Storm Clouds Rolling In (#1 in the Bregdan Chronicles Historical Fiction Series)

Masterful storytelling. I really like the way both sides of the conflict are represented.

I was looking for a well-written historical docudrama. Finished Storm Clouds Rolling In and I knew I’d found what I was looking for. Great characters. great setting. Best of all, an in-depth and well-researched look at a period of our county’s history we think we know. Looking forward to reading book two. But be prepared,and willing, to suspend your disbelief.

If I could give this series 10 stars then I would. I found these books on a stay-at-home vacation. For the first time in years, I am not distracted and can actually settle in each day to read. For me, these are timely, during this post covid, politically volatile, tense, climate and a culture seemingly void of morals, respect, and support of one another. Sadly, there are many parallels between this period in history and today… I guess history can repeat itself, at least in the heart posture of mankind toward one another. I am beginning book 11, and have to say, even it has been a realistic look at the landscape during and after the Civil War, it has encouraged me, giving me the renewed desire to continue to choose to hope instead of despair as I observe the fractions in society and needs around me. I think we can all learn from Sarah, the slave introduced in Book 1. Know God, talk with Him, listen to Him, let Him lead us, and then be a reflection of Him to everyone around us. Regardless if we are as a small stone or a larger rock, when we live the lives we were meant to, choosing hope, choosing life, choosing to love, we will all have a rippling effect.

I found Storm Clouds Rolling In while re-reading Gone with the Wind a couple of months ago. I actually saw it advertised on Facebook. I am so grateful I found this astonishing book. While there are similarities between this book and GWTW, I actually like the characters in this one much better, especially Carrie Cromwell.Carrie Cromwell is a strong-willed eighteen year old that has very far-thinking views on life and all the rumors surrounding the year leading up to the firing on Fort Sumter. Her closest friends are the slaves that live on her father’s plantation. As the only child of Thomas Cromwell, she has been indulged, but not in the way that would have been expected. Her father has treated as an equal in many ways, allowing her to learn how to run the great plantation.Her mother despairs of ever turning Carrie into a proper southern mistress for her future husband’s plantation. Since Carrie has no plans to marry in the near future, her mother will be sadly disappointed when she arranges for her daughter to meet a dear friend’s son, Robert Borden.Robert Borden is immediately attracted to the high-spirited, raven-haired beauty. In fact he falls hard from the moment she gives him a lock of her hair as a token for the tournament being enacted at a neighboring plantation. When he wins, he picks her as his queen at the evening ball.While Carrie is extremely attracted to Robert, some of his views on slavery are vastly different from Carrie’s when he tells her of his breeding program at his plantation, the breeding of slaves. Carrie is appalled by this, yet is still drawn to him, battling her conscience over her heart.When Carrie’s mother dies and her father leaves her in charge of Cromwell Plantation, she becomes involved with the Underground Railroad and helps more than a dozen slaves in their bid for freedom. Her best friend, Rose and her husband, Moses stay by her side. Even though, Carrie has offered to help them escape. When Rose is attacked by the overseer, the head-strong young woman, with shot gun in hand, demands he leave her lands forever.Thomas Cromwell is so steeped in grief; he no longer keeps his pulse on the plantation. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter, with the help of his overseer, will keep the property prosperous, he never knows Carrie has fired Ike Adams. He becomes deeply involved in the politics as his beloved Virginia marches closer to war, a war that will tear his country asunder.This first volume ends as Virginia secedes from the union and with Carrie telling Robert she cannot marry him, even though she is in love with him. Storm Clouds Rolling In does end on a positive note, letting the reader know that all is not lost between Carrie and the dashing Robert.While I thoroughly enjoy the romance between the hero and heroine, what is much more fascinating is the workings of Carrie’s mind as she grows in her belief that slavery is not God’s will, no matter what her father and the rest of the south believe. This story has a thread of spiritualism running through it, but is not over done at all. It only enhances this amazing epic tale.Carrie is a marvelous character, so fierce, as she develops into an independent woman, determined to help her friends gain their freedom if they choose to travel down that path. While Carrie would love to become a doctor, she puts those dreams to the side to continue her work in freeing any of her father’s slaves who seek their freedom. Her ability to walk the thin line between outright lying to her father and evading the truth is incredible. Carrie Cromwell is truly an unforgettable character.This is a book with a great deal of historical detail regarding the thoughts and times leading up to the Civil War. As I read, I wished that I had discovered this epic series while my mother still lived. She would have enjoyed this book and series immensely as I know you will as well. If you love a well-written historical fiction novel with strong romantic elements, then this is a book you will not want to miss. Happy reading!

I wanted to read about the civil war because I think we are on the brink of another civil war. I found it very interesting the similarities with then and now. War is not easy, but you have to stand your ground and your beliefs!