by C.S. Harris
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
A powerful tale of the survival of the women and children left behind during the American Civil War by the author of the Sebastian St Cyr mysteries."
It s the beginning of the American Civil War and the Union army is sailing down the Mississippi, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
The graceful river town of St. Francisville, Louisiana, has known little of the hardships, death, and destruction of the War. But with the fall of New Orleans, all changes. A Federal fleet appears on the Mississippi, and it isn t long before the depredations and attacks begin.
For one Southern family the dark blue uniform of the Union army is not the only thing they fear. A young girl stops a vicious attack on her mother and the town must pull together to keep each other safe. But a cryptic message casts doubt amongst the town s folk. Is there a traitor in the town and can anybody be trusted?
Twelve-year-old Amrie and her family have never felt entirely accepted by their neighbors, due to their vocal abolitionist beliefs. But when Federal forces lay siege to the nearby strongholds of Vicksburg and Port Hudson, the women and children of St. Francisville find themselves living in a no man s land between two warring armies. Realizing they must overcome their differences and work together to survive, they soon discover strengths and abilities they never knew they possessed, and forge unexpected friendships.
As the violence in the area intensifies, Amrie comes to terms with her own capacity for violence and realizes that the capacity for evil exists within all of us. And when the discovery of a closely guarded secret brings the wrath of the Federal army down on St. Francisville, the women of St. Francisville, with whom Amrie and her mother have shared the war years many deprivations and traumas, now unite and risk their own lives to save them.
Today I once again have Sophia Rose from Delighted Reader sharing a guest review. I am excited to hear her thoughts on Good Time Coming. The story takes place at the beginning of the Civil War, and I am drawn to this time period. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy!
Sophia Rose’s Review
When I think of American Civil War stories, I generally picture the bloody battles and misery of war on the battlefront. CS Harris showed how this war of brother against brother touched the lives of those back home who lived in the middle of the battleground and were equally ravaged by war. The author gave a face and a personality to a whole group of people and it made the devastating and brutal history of this time come alive.
Alright, Good Time Coming grabbed me by the emotions and took me to the gritty world of life in a war zone for a girl, her family, and community. It was achingly sad and horrific. I appreciate the work and the honesty that went into telling such a story. My perspective on that era in history has been enriched as a result.
The community the author created in that small southern Louisiana town was colorful and many faceted with the immigrants, the old planter families, the free and slave, transplants from the north, and the fact that it was mostly old men, young boys, and women folk. It was interesting how the war had a way of breaking down the class and color differences a bit, though some were staunch no matter what.
Another element that stood out to me was this was not just a story of the war, but of women’s history. There were ladies who clung to the old ways and some stepped out of their old roles to do what needed doing like Amrie’s mother. She essentially became the town doctor and had the training, but not the credential because women weren’t allowed. It was also a transitional time because of war. Women would struggle to go back to the old roles. Amrie has dreams of following her mother in studying medicine, but she is determined to have the degree and title of ‘doctor’.
As to Amrie, herself, she starts out a typical self-absorbed kid who lives and loves but sees everything through a narrow scope. But then slowly, she learns that she knew next to nothing about the people around her and their motivations until she is forced to re-evaluate everything and everyone. People’s true selves come to the surface in times of war and loss. She learns most of all that she didn’t really know herself, either.
All in all, Good Time Coming was an amazing and captivating story filled with action, suspense, and much character development set against a small southern town during the Civil War years. My only niggle is that I wanted more of Amrie’s story beyond the ending point. Yes, so good I wanted more. I highly recommend this book to those who love Civil War era historical fiction and those who want authentic women’s history.
Good Time Coming by CS Harris was an amazing and captivating story Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Debbie Haupt
OMG this sounds amazing albeit very dark Sophia Rose. It will go on my list but I think I’ll need to be in just the right frame of mind to read it
Sophia Rose
Completely understandable, Debbie. It’s not a light one. 🙂
Theophania
I’m glad it’s getting good reviews – according to C.S. Harris, this is her “book of the heart”; the one she was on fire to write. She wrote it several years ago, and no US publisher would take it. According to her, it finally found a home with a UK publisher. She blogged about it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/13770316-good-time-coming
Sophia Rose
I had no idea and that’s so sad that she couldn’t get a publisher in the US b/c this was an amazing book. Thanks for sharing that, Theophania.
Lorna
I like American history, but when you mention the word horrific, I think I am going to pass. But you know what I was thinking-it sounds like it would make one heck of a good movie-especially with a young girl telling the story. Great review Sophia as usual 🙂
Sophia Rose
Yeah, not going to lie, there is some sad stuff going on in this one. People can be monsters during a war. I agree. This would make a riveting movie.
Thanks so much, Lorna. I do try. 🙂
Angela Adams
I’m always impressed by a five-caffeniated cup review! Thanks for the post.
Sophia Rose
You betcha, Angela! 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’ve always been lukewarm about this time period for fiction but this one sounds like it is right up my alley! Love that it really is a woman’s story and that makes me curious. I do think I will have to add this one to the wishlist!
Sophia Rose
Yes, the war backdrop makes one hesitate, but when I saw it was from a young girls’ POV, I had to. Hope you get the chance, Melissa!
blodeuedd
Truth be told I have not read a lot set then
Sophia Rose
I have a few historical settings and eras that I’ve neglected, too- some on purpose and some because…time. 🙂
Rita
Great review of a book I hadn’t seen around! I’m definitely adding to my wishlist ☺ I love Historical Fiction.
Sophia Rose
Splendid, Rita! Glad I could point you to one you might find interesting. 🙂
sherry fundin
Great review. I used to read a lot of Civil War, but since blogging, not so much. Thanks for sharing.
Sophia Rose
Thanks, Sherry!
It’s always a curiosity how my own reading tastes alter over time and sometimes even circle back.
Melissa
If your only complaint is that you wanted more…that’s a pretty good read! 🙂
Sophia Rose
You are so right, Melissa. I was pouty when I got to the end. I kept clicking and hoping, but no, that page was not advancing.
Tracy Terry
Definitely one I’ll keep a look out for. I’ve read other books based at this time but none of them from a women’s point of view.
Sophia Rose
The perspective from Amrie is a huge draw. I thought the author did well putting herself in a young girl’s mind and back in time like that.
Bookworm Brandee
I just added this to my last minute Christmas shopping list, Sophia. My older daughter enjoys studying the Civil War (we traveled Sherman’s March this past summer as her graduation gift) and we learned so much about how the war affected everyone while traveling through these small towns. I think she’d really appreciate this tale as it seems very well done. And if it’s on her shelf, I can borrow it. 😉 Lovely review!
Sophia Rose
Oh, Serendipity, Brandee! Glad my review caught your eye for your daughter. Wow, that is an amazing gift. I would love to see some of the historical war sites someday.
And yessss, borrowing is fair game. 🙂
kindlemom1
Great review Sophia! I definitely think this is something I would love as well, this period really is a fascinating one and one I really need to learn more about.
Sophia Rose
Thanks, Kindlemom!
It was a good balance between a story of the war and a story of a fascinating heroine. Hope you get the chance.
Vanessa
I’m not usually a fan of historical romance, but I am planning to change that one (its part of my new years resolution hehe). And look at that, a perfect rating! And it comes with action and suspense? Then I’ll definitely add this one to my list 🙂
Sophia Rose
This one doesn’t have any romance, but it’s a fantastic choice if you want to go historical, Vanessa. Great goal!
Melliane
Oh it looks really interesting, to see the atmosphere, the period,.. yes becuase I don’t think I’ve read a book during American Civil War. And I’m not inform well about it. And if the story is also about the women I’m even more intrigued! thanks Sophia Rose!
Sophia Rose
This will give no trouble to someone unfamiliar with the historical aspect because she explains very well. And the women’s side is very compelling, Melliane.
Thanks for stopping by.
The Bibliophile Babe
Wow, even though this is far (far!) from what I normally read, I’m intrigued!
Sophia Rose
Yes, I agree, and think people who would not normally read this subject matter will appreciate it.