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RINGGOLD, GEORGIA, January 23, 2004 – The historically rich Chickamauga Battlefield is the setting for a new book, Rebecca’s Reveries, by local author, Marnie L. Pehrson. Inspired by thoughts of what it must have been like for those who lived, fought and died in the area, Pehrson created heroine Rebecca Marchant after she and her sister’s family purchased 24 acres of the Battlefield Stables at an auction in 1996. Their property borders the Chickamauga Battlefield and is the setting and inspiration for the historical fiction novel.

“Living in the middle of such rich history sets your mind wandering back to the past and what it must have been like,” says Pehrson. In the book, young Rebecca Marchant finds herself inexplicably drawn to the home of her father’s youth. Surrounded by the historical landscape of the Chickamauga Battlefield and ghostly legends related to her by residents, Rebecca finds herself plagued by haunting dreams and vivid visions of Civil War events. As Rebecca walks a mile in another girl’s moccasins through her visions and dreams she learns about the heritage and sacrifices of her forebears along with valuable lessons in compassion, forgiveness, temptation and the power of true love.

Snodgrass Field, one of the bloodiest points of the Battle of Chickamauga, is central to the story. In preparation for writing the segment, Pehrson and her teenage children took an afternoon to explore Snodgrass Field to soak in not only the facts, but also the spirit of the place. “It’s remarkable to think of the pain, suffering and sheer horror experienced there by both the Confederate and Union soldiers,” says Pehrson. “Each side felt as if their cause was just and was willing to sacrifice their lives for it yet ironically even amidst the contention of ideals, doctors still cared for soldiers from both sides in the little makeshift field hospital in the Snodgrass cabin. To me it is a testament to the fact that even though it was a volatile time in U.S. history, when it came right down to it individual Americans still held a unifying compassion deep within their hearts. It’s a glimmering hope that no matter how bad things get, that it’s an inherent part of being an American to come to the aid of those who suffer.”

Rebecca’s Reveries ISBN 0-9729750-2-0 is available through Amazon.com and author autographed copies may be obtained through http://www.pwgroup.com/reveries . Book sellers may purchase directly through Ingram Distribution. Marnie Pehrson may be contacted for interviews and book signings at service@pwgroup.com or 706-866-2295.

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