and later became involved with abolitionist causes. He participated in the Bleeding Kansas efforts toward statehood, and later was involved in efforts to free Sherman Booth from imprisonment in the Ableman v. Booth case. Meanwhile Nannie Hill was a typical white southern belle concerned with social events and conniving to marry a good southern gentleman.
The book continuous to give an account of their activities during the war. Their two lives are completely changed by the war, Hugh LaGrange eventually being promoted to colonel in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment, Nannie becoming a newly married bride left in a town largely devoid of able bodied white men.
Hugh participated in the Battle of Chickamauga and later in 1864 at the Battle of Rocky Face Ridge he was taken prisoner by Joseph Wheeler. Several months later Hugh returned to military command after being returned to the north through an exchange of prisoners of war.
As it became apparent that the South might be invaded, Nannie was alarmed by the lack of local military protection and began training a group of women—called the Nancy Harts after a Revolutionary War female hero—in target practice and military maneuvers. Part of her concern was also prompted by the local enslaved population that she feared might become disorderly with the approach of Union forces. However, the women were soon overwhelmed with nursing duties tending to wounded soldiers from the war being shipped into their town via railroad.
As the story nears the end of the war and the reader nears the book’s conclusion, the fact that Hugh and Nannie were eventually going to cross paths has long been apparent. The suspense in reading this book is the anticipation of learning the details their encounter. Are the women going to shoot at the Union forces? The Union Army has orders to destroy any town that offers resistance to their advance.
The fact that LaGrange happens to be the name of both the city and the commander of Union forces just happens to be one of those ironic coincidences of history. This book has a little fun with that coincidence by noting a bit of confusion when Hugh is told the name of the next town after the Battle of West Point, and later when Hugh is introduced to Nannie.
It's interesting to note that Lee's surrender at Appomattox occurred on April 9, 1865, and Hugh LaGrange and Nannie had their meeting on April 17, 1865. News about Lee's surrender didn't reach west George until several days later. I suppose most telegraph lines in the South had been cut, so news didn't move fast. The last meeting of Confederal executive Cabinet occurred on May 5, 1865 when the Confederate Government was declared dissolved.
Anybody who appreciates Civil War historical fiction will enjoy this book. I'd like to thank the author for providing a free copy of the Kindle edition of this book.
A nonfiction account of the confrontation between the Nancy Harts and Col. LaGrange can be read at this link.
A portrait of Hugh LaGrange can be viewed at this link which is the first page of a chapter in a history of the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry. The Cavalry's encounter in LaGrange didn't get included in this history, but page 896 to 898 tells of their chase to capture Jefferson Davis.
There is a photograph of the real Nancy “Nannie” Colquitt Hill Morgan in The Cotillion Brigade, but I have no way of including a link to it here. The book has a number of historical photographs including seven of the Nancy Harts.
April 8, 2021
The Civil War split a nation, families and made heroes, no matter what side of the war they were on.
THE COTILLION BRIGADE by Glen Craney tells of two such heroes, one from the North, one from the South. Each made their own mark but possibly none so astounding as Nannie Colquitt Hill, once a young Southern debutant who would defy all that her people knew to create a militia of women who would stand against the might of the North. As Colonel Hugh LaGrange bore down on their land, these women would make their mark in history and on the soul of LaGrange.
Peppered with the flames of determination, this story has moments of humor, heartbreak and proof that there is an indomitable force within one’s very heart to cast off “what is expected” and do what one believes is right as Nannie transforms into a leader with strengths beyond the norm.
This is how history should be told, in a personal way, not with facts and figures alone, but through the eyes of those who lived and died. War isn’t about black and white facts, it is about humanity at both its worst and best. I cannot recommend this story for anyone who wants a taste of the true costs of war.
I received a complimentary copy from Glen Craney! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : Brigid's Fire Press (March 15, 2021)
Genre: Historical fiction | Civil War
Print length : 590 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
THE COTILLION BRIGADE by Glen Craney tells of two such heroes, one from the North, one from the South. Each made their own mark but possibly none so astounding as Nannie Colquitt Hill, once a young Southern debutant who would defy all that her people knew to create a militia of women who would stand against the might of the North. As Colonel Hugh LaGrange bore down on their land, these women would make their mark in history and on the soul of LaGrange.
Peppered with the flames of determination, this story has moments of humor, heartbreak and proof that there is an indomitable force within one’s very heart to cast off “what is expected” and do what one believes is right as Nannie transforms into a leader with strengths beyond the norm.
This is how history should be told, in a personal way, not with facts and figures alone, but through the eyes of those who lived and died. War isn’t about black and white facts, it is about humanity at both its worst and best. I cannot recommend this story for anyone who wants a taste of the true costs of war.
I received a complimentary copy from Glen Craney! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : Brigid's Fire Press (March 15, 2021)
Genre: Historical fiction | Civil War
Print length : 590 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 3, 2021
From sewing uniforms, to learning how to shoot, to mending broken soldiers, to military strategy, to praying. Those were just some of the things the women's militia of the Civil War experienced. Often referred to as the Fighting Nancies, led by the fearless and incredible Nancy Morgan, these women just didn't send their men to war, they served shoulder to shoulder right alongside them. Nancy and the others earned great respect, albeit reluctantly.
The effects of war was experienced from one extreme to another. The Cotillion Brigade was intriguing, tragic and often horrific and was an utterly captivating read. As the book began, Nancy was an unhappy schoolgirl hoping for a marriage offer. That would not be the extent to where her dreams would lie. In fact, her direction in life changed in remarkable ways. She became known as Captain Morgan and the other women soldiers that fought right alongside her were incredibly brave.
Bravery, danger and loss were quite impressive in this book that tells of the exploits of the small group of women. However, war and all that went along with it was not the only focus of this book. There was romance, love and hope. In fact, not only did the book end on a high note, one that warmed my heart, I was impressed with the author's note in that it provided even more information as well as photographs.
In a parallel story of cross purposes, Captain Hugh LaGrange, who not only had his responsibilities as a commanding officer, he also worked hard as an abolitionist despite the horrors of war and everything else that was going on around him. Along the way, Hugh experienced many a tragic loss. Hugh was a hero of the North and Nancy was a hero of the South.
While there are nonfiction accounts of the civil war and the real Nancy Hill Morgan, this fictionalized version was instrumental to me as with all of the historical fiction I have read to date, I had not read of the civil war. The fact that the author made the characters of Nancy and Hugh and other secondary characters real to me helped me to imagine that pivotal time in history.
Many thanks to Glen Craney, Brigid's Fire Press and HFV Book Tours for placing this remarkable book in my hands.
The effects of war was experienced from one extreme to another. The Cotillion Brigade was intriguing, tragic and often horrific and was an utterly captivating read. As the book began, Nancy was an unhappy schoolgirl hoping for a marriage offer. That would not be the extent to where her dreams would lie. In fact, her direction in life changed in remarkable ways. She became known as Captain Morgan and the other women soldiers that fought right alongside her were incredibly brave.
Bravery, danger and loss were quite impressive in this book that tells of the exploits of the small group of women. However, war and all that went along with it was not the only focus of this book. There was romance, love and hope. In fact, not only did the book end on a high note, one that warmed my heart, I was impressed with the author's note in that it provided even more information as well as photographs.
In a parallel story of cross purposes, Captain Hugh LaGrange, who not only had his responsibilities as a commanding officer, he also worked hard as an abolitionist despite the horrors of war and everything else that was going on around him. Along the way, Hugh experienced many a tragic loss. Hugh was a hero of the North and Nancy was a hero of the South.
While there are nonfiction accounts of the civil war and the real Nancy Hill Morgan, this fictionalized version was instrumental to me as with all of the historical fiction I have read to date, I had not read of the civil war. The fact that the author made the characters of Nancy and Hugh and other secondary characters real to me helped me to imagine that pivotal time in history.
Many thanks to Glen Craney, Brigid's Fire Press and HFV Book Tours for placing this remarkable book in my hands.
April 20, 2021
BLURB
Publication Date: March 15, 2021
Brigid’s Fire Press
Paperback & eBook; 399 pages
Georgia burns.
Sherman’s Yankees are closing in.
Will the women of LaGrange run or fight?
Based on the true story of the celebrated Nancy Hart Rifles, The Cotillion Brigade is a sweeping epic of the Civil War’s ravages on family and love, the resilient bonds of sisterhood amid devastation, and the miracle of reconciliation between bitter enemies.
“Gone With The Wind meets A League Of Their Own.”
1856. Sixteen-year-old Nannie Colquitt Hill makes her debut in the antebellum society of the Chattahoochee River plantations. A thousand miles to the north, a Wisconsin farm boy, Hugh LaGrange, joins an Abolitionist crusade to ban slavery in Bleeding Kansas.
Five years later, secession and total war against the homefronts of Dixie hurl them toward a confrontation unrivaled in American history.
Nannie defies the traditions of Southern gentility by forming a women’s militia and drilling it four long years to prepare for battle. With their men dead, wounded, or retreating with the Confederate armies, only Captain Nannie and her Fighting Nancies stand between their beloved homes and the Yankee torches.
Hardened into a slashing Union cavalry colonel, Hugh duels Rebel generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest across Tennessee and Alabama. As the war churns to a bloody climax, he is ordered to drive a burning stake deep into the heart of the Confederacy.
Yet one Georgia town—which by mocking coincidence bears Hugh’s last name—stands defiant in his path.
Read the remarkable story of the Southern women who formed America’s most famous female militia and the Union officer whose life they changed forever.
AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | IBOOKS
REVIEW
While I was reading this most entertaining tale, it occurred to me that it was almost like watching the Civil War documentary by Ken Burns. I even heard Shelby Foote's voice narrating some of the battles as I was reading. That is a good indication, my fellow readers, that the author did his homework, and has created a tale that sees the war from both sides. Through the eyes of Nannie, the force behind The Nancy Hart Rifles, we are immersed in the polite plantation society of antebellum Georgia, and it is through this stubborn, persistent woman we witness the demoralizing changes brought on as the war progresses.
Hugh thought his life would be as a farmer, but finds himself part of the abolitionist movement led by a rather zealous college professor. Heeding Lincoln's call for men, he, and his cavalry regiment eventually becomes one of the important pieces of Sherman's March to the Sea.
The story is wonderfully crafted. The characters are full of the rightness of their cause, and the narrative flows seamlessly between the two sides. I enjoyed the dialogue, and the way the author shows his historical chops with his descriptions of the battles and the major players involved. The horrors perpetuated, and endured; the range of emotions; the fortitude to survive the losses and the suffering - indeed this telling of one of the lesser known chapters in the war had this reader intrigued from page one. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publication Date: March 15, 2021
Brigid’s Fire Press
Paperback & eBook; 399 pages
Georgia burns.
Sherman’s Yankees are closing in.
Will the women of LaGrange run or fight?
Based on the true story of the celebrated Nancy Hart Rifles, The Cotillion Brigade is a sweeping epic of the Civil War’s ravages on family and love, the resilient bonds of sisterhood amid devastation, and the miracle of reconciliation between bitter enemies.
“Gone With The Wind meets A League Of Their Own.”
1856. Sixteen-year-old Nannie Colquitt Hill makes her debut in the antebellum society of the Chattahoochee River plantations. A thousand miles to the north, a Wisconsin farm boy, Hugh LaGrange, joins an Abolitionist crusade to ban slavery in Bleeding Kansas.
Five years later, secession and total war against the homefronts of Dixie hurl them toward a confrontation unrivaled in American history.
Nannie defies the traditions of Southern gentility by forming a women’s militia and drilling it four long years to prepare for battle. With their men dead, wounded, or retreating with the Confederate armies, only Captain Nannie and her Fighting Nancies stand between their beloved homes and the Yankee torches.
Hardened into a slashing Union cavalry colonel, Hugh duels Rebel generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest across Tennessee and Alabama. As the war churns to a bloody climax, he is ordered to drive a burning stake deep into the heart of the Confederacy.
Yet one Georgia town—which by mocking coincidence bears Hugh’s last name—stands defiant in his path.
Read the remarkable story of the Southern women who formed America’s most famous female militia and the Union officer whose life they changed forever.
AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | IBOOKS
REVIEW
While I was reading this most entertaining tale, it occurred to me that it was almost like watching the Civil War documentary by Ken Burns. I even heard Shelby Foote's voice narrating some of the battles as I was reading. That is a good indication, my fellow readers, that the author did his homework, and has created a tale that sees the war from both sides. Through the eyes of Nannie, the force behind The Nancy Hart Rifles, we are immersed in the polite plantation society of antebellum Georgia, and it is through this stubborn, persistent woman we witness the demoralizing changes brought on as the war progresses.
Hugh thought his life would be as a farmer, but finds himself part of the abolitionist movement led by a rather zealous college professor. Heeding Lincoln's call for men, he, and his cavalry regiment eventually becomes one of the important pieces of Sherman's March to the Sea.
The story is wonderfully crafted. The characters are full of the rightness of their cause, and the narrative flows seamlessly between the two sides. I enjoyed the dialogue, and the way the author shows his historical chops with his descriptions of the battles and the major players involved. The horrors perpetuated, and endured; the range of emotions; the fortitude to survive the losses and the suffering - indeed this telling of one of the lesser known chapters in the war had this reader intrigued from page one. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 18, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“The Cotillion Brigade” is a fantastic journey during the American Civil War, with a flair of empowerment for the woman who wanted to protect their homes and their town.
Read full review in the 2021 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“The Cotillion Brigade” is a fantastic journey during the American Civil War, with a flair of empowerment for the woman who wanted to protect their homes and their town.
Read full review in the 2021 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 24, 2021
I've read about 14% and unfortunately will not be continuing on. This is just my personal opinion, but I was really hoping for a more accurate depiction of the South, and the States in general, during this time period. It seems more than a bit oversimplified to me, not living up to the "Gone with the Wind" comparison as far as historical accuracy goes.
June 3, 2021
Cotillion Brigade brings the disruption of a civil war right into focus. We have two parallel stories here: one from a Southern town in Georgia and the other from a Northern family in Wisconsin. Although you can’t get away from the ethical positions concerning slavery, it’s not “in your face”. This story is about the people who are caught in the cyclone of the war. Our ladies are not slave owners; they just want to get on with their lives, their marriages, their routines. The war starts out as an interruption; it isn’t until later they have to face the reality of defending their homes in the absence of their menfolk. At first, even their hastily gathered brigade is more of a romp than a reality, as the remaining (crippled) man in town shows them what to do:
“Very important duties. You are the bookends. Do you know what bookends do?”
Andelle bit off a sarcastic retort. “Keep the books from scattering?”
“Precisely! You anchor and protect our flanks.”
Before the two sergeants could dispute their assignments, Gus looked beyond the heads of the women and found Nancy sulking alone. “Captain Morgan, you must keep the unit well-dressed.”
Furious, Nancy elbowed her way forward and confronted him, nose to nose. “I remind everyone here every week of the time and place we meet. I pester the codgers for their weapons. I ordered lunches. And now you tell me I have to buy the fabric and stitch everyones uniforms? That is the last straw!”
Of course, they eventually absorb the gravity of what they are doing and—after the initial ridicule dies away—the encouragement their work gives to the troops. Meanwhile, in the north, our protagonist Hugh is pretty much dragged into the abolitionist movement, though he discovers he has a propensity for leadership. The troops are woefully underfunded, under-equipped and badly managed. It’s amazing they made any progress at all. The Southerners don’t seem any better. This war is a miserable slug and the soldiers don’t seem to know what they are fighting for; there is no glory here—only endurance under terrible conditions. It’s a poignant depiction of a conflict that could happen anywhere, to anybody.
“Very important duties. You are the bookends. Do you know what bookends do?”
Andelle bit off a sarcastic retort. “Keep the books from scattering?”
“Precisely! You anchor and protect our flanks.”
Before the two sergeants could dispute their assignments, Gus looked beyond the heads of the women and found Nancy sulking alone. “Captain Morgan, you must keep the unit well-dressed.”
Furious, Nancy elbowed her way forward and confronted him, nose to nose. “I remind everyone here every week of the time and place we meet. I pester the codgers for their weapons. I ordered lunches. And now you tell me I have to buy the fabric and stitch everyones uniforms? That is the last straw!”
Of course, they eventually absorb the gravity of what they are doing and—after the initial ridicule dies away—the encouragement their work gives to the troops. Meanwhile, in the north, our protagonist Hugh is pretty much dragged into the abolitionist movement, though he discovers he has a propensity for leadership. The troops are woefully underfunded, under-equipped and badly managed. It’s amazing they made any progress at all. The Southerners don’t seem any better. This war is a miserable slug and the soldiers don’t seem to know what they are fighting for; there is no glory here—only endurance under terrible conditions. It’s a poignant depiction of a conflict that could happen anywhere, to anybody.
April 6, 2021
Author Glen Craney, a skilled professional journalist from Columbia University, displays his literary talents that elevate him from other fictional authors. This historic Civil War novel captures an American setting and character development similar to “Gone with the Wind”. It's not just an addition to his collection, but his best work ever.
April 28, 2021
In 1856, Nannie Colquitt Hill makes her debut in a plantation in Georgia amidst Southern Senators. Meanwhile, Wisconsin farmer Hugh LaGrange is brought into the Abolitionists cause and made a conductor on the Underground Railroad while fighting to ban slavery in Kansas. When the Civil War begins, Hugh and his brother join up and Hugh leads the First Wisconsin Cavalry. Nannie's husband joins the Confederate troops leaving Nannie and the other women of the town alone. Nannie decides to form a brigade, The Nancy Hart's, to help defend their town. With the help of Nannie's cousin, Gus, the women become skilled and fierce defenders as The First Wisconsins come to town.
The Cotillion Brigade is not a typical Civil War novel, focusing less on the battles and more on the stories of Nannie and Hugh. Written with rich historical detail, Craney has brought to life the enigmatic Nannie Colquitt Hill, the real leader of the Nancy Hart Brigade in LaGrange Georgia. Nannie is fiercely determined and once she sets her sights on something, she does not back down. These qualities helped her to lead this amazing group of female militia. While Nannie believed in the Southern ideals of the time, her story is important in remembering the women who were willing to fight. Through Nannie's eyes we also see the devastation and destruction of war as well as the emotional toll on those who were left behind. Hugh LaGrange was also the real leader of the First Wisconsin Cavalry. Hugh is a pragmatic problem solver whose nature helped him to win battles without losing more lives than necessary. The beginning of the story, before the war broke out was a little slowly paced as we learned the backgrounds of both characters and what made them into the people they became. Overall, a detailed and character based story of courage, bravery and foraging relationships during the Civil War.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Cotillion Brigade is not a typical Civil War novel, focusing less on the battles and more on the stories of Nannie and Hugh. Written with rich historical detail, Craney has brought to life the enigmatic Nannie Colquitt Hill, the real leader of the Nancy Hart Brigade in LaGrange Georgia. Nannie is fiercely determined and once she sets her sights on something, she does not back down. These qualities helped her to lead this amazing group of female militia. While Nannie believed in the Southern ideals of the time, her story is important in remembering the women who were willing to fight. Through Nannie's eyes we also see the devastation and destruction of war as well as the emotional toll on those who were left behind. Hugh LaGrange was also the real leader of the First Wisconsin Cavalry. Hugh is a pragmatic problem solver whose nature helped him to win battles without losing more lives than necessary. The beginning of the story, before the war broke out was a little slowly paced as we learned the backgrounds of both characters and what made them into the people they became. Overall, a detailed and character based story of courage, bravery and foraging relationships during the Civil War.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
March 23, 2021
I generally don't read about the American Civil War because my impression is that the battles were incredibly bloody and I don't like extremely violent novels. This may sound odd because I like murder mysteries, but the ones I prefer don't contain graphic violence. There also aren't the kind of massive casualties in a mystery novel that you could find in an American Civil War novel with detailed battle scenes.
I don't feel any sentimentality about the Confederacy that some readers may have. I overdosed on that when I read Gone with the Wind as a teenager. I still love reading about the 18th century Jacobites, but lost causes in general don't have much appeal for me.
I made The Cotillion Brigade an exception because of the woman fighters. As a feminist, I wanted to know more about them. The Confederate female protagonist Nancy and the concept of her woman's army kept me reading even though it was always clear to me that she was on the wrong side. I sympathized with her on a human level. She was very well portrayed.
There wasn't as much focus on battles as I had expected. Character relationships were what was central to this book. It's a very unusual Civil War novel.
I also appreciated learning about these real historical personages. I was astonished to find out from the author's note that so many were genuinely historical.
I don't feel any sentimentality about the Confederacy that some readers may have. I overdosed on that when I read Gone with the Wind as a teenager. I still love reading about the 18th century Jacobites, but lost causes in general don't have much appeal for me.
I made The Cotillion Brigade an exception because of the woman fighters. As a feminist, I wanted to know more about them. The Confederate female protagonist Nancy and the concept of her woman's army kept me reading even though it was always clear to me that she was on the wrong side. I sympathized with her on a human level. She was very well portrayed.
There wasn't as much focus on battles as I had expected. Character relationships were what was central to this book. It's a very unusual Civil War novel.
I also appreciated learning about these real historical personages. I was astonished to find out from the author's note that so many were genuinely historical.
March 15, 2021
A fascinating new novel about an aspect of the Civil War that few have written about, The Nancy Harts! In LaGrange, Georgia when the men rush to the defense of the Confederacy, a group of amazing women, led by Nancy Colquitt Hill Morgan, decide they are going to take up arms and defend their homes. This is their story.
Mr. Craney’s tome is a page turning, nonstop adventure. He weaves two dual storylines involving the Nancy Harts and Colonel Oscar Hugh LaGrange, a northern abolitionist and cavalry officer. Both have suffered unimaginable losses and their meeting has unexpected, life changing results!
If you love stories of the Civil War, you don’t want to miss this new novel about the amazing women!
Mr. Craney’s tome is a page turning, nonstop adventure. He weaves two dual storylines involving the Nancy Harts and Colonel Oscar Hugh LaGrange, a northern abolitionist and cavalry officer. Both have suffered unimaginable losses and their meeting has unexpected, life changing results!
If you love stories of the Civil War, you don’t want to miss this new novel about the amazing women!
October 6, 2021
I tried, really, I did. Despite all the 5 star reviews, I just couldn't get passed listening to 2-3 hours of these whining, saccharine, indulged young women. I am sure they were destined to be transformed into super heroines, but my fear of diabetes shut me down. I don't think I have ever written a review without completing the book. My apologies to the author and fans for my premature exit. Gritting my teeth, and facing emergency dental surgery I thought it best to look for easier past times. Perhaps, poking a stick in my eye?
March 24, 2021
For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com
The Cotillion Brigade: A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History by Glen Carney tells the story of the Nancy Hart Rifles from Georgia, Confederate and pro-slavery sympathizers, and Oscar Hugh La Grange, and colonel in the Union Army. Mr. Carney is a published author and journalist.
Nancy “Nannie” Colquitt Hill is a strong-minded young woman, living on a plantation in LaGrange, Georgia, awaiting her future in the antebellum society. The American Civil War, however, has halted her plans and Nancy forms a women’s militia to prepare for battle in case the Union attacks their small town.
Oscar Hugh LaGrange, preferred to be called by his middle name, from Wisconsin joins the Abolitionist cause, focusing on making sure that the new territory of Kansas joins the Union as a free state. Several years later, Hugh, now a Union Colonel, is a hardened soldier dueling Confederate generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest across Tennessee and Alabama.
I have read The Yanks Are Starving: A Novel of the Bonus Army by Mr. Carney previously, and enjoyed it very much. To be sure, I was already half sold when the opportunity came up to read The Cotillion Brigade: A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History.
I enjoyed this novel a lot more than I thought I would, which is always a nice surprised. The author goes to great lengths to build a coherent picture of life during that period, antebellum society, and soldering.
Glen Carney does not mince words when it comes the views of the Southern Confederate sympathizers about slavery. He does not sugarcoat their views, nor tries to justify them by today’s standards.
By the same token, the Nancy Hart Rifles and their motivation come through clear as daylight. He ladies were afraid of rumors, innuendos, and news of Union soldiers burning towns, and raping women. With the men away fighting to keep other humans enslaved, they took it upon themselves to protect the town, and their honor.
On the other hand, we get the story of Hugh LaGrange, the name ironically coincides with LaGrange, GA where the Nancy Hart Rifles reside. LaGrange, an abolitionist, joined the Union Army and worked his way to Colonel, eventually rising to the rank of brigadier general.
In this instance, Mr. Carney builds a narrative around how difficult soidiering was, and the Abolitionist cause. Col. LaGrange, commanding the Army of the Cumberland took part in many battles, and was even taken as a prisoner of war. After the Battle of West Point (in Georgia), he encountered the Nancy Harts.
During his time in the state, Col LaGrange also discovered his fondness of Georgia women, as his later marriages seem to suggest.
I was fascinated by the descriptions of the army at the time, the decisions made by LaGrange, his capabilities, and attitude. I understand that much of these narratives are fictional, but I found them gripping nonetheless.
This is a well written, well researched book about the American Civil War. I have not heard of the Nancy Harts Rifles before, and only read a bit about Col. LaGrange. If you enjoy reading stories which are often overlooked in a large historical narrative, this book will certainly fit the bill. The end of the book has some information, pictures included, of the historical characters mentioned in the story – which I found to be a wonderful addition.
The Cotillion Brigade: A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History by Glen Carney tells the story of the Nancy Hart Rifles from Georgia, Confederate and pro-slavery sympathizers, and Oscar Hugh La Grange, and colonel in the Union Army. Mr. Carney is a published author and journalist.
Nancy “Nannie” Colquitt Hill is a strong-minded young woman, living on a plantation in LaGrange, Georgia, awaiting her future in the antebellum society. The American Civil War, however, has halted her plans and Nancy forms a women’s militia to prepare for battle in case the Union attacks their small town.
Oscar Hugh LaGrange, preferred to be called by his middle name, from Wisconsin joins the Abolitionist cause, focusing on making sure that the new territory of Kansas joins the Union as a free state. Several years later, Hugh, now a Union Colonel, is a hardened soldier dueling Confederate generals Joseph Wheeler and Nathan Bedford Forrest across Tennessee and Alabama.
I have read The Yanks Are Starving: A Novel of the Bonus Army by Mr. Carney previously, and enjoyed it very much. To be sure, I was already half sold when the opportunity came up to read The Cotillion Brigade: A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History.
I enjoyed this novel a lot more than I thought I would, which is always a nice surprised. The author goes to great lengths to build a coherent picture of life during that period, antebellum society, and soldering.
Glen Carney does not mince words when it comes the views of the Southern Confederate sympathizers about slavery. He does not sugarcoat their views, nor tries to justify them by today’s standards.
By the same token, the Nancy Hart Rifles and their motivation come through clear as daylight. He ladies were afraid of rumors, innuendos, and news of Union soldiers burning towns, and raping women. With the men away fighting to keep other humans enslaved, they took it upon themselves to protect the town, and their honor.
On the other hand, we get the story of Hugh LaGrange, the name ironically coincides with LaGrange, GA where the Nancy Hart Rifles reside. LaGrange, an abolitionist, joined the Union Army and worked his way to Colonel, eventually rising to the rank of brigadier general.
In this instance, Mr. Carney builds a narrative around how difficult soidiering was, and the Abolitionist cause. Col. LaGrange, commanding the Army of the Cumberland took part in many battles, and was even taken as a prisoner of war. After the Battle of West Point (in Georgia), he encountered the Nancy Harts.
During his time in the state, Col LaGrange also discovered his fondness of Georgia women, as his later marriages seem to suggest.
I was fascinated by the descriptions of the army at the time, the decisions made by LaGrange, his capabilities, and attitude. I understand that much of these narratives are fictional, but I found them gripping nonetheless.
This is a well written, well researched book about the American Civil War. I have not heard of the Nancy Harts Rifles before, and only read a bit about Col. LaGrange. If you enjoy reading stories which are often overlooked in a large historical narrative, this book will certainly fit the bill. The end of the book has some information, pictures included, of the historical characters mentioned in the story – which I found to be a wonderful addition.
April 12, 2021
This novel is quite an achievement, and I so appreciated how much it taught me about the American Civil War, a subject about which I knew very little before.
The Cotillion Brigade tells a fictional version of the true story of the Nancy Hart Rifles of Georgia, begun by former debutante Nancy Colquitt Hill, who lived on a plantation. Her chapters alternate between those of Hugh LaGrange from Wisconsin, on the side of the Abolitionists; he and his men's aim is, initially, to make sure that the territory of Kansas remains a free state when it joins the union.
The novel is intricately researched, and the characters are clearly defined. I liked the way in which the author wrote the characters authentically, using (some of the) the dialogue they would have used at the time, rather than sugar-coat it too much, so as not to offend the sensitive ears of the 21st century. He has walked a successful middle line between the two possible extremes.
Nancy was an interesting character from the start; she dived into her new role with the same gusto and impulsiveness that she displayed when all she had to think about was her standing in society, and her love life. Hugh's side of the story contains all the gritty atmosphere you would expect, and I felt the author had really got into the heads of the people of the time.
My only complaint is the length - I think it could have been chopped down by 20% to gee up the momentum a little. The first third sets up the lives of Hugh and Nancy in great detail; I thought this, in particular, could have been edited down, though I did love Nancy's wrangles with her rival in love! As the story progresses into the war itself, and the conditions under which the army fought, the pace did ramp up somewhat.
At the end is a most fascinating author's note, telling what happened to the people after the end of the book - and, best of all, photographs of the characters within and some of the actual places mentioned. If you have a particular interest in the American Civil War, I would recommend buying this straight away! As it is, I'm interested in reading another of his books, either The Yanks are Starving (set in the Depression), or The Spider and The Stone set in 14th century Scotland.
The Cotillion Brigade tells a fictional version of the true story of the Nancy Hart Rifles of Georgia, begun by former debutante Nancy Colquitt Hill, who lived on a plantation. Her chapters alternate between those of Hugh LaGrange from Wisconsin, on the side of the Abolitionists; he and his men's aim is, initially, to make sure that the territory of Kansas remains a free state when it joins the union.
The novel is intricately researched, and the characters are clearly defined. I liked the way in which the author wrote the characters authentically, using (some of the) the dialogue they would have used at the time, rather than sugar-coat it too much, so as not to offend the sensitive ears of the 21st century. He has walked a successful middle line between the two possible extremes.
Nancy was an interesting character from the start; she dived into her new role with the same gusto and impulsiveness that she displayed when all she had to think about was her standing in society, and her love life. Hugh's side of the story contains all the gritty atmosphere you would expect, and I felt the author had really got into the heads of the people of the time.
My only complaint is the length - I think it could have been chopped down by 20% to gee up the momentum a little. The first third sets up the lives of Hugh and Nancy in great detail; I thought this, in particular, could have been edited down, though I did love Nancy's wrangles with her rival in love! As the story progresses into the war itself, and the conditions under which the army fought, the pace did ramp up somewhat.
At the end is a most fascinating author's note, telling what happened to the people after the end of the book - and, best of all, photographs of the characters within and some of the actual places mentioned. If you have a particular interest in the American Civil War, I would recommend buying this straight away! As it is, I'm interested in reading another of his books, either The Yanks are Starving (set in the Depression), or The Spider and The Stone set in 14th century Scotland.
May 13, 2021
When I started The Cotillion Brigade I thought it was a light fluff of a romance novel with Nancy Hart vying with her rival for a southern beau. But by the second chapter, I knew it would be a serious delve into the worst war of American history.
“You once said that I would crush an enemy, and you pitied my foe. Do you recall my reply? Although many years have passed, my answer is the same. I would ever shield and protect you. That I have done. Forgive all else. I am only a soldier.” –General Sherman in the Cotillion Brigade
The double story of Captain Nancy Hill Morgan, southern bell turned militia, and Colonel Hugh La Grange of the Union army captures the profound history of the civil war. Today, we tend to see only the winning side, but this war that tore our country apart was passionately fought between American citizens with families and homes and tradition to protect. Both sides lost family, jobs, homes. The fully realized characterization of Nancy and Hugh bring that story to life as no other I’ve read recently.
“Having not met a Yankee before this night, Nancy had never been posed such a strange question…”My grandmother was the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She would go from dawn to dusk stirring the meals over the pot while preaching the word of the Lord. Yet once a year, she retreated to her room and locked the door for days. We called it “Granna Colquitt Taking to her Bed Again…I came to understand she took to her bed because it was the only way she could exert her authority over a world that underestimated her.”
A vivid read for anyone interested to know more about the Civil War and especially the women who defended the south as Nancy Hart Rifles.
#TheCotillionBrigade #GlenCraney #HistoricalFiction #HFVBTBlogTours
--Rebecca Rosenberg, Champagne Widows 2021, www.rebecca-rosenberg.com
“You once said that I would crush an enemy, and you pitied my foe. Do you recall my reply? Although many years have passed, my answer is the same. I would ever shield and protect you. That I have done. Forgive all else. I am only a soldier.” –General Sherman in the Cotillion Brigade
The double story of Captain Nancy Hill Morgan, southern bell turned militia, and Colonel Hugh La Grange of the Union army captures the profound history of the civil war. Today, we tend to see only the winning side, but this war that tore our country apart was passionately fought between American citizens with families and homes and tradition to protect. Both sides lost family, jobs, homes. The fully realized characterization of Nancy and Hugh bring that story to life as no other I’ve read recently.
“Having not met a Yankee before this night, Nancy had never been posed such a strange question…”My grandmother was the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She would go from dawn to dusk stirring the meals over the pot while preaching the word of the Lord. Yet once a year, she retreated to her room and locked the door for days. We called it “Granna Colquitt Taking to her Bed Again…I came to understand she took to her bed because it was the only way she could exert her authority over a world that underestimated her.”
A vivid read for anyone interested to know more about the Civil War and especially the women who defended the south as Nancy Hart Rifles.
#TheCotillionBrigade #GlenCraney #HistoricalFiction #HFVBTBlogTours
--Rebecca Rosenberg, Champagne Widows 2021, www.rebecca-rosenberg.com
April 22, 2021
My Thoughts:
Several reasons why I love The Cotillion Brigade:
1. It is a history I’ve not heard of before.
2. It is not dual time periods. Bravo! The story is told in a linear or chronological form.
3. There is tension, internal and external conflicts, controversy, and extra-ordinary characters.
4. One of my favorite points about this story is the wonderful dialogue. I love the Southern phrases. I love the specific word usage by the different characters down to their humor and sarcasm. Several times I laughed out loud at the comic moments. The Cotillion Brigade is a serious story of war. In a serious story it is important to have moments when the reader can take a breath. Those comic moments are a benefit.
5. Through Nancy’s eyes I saw the destruction and devastation of the war on the people, the towns, and the land. It is especially moving during the part of the story where she tends the wounds of soldiers.
6. The story moves between the women involved in the Brigade and Colonel Hugh LaGrange. His parts in the story are mainly the events of the war. He is a Colonel in the Union Army. I am able to understand his experiences during the war. His decisions and feelings about the South.
7. The descriptions of the people, land, buildings, homes, and the aftermath of war is brought to life on page. I especially love reading about less significant things like the characters facial expressions and mannerisms.
8. The Cotillion Brigade has a solid ending. A satisfying ending. The devastation of the war on the land and people is a fact. I like characters to have a resolve of some kind. I like to see a transformation. I am pleased with the ending.
9. I can think of one point that is not something I cared about in the story. The beginning of the story is focused on the pre-Civil War years of Nancy Colquitt Hill and Hugh LaGrange. I do not care about house parties and clothing. I do not care about who has a bonnet set on a particular man. I did enjoy reading about LaGrange. These years gave me an idea of his beliefs and convictions.
10. The Cotillion Brigade is not a story with the aim/focus of telling about the injustices of slavery. The emphasis is on the Brigade, Nancy, and Hugh. The characters have opinions and during the telling of the story it is obvious their feelings.
Themes in the story: honor, courage, bravery, grief, compassion, injustice, perseverance, power of love, sacrifice, romance, loyalty, death and dying, survival, suffering, and heroism.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from the author. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Historical fiction readers of the Civil War era.
Several reasons why I love The Cotillion Brigade:
1. It is a history I’ve not heard of before.
2. It is not dual time periods. Bravo! The story is told in a linear or chronological form.
3. There is tension, internal and external conflicts, controversy, and extra-ordinary characters.
4. One of my favorite points about this story is the wonderful dialogue. I love the Southern phrases. I love the specific word usage by the different characters down to their humor and sarcasm. Several times I laughed out loud at the comic moments. The Cotillion Brigade is a serious story of war. In a serious story it is important to have moments when the reader can take a breath. Those comic moments are a benefit.
5. Through Nancy’s eyes I saw the destruction and devastation of the war on the people, the towns, and the land. It is especially moving during the part of the story where she tends the wounds of soldiers.
6. The story moves between the women involved in the Brigade and Colonel Hugh LaGrange. His parts in the story are mainly the events of the war. He is a Colonel in the Union Army. I am able to understand his experiences during the war. His decisions and feelings about the South.
7. The descriptions of the people, land, buildings, homes, and the aftermath of war is brought to life on page. I especially love reading about less significant things like the characters facial expressions and mannerisms.
8. The Cotillion Brigade has a solid ending. A satisfying ending. The devastation of the war on the land and people is a fact. I like characters to have a resolve of some kind. I like to see a transformation. I am pleased with the ending.
9. I can think of one point that is not something I cared about in the story. The beginning of the story is focused on the pre-Civil War years of Nancy Colquitt Hill and Hugh LaGrange. I do not care about house parties and clothing. I do not care about who has a bonnet set on a particular man. I did enjoy reading about LaGrange. These years gave me an idea of his beliefs and convictions.
10. The Cotillion Brigade is not a story with the aim/focus of telling about the injustices of slavery. The emphasis is on the Brigade, Nancy, and Hugh. The characters have opinions and during the telling of the story it is obvious their feelings.
Themes in the story: honor, courage, bravery, grief, compassion, injustice, perseverance, power of love, sacrifice, romance, loyalty, death and dying, survival, suffering, and heroism.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from the author. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Historical fiction readers of the Civil War era.
May 18, 2021
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
An amazing narrative of the Civil War and the convergence of two historical figures begin in May, 1856 with the introduction of sixteen year old Nancy (Nannie) Colquitt Hill of LaGrange, Georgia, and Hugh LaGrange of rural Wisconsin. A large portion of the book delves into the intimate early lives of the two.
The characters well developed, the novel progresses into the Civil War and gradually into the bloody underbelly of battles, barbaric hospitals, disease, starvation, and the indictment of impotent officers as well as the politicians pulling the puppet strings of the conflagration. In the meantime, Nannie has come to the realization that she must follow in the footsteps of a well known female militia leader of the Revolutionary war, Nancy Hart, and create her own band of 40 women who become the “Nancy Harts.”
As the story progresses to conclusion and the obvious confrontation by the Union forces behind Colonel LaGrange and Captain Nancy Hill Morgan, the tension ramps. Will his forces indeed be remembered for his armed conflict with a brigade of women?
The book includes pictures of these historic figures. The novel another savage view of the north and south told in almost Shakespearean quality prose, southern vernacular, and harsh reality.
Any reader of historical fiction, Civil War history, and the roles that strong women can wield will enjoy this novel. My only problem—the length. 4.5/5 stars
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and these are my unbiased opinions.
An amazing narrative of the Civil War and the convergence of two historical figures begin in May, 1856 with the introduction of sixteen year old Nancy (Nannie) Colquitt Hill of LaGrange, Georgia, and Hugh LaGrange of rural Wisconsin. A large portion of the book delves into the intimate early lives of the two.
The characters well developed, the novel progresses into the Civil War and gradually into the bloody underbelly of battles, barbaric hospitals, disease, starvation, and the indictment of impotent officers as well as the politicians pulling the puppet strings of the conflagration. In the meantime, Nannie has come to the realization that she must follow in the footsteps of a well known female militia leader of the Revolutionary war, Nancy Hart, and create her own band of 40 women who become the “Nancy Harts.”
As the story progresses to conclusion and the obvious confrontation by the Union forces behind Colonel LaGrange and Captain Nancy Hill Morgan, the tension ramps. Will his forces indeed be remembered for his armed conflict with a brigade of women?
The book includes pictures of these historic figures. The novel another savage view of the north and south told in almost Shakespearean quality prose, southern vernacular, and harsh reality.
Any reader of historical fiction, Civil War history, and the roles that strong women can wield will enjoy this novel. My only problem—the length. 4.5/5 stars
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and these are my unbiased opinions.
May 14, 2021
‘… Such feminine gallantry recalls the grand exploits of another Georgia heroine of glory past, Nancy Hart, the patriotic spy for General Washington’s colonial army, who outwitted a pack of armed Tories to defend her frontier cabin. We salute these modern Nancies of LaGrange and do hereby bestow upon their company the agnomen: The Nancy Hart Rifles.’
Sixteen-year-old Nancy “Nannie” Colquitt Hill has a bright and promising future. Her head is filled with romantic notions towards a certain lawyer - Jeremiah Brown Morgan. But Nannie’s rival, the beautiful Sallie Fanny Reid, has also set her sights on the handsome lawyer. War was the last thing on her mind.
Oscar Hugh LaGrange was a farmer, who, whilst labouring, spent some of his time quarrelling with his younger brother on the Bible’s definition of slavery. On one auspicious day, he meets Professor Edward Daniels. This acquaintance sets him on a path he could never have foreseen. Instead of arguing about slavery, he is determined to do something about it.
Based upon a true story, The Cotillion Brigade: A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History by Glen Craney tells the truly fascinating story about the female militia of LaGrange during the American Civil War.
Craney has presented his readers with a country that is divided. What is unusual about this novel is that we witness the conflict through the eyes of a woman. When the men go off to war, there is no one left to run the businesses and the plantations except for the women. Nannie, as young as she is, can see the danger that the war presents—LaGrange is a railway town, which comes with both benefits and detriment and, with no men to defend it, it is left to the women to take up arms and defend what is theirs. Nannie takes it upon herself to lead and teach the women drills. They must become a militia capable of protecting themselves and those dependent upon them. With the help of Dr. Augustus “Gus” Ware, one of the few men left behind due to ill health, Nannie readies her militia to defend their town against any Yankees that may come their way.
Nannie is an exceptionally strong woman, fuelled by a stubbornness and determination to prove Gus wrong at every turn. But she is also passionate and a fierce protector of her community. And despite their rivalry, Nannie depends on Gus to teach her how to lead, and how to fight. She uses the challenges that Gus throws her way to strengthen her forces. Nannie is not hindered by fear or inability, and seems able to achieve anything she puts her mind to, whether that be defending her town or playing matchmaker. I thought Nannie’s depiction was not only fabulously written but also one whose life has been throughly researched.
Hugh was a character that fascinated me. Hugh has no sympathy for the South, but he studies, in-depth, Joseph Wheeler’s handbook (Joseph was a cavalry general in the Confederate States Army). This handbook, written by the enemy, becomes something of a blueprint. Hugh uses the knowledge he now has to train his men. When Hugh meets Wheeler in battle, he has the advantage of knowing his opponent’s strategies, the way his mind works, but Wheeler always seems to be one step ahead. It turns into a battle of wills, more about beating the other than about winning the battle, although both harbour some respect, on a military level, for each other. Despite his reliance on Wheeler’s strategies, Hugh’s respect can only go so far and his continued losses make him determined to capture, or kill, his competitor, and I found myself thinking how war forced people to do things they would never normally consider—how does a farmer, or teacher, stoop to murder to solve his problems?
Hugh is a man of two sides. He is either a gentleman, offering aid to women and doing what he can to keep his men in one piece, or hell-bent on winning the war, and will stop at nothing to do so. He is not without help as he rises through the ranks, for his brother follows him to war and he makes friends among the other officers. Hugh’s determination, however, gives him an almost blinkered vision. When offered furlough, he refuses, preferring to stay with his men and fight the Rebs, then go home to his wife.
Both Hugh and Nannie are very similar leaders, each with their own manual to follow with which they used to train their troops, but as this novel progresses, their goals waver, change. Hugh focuses on Wheeler, and LaGrange became a hospital town. Nannie's militia spend their days treating the wounded rather than drilling and preparing for battle. Nevertheless, as the war progresses, and Hugh’s forces find themselves facing a town that bears his surname, with a female militia standing in their way, the pace of the story really picks up as if the drums were beating faster, urging you to turn those pages. I became immersed in the history, and the hours flew by as I lost myself in this spellbinding novel. Even after finishing this book I felt slightly bereft, wanting more.
The story is rich with detail, which will entrance you and, while you are distracted, circle around and cut off your escape, leaving you with no choice but to keep reading until there are no pages left to turn. Craney’s understanding of the historical period, including all of its controversy and acts of heroism, shines through in every sentence. It is fair to say that Craney has breathed life not only into the lungs of historical characters long dead but also into the era as well.
The Cotillion Brigade: A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History by Glen Craney is a novel of resistance, hope, loss and determination, to carry on and fight until the last breath leaves your body, to protect what you love and what you are passionate about. It is a book that once read, is impossible to forget.
I Highly Recommend
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
May 27, 2021
I have always been fascinated with historical fiction books that are based on the lives of real people. Yes, I am aware quite a few historical fiction books are like this, but just think of the amount of research that goes into these books! Therefore, when I realised that this book was based on the Nancy Harts, not that I had heard of them before, but they sounded interesting, I jumped to ask to read this book.
I must admit, for my History lessons at school, I am quickly learning that I did not cover many historical periods at all. Coming into this book, I did not know much about the Civil War at all, other than what I had learned when watching North and South, although I haven’t watched it for a long time and only really did so because I was in the Patrick Swayze phase of my late teens. That being said, it proves that you do not really need to know what is going on to understand this book. Everything is explained wonderfully!
I will tell you who the Nancy Harts were, considering it was their name that made me want to read this book. The Nancy Harts were a militia, consisting solely of the women left behind in the town of LaGrange when all the men went off to war. LaGrange was a railway town, which gave the Yankee’s a clear way in, practically a path to follow, and the Nancy Harts were determined to protect their town against Yankee invaders. Now, doesn’t a militia made up entirely of women sound wonderful? Imagine coming into a town, thinking you could pass right through, for all the men were away at war, and coming face to face with a bunch of angry women with guns, all trained to the same standard you are and prepared to fight and kill you to keep their town safe. If I had to face such a sight, I think I would turn around and go around the town instead. The Nancy Harts was set up by Nancy (surprise, surprise) and half of this book is focused on her, and her life as the Civil War started, and throughout the years it continued.
The other half of this book is that of Hugh LaGrange (yes, he has the same surname as Nancy’s town is called – some might call that a bad omen.) Hugh’s life changes drastically throughout this novel. He is a farmer, then a teacher, then a Private, ending up as a General. His experiences with women was very entertaining, for he doesn’t seem to have much luck with any of them. They either break his heart or trick him, and I am not sure which of these he took worse. Something I found interesting is that he taught his Calvary unit infantry fighting styles, which I thought would have been common sense – what if they fell off their horse?! I had been blissfully unaware that the fighting styles were different. Obviously, one has a horse and one doesn’t, but even the orders are different, and infantry had different ways of moving than Calvary does.
A lot of emphases is put on the different battles, and generals, that appear in this book. There are a lot of names that, if you know the era, would probably stick out to you, but to me, they were just characters. There was one name, James Buchanan, that popped out to me, and it wasn’t until I searched the name that I realised I wasn’t recognising the historical figure, but the character from Marvel, Bucky Barnes, The Winter Soldier. I had a bit of a giggle over that.
I absolutely loved reading about the battles, and Nancy’s formation of the Nancy Harts, and, although the chapters are very long, and it was difficult for me to sit down long enough to get through a chapter each time (children demand attention, time and someone to listen to them rabbit on about everything) this book thoroughly entranced me and I didn’t want to put it down.
* I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
I must admit, for my History lessons at school, I am quickly learning that I did not cover many historical periods at all. Coming into this book, I did not know much about the Civil War at all, other than what I had learned when watching North and South, although I haven’t watched it for a long time and only really did so because I was in the Patrick Swayze phase of my late teens. That being said, it proves that you do not really need to know what is going on to understand this book. Everything is explained wonderfully!
I will tell you who the Nancy Harts were, considering it was their name that made me want to read this book. The Nancy Harts were a militia, consisting solely of the women left behind in the town of LaGrange when all the men went off to war. LaGrange was a railway town, which gave the Yankee’s a clear way in, practically a path to follow, and the Nancy Harts were determined to protect their town against Yankee invaders. Now, doesn’t a militia made up entirely of women sound wonderful? Imagine coming into a town, thinking you could pass right through, for all the men were away at war, and coming face to face with a bunch of angry women with guns, all trained to the same standard you are and prepared to fight and kill you to keep their town safe. If I had to face such a sight, I think I would turn around and go around the town instead. The Nancy Harts was set up by Nancy (surprise, surprise) and half of this book is focused on her, and her life as the Civil War started, and throughout the years it continued.
The other half of this book is that of Hugh LaGrange (yes, he has the same surname as Nancy’s town is called – some might call that a bad omen.) Hugh’s life changes drastically throughout this novel. He is a farmer, then a teacher, then a Private, ending up as a General. His experiences with women was very entertaining, for he doesn’t seem to have much luck with any of them. They either break his heart or trick him, and I am not sure which of these he took worse. Something I found interesting is that he taught his Calvary unit infantry fighting styles, which I thought would have been common sense – what if they fell off their horse?! I had been blissfully unaware that the fighting styles were different. Obviously, one has a horse and one doesn’t, but even the orders are different, and infantry had different ways of moving than Calvary does.
A lot of emphases is put on the different battles, and generals, that appear in this book. There are a lot of names that, if you know the era, would probably stick out to you, but to me, they were just characters. There was one name, James Buchanan, that popped out to me, and it wasn’t until I searched the name that I realised I wasn’t recognising the historical figure, but the character from Marvel, Bucky Barnes, The Winter Soldier. I had a bit of a giggle over that.
I absolutely loved reading about the battles, and Nancy’s formation of the Nancy Harts, and, although the chapters are very long, and it was difficult for me to sit down long enough to get through a chapter each time (children demand attention, time and someone to listen to them rabbit on about everything) this book thoroughly entranced me and I didn’t want to put it down.
* I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
November 8, 2021
The Cotillion Brigade is a historical novel that sweeps you into the bloodiest conflict fought in the USA—the Civil War. The story is told from the perspectives of a Southern belle from LaGrange, Georgia, and a Union military officer directed to burn a stake deep into the heart of the Confederacy. The novel begins in 1856 when Nannie Colquitt Hill makes her debut in the antebellum society. She is not a demure belle but a single-minded, intelligent woman who defies Southern gentility by forming a women’s militia to defend her hometown. To the north, a farm boy, Hugh LaGrange, joins an Abolitionist crusade to ban slavery and later enlists in the First Wisconsin Cavalry to fight for the Union. Plunged into the maelstrom of brutal warfare, they finally meet in a climactic confrontation at the war’s end.
Author Glen Craney masterfully captures the essence of Nannie and Hugh through dialogue and multilayered scenes foreshadowing how the story will end. The narration alternates between the two characters, chapter by chapter, as the war approaches and then progresses into bloody battles. One of the aspects that I enjoyed most is how each character considers previous historical events to make decisions. As with most wars, Nannie and Hugh adamantly believe in their causes, but the realities of death and destruction ultimately challenge their humanity and forever change them. Yet, even in the darkest moments, moments of compassion rise above the cruelty of war. The story reflects the author’s impeccable research and passion for the subject.
The Cotillion Brigade will appeal to readers who enjoy reading poignant, character-driven Civil War stories that will resonate in their minds long after finishing them. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed this book for the Historical Novel Society, and the review is also posted in the Historical Newsletter HNR Issue 98 (November 2021).
Author Glen Craney masterfully captures the essence of Nannie and Hugh through dialogue and multilayered scenes foreshadowing how the story will end. The narration alternates between the two characters, chapter by chapter, as the war approaches and then progresses into bloody battles. One of the aspects that I enjoyed most is how each character considers previous historical events to make decisions. As with most wars, Nannie and Hugh adamantly believe in their causes, but the realities of death and destruction ultimately challenge their humanity and forever change them. Yet, even in the darkest moments, moments of compassion rise above the cruelty of war. The story reflects the author’s impeccable research and passion for the subject.
The Cotillion Brigade will appeal to readers who enjoy reading poignant, character-driven Civil War stories that will resonate in their minds long after finishing them. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed this book for the Historical Novel Society, and the review is also posted in the Historical Newsletter HNR Issue 98 (November 2021).
April 17, 2023
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Cotillion Brigade retells the real-life story of Nancy Colquitt Hill and Hugh LaGrange as they find themselves on opposing sides in the American Civil War.
The story begins with Nancy in Georgia, at the age of 16 in 1856, as she supports the Southern cause, justifies the slave trade, longs to marry handsome lawyer Brown Morgan and teases curmudgeonly doctor Gus Ware.
We then move to Wisconsin in the same year, as 17-year-old Hugh LaGrange debates with his younger brother whether the Bible allows for slavery, before being hoodwinked into aiding the Abolitionist cause. From then on, the chapters alternate between these two main characters, and the reader gets to see two very different perspectives on the same historical events.
While Nancy forges her own path, cleverly getting her way at every turn, poor Hugh makes not a single decision for himself, as he is press-ganged, duped, tricked and coerced into everything from politics to marriage and career.
Glen Craney gives the reader a very powerful lesson throughout the story, showing us that there can be good, honourable, hard-working people on both sides of even the most contentious issue – it is harder to have a wider perspective from within the narrow confines of our own life experiences and upbringing. These are lessons that can be applied to many current or everyday situations, reminding us that most people are not ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but just trying to make the best of things as they see them.
Entertaining and interesting, this historical novel tells us of the founding of a real-life women’s militia, ideal for those with an interest in the period/subject or to casual readers looking for a solid historical read.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The Cotillion Brigade retells the real-life story of Nancy Colquitt Hill and Hugh LaGrange as they find themselves on opposing sides in the American Civil War.
The story begins with Nancy in Georgia, at the age of 16 in 1856, as she supports the Southern cause, justifies the slave trade, longs to marry handsome lawyer Brown Morgan and teases curmudgeonly doctor Gus Ware.
We then move to Wisconsin in the same year, as 17-year-old Hugh LaGrange debates with his younger brother whether the Bible allows for slavery, before being hoodwinked into aiding the Abolitionist cause. From then on, the chapters alternate between these two main characters, and the reader gets to see two very different perspectives on the same historical events.
While Nancy forges her own path, cleverly getting her way at every turn, poor Hugh makes not a single decision for himself, as he is press-ganged, duped, tricked and coerced into everything from politics to marriage and career.
Glen Craney gives the reader a very powerful lesson throughout the story, showing us that there can be good, honourable, hard-working people on both sides of even the most contentious issue – it is harder to have a wider perspective from within the narrow confines of our own life experiences and upbringing. These are lessons that can be applied to many current or everyday situations, reminding us that most people are not ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but just trying to make the best of things as they see them.
Entertaining and interesting, this historical novel tells us of the founding of a real-life women’s militia, ideal for those with an interest in the period/subject or to casual readers looking for a solid historical read.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
April 11, 2021
I have been a fan of Craney's historical fiction, since reading his 2015 Fire and the Light. His research is always impeccably accurate, and my historical knowledge has been deepened about the particular period covered in each of his books. For me, the most enjoyable way to learn interesting and quirky historical facts, as well as getting reacquainted with major events and characters, is to read well-written historical fiction. The Cotillion Brigade does not disappoint.
The opening dialogue of the Confederate women is so chatty, feminine, and cattily gentile, had I not known otherwise, I would have assumed the author was a woman. Gone With The Wind is a fair comparison for the authenticity of the Southern Belles' conversations. But when the story shifts to Wisconsin, and the second protagonist is a farm boy, his roughness feels just as real.
The book's conceit of two heroes, Nancy, a loyal Confederate woman, who organizes the first all-female brigade for the Confederacy, and Hugh, farm-boy turned abolitionist turned aggressive Union officer, is a clever device to humanize both sides in the Civil War. It works well to keep the reader interested in both stories as the narrator shifts from one to the other, chapter by chapter, as the war approaches and then progresses on its bloody way.
Some "progressives" might question the propriety of featuring a Confederate woman in a book published in 2021. I did. But no matter one's personal politics, we should not forget that actual human beings, who were interesting and decent in other ways, were slaveholders. That sin does not bar revealing their humanity, as long as we don't shirk from also portraying the ugly reality of slavery. Craney does not shirk. And, spoiler alert, the Union wins the war.
The opening dialogue of the Confederate women is so chatty, feminine, and cattily gentile, had I not known otherwise, I would have assumed the author was a woman. Gone With The Wind is a fair comparison for the authenticity of the Southern Belles' conversations. But when the story shifts to Wisconsin, and the second protagonist is a farm boy, his roughness feels just as real.
The book's conceit of two heroes, Nancy, a loyal Confederate woman, who organizes the first all-female brigade for the Confederacy, and Hugh, farm-boy turned abolitionist turned aggressive Union officer, is a clever device to humanize both sides in the Civil War. It works well to keep the reader interested in both stories as the narrator shifts from one to the other, chapter by chapter, as the war approaches and then progresses on its bloody way.
Some "progressives" might question the propriety of featuring a Confederate woman in a book published in 2021. I did. But no matter one's personal politics, we should not forget that actual human beings, who were interesting and decent in other ways, were slaveholders. That sin does not bar revealing their humanity, as long as we don't shirk from also portraying the ugly reality of slavery. Craney does not shirk. And, spoiler alert, the Union wins the war.
May 25, 2021
I am not sure whether it was the cover or the blurb that made me agree to read this book, but it makes no difference either way, as I was certainly not disappointed! This book tells the story of the Nancy Harts (who were a female militia raised in the Southern United States during the American Civil War) and of Hugh LaGrange. It is a story of both the South and North in the lead up to and during the Civil War.
Nancy begins this story as a young woman, who is desperately trying to catch the eye of Brown Morgan before Sallie Fanny Reid does, but as the story progresses, she becomes a woman and a leader, wanting nothing more than to keep her town safe. The formation of the Nancy Harts may have started with a gun demonstration that led to the death of a cow, due to bad aim, but it grew into a militia capable of standing up to oncoming Yankee soldiers. They were able to hold their ground and keep their town safe.
Hugh was so incredibly interesting to read about. Hugh joins the army and, while he is often waylaid by mysterious women, who cause more harm than good, he is also very good at his job. Something I found fascinating was reading about his tactics as he ordered his men into battle, and the beautifully crafted fight scenes made it impossible to put the book down.
This was an enthralling read, and I loved that we didn’t just get one side of the war, but both, from the perspective of someone in amongst the fighting and someone on the sidelines, hoping that she didn’t lose anyone she loved. The fact that this was based on real people made it even more compelling, and I loved every minute of it.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
Nancy begins this story as a young woman, who is desperately trying to catch the eye of Brown Morgan before Sallie Fanny Reid does, but as the story progresses, she becomes a woman and a leader, wanting nothing more than to keep her town safe. The formation of the Nancy Harts may have started with a gun demonstration that led to the death of a cow, due to bad aim, but it grew into a militia capable of standing up to oncoming Yankee soldiers. They were able to hold their ground and keep their town safe.
Hugh was so incredibly interesting to read about. Hugh joins the army and, while he is often waylaid by mysterious women, who cause more harm than good, he is also very good at his job. Something I found fascinating was reading about his tactics as he ordered his men into battle, and the beautifully crafted fight scenes made it impossible to put the book down.
This was an enthralling read, and I loved that we didn’t just get one side of the war, but both, from the perspective of someone in amongst the fighting and someone on the sidelines, hoping that she didn’t lose anyone she loved. The fact that this was based on real people made it even more compelling, and I loved every minute of it.
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
May 28, 2021
I simply adore novels that depict strong women, even more so when the story is based on actual people. The Cotillion Brigade tells the story of a woman who broke all the rules of convention and propriety to ensure that her town would be in a position to defend itself from the Union Army. While all of the able men are fighting to preserve their beliefs in the Confederate Army, Nancy “Nannie” Colquitt Hill Morgan takes up arms and raises a female militia to defend their town and families.
I thought Nannie's story was well narrated and it certainly made for a very compelling read. It is hard to understand the mindset of those who owned slaves, but I could understand Nannie's determination to be in a position where they could defend themselves from the "enemy". After all, who knew what the Union's Army would do if they entered the town. And, although at times, I found Nannie's character rather irritating, I also found her story endlessly fascinating.
To give balance to this novel the author follows Oscar Hugh LaGrange. Hugh was a farmer who was given an opportunity to broaden his horizons. He soon becomes an abolitionist. When war breaks out he joins the Union Army and he excels at being a soldier, quickly rising through the ranks. Huge's character fascinated me as he was both light and darkness. I thought Hugh's character really drove this story forward.
All of the characters in this novel were incredibly realistic in the telling, and the author has certainly does his research when it comes to the historical backdrop. I thought this novel is a wonderful example of historical fiction at its very best.
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
I thought Nannie's story was well narrated and it certainly made for a very compelling read. It is hard to understand the mindset of those who owned slaves, but I could understand Nannie's determination to be in a position where they could defend themselves from the "enemy". After all, who knew what the Union's Army would do if they entered the town. And, although at times, I found Nannie's character rather irritating, I also found her story endlessly fascinating.
To give balance to this novel the author follows Oscar Hugh LaGrange. Hugh was a farmer who was given an opportunity to broaden his horizons. He soon becomes an abolitionist. When war breaks out he joins the Union Army and he excels at being a soldier, quickly rising through the ranks. Huge's character fascinated me as he was both light and darkness. I thought Hugh's character really drove this story forward.
All of the characters in this novel were incredibly realistic in the telling, and the author has certainly does his research when it comes to the historical backdrop. I thought this novel is a wonderful example of historical fiction at its very best.
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.
June 3, 2021
Two very different people caught up in a Civil War that would change American history forever.
Nannie is a spoilt young woman whose head is filled with dreams of marriage. Hugh is a farmer with an opinion. These two, unlike people, will be forced to cross paths and when they do... Shh! I am not going to give away any spoilers.
This novel is set before and during the American Civil War. It tells the story of how a town of Southern Belles took up arms to defend their home. It also tells the fascinating story of Hugh who was destined to become a Colonel of the Union Army. This book is all the more brilliant because it is based on a true story. It is a story about a terrible war, sacrifice, hope and a determination on both sides to fight for what they believed in.
I thought this book was brilliant from beginning to end. It is rich in history, rich in drama, and rich in narrative. I really enjoyed this book and I will certainly be looking out for more novels by this author.
*I received a copy of the book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
Nannie is a spoilt young woman whose head is filled with dreams of marriage. Hugh is a farmer with an opinion. These two, unlike people, will be forced to cross paths and when they do... Shh! I am not going to give away any spoilers.
This novel is set before and during the American Civil War. It tells the story of how a town of Southern Belles took up arms to defend their home. It also tells the fascinating story of Hugh who was destined to become a Colonel of the Union Army. This book is all the more brilliant because it is based on a true story. It is a story about a terrible war, sacrifice, hope and a determination on both sides to fight for what they believed in.
I thought this book was brilliant from beginning to end. It is rich in history, rich in drama, and rich in narrative. I really enjoyed this book and I will certainly be looking out for more novels by this author.
*I received a copy of the book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
May 10, 2023
Good story for true Civil War enthusiasts. Too detailed on military strategy for me. Did like some of the characters and their relationships though.
October 10, 2025
This was a good book especially if you like Civil War stories. Story was based on true events.
May 20, 2021
Good Historical Account of the Civil War
A little known account of a number of southern women who defended their homes. Interesting story of a northern officer as well. Nice to see stories about strong women.
A little known account of a number of southern women who defended their homes. Interesting story of a northern officer as well. Nice to see stories about strong women.
December 26, 2022
3.5 stars … based on true stories and characters told from two different POV’s. I really enjoyed the female POV and story line but the war scenes were long and numerous on the male side.
August 29, 2021
Update: The author of this book contacted me after I posted my initial review and asked me to send a list of errors. I just finished rereading it and will be emailing it shortly. I'm changing my review to 5 stars from 4, and I can definitely say that the story was just as good the second time I read it! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
I'm a huge fan of Civil War fiction (and nonfiction) and I was really excited to read this book. I enjoyed the story very much, and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the errors. Most were grammatical, like leaving a word out, but the big one was referring to a baby as "him" that had previously been known to be a girl. I think a good editor needs to check it over before the next publication. I would offer to do it for a corrected copy of my own as payment!
I'm a huge fan of Civil War fiction (and nonfiction) and I was really excited to read this book. I enjoyed the story very much, and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the errors. Most were grammatical, like leaving a word out, but the big one was referring to a baby as "him" that had previously been known to be a girl. I think a good editor needs to check it over before the next publication. I would offer to do it for a corrected copy of my own as payment!
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