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Shadowcreek Chronicles #1
Word of Honor
In the summer of 1862, the War Between the States raged through Northern Virginia. The powers of loyalty and survival draw Salina Hastings into the service of a network of civilian spies organized by her father, a Confederate captain and spy. With distinctive historical accuracy based on years of research both on and off site, skilled storyteller T. Elizabeth Renich brings to life the Civil War and a Confederate family's determined struggle for survival in the midst of this magnificent explosion of history. Set against crucial battles and raids and intriguing lesser- known aspects of the War between the States, the Shadowcreek Chronicles are relentless in their passion for history and story.
299 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1994
18 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
T. Elizabeth Renich
7 books30 followersT. Elizabeth Renich is the author of the Shadowcreek Chronicles, a series of four historical novels set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Ms. Renich’s research repeatedly brought her to the East Coast while digging for accurate historical background information for her novels. These research trips indirectly led to her decision to move from her native California to Charlotte, North Carolina, following a five-season stint (1992-1997) as Secretary to the Head Coach of the San Diego Chargers.
In addition to her interest in the Civil War, her favorite pastimes include reading, writing, photography, football, and horseback riding, the last of which resulted from her studies of the Southern cavalry. While writing, Ms. Renich often listens to movie soundtracks such as Last of the Mohicans, Gettysburg, and Braveheart; and music from Civil War period or traditional Scottish tunes. Although she inherited her love of books and reading from her father, the greatest influence on her writing career came from her Senior Composition teacher in high school.
The Shadowcreek Chronicles (Word of Honor, Matter of Trust, Not Without Courage, and Strength and Glory) are Ms. Renich’s first published effort. Future projects may eventually lead her into non-fiction writing.
One of her long-range goals is to visit all fifty states prior to her fiftieth birthday. She has traveled to Alaska and only has Hawaii and twelve other states left to go. Ms. Renich first visited Winchester in the summer of 1998, and since became enamored of the Lower Shenandoah Valley. She hopes to realize her dream of residing there some day. In the meantime, she enjoys conducting research in the Winchester environs, whenever she gets the chance.
In addition to her interest in the Civil War, her favorite pastimes include reading, writing, photography, football, and horseback riding, the last of which resulted from her studies of the Southern cavalry. While writing, Ms. Renich often listens to movie soundtracks such as Last of the Mohicans, Gettysburg, and Braveheart; and music from Civil War period or traditional Scottish tunes. Although she inherited her love of books and reading from her father, the greatest influence on her writing career came from her Senior Composition teacher in high school.
The Shadowcreek Chronicles (Word of Honor, Matter of Trust, Not Without Courage, and Strength and Glory) are Ms. Renich’s first published effort. Future projects may eventually lead her into non-fiction writing.
One of her long-range goals is to visit all fifty states prior to her fiftieth birthday. She has traveled to Alaska and only has Hawaii and twelve other states left to go. Ms. Renich first visited Winchester in the summer of 1998, and since became enamored of the Lower Shenandoah Valley. She hopes to realize her dream of residing there some day. In the meantime, she enjoys conducting research in the Winchester environs, whenever she gets the chance.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 11, 2016
This was slow going for me. In general it was the characters and writing style that I had the hardest time with. Most of the characters were childish and a little cheesy. Salina, only sixteen, sometimes acted way too old for her age and other times way too young.
The story itself wasn't a bad idea. I've always been fascinated with the Civil War (even though it bothers me how few fiction books are written with the North's POV). Personally there needed to be more showing then telling.
Toward the end I felt like I was enjoying it a little more. I started reading the second book, but didn't finish it. An okay book, but not the best or a favorite.
The story itself wasn't a bad idea. I've always been fascinated with the Civil War (even though it bothers me how few fiction books are written with the North's POV). Personally there needed to be more showing then telling.
Toward the end I felt like I was enjoying it a little more. I started reading the second book, but didn't finish it. An okay book, but not the best or a favorite.
September 21, 2023
A Great Read!!!
Learnt a lot i didn't know about the war between the union and confederates. Great storyline. Lots of suspense and intrigue. Ready to read the next one to see what happens next!
Learnt a lot i didn't know about the war between the union and confederates. Great storyline. Lots of suspense and intrigue. Ready to read the next one to see what happens next!
June 29, 2025
Civil War Story
Jeremy and Salina helped Salina's father fight against the Union soldiers.
There was so much turmoil and suspense involved in their missions. It was very difficult to know who one could trust.
Salina was a brave young woman.
Jeremy and Salina helped Salina's father fight against the Union soldiers.
There was so much turmoil and suspense involved in their missions. It was very difficult to know who one could trust.
Salina was a brave young woman.
January 7, 2018
5 stars
June 17, 2025
I need to find the rest of the books in this series- I'm invested!
March 18, 2009
Living in Virginia, I have been drawn to books about the Civil War. This was a gift, and exactly what I was looking for. From the perspective of a Virginian family strongly passionate about the Cause of the Rebels, the reader can open their minds to the reasons people fought for the South. Through the main character, Salina, we learn the complexity of the war and the true character of the southern families. What people sometimes fail to understand is that the South was fighting for something more than slavery, and they were very passionate in their faith in God. The constant references to the King James Version of the Bible, and her strong reliance on prayer gave insight to depth of a faith based people doing what they believed to be right. I love my country, and I am glad that we are still the United States of America, but this book opened my mind more to realities of the complexity of the war. Plus, it was a complete chick book... lots of good clean romance, and yes a bit cliche, but still fun! On to the next book in the series.
If I were rating the actual writing of the book, then I'd give it less stars, but for the story and research that went in to putting such a book together, it was a winner for me. I was informed, I was entertained(granted, I was stuck in an airport for hours, so that made it a real easy read)!
If I were rating the actual writing of the book, then I'd give it less stars, but for the story and research that went in to putting such a book together, it was a winner for me. I was informed, I was entertained(granted, I was stuck in an airport for hours, so that made it a real easy read)!
August 29, 2010
This book is a great historical read. It is based during the Civil War. In short, this girl, Salina, ends up becoming a spy for the Union to help out her father who is also a spy & wanted by the Confederates. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes history (especially the Civil War Era) & whoever likes touches of suspense & slight mystery!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 24, 2012I met T. Elizabeth Renich at a Local Authors Book Signing event in Purcellville, VA. I like historical fiction, but to be honest I think I bought the book because I liked the author - not really expecting much. Wow was I in for a treat. It is very well written, the plot kept me on the edge - a page turner! I highly recommend it - and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 30, 2008
Definitely my all time favorite book!!!! And I love the name of the main character...Salena! It's during the Civil War and I love the romance in it...Salina is only 16 i think. I haven't read this book in a couple years but I read it like 15 times!!!! lol I LOVE IT!
November 30, 2008
I liked seeing the Civil War from the perspective of a passionately Confederate family...not a hard book to read at all. The only reason why I don't really, REALLY like this book is because of the melodrama...situations seemed a bit cheesy/cliche at times.
March 17, 2015
I loved this book. It was very well put together, and the way that Miss Renich wove it into the civil war was very well done! It is very accurate and goes by the war, all in all it is a very good read!
August 27, 2008
This book was so great. It had the perfect amount of action, life lessons & romance. With out being over powering.
March 22, 2010
I loved this book! Packed with adventure.And some love.I absolutely loved it!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews