Book Review: Celia Garth

By Catherine Groves

Celia Garth is a story about a girl that loved adventure, but nothing really exciting seemed to happen to her in the dressmaking shop where she lived and worked in Charleston, South Carolina during the year 1779. Well, things did start happening to Celia, but it wasnt exactly what she had planned

The kings army captured Charleston, and the Carolinas became a ruin of blood and fire. The author sweeps us quickly into the lives and characters intertwined with Celia; intriguing Vivian; Jimmy, who loves Celia desperately; Vivians irrepressible, daredevil son, Luke.

Many Americans had joined the side of the king, and even more felt the Revolution was a lost cause. No one had counted on Francis Marion, who came out of the swamps with a heart of fire and men who believed in him and freedom.

Celias boring life in the dressmaking shop became one of danger; she became one of Marions spies. Celia smiled and waited on those who were on the side of the king, and then risked her life each day making sure all she learned got back to Marion. As Celia grows into a woman, she begins to find what loyalty, grit, and true friendship is really about.

Gwen Bristow, a southern author who also wrote the bestselling books, Calico Palace, Jubilee Trail, and the Plantation Trilogy, may no longer be with us, but her stories and characters will live forever. In Bristows Celia Garth, she takes us through the entire Revolutionary War though the eyes of a young southern girl.

As with all of Bristows books, Celia Garth gives us a piece of history and characters that leave us wishing they were real.

Celia Garth can be purchased through Amazon or found at most public libraries.