Carol Wood Reviews:

Sissy
by Tom Mach

You know it makes me feel good every time one of my friends finishes a book, but it makes me feel GREAT when it's a good read.

When Tom Mach sent me his book, I was pleased he won the Best Kansas Novel award, and very quickly it became clear to me why his book was chosen. The volume of study Tom did to create a believable back drop to his Civil war story is astounding. I had never thought of our civil war that much, but Tom made it intensely real. I was there in those battles with him.

Sissy is the little angel who protects a black child, Nellie, saved by a brave man who worked the underground railroad helping slaves escape. The story Tom paints about the slaves and how people treated blacks in general gave me a whole different viewpoint of the Civil war. "We don't need your kind here! Negroes can not Fight or hold guns They can't be trusted."
Your mind just goes on a whirly gig ride when you read those words. Uh, isn't freeing the slaves what the war is about? Well, yes, but everyone's attitude didn't change overnight. (Oh, yeah, God, how awful. I sure am glad I live in this day and age.)

Plus I was struck over and over again by Jessica, the main protagonist, she didn't seem to let much get in her way. Her character was very empowering. The fact that Tom (a guy) paints her so believeable, kind of stunned me.

I found the battle scenes so lifelike, I was reading through the smoke and hearing shots whistle by my ears. And yes, Tom, I did shed a tear in a very touching scene with the little angel, Sissy. I made sure no one was looking before I continued. You got to me with that dang angel.

If you enjoy historical drama, and stories about war this is for you. If you likes stories with Strong female leads (like I do) this is for you. If you like to read stories that put you right there in the action with a lot going on all around you, this is for you.

Get a move on Tom, your readership is waiting impatiently for the sequel!