Today, I’m back with another writing post! (Click here for post 1 and 2!) I thought it would be nice to do another themed around the War Between the States, so we’re going to look at a few more common myths (or facts) about the late war!

Claim #1: Coffee in the South wasn’t real Coffee
 
Fact!
During the war, it was extremely difficult to come by because of the Federal blockade. Instead, Southerners were content to drink coffee substitutes made of sweet potatoes, corn and other root vegetables.
 
Claim #2: Drummers never saw action
 
Myth!
Contrary to what many say, drummers were often on the field of battle, for that was their whole purpose, conveying orders that otherwise could not be heard over the den of the weaponry. But that wasn’t the only battle task allotted to them. They also carried(or dragged) soldiers off the field to the medical stations. They fetched water and held horses and ran messages. Without drummers, battles would not have turned out as they did.
 
Claim #3: Blacks only served in the Union Army
 
Myth!
This is one of the things that bothers me the most about people calling the Confederacy racist. Southern blacks were serving the Confederacy long before the federals allowed them to fight. I’m shocked at the number of historians who chose to ignore and deny the fact that blacks willingly served. True, they were not given the official rank of soldier until 1865, but that does not justify ignoring their valuable and honorable service. They served as wagoners, cooks, barbers, and yes, soldiers, carrying flags, drums and rifles into battle.
 
Claim #4: Jefferson Davis “adopted” a black child
 
Fact!
 
While in town one day, Varina Davis witnessed a black guardian beating a little black boy in his care. Varina, indignant over the scene, took the child into her custody and raised him in the Confederate White House with her children. His name was Jim Limber and he stayed with the Davis family until their arrest in 1865. He was then ripped away from his family, kicking and screaming. They never saw him again, though they heard people say that Varina was the one who beat him, not his former guardian. You can read more here.
 
Claim #5: Firing on Ft. Sumter was an act of War and started the War Between the States
 
Myth!
 
Firing on Ft. Sumter was not an act of war, but a mission to protect the public from an enemy threat of violence. Col. Robert Anderson had moved his men from Ft. Moultrie to Ft. Sumter, which he felt was a stronger place of safety for his men. The people of South Carolina took this as a clear signal of violence, especially since the cannons of the fort were aimed directly at the city of Charleston. This was a direct attack on the safety of the civilians living there.
 
Action had to be taken.
 
Previously, the state had tried to buy the fort from the federal government, even though they knew it was rightfully their own. The government refused, the threat persisted and the fort was attacked on April 12th, 1861.
 
Another thing that shows this wasn’t an act of war is the fact that none of the soldiers who surrendered were treated as Prisoners of War. They were allowed to leave the state and return to their families.
 
War was not the objective here, but rather peace and safety.
 
So that wraps up today’s post! Have a blessed week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Today’s review is on a book recommended by Katja and I’m so glad I read this book! It was very interesting to compare thoughts on the story and I actually surprised myself by how strongly I felt about certain aspects of the story.

Enemy Brothers
Constance Savery
(1944 edition)
4 Stars

Okay, so this story is set in WWII England…already not my favorite setting, because if I’m reading World War Two, I want it to be set in America, the South Pacific or in a country where the fighting is actually going on in Europe. (I know England was being bombed, and that is shown in the story, but I mean an occupied country, or Germany.) 😉

But Dym!!!!! Oh! I love that boy so much! Dym is one of the main characters, Max is the other (even though they switch to calling him Tony early on, I will never call that boy Tony, lol! Max suits him). Dym is a flying officer in the RAF (Royal Air Force, but I rarely hear them called by the full title 😉) and is determined to find his little brother who was kidnapped years before. Enter Max, kinapped by Norweigians as they escape the Nazis. Max is the son of a Nazi and a bit of a pest to them, so they decided to bring him along to teach him a lesson. Cue my first round of righteous indignation over kidnapping a child…

Turns out that Max is the long lost Tony Engleford. And convincing him and me of that fact was not easy. I grieved for the child, because, to be honest, I thought he handled himself pretty mildly under the circumstances. If I were an unsaved child, I probably would have been an utter terror to people whom I believed had taken me away from my parents and homeland and whom I viewed as the enemy. He missed the woman he believed was his mother and felt trapped and hated by those around him. Even though he belonged in England with his true family, I think the whole thing was traumatic, frieghtening and I hope this isn’t a true story.

That being said, I loved the relationship between Dym and Max. And Dym at the end of the story made me so happy and literally is the main reason I gave this book 4 stars. Don’t get me wrong, it was an excellent story, but because I was so frustrated with certain secondary characters and some of the author’s opinions, I was tempted to give it a 3. But as I said, Dym redeemed it all in the end. It had the perfect ending and I really want to read it again!

Most of my dislikes of the story are steeped in my not understanding British cultrure. To me, they seem cold and indifferent at times, but to them, it’s normal life. A dear friend with more knowledge on the subject was able to clear up a few things for me and if not for her, I probably would have stopped reading from pure shock. But I’m so glad I didn’t and I highly recommend giving this book a try!

One warning I would give is that there is a word in the story that over here, is a dirty word. In England, at that time, it was not. But even so, I think parents should be forewarned before allowing your young readers to read it on their own. (For more information, please contanct us!) In context of the era and location, the word is harmless, but confusion may insue as it certainly did for me!

Favorite Parts: Anything with Dym and Max! Personally, I wish the whole story had solely been about the two of them! Their scenes were the best. Especially the end!
Least Favorite Parts: Anything with Ginger, Porgy, Margaret or the twins. And the evacuees.
 
Overall, I enjoyed this book, once I got the hang of the cultrural aspects. I wish the Christian connections in the story had been a little stronger, and there is not a gospel message, but I certainly will be recommending this to WWII fans in the future! It made my top 5 for the year so far! Like I said, the ending is golden.
 
Quote (I can pretty much only use this one, because the others give away too much about the story, lol!)

“You have no right to—”
“To what?” the captain asked, very gently.
“To turn me into an Englishman—” He could make no further sound; the sentence quivered into nothing.
 

I love books. I love good Christian books. And while historical fiction is my favorite, I do love a nice medieval setting sometimes. So, when I found out that Amanda Tero was writing a series of Novellas in this genre…and that there was NO magic in them…and that the last one was going to be a retelling of ROBIN HOOD…yep, I was hooked.

Protecting the Poor
Amanda Tero
5 Stars
(Published August 2019)

About the book:

Sheriff Feroci is now lord over the province, and Abtshire has become a pit of injustice. Being forced into the lord’s service does not give Dumphey as many opportunities to help the poor as he desires. When attempts on his life drive him into the forest, this freedom opens a world of possibilities for helping others. But how can he do so when he is running for his life? And does God want him to do more than simply feed the poor?
 
Noel has always hidden behind the shadow of his older brother, Dumphey. When life forces him to stand on his own, will he still follow God in the corrupt world in which he lives? Would God really call him to do something that is beyond his power to do?
 
As Lord Feroci's sinister plot comes to light, each lad has a choice to make. A choice that could cost them their lives.
 
Find on Amazon.
Add to Goodreads.
 
About the Author:
Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continues to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
Connect with Amanda
Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: http://amandatero.com/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero
 
My Review:

Now there are some who call Robin Hood a socialist and a thief and I’m not going to get into explaining why neither is true (that is neither here nor there). The same accusation can certainly not be made of Dumphey and his Merry Men! This book…*sighs* It was so beautiful. I loved it so much and would recommend it to anyone, especially boys, since it’s kinda about boys, but girls will enjoy it too. And there is no romance!

I loved the archery aspect of the book and the outdoorsy setting of most of the story. And Lord Feroci… that man is evil. He is the perfect mix of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Some of my favorite parts in the story were the Biblical lessons taught through the story. As terrible as this may sound, I feel that some spiritual themes and scenes in stories come across forced and cold. Not the case here! Noel’s child-like innocence, faith and yes, fear, are easy to relate to and understand. Zuzene’s wisdom and trust in God is unshakable and makes you wish you could seek her counsel. Dumphey’s struggles with doing right in all things, dealing with guilt and attempting to witness without driving the listener away are relatable and natural, something I greatly appreciated.

*I was given a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. *
 
Miss Amanda Tero was gracious enough to give me an interview to share with y’all, so without further ado, let’s dive in!
 
Ryana: What inspired you to write a retelling about Robin Hood?
Amanda: Robin Hood has always, always been a favorite story of mine—I mean, I wasn’t really even a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella… so when it came to choosing a third tale to tell, I chose something I adored. Plus, I had to find a character to spin off from in “The Secret Slipper.” Sheriff Feroci and Abtshire had the perfect workings of being the new Sheriff of Nottingham!
 
Ryana: What was your favorite part of writing Protecting the Poor?
Amanda: Ooh… you know, what comes to mind is the grueling labor this book was. I mean, for real! Compared to anything else I’ve published, this has been by far the hardest. But! I really did like writing the action scenes. Like, a lot.
 
Ryana: What do you want people to learn from Protecting the Poor?
Amanda: There is a dual-message in “Protecting the Poor.” From Noel, readers can learn from his example with how to cling to God with a pure heart—but also, how to overcome fears and follow God when you don’t think you can. From Dumphey, I hope readers learn boldness, not in action, but in sharing God’s gift of salvation.
 
Ryana: Who was your favorite character to develop?
Amanda: Patey! I wanted to have a mischievous, sly fellow who was flirting with danger yet could be influenced to do what’s right. He was by far one of the most fun characters to work with.
 
Ryana: What's next on your desk?
Amanda: With “Protecting the Poor” released, I’m working on the release of my newest novella, “Wedding Score.” It’s a first-person, light-hearted work that focuses on single girls and contentment. Something close to my heart for sure!
 
Ryana: What is something you learned from writing PP?
Amanda: Be submissive to the season of life in which God has you. Sure, there were lessons I learned as I was studying what messages to put in “Protecting the Poor,” but the biggest lesson I learned was that God’s timing is perfect. It took a year and a half longer to get PP out than I hoped or planned, but God’s timing is perfect. He didn’t have to allow me to finish it at all, and He did!
 
Ryana: Advice for those wanting to write a retelling?
Amanda: Writing retellings are super fun! My top tips would be…
   - Figure out the “flavors” of the original tale to keep in your retelling (for instance, in “Protecting the Poor” I made sure to keep archery, unjust authority, a band of men, and hunting “forbidden meats” even though I practically debunked the theme of “steal from the rich to feed the poor”)
   - Make sure it’s a retelling, not a rewrite (don’t have verbatim conversations or even scenes and plotlines).
   - Give a unique twist (what will make this stand out from the original tale and make it wholly yours?).
   - But… make the retelling recognizable (goes with the “flavor”—you don’t want someone to read it and have no clue that it was supposed to be a retelling)
 
Thanks so much for having me on your blog and being a part of “Protecting the Poor’s” release!
 
And now for the fun part…the giveaway! And guess what?!? Two winner will receive not just Protecting the Poor, but the entire Tales of Faith Series! One U.S. Winner will receive paperback copies, and one international winner will receive ebooks! Enter here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ORDER PAPERBACKS
Do you want to get a signed copy of "Protecting the Poor?" Order here!
 
About the Series

Find on Amazon

Find on Amazon
 
Do you want to be involved in Amanda's next release?
Wedding Score is open for reviewers, bloggers, and influencers. Sign up here.
 
Blog Tour
Shout-out to all the wonderful bloggers who are participating in the release of "Protecting the Poor."

Monday - August 26, 2019

With a Joyful Noise - Protecting the Poor Release Post
Life of Heritage Corner - Interview, Review, Giveaway
Great Books for God's Girls - Interview, Review
Peculiar Miss Darcy - Interview
Honey Rock Hills - Review
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations - Spotlight, Review, Guest Post

Tuesday - August 27, 2019

We've Got Pockets - Review
Maidens for Modesty - Giveaway, Guest Post
A Brighter Destiny - Spotlight

Wednesday - August 28, 2019

Soldier Girl Stories - Interview
Purposeful Learning - Spotlight, Guest Post

Thursday - August 29, 2019

Rachel Rossano's Works - Spotlight, Guest Post
In My Bookcase - Review, Giveaway

Friday - August 30, 2019

Losing the Busyness - Spotlight, Review, Giveaway
Resting Life - Guest Post

Saturday - August 31, 2019

Blossoms and Blessings - Spotlight, Review, Guest Post
Verbosity Reviews – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae - Review
Reading on the Edge - Spotlight

Monday - September 2, 2019

With a Joyful Noise - Giveaway Winner Announced

Have a Blessed Week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

Taking a short break from 10 Totally Random Facts posts and introducing another set of Historical posts I’m excited to share! I love to see how God works in the lives of ordinary people, but also in historical situations. Today, I’m gonna share one that I love, the story of Dr. Max Rossvalley, a surgeon during the War Between the States. But it starts with a boy named Charlie…
 
(Quotes are paraphrases)

Sometime between July 1st and July 5th of 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a drummer of only 17 years of age was severely wounded during either the fighting or skirmishes of the unsuccessful Confederate campaign. Carried to the camp for medical attention, Charlie was turned over to a Jewish surgeon named Max L. Rossvalley. Not many truly trusted the man, since he had been a scout for the Confederate Army before. No one knows to this day if Rossvalley indeed defected or if he was still secretly spying on the Federals from the inside.

Charlie was in a great deal of pain but refused to take chloroform or brandy for the pain, having promised his mother never to touch anything that resembled alcohol. The nurse and Dr. Rossvalley both urged him to take the medication, but he steadfastly refused. He was to lose his arm and leg, and Dr. Rossvalley knew he would more than likely die of shock. The boy said, “If you won’t make me take anything, I won’t
make a scream, I promise.”

He spoke with a chaplain, asking him to give his Bible to his mother. Then he turned to the doctor and told him he was ready.

Rossvalley was not a Christian, and drinking was a problem he didn’t try to deal with at this point in his life. He “braced himself” for the operation and headed in to remove the boy’s appendages.

The only sound the boy made the entire time was when he took the edge of the pillow between his teeth and said, “Lord, please stand by me now!”

The boy asked to see the doctor a few days later, and though he didn’t want to talk to the boy, he went to see him. The boy told him about Jesus, witnessing to him. Rossvalley said he couldn’t believe in Jesus, because he was Jewish. Charlie Coulson replied that his best Friend (Jesus) was Jewish. Then he asked Dr. Rossvalley to stay by his side and watch him die, trusting in his Savior.

Rossvalley refused.

Later that day, however, the boy’s pleading to see the doctor was rewarded and Rossvalley came back to him. Charlie told him that he had to say something. He said, “While you were amputating my arm and leg, I asked the Lord to save you.” With those words, he passed into the Presence of his Savior. And Rossvalley had indeed seen him die.

Years later, Rossvalley met a barber, who witnessed to him and impressed him with the sign on his wall that said, “Please do not swear in this room.” When he arrived home, the man’s words haunted him, and he couldn’t get away from them. At last, Rossvalley gave his life to Christ, including his desire for alcohol.

His wife was furious and left the house with their two children. She told the children never to call him father and never allowed them to read his letters. His mother and family in Germany disowned him, holding a funeral for him.

But God does move in mysterious ways.

Dr. Rossvalley’s daughter read one of his letters and felt moved by his words. She confessed her disobedience to her mother but begged her to read the message. As a result, Mrs. Rossvalley and the children were saved, and the family was restored.

But the story doesn’t end there.

While traveling, he stopped at a Church and heard a woman give her testimony. She was dying but wanted everyone to know she was ready to go. She was so excited to see her Savior and her son, who had died at Gettysburg following a double amputation.

The Chaplain had sent her a letter and his bible and informed her of his witnessing to his Jewish doctor.

Rossvalley stood and finished the story. “I am that Jewish Doctor that your son prayed for. And his Savior is now my Savior.”

What are the chances of such a thing occurring? Pretty big when God is at work. Mrs. Coulson gave Dr. Rossvalley Charlie’s letter and Bible, which he carried with him until his death.
 
Have a blessed day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

As I have stated before, I love first responders🚓🚑🚒 So, yes, today I have another book review about one of my favorite groups of people…POLICEMEN!🚔

(Shout out to Rebekah D. for telling me about this book and to her younger brother, Timothy D. for letting me borrow his book! Thanks, Buddy! And I don't blame you for wanting to keep the sticker! :D)

Rescue: A Police Story
By Alison Hart
(2002)
Five Stars

Overall: An armed robbery is in progress, there are hostages, and the police must rescue them. It’s an excellent overview of what our law enforcement does every day to keep up safe.

I loved the attention to detail and the obvious respect for law enforcement! Well explained on a child’s level, shows the dangers without getting gory or too intense. I loved it!

There were a couple of things that I didn’t care for. As far as layout, there were several explanation boxes about technical terms in the story. I wish it had been explained in the text or in the glossary instead of the boxes. There were also some references to luck and a little name-calling, done in jest. Not really dirty or anything, but a little annoying, just so you know. (Certainly don't want little eyes picking up on those names, in fun or not!)


Have a blessed week and thank a policeman if you get a chance!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

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