This first book of the Jessica Radford trilogy is an
exciting historical novel about the turbulent days along
the Kansas-Missouri border during the Civil War. The main
character is Jessica Radford, a woman ahead of her time.
She's educated, courageous, independent and strong. As the
story unfolds, Jessica is faced with the tragedy of losing
her parents to murderous border ruffians and is worried
about the unknown fate of Nellie, a freed slave who came to
live with them one cold winter's night by way of the
Underground Railroad. She's determined to see that justice
is done, so after she buries her parents, Jessica sets out
to find Nellie and bring her parent's killer, someone she's
crossed paths with before, to justice.
Mr. Mach has done an excellent job developing the many rich
characters in this story. They weave in and out easily with
the always-present Sissy, who brings them together and
connects the many storylines. Sissy appears as a mystery
and ends up guiding and protecting those she comes in
contact with.
This intriguing story was hard to put down. Each chapter is
filled with vivid descriptions of what life was like during
the Civil War. It brings to life the turmoil of Bleeding
Kansas, slavery, emancipation, the Underground Railroad and
Quantrill's vicious raid on Lawrence, Kansas. As book one
closes, the reader is left with the anticipation of what
characters will continue throughout the trilogy and what
new adventures Jessica faces. And also, will Sissy be among
them? I can't wait to read the other stories in this series!
Sissy, the guardian angel of a young slave girl, stops a
woman from a revengeful murder in the Civil War. Sissy! is
a historically accurate story weaving the elements of
compassion and forgiveness in an era of hatred and
violence, culminating in the Lawrence, Kansas massacre of
180 men and boys by the Quantrill horde. Winner of the J.
Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award.
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