What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bregdan Chronicles #6
Carried Forward By Hope
America struggles to rebuild in the aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination. Promises will be broken, and everyone you have grown to love will be asked to pay a high price to make freedom for the slaves more than just a mockery.
Robert fights to emerge from the darkness as Carrie risks everything to bring him back to her.
Moses is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, while Rose returns to her roots with a dream that will change everything.
Matthew is caught up in the worst maritime disaster in American history, while Jeremy discovers the cost of embracing his true heritage.
Robert fights to emerge from the darkness as Carrie risks everything to bring him back to her.
Moses is offered the opportunity of a lifetime, while Rose returns to her roots with a dream that will change everything.
Matthew is caught up in the worst maritime disaster in American history, while Jeremy discovers the cost of embracing his true heritage.
567 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2015
2038 people are currently reading
1045 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Dye
62 books391 followersHas previously published books under the pseudonym Virginia Gaffney.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
May 5, 2015
Vikki’s Musings
This is the sixth book in the Bregdan Chronicles Series. I have grown to really care about the characters in these amazing books, and Carried Forward by Hope is no exception. This one gives me a glimpse of what the Reconstruction immediately following the end of the Civil War may have been like for the freed slaves and the white men and women that want to ensure their continued freedom. This was not an easy task to say the least.
Carrie and her friends are still in shock over the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. She fears that this will not bode well for many of her friends. Lincoln would have made sure the freed slaves were helped to find jobs and a life with meaning. President Johnson is another matter. As an ex-slave owner and a man who fought for right to own slave, Johnson is bound to stand with the plantation owner in their desire to keep the black population under their control. It soon become clear that their worries are justified.
Johnson make it easy for the southern states to rejoin the union with very few changes in leadership allowing these men to bring forth black codes, which severely curtailed the newly freed slaves ability to integrate with white population. In essence, they were still under the thumb of all the plantation owners as if slavery still existed. The Republican congress was not in session and Johnson ran amuck to say the least until congress would reconvene in January 1866.
Carrie fights to bring Robert back from the deep depression he is in while he slowly recovers from his near death experience at the end of the war. She travels to Maryland to convince the family that helped him after he was injured at Antietam. The family was hiding out to avoid having their children apprenticed. They agree to come to Cromwell Plantation and little Amber works her magic. Robert begins to get over his desolation and is soon restored to full health.
While I enjoyed the fascinating look at the history immediately following the end of the Civil War in Carried Forward by Hope, I struggled with some of the plot points, especially the one with Janie and Clifford. There was just too much of a shift in his personality for my tastes. Again, other than Clifford and a bit of Robert’s character, most of the other characters do not show any flaws. For me, that is unrealistic.
I do enjoy Amber’s character a great deal, and I was glad to see she has returned to the plotline. In fact, I like her brother Clint as well and feel they help give this book light among all the darkness. I am also glad to have Janie back with Carrie and the others.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed Carried Forward by Hope and look forward to reading Glimmers of Change, the next book in this incredible series. If you want to see a different side to what happened during this troubled time in American history, I highly recommend reading this series. I do want to mention that you need to read this series in order because each book picks up where the last one ended. Happy reading!
This is the sixth book in the Bregdan Chronicles Series. I have grown to really care about the characters in these amazing books, and Carried Forward by Hope is no exception. This one gives me a glimpse of what the Reconstruction immediately following the end of the Civil War may have been like for the freed slaves and the white men and women that want to ensure their continued freedom. This was not an easy task to say the least.
Carrie and her friends are still in shock over the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. She fears that this will not bode well for many of her friends. Lincoln would have made sure the freed slaves were helped to find jobs and a life with meaning. President Johnson is another matter. As an ex-slave owner and a man who fought for right to own slave, Johnson is bound to stand with the plantation owner in their desire to keep the black population under their control. It soon become clear that their worries are justified.
Johnson make it easy for the southern states to rejoin the union with very few changes in leadership allowing these men to bring forth black codes, which severely curtailed the newly freed slaves ability to integrate with white population. In essence, they were still under the thumb of all the plantation owners as if slavery still existed. The Republican congress was not in session and Johnson ran amuck to say the least until congress would reconvene in January 1866.
Carrie fights to bring Robert back from the deep depression he is in while he slowly recovers from his near death experience at the end of the war. She travels to Maryland to convince the family that helped him after he was injured at Antietam. The family was hiding out to avoid having their children apprenticed. They agree to come to Cromwell Plantation and little Amber works her magic. Robert begins to get over his desolation and is soon restored to full health.
While I enjoyed the fascinating look at the history immediately following the end of the Civil War in Carried Forward by Hope, I struggled with some of the plot points, especially the one with Janie and Clifford. There was just too much of a shift in his personality for my tastes. Again, other than Clifford and a bit of Robert’s character, most of the other characters do not show any flaws. For me, that is unrealistic.
I do enjoy Amber’s character a great deal, and I was glad to see she has returned to the plotline. In fact, I like her brother Clint as well and feel they help give this book light among all the darkness. I am also glad to have Janie back with Carrie and the others.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed Carried Forward by Hope and look forward to reading Glimmers of Change, the next book in this incredible series. If you want to see a different side to what happened during this troubled time in American history, I highly recommend reading this series. I do want to mention that you need to read this series in order because each book picks up where the last one ended. Happy reading!
September 8, 2014
I have enjoyed this series, though the last two books less than the first 4 (especially having a difficult time with book 6), and mainly due to what I consider poor proofreading by both author and editor.
(1) In book 6, Abigail (Aunt Abby) Livingston suddenly became Abigail Stratton.
(2) In books 5 & 6, Thomas Cromwell's Richmond house slave, Micah, all of a sudden became Miles (the Cromwell Plantation stable slave who escaped to freedom a few books ago).
(3) In book 6, Jeremy and Moses head off together to find Moses' mama and sister; a couple of chapters later, Rose introduces Jeremy to Sam at Cromwell Plantation; then a couple more chapters later, Jeremy and Moses are again in the wagon as they continue their search. What???
I actually haven't finished this book yet just because these types of things drive me to distraction. If I can keep up with everyone, why can't the author/editor? A Kindle revision would GREATLY be appreciated, especially for books 5 & 6.
(1) In book 6, Abigail (Aunt Abby) Livingston suddenly became Abigail Stratton.
(2) In books 5 & 6, Thomas Cromwell's Richmond house slave, Micah, all of a sudden became Miles (the Cromwell Plantation stable slave who escaped to freedom a few books ago).
(3) In book 6, Jeremy and Moses head off together to find Moses' mama and sister; a couple of chapters later, Rose introduces Jeremy to Sam at Cromwell Plantation; then a couple more chapters later, Jeremy and Moses are again in the wagon as they continue their search. What???
I actually haven't finished this book yet just because these types of things drive me to distraction. If I can keep up with everyone, why can't the author/editor? A Kindle revision would GREATLY be appreciated, especially for books 5 & 6.
October 2, 2015
Great Saga
I have to confess that after the previous book I took a break and read another author's book but for some reason I just had to come back and see what happened next in this series. This saga is glued together with God, strong women and men who believed in a better life for both black and white people. This extended family both real and adopted truly is carried forward by hope. Slaves freedom didn't mean truly free and persecution continued. Individuals tried to change what they could throughout the civil war history and after. Many people were still closed minded including the president after Lincoln was killed. Trying to solidify the North and South was not so easy and radicals continued to cause horrific problems for freed slaves. It seemed only the "Cromwell" plantation was a true refuge for those seeking a better life or healing for those who suffered PTSD after the war. Carrie and Robert are still center stage along with her father Thomas who marries Abby an independent businesswoman. She is extremely wealthy and seems to be more like a fairy godmother to all she comes in contact with. I will read book 8, and hope that some closure comes for these wonderful people who helped the black people during this very sad time in history.
I have to confess that after the previous book I took a break and read another author's book but for some reason I just had to come back and see what happened next in this series. This saga is glued together with God, strong women and men who believed in a better life for both black and white people. This extended family both real and adopted truly is carried forward by hope. Slaves freedom didn't mean truly free and persecution continued. Individuals tried to change what they could throughout the civil war history and after. Many people were still closed minded including the president after Lincoln was killed. Trying to solidify the North and South was not so easy and radicals continued to cause horrific problems for freed slaves. It seemed only the "Cromwell" plantation was a true refuge for those seeking a better life or healing for those who suffered PTSD after the war. Carrie and Robert are still center stage along with her father Thomas who marries Abby an independent businesswoman. She is extremely wealthy and seems to be more like a fairy godmother to all she comes in contact with. I will read book 8, and hope that some closure comes for these wonderful people who helped the black people during this very sad time in history.
February 9, 2018
Carried Forward by Hope felt so much different from the past books in the series. The war is finally over, but the problems keep coming. It was so nice to see the characters filled with so much hope and happiness now that they are together, even though they still face their own challenges. The amazing characters and morals present in these books will never get old!
July 15, 2015
It was good, but not quite as good as the others. I thought there was too much of the personal relationships in this book.
January 20, 2018
Love Historical Fiction
I took a little break from the Brendan Chronicles. It is very easy to get caught up in the story again. Now I will move on to the next year by reading #7.
I took a little break from the Brendan Chronicles. It is very easy to get caught up in the story again. Now I will move on to the next year by reading #7.
March 1, 2019
I continue to love this series and can’t wait to find what happens to the characters next. The war is over and Reconstruction has begun. All kinds of issues that I’m not sure I learned about during that period of our history...the good and the bad.
July 17, 2014
I loved all six books in the series! Ginny Dye made me feel like I was there with the characters and I lived through the entire Civil War with them! I spent the last few months thinking of Carrie, Rose, Abby, Robert, Jeremy, Moses, Thomas etc as my personal friends! Their humanity and the wisdom that helped them survive the terrible years of the war fascinated me!
Although, like in every long saga, there were episodes when the book seemed to drag on a bit and seemed to have just a bit too many lucky coincidences, most of the time it was exciting, vivid, full with interesting historical events and I felt that all those facts I had learned about before, have now come to life through Ginny Dye's storytelling. I have great respect for the author for her excellent research and great knowledge of the Civil War era. She was really successful at reconstructing the events.
I recommend all the books in the series to anyone who is interested in books with historical topics. I'm also looking forward to book 7 that is due to be published soon.
Although, like in every long saga, there were episodes when the book seemed to drag on a bit and seemed to have just a bit too many lucky coincidences, most of the time it was exciting, vivid, full with interesting historical events and I felt that all those facts I had learned about before, have now come to life through Ginny Dye's storytelling. I have great respect for the author for her excellent research and great knowledge of the Civil War era. She was really successful at reconstructing the events.
I recommend all the books in the series to anyone who is interested in books with historical topics. I'm also looking forward to book 7 that is due to be published soon.
October 6, 2017
This book was full of hope and happiness which helped put balm on the pain of the previous two books. Dreams are being fulfilled but the turbulence of the times comes swirling through and the future looks fearful. Hope is the strength that drove these people forward.
April 2, 2025
Love her series of books
August 11, 2017
The war is over and the whole family is together again. Robert has given up on life until Carrie gets help.
May 30, 2017
This book was just as excellent as the ones before it. I am glad that Robert is better and the plantation is fine. Being a fan of that time it is good to read about all that happened. It was a bad period of our history and what we did to the blacks. Reconstruction was hard for everyone and. There were many people who took advantage of that. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 4, 2017
Another great one
Absolutely loving this series. Not only learning lol gee change but also learning a very important part of our history.
Absolutely loving this series. Not only learning lol gee change but also learning a very important part of our history.
August 4, 2017
I like this author and this series of books. I enjoy the fictional history!
Read
June 29, 2017I have read all of the Brendan Chronicles. Thought I had done reviews on all as well. But missed this one apparently
As all of her books catch your attention they do not let you go and you are going through withdrawal when you finish until the next book in the series comes out. Every one of the books have been this way.
As all of her books catch your attention they do not let you go and you are going through withdrawal when you finish until the next book in the series comes out. Every one of the books have been this way.
February 20, 2017
Finishing the war and with reconstruction many things are changing and not always for the better. The plantation is thriving with new concepts of labor but the country is not following suit.
June 2, 2014
Carried Forward By Hope, Book 6 of The Bregdan Chronicles series, by Ginny Dye begins with the ending of the Civil war in America and the soldiers returning home to find their families. It is the year 1865. After the war ended the beloved President Lincoln freed the slaves in the south and had great plans to move the country forward. Unfortunately the great president was assassinated and suddenly the people acquired a new president to take his place. It didn't take long before the people realized this president didn't have the same ideals as their past leader and the country would have a difficult time in trying to heal.
Ginny Dye is a great historian and story teller. I love her characters in this book. I feel like a part of their family and want them to thrive and achieve their goals of reconstructing their lives and help the freedmen and people of the south that were defeated after the war. I have learned how people must have felt going through the hard times of despair and pain, mentally, as well as physically. This is a story of people, men and women, black and white, northerners and southerners. This was a time when freedmen wanted their rights and women wanted to vote and the haters of course making this virtually impossible. Love, passion, romance, hate, despair, cruelty and happiness will rip through you while reading this wonderfully written book. I suggest you get a copy of the first books in this series. I am looking forward to book #7 (Glimmers of Change)!
Ginny Dye is a great historian and story teller. I love her characters in this book. I feel like a part of their family and want them to thrive and achieve their goals of reconstructing their lives and help the freedmen and people of the south that were defeated after the war. I have learned how people must have felt going through the hard times of despair and pain, mentally, as well as physically. This is a story of people, men and women, black and white, northerners and southerners. This was a time when freedmen wanted their rights and women wanted to vote and the haters of course making this virtually impossible. Love, passion, romance, hate, despair, cruelty and happiness will rip through you while reading this wonderfully written book. I suggest you get a copy of the first books in this series. I am looking forward to book #7 (Glimmers of Change)!
May 29, 2014
I enjoyed this book as I did the 5 previous titles in this series. I am looking forward to book #7. I hope it will be released, as stated, this summer. This book was a welcome respite as all our favorite characters are reunited and progressing toward their life goals. There is trouble brewing however , so the next book promises to take us back to the struggles of post civil war reconstruction. I sometimes have conflicting feelings about this series, as the author designs so much coincidence that links the characters in seemingly unbelievable ways. Still, I love the characters so, I am willing to allow this since it always results in meaningful connections that serve the struggle.
September 6, 2016
I have enjoyed each one of six books in the Bregdon Series. The characters are rich, and portrayed very explicitly. The historical value of this book is outstanding. There were many facts about this time in American history that I had no knowledge of. There were times I felt a little too much emphasis was placed on historical facts, and not enough on storytelling.
November 23, 2014
In this installment of the Bregdan Chronicles, the War is over at last. Reconstruction is underway, and the characters are dealing with the challenges of getting their lives back to some semblance of normalcy. As with other books in this series, I have learned so much about this historical period than I ever knew from history class. There is not as much action in this book as in the previous ones, but having an investment in the characters, I was curious to see what was now happening in their lives. I have downloaded #7 and will be starting it today.
January 29, 2024
My 6th book read in the series! Thank-you, Ginny Dye!
I have nothing to say but wonderful things about these books! They are so historically interesting , and the way Ginny writes, makes you care about all the characters ! I get so lost in this world, and find myself still awake at 5am and thinking - I have to get some sleep. I'm so thankful this author has written so many books, so I can continue to have these friends, to come back to everyday . This is the 1st time I've read this type of book. I'm so glad my husband got me book 1, for Christmas!
I have nothing to say but wonderful things about these books! They are so historically interesting , and the way Ginny writes, makes you care about all the characters ! I get so lost in this world, and find myself still awake at 5am and thinking - I have to get some sleep. I'm so thankful this author has written so many books, so I can continue to have these friends, to come back to everyday . This is the 1st time I've read this type of book. I'm so glad my husband got me book 1, for Christmas!
August 3, 2016
From the beginning to the end of this book, I cried on almost every page. I easily used a half a box of tissues, some for happy times and others for sad times. I wish I could remember all the beautiful words that Ms Dye has written in this book. They are exactly what we all need for what our nation is dealing with in these modern times. Thank you for another great adventure into these characters' lives.
December 27, 2017
Seriously one of my favorite series ever, and I've read a ton of them. I binge read the entire series that at the time was 11 books long. I couldn't stop to take the time to write an in-depth review of each book because I needed to know what happened in the next one.
Read them. Read them all. Unless you are renting from my library. In that case please wait until I return any new releases because I must read them first. :)
Read them. Read them all. Unless you are renting from my library. In that case please wait until I return any new releases because I must read them first. :)
May 13, 2014
Excellent...
Excellent addition to the series. The only problem I had with it was that it ended too soon. :) I think this one was my favorite of the series. I love the fact that the author researched the Civil War and reconstruction years for writing these books. It truly is an amazing series. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Excellent addition to the series. The only problem I had with it was that it ended too soon. :) I think this one was my favorite of the series. I love the fact that the author researched the Civil War and reconstruction years for writing these books. It truly is an amazing series. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
October 10, 2014
I just love this series. I've experienced the civil war in such a different way. These books really make you think about what this period in our history really meant to our country and how it meant different things to different people.
January 27, 2015
Good story!
I really enjoy reading about the "Cromwell family". Finally Carrie will get her chance to go to school and become a doctor. The freed slaves still have a very tough road ahead of them.
I really enjoy reading about the "Cromwell family". Finally Carrie will get her chance to go to school and become a doctor. The freed slaves still have a very tough road ahead of them.
May 14, 2016
Best in the series so far
Having definitely enjoyed reading this series and look forward to the next book in the series. Excellent historical content intertwined with delightful characters.
Having definitely enjoyed reading this series and look forward to the next book in the series. Excellent historical content intertwined with delightful characters.
July 5, 2015
End of war
This book is about love,hate, recovery, and hope. It is based just after the war ended and President Lincoln was assassinated. People just trying to go on with life in the South.
This book is about love,hate, recovery, and hope. It is based just after the war ended and President Lincoln was assassinated. People just trying to go on with life in the South.
September 23, 2016
Wonderful characters
The story could be told shorter to cover more time and it can get a bit sappy in places but you will fall in love with the characters and learn many shocking things about our history . Overall a very enjoyable read.
The story could be told shorter to cover more time and it can get a bit sappy in places but you will fall in love with the characters and learn many shocking things about our history . Overall a very enjoyable read.
October 9, 2016
Another Great Read
Ginny Dye has a way of portraying a great picture of a lost time. Her series are captivating and the characters are easy to follow! Love every minute of each series!
Ginny Dye has a way of portraying a great picture of a lost time. Her series are captivating and the characters are easy to follow! Love every minute of each series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews