The Tender Rebel Book

Vikki’s Musings

Oh my, each book gets better than the last! I think I am very fortunate to have found this amazing series. This epic story marches on in Spring Will Come as America continues to fight the War Between the States. This series is so much more than romance, even though several story lines involve love stories.

I will attempt to keep my summary brief. Spring Will Come begins in May 1862 and picks up where On To Richmond ends. Carrie is nursing wounded soldiers at Chimborazo hospital to help in the war effort. She meets forwarding-thinking Dr. Wilds and he allows her to be much more hands on with the patients. There is an endless stream of patients arriving from the battlefields of Antietam. Carrie also starts spending time at the black hospital as well.

On the eve of battle, Carrie agrees to marry Robert Borden when he returns. Unfortunately, Robert turns up missing after the battle ends. Carrie has no word from him all through the fall and winter and comes very close to giving up and accepting he must be dead since she has not received any word concerning him.

Can Carrie keep faith that Robert will be returned to her, or will she give in to her grief, and while she will carry on, remain an empty shell?

Someone commented on my last review asking whether there was romance in these novels. While this is primarily Carrie Cromwell’s story of her feelings and actions relating to the issue of slavery and the times, there is a wonderful love story between Carrie and Robert Borden.

Robert Borden plays a pivotal role in Spring Will Come. His character arch takes a huge leap in his thoughts and attitudes toward slavery, which has been a bone of contention between him and Carrie since the beginning. I was so pleased with this direction. When he experiences deep anguish over how bigoted he has been in his life and the action he has taken because of this, I had tears running down my face as my heart jumped with joy at this immense shift in his attitude.

Spring Will Come covers the great Battle of Antietam in vivid detail bringing to life the immense losses on both sides of this conflict. Ms. Dye masterfully weaves her characters in with the real events of history. It also addresses the harsh winter conditions Richmond experienced in 1863 with great detail.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. In fact I have already started it and am enjoying it tremendously. Again, I highly recommend this incredible series. Whether you are male or female, you will love these books. This is historical fiction at its finest. Happy reading!