Book Review: The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear

About the Book:

Can Love Form Amidst Tensions of War?

During the clash between Union and Confederacy, quiet Tennessean Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to nurse both Rebel and Yankee wounded who seek refuge at her family’s farm. She is determined to remain unmoved by the Yankee cause—until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee. 

The MacFarlane family fits no stereotype Joshua believed in; still he is desperate to regain his footing—as a soldier, as a man, as a Christian—in the aftermath of his debilitating injury. He will use his time behind enemy lines to gather useful intelligence for the Union—if the courageous Rebel woman will stay out of the line of danger.

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear.


My Thoughts:

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear held my attention from the beginning as it draws the reader into the conflict of the Civil War right away. I liked Pearl from the beginning, but my admiration grew as she developed over the course of the story. Tasked with caring for wounded Yankee soldiers, she struggles with her animosity towards these men who are fighting against her own family. In a way, her character embodies both the values of the North and South. She doesn’t own slaves, but she’s loyal to her state, and hence, the Confederacy. Her internal conflict threads throughout the story and gives a nice level of tension to both herself and Josh, the Union soldier she is so drawn to.

I also appreciated how the author wove themes about trusting God and extending kindness to those in need throughout the entire story. Josh and Pearl are the main characters who struggle with these concepts and their character development lasts the length of the novel.

One thing I have to mention: At the very beginning, the author has a note explaining her use of the terms “Negro” and “darky.” The terms appeared infrequently, but I felt uncomfortable reading these words in the story. I felt like they could have been left out or substituted with the person’s name without any detriment to the story.

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear is tenth installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series from Barbour Publishing, but reads fine as a stand-alone. This novel will likely appeal to readers looking for a contemplative historical romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.