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Rating: 
Summary: The Characters Make This Story Even Better
Review: Caroline Fletcher was brought up in a family and a state that believed slavery was a biblically-tolerant designation. In her world, the slaves were more like members of her family. She loved them unconditionally and received that same type of love in return. In some instances, they were more like kin to her than her own parents. Caroline's world was shattered, however, when one morning her best friend, the son of her mammy, was dragged away kicking and screaming to the slave auction as his mother and the others watched in helpless abandon. Following this horrible experience, Caroline was forced to re-examine everything she had previously taken for granted. What she saw, especially upon visiting "slave row" on her aunt and uncle's estate, was beyond her imagining. Unable to ignore what she now viewed as a deplorable existence, Caroline found herself becoming a firm believer of the abolitionist movement. Through years of personal turmoil and a raging war between the states, she was able to always keep hold of her faith and let God guide her way thanks to the wise words of her good friend and confidante, Eli...It's not our will be done, it's Thy will be done.
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Summary: An excellent historical novel.
Review: Caroline Fletcher was twelve years old on the day in 1853 when she realized just how different she was from everyone else. She had grown up feeling like the slaves were part of her family. She loved her "mammy," Tessie, and spent her days playing with Tessie's son, Grady, who was like a little brother to Caroline. But when her father sells Grady, Caroline realizes her views on slavery are not the same as those shared by the rest of Virginia. The time she spends in Philadelphia with relatives after the death of her mother only cements her views that slavery is a moral wrong that must be ended. But returning to Richmond, she realizes that will be a lot harder than she imagined. Against her own will, Caroline finds herself falling in love with Charles St. John, the son of a wealthy Richmond businessman and a defender of slavery. Caroline and Charles become engaged to be married, but the Civil War breaks out just three months before they were to be married. Charles goes off to fight for the Confederacy, even though Caroline begins him not to. When her father leaves as well, Caroline finds herself alone in Richmond and torn in two. She struggles with her conflicting loyalties to her home and family, and to the cause she so strongly believes.
This was an excellent historical novel. Caroline was a wonderful and very human character who came alive through her first-person narrative. Her struggles felt very real to me. The author brought to life Virginia just before and during the Civil War very well. Although this book was very long, I never lost interest in it. My one complaint is that the final thirty pages were told in a third-person point of view. I would have liked the whole book to be narrated by Caroline; it felt odd after four hundred pages for the viewpoint to change. However, it doesn't really take away from the book that much; overall, I still loved it. I highly recommend this novel to adults and older teens who enjoy historical fiction about the Civil War.
Rating: 
Summary: Fighting for Freedom
Review: Caroline, the daughter of slave owners grows to love the slaves. She often turns to them for advice, especially Eli who gently guides her with godly wisdom. He gives her such good direction that I was tempted to highlight his advice to turn back to in my times of trouble. Caroline is torn between her love for her home state of Virginia, her love for her father and relatives, her love for her fiance - who believe it is right to own black slaves - and the abolition of slavery. She is asked by a good friend to become involved in "things" that could have her arrested and hanged. Find out whether she concedes to this, follows what she knows is right or what she believes in. Will she risk her life or the lives of those she loves? Whatever she decides, someone will pay the consequences. I rate this book less than a 5 because of its lack of excitement, however, its subject content was beautiful. If you are interested in historical fiction and the civil war, pick this one up.
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Summary: Still loved the book despite some of the issues with it.
Review: I actually had a hard time putting this book down, and it was a really well written book.....very reminiscent of Gone With the Wind - some scenes especially - I loved the book and am glad I read it, but there was a nagging thought in my head that, yes, in retrospect, it WAS God's will for the North to win, and for slavery to be abolished since that IS what happened. But it bothered me that is seemed God approved of Caroline's obvious betrayal of her government and her family when God's word says to obey governing authorities, and I wondered if this could send a wrong message about being faithful. As a Southerner I was a little bothered by her betrayal of the South, too. But the story is well-told, and probably parallels the truth of someone's life back then, even though this is a fictional account, and it did give me a different perspective of the civil war and the realities of the day. I could not put this book down once I started it.
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Summary: A wonderful book that will touch your heart!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I am now in the process of reading this book for the second time, and it is just as good as it was the first time. I find it hard to put it down. I've always been facinated with reading fiction about the Civil War and this was definitely one of the best!
Rating:
Summary: A magnificent story from an extremely talented author
Review: I can't even remember the last book that brought tears to my eyes, but this book didn't just make me misty-eyed...it made me weep! It is so full of beauty, truth, and wisdom. I can't imagine anyone, young or old, male or female, whatever religious beliefs or background, not loving this inspiring tale. Austin weaves incredibly real characters together with history, creating a story that has meaning even in our modern, every day life. A true "must read!"
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Summary: I learned a lot about my self and those around me...
Review: I really enjoy Christian fiction books and I always have a hard time choosing the right one. For some reason this book really stood out at the book store and I bought it without realizing what the book was fully about. It is such a strong book about going after what you truly believe in and standing up for what is right! After I finished it I wanted to read more and more about Caroline and I also found myself researching more about the Civil War. It is a hard book to put down! One of my good friends borrowed it & fell in love with it immediately! :0)
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Summary: Excellent story about following your convictions!
Review: I was very impressed with the entire story! I thought the characters were fantastic. The spiritual insight given to Eli, particularly, was deep and inspiring. It shows Lynn Austin's understanding of how God works in and through all circumstances, both good and bad. Although it is a work of fiction, it seemed as if it could well have been a true story. I was even challenged in my own trust in God as I read about Caroline's courage to follow her convictions no matter the cost and surrendering 'Thy will be done' to God, as well as the slaves' deep love for God and their faith in His sovereignty and love for them in spite of very unjust suffering. (Not to mention that I enjoyed the history lesson of the Civil War.) I thought it was a wonderful book of loyalty, courage, selflessness and forgivenss in a world of injustice, pride, prejudice and bitterness. I really enjoyed this book - so much so that I just purchased another from the same author.
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Summary: Captivating!
Review: Lynn Austin is one of the most amazing authors I have ever read. She has the power to captivate you while you read the story and to captivate you when you're finished. The characters and plot stay alive in your mind as you consider the things you learned and experienced.
I hate movies on the Civil War, but books like Killer Angels and this one introduce you to real people and intimate situations that remind you of this: If it happens to one, it happens to all. The Civil War is part of American history, and therefore part of my history.
Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book!
Review: this book was truly a delight to read! its a great book for those who love history, but are strong in their faith with our Lord Jesus as well. i would highly recommend this for teenagers and young adults.
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