Old-Fashioned Film Love: “A Song of Home” by Ryana Lynn Miller

About the Series:

The Battle for Heritage Series (BHS) is an in-progress five book series on the War Between the States. Each book follows one year of the war, focusing on the Southern perspective. Unlike most books on this period, BHS does not focus on slavery but rather the reason the war was fought: the issue of states’ rights and the right of the people to restore the rightful government as designed by our forefathers. But even though this is important, this is not the main goal of BHS.

Every book includes a clear Gospel presentation, as well as other biblical topics designed to strengthen the believer and disciple the new convert. If you take nothing else from these stories, please take the lessons from Scripture to heart. If not, the goal is missed.

The series follows the Mason family, Silas and Ellen, and their children, Richard, Seth, Dixie, Michael, Thomas, and Virginia Rose, through the years 1861-1865. Having family on both sides allows the reader to discover viewpoints of both sides, though the story is focused on the South’s point of view. Having friends in the North and South, Ryana Lynn endeavors to keep things kind, while realistic and giving the facts.

BHS has reached people in a multitude of states, her best readerships being located in North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio. It is her prayer that someday, someone will come to know Christ through her writings. Her life verse, Jude 22, sums up her writing mission: “And of some, have compassion, making a difference.”

Books can be purchased here.

A Song of Home

(The Battle for Heritage Series, #4)

by Ryana Lynn Miller

Synopsis:

In war time, everyone is called to fulfill their patriotic duty. But everyone's duty is not the same. For some, it's to soldier on the field of battle. For others, it is to stay back and defend the home front. Still others keep the soldiers clothed and cared for.
“We’re gonna finish this,” Seth murmured. “We’re gonna finish this fight once and for all. They can’t just come in and threaten a man’s family and livelihood just because they feel like it.”
“It’s a hard lesson to teach,” Silas interjected. “The Patriots were outmanned and outgunned, but they taught the redcoats right well. God’s will is most important, and God is the best Teacher. Sometimes He does it Himself, and other times He uses men to teach the lesson.”
Join the Mason family as another year of war dawns with no end in sight. Despair, hatred and death surround them...will they ever know a time of hope, love and peace again?
Bring your family along on another history packed journey full of battle, music, victory and defeat. The war ain't over ‘til the sabers quit clashing!

About the Author:

Ryana Lynn Miller has a unique way of blending her love for history with her love for the Savior. Her continued research is fueled by her desire for truth and details. Her main concern, both historically and Biblically, is to show the past to the present to secure the future.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎

3 stars & 3/10 hearts. Not gonna lie, I was really scared to start this book! Book 3 really tore my heart and got me very emotional, and I was afraid book 4 would as well. I was grateful to find that it didn’t (…maybe ‘cause I forgot who everybody was…). Some statements that characters make, & the attitude towards certain people, & some of the songs bothered me (I skipped most of the songs on purpose), and I feel like neither side is portrayed in a wholly fair or accurate way. But towards the end the book really made me think. The episode of the Davises’ adopted son really made me rethink some statements by Jefferson Davis that I’ve read. I also got a clearer idea of what the South was fighting for here, and though I still disagree with them—no one has been able to satisfactorily explain to me which side was in the right and which was in the wrong, but from what I’ve read and heard, I believe the North was morally in the right—but I can now honour them for the sacrifices they did for what they thought was right. It was very nice to meet old friends, and see them continue to grow and change (Constance Angelica has a new fan over here!!). I’m both eager for and dreading book 5… ;)

A Favourite Quote: “‘It’s fellows like Spencer who can keep us going. Finding the everyday things in life to smile about even when the world is caving in around you.’”

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Me and some others spotted the Union sailors and sounded the alarm. (You know, spring the rattle, ring the bell, yell at each other, light bonfires and, if you’re like me, pray to live to tell the tale because your friend is half asleep and tottering around with a flaming torch near the powder! Not very comforting!) … We had a log boom in front of the Albemarle for protection. Cushing and his men turned around. We thought they were retreating, so we let loose a wild Rebel Yell.

“’Our joy was short lived though. Alas, they spun around and charged the boom at full speed. They got stuck on it and found themselves staring into the mouth of a cannon. Next thing I knew, there were two ear busting explosions. I jest not, I couldn’t hear for half an hour! War is not a healthy business.

“’The fellows told me later that the Confederates ordered the yankees to surrender. Instead, they abandoned ship. With the Albemarle sinking fast (my torch toting friend pulled me to safety,) small boats were sent out…’”

*I received an ARC of this book from the author in return of my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.*

Purchase this book.

(Note: A Song of Home is set to press during this tour. Books can be ordered and they will be shipped as soon as they arrive. Those who order will have the option to receive an e-copy when their payment is received for their print copy.)