Book Review: Pursuing Gold by Cynthia L. Simmons + Giveaway

28 Comments Edit


Title: Pursuing Gold
Author:  Cynthia L. Simmons
Publisher:  Elk Lake
Release Date:  October 27, 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction

With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis.

 With only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner's daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter's forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace.




I love historical fiction, and one that depicts true historical elements are even better. Pursuing Gold by Cynthia L. Simmons is a story set during the times of the Great American Civil War, and delve a little into the banking industry during such a tumultuous and defining period of our country.  It's also part mystery and part romance, which always adds a little something for this reader. I love the premise, the idea and even our main characters, a bit. However, I find the plot somewhat convoluted and narration choppy. I'm not sure if it's because of the short sections that at times read like a journal, and other times like a story. Many of the characters don't do much for me, and I think that's what makes it hard for me to connect. I find myself trying confused many times, and trying to read back, thinking I missed something. Despite that, my feelings, though mixed are more pleasant in regards to Pursuing Gold. Like I said, I love the background, the premise, and even the romance. With the author being a new author for me, I'd be open to reading other works by her based on this novel.


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

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Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over thirty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. She's a columnist for Leading Hearts Magazine and she directs Atlanta Christian Writing Conference. Cyndi has a heart for encouraging women in today's crazy, upside-down world. She loves history and peppers her speaking and teaching with fascinating vignettes from the past. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the Year. She co-founded Homeschool Answers and hosts Heart of the Matter Radio.

TO CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: Website | Twitter




Winner will receive a copy of Pursuing Gold by Cynthia L. Simmons.  Enter using the Rafflecopter below.




                                                                                                                                                                      


CONVERSATION

28 comments:

  1. DeAnna Julie DodsonJanuary 2, 2017 at 4:46:00 PM EST

    This sounds interesting. I love Civil War stories, and I've never seen one centered around the banking industry.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 2, 2017 at 7:47:00 PM EST

      I know. Me too. That is one interesting aspect of this book! Good luck!

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  2. Debbie ClatterbuckJanuary 2, 2017 at 5:01:00 PM EST

    I like history and the Civil War seems to be my main interest. I guess it's because I like the era and this war happens to fall during that time.

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  3. diannekcJanuary 2, 2017 at 10:33:00 PM EST

    I love reading about the Civil War time period. I think it is one of the most interesting time periods in U.S. history. I have visited a lot of Civil War sites and the some of the beautiful Southern cities that were devastated by the Civil War. Looking forward to reading "Pursuing Gold".

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 3, 2017 at 10:31:00 AM EST

      I agree. I've been to the Gettysburg battlefield multiple times and I'd love to visit further sites.

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  4. CourtneyJanuary 3, 2017 at 10:21:00 AM EST

    I love all historical fiction set in the south. I just finished reading Jubilee by Margaret Walker and learned so much about the world my great grandparents and grandparents grew up in. It's fascinating to me.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 3, 2017 at 10:31:00 AM EST

      O, me too! There is just something about southern historical fiction!

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  5. StacyJanuary 3, 2017 at 6:46:00 PM EST

    I find the state of medicine at the time fascinating as well as food recipes.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:57:00 PM EST

      That's a very good point. Have you been to the civil war medical museum? There are a few of them in the DC area.

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  6. Edye NicoleJanuary 3, 2017 at 8:50:00 PM EST

    I love the historical aspect of it.

    mia2009(at)comcast(dot)net

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  7. Jeanna MassmanJanuary 3, 2017 at 10:04:00 PM EST

    I like stories that depict the struggles within families who have relatives in the North and South.

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 2:58:00 PM EST

      That's a good premise. Especially during such contentious times! "Who do you support when you can see both sides?

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  8. IolaJanuary 3, 2017 at 11:45:00 PM EST

    I've read Pursuing Gold, and your views echo mine - a great historical setting and premise, but let down by the writing.

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  9. bn100January 4, 2017 at 11:02:00 PM EST

    setting

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    1. justcommonlyJanuary 4, 2017 at 11:54:00 PM EST

      True. Settings does give a bit more visual aspect when reading!

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  10. Wendy ArtsyChaosJanuary 4, 2017 at 11:54:00 PM EST

    I love historical fiction too. Probably because it's fun to romanticize yourself into the story!

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  11. BrendaJanuary 5, 2017 at 12:55:00 PM EST

    I always loved to read of their way of life. How they persevered through the hard times was interesting.

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  12. Julie WaldronJanuary 7, 2017 at 11:04:00 AM EST

    I just like the whole Civil War era, especially Gettysburg because my family & I visited there in 2013.

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  13. Paula ShreckhiseJanuary 8, 2017 at 10:48:00 AM EST

    Love historicals. Happy New Year

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  14. MeredithJanuary 11, 2017 at 10:58:00 PM EST

    I love the historical aspects of it--what it was like to live in a different time.

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