Riding For the Flag: A Novel of the Civil War

American Civil War [Dramatized Adaptation] #2

by Jim R. Woolard

An epic story of a nation--and a family--divided by fate, love, loyalty, and war. . .

America, 1861. Battle lines have been drawn between the North and the South, pitting state against state--and brother against brother. For the three young sons of Ohio State Senator Clay Bell, the Civil War would change not only their lives, but the destinies of future generations.

Jacob Bell, the eldest, defies his father's wishes to run the family law practice and enlists in Ohio's Volunteer Calvary, a decision that wins him the love of an officer's daughter--and the hatred of a dangerous childhood rival.

Judah Bell, the middle son, avenges a brutal Union attack on his uncle's horse farm in Kentucky by joining legendary Lexington Rifles--even if puts a half-breed Cherokee girl and his own family honor at risk.

Jarrod Bell, the youngest, lands a job as a cub reporter for the Cincinnati Times-Ledger, determined to learn the truth behind his brother's seeming betrayal--even if it leads him into the bloodiest of battles.

Filled with intense human drama, explosive passion, and stunning historic detail, relive America's deadliest war through the stories of the brave men and women who lived it.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Fiction

411 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 25, 2015

Reviews

[David Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely the perfect historical-fiction novel for anyone who’s a Civil War buff. The book focuses on the well-to-do Bell family, who have been split apart with sons fighting for both the North and the South. While this storyline has been told many times in one form another, Woolard did a great job of creating very believable characters throughout the novel. Better yet, the protagonists interacted with an assortment real-life historical figures; one of the most interesting being that of John Hunt Morgan, a legendary cavalry general. In addition, Woolard’s lengthy and detailed description of the Battle of Shiloh, as told through the eyes of the combatants, was masterfully done.

All in all, while I don’t imagine this would be a book for everyone, those folks interested in the Civil War will not be disappointed.

[Joe Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very entertaining, fast moving story that gives a good depiction of service in the Calvary during the Civil War. The action takes place during the last quarter of the story is the Battle of Shiloh/Pittsburg Landing and the author doesn't flinch with the description and results of this battle. The author's writing is engaging and I found that I quickly cared for his characters. If I was teaching the Civil War, this would be on the reading list.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it is fiction, it describes just how bloody and horrible a war between the states can be and will be if ever fought again. A story of how families can be separated because of their beliefs. A very good read.

[William Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book.

The book was a good Civil War book and made you feel as if you were there at the time it was happening.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful telling of a family decided by war. Brother fighting brother and another telling of it via the papers.

[Diane Moyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting story about three brothers and the paths that their lives took during the first years of the Civil War. Although for differing reasons, one brother fought for the South, one for the North and one was a newspaper reporter covering all aspects. The brothers in the war were both in the Calvary, but one chose the traditional US Calvary and the other to ride with Southern Captain John Hunt Morgan.

I enjoyed the storyline of this book. It depicted what Calvary life consisted of in both the tradition and non-traditional companies on both sides. It also gave background on all three sons in order for you to understand their thinking and actions. It was easy to follow the plot and the action and drama kept the story moving and exciting.

This would be a wonderful book for someone who is just beginning to be interested in the Civil War and what made men chose to fight where they did. It depicts the Battle of Shiloh and the death and destruction that it wrought on the men and animals without being excessively graphic. Because of this, it can be read and enjoyed by younger readers.

[Polly Krize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Following the paths of three brothers during the American Civil War, Riding for the Flag provides a glimpse of the havoc wrought on America through this brutal conflict. The choices made by the brothers are intriguing, and help one to understand the differing outlooks of soldiers from both sides and their beliefs and reasons for fighting for their country. Recommended.

[Wally Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very good novel story using Civil War as a background.

[Teresa Henson]

Very entertaining!

[Sandybear76]

three brothers ride off into the Civil War, one for the North in an Ohio Volunteer unit, one for the South in Morgan's cavalry unit, and the third one seeking the older brothers to make sure they are alive while reading for an Ohio newspaper.