Girl From Black Bear Retreat, The

Rating:
Summary: Kick off your shoes and settle in for a good read.
Review: This is a captivating story for a number of reasons. It is historical fiction set in the days of the Civil War. The author has certainly done his homework, as he portrays in detail the lives of ordinary rural Pennsylvania citizens in the 1860's. The effects of the War Between the States on these people is revealed in ways we would never understand from history books alone.
Mary Stuart Redbird lives in the mountains initially, and as she makes her way through the rough terrain you come to believe you are sweating with her on the difficult journeys. When circumstances force this Indian girl to live with white people, you share with her the trauma of adjusting to an alien lifestyle. Her heritage does come in handy on a number of occasions, (lucky for one young man).
The story flows smoothly and draws you in. The burning of Chambersburg by Rebels is particularly fascinating. This time a white man's ingenuity comes in handy, (lucky for Mary).
The settings are amazingly accurate, the love story is charming, and the plot is realistic (although maybe the ending could only happen in the movies). You will close the cover with a smile and a bit more knowledge.