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Rating: 
Summary: Aftermath of war
Review: A description of the plot is on this book's Amazon page. A fine sequel to THE PRISONER. There is a nice steady buildup of story and characters. An overview of what it must/might have been like in the south after the Civil War. I liked both main characters, and the author does a great job in making the reader feel concerned about them. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is for two reasons. First, I felt that as this story occurs just 3 years after the end of the war, there just wasn't enough tension or hate. Yes there were fires and animosity between the army and townspeople, but you never really felt threatened. Second, there was no reference I remember reading about the ex-slaves. Where did they go? What happened to them? Had any come back? There is an author note on the last page about the prison in NC. I was hoping for information about the number of southern women who actually did marry northern soldiers. There were so many deaths amoung the men in this war, that if the southern women were getting married, that meant that the northern women weren't. All in all though, a fine story.
Rating: 
Summary: Another outstanding book from Cheryl Reavis
Review: Cheryl Reavis has become an auto-buy author for me. Whether she's writing contemporary or historical romance, she writes deftly, with skill, compassion and wisdom. I had been looking forward to THE BRIDE FAIR for months and it didn't disappoint. Set in Salisbury, NC, in 1868, THE BRIDE FAIR simply and quietly explores the aftermath of the Civil War as seen through the lens of the relationship between two people, a U.S. Army Colonel and a woman of the South. As always, Cheryl Reavis writes with clear-eyed empathy for all her players. There are no demons or angels here, just human beings doing the best they can in difficult times. Her prose is clear, deceptively simple, the kind of writing that enables the reader to sink into the story. All of Ms. Reavis's books are on my keeper shelf. This one is no exception.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT - DEFINITELY A KEEPER #2
Review: Finally a follow-up to John Howe's story in The Prisoner.
He was ridden with guilt at leaving Max Woodard behind when he escaped the prison.
Max survived and went home to recuperate.
Back on duty and made Commander of the Occupation of Salisbury, N.C., this Army Colonel was not above digging at the pride and hide of the southern inhabitants under his jurisdiction.
Max took full advantage of his position and accepted Mr. Markham's desire to obtain the rent monies for housing the Colonel. Maria Rose Markham was definitely against having him in their house.
I dearly love Sargeant Major Perkins and the way he tended to help all concerned. Then there was the scumbag, Colonel Hatcher, [grin] who left in some haste.
Marie has lost her two brothers in the battle at Gettysburg and her intended, Billy Canfield.
Another plus to the story was the way Phelan Canfields' sons, Joe and Jake took to Max. Wonderful little rascals.
Max still carried the scars of the prison camp and its inhumanities. Maria and Max, both, fought the attractions building between them. This was something that, in all honor, could not happen between them. Mr. Markham seemed to be the most sensible of persons.
Now the ladies, that is a different matter. Expecially as Mrs. Kinnard was determined to push her daughter, Valentina in front of Max. Mrs. Russell was not about to bend to any Union officer. Mrs. Justice was most amenable and apparently quite good friends with Mr. Markham.
Ah, then there was Suzanne Canfield and Nell, Maria's close childhood friends and Ceily Walker, now married to Carscaddon, another friend.
And I loved to meet Mrs. Woodard and her daughter Kate, who had given birth to John Howe's son, now being raised as his brother.
[C.R. - Kate needs a husband] Neither were allowed to acknowledge Harry.
What a fascinating story that ties up a lot of loose ends. And is excellent in itself.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - definitely a keeper. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: Finally a sequal to the amazing Civil War historical "The Prisoner." Another wonderful book featuring characters you like and a love story with a powerful conflict. I love all her books -if you haven't discovered this author do yourself a favor and find "The Bartered Bride" and read it too. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: Finally a sequal to the amazing Civil War historical "The Prisoner." Another wonderful book featuring characters you like and a love story with a powerful conflict. I love all her books -if you haven't discovered this author do yourself a favor and find "The Bartered Bride" and read it too. You won't be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Nothing would ever be the same...
Review: Maria Markham was a spunky Southern lady who had survived the Civil War, and now was surviving the Union occupation of her state, as well. Sometimes it was difficult, though, with the Union commander of the town staying in her own house. The new commander of the town, Colonel Max Woodard, seemed a bit different from the previous commander, though; and sometimes Maria was disarmed by his kindness toward his vanquished foes. There are secrets, however, that Maria is determined to keep to herself - and no matter how different Max appears to be, she can't share them with anyone. Colonel Max Woodard was once a prisoner at a squallid prison camp located in the area; now he was the commander of the entire town. Despite his bitter memories of the place, he is determined to act in a fair manner, even when Maria seems intent to keep him at a distance or openly snub him. Could they learn to love one another, or would any feelings they had toward each other be denied because of their pasts? This book was an okay book, but I wasn't particularly thrilled with it, either. Maria is nothing short of confusing, and once things are revealed later in the book, I was even more confused. I can't give away what I'm talking about, though; suffice to say that her feelings seemed to wax hot one moment and cold another. She also never really gave Max a chance most of the time; instead of getting to know him a little, she would avoid him as much as possible or snub him when she got the opportunity to do so. Max showed her several kindnesses early on, but that didn't matter to her. Max's character was obviously very impacted by his stay in a prison camp, but that really wasn't discussed much. I don't know if it was discussed in Ms. Reavis' prequel to this book (The Prisoner) or not, but it would have really helped me if she had fleshed that part of Max's character out a bit. Really, this whole book seemed a bit blah to me, and it never really got me too interested in it. It's an okay read, but I doubt I'll read it again.
Rating:
Summary: Nothing would ever be the same...
Review: Maria Markham was a spunky Southern lady who had survived the Civil War, and now was surviving the Union occupation of her state, as well. Sometimes it was difficult, though, with the Union commander of the town staying in her own house. The new commander of the town, Colonel Max Woodard, seemed a bit different from the previous commander, though; and sometimes Maria was disarmed by his kindness toward his vanquished foes. There are secrets, however, that Maria is determined to keep to herself - and no matter how different Max appears to be, she can't share them with anyone. Colonel Max Woodard was once a prisoner at a squallid prison camp located in the area; now he was the commander of the entire town. Despite his bitter memories of the place, he is determined to act in a fair manner, even when Maria seems intent to keep him at a distance or openly snub him. Could they learn to love one another, or would any feelings they had toward each other be denied because of their pasts? This book was an okay book, but I wasn't particularly thrilled with it, either. Maria is nothing short of confusing, and once things are revealed later in the book, I was even more confused. I can't give away what I'm talking about, though; suffice to say that her feelings seemed to wax hot one moment and cold another. She also never really gave Max a chance most of the time; instead of getting to know him a little, she would avoid him as much as possible or snub him when she got the opportunity to do so. Max showed her several kindnesses early on, but that didn't matter to her. Max's character was obviously very impacted by his stay in a prison camp, but that really wasn't discussed much. I don't know if it was discussed in Ms. Reavis' prequel to this book (The Prisoner) or not, but it would have really helped me if she had fleshed that part of Max's character out a bit. Really, this whole book seemed a bit blah to me, and it never really got me too interested in it. It's an okay read, but I doubt I'll read it again.
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