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The Bregdan Chronicles #19
Courage to Stand: October 1872-January 1873
America continues the struggle to become a country for everyone…
Carrie and Janie face the challenge of a horse plague that sweeps through America.
Thomas, Anthony and Matthew go on an extraordinary adventure that reveals the truth to a stunned country.
Peter and Elizabeth are once again faced with their greatest fear.
Felicia begins to find her way after graduation.
Matthew is pulled once again into a violent event that changes America forever.
When everyone just wants a life of peace, they learn the lessons that will give them courage to stand in the midst of continued turmoil.
Carrie and Janie face the challenge of a horse plague that sweeps through America.
Thomas, Anthony and Matthew go on an extraordinary adventure that reveals the truth to a stunned country.
Peter and Elizabeth are once again faced with their greatest fear.
Felicia begins to find her way after graduation.
Matthew is pulled once again into a violent event that changes America forever.
When everyone just wants a life of peace, they learn the lessons that will give them courage to stand in the midst of continued turmoil.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
511 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2022
644 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Dye
69 books385 followersHas previously published books under the pseudonym Virginia Gaffney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 19, 2022
I still enjoy the story very much; however, none of the latest books can ever be as good at the first 5 in the series (IMHO), and I still look forward to each new installment. The rating is reflective of the poor editing in this book. I realize editing on these type of books is not perfect but the quality of the editing has been getting worse with each installment. It is too easy to tell that it is automated and not done by a real person. (Indications of this are words that are spelled correctly, but not the correct word for the sentence.)
September 6, 2023
I love this series it starts before the civil war and goes into the years of reconstruction.
The Brenden Principal and Series is centered around a young girl from a plantation not far from Richmond Virginia and how the war changed her life and all the people who have come into her life through the years. Though her family has money there are still many struggles through the years as they support the freedom of the slaves and their equality. Carrie is a very strong independent woman who fights for what she believes is right. Not just for herself but for all those around her.
The Brenden Principal and Series is centered around a young girl from a plantation not far from Richmond Virginia and how the war changed her life and all the people who have come into her life through the years. Though her family has money there are still many struggles through the years as they support the freedom of the slaves and their equality. Carrie is a very strong independent woman who fights for what she believes is right. Not just for herself but for all those around her.
November 25, 2022
Absolutely Wonderful Series!!
I have now read all 19 of The Bregdan Chronicles. Each one, as I finished it, has been given a 5 star rating. If there had been any higher rating, the Chronicles would have been given it. I have been fortunate to be an avid reader over my 80+ years, including many "series ", and can honestly say that I have never read ANYTHING as good as The Bregdan Chronicles. After reading the first volume, and I must say that I hesitated before doing so, as I have always avoided so-called Historical Romances, I held back on a written review. I knew that, if the succeeding volumes were as excellent as the first one, I would be repeating myself over and over. Thank you, Ginny Dye, for this series! Please keep The Chronicles moving forward, so we can continue to learn our country's history, as well as the won-
derful philosophy presented in such an interesting and exciting way.
I have now read all 19 of The Bregdan Chronicles. Each one, as I finished it, has been given a 5 star rating. If there had been any higher rating, the Chronicles would have been given it. I have been fortunate to be an avid reader over my 80+ years, including many "series ", and can honestly say that I have never read ANYTHING as good as The Bregdan Chronicles. After reading the first volume, and I must say that I hesitated before doing so, as I have always avoided so-called Historical Romances, I held back on a written review. I knew that, if the succeeding volumes were as excellent as the first one, I would be repeating myself over and over. Thank you, Ginny Dye, for this series! Please keep The Chronicles moving forward, so we can continue to learn our country's history, as well as the won-
derful philosophy presented in such an interesting and exciting way.
July 25, 2022
I learn something from each of the books in this series I have read! I thought I knew the time period after the Civil War but I did not realize the Reconstruction period was a difficult adjustment! In saying that I pick up phrases that resonate with my life. This book highlighted “ Courage doesn’t mean that you are never afraid. I think courage is the belief that something else is more important than the thing you are afraid of. It allows you to take action to do the thing you believe is most important”. This resonated with me as I have always been afraid of everything my entire life, i.e., trying something new, moving ahead and feeling life is scary. Perhaps, even at my age, I can try something that scares me! I love this series and look forward to each book! Thank you for writing this and opening readers’ eyes!
May 21, 2022
What a learning experience
I've now read all 19 Chronicles with a new awareness of a period of history I did not understand. It is dramatically similar to the tearing apart our country that we are experiencing now with white supremacy southern states political restrictions on equal rights voting and women 's health. I researched dates events and people and gained insights I sorely lacked with a revelation and connection to the characters portrayed. Its hard to convey to my friends why this series important now ..to stand with courage as these characters and abolitionist, suffrage and those before us so that we will not go backwards into history .A must read !
I've now read all 19 Chronicles with a new awareness of a period of history I did not understand. It is dramatically similar to the tearing apart our country that we are experiencing now with white supremacy southern states political restrictions on equal rights voting and women 's health. I researched dates events and people and gained insights I sorely lacked with a revelation and connection to the characters portrayed. Its hard to convey to my friends why this series important now ..to stand with courage as these characters and abolitionist, suffrage and those before us so that we will not go backwards into history .A must read !
May 2, 2022
This book is the most inspirational Bregdan Chronicles written so far. Probably the blossoming of one of my favorite daughters in the series makes it so. The family has grown even more since the last book, so it is marvelous to see how they all fit in. My only regret about the series is that Ginny Dye is only one great writer, not two or three. I would be kept reading until my end. Thank you so much Ginny for your continued writing. You were born to write these books.
August 2, 2023
I can't put them down
Reading has always been my primary entertainment. Historical novels are my favorite. When I first found the Bregdon Chronicles I was looking forward to enhancing my knowledge of the Civil War. From the time I read the first chapter I was
happily surprised at how well researched. The many characters are compelling and meticulously developed. I know my history fairly well, but there were so many occurrences that I had no idea about. The Bregdon Chronicles have become my favorite by being so well written. Ginny Dye has made it possible to learn about this horrible period in American history and still make it extremely entertaining. I would encourage anyone to read this series. Who knows, we might just learn a little something.
Reading has always been my primary entertainment. Historical novels are my favorite. When I first found the Bregdon Chronicles I was looking forward to enhancing my knowledge of the Civil War. From the time I read the first chapter I was
happily surprised at how well researched. The many characters are compelling and meticulously developed. I know my history fairly well, but there were so many occurrences that I had no idea about. The Bregdon Chronicles have become my favorite by being so well written. Ginny Dye has made it possible to learn about this horrible period in American history and still make it extremely entertaining. I would encourage anyone to read this series. Who knows, we might just learn a little something.
June 29, 2022
This is my favorite series -- but this was not my favorite book in the series. 1. There might have been too much history without enough interaction of the main characters with the historical events. 2. All of a sudden we were in Boston with minor characters experiencing a fire -- I kept thinking this wasn't a smooth transition -- why are these two getting all of these pages? 3. Not enough Carrie and Rose.
Once we got to Felicia's graduation and throughout the rest of the book, it became the story I wanted to read. These stories are always like dropping in and having a visit with good friends which is what the last quarter of the book was. Still, I'm looking forward to the next one!
Once we got to Felicia's graduation and throughout the rest of the book, it became the story I wanted to read. These stories are always like dropping in and having a visit with good friends which is what the last quarter of the book was. Still, I'm looking forward to the next one!
October 7, 2024
If you haven’t started reading this series I recommend it very highly. I’ve been getting caught up recently and started rereading with Courage Rising (#16). So much of this time of Reconstruction after the Civil War in our country feels similar to our current political times. Divisiveness and the struggles of poverty vs wealth…or the sharing in the bounty, the building of community. In this book Courage to Stand, we watch Felicia stand up to her future, balancing her goals and needs. Carrie is challenged as a doctor when she is asked for help from one of her enemies. This family pulls together to help each other stand for what is right, to build a better future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
Always learning with each book
I love this series. Each book tells its own story. Each book educates me more concerning the history of the country I call home.
They teach me not only of historical events, but the wonderful story of how the Cromwell, Wellington and Samuels families dealt with and learned from these events. How they strived to make our country a better place. This book in the series did not disappoint me, except for the fact I have finished it and now must await the next one.
I love this series. Each book tells its own story. Each book educates me more concerning the history of the country I call home.
They teach me not only of historical events, but the wonderful story of how the Cromwell, Wellington and Samuels families dealt with and learned from these events. How they strived to make our country a better place. This book in the series did not disappoint me, except for the fact I have finished it and now must await the next one.
September 23, 2022
Waiting for # 20
Just finished this last available book in this series, all of which I've read back to back. Totally enthralled with the women in the series, and more importantly the history it tells. The only time I left the series was to do more research on historical events and characters portrayed in this series. What an education. Sadly the issues of the past still remain today. Division, inequality, prejudice, to paraphrase the author: one must take on the promise of hope, and walk through the fear.
Just finished this last available book in this series, all of which I've read back to back. Totally enthralled with the women in the series, and more importantly the history it tells. The only time I left the series was to do more research on historical events and characters portrayed in this series. What an education. Sadly the issues of the past still remain today. Division, inequality, prejudice, to paraphrase the author: one must take on the promise of hope, and walk through the fear.
May 3, 2022
Always a Five star story
Courage to learn, courage remember, courage to be Yourself no matter what that may be.
I love learning the history that took place at this time in these
books. It's A journey to follow the lives of these brave Began Women as they age and grow to be women. And to follow the men who protect them and stand by them.
How much longer do I have to wait for the next episode? Much to long.
Courage to learn, courage remember, courage to be Yourself no matter what that may be.
I love learning the history that took place at this time in these
books. It's A journey to follow the lives of these brave Began Women as they age and grow to be women. And to follow the men who protect them and stand by them.
How much longer do I have to wait for the next episode? Much to long.
May 4, 2022
a must read
I recommend this series to anyone interested. This latest book is just as well written and enthralling as the others. One is captivated by the story. If felt as if I was welcomed home into this existence when I started this book. Love how she weaves important historical facts into the story, there is a touch of magical realism with Granite that just provides energy and hope to the circle of life.
I recommend this series to anyone interested. This latest book is just as well written and enthralling as the others. One is captivated by the story. If felt as if I was welcomed home into this existence when I started this book. Love how she weaves important historical facts into the story, there is a touch of magical realism with Granite that just provides energy and hope to the circle of life.
August 3, 2022
Another wonderful book
This was a very powerful book! You really feel like you are a silent observer of these families and you share in their happiness and challenges. I feel like I'm learning so many things about our history that you could never learn from a history class. It's a whole new level of learning. I've become obsessed with the whole 1800's and this whole series has opened up a whole new thirst for knowledge and appreciate how far we have come as a nation.
This was a very powerful book! You really feel like you are a silent observer of these families and you share in their happiness and challenges. I feel like I'm learning so many things about our history that you could never learn from a history class. It's a whole new level of learning. I've become obsessed with the whole 1800's and this whole series has opened up a whole new thirst for knowledge and appreciate how far we have come as a nation.
August 21, 2022
The courage to stand continues the wonderful story of a most wonderful family and friends. It highlights the wonderful Comwell family. I learned so much about the Civil war and many years there after. This book takes place about 8 years after war. This story is full of action and excitement. It will keep you turning the pages. Hard to put down. I am always ready for the next book. Simply love the continuing story. Never disappointed.
January 14, 2023
I was disappointed in this book. Tired of hearing the same stories from the characters' pasts - I found myself skimming through quite a bit while looking to see how much farther to the end. It felt like it was written in a rush both in content and editing. Quite a few typos which I personally find very distracting.
I'll try the next one when it comes out but if it is the same, that will be the end of the series for me.
I'll try the next one when it comes out but if it is the same, that will be the end of the series for me.
May 6, 2022
This series ranks among my favorites. I've just finished #18 & am feeling lost as to what to read next, since #19 won't be out for 6-7 months. I loved reading about the history of this time & the problems people from all sides were faced with & how they dealt with said problems. The closeness of family is heartwarming. I can hardly wait for the next book!
June 3, 2022
Gripping as always
This series of books are more than a fictional story. They place you the reader in a time of our history where turmoil and change were a constant.
Courage to. Stand takes the time to examine each characters growth and leads the reader to think about their own life when they had courage to stand.
This series of books are more than a fictional story. They place you the reader in a time of our history where turmoil and change were a constant.
Courage to. Stand takes the time to examine each characters growth and leads the reader to think about their own life when they had courage to stand.
June 5, 2022
I really love these series, however, this one, not too much. I always learn something from Ginny's books, I did learn about the whole diamond scam, which was really interesting. However, not too much about the Reconstruction. A little how the KKK is still showing their presence, but nothing dramatic. Maybe the time has come to finish the series.
July 6, 2022
The story line was awesome like always. I did not give it 5 stars because my Kindle version of the book had multiple spelling errors that were obvious. One of the worst was when Carrie looked at Minnie and it said it was her youngest daughter not her younger. The younger after Frances was speaking. There were more and I felt there were some bolded words that did not make any sense to be bold.
July 14, 2022
Exceptional Series
I love these characters who are now so familiar to me after 19 books of the series.
Ginny does her research well and the history within these pages has kept me interested while the well developed characters makes me feel like I'm visiting with old friends and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.
Thank you Ginny!
I love these characters who are now so familiar to me after 19 books of the series.
Ginny does her research well and the history within these pages has kept me interested while the well developed characters makes me feel like I'm visiting with old friends and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.
Thank you Ginny!
February 11, 2023
These books get worse and worse. I enjoyed the first five or so but the later ones not so much. This one is just blah. The writing is elementary and there are way too many typos. I enjoyed the few parts of the book that had a historical element but I’m not enjoying these characters like I did in the beginning.
July 7, 2023
I like this series, but this was not my favorite read. I felt like it was more of a place holder. With the exception of the horse epizootic, not much happened. The author had plenty of material - the diamond mine, the hurricane, the Boston fire, but most of it was just briefly mentioned. I don't know - this one wasn't the best.
November 2, 2023
Intriguing, eventful, and family inspiring
I love the fact that the way the Author writes of her characters in the book, they become your family too.
She brings in real history events, making one feel we are actually there experiencing the action.
Anyone who enjoys history would delight in this series.
I love the fact that the way the Author writes of her characters in the book, they become your family too.
She brings in real history events, making one feel we are actually there experiencing the action.
Anyone who enjoys history would delight in this series.
November 8, 2023
#19 Courage to Stand - A Winner
You would think one might tire after 19 books or the writer might lose some of her vigor and suspense. Not so with the Bregdan Chronicles! Each book is as touching, interest-filled and potent as the first! I love Ginny Dye’s life-challenging and life-changing series!
You would think one might tire after 19 books or the writer might lose some of her vigor and suspense. Not so with the Bregdan Chronicles! Each book is as touching, interest-filled and potent as the first! I love Ginny Dye’s life-challenging and life-changing series!
September 21, 2024
Courage to stand
Felicia continues on her personal journey of knowledge and discovery. Carrie continues on her journey of love. Rose continues to encourage and teach. And the circle of Bregdan Women continues to grow. Once again, I have enjoyed all the books and wait for each new one.
Felicia continues on her personal journey of knowledge and discovery. Carrie continues on her journey of love. Rose continues to encourage and teach. And the circle of Bregdan Women continues to grow. Once again, I have enjoyed all the books and wait for each new one.
October 1, 2024
Taking a stand
The equine influenza and the diamond fields happened. It took a fire for Boston to update the fire hydrant and water systems, it took a bridge collapsing for Pittsburgh to begin updating and maintaining the bridges. Politicians haven't changed in over 100 years. At least women now have the right to vote.
The equine influenza and the diamond fields happened. It took a fire for Boston to update the fire hydrant and water systems, it took a bridge collapsing for Pittsburgh to begin updating and maintaining the bridges. Politicians haven't changed in over 100 years. At least women now have the right to vote.
April 30, 2022
Courage To Stand
Love this series. If you are interested in history this series will make you think and want to learn more. Well written. I have every book and hope the series continues for a long time.
Love this series. If you are interested in history this series will make you think and want to learn more. Well written. I have every book and hope the series continues for a long time.
May 2, 2022
As always I liked this book. The story moves in with the characters I love. It is inspirational to have a book about good things happening to good people. People doing the right thing. Something that is needed in this time of hatred as division. It’s a nice respite.
May 4, 2022
I loved the book. Every one of her books have been a joy to read. I cannot wait for the next one.
I liked every part of this book. I love all of the books. I have read all 19 and wait, not very patiently, for the next one. Thank you Ginny, for The Bregdan Chronicles.
I liked every part of this book. I love all of the books. I have read all 19 and wait, not very patiently, for the next one. Thank you Ginny, for The Bregdan Chronicles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews