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The Bregdan Chronicles #18
Journey to Joy: 1872
As the country continues to change and shift, everyone finds themselves on a Journey to Joy.
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
The discovery of a thief leads Anthony and Carrie down a road they never envisioned.
Annie creates a miracle for children with no hope.
Felicia goes on a journey that will challenge her beyond anything she could have imagined.
Rose and Moses are stretched to the limit as they come to a new awareness of just how far their country still has to go.
Elizabeth and Peter marry in Boston – welcoming everyone North during the springtime.
When everyone just wants a life of joy, they learn the lesson that it’s a journey they will be on for the rest of their lives.
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
The discovery of a thief leads Anthony and Carrie down a road they never envisioned.
Annie creates a miracle for children with no hope.
Felicia goes on a journey that will challenge her beyond anything she could have imagined.
Rose and Moses are stretched to the limit as they come to a new awareness of just how far their country still has to go.
Elizabeth and Peter marry in Boston – welcoming everyone North during the springtime.
When everyone just wants a life of joy, they learn the lesson that it’s a journey they will be on for the rest of their lives.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
515 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2021
707 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Dye
69 books383 followersHas previously published books under the pseudonym Virginia Gaffney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 30, 2021
The Brendan Chronicles series of books is probably my all time favorite
I have devoured each book. I put on my calendar the release dates of the upcoming sequels, as to not miss even a single day before I could resume reading them. I love history in general, but these books included actual additional people and detailed facts that most books ignore just to keep the number of pages lower. Historical fiction lovers generally don't choose the books they read for the number of pages. It's the love of history, fiction and learning about life from someone else's perspective. Ginny Dye does an excellent job ! Keep them coming.
I have devoured each book. I put on my calendar the release dates of the upcoming sequels, as to not miss even a single day before I could resume reading them. I love history in general, but these books included actual additional people and detailed facts that most books ignore just to keep the number of pages lower. Historical fiction lovers generally don't choose the books they read for the number of pages. It's the love of history, fiction and learning about life from someone else's perspective. Ginny Dye does an excellent job ! Keep them coming.
January 29, 2022
And a major five star review for the entire series. Best Series I have ever read!!!!! Initially, eighteen books seemed daunting. However, as the story evolved I couldn't read the next book fast enough. A lot of historical content I was not even remotely aware of mixed with characters you fall in love with.
September 6, 2021
I was a bit disappointed with this book. I’ve read this whole series. I love the characters, the history and the story line. This book seemed different and not as in depth as all the others. It seemed shorter to me as well. Still love this series, just a bit apprehensive about upcoming additions.
September 27, 2021
Another great story from Ginny Dye
I haven't read any of these books and not been completely satisfied and educated by the contents. They always leave me wanting to start the next one and trying to patiently wait for it to come out.
I haven't read any of these books and not been completely satisfied and educated by the contents. They always leave me wanting to start the next one and trying to patiently wait for it to come out.
May 15, 2023
3.5 stars. Enjoyed parts of this book such as those parts about suffrage, but overall this book seemed really sappy to me. It’s been awhile between this book and the last for me, but I may be getting tired of some of the characters
August 29, 2021
Very good but not her best. Needed more character development.
I found that this time Ginny was just a tad off her game. The book was good but not the "you can't put it down" great that the previous ones were. I'm hoping that the next one will be back up to her previous standards. I'm looking forward to it!
I found that this time Ginny was just a tad off her game. The book was good but not the "you can't put it down" great that the previous ones were. I'm hoping that the next one will be back up to her previous standards. I'm looking forward to it!
March 11, 2022
Did not enjoy this book and I’ve read the entire series. It was annoying that this book kept explaining what happened in the past. I already knew that so it was a waste of my time.
November 17, 2021
These strong women have faced so many obstacles! They continue to band together to help and support each other no matter what comes their way. Anthony found a thief who was stealing from the carriage and horses, but instead of charging him, he could see love was the answer. In the process, he gave him hope as well as his homeless friends who lived under the bridge in Richmond. The adoption of each child opened up so much for each of these children. Carrie was given the baby who matched her own baby she never got to hold, Bridget. A new son as well as a baby daughter helped their family to continue to grow. Through helping an a child who was given to one of the workers who was abused, they ended up helping the entire family. The anger of the husband was felt by all when he set the barn on fire. Through the destruction, a community barn raising resulted and a new much bigger barn was built with a tin roof! Felicity wasn't to be kept from telling her story either. She was able to inspire others even at 16! I love each of these characters and have loved following each of their stories as they have unfolded! I'm ready for the next one!
September 7, 2021
I do believe this is one of the best series that I have read ever! Not only does the series, but especially this book makes me want to help make positive changes in this world but I realize we need changes now more than ever! I love the part in the book when Felicia says “Fear goes for your weakest spot. It always begins in your mind”. You can choose to have fear rule your life or you can forge ahead and work through the fear. I think that I will try and adopt this as my mantra. I have always feared to try something new or different and do not seem to progress in my life. It will be hard to wait for the next book.
September 15, 2021
ANOTHER BOOK IN THE BREGDAN CHRONICLES YOU CANNOT PUT DOWN
When a friend first told me about this series of Ginny Dye books, I sort of thought I would pull up a sample in my Kindle App, read a few pages and tell my friend it was good, but just my cup of tea. Well, I was sure wrong. I didn't even finish the free sample I was reading. I stopped, immediately ordered the first book and it was on my Kindle in a few short minutes. The storylines are not only educational, but the characters come alive and now they feel like family. The only downside now, 18 books later, is that I have to wait for the next book to be released. Great job, Ginny. Patiently awaiting #19.
When a friend first told me about this series of Ginny Dye books, I sort of thought I would pull up a sample in my Kindle App, read a few pages and tell my friend it was good, but just my cup of tea. Well, I was sure wrong. I didn't even finish the free sample I was reading. I stopped, immediately ordered the first book and it was on my Kindle in a few short minutes. The storylines are not only educational, but the characters come alive and now they feel like family. The only downside now, 18 books later, is that I have to wait for the next book to be released. Great job, Ginny. Patiently awaiting #19.
July 17, 2022
✅ Journey to Joy: book 18 of The Bregdan Chronicles by Ginny Dye. I so needed to read about how I wish life could be with good people in a good community doing all they can to improve life and help others. This series in no way skims over the evils of the time, and of some people, highlighting things many may be unaware of… such as that there was slavery in the north and not just in the south, and how southern states twisted the Thirteenth Amendment to ‘legally’ reinstate a new form of slavery, ‘leased convict labor.’ Since this book takes place during Reconstruction, and the rise of the KKK, it does a lot to show the connection to many of today’s political issues and problems including the continued struggles of blacks, anti black sentiment, and the rise of those supporting white supremacy. However, this book also shows how some people can, and do, change their politics and ways of thinking, and live in a much more positive humanistic manner. Outside of the historical facts brought to light, the part I always enjoy best about these books in The Bregdan Chronicles series is the charitable humanness and willingness to change that some of the characters display.
I have enjoyed every one of the 18 books I have read in this series and highly recommend them! I look forward to continue readings this continuing series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have enjoyed every one of the 18 books I have read in this series and highly recommend them! I look forward to continue readings this continuing series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 20, 2022
(this review covers the series and not just this book).
I don't typically search out historical fiction, but I stumbled into this series and am very impressed. Ginny does an exceptional job of historical accuracy and illustrates less known events along the way. She creates characters that show us dynamic growth and demonstrate the different positions/thinking of many people of that time frame. The characters show us what it must have been like to live in the time frame of civil war and reconstruction.
It's interesting that what apparently started as an idea to write about the civil war has become a more panoramic effort to delve into reconstruction and its complexities. To put that in a dynamic context rather than the drab recording of events, is wonderful & helps the understanding. I hope she will continue to address reconstruction as her account is thus far the most helpful and descriptive effort I have ever seen. I believe her writing can help us to see how "reconstruction" never really resolved the conflict that led to war since we are still seeing much of it today.
I don't typically search out historical fiction, but I stumbled into this series and am very impressed. Ginny does an exceptional job of historical accuracy and illustrates less known events along the way. She creates characters that show us dynamic growth and demonstrate the different positions/thinking of many people of that time frame. The characters show us what it must have been like to live in the time frame of civil war and reconstruction.
It's interesting that what apparently started as an idea to write about the civil war has become a more panoramic effort to delve into reconstruction and its complexities. To put that in a dynamic context rather than the drab recording of events, is wonderful & helps the understanding. I hope she will continue to address reconstruction as her account is thus far the most helpful and descriptive effort I have ever seen. I believe her writing can help us to see how "reconstruction" never really resolved the conflict that led to war since we are still seeing much of it today.
March 27, 2023
This is book #18 in the Breghdan Chronicles series which covers the years before and after the Civil War. I have read all the books and suggest that they be read in order.
It is about the Cromwell family who have a plantation outside of Richmond, VA and the multitude of people who comprise their extended family.
The historical research done by the author is evident in all the details of plantation life for both the whites and enslaved blacks. The struggle for freedom by the slaves is authentically presented in narrative form but documented by history. The author does this throughout the series in writing about the war, Reconstruction, Emancipation, women's rights to.mention just a few of topics the characters face.
I really would like to see this made into a TV series.
It is about the Cromwell family who have a plantation outside of Richmond, VA and the multitude of people who comprise their extended family.
The historical research done by the author is evident in all the details of plantation life for both the whites and enslaved blacks. The struggle for freedom by the slaves is authentically presented in narrative form but documented by history. The author does this throughout the series in writing about the war, Reconstruction, Emancipation, women's rights to.mention just a few of topics the characters face.
I really would like to see this made into a TV series.
September 26, 2025
As the country continues to change and shift, everyone finds themselves on a Journey to Joy.
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
The discovery of a thief leads Anthony and Carrie down a road they never envisioned.
Annie creates a miracle for children with no hope.
Felicia goes on a journey that will challenge her beyond anything she could have imagined.
Rose and Moses are stretched to the limit as they come to a new awareness of just how far their country still has to go.
Elizabeth and Peter marry in Boston – welcoming everyone North during the springtime.
When everyone just wants a life of joy, they learn the lesson that it’s a journey they will be on for the rest of their lives.
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
The discovery of a thief leads Anthony and Carrie down a road they never envisioned.
Annie creates a miracle for children with no hope.
Felicia goes on a journey that will challenge her beyond anything she could have imagined.
Rose and Moses are stretched to the limit as they come to a new awareness of just how far their country still has to go.
Elizabeth and Peter marry in Boston – welcoming everyone North during the springtime.
When everyone just wants a life of joy, they learn the lesson that it’s a journey they will be on for the rest of their lives.
January 20, 2022
It had been so long since I read the last book in this series that I'd forgotten how enjoyable these books are! It's like revisiting family because I feel as if I know all of them, and there is always a history lesson thrown in. Ginny does her research well, and includes historical facts about each location that are not widely known, adding to the interest level.
In this book, Carrie and Anthony adopt two more children, and Felicia embarks on a speaking tour with Sojourner Truth, the reaction to which adds fuel to her determination to fight for the rights of women and black women in particular. As usual, a great read!
In this book, Carrie and Anthony adopt two more children, and Felicia embarks on a speaking tour with Sojourner Truth, the reaction to which adds fuel to her determination to fight for the rights of women and black women in particular. As usual, a great read!
May 17, 2022
Keeps you wanting more
I love this series, it's both enlightening and entertaining. Although based on history it sheds light on how things might have been for all people during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods. The most difficult thing, for me, is living in the South now and seeing some of the same prejudices in small ways even now. The ignorance and lack of education still pervasive in small towns is appalling to me. Many people both black and white remain "caught in the trap" of poor education and poverty which leads to lack of hope.
Ms. Dye brings through her writing the recipe of love, acceptance and education that is needed to heal all of us.
I love this series, it's both enlightening and entertaining. Although based on history it sheds light on how things might have been for all people during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods. The most difficult thing, for me, is living in the South now and seeing some of the same prejudices in small ways even now. The ignorance and lack of education still pervasive in small towns is appalling to me. Many people both black and white remain "caught in the trap" of poor education and poverty which leads to lack of hope.
Ms. Dye brings through her writing the recipe of love, acceptance and education that is needed to heal all of us.
December 6, 2025
A wonderful book that is filled with joy. Lots of children found to be living under a bridge in Richmond. Orphans who are their own community who take care of each other and steal food or things to sell for food so they all can survive. Discover what happens to all these children and how many hearts opened to bring them in their homes. This is still a time that the black race male and female are trying to make a difference for real freedom, because most whites are keeping them enslaved in different ways Discover how strong and courageous Felcia becomes when she goes on a speaking tour with Sojorner Truth. Very good read.
August 28, 2021
Joy
I chose this highest rating because this made me realize I can choose joy under any circumstance I might be facing. God gave me joy at the time I chose Jesus as my Saviour and it is thru His Grace I have joy. This book was do inspiring and I can't wait for the next one. Most books are forgotten with time but I remember each book and each bone has been special. I hope each one who has read these awesome books will get the word out so others can experience these stories of bravery and learn to appreciate the America we live in today.
I chose this highest rating because this made me realize I can choose joy under any circumstance I might be facing. God gave me joy at the time I chose Jesus as my Saviour and it is thru His Grace I have joy. This book was do inspiring and I can't wait for the next one. Most books are forgotten with time but I remember each book and each bone has been special. I hope each one who has read these awesome books will get the word out so others can experience these stories of bravery and learn to appreciate the America we live in today.
September 3, 2021
I'm soooo sorry I finished it!! Every book seems to be better than the last.
Just when I read a couple pages that seem repetitive from previous books, the next page getting into something new and intriguing that was made better because of the refresher pages. Ginny knows how to keep her readers on edge...and always desperate for the next book! ♥
I appreciate the way she brings in so much history of "current" happenings plus previous fascinating historic facts. And it's all done thru very natural questioning by children and adults asking questions. Keep up the great work Ginny Dye! ♥
Just when I read a couple pages that seem repetitive from previous books, the next page getting into something new and intriguing that was made better because of the refresher pages. Ginny knows how to keep her readers on edge...and always desperate for the next book! ♥
I appreciate the way she brings in so much history of "current" happenings plus previous fascinating historic facts. And it's all done thru very natural questioning by children and adults asking questions. Keep up the great work Ginny Dye! ♥
September 15, 2021
Always a interesting story and I seem to learn from each!!
Enjoying to learn something new in every book of Genny Dyes while I seem to get lost in each. She has done her research on so many things and I never had a clue that my Great Grandmother lived thru this time. She never told us what she had lived thru or what her life was like. I find the War was heart reaching and the knowledge that Carrie had and her ways she became a Doctor. The stories are very knowledgeable.
Enjoying to learn something new in every book of Genny Dyes while I seem to get lost in each. She has done her research on so many things and I never had a clue that my Great Grandmother lived thru this time. She never told us what she had lived thru or what her life was like. I find the War was heart reaching and the knowledge that Carrie had and her ways she became a Doctor. The stories are very knowledgeable.
Read
April 28, 2022P. 512-513, "My first mom I used to tell me that someday I would find joy. Have I found it? I've learned that joy is more of a journey. There are moments when my heart is full of so much joy that I can hardly stand it. I also know life has hard times. There will be days I feel sad. Days that I might suffer and cry. I've also learned, though, that life has very many joyful moments. Getting through the hard times sometimes feels like an impossible journey. As long as you keep moving forward though, you'll break free from the clouds and come back out into the sunshine of joy."
July 20, 2024
more than I expected
History is story telling. This is a great series and each story opens up into the next story. I wasn’t bored for a minute, through 18 books. I want to share this with many people but their minds have to be open to including new points of view, stepping forward mentally. Would that the real world we live in could be as gentle and thoughtful as these stories.
I am not interested in shaving them end; I’ve learned a lot about relationships and how to make them work out for the long run.
History is story telling. This is a great series and each story opens up into the next story. I wasn’t bored for a minute, through 18 books. I want to share this with many people but their minds have to be open to including new points of view, stepping forward mentally. Would that the real world we live in could be as gentle and thoughtful as these stories.
I am not interested in shaving them end; I’ve learned a lot about relationships and how to make them work out for the long run.
August 31, 2021
JOURNEY to JOY
I can hardly wait for the next book in this series. I can smell in love with the time period and I fully enjoy the history and how well it has been researched. I feel as though I know the characters in the book oersonally. Thiese books are master pieces and I can't wait for the next installment.
Thank you for enlightening me and realizing how we can empower each other.
I can hardly wait for the next book in this series. I can smell in love with the time period and I fully enjoy the history and how well it has been researched. I feel as though I know the characters in the book oersonally. Thiese books are master pieces and I can't wait for the next installment.
Thank you for enlightening me and realizing how we can empower each other.
September 15, 2021
Time after time one day may we learn
History seems to repeat itself, you can't erase the past, but we sure can and hope to learn from our mistakes. Nobody is an island what we do today does Impact our tomorrow's. Reading this series is like watching the news on TV. Same hate and Divide is still going on, Faith, religion, political party's, race. So many things being used to divide us. May we find our Journey to Joy some day very soon.
History seems to repeat itself, you can't erase the past, but we sure can and hope to learn from our mistakes. Nobody is an island what we do today does Impact our tomorrow's. Reading this series is like watching the news on TV. Same hate and Divide is still going on, Faith, religion, political party's, race. So many things being used to divide us. May we find our Journey to Joy some day very soon.
January 10, 2022
One a year
I love Ginny's books! They fill my heart with such joy & hope.
Over the series she has filled the story with so many interesting characters they quickly fill a book. The problem I have now is it seems you just really get reacquainted with your old friends & the book is over.
I love she puts out a book twice a year but I almost think I would prefer one long book a year instead.
I love Ginny's books! They fill my heart with such joy & hope.
Over the series she has filled the story with so many interesting characters they quickly fill a book. The problem I have now is it seems you just really get reacquainted with your old friends & the book is over.
I love she puts out a book twice a year but I almost think I would prefer one long book a year instead.
February 27, 2022
Another great read. As the saga continues,I am never disappointed as we watch each person grow up and embrace their future. I really loved it so much. With the add-on of Russell and baby Bridgett, and the other children living under the bridge was a new turn. I knew Carrie and the Family was never going to leave those children there. It was so exciting I could not stop reading. Thanks for another great book.
September 1, 2021
Journey to Joy was inspirational
I was thoroughly entertained and loved learning the history of the era. I was fascinated by both the characters and all the details that were so educational and fun to learn. I have read all 18 books and can hardly wait for book 19. I share them with my sister who enjoys them as much as I do.
I was thoroughly entertained and loved learning the history of the era. I was fascinated by both the characters and all the details that were so educational and fun to learn. I have read all 18 books and can hardly wait for book 19. I share them with my sister who enjoys them as much as I do.
September 3, 2021
I loved this new addition to the series.
Reading this book after waiting so long for it to come out was like coming home. I was immediately back on the plantation with Carrie and her family. Ginny Dye has introduced fascinating characters. What a delightful way to learn history.
Reading this book after waiting so long for it to come out was like coming home. I was immediately back on the plantation with Carrie and her family. Ginny Dye has introduced fascinating characters. What a delightful way to learn history.
September 6, 2021
It’s all about the children…
The stories about the orphans after the Civil War are so much like the orphan train stories. Ginny Dye continues to uncover and bring awareness of the realities of life after the Civil War. I love the life lessons she shares without being preachy.
Again, I hate for the book to end. But, I will eagerly await the next one ;-)
The stories about the orphans after the Civil War are so much like the orphan train stories. Ginny Dye continues to uncover and bring awareness of the realities of life after the Civil War. I love the life lessons she shares without being preachy.
Again, I hate for the book to end. But, I will eagerly await the next one ;-)
September 13, 2021
Each better than the last
Ginny Dye has such a marvelous way with words. They flow from her fingertips and one where our eyes can read them. And when you come to the end of a book you can hardly wait until the next one follows. All the characters come alive and she’s made them live in the history of our world. We learn history as we’re following our friends.
Ginny Dye has such a marvelous way with words. They flow from her fingertips and one where our eyes can read them. And when you come to the end of a book you can hardly wait until the next one follows. All the characters come alive and she’s made them live in the history of our world. We learn history as we’re following our friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews