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The Cedar
From settling in the newly founded colonies in the 17th century through the pinnacle of the Civil War, The Cedar is an adventurous tale of the trials and triumphs of human endeavor, a broad canvas of emotion, and an epic tale of struggle and strength. A story that is at times heartwarming, at others heartbreaking, we are introduced to generations of the Bodes family and those close to them as they struggle against enemies, the challenges of the new world, and personal conflict.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
648 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2016
377 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 17, 2026
I loved this book…all the way to about chapter XXIV. The story, family saga, character development, richness of emotions were all present in the first 500 pages and then the story took a turn and the writing seemed to change and become more shallow. If the author would have found a way to end it about 100 pages earlier I would have given the book a 5. Despite that it’s still a great read! Thanks to my friend Shannon for the recommendation!
February 12, 2018
A story of love and families in the 17th century through the 1960's spanning numerous generations. A Frenchman came to America in the 17th century, he found a lovely spot in South Carolina to build a modest home and opened it up for travelers to have a meal and a bed for the night to rest. This home was passed from generation to generation each one making improvements on it, keeping it open for any travellers. The home became a large plantation in South Carolina named 'The Cedar' owners were the Bodes Family.
Their first encounter was the Indians, then as the Plantation grew, there were slaves to help, and house servants. In 1840 a time for love and family, this saga is filled with adventures, emotions, drama throughout, struggles, heartbreak, forgiveness and twists and turns thoughtout the years. The Civil War was well researched and written in vivid detail, I learned so much about the Civic War in South Carolina.
A wonderful written book which was well researched and published about 50 years ago. This is the only book that Carmen Butler had ever written. The characters and setting were well defined in vivid detail. The plot was outstanding, I loved the book from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed every chapter in the saga. A book I will remember for a long time, I recommend this book to those who love s historical fiction.
Their first encounter was the Indians, then as the Plantation grew, there were slaves to help, and house servants. In 1840 a time for love and family, this saga is filled with adventures, emotions, drama throughout, struggles, heartbreak, forgiveness and twists and turns thoughtout the years. The Civil War was well researched and written in vivid detail, I learned so much about the Civic War in South Carolina.
A wonderful written book which was well researched and published about 50 years ago. This is the only book that Carmen Butler had ever written. The characters and setting were well defined in vivid detail. The plot was outstanding, I loved the book from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed every chapter in the saga. A book I will remember for a long time, I recommend this book to those who love s historical fiction.
August 4, 2017
I really joyed reading this book, a saga set in South Carolina from the earliest settlement by Europeans, thorough a visit by an elderly descendent in the 1960's. One underlying current in the book was the early mixing of French and Native American blood in the back country and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the main characters as a result.
The primary focus of the book is one couple who meet in the 1840's and have a very tempestuous relationship for many years. The Cedar is the plantation which has been in the family for generations and has also served as a kind of Inn for travelers because it was so remote for many years.
The book was written about 50 years ago, was very well researched and accurate in its portrayal of this small but significant part of the South. This is the only book ever written by this author who devoted her energies to its accuracy. Beautifully written!
The importance of South Carolina in the Civil War is an important part of later years of the story which was very informative for me.
The primary focus of the book is one couple who meet in the 1840's and have a very tempestuous relationship for many years. The Cedar is the plantation which has been in the family for generations and has also served as a kind of Inn for travelers because it was so remote for many years.
The book was written about 50 years ago, was very well researched and accurate in its portrayal of this small but significant part of the South. This is the only book ever written by this author who devoted her energies to its accuracy. Beautifully written!
The importance of South Carolina in the Civil War is an important part of later years of the story which was very informative for me.
May 14, 2017
Long
This is an overlong account of the Bodes Family dynasty of South Carolina that covers several generations. The book is much too long...dialogue it repeated many times. A good editing would have really been helpful as much of the story is interesting. A lot of historical events are covered throughout in blase fashion and interspersed boringly. At times the characters use modern day vernacular and some rather outrageous things begin happening well into the book. There are moments of side storytelling that goes nowhere and I wonder why it was even added. I can tell it's a book that probably took a very long time to write and sadly ended without and resolution to the situations of the characters involved. I wouldn't recommend....wasted my time.
This is an overlong account of the Bodes Family dynasty of South Carolina that covers several generations. The book is much too long...dialogue it repeated many times. A good editing would have really been helpful as much of the story is interesting. A lot of historical events are covered throughout in blase fashion and interspersed boringly. At times the characters use modern day vernacular and some rather outrageous things begin happening well into the book. There are moments of side storytelling that goes nowhere and I wonder why it was even added. I can tell it's a book that probably took a very long time to write and sadly ended without and resolution to the situations of the characters involved. I wouldn't recommend....wasted my time.
July 6, 2020
Utterly Captivating!!
I can say without a doubt this was the most enjoyable story that I have had the pleasure of 📚 reading! It had aspects of many of my own interests, Native American History, Civil War History, Historical Restoration, and a good old fashion love story to boot. Although the ending was somewhat disappointing in a way, I thought Jim should have .told her of husband's death and the body reclaimed. That was something I really would have liked to have played out in the book. It was very well done and enjoyed very much.
I can say without a doubt this was the most enjoyable story that I have had the pleasure of 📚 reading! It had aspects of many of my own interests, Native American History, Civil War History, Historical Restoration, and a good old fashion love story to boot. Although the ending was somewhat disappointing in a way, I thought Jim should have .told her of husband's death and the body reclaimed. That was something I really would have liked to have played out in the book. It was very well done and enjoyed very much.
August 24, 2017
Quite the Story
This long and wordy novel is reminiscent of books of an earlier era. At times I wished it to move a little faster, however reading the progress of the dysfunctional relationship between Vesper and Elizabeth, and curiosity to learn the answers to some of the mysteries alluded to held my interest. The final scenes involving Sherman's March into Columbia and the destruction that took place there made the book for me.
This long and wordy novel is reminiscent of books of an earlier era. At times I wished it to move a little faster, however reading the progress of the dysfunctional relationship between Vesper and Elizabeth, and curiosity to learn the answers to some of the mysteries alluded to held my interest. The final scenes involving Sherman's March into Columbia and the destruction that took place there made the book for me.
October 8, 2017
Civil War saga
This book for me was a Gone With the Windish type of book. It was a very long novel and the type of book I enjoy. I like historical novels and this one fits that description me. The characters were interesting and the family history developed by the author kept me want to find out what happens as the story progresses. I think the ending tied it together but left the secrets untold forever. Great story that I enjoyed very much.
This book for me was a Gone With the Windish type of book. It was a very long novel and the type of book I enjoy. I like historical novels and this one fits that description me. The characters were interesting and the family history developed by the author kept me want to find out what happens as the story progresses. I think the ending tied it together but left the secrets untold forever. Great story that I enjoyed very much.
June 11, 2017
Wonderful!!!!
This is a long book and it took me three days of on and off again reading. I'll always remember the characters and the stories within. Carmen Butler was an outstanding writer and it's a shame that this is her only book. But what a great historical read - even if it is fiction, it's simply amazing. I highly recommend this book.
This is a long book and it took me three days of on and off again reading. I'll always remember the characters and the stories within. Carmen Butler was an outstanding writer and it's a shame that this is her only book. But what a great historical read - even if it is fiction, it's simply amazing. I highly recommend this book.
July 1, 2017
This is a long saga similar in some ways to Gone With The Wind. There is so much rich history with slavery, the Native Americans, and the immigrants who were settling South Carolina. It ends with the Civil War. It was over 600 pages but I was sad when it ended. Can't believe he author has not written more books. Very well written with lots of adventure and surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 9, 2017
One of a kind
This book is a gem that will stay with you long after you have read the last word. It reaches back to the infancy of America and informs as it entertains. The story of immigrants and native Americans that takes us on a journey of a family with all the secrets that can never be told in their lifetimes. Well worth your interest.
This book is a gem that will stay with you long after you have read the last word. It reaches back to the infancy of America and informs as it entertains. The story of immigrants and native Americans that takes us on a journey of a family with all the secrets that can never be told in their lifetimes. Well worth your interest.
August 29, 2017
Awesome
This book was one of the best books I have ever read. I didn't want it to end. I was hoping that Elisabeth and Vesper would finally have an heir to the Cedar, but it was not meant to be.
Also I wanted to know what happens to Elisabeth after the war ended. Despite those disappointments I enjoyed the book and would recommend it
This book was one of the best books I have ever read. I didn't want it to end. I was hoping that Elisabeth and Vesper would finally have an heir to the Cedar, but it was not meant to be.
Also I wanted to know what happens to Elisabeth after the war ended. Despite those disappointments I enjoyed the book and would recommend it
December 11, 2017
Terrible writing
A compelling plot and interesting characters can't quite redeem the stilted mess of the narrative. The clumsy attempt at the slaves' dialect is embarrassing. The author misuses words and makes countless errors of grammar and syntax. Too bad, because in the hands even a competent writer, this could have been really good book.
A compelling plot and interesting characters can't quite redeem the stilted mess of the narrative. The clumsy attempt at the slaves' dialect is embarrassing. The author misuses words and makes countless errors of grammar and syntax. Too bad, because in the hands even a competent writer, this could have been really good book.
May 28, 2018
This is the best book that I have ever read about the civil war. It personalities the conflict between the North and South and keeps you interest ed in reading to see how the stormy will play out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the plight of the slaves and their lives during the civil war.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the plight of the slaves and their lives during the civil war.
March 18, 2017
Great Story
This book tells the story of the history of a family as well as the history of our nation. "The Cedar" is very detailed and captures the reader's curiosity at the beginning of the first chapter. A must read for those who relish historical fiction.
This book tells the story of the history of a family as well as the history of our nation. "The Cedar" is very detailed and captures the reader's curiosity at the beginning of the first chapter. A must read for those who relish historical fiction.
May 11, 2017
I loved her writing style. Telling about the people after reading about them.
I love reading stories about the Civil War and family sagas. Kept me coming back to read a few more chapters. Sorry when it ended. She has the talent to become a successful author.
I love reading stories about the Civil War and family sagas. Kept me coming back to read a few more chapters. Sorry when it ended. She has the talent to become a successful author.
May 28, 2017
Full of history.
Thus was a very interesting book. The history of the Civil War was written in a most compelling way. The love story of a home built to last. There was nothing about this book I didn't love.
Thus was a very interesting book. The history of the Civil War was written in a most compelling way. The love story of a home built to last. There was nothing about this book I didn't love.
June 11, 2017
Great Book
The Cedar is the best book that I have read in many years. The story was great and I learned much about the Civil War. Please read this book. You won't be able to put it down.
The Cedar is the best book that I have read in many years. The story was great and I learned much about the Civil War. Please read this book. You won't be able to put it down.
June 7, 2018
Great Historical Book
This book surprises more of my historical senses than Any I've read recently.. Starting with indian native american ancestors thru the civil war. The writing and descriptions were superb
This book surprises more of my historical senses than Any I've read recently.. Starting with indian native american ancestors thru the civil war. The writing and descriptions were superb
May 11, 2017
A long interesting book.
A generational story of the good and not so good in humans during the Civil War period. You get to know he family well.
A generational story of the good and not so good in humans during the Civil War period. You get to know he family well.
May 16, 2017
Wonderful.
This story spans more than 4 generations of family . Loving each other, warring with each other but still trying to keep the family name going.
This story spans more than 4 generations of family . Loving each other, warring with each other but still trying to keep the family name going.
July 22, 2017
The Cedar
This is a fabulous work of art!!! Bravo!!! I am so happy to have found it and slowly read it. I only wish that she wrote more novels. But, thank you anyway
This is a fabulous work of art!!! Bravo!!! I am so happy to have found it and slowly read it. I only wish that she wrote more novels. But, thank you anyway
July 24, 2017
Interesting story
Despite this being a lengthy book, I read quickly always wanting to know what happened next. I think it continued to get better the further I read.
Despite this being a lengthy book, I read quickly always wanting to know what happened next. I think it continued to get better the further I read.
August 8, 2017
Wonderful
This will be on my list of favorite books of all time. I will recommend it to all my reading friends
This will be on my list of favorite books of all time. I will recommend it to all my reading friends
September 28, 2017
Read half
I read a little over halfway and got bored. Didn't know where the story was headed and it didn't hold my interest enough to find out.
I read a little over halfway and got bored. Didn't know where the story was headed and it didn't hold my interest enough to find out.
October 30, 2017
One of the best books I have read
I could,my put this book down. It is definitely a five star read. I highly recom. mend this book to any one who appreciates historical romance.
I could,my put this book down. It is definitely a five star read. I highly recom. mend this book to any one who appreciates historical romance.
November 8, 2017
Good story
But at times it just drags by with inane ramblings and too much detail concerning nothing really. Its a long read, good for waiting for appointments.
But at times it just drags by with inane ramblings and too much detail concerning nothing really. Its a long read, good for waiting for appointments.
September 5, 2018
This is by far the best book I have ever read. The story was captivating and a historical fiction lovers dream. I didn't want it to end.
March 1, 2017
Excellent Read
Anyone interested in American history, stories about Indians, slavery or, the antebellum South will find this novel a great treasure. Anyone interested in a story about family and spousal relationships will be intrigued by the characters developed within these pages. Ms. Butler has penned a page turning masterpiece with her only publication. Enjoy.
Anyone interested in American history, stories about Indians, slavery or, the antebellum South will find this novel a great treasure. Anyone interested in a story about family and spousal relationships will be intrigued by the characters developed within these pages. Ms. Butler has penned a page turning masterpiece with her only publication. Enjoy.
January 5, 2017
Written decades ago and shelved until recently being published, this was an interesting find by a little-known author. The scope of this novel and the depth of the characters was impressive. The story centers around the descendants of a single Frenchman that comes to the new world in the late 17th century and has plenty of family scandals, secrets, turmoil, and tragedy. A great read that is well worth the time.
February 29, 2020
Brilliant
When I look for historical fiction, this is what I hope for but rarely find. As thoroughly researched as it is fascinating, this story spans generations and wars in a way that keeps the reader engaged and never bored. I'm only sad to know this was Ms. Butler's only published work.
When I look for historical fiction, this is what I hope for but rarely find. As thoroughly researched as it is fascinating, this story spans generations and wars in a way that keeps the reader engaged and never bored. I'm only sad to know this was Ms. Butler's only published work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews