Just a plain good story with interesting characters and well developed plot. ( )

I am a poor wayfarin’ stranger
Traveling through this world of woe
And there’s no sickness, no toil, nor danger
In that bright land to which I go

The Civil War has ended and Jacob Ballard, former union soldier now working for he War Department, has been sent to North Carolina ostensibly to examine the claims of North Carolinians who had been injured while fighting for the north and to decide the amount of pensions they are entitled to. But, while this is his stated purpose, he is there for a much darker reason. Someone is killing Union veterans and Zebulon Vance, governor of North Carolina and Jake’s uncle, has asked him to investigate and apprehend the murderer.

Based on true events, author Terry Roberts has created a fascinating and compelling historical mystery in That Bright Land, portraying beautifully the aftermath of the Civil War. It is a stunning portrayal of the anger and anguish that continued to set brother against brother even after the end of the conflict and the inflamed passions that can be seen even today. His depiction of the beautiful Appalachian scenery and the culture and mores of the area during this period as well as the complex characters give the story a real sense of place and time while producing an even greater sense of poignancy. This is a tale set in a very bleak period of American history but Roberts adds some lightness with a romance and even a bit of humour but, even here, Roberts stays true to the era.In the end, though, while Roberts has shone a light on an important but dark part of American history, That Bright Land is a story about love, loss, forgiveness, hope, and redemption.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Turner Publishing Company for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

3.5 The War between the States has ended a year back, but form some in the North Carolina mountains the war and its effects have not. Mothers lost sons, wives lost husbands, and many who returned were wounded or permanently maimed. In these mountains many fought on opposite sides, neighbors and even family members were so divided and one person is bent on revenge.

Jake Ballard was born in these mountains but after the death of his father, his mother burned everything they owned and took Jake and his sisters, moving North. Jake fought for the union army, was wounded and sent home. After working for Pinkerton for a few years he is asked by his uncle, the governor of North Carolina to find out who was killing Union sympathizers and ex-soldiers. Under cover as a agent sent to assess pension disability payments Jake returns to a place
he no longer feels ties to nor remembers.

There is quite a bit of history included in this book, the Shelton Laurel Massacre that took place in 1863, is one such event which sent me looking to Wiki. The experiences of the mountain people, what they lost and how the coped was authentically portrayed. Loved the characters, some real, some not but all true to the time period. Loved little Sammy and loved that there was some humor in this story despite the trying times, of course there was also sadness. The tone of the book was light, hard to do when relating such a terrible time in our country, but wonderful for those who like history but not the usual dark tone. The author did a fabulous job maintaining the sensitivity of the times while allowing his characters to grow, find their place again and maybe even a measure of peace. Second chances and love, a new direction.

Feel quite a responsibility when I am the first one to review a book, doesn't happen to often, but this is a worthy book, one I hope many will read.

ARC from publisher. ( )