"Gideon's Call"

by Peter Leavell

Review & GIVEAWAY!

Description

Tad, a very clever slave boy, comes of age as the American Civil War intrudes on the tropical sea islands of South Carolina. But his desire to better himself is obstructed by the color of his skin, until Northern soldiers force the evacuation of white plantation owners, setting 10,000 slaves free in a single day. These circumstances seem like a dream, but the newly freed slaves have no money, no education, no leadership, and little hope for the future. This is the story of how a boy grows into a man facing the horrors of war and unimaginable prejudice - fighting the urge to run from the shame of his family and his past - to become the leader and deliverer of thousands of freed slaves. Award- winning author Peter Leavell explores new territory in the familiar literary backdrop of the Civil War, forging an unprecedented tale of tragedy and triumph based on true events.

Purchase at the following locations: 

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com 

 

 Biography

Peter Leavell, a 2007 graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history, was the 2011 winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and 2013 Christian Retailing's Best award for First-Time Author. Peter and his family live in Boise, Idaho. For entertainment, he reads historical books, where he finds ideas for new novels. Whenever he has a chance, he takes his wife and two home schooled children on crazy but fun research trips. Learn more about Peter's books, research, and family adventures at www.peterleavell.com. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001541945347  

My thoughts ~

"Gideon's Call" has been sitting on one of my bookshelves for 3 years! When packing for vacation I grabbed the book, looking forward to a good Civil War novel. This is not only a good Civil War novel, it's a powerful and unforgettable one! An in-depth account of the atrocities that slaves endured is agonizing. My heart broke for Tad as he was mistreated because of the color of his skin. An authentic portrayal painted through words gives credibility to a people who suffered like nothing we can begin to imagine.

Civil War details are well researched and documented in this historic telling of a monumental time in our nation's history. The characters portrayed in this epic novel are described in detail, creating personalities that bring them to life. Freedom's advantages evolve into disaster and defeat in a matter of time once slaves were declared freedmen.

The landscape comes alive with trees draped in moss, muddy marshes dark in the canopy of the forest. Alternately, the battlefields are crimson with blood and fallen soldiers litter the earth. These visions will live in my mind long after absorbing this book. The mistreatment of an entire group of people is heart wrenching.

I highly recommend this book. It is earthy, genuine, perceptive and humanitarian, written with compassion. A powerful and memorable book! This is an author to follow.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. 

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