Customer Reviews

Sissy! (Jessica Radford Trilogy) (Bk. 1)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First, I would like to applaud the author for a book that holds a wonderful storyline yet is packed full of fascinating facts of the time era. Set in Kansas during the start of the Civil War, we are whisked into the reality of the happenings of that time.
Taken into the life of a young woman named Jessica, her family and her adopted sister Nelle, who was the lost child of a slave woman, we are thrown into the murder of her parents and the abduction of Nelle by a man consumed with hatred. The war, beginning to touch the free state of Kansas will change all their lives forever.
We are immediately drawn into the hatred that is harbored in so many hearts for the black race at this time and we are drawn into the battle of not just slavery but deep seated emotions that are cresting in our beloved land.
I loved the spiritual aspect that the author gently weaves in this work. The appearance of the Angel named Sissy that was the source of help and comfort for our black girl Nelle was truly heart touching. I think this novel touches on the aspect that even at that time in our nations history we clung to the words of the Bible. They may not have been interpreted correctly in some instances, but still they were revered as an important factor in decisions made and opinions within people.
To be honest with you I am not a big fan on Civil War novels, but the characters were so vivid that I felt as if I were a part of their life. The storyline was superb and the historical value of this book was exceptional..
Sissy, a well crafted book that has depth and meaning and would be enjoyed by all ages. Recommended!
Shirley Johnson

SISSY IS A STORY THAT HAS EVERYTHING GOING FOR IT....BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS,AN AUTHENTIC CIVIL WAR SETTING WITH LIFE AND DEATH HANGING IN THE BALANCE AND REAL LIFE CHOICES THAT HAVE TO BE MADE.A STORY FOR ALMOST ANY AGE GROUP.IT ALSO IMPARTS A SPIRITUALITY THAT STAYS WITH ONE AFTER THE BOOK IS FINISHED.I CAN SEE THAT THE FOLLOWING TWO BOOKS WILL BE INTERESTING AND CAN ALSO SEE THIS AS A MOVIE.

Anyone who enjoys Civil War history will love Tom Mach's award-winning novel Sissy! (Publisher: Hill Song Press (January 1, 2004)ISBN: 0974515922) This is a five star book and an excellent first novel from Mr. Mach. Every library in the USA should have Sissy! on the shelf. Sissy! is solid from beginning to end. Solid characters, solid plot and a great setting. Sissy is highly recommended. 5 BIG STARS *****
John Weaver , Editor Booksandauthors.net

Even if you don't love reading about the Civil War, you'll still love reading Sissy! by Tom Mach. I am not a big fan of the Civil War, but I absolutely loved Mach's latest masterpiece.

Mach engages the reader with true-to-life, vibrant, and incredible characterization that makes the people in his book truly come alive. Readers are taken back to the time of the first years of the Civil War. During the entire time I was absorbed in reading Sissy! I felt as if I was actually in the Civil War. I was not merely reading a book about this time period--I felt like I was actually there, reliving the often amazing events as the author portrayed them in stunning and beautiful detail.

One gauge for measuring a book's impact is in its power to make the reader want to continue reading the book. I honestly could not put the book down until I was finished reading it. Night after night, I genuinely looked forward to once again meeting Jessica Radford, Matt Lightfoot, Otto Heller, Tinker, and a host of other characters, as I couldn't wait to read what kind of future drama the author would create next.

Although my interest in the Civil War has never been all that high, this book, Sissy! by Tom Mach, helped me to truly appreciate the tremendous courage and humanity of many Americans during an exceptionally difficult period in our country's history. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves great fiction with outstanding characterization.

If you love powerful stories told with equally beautiful and eloquent description, along with characters that truly come alive, then you will absolutely love Sissy! by Tom Mach. If you are interested in American history in general, or the Civil War in particular, then you need to read this book! It is a wonderful and amazing work of literature and a truly "must-read" book for anyone.

This book is so good it keeps you up until 4 am reading so you can find out what happens. Tom Mach's book is believable and spellbounding. It is a great book to read whether you like to learn about the Civil War or not. Jessica's story of faith and survival are truely inspiring to all who read this book. It's the best Civil War book I have read in a long time.

I just finished reading Sissy! and I love everything about it. The story line is very moving and the historical facts are fascinating. It is obvious that a lot of research went into this book. I was right there in the book, seeing things unfold through the eyes of the characters. Since I grew up in Missouri and now live near Lawrence, Kansas, where some of the action takes place, I have an even deeper appreciation for the historical figures, the streets, shops and events that occur in the book. My husband and I both loved Sissy! and we are anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!

I'm not one to ever read an historical fiction book, but I'm glad I gave Sissy a try. It took me by surprise. It was a very enjoyable read. I understand through reading Tom Mach's novel, that the Civil War was more than just a war about slavery. It was a war that divided families. The North fought for preserving the Union, while the South fought for independence from the United States.
I liked Tom Mach's positive take on women through-out this period in history. He describes them as strong and very supportive of their men.
I especially liked his character Sissy, the "make-believe" friend of Nellie, who we later find out, surprisingly, was an actual living being who had died and returned as Nellie's "guardian angel".
The book was very descriptive and hard to put down. It had suspense, romance, pain, and triumph.
I highly recommend it.

Marilyn Stuit

"Sissy!" is a must read for Civil War buffs, AND those who aren't, as well! Tom Mach's slant is from an entirely different perspective than your ordinary novel set in the same time period. His characters, both fictional and historical, come alive before your very eyes and take the reader through adventures, challenges, battles, disappointments and rewards. You truly feel the emotions experienced by those characters, including a determined woman, a frightened slave, an evil slave catcher, a lieutenant on the battlefield, and others. I heartily recommend "Sissy!" to anyone who wants a good read.

Sissy, by Tom Mach

Tom Mach's handling of `Sissy', an impeccably researched Civil War novel is remarkable. The smooth character development and plot pacing of this novel points to a writer who is committed to publishing a professional quality timeless, classic.

Mach is able to put the reader smack in the middle of history's panorama as his characters, Jessica, Lazarus, good-hearted Samaritans, and cold-hearted Raiders dance and weave through their story lines.

The research invested in the novel, "Sissy", is rich and irrefutable. It rewards the reader with its expanse. In some circles this period of sesquicentennial observance brings to the forefront the challenge of reconciling the perceptions of the past with the political emotions of the present. Mach's novels will undoubtedly go far in adding to the speculation of why brother fought brother in the most dramatic war this country has faced.

As a fellow Civil War novelist, I give `Sissy' two thumbs up; a well worthwhile title, with all the potential of becoming a classic.

My only take-away comment is the eReader pricing. Are very many eBooks novels still priced in the $8 - $9 range? Even ePub pricing is becoming a political issue! Maybe there's a `publisher's royalty' to be considered on this one.

Sissy! is an I-can't-wait-to-see-what-happens-next civil war era novel. With spellbinding characters and action, the author, Tom Mach, draws us through the pages. This is no fluff story, though. Showing us perspectives from slaves fighting for freedom, to women trying to run businesses, Mach gives us a message that is as relevant today as it was in the 1860s. This skillfully written, obviously well researched novel, weaves a tapestry of lives together in a compelling drama. I wish history books were half this interesting. Sissy is a well written book that leaves us wanting the sequel, and soon.