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Sins of the Father

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Sins Of The Father

By Trace Edward Zaber

(165,000 words)

A Review by J. L. Abbott

Open the pages of Sins Of The Father and take a step back in time. Let Trace Edward Zaber's masterful storytelling transport you to the third year of the American Civil War. With his words, experience the smells, sounds, and sights of the Battle of Gettysburg; the heart-wrenching assassination of Abraham Lincoln. You will never again think of this period in 19th century America as the remote, dusty past.

Mr. Zaber has created a vivid, colorful cast of characters in his novel that easily carry the weight of a story rich in action, intrigue, and deeds of valor. His protagonist duo set the tone for the book. Confederate General, Jebediah Ellsworth, wounded during Pickett's charge, convalesces in the Gettysburg home of Faith Bradshaw. The two symbolize the regional differences that have torn apart the country. Their growing love for one another overcomes philosophical dispute, and their shared experiences during an odyssey to solve a mystery in Jeb's past, cement the relationship. A parallel story line sweeps the reader into twists and turns of betrayal, deceit, and madness in Washington D.C.

A powerful theme wraps around the two major male characters as each struggles to come to terms with his father's destructive legacy. This commonality unites the saga into a quick-paced delight. Especially gratifying is the rip-roaring climax that meshes the story lines into a scene that leaves the reader breathless and hungering for more.

Meticulous attention to detail, impressive historical accuracy, and a keen sense of drama make this a highly entertaining and educational read. Mr. Zaber has scored a major salvo in his debut book. This is no Gone With The Wind 'wanna be.' This is a fully-crafted novel that stands on its own considerable merit. Civil War buffs will be in heaven. Those unfamiliar with this niche of historical fiction will be hooked for a lifetime. The only detail left dangling is the release date for Zaber's next book. We can only hope it is close at hand.

Young Brigadier General Jebediah Simpson Ellsworth is just one officer in the vast Southern Army. Born and raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi on the Wakefield Plantation, Jeb is a true Southern gentleman. But now Jeb is forced to examine his beliefs and the things his father raised him to believe in. He is seriously wounded in a battle at Cemetery Ridge and later taken to one of the many makeshift hospitals, this one is the home of the Bradshaw family. This is just the beginning for Jeb. The beginning of a nightmare, one he could only pray to make it through alive.

Miss Faith Bradshaw has her family home taken over by Union soldiers and turned into a hospital for the wounded Confederate men. Thus the nightmare begins for Faith. Faith is a northern lady and her family is very supportive of the northern cause. After all, her father is currently abroad and working with Frederick Douglass. Now that Faith is forced to help treat and care for the wounded Rebels, she must question her own beliefs. These men are not the heathens that they have been told consisted of the Rebel Army. These men even though they were now prisoners and on enemy soil, were still nothing less than true gentlemen. This is also just the beginning for Faith as she comes face to face with someone that she finds herself drawn to Jeb. A delightful novel.

Sins of the Father is one of those rare books that grabs you by the throat and shakes you. With his beautiful writing, his finely-researched attention to detail, Mr. Zaber has breathed firey life into his characters and an era that is dear to this Southerner's rebel heart. As a historical romance reader, I appreciate his style and the ability he has to transport his readers into the very era of which he writes. An excellent book and a wonderful look into ages past.

Trace Edward Zaber is a master of his craft and knows his research--so much so you might just believe he was reincarnated from the Civil War Era! His writing if flawless as he sweeps you from one vivid scene to the next, leaving you with artfully crafted pictures in your mind. Even if you are not a fan of Historical fiction--I recommend this read. He turned this reader into a lifelong fan on page one!

Very highly recommended

If you enjoyed John Jakes' THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH or Margaret Mitchell's GONE WITH THE WIND, then you'll love Trace Edward Zaber's SINS OF THE FATHERS. Zaber combines historical accuracy with vivid imagination to create a masterpiece that is enormously entertaining and remarkably insightful.

Whether the town's name is Vicksburg or Gettysburg, southerner General Jebediah Ellingsworth and northerner Faith Bradshaw share the same experience. They have both witnessed the carnage perpetrated by the Civil War, and they both share the beliefs instilled by their fathers. Indeed, Jeb and Faith become a microcosm of the war, as they each share the same passion for opposite beliefs. Jeb's father, who equated Lincoln with the Antichrist -- provides the strongest influence on his life, even after death. Faith hopes that Jeb will eventually come to see the sins of his fathers in a new light, recognizing the importance of unity of the Nation.

As Jeb confronts the carnage following the Civil War, he questions the values instilled in him since birth. He must either go insane, or confront the errors taught by his father, thereby "becoming my own man, with my own convictions, a man who'll no longer tolerate or validate the sins of our fathers."

Zaber creates a fascinating story line, in which he creates a marvelous conspiracy theory that results in the assignation of Lincoln. While the plot moves swiftly, the last fourth of the novel flows so quickly and with such intensity that you'll hate to read the last page. The vivid characterization, the remarkable historical depth, and the love of history imbues every page. If Zaber hasn't written the Great American Novel, then he's come damn close. Very highly recommended.

Mr. Zaber's in depth knowledge of the Civil War and command of the language blend a sweeping tale of romance and intrigue. From the opening scene at the battle of Gettysburg to the dramatic climax, Sins of the Father captures the essence of the people that lived, loved, and died during America's greatest conflict. A story well worth reading!

SINS OF THE FATHER by Trace Edward Zaber is a sweeping historical saga, punctuated by intrigue and fraught with heart-pounding romance! When a stalwart Southern son (General Jebediah Ellsworth) finds himself wounded at Gettysburg and lands in the makeshift hospital, a certain headstrong Yankee woman's (Faith Bradshaw's) home, he feels the tide of his erstwhile convictions starting to turn. For years, Jeb has believed his father "right," an honorable man who knew best about the war, knew best about the "cause," knew best about so many things...And yet, here is this beautiful, compassionate woman, who is able to look beyond the differences of North and South and nurse Jeb back to health...And, as she cares for this wounded Rebel officer, so gentlemanly and undeniably handsome, Faith also finds her own preconceived notions beginning to change. But -- unbeknownst to the two of them -- Jeb has a past and Faith has a present that threatens to destroy them both! And, beyond that -- shake the balance of the nation as a whole!

In his stunning debut novel, Trace Edward Zaber proves himself a master of the written word. At 165,000 words, SINS OF THE FATHER is worth every exquisitely crafted line. An outstanding intermingling of fiction and fact will leave you spellbound at Zaber's ingenuity and incredible mastering of historical detail. Each nuance, from the impeccable period dialogue to the heart-gripping relationship between Jeb and Faith, delineates fiction at its very best! If you only read one book this year, make it SINS OF THE FATHER by Trace Edward Zaber -- a phenomenally satisfying read!

Excellent! Very highly recommeded! Five Stars Plus!

Upon opening this book from page one, I was totally swept away by Mr. Zaber's prose and talent that I could not put this book down. It captivated me by its detail and authenticity. This book is a real keeper. I look forward to future works from this author.

Never before have I read a Civil War story as engrossing and as rivetting. Sins of the Father is a major achievement with scene-endings that just force you to turn the pages. By the time you reach the final 6 or 7 chapters, trust me, you will not sleep until you reach the bitter (and more than satisfying) end to this heart-pounding tale!

Mr. Zaber has crafted a beautiful story of people caught in the agony of fighting their own brothers and kinsman. Set amid the events of America's Civil War, is a love story, a puzzling mystery, a spy story and a true thriller in every aspect of hte word. The writing is inspired and lyrical, concise and authentic in the speech used during that era. Great absorbing story.