The author has done a wonderful job depicting a terrible time in our nation's history from the perspective of those who had to live through it.

The slaves had to endure and put their hope in the afterlife, the Christian slave owners had to consider that their slaves might be better off being under their protection that to be free in the South. Their dilemna also included the fact that their plantations depended on slave labor. The white slave driver had to decide whether it was better for him to remain there and keep the slaves from enduring an abusive driver, or to seek out cheap land for himself and his family in the west.

Hate still abounded among nonChristians and those who called themselves Christians. The main character Joseph endures so much pain (physical and emotional) that you cry for him throughout his struggle. Some parts of the book were a bit wordy, but many other parts were painted vividly with such gripping descriptions that you feel you were there.

I finished the book with a new understanding of the struggles everyone in those times faced in the disgrace of slavery.

Ê This is a wonderful book that explores the complexities of how to live an honorable, Christian life in a society that approves of discrimination. In a world where laws and social prejudice dictate that some humans are less worthy than others, how is a Christian to act if he or she is a member of the oppressing group, or a member of the oppressed group? What can or should one do? The parallels for today are powerful for those who look.

My only criticism of this gripping tale is that the evil characters donÕt even pretend to be Christians, and the Christian characters always are good, even if they are weak. In my experience, sometimes Christians deliberately do evil things, and many non-Christians are wonderfully moral and loving people.

Nevertheless, this is a book well worth reading and discussing with your friends. It is told in a manner that involves the reader on all levels. Marvellously written, with a powerful message.

This is a wonderful book that explores the complexities of how to live an honorable, Christian life in a society that approves of discrimination. In a world where laws and social prejudice dictate that some humans are less worthy than others, how is a Christian to act if he or she is a member of the oppressing class, or a member of the oppressed class? What can or should one do? The parallels for today are powerful for those who look.

My only criticism of this gripping tale is that the evil characters donÕt even pretend to be Christians, and the Christian characters always are good, even if they are weak. In my experience, sometimes Christians deliberately do evil things, and many non-Christians are wonderfully moral and loving people.

Nevertheless, this is a book well worth reading and discussing with your friends. It is told in a manner that involves the reader on all levels. Marvellously written - powerful message.

I simply love this book. I, like many, first discovered it in the library as a youngster. There are few books I have enjoyed over and over -- this is one. There is adventure mixed with a little history, some romance mixed with intrigue -- without all the graphic depictions of physical encounters, if you get my drift. In short, this is a great book for your 11 year old daughter to read -- better buy a copy though...if she's like the rest of Bristow's fans, she'll be reading it annually from now on....

I first read this book in 7th grade, and I've read it again about ever year or two since. I really feel like I know what it would have been like to live in Charleston during the Revolution after reading this book. And the Romance!! Ah, I love to read about Celia and the men in her life. I also liked the way she had more than one REAL romance, something that isn't done in a lot of novels. I thought it was very well written. This is a must read for anyone!

I really enjoyed this book a lot. It is the story of an orphaned girl who is a seamstress in Charleston during the Revolution. She is a strong woman who always wants something to be happening, but she is also lonely and wishes that she would be loved and belong to a family. She becomes involved in the Revolution. This is just a great historical book, I couldn't put it down. The writing style is very clear. Read it, you won't regret it

This book was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. It was very unpredictable. Now, where can I find sequel 3?

Right away I was skeptical about the book, thinking I would see differences between the sequel and the original, but I was completely wrong! The whole story line had flowed so well from the first book to the second that my grandma didn't even notice there were two different authors. The book gave me so many different emotions and I loved every bit of it!! From happiness and laughter to anger and sadness, I took in everything I could from this book and I feel that it has made me a better person. I encourage anyone who sees this book to buy it right away, along with the first one because the story line and characters will touch you in such a way I cannot describe. When I finished reading it I ran to the computer right away to see if there was another sequel, but to my despair I have not found one. Where is #3 Laurie????

What a refreshing continuation of the Women of Catawba. Laurie did a wonderful job of following the style and personalities of the characters in this sequel to the book her Mom wrote. We were pulled into another era with ease and felt the dedication to God these women had as they faced their own challenges in life. I agree, where is book III, Laurie?

Mandie is visiting her friend Tommy in Charleston, and she is very excited to see the ocean for the first time.
But strange things are happening. While walking on the beach, Mandie and Tommy see a wispy white thing hovering about the water. Tommy's sister Josephine is convinced that the white apparition is a phantom. But Mandie wonders. Does Josephine know more about it than she claims?

When I first saw this title, I was a bit wary of it because I'm not allowed to read books about ghosts and whatnot. But after getting a book description from a friend I was reassured, so I went ahead and read it.
I was pleasantly surprised. Mandie's like me, she doesn't believe in ghosts, but can imagine them enough to give her the chills.
This is an excellent addition to anyone's Mandie collection, and don't let the title fool you. All the 'phantoms' are fake, anyway.

This book was really good. Mandie leaves home with Joe extremely jealous of Tommy. Mandie decides to ignore Joe and have a good time, but she can't get it off her mind. She runs into a mystery like always. At the Patton's beach house there is a mysterious phantom, but does Mandie really believe in ghosts? Tommy sister doesn't help matters with all of her weird ghost stories and tower tales, and why is she so rude to Mandie? Mandie learns some valuable lessons about friendship and jealousy with her friend back home.

I really like how Mandie is very faithful in God and has a special verse to say when she's scared. She always shares this verse with other people without hesitation. Mandie's paving a road for many other young christians and how to be faithful. I've been reading Mandie books since I was 11.

This Mandie book was very good, with a great mystery. Mandie is going to visit her firend from school, Tommy Patton. She goes, and thinks she sees a sort of phantom rising off of the beautiful ocean! The house she is staying at also has a sort of mystery to it. Mandie also meets Tommy's sister, who acts in a queer way. The solution is a surprising one, and will keep you guessing until the last page.

Rosebud is a new children's classic no matter what city you live in. The author showcases her incredible artistic talents not only through the words she writes, but in the illustrations she creates. We loved every page!

This book is truly a masterpiece of postmodern children's literature. And besides, the author is an amazing person.

What a delightful book! I can't wait to share it with my grandchildren. The imagination of the story and the original paintings on each page makes you wish for more. How else would you have a country horse like Rosebud find her way to her dream city of Charleston than behind a "great big truck of juicy orange carrots." Or what expression on Rosebud's face could you come up with more delightful as she contemplates the "slide down the amazing banister in The Nathaniel Russell House." Sally Smith does a wonderful job of letting your imagination soar as she and Rosebud take you roaming through Charleston. I am looking forward to enjoying this gem many times over.

I received an autographed copy of Mary's World for Christmas 2000. This book is an astonishing selection of actual writings from Mary Pringle, a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother in the 1800's. The writer has captured the aura of pre and post Civil War-Charleston, SC. These writings have some spectacular historical significance as some of the homes and plantations discussed can still be seen today. I found the medical practices of this period of time most interesting as I am a nurse. This collection of writings is priceless and I have rarely, if ever, enjoyed a book more. I am an avid reader and love books about the Civil War. This book has shown how the one member of this family, Mary, kept her faith in God and in humanity through times of trial, tragedy, death, war, childbirth, and yes, happiness. This book is a MUST for anyone with the slightest inkling of historic South Carolina.

Angela Yon

_Mary's World_ traces the life story of Mary Motte Alston Pringle, a prominent South Carolinian woman, from her youth in the early 1800s to her passing at an advanced age. Much of the story is drawn from her own writings, which are voluminous and articulate, though Côté steers clear of the trap of overquoting and invests the effort to interpret and present--just as an historian should.

Most authors would be delighted to succeed in one significant way with a book--Côté succeeds in many with _Mary's_. It is dispassionate history, navigating the shoals of one of the most partisan events in US history (the Civil War) without demonizing or deifying either side. It is 'herstory', if you will, giving us a view of times past from the standpoint of a courageous woman who went from genteel wealth to genteel poverty. It is also African American history: the blacks who played integral roles in Mary's world have names, faces and attitudes, which naturally changed with society. It asks and answers deeper questions about the protagonists' motivations, ideas, beliefs and viewpoints. It makes abundantly clear that Reconstruction was an equal opportunity failure, destroying rather than redistributing wealth. Côté's style is uncluttered, perceptive and engaging. It plays no favourites and panders to no one. The notes often explain contemporary slang and add value to the main text; the index is very helpful; the bibliography is impressive.

Strongly recommended as 19th-century US history, Southern history, Civil War history, women's history and/or black history. It would be of particular value for the high school or college student of US history writing an essay or looking for inspiration for one, and I look forward to more work of this calibre from the author.

Mary's World is a powerful book which gives readers clear insights into how Mary Motte Alston Pringle, her family, and slaves thought and lived in South Carolina before, during, and after the Civil War. Because Mary and her husband William were descendents of successful rice planters and continued the tradition until after the war, Mary and her family are good representatives of the planter elite during this period. The Pringles left behind a large body of papers, enabling Côté to conduct a thorough study of a high-born planter family's attitudes towards society, slavery, education, and family values in nineteenth century South Carolina. The Pringles experienced enormous prosperity before the war. Through their correspondences and documents, the reader can glimpse into the past to witness the personal tragedy, financial calamity, and utter desperation this family endured when they were stripped of their livelihood, and their young sons and daughters fell prey to war and disease. Readers may well be astonished at how Mary and her family braved these continuing catastrophes in a time period which has become so romanticized over the years. Côté's research and writing also reveals the racial inequities and insecurities during antebellum plantation life. Especially poignant was the disillusionment some slaves were left with after emancipation, with no place to go and no way to make a living. Charleston, once a thriving, prosperous city, was reduced to ruins after the war. Formerly wealthy landowners were left without homes, plantations were abandoned, their tools broken or worn out, and blacks and whites alike struggled to eke out some form of living. Mary's World carefully traces the complex lives of a prominent Southern family and their slaves from antebellum prosperity to the beginning of a new economic and social era that would shape Southern life for the next century. I loved it.

I first read this book in high school many years ago. I have not been able to find another copy until Amazon. It is probably one of the best historical fictions next to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. Gwen Bristow is a great writer as you can also experience in her Santa Fe Trail. Anyone interested in the Revolutionary War from a woman's prospective will love this book.

My all-time favorite book...yes, even over Gone With The Wind, because "sassyface" had gumption! Gwen Bristow brings a period of time...the characters...the cities...to life! So real, and vivid you have a picture of what is going on always in your mind. The Revolutionary War, Charleston, Celia, Luke, Jimmy, Vivian, Mrs. Thorley, Marrieta...they become people you know. Someday I'm going to Charleston...and hope to walk down the same streets as Celia. Don't pass up a chance to read this and other Gwen Bristow books.

I read this book over 30 years ago and have never forgotten the heroine, the locale, or the story. Why JOHNNY TREMAIN has remained on shelves when CELIA GARTH has been allowed to go out of print absolutely astounds me. Together they form a picture of our Revolutionary times which is lively, entertaining, and educational-all in one package, a book. My copy of this book was "borrowed" long ago and never returned and I have been trying to locate it since. I'm taking this opportunity to find it and read it!

This is geared towards party recipes--- from drinks to demitast soup to finger deserts to all kinds of dips and snack mixes.

Many will find here the ole reliables, and as I can determine, just about all of them--from Party Mix fame to Wassail to many ways of serving crab and shrimp dip.

I particularly am attracted to the unusual, and there is plenty of that here. I enjoy such as Escargots A La San Diego, Goat Cheese Tortillas, and Papaya Stuffed with Curried Crab.

This will assist those looking for some easy but delicious things to serve the party guests that will bring raves.

This is by far the best hors d'oeuvres recipe book I've come across. I use it time and again. And like it so much I've given it as gifts many times over!

The Party Recipes from the Charleston Junior League is my favorite cookbook. Of all the cookbooks I own I always buy the ones that have lots of pictures. I usually like to see what it looks like first before I make anything. This cookbook was the exception, as it does not have pictures of the food. I looked through the cookbook and immediately saw at least 30 recipes that I knew I wanted to make. I couldn't put it down, as there was such a collection of recipes that I always wanted to try. Whenever I need a recipe for a party or gathering, this cookbook is always the first one that I pick up. I have never seen so many party favorites in one book. I also like the short comments with each recipe from the recipe contributor. The people of Charleston, South Carolina know how to throw a successful party. I'm glad they shared their most popular recipes in this book.

As an amateur student of American Civil War history, I found the book a delight to read. The reader is led through the events before and during battle from the points of view of both sides. There is also some interesting exploration of the personal relationships and personalities of the key players. The build up to the battle itself is well documented and interest is maintained throughout.

The only criticisms I would offer are the myriad grammatical errors, but most of all, the poor cartography. None of the maps included basic things such as scale and it was unclear as to indications of geographical features. More maps, and clearer maps would have been useful. Being personally unfamiliar with the area, I had to obtain more information from the internet to gain a better understanding of the geography.

Should Mr Brennan write another book, I will assuredly be in the queue to buy it. Hopefully, sans the above shortcomings.

This is a top-notch battle study--skillfully written and meticulously researched. Brennan sheds light on a subject--the fight for Secessionville, South Carolina--that previsouly had received little or no serious attention from Civil War historians. A very informative and important work.

The new edition of the book clears up 99% of the typos. I can assure you they weren't my fault.

Susan Sully's book revived many delightful memories of my recent visit to Charleston. Her evocative prose paired with the beautiful photographs made as much of an impression on me as seeing Charleston's gracious architecture in person. It's not often that such a pretty book is also so well written, but Sully' elegant, beautifully crafted sentences do justice to the photos and the grand old homes themselves. After reading her book I wanted to book a flight back for another visit!

Susan Sully's Charleston Style splendidly captures the unique beauty of my city. Sully's writing is gorgeous, lush and evocative as many of the homes she shows us. Her thorough research is obvious; then she takes the facts and, with words, weaves a beautifiul gossamer fabric representing one ofAmerica's most beloved cities. As a Charlestonian, I was introduced to places I never knew existed. The detailed photographs, artistic and architectural, complement the text. I bought numerous copies to give to friends who have visited Charleston in reality or in their dreams.

Just named one of the ten best books of 1999 about South Carolina by "The Nation," this winner rises above the usual book of stunning photography in the quality of Sully's writing. Her thoughtful and incisive reflections upon a complex city are rendered in delightful, sensual, intelligent prose. All this is compellingly presented in a classic coffee-table stand-out!