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Oaklayne: A Civil War Saga
The year is 1860. Conflict threatens to dissolve the country in bitter strife if North and South cannot peacefully settle their differences. The calm serenity of life at Oaklayne Plantation near Richmond, VA is suddenly replaced with passionate friction between family members, as each person struggles through perilous situations encountered by each of them during a very difficult time in our nation's history. Colonel Adam Layne is devastated but remains strong in his loyalty to the Union, despite being banished from the plantation by his father and deserted by his fianc�e. The balance of his family stands strong with their father's Southern allegiance. Oaklayne, a Civil War Saga is a historically accurate portrayal of a man struggling to serve both his family and his nation in a time when those things are in conflict. The sequel to this book entitled "Oaklayne, The Reconstruction" is now available for purchase in print or in Kindle version! Check out the website: www.oaklayne.com
- GenresHistorical Fiction
385 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2010
360 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 18, 2020
So long and boring. The author took "saga" to heart but failed to make it interesting enough for 50 chapters.
Adam is a military man. Since his wife's death, his son has been living with his parents at their Virginian plantation. He wishes for a wife so his son can live with him once again. But the war is dividing more than just the States; families are being torn apart as well.
The book starts a couple years before the war and spends way too much time with his siblings getting married. I read til about 36% and then couldn't do anymore.
The author seems to have done lots of research but, unfortunately, relays the information in a paragraph of facts. It couldn't capture my interest - and I gladly read non-fiction civil war books....
I really can't recommend this book.
Adam is a military man. Since his wife's death, his son has been living with his parents at their Virginian plantation. He wishes for a wife so his son can live with him once again. But the war is dividing more than just the States; families are being torn apart as well.
The book starts a couple years before the war and spends way too much time with his siblings getting married. I read til about 36% and then couldn't do anymore.
The author seems to have done lots of research but, unfortunately, relays the information in a paragraph of facts. It couldn't capture my interest - and I gladly read non-fiction civil war books....
I really can't recommend this book.
December 12, 2017
Loved this Civil War story.It follows a family through the Civil War
It grabbed me pulled me in and did not let me go. I read this book in record time.. Once I started reading I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. I thought this was a very realistic story about a family and the difficulty of keeping in touch with each other with the turmoil of a war going on in all of their lives, not mention the jobs they covered as well..
It grabbed me pulled me in and did not let me go. I read this book in record time.. Once I started reading I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. I thought this was a very realistic story about a family and the difficulty of keeping in touch with each other with the turmoil of a war going on in all of their lives, not mention the jobs they covered as well..
July 26, 2021
Well written historical story with characters who are going through the rough time of all that happened in the South during the War. Really glad I found this as not only is it my favorite kind of read, but also, I really enjoyed how this story enter twines between so many people and the realism of what happened to not only the wealthy but also the slavery. I will be reading the next as well.
February 5, 2018
The horrors of war
I enjoyed this book very much. This is the sadest time of our history. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.
I enjoyed this book very much. This is the sadest time of our history. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.
July 17, 2019
Enjoyable
A good simple read set in the heart of action during the Civil War. A great selection for a beach or vacation read.
A good simple read set in the heart of action during the Civil War. A great selection for a beach or vacation read.
May 4, 2020
The tragedy of thd Civil War
Good book. similar to the saga of the civil war by ginny dye. not enough detail. so much left out.
Good book. similar to the saga of the civil war by ginny dye. not enough detail. so much left out.
November 21, 2021
Oaklayne, A Civil War Saga
Excellent story content! Even though the battle was going on history was explained in detail! The key actors brought the story to life. Very informative!
Excellent story content! Even though the battle was going on history was explained in detail! The key actors brought the story to life. Very informative!
January 3, 2023
A great story
Such a wonderful story. If we could love others like God loves us our world would be a better place.
Such a wonderful story. If we could love others like God loves us our world would be a better place.
July 4, 2025
Oaklayne, a Civil War Sage
Absolutely love this book. One of the best I've read in a long time. Cannot wait for the next book.
Absolutely love this book. One of the best I've read in a long time. Cannot wait for the next book.
July 25, 2016
Another great civil war story
I've read many excellent civil war stories and this one was right up there with them. I would have given it five stars, however there were several mistakes which could have been corrected given a little more time spent to proofreading. I also thought more time could have been spent writing more detail explaining how the characters died. You start feeling like you know them, then abruptly they die. More care and thought could have been written. Other than that, I loved it, and will most certainly read the sequel. Bravo to Maurine R McCullah! Hope she has a long success in bringing us readers many novels to come.
I've read many excellent civil war stories and this one was right up there with them. I would have given it five stars, however there were several mistakes which could have been corrected given a little more time spent to proofreading. I also thought more time could have been spent writing more detail explaining how the characters died. You start feeling like you know them, then abruptly they die. More care and thought could have been written. Other than that, I loved it, and will most certainly read the sequel. Bravo to Maurine R McCullah! Hope she has a long success in bringing us readers many novels to come.
June 27, 2016
Outstanding narration of the. American civil war
This book brought to life the southern Layne family living in a beautiful plantation near Richmond, Virginia. It tells of a family torn apart by different loyalties during the war, and how the war came close to destroying an entire family.
This book brought to life the southern Layne family living in a beautiful plantation near Richmond, Virginia. It tells of a family torn apart by different loyalties during the war, and how the war came close to destroying an entire family.
October 27, 2011
Oaklayne was an enjoyable read. I like how the story weaved historical facts around a very interesting story. It was a really quick read --
This book showed the division between families over the war. It also illustrated the impact on the south during the war.
This book showed the division between families over the war. It also illustrated the impact on the south during the war.
August 17, 2013
This was a very entertaining way to learn history. The author did a superb job of creating believable characters who struggle to live during a most difficult time. I am anxious to read the sequel, Oaklayne, The Reconstuction.
May 13, 2023
Loved it! This was a very entertaining way to learn history. The author did a superb job of creating believable characters who struggle to live during a most difficult time. I also read the sequel, "Oaklayne, The Reconstuction". I think I liked it even better than the first book of the series.
June 16, 2016
Excellent Reading
We didn't realize what the Civil War took from people at that time. What a sad time in our history. If only our citizens now would gather together and enjoy life here in the USA.
We didn't realize what the Civil War took from people at that time. What a sad time in our history. If only our citizens now would gather together and enjoy life here in the USA.
August 10, 2016
Couldn't put it down
I love Civil Wars novels and this one was a great read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I love Civil Wars novels and this one was a great read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 1, 2019
Courage and Raw Faith
Sometimes they are no words for goodness in our vocabulary.Family's ties, are the foundation is which we live share love and.memories .Great 👍 Novel
Sometimes they are no words for goodness in our vocabulary.Family's ties, are the foundation is which we live share love and.memories .Great 👍 Novel
June 16, 2015
A great storyline that will have you coming back for more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews