Review: Mary Campisi’s THE SEDUCTION OF SOPHIE SEACREST – Regency Romp with some Twists

Set in England in 1817, this is the story of Sophie Seacrest, oldest daughter of the Earl of Rendhaven, a spirited young miss who is in no hurry to wed, that is until she succumbs to the sexual charms of Holt Langford, new Earl of Westover, returned from years away upon his father’s death.

It’s a well-told story and a bit of a Regency romp. When Holt returns from his years in the West Indies, he looks more like a pirate than a British lord. His brother, Jason, tells him Sophie’s father, their neighbor, the Earl of Rendhaven is trying to destroy the Langford shipping business for revenge (it seems their father dallied with Rendhaven’s wife, who is now dead).

Holt decides to take the matter in hand to destroy the Rendahaven’s shipping business, adopting a fake identity as a merchant named Gregory Thurston. He also wants to observe the nobility to see if he wants to accept his title. The first person he intends to observe—and perhaps have his revenge on—is Rendhaven’s oldest daughter, Sophie.

When Holt rescues Sophie in a storm and steals a kiss in a most forward way, she does not resist. I liked Holt’s brash manner but Sophie’s willingness to fall in his arms was a bit unusual for a Regency innocent. Holt (posing as Gregory) quickly falls for Sophie and then it’s an on again off again love affair with him trying to lose himself in the arms of other women and failing. The alpha hero tumbled in the end.

There was a lot going on in this story and sometimes we got only a small glimpse of some of the threads. For example, there are no ship scenes and little about the shipping business.

I liked the author’s voice and will likely read more of hers. But this one had a lot of sex, more than might have been necessary, and Sophie had moves like a courtesan. With “seduction” in the title, perhaps I should not have been surprised. Still, it’s a clever tale that will hold your interest.

Buy on Amazon.

An Unlikely Husband series:

The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest

A Taste of Seduction

A Touch of Seduction (novella)

A Scent of Seduction

Review: Heather Graham's SWEET SAVAGE EDEN - When America was an Exotic Locale... a Keeper!

This is the first in the North American Women trilogy, part of the 6-book Cameron Saga series (see list below). I highly recommend these romances. They were the ones that led me to become a huge fan of Heather Graham. This is the first book in the series and I loved it. It’s a keeper.

It begins in 17th century England and tells of Jasmine ("Jassy") and Jamie. And it will follow them as they travel to New World (Virginia) which was then very much a wild wilderness, untamed and inhabited by hostile Indians. 

Jassy has had a hard life as the bastard daughter of a dead nobleman. When her mother dies for lack of medical attention, Jassy learns of her connections to a noble family and, through a series of events, the family takes her in but treats her as little better than a servant. There she meets the dark Lord Cameron who wants to marry her because she reminds him of his "wild Virginia" where he is building a new life. Jassy thinks she is in love with his friend, the charming and fair Robert, but Robert has other plans.

Because Jassy fears dying like her mother in poverty, she consents to wed Jamie even though she is not even sure she likes him. But she is honest and tells him she is marrying him so she will not starve.

Jamie Cameron wants the beautiful Jassy—she makes his blood boil—and he believes she will be strong enough to endure the life in the wilderness where there are still Indians and pressures just to survive. But Jamie does not tell Jassy that he intends to take her to the New World because he knows Jassy wants the security of Jamie's beautiful manor in England.

Can she love a man she hates? Can she forget the fair Robert? Can Jamie love the tavern wench who wants only his wealth? So begins an adventure that is so well told and so well done, I will read it again and again. And the others in the series are equally good.

Heather Graham's writing is superb.  Her portrait of wild early America is wonderful. The story pulls you in and does not let you go. There are no slow spots as the action and characters become so real. The sexual tension permeates the book and is very believable. You will love Jassy and Jamie and you will find yourself drawn back to those historical times at the beginning of America when it was truly an exotic local. This is a keeper!

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The Cameron Saga:

The North American Women trilogy:

Sweet Savage Eden
A Pirate's Pleasure
Love Not a Rebel

The Civil War trilogy:

One Wore Blue
And One Wore Gray
And One Rode West

Review: Meredith Duran’s THE DUKE OF SHADOWS - Stunning, Complex Love Story Will Sweep You Away to India!

Let me say at the outset, I loved this book. It kept me reading late, late into the night, so you know it's intriguing. It's also different, an emotionally rich tale of love lost and found, set in India (and London) in 1857 and 1861. But I wasn't far into the first half when I realized I needed the following: (1) a glossary (for terms like patois, zenana, sepoy and grisaille), (2) an Urdu-English dictionary (or at least a translation of the phrases and dialog in that language), and (3) a map of India. If she ever does a deluxe edition, I recommend she include those things. But even without them, the story was amazing, more complex than her others.

It begins as Emmaline Martin travels to India to join her fiancé, a self-absorbed, cruel colonel in the British East India Company's army and an impoverished man of noble birth who only wants Emma for her money. The marriage was her parents' idea—her parents who are killed on the ship bringing Emma to India.

Emma arrives in Delhi emotionally bruised but fascinated with the country. She finds the life of an Englishwoman in Delhi's British society to be boring and, as an artist, she wants to see the colors and people in the bazaar but it's just not safe. She meets Julian Sinclair, cousin to her fiancé and heir to a dukedom and is instantly attracted to the handsome British nobleman who has Indian blood and understands the unhappiness of the Indian people living under the rule of the British.

Julian believes there will be an uprising, but he can't get the attention of the British. Of course, he isn't wrong. Much of the first book deals with the uprising and the horrible things Emma witnesses and experiences during that time. Julian and Emma have already realized their love for each other when they are separated in the ensuing battles.

The second half takes place 4 years later when, back in London, Emma and Julian are living as empty shells, he believing she was killed in India and she believing he didn't come for her.

There are many twists and turns in this unique first romance of Duran's as she immerses us in the tumultuous times in India when the Indian soldiers in the British East India Company's army (the sepoys) mutinied in various parts of the country. But in this tale, there is also treachery in the British ranks based on greed.

Duran introduces us not only to a wonderful hero, who loves Emma consistently throughout the book, and a heroine, who is sensitive and brave, but also to some great secondary characters who give you a feeling for the time and the place.

It's a story of survival in war, of learning to understand another culture and its effects on the people who are exposed to it, and of true love that marks you for life. The emotion feels real, not contrived. And the love scenes fit the story. Highly recommended!

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Review: Karen Robards’ GREEN EYES – A Mystery Surrounding Emeralds and Love on a Ceylon Tea Plantation!

Set in 1832, this is the story of Anna Traverne, who is left penniless after her husband dies in Ceylon where they had a tea plantation. Now she and her 5-year-old daughter are at the mercy of her husband’s brother, Graham, who, though married, wants Anna in his bed. She resists and is hiding away in the study one night when a man breaks in and tries to steal the Queen’s emeralds, a set of family jewels that was hidden away in a secret compartment.

It turns out the housebreaker is none other than Graham’s half brother, Julian Chase, spurned by the family but who may, in fact, be the true heir. In a tussle, Julian flees and ends up in Newgate prison. Anna realizes Julian has left the emeralds and they are her ticket to a new life. She takes her daughter to Ceylon where Julian pursues her. Not only does he now need the emeralds that were once his mother’s but he has been told the emeralds hold the key to his heritage.

Robards is a great storyteller and I was immediately drawn into Anna’s life. Bold, brash Julian has been wronged. Understandably he is an angry man and he means to take out his frustration on Anna. Loved them both.

It’s a bit of a mystery and  an exciting read with a nasty villain in Graham and some delightful secondary characters, including the former prostitute who is Anna’s friend and Julian’s sidekick, a man whose life he once saved. There’s also a bit of Ceylon’s darker atmosphere thrown in, too.

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Review: Joanna Bourne’s THE FORBIDDEN ROSE – Superb Prequel to the Spymaster Series set in France!

For those who haven't yet read The Spymaster's Lady or My Lord and Spymaster, this book comes first in time—a kind of "prequel"—though it was written later. It’s the story of how Doyle and Maggie met.

Set in 1794 in France, it's a tale of English spies and French undercover work transporting royalists out of France during the time of the French Revolution and Robespierre.

Marguerite is a wonderful young woman who, though raised as an aristocrat, has adapted to the times and is now doing important work that has her wearing many faces. British agent Doyle is after her father who he believes has provided names of English to be murdered by those in control of France. When Doyle realizes he has taken the man's daughter, he keeps her, hoping she'll lead him to her father.

Doyle has never allowed himself to get involved with a woman in the field. Ah, but Marguerite de Fleurignac aka Maggie is no ordinary woman! He gets aroused just looking at her and he admires her intelligence and fierce determination.

In this story, Bourne gives us another strong heroine and another drool-worthy hero. The Doyle who is in the background in the other books in the Spymaster series is now on center stage. The dialog is very witty and at times very humorous. Bourne has mastered the art of suspense and her language is very colorful and fits well the era.

Meticulously researched, as always, Bourne delivers up a detailed, well-told tale. I recommend reading all in the series. Just read this one first!

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The Spymaster Series in the order I recommend reading them:

The Forbidden Rose (France 1794)

The Spymaster’s Lady (France and England 1802)

Rogue Spy (England, 1802)

My Lord And Spymaster (London 1811)

The Black Hawk (Paris, beginning in 1794, flashbacks to 1797 and 1802, and London 1818)

Review of Meagan McKinney’s TILL DAWN TAMES THE NIGHT- The Caribbean and Pirates Will Sweep You Away

This is a romance that will sweep you away. It has it all: superb writing, intriguing plot, a tortured (but strong) hero and a heroine who won't give up. Oh yes, did I mention pirates?

Set in 1818, this is the story of Aurora Dayne, raised in an orphanage where she stayed on to become a teacher (think Jane Eyre), until the day she received an offer to become a lady's companion in Jamaica. Desperate for a new life, she leaves behind her past and strikes out for adventure, never knowing the invitation came from a pirate named Vashon.

Vashon was the heir to Blackmoor but his twisted half brother sought to kill him and steal the title. At 13, Vashon was sold into white slavery in Algiers and that experience forged the dragon that lives within him. He has grown wealthy as a merchant seaman though he is not above piracy. He has lured Aurora to the Caribbean because her father, a thief, gave her the key to finding a cursed emerald he stole, the Star of Aran--an emerald Vashon's half brother is desperate to have. 

Much of the story takes place on the high seas where innocent Aurora is taken captive by Vashon, who will use any method, including seducing Aurora, to get the clues to the emerald. But Vashon doesn't bargain on Aurora's fierce goodness that sees the lost goodness in him.

A great story of lost innocence, unrequited love and passionate moments that won't be denied...all set aboard ship and turquoise Caribbean seas. You will not be disappointed.

However, I must say that it was most unfortunate McKinney engaged in disparaging Christianity and the message of William Wilberforce (who was truly a great man who fought slavery all his life). It was also unnecessary to the story. If you can overlook the author’s obvious bias, it’s otherwise a wonderful historical romance.

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Review: Jennifer Blake’s NOTORIOUS ANGEL – Unusual and Exciting Story Set in Nicaragua

First published in 1977, this story is set in the exotic locale of Nicaragua, Central America during the years 1855-1857. It tells of Eleanora Colette Villars from an aristocratic New Orleans family. Because of her brother’s folly, she loses her home and ends up following her brother to Nicaragua where he has joined the mercenaries serving William Walker, an American who is trying to take over the country.

Colonel Grant Farrell, head of Walker’s private military, takes Eleanora’s brother as hostage, forcing Eleanora, an innocent, to pose as his mistress. Then he holds her prisoner in his home without even clothes to wear. She even begins to make excuses for the colonel (he’s a half-breed Apache with a poor childhood).

Once her brother is released and she is free, Eleanora doesn’t tell her brother she was raped and, when her brother wounds the colonel in a duel, she returns to Colonel Farrell’s house to tend his wound. While tending the colonel, Eleanora introduces herself as his mistress, apparently resigned to the role. (He has such a low view of women he will not offer her marriage).

Impressed with Eleanora’s medical knowledge, the local doctor invites her to tend the wounded American mercenaries. She takes on the task and, for her valiant efforts, is dubbed “the colonel’s angel.” But she has rivals who seek Eleanora’s demise.

The writing is excellent. Blake really makes you feel like you’re in the hot, dusty streets of Nicaragua in a tumultuous time. I could suggest you might want a map, too, so I’ve included one. Blake has obviously done much research for the book and it is seamlessly woven into the story. The scenes as they tramp from Granada to the coast through the jungles and rivers are very well done, and very realistic. The characters are richly developed, too. (Luis was one of my favorite characters.)

This one will capture you, I promise.

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Original cover

Note: The ebook cover shows the heroine with blonde hair; it is actually red. (See original cover to the right issued under the author's name, Patricia Maxwell.)

This book is part of Blake’s Love and Adventure series, part 2:

Surrender in Moonlight

Notorious Angel

Golden Fancy

Review: Victoria Holt’s THE PRIDE OF THE PEACOCK – Mystery, Opals and Love with a Peacock in Victorian Australia

Set in the Victorian era (about 1880), beginning in England, this is the story of Opal Jessica Clavering, the youngest daughter in a family that treats her as if she doesn’t belong. At one time the family was wealthy, but now they live in the Dower House next to the estate, Oakland Hall, they once called their own.

When she is 16, Jessica makes friends with the owner of Oakland Hall, Ben Henniker, an opal miner who made his money in the mines of New South Wales. Ben offers her the chance for a new life and Jessica takes it even though it includes a marriage of convenience to his illegitimate son, Josslyn Madden (“Joss”), called “the Peacock” for his pride and his home, Peacocks, in Australia.

Once married, Joss returns to Australia with Jessica, who begins to wonder if her husband isn’t planning to kill her. The famous jewel called the Green Flash at Sunset goes missing and there are no clues as to who took it. And then someone is murdered.

Holt is a great storyteller and immediately had me deeply involved in Jessica’s life. Jessica is a woman who has a curious mind, an adventurous spirit and is courageous to the core. I liked her very much. Joss is arrogant, like a peacock, but he also has depth. Since we are never in his mind, his thoughts remain a mystery except for what he tells Jessica. The fact he wants to see how Jessica changes as she “grows up” suggests he might like her after all.

The characters are richly drawn, the story absorbing and the excitement subtle as Jessica takes on the mystery of the missing jewel, the murder and her husband.

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Review: Laura Kinsale’s THE HIDDEN HEART: An Exotic Locale, a Brooding Ship’s Captain and an Adventurous Heroine!

Set in 1863 in South America, the Pacific and England, this is the story of Tess Collier, who has traveled the world with her natural scientist father, the Earl of Morrow. As he is dying in a jungle, she promises him she will sail home to England and marry.

Her father’s trustee arranges passage for her on the clipper ship owned by Gryphon Meridon (aka Captain Frost) and hires the man to protect her from inappropriate suitors once they reach England. Gryf has been wronged many times: he lost his title, his parents and his wealth to an evil uncle. Though he is “half in love” with Tess, Gryf believes he can never have her as he has nothing to give. Notwithstanding his lack of fortune, Tess falls in love with Gryf, but a misunderstanding leads her to marry another—Gryf’s twisted cousin. 

Kinsale delivers a wonderful story with a complicated plot that will have you shaking your head thinking these two will never get together. There’s a lot of shipboard time in this romance for you high seas lovers, too. Kinsale portrays life aboard Gryf’s ship very well. Then there is the jungle, the animals—and Tahiti!

If you long for travel to distant places, but won’t be going any time soon, this romance is a great one to take you there. It has a complex plot with the typical Kinsale twists and turns that will have you tearing out your hair. And it’s good.

I do have to mention a few improbable elements and plot devices in this story that frustrated me—like the conversation Tess and Gryf should have had (that any normal couple would have had) that would have explained everything. Or when Gryf goes to the mansion to rescue Tess and fails to ask the servant if Tess is even there (a likely question). Or the strange failure of Gryf to explain what happened when he is accused of murder. Or his refusal to see her when we know he loves her. Of course, all those unlikely things kept the story and suspense going….

It’s a very good read.

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Review: Virginia Henley's MASTER OF PARADISE - A Great Civil War Romance!

This romance features life in the American south in the 19^th century on the eve of the Civil War, though the beginning and the end take place in England (in Kent). Henley did justice to a difficult theme and portrays the mixed feelings of some Southerners and the real, economic conflict over the issue of slavery. The story is entertaining and the love between the hero and heroine very believable.

Nicholas Peacock always thought he’d inherit Peacock Hall in Kent from his British lord father. But just as he is ready to take over their lands, he learns he is a bastard, and will not be the son to inherit. When his father dies suddenly, Nicholas faces a vindictive stepmother, so he sails to South Carolina, determined to become the owner of a successful plantation.

He buys land and plants cotton and works very hard, right alongside his slaves. Eventually he builds a magnificent house known as Paradise Plantation. Though he does not like the concept of owning another person, he accepts slavery as a part of the Southern way of life. He falls in love with Mandy Jackson, the young daughter of his neighbor, but her youth forces him to agree to a marriage in name only, a marriage he promises her father he won’t consummate until she is 18.

One of the things I loved about Nick as a hero was his unwavering love for Mandy. And, Mandy, even as an immature teenager, had great courage and common sense with an adventuresome spirit. Nick could spot a diamond in the rough and he chose Mandy the first time he saw her. Those guys are few, so I enjoyed him very much!

As with all Virginia Henley’s romances, I recommend them as worthy tales.

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Review: Betina Krahn’s PASSION’S RANSOM – Absorbing American Revolution Story of a Smart Heroine who Becomes a Pirate Captain’s Woman

First published in 1989, this is a “keeper” story that blends the period of the American Revolution and the pirate/privateer culture. Krahn weaves a compelling, absorbing tale with great emotion, a rich layering of endearing characters, meaningful introspection, a believable plot, detailed historical elements and subtle humor.

Set in 1768 (prologue) and then ten years later in 1778, this is the story of Gabriel Prescott, a baron’s younger son who was playing the smuggler, rebelling against both his father and England’s taxation, when the pirate Bastian Cane captures Gabriel and forces him into the scoundrel’s services.

Ten years later, the two are partnered and our hero has become the pirate captain Raider Prescott. Hoping to find a northern market for their goods, they sail to Philadelphia where Bastian captures Blythe Woolrich. He expects her to be the daughter of a wealthy merchant and is planning to hold her for ransom. Unhappily, he discovers she comes with no money.

Raider calls Blythe “Wool-witch” for her headstrong nature, but in reality she is a young, virtuous woman who has been carrying the heavy load of responsibility for her somewhat bizarre family. Soon Raider and his crew find her irresistible and the very responsible Blythe finds herself falling in love with the pirate captain.

Krahn has created a wonderful pirate crew…not terribly debauched like a certain band who appear in the story, but still genuinely salty dogs of the era with unique quirks.

One of my favorite lines from the book, spoken by Raider to Blythe when she regrets having to leave the island where they shared their love: “Everything worth having can be carried in your heart.”

This one won’t disappoint!

Buy on Amazon in paper.

Review: Jack Caldwell’s THE PLAINS OF CHALMETTE – The Battle of New Orleans Brought to Life

Set in 1814 (and early 1815), this is the story of the Battle of New Orleans at the end of the War of 1812, told from both sides through one couple on the British side (Maj. James Fitzwilliam and his wife) and another on the American side (Maj. Matt Darcy and Anne-Marie Dansereau. On center stage are the military moves and the officers and men who fought in that battle, which extended over some time. The author gives us the benefit of his research with vivid details. There is a romance between Matt and Ann-Marie, but it is not the main theme.

The book presents a mixture of writing styles. At times, the author intercedes as “the narrator” giving us the historical background and telling us what happened. At other times, he reveals the thinking of the characters (mostly Matt and James) so we can experience the battle through their eyes.

On the American side, Maj. Matthew Darcy of Baltimore has been sent to help General Andrew Jackson defend the city. While he’s about it, he meets the daughter of a French (Acadian) plantation owner who hates the British and is none too fond of the Americans. Matt must win over Anne-Marie’s skeptical father if he is to make her his wife. Meanwhile, General Jackson must get the federal troops, the Kentucky backwoodsmen, the Creoles, the free blacks and Jean Lafitte’s Baratarian privateers to work together.

If you like rich detail in military campaigns and US history, you will enjoy this story. I must say that after a while, the passing parade of military officers’ names and the preparations for battle became a bit of a blur (I had no idea what most of the characters looked like), but I still enjoyed reading how the battle developed on both sides.

The romance, such it was, between Matt and Anne-Marie was not in the foreground for much of the book. (That neither the book description nor any other review I saw mentioned her name is telling.) This is mostly the story of a significant battle and those who played their part in it. And it held my interest.

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Review: Sharon & Tom Curtis (aka Laura London) - THE WINDFLOWER – Superb Classic Pirate Romance—a Keeper!

The Windflower was the product of the husband-wife writing team of Sharon and Tom Curtis (in some editions writing as Laura London), and some believe it was their best. I can tell you this: this pirate romance set in in 1813 during the War of 1812 is one of the finest historical romances I have read. It’s a classic.  

Originally published in 1984, it was reissued in 1995, and can be obtained in paperback (used). Though you may have to pay a premium, as I did, to get a good copy, for fans of the genre, it is not one to pass up. It’s a keeper among keepers.

It tells the story of innocent, sheltered Merry Wilding, an American living in Virginia with her maiden aunt. Merry has a talent for drawing faces from memory, a talent her brother, an American spy will use to his benefit, exposing her to pirates and worse. Then, on her way to England with her aunt who wants Merry to have a better future, she is kidnapped.

Taken to a pirate ship, she meets the English pirate Devon, who remembers her from a night long ago where he encountered her in a tavern. He holds her captive, believing she is involved with his enemy who was also on the ship Merry was sailing on. Protecting her brother, she will not reveal who she is. Devon is intelligent, beguiling and smooth and innocent Merry is powerless to turn away his kisses. The whole crew of pirates comes to love Merry and to teach her many things as she blossoms from shy girl to strong woman.

The writing is superb, the characters courageous, heartwarming and very special; the descriptions of the environs vivid; the metaphors numerous and well done; and the story a wonder to read, and re-read. The plot is intriguing. You will be swept away on a pirate ship to experience many adventures, battles at sea, storms, death, outrageous humor and love. I thought the writing gifted.

Here’s a sample from one scene; I bet it moves you though not a word is spoken:

“His fingers whispered over her face, seeking and slowly stroking nerve points, knowing where, how long, how much to caress. Her skin gained color under his touch; her eyes became enormous; her throat tightened. By her nose his little finger encountered a forgotten tear. Gathering the sparkling drop, he smeared it slowly over the curve of her lips and blew it gently dry. One hand came lightly to rest on her neck; the other supported her cheek as he sought her with his kiss.”

Here’s another:

“Tragedy dwelt like a blue flame in her big eyes; the shallow pulsebeat in the golden hollow of her throat was luffing like a spanker on a vessel that was hauled too close to the wind. He had seen the look before on women about to be raped, and he found no charm in having it turned on him.”

If you love pirate romance—or even Regency period romance set mostly outside of England—this historical romance will not disappoint. Alas, you must buy it used but it is available. It's worth it... it's on my Top 20 list. Put it on your keeper shelf. That’s where it belongs!

Buy on US  Amazon. And if you're in the UK, you can get it as an ebook on Amazon UK.

Review: Aleen Malcolm’s RIDE OUT THE STORM – Intricately Woven Tale From the Scottish Highlands to America before Independence!

This is the continuation of the love story of Sir Alex Sinclair and Cameron, the wild Scottish lass he was forced to marry The Taming. While the author catches you up, and you can read this as a stand alone, I do recommend you begin with book 1. It was a very worthy post Culloden story of a proud Scot and his young Scottish bride.

Ride Out The Storm begins in 1762 as Alex and Cameron, now wed, are traveling back to his ancestral hall, Glen Aucht. Young Cameron is feeling unprepared to assume the role as his lady. Worse, when they arrive, the English redcoats have taken over and Alex has been recalled to service. The surly English colonel in charge has taken over the estate perpetuating all sorts of crimes on the people and the servants (a very worthy cast of secondary characters), who have resorted to stealth to protect their young mistress.

Cameron’s origins hide a secret. She has a twin brother she has not seen since she was eight. She believes he is on the Isle of Rona, but learns he has left Scotland for the New World. Alex and his errant bride are separated as she defies him and they are swept from the Highlands to the wilderness of the New World near Ft. Detroit on the St. Lawrence River. Alex will serve as a British scout, hoping to regain his lands in Scotland and Cameron is on the run searching for her brother.

The plot is intricate, the characters well developed and the story intriguing with some exciting, if not disturbing, action scenes. The pace is a bit slower that your typical romance, especially in the beginning, but it picks up to move along at a good clip. I loved Cameron’s free spirit and her courage and Alex’s persistence in claiming his bride, though during their separation, he was not faithful.

Malcolm captures the frustration and anger of the Scots and the Indians at the cruel treatment they receive from the English. The story has a very satisfying feel and is obviously based on much research into the history of the period.

I do recommend it!

Buy used in paper on Amazon

The Cameron trilogy:

The Taming

Ride Out the Storm

The Daughters of Cameron

Review: Marti Ziegler’s CLINGSTONE – Wonderful Love Story Set in Post Civil War America

The story begins as the Civil War is winding down. Mae Parrish works in a mill along with many other women in village of Roswell, Georgia—and one man, Creighton Branagan, who was not conscripted because he is deaf. Everyone assumes he is stupid, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Creighton, a handsome man, has been judged wrongly for his handicap but he is a smart man and protects his young nephew against all who would harm him.

When the Union troops show up, Mae and Creighton are arrested with hundreds of mill workers for treason and sent to northern prisons because they manufactured Confederate uniforms. The story tells of their journey by wagon and train and their imprisonment and after. During the course of many hardships, Mae and Creighton fall love.

I loved the story. The theme seemed to be a new life out of the ashes of the past and overcoming the hardships life throws at us. It’s very cleverly written and will draw you in. Ziegler shows us America as the war was ending, a country torn apart, a devastated South. People had to find new lives. In the midst of it, Mae and Creighton help each other. Only Mae can understand Creighton’s crude speech and protect him from those who would harm him. And he helps her move on. There is laughter, too.

Creighton is a complex, noble hero; Mae is a feisty heroine with an indomitable spirit… just what Creighton and his nephew need. Their adventures on the way to love will keep you turning pages.

Buy on Amazon.

Review: Mysti Parker’s A TIME FOR EVERYTHING – Excellent Post Civil War Love Story

Set in Tennessee beginning in December 1865, this is the story of Portia McAllister whose husband, a Confederate soldier, died in the war and then she lost her 2-year-old daughter to sickness. With nothing left, Portia accepts a position with widower Beauregard Stanford as housekeeper and tutor to his 11-year-old son, never realizing he fought for the North while her husband died for the South.

To be together, Portia and Beau have much to overcome and much to forgive. And others have their own ideas as to how they should spend their lives, so there are challenges to overcome.

This is a well-written, intimate look into small town relationships after the Civil War when emotions and prejudices ran high. It is also the story of how people deal with the loss of a spouse they deeply loved. Parker has created some wonderful characters to bring this period in America’s history to life.

While the story lacks a love scene, there’s enough sexual tension and sizzle between the hero and heroine that the chemistry between them is believable.

And there are some incredibly exciting scenes as villains and good guys battle.

A great post Civil War story. I recommend it!

Buy on Amazon.