Fragile Dreams

by Karen Cogan

The Civil war unleashes a bitter battle near Caroline's home--and in her heart. Parentless, and with a young brother to tend, Caroline blames God and the Yankees for her difficulties. Then, she finds a wounded Union soldier lying in her lawn, and her world is turned upside-down...

Shot and left for dead, Nate thanks God for the Confederate angel who takes him in and nurses him back to health, but dreams of taking her West with him after the war are dampened by her Southern alliances and hardened heart.

Will the war pull them apart, or can Nate's faith bind them together?

Genres: Historical Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

A native of Houston, TX, Karen spent her early years enjoying life along the Gulf Coast. After high school, she attended Texas A&M as well as the University of Houston where she obtained a
B.S. in early childhood education. She has written numerous articles and stories, books for children and novels for adults. She particularly enjoys writing contemporary and historical romance.
She now lives in the Southwest with her family and assorted pets. For more information go to https://www.amazon.com/Karen-Cogan/e/... or https://www.facebook.com/karencoganfa....

Reviews

[Donna Mcginnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story takes place during the civil war on a southern plantation. Karen Cogan gives historical information regarding the hatred between the north and the south. The hardships and harsh realities the south went through and the struggles to keep their homes and way of life. A reminder that the north also faced many struggles and loses.
Carolyn's father has died and her brother James is fighting in the war. She is fighting to save her home and take care of her younger brother along with her grandmother. She finds a wounded union soldier lying in her yard and debates what to do with him. Let him die or try to help him. She and her grandmother take him in and nurse him back to health. No one in town knows he is there. A childhood friend wants to marry her. What are her feelings towards him? How does she feel about Nate? Will her brother survive the war and return home?
Nate as shot and left for dead until he was rescued by an angel. He comes to care for this family and thankful they saved his life. Will there be a relationship between Nate and Carolyn?
Nate is a christian but Carolyn has lost faith in God due to the circumstances that surround her family.
Karen Cogan has done a great job in writing about real issues during the war with believable characters reminding us of the bitterness, hatred, prejudices, wounded hearts, trust, hope, faith and love.
A wonderful read and I recommend this book. I love historical fiction romance stories and Karen Cogan has a hit with this one.

I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline must keep her plantation going during the civil war. There are many things she must face that she has never faced before. When a Yankee soldier turns up wounded on her southern plantation should she care for him or let him die? Caroline faith has been tried before and failed, Can she find that faith again and learn to trust God in hard times? What will everyone think if she tends to the needs of a Yankee and what if she develops feelings for him?

Nate was sure he was a dead man, yet when he awoke a beautiful 'angel' was tending to him. He can see the contempt in her yet she is still compassionate. What will happen when he gets better and when will this war end? If there is to be a chance for them where would they live?

Karen Cogan has developed some great characters and some eye opening things in history. I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian Historical fiction romance. I like the personality of the main characters and there are many surprises in store. It is a great quick read. I was given a copy of this book from bookfun.org (The book Club network) for my honest opinion.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fragile Dreams is a motivational, historical fiction filled with
humor, strong family values and romance story. It features
average human beings possessing different unique gifts. They
are put in terrifying situations due to the Civil War but manage
to be survivors. The story moves fast containing a lot of harsh
reality. The reader will experience prejudice, deceit, betrayal,
viciousness, women’s issues along with faith, friendship, trust,
forgiveness and love.
The characters are real. They react to situations in ways the
reader will be able to fully connect. You will be able to feel
what they feel as you find yourself as part of the story.
The plot covers everyday issues occurring during a war time
period along with complicate matters thrown into the mix.
There are stunning surprises and sharp twist that keep the
reader glued to the book.
You definitely want to read Fragile Dreams!!

I received this book from book fun.org. My opinion is my own.

[Lori Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fragile Dreams is set in the Civil War when you were either Confederate or Union. When a wounded soldier is cared for by the opposing side, fear of harm is felt. Through faith and trust things work out. The author has developed strong characters, and a realistic setting to make the story very enjoyable.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Margaret Chind]

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a girl be a southerner and end up falling in love with a union soldier? It can happen but can it turn out ok. This was a nice romance with a little bit of a mystery. I look forward to reading more by Karen. I received this from bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion.

[Christine Lumbley]

Quick Good Read

Enjoyed this sweet tale of love interwoven with how hearts change. I recommend this book for a rainy day. It was very enjoyable and a great reminder of who we should look to for forgiveness and trust in our lives..