Today I’m SO excited because I get to host author (and friend) Meghan M. Gorecki with a review, interview, and GIVEAWAY of her recent historical romance release, Amongst the Roses. This is a rich story set against the backdrop of the Civil War and two families’ involvement in that conflict.
The War Between the States shakes Margaret Bryant out of her comfortable upper-class life when her father enlists in the Army of the Potomac. Despite being safely ensconced above the Mason-Dixon Line in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Margaret finds her strength tested by opposition from familiar faces and Confederate threats. Will she let a young man from a lesser station into her heart even as war rages ever nearer to the homefront?
Restless Connor Doyle sees the war as a way to escape from his family’s farm and his identity as a poor Irishman’s son. His brother, Adam, torn between duty to country and his family, enlists alongside Connor. Adam dares to hope in a future with Margaret when he begins a courtship correspondence from the war front. The two brothers make a vow to protect one another at all costs, but when faced with death and destruction from all sides—will they be able to uphold it?
The three bloodiest days in America’s history brings these three together at Gettysburg and tragedy’s cruelty threatens to tear two hearts apart—and bring two unlikely allies together.
Amongst the Roses transports the reader to the northern front during key conflicts of the Civil War, including its society-shaking start. With multiple viewpoints, it explores the home front and battlefields from multiple perspectives that lend a voice to more than mere characters, but to a tragic and heartbreaking time in history.
This novel explores themes of hope, family loyalty, and the provision of a Heavenly Father whose presence is constant even when He may seem silent. The intricacies of the relationships in this book are fascinating and relatable, even when they illustrate hard truths about sacrifice and consequences.
I’m eagerly looking forward to the next story in this series — especially because “the end” came much too soon (ahem, a little bit abruptly for Margaret, too). I hope the continuing story of the Bryants and Doyles will resolve my questions and bring a few things full circle for the families.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary review copy. This is my honest review.
What is the inspiration behind your heroine, Margaret’s, personality?
Part Scarlett O’Hara, part Elinor Dashwood, part Meg March. 🙂
What theme or spiritual message do you want to communicate to readers with this story?
That God holds our hearts in the palm of His hand—and deeply cares for us, regardless of circumstances that may suggest He’s far away. That His perfect plan—and His loving heart—never change even when the winds of war and devastation swirl.
What was most challenging about setting a story in the Civil War era?
The fact that almost the entirety of Chambersburg was burnt to the ground in 1864. And not getting to visit every single battlefield my guy characters fought at.
Which character was your favorite to write?
Connor. 🙂 He’s a stinker, but his redemption arc (ongoing) was something special to get to build.
He IS a stinker! But I can already tell his growth will be worth it.
For fun: If you could live in any other time period in history, which would it be and why?
Oooh. Love this question. Much as I do love the Civil War—I need indoor plumbing. LOL So probably the 1940’s or 1950’s. All things vintage for this red lipstick loving author!
I can’t argue with you there!!! I would NOT want to fetch water or have to go outdoors to do other necessary things. 😉
What are you currently reading (or reading next!)?
I’m reading this powerful book by Jess Connolly called Dance, Stand, Run: The God-Inspired Moves of a Woman on Holy Ground. Absolutely phenomenal—and I’m only through Chapter Two!
Thank you, Meghan, for taking the time to answer my questions today!
Meghan M. Gorecki is an author of inspirational fiction about what God can make beautiful from the ashes of history, and hearts. A lover and avid studier of people, times gone by, and fiction, she has been writing since childhood and now houses her books under Northern Belle Publishing. Coffee and red lipstick color her days as a redhead from a box, alongside her treasured tribe of family and friends in her beloved hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway open 4/26/18 12am – 5/5/18 12am CT for (1) ebook copy of Amongst the Roses, ebook format of choice, provided by the author. Entrants must use a valid email address. Void where prohibited.
The Green Mockingbird 
I like most historical eras before 1950.
I think one of my favorite historical eras is the Edwardian Era, & 1912-1926 (post-Edwardian), the time period that Downton Abbey was set in.
I love the Regency era, but wouldn’t want to have lived then. I’ve done enough family history research to know I wouldn’t have been one of the privileged rich. Also, I’m with you on the lack of indoor plumbing! The 1950s could have been fun – post war, but lots of glamour.
I just finished another book about post Civil War times. Born a northerner who moved to Virginia in 1953, I discovered that the Virginians were still “fighting” and talking about the Civil War. That was part of my education since I had never before heard of the Civil War. Interesting!