About the book: Among the Fair Magnolias (Thomas Nelson, July 2015)
In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women---destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war---face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.
To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.
An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he's determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother's homestead, he discovers she's very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.
A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.
Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.
My review:
This was a very enjoyable group of stories set around the Civil War in the South. One story is set before and the rest after. It was interesting to learn more about what life was like in the South after the Civil War. It changed the economy overnight, not to mention how the Klu Klux Klan terrorized former slaves and white sympathizers alike. I think To Mend a Dream was my favorite, as the romance was very sweet, if short, between Savannah and Aidan. I liked the mysterious element, as she searches for a hidden box and wonders what could be inside. There wasn't a lot to the relationship in the way of development since it's a short story, but the way they're drawn to each other and appreciate the same things had its romantic moments. It was also touching when Aidan remembered someone he had known in the war. I liked the other stories as well, though I was a little frustrated with Abigail in A Heart So True because it seemed like she made foolish choices. An Outlaw's Heart had more of a western feel and was set in Texas. The dialogue and plot struck me as more unique than a typical western. Love Beyond Limits had Emily teaching the children and freedmen after the war and showed some of the politics that were going on, which I didn't know much about. I thought the stories were all well-written. There were elements of faith in all of the stories, from prayer to trusting God to feeling led by the Holy Spirit to do something. Recipes and discussion questions are included. I highly recommend this wonderful collection for historical fiction fans!
I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
About the authors:
Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance.
Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a
recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west
Tennessee. website, Twitter, Facebook
Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. website, Twitter, Facebook
Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. website, Twitter, Facebook
Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls 'entertainment with a soul.' For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams. website, Twitter, Facebook
Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
- One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias
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