Title: Swept Into Destiny
Series: Destiny, Book 1
Author: Catherine Ulrich Brakefield
Series: Destiny, Book 1
Author: Catherine Ulrich Brakefield
Publisher: CrossRiver Media Group
Release Date: May 16, 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
One Brave Decision leads . . .
... to serious consequences. When Maggie Gatlan’s father hires cheap Irish labor to dredge out the snake-infested swampland she clashes with a fiercely proud Irish immigrant named Ben McConnell
Spirit Wind Manor's cavalier serenity is threatened by abolitionist John Brown and a new republic looms on the horizon with Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Succession spreads across the southern states as the fires of Civil War glow amber beams upon the horizon. Maggie is swept into its embers realizing she is in love with handsome and swashbuckling Irishman Ben McConnell.
Ben joins the Union Army. An unexpected chain of events leads her to question her loyalties. Conscience and consequence — did she care more for Ben or for her beloved South? Was Ben right? Had this Irish immigrant who’d adopted these United States as his, perceived the truth of what God had predestined for America?
Swept Into Destiny really works so well as the title. Author Catherine Ulrich Brakefield did a great job in presenting readers a time period that is at the brink of chaos. Pre-Civil War and the tumultuous beginnings of hate and discourse of slave-owners versus others. I like our hero and heroine. Their characterizations are intriguing at times and it brings in the action towards the storyline. The swamp scenes all gets to me and kind of teeth clenching type. There's a lot of grit in it that makes it visually impactful, and I think at times, it's a little much. With that said, I think Swept Into Destiny is rich in historical details, while giving readers strong characters to really want to get to know.
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.
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DON'T MISS the INTERVIEW WITH CATHERINE:
Catherine says, “My readers inspire my writing!
She is the author of three faith-based historical romances; The Wind of Destiny, Wilted Dandelions, and the first of a four-book Destiny series, Swept into Destiny scheduled for release in May 16, 2017. She has also written two pictorial history books: Images of America: The Lapeer Area, and Images of America: Eastern Lapeer County.
Her short stories have been published in Guidepost Books True Stories of Extraordinary Answers to Prayer Unexpected Answers and Desires of Your Heart; Baker Books, Revell, The Dog Next Door and Horse of my Heart; CrossRiver Media Publishers, The Benefit Package and Abba’s Promise; Bethany House Publishers, Jesus Talked to me Today.
She enjoys swimming and horseback riding and lives in Addison Township with her husband, Edward, and their Arabian horses. Now that her children are grown and married, she and Edward are the blessed recipients of two handsome grandsons and a lovely granddaughter!
Visit www.CrossRiverMedia.com for book purchases and sales. Her books are available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Christianbook.com.
(1) Winner will win a copy of Swept Into Destiny courtesy of Catherine.
US Addresses only for Print copy / Open internationally for ebook
I think it sounds like a great story, I love historical fiction.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for being so late in replying to this. Thank you for so much for replying. Please pick up a copy, and let me know how you liked the book. I am sure you will not be disappointed!
DeleteLove the cover of Swept Into Destiny. This is a new author to me but after reading this book I know she won't stay that way. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kay! Please inform me how you liked Swept into Destiny. God Bless!
DeleteNew author to me. Really enjoyed the description of the book. Sounds like a great historical fiction read.
ReplyDeleteAnnie did a great job reviewing and I am sure you will not be disappointed if you should purchase a copy. Thank you so much for replying!
DeleteNew author to me. Really enjoyed the description of the book. Sounds like a great historical fiction read.
ReplyDeleteThis one looks good. I love American history and especially this time period. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hope to see your review! I did extensive research on Swept into Destiny so readers who love American history would not be disappointed.
DeleteHistorical fiction is my favorite. Enjoyed the review. Pretty cover. Thank you 😊
ReplyDeleteAnnie did a great job reviewing! I am so glad to know you liked the cover, too! I will pass the news along to my publisher. I look forward to seeing your review. My readers are truly my inspiration!
DeleteI've added this to my historical fiction TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stacy! You are a blessing and I look forward to touching base with you again to know how you enjoyed Swept into Destiny.
DeleteSounds like an interesting book! I can't remember if I've ever read something set during the Civil War before, and I know I've never read anything by Catherine. I am intrigued. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am sure you will not be disappointed. God Bless!
DeleteHi Catherine. I'm the one who won your book, and just wanted to say, I'm so excited and thank you for the opportunity! I look forward to reading it when I am able. May God bless you and your work!
DeleteYum yum, love Irish stories. I think I was born on the wrong continent. Sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteHaHa, yes and Irishman, Ben McConnell, has his own brand of humor and romance!
DeleteThank you for the opportunity to win! I am a new reader to your books. Love the beautiful cover. Love historical fiction. Sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, I wish I could afford to give each and every one of you all a copy of Swept into Destiny. Please do pick up a copy, either a print or Kindle, I know you will not be disappointed!
DeleteSounds like a wonderful story!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Please pick up a copy, I am sure you will be glad you did!
DeleteThe book sounds great! The cover is beautiful! I love the fan.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I will let my publisher know her cover went over big! And please pick up a book, you will be happy you did!
DeleteI love the cover of this book. It caught my eye right away. And I would love to win a copy of the book and read the story. It sounds great! 😊
ReplyDeleteWow! I had my doubts about the cover. My husband didn't care for it. But my readers all seem to love it! Please pick up a copy! I know you will love it. I wish I had unlimited funds and could give everyone a copy. God Bless!
DeleteThe cover is beautiful! And the story sounds really fascinating. Thanks for sharing on the post!
ReplyDeleteHere's praying you pick up a copy. only $4.99 on amazon for the kindle. I will let you know if you win!
Deletesuch a pretty cover. this sounds like a page turner. on my to read list
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
Thanks Lori! Reviewers have described it as a page turner! Please pick up a copy even if you don't win. I would love to know your feelings about Swept into Destiny.
DeleteCatherine, I like the synopsis of your book! The cover is fun, but what I am loving most is the Irishman in it. Ireland is the one place I want to visit badly and I am super proud of my Irish heritage. Thanks for the review Annie!
ReplyDeleteAnnie did a wonderful job! Thank you Laura for your great comment. I know you will love Swept into Destiny, please let me know how you liked it!
DeleteI enjoy books based during the Civil War. This is one I'd like.
ReplyDeleteDianna
Thank you Dianna if you like Civil War, then you will enjoy Swept into Destiny, please don't hesitate to get a copy!
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