What I think you should know:
Kentucky Bride by Caryl McAdoo is the eight book in the North and South series, a series that has 36 books set during the Civil War. It is a Christian Historical Fiction set in 1861 Kentucky. In this book Gigi, like many other women around the country, were left behind to care for their homes and family businesses while boys and men went off to war.

What you might need to know:
The story does have two slaves, Bo and Daisy, the book speaks of them more as family members or employees rather than slaves.

What I think about this book:
McAdoo has a gift for writing so I always know that I am in for a treat when I read one of her books. With realistic characters and descriptive writing she has a way of making her story come to life . This is a story of love at first sight, from a character that does not believe in it until it happens to her. Gigi was young, but felt her choice of men and chances at love were limited. She however was a hard worker and determined to help make life easier on her aging Grandfather after her Father and brother joined the Federal army. I enjoyed the relationship between Gigi and Gramps. Ephraim, a Texas Ranger is only on the side of the Confederates because of his loyalty to the Rangers. I enjoyed seeing Gigi and Ephraim’s relationship develop and understand how things can happen quicker in times of war, even if I don't understand love at first sight. I hope that Daisy and Bo’s story is one that I will get the opportunity to read. I highly recommend this book to any historical fiction fans!

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I always love having the opportunity to read and review books by Caryl McAdoo. She does an excellent job of creating characters that come to life and storylines that capture my attention and imagination. Kentucky Bride was no exception. Set in 1861 during the Civil War, Gigi is a feisty and determined young woman. Her father and brother are off fighting the war while her grandfather, mother, sister, and herself try to keep things going at their mercantile.

Of course, girl has to meet boy so sparks can fly. This book shows it is possible to fall in love in a short period of time. I love how this book examines not only the time of the Civil War, but also how different people had different views on slavery and how they treated their slaves/servants. The relationship between Gigi and Daisy as well as Ephraim and Bonaparte illustrates how familial bonds can transcend everything else.

Of course, no book like this reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet would be complete without a meddlesome parent, and in this case that role goes to Gigi’s mother. But Gigi’s grandfather is able to put her mother in her place, and helps make Gigi’s plans come to life.

So if you like Christian Historical fiction, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

The Civil War was known for dividing our country but we Kentuckians know that this war also divided families. Kentucky was a neutral state and its men fought on both sides.One brother might choose the Union while the other chose the Confederacy and fathers often were pitted against their own sons. But what would happen if a daughter of a Union soldier found herself falling in love with someone fighting for the South? This is the premise of Kentucky Bride and author Caryl McAdoo has written a wonderful tale of love, loyalty, and trying to do the right thing. Gardenie Gladiolia Garland and Ephraim Edward Kerns are immediately drawn to each other but the deadly war and their divided loyalties are certainly a hindrance to their romance. Will their differences prevent them from being together? Can Bowling Green, Kentucky survive the Confederate troops that have invaded their small town? Will this Romeo and Juliet find happiness once the war is over?

McAdoo has created an enjoyable story filled with memorable characters, historical detail, and a message of God and faith. I recommend Kentucky Bride to fans of historical fiction and Christian romance.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

“Had the Almighty placed her there? On that day, at that time? Thrown her together with the man for His purpose?”

Book number 8 in the North and South series, “Kentucky Bride” by Caryl McAdoo is a sweet romance that can be read as a standalone. It is a quick read, but despite its brevity, McAdoo infuses her story with heart and humor. Because Kentucky was a neutral state in 1861, when this story takes place, there is more latitude for a diverse range of characters, and they are the driving force of the novel. The name of the eponymous heroine is Gardenia Gladiola Garland, or Gigi, and she finds the Civil War most inconvenient, especially since her family is fighting for the Union and her beau is a Confederate Texas Ranger.

While touching on serious subject matter, “Kentucky Bride” takes a lighthearted approach, focusing on the good and including more harsh realities with only brief mention. As such, this book is quite suitable for older adolescent and teen readers; this is something that I would not have had trouble reading in grades 5 or 6, but it is also of course appropriate for adult readers as well. Moreover, it is a clean romance and a definitively Christian story, which I am always so glad to see. McAdoo’s use of different third-person narrative voices, split between the four focal characters, adds depth and offers perspectives from unique figures, both slave and free. The story puts me somewhat in mind of the sentimental novel with its idealism, but honestly, it is refreshing to read something in which the majority of the relationships are good and they treat each other with respect, working side by side. As one of the characters sagely notes, “It sure would be hard to stay on the straight and narrow if all you saw and heard went against what the good book taught.” McAdoo makes it clear at the end of the book that no one escapes trials and hard times here on earth, but thanks to Jesus, our future in eternity is secure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )

It’s 1861 and the Civil War has reached neutral Kentucky. Since father, brother and uncle are fighting for the Union, Gigi is busy helping her grandfather by delivering goods - this time to the Confederate camp. All of the soldiers are polite and helpful, but Ephraim, a Texas Ranger and a gentleman, leaves a lasting impression on Gigi. In fact, it is love at first sight for them both.

This delightful romance gives the reader a new picture of the joys and sorrows in a war that saw neighbor fighting neighbor. Will their love last through the trials of war?

I received an ARC of this wonderful story through CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )