THE GETTYSBURG GHOST

BEACON REVIEW

RATING: FOUR OUT OF FIVE BEACONS

    Captain Daniel Sutherland is fighting in the Civil War for a country he believes in so he can go home to Sarah, the woman he loves with all of his being. Unfortunately their star crossed love isn’t meant to be and it leaves the ghost of Captain Sutherland in limbo between Heaven and Earth. That is until Lindy Dennison joins her friend on a trip to Gettysburg for what turns out to be a real life reenactment of events that happened long ago.

    Philip N Rogone pens an impressive tale of love and longing that spans time and generations. Especially enjoyable was the intertwining of the story lines, going back and forth between past and present can sometimes be a confusing transition, but not in this book. Although I much preferred to hear about Daniel and Sarah during the Civil War.

   Overall, I think this book is a great read for a lover of historical romances with a contemporary twist.

Reviewed by: C.C.

KWIPS AND KRITIQUES REVEIW

RATING: FIVE OUT OF FIVE CLOVERS
   As young children Daniel Sutherland and Sarah McKee met, fell in love, and knew one day they would wed. Their plans to wed would be delayed when war broke out and the call to serve and preserve the country Daniel dearly loved beckoned so with promises to write every day Daniel went off to fight. At first the letters came regularly then after some months went by without word from Sarah, Daniel learned from a new recruit that back home he ’d been reported as killed. What shocked Daniel most was that Sarah had wed his best friend so soon after hearing of his death. Terribly hurt and bereft of hope the inconsolable Captain Daniel Sutherland bravely led his men in a battle in which he was mortally wounded. He died in Trostle House where his spirit remained as he couldn’t resolve the conflict of why Sarah, whom he loved so dearly and thought loved him, would have married so soon after hearing of his death.

   Some 140 years later a very sad and beautiful Lindy Dennison and her friend Jane arrived at Trostle House for the 136th Annual Gettysburg Reenactment. Having just come off of another failed relationship Lindy had decided to start life anew. However, she could never have imagined that the ghost she encountered in her room would reach out and teach her the true meaning of love.

   There are times when I am simply at a loss for words, when beautiful, gorgeous, heartfelt, and memorable just aren’t strong enough to describe the feelings that a story suggests. It took me a while to read through this short novella because of tears that streamed down my face caused by the sheer emotional intensity of writing that this beautiful love story evoked. Mr. Rogone’s writing was pure poetry. The letters from Daniel to his beloved Sarah were so heart-wrenchingly beautiful that I had to re-read them several times through tear-filled eyes. While Daniel and Sarah’s story was so heart wrenchingly sad, Rogone ventured further in picking up the various threads of other peoples lives and weaving them all together in one believable story to bring forth the truth of that long ago betrayal. In so doing he brings new hope and love to those in the present. This was a truly beautiful and moving love story that should make anyone yearn for that once in a lifetime special soul mate that so few of us are able to find. Rogone will not disappoint with this dramatically moving, memorable and engaging love story. If you are in love or hope to be some day, this would make the perfect gift for that very special someone in your life, or just as a gift to yourself.

Marilyn Rondeau – Reviewers International Organization (RIO)

Comments: 

Kind words from some readers:

“I caught myself laughing and crying. Obviously your book

has the power to suck the reader in. As of right now tears are

in my eyes because of the love you managed to trap on

paper…” Ericka R.

“I truly enjoyed your story of the Gettysburg Ghost. I’m sad

it’s over. It has a wonderful ending. I enjoyed so much having

my husband read it to me every night. I almost want him to

re-read it to me….” Elise G.

“Your clever interweaving of several love stories which spanned

as many generations was written with warmth and sensitivity.

Thank you for bringing us this memorable story.” Adrienne J.

“What a lovely, haunting story with a touching message...a real

treasure find! I will keep this book in a special place in my library

among my favorite novels. Thanks so much for sharing your gift

of storytelling…” Catherine L.

“I bought your book while you were at a signing in Gettysburg.

It took me 2 days to finish your book. I loved it and am so glad

I purchased it that day. I hope you continue with your Civil

War writing…” Renee G.J.

“I just finished your book ‘The Gettysburg Ghost.’ It was a

delightful love story. Once I started it I could barely put it

down until I finished it in three short days. Now I am going

to share it with my mother.” Beverly S.

“It is a wonderful book. Thank you for sharing it with me.

It was so romantic and sad and happy and mushy. I hope to

find love like that someday. It was exactly what I needed

on a long Sunday afternoon, as well as a good cry, very

cleansing… Karilynn Clear Channel Radio