Return to Shirley Plantation is Volume One in a monumental Civil War series written by some of today's Best authors. A new story will be released every two weeks, so you won't have to wait long for the next installment. Carrie had the privilege of leading the pack with her marvelous story. Here's a little bit about it:
Abducted against his will, Matthew Scott is
conscripted into the Confederate army because of his Copperhead father’s
political leanings. After being injured at Malvern Hill, Matthew is taken by
the Union army to Shirley Plantation in Virginia where he is tended by
seamstress Angelina Rose, a freed slave. Although given an opportunity to leave
the South and start a new life for herself, Angelina remained for the sake of
her sister’s orphaned twins who are still enslaved. Will Matthew’s return to
Shirley Plantation settle a mystery concerning his father’s past? And help
Matthew find the family he longs for
Now for My Review:
This
short novella was a pure joy to read. I found
myself completely enamored with the story, the characters, the secrets
and mystery, the endearing love and the history! The author's exquisite
attention to historical detail will make this a delight for all
historical fiction readers. The romance will draw in those of us who are
die-hard romantics, and the suspense will keep the rest of you itching
to turn the page. All in all, a well written, fascinating look into life
on the Shirley Plantation in Virginia during one of the worst times our
country has experienced. Despite the horrors of war, you'll come away
feeling satisfied and hopeful and longing for more.
Now, How God brought about the publishing of Carrie's book!
Miraculous provision in our work
by Carrie Fancett Pagels
It really does seem like a miracle the way my debut novella
“Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance” came together! First of
all, I had been convicted by the Holy Spirit that I should withdraw one of my
three-book proposals, out on submission (in committee with one company) and
bring it back in and give the first story in the trilogy solely to one
publisher, who requires exclusivity when considering. So my agent and I did that and submitted a
new one-book proposal to the editor for that line. Literally within days I got
contacted by Murray Pura, on Facebook, asking if I had a Civil War story I
might want to include in an anthology he was pulling together. He had a dozen people on board for the
anthology and only a couple of spots left.
Because I had pulled back the three-book proposal, I had two “orphan”
book blurbs, one of which was, ta da, a Civil War story. But given that a big part of Murray’s Cry of
Freedom series was a focus on the various battles from 1863, I wasn’t sure if
my story would work. So I sent the blurb
to Murray.
Very quickly, he replied that he was interested. Because
I’ve had an ongoing relationship with the staff at Shirley Plantation, I was
aware of and had purchased an excellent book by Julian Charity that was
published last summer. I read the Civil
War section of the book and determined that my story would have to begin in
1862. I asked Murray and he said as long
as I finished it in 1863 we should be okay.
This was in Mid-February and he wanted the books to begin publishing in
early April. So we were looking at less
than six weeks away. Projects could
range from 7K or so to 25K—either short stories or novella-length preferred. I set out to do a short story based on my
blurb.
First I frantically called Julian Charity at Shirley
Plantation and begged, “Please, can I come out and see you and talk about the
family during the time the plantation was occupied as a field hospital?” He laughed—and agreed! So I drove the 75
minutes out there and Julian met with me. He and Randy Carter also gave me a
tour of the second and third floors of the house (I am a Shirley Plantation supporter
and this is a special perk that is allowed—something new they are doing, with
memberships at different levels.) Then Julian and I had lunch and chatted some
more about the Civil War at Shirley Plantation and in the area. By the time we were through I had an
excellent feel for what was going on there and felt very grounded in the
setting and time period.
On the way back I called Kathy Maher, who was also signed on
for the anthology. She gave me more
advice, some excellent stuff, and also agreed to be my critique partner (this
is another writer who checks your work and you swap chapters back and forth
with each other.) I have to say she was the easiest crit partner I’ve ever
worked with. We’d match each other and send the same amount of work and turn it
around in the same amount of agreed-upon time.
We also both decided to change from short stories to novella length
because we had too much story for a short.
Under six weeks from start of this project to publication of
my ebook on Amazon. A miracle. And I am
so grateful for the help God sent my way to make this possible. And I am glad for my obedience to His
prompting along the way!
How about you? How
have you been blessed by obeying God’s prompting? And has He given you a
miraculous blessing because of doing so?
GIVEAWAY: PDF copy of “Return Shirley Plantation: A Civil
War Romance” an Amazon bestseller in Hot New Civil War history! Also a copy of Julian Charity’s book “Courage
at Home and Abroad: A Military History of Shirley Plantation” and beautiful
notecards from this historic site.
And MaryLu is giving away a FREE Kindle copy of Carrie's book too!
Leave your comment below in answer to Carrie's question (with your email address) and I'll choose two winners next Friday!
Carrie has a Ph.D in School Psychology. But don't let her genius intimidate you! She's one of the sweetest, most generous people I know!
Bio – Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D.
Carrie Fancett Pagels (www.carriefancettpagels.com)
writes “romantic” historical fiction. Carrie’s
debut release “Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance”
is a best seller and part of a multi-author anthology headed
up by Murray Pura. Carrie is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary
Agency and is owner/administrator of two group blogs: “Colonial Quills” (http://colonialquills.blogspot.com)
and “Overcoming With God” (www.overcomingwithGod.com).
Carrie was a psychologist for twenty-five years. She is a contributor to a
nonfiction anthology God’s Provision in Tough Times by Cynthia Howerter and
La-Tan Murphy, releasing in June 2013 http://www.amazon.com/Provision-Cynthia-Howerter-La-Tan-Murphy/dp/1938499441/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358266747&sr=8-1&keywords=cynthia+howerter
Where you can find Carrie!!
Facebook Author Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carrie-Fancett-Pagels/317053071710640?fref=ts
Facebook Personal Page http://www.facebook.com/carriefancettpagels
Twitter https://twitter.com/cfpagels
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/carriefpagels/
Have a great weekend!
Carrie, you truly are one of the most gracious and approachable people I've ever worked with and been blessed to call friend. Thank you for those kind and generous words. The truth is you helped me far more than I helped you. Blessings on your many book launches! hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me today, ML, and thank you Kathy!!! You are so sweet! And ditto back to you!!!
ReplyDeleteAs Director of Shirley Plantation, Carrie Fancett Pagels offered me the privilege of reading the novella prior to its release and I could not put it down - captivating! I have no doubt, we will be seeing much more of Carrie's creative stores!
ReplyDeleteAbout 17 years ago God moved us to take care of my parents. We did as He directed and needless to say He has blessed us constantly ever since. He provided housing ( not just a house but a NEW house), jobs, our children, who are now grown, are all around us as their careers are blooming! All because we said "yes" to His direction! My folks are still here and we receive the blessing of a Godly heritage from them too!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great post!
ReplyDeleteAs for things that God has asked me to do, mainly it's just been to hold my tongue and pray for those around me, which has been very difficult :).
Thanks for hosting this giveaway! The novella sounds really good.
Callie
genuinegagirl(AT)gmail(dot)com
This sounds just wonderful! I am so enjoying the opportunity to get to know you a little, Carrie, even if it is through cyberspace..lol. Learning to do exactly what God wants us to do is so hard, but incredibly rewarding!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing of yourself. ♥
bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
JANET, so great to see you here!!! Thanks so much for your kind words! I love Shirley Plantation and you have become a friend--I hope a lifetime one. You are such a fascinating and gracious person! Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteCARRIE, I just love hearing how this all came about. Miracle is right! If I knew I had just 6 weeks to get this all done--I would have freaked out!
ReplyDeleteI have been blessed many times over for obeying God when asked to come on the blog (Overcoming With God) with you. I knew nothing about blogging, very little even about reviewing, but God has been with me every step of the way! I love it -- and you! And your novella! lol BTW my word verification below has my name in it! And my middle initial -- like this dianl. How strange is that?
"
ReplyDeleteHow about you? How have you been blessed by obeying God’s prompting? And has He given you a miraculous blessing because of doing so?"
Yes, by far, His path for me has led to pleasant places ~ Psalm 16:6 "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." Psalm 119:111 "Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart."
So true, indeed.
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
and our blessing? our youngest will be 27 on Monday!
CARRIE!!!! Welcome to MaryLu's blog! You already know how I feel about your story. I loved it, couldn't stop reading until the very last page!
ReplyDeleteYou are a sweet soul and you deserve to be published. Here's to many more publications in your future!
Yes, I followed God's prompting to mention to MaryLu that she should put together a devotional. She, in turn, asked me to help her put one together. We are in the process of getting it out to the public..a mixture of her devotions and mine! Praise be to God! Praying it blesses many souls.
Love ya, gal! Hugs and God bless!
I posted for Callie but it didn't take.
ReplyDeleteCALLIE, I love that name and my son is using it in a story right now! I do the girls' parts of course! I hope you will read and enjoy my story! Blessings!
JO, I love testimonies of overcoming!!! God is so good! Thanks for coming by!
ReplyDeleteBETTI, Great getting to know u better, too! Thanks for visiting with me here on ML's blog! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHi ladies!! So nice to see you here! Thanks for joining in the celebration of Miss Carrie's first novella!! I, for one, am so excited for her! It's a great story you won't want to miss.. so please share this post with your friends.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing the testimonies of how faithful God is! I have a similar story to Carries.. I heard God tell me to write a Christian Pirate novel some years back. I obeyed and it became my first published novel! How cool is that?
Love and hugs to you all!
DIANA, God has really been with you on OWG as you've increased your ministry. I have really enjoyed your reviews and you have been such an amazing angel to me. What would I do without you? Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteKATHLEEN,
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by and happy birthday to your "baby!" Blessings!
I love all of you as good friends, tho we have never met in person. You have helped me have very many smiles and even laughs. I think I was meant to be a good mother and a good friend. And to be an encourager when I have a chance. Besides that I don't know what else he might want me to do. He has blessed me with four children who all love the Lord are always helping me with my needs as I grow older and live closer. But they helped a lot even when I didn't live close. Also. I have been blessed to have many, many friends throughout my life. We have had so many accidents in my overall family that almost died, and we only had them longer by the grace of GOD. And, now my friend list has changed to even more friend, who are dear to my heart. God bless all. I would love to win the PDF copy. Thaanks, Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI think I would have passed out if given a 6 week period to finish. What a blessing for you to have this kind of support, Carrie! And I know you had a lot going on at the same time that wasn't writing-related!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the interview I heard on the online-radio program, and would love to win this book. I absolutely plan to read as many as I can. Looking forward to more civil war stories and writing from you Carrie (And Kathy!)
Thank you MaryLu!
Hey MaryLu and Carrie. Love how all this came together for you, Carrie. It's wonderful when we are lead and really know the direction God wants us to take. Kathy is an awesome crit partner. The best IMO. ;o) And Debra, you are so right. That was a great radio interview. Carrie did a great job.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, love your story of how "Return to Shirley Plantation" came about. Wow! Six weeks to write a story. That's pretty amazing.
ReplyDeleteThere have been many times when God has asked me to do something (and sometimes the prospect of what He asked me to do, scared me to death), and when I obeyed, He blessed me more than I could have imagined. Thanks for sharing your story.
I would love to read Return to Shirley Plantation!
bookwarp(at)gmail(dot)com
MAXIE!!!! You are an awesome encourager and I love seeing you here!! Big hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteDEB, EXACTLY--this was a GOD thing!!! Murray did say he could move me around. And Kathy was also willing to take a crack at being ready for April 1 but neither of us wanted to be April Fools, lol! Since my story started in 1862 and Murray gave me some leeway I felt led that mine was supposed to be first so I kept cracking at it and GOD provided--we serve an awesome God!
ReplyDeleteDL, Kathy was my best CPer so far and we have another project we will crit on again. Not my Christmas one nor my "problem child" MS but another novella we've committed to do. Thanks for coming by and thank u for ur kind words!! I LOVED the radio interview--so fun!!!
ReplyDeleteANGI, That is cool! I love your email addy name, btw! Thanks for coming by!
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview and I would love to read Return to Shirley Plantation.
ReplyDeleteYears ago we lived in a mobile home. One day my oldest son came home from visiting my mother and said the house next door was for sale. I knew that we really couldn't afford a house, but I prayed about it and felt the Lord leading me to go and see the house. Well I fell in love with it the minute I walked in the door. It had everything I wanted in a home. Long story short, He blessed us with the house and have been living here 15 years!
Blessings,Tina
tfrice@comcast.net
You're becoming quite famous!! congratulations! I've enjoyed reading all about you and your writing. I'm finding it hard to answer your question. God has always blessed me, but I KNOW God prompted me ALWAYS to stick with my late husband when he was going though some personal issues. And was I blessed - YES!! He was the best part of my life!
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
TINA, TY! So glad God blessed you! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSUSAN, you are so funny--famous is not on my list! Oh that is so bittersweet about your hubby. Hugs to you!!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS to CALLIE! You are the winner of my giveaway and I will email you. Many blessings and I hope you will enjoy!
ReplyDelete