A Reckless Love by Beth White - a book review

This is the third novel in Beth White’s Daughtry House series.  The author does a great job of including the back stories of the characters from the other novels in a way that makes this a great stand-alone story. 

The author includes a special reader’s note section at the end of the book that emphasizes her desire for historical accuracy. 

This book has a lot of characters and events that at times are hard to keep track of.  The author also acknowledges this in her note. 

The story takes place in the Civil War era of the southern states.

The main character, Aurora, is a spunky, feisty young woman with a strong faith in God.  She is the family matchmaker who hasn’t found her match yet, until she meets Zane.  A strong driven man obsessed with catching a murderer. He draws courage from his faith. He finds himself drawn to Aurora but is conflicted because of his determination to catch a killer and is reluctant to enter into a relationship with her.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“These two may have met their match--in each other.

In the fine tradition established by her Southern grandmama, Aurora Daughtry has recently orchestrated the marriage of her eldest sister and facilitated her middle sister's engagement. Just when it seems there is nothing left to absorb her considerable talent for managing people, in walks federal deputy marshal Zane Sager.

But Zane is not at Daughtry House for a vacation. He's tracking a killer and collecting two key witnesses to a federal judge's murder.

Aurora takes it upon herself to disabuse the cynical lawman of his conviction that the world is out to get him. But just as she's on the verge of cracking Zane's defenses, the man he is after reminds him that no one he loves is safe. Ever.”

This story is a suspenseful story full of political intrigue and excitement.  The author touches on racial tensions, Christian charity and love in a sweet clean romance with a touch of comedy.

Go HERE to read an excerpt

Go HERE to read about the author

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker

Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Rebel Heart by Beth White - a book review and blog tour

This is book one of The Daughtry House Series and I can’t wait to read the second one.  The author does a

very good job of incorporating faith and Christian values in this book without being ‘preachey’ so it is aptly called a historical Christian novel.

The book begins with a prologue that portrays some of the horrors of the Civil War.  What happens then influences the characters throughout the rest of the story. 

The story revolves around three sisters and their fight to retain their family plantation.  They are forced from lavish opulence to near starvation.  Assistance comes in the form of a mysterious northerner.  The author lets the reader in on the secret and mystery but the characters are left to figure it out.  

The characters are well developed and interesting and we see them trying to come to terms with issues of prejudice and the loss of a former lifestyle. The story is easy to read and the plot engaging.  There is a good balance between faith, romance and mystery.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family's Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land--until a hotel management agent for the railroad offers her hope for the future.

If she'll turn her home into a hotel, Levi Riggins says, he can all but guarantee it will be saved. Selah isn't sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee. Yet what other options does she have? She'll have to stay on her guard . . . but she never expected to have to guard her heart.”

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the second book of the series.

If you like easy to read historical novels based in the Civil War era then I think you’ll like this one. 

You can read an excerpt HERE.

Learn more about Beth White and her other books HERE.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White - a book review

This book is part of the Gulf Coast Chronicles series and includes many of the characters from the previous books.  It is set during the War of 1812.  Most of the time, when I think of the War of 1812, I think of the northeastern part of the country.  I never gave much thought to what would have been happening in the rest of the country, particularly, in the Gulf Coast.  This book brings that particular time and place alive. The battle scenes are well researched and presented vividly.  The author includes real life characters and events and also invents characters based on real life personalities.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“As the War of 1812 rages across the newly formed United States, another war rages in Fiona Lanier's heart--one that threatens to tear her family apart.

Fiona can scarcely take in the news of her brother's capture and imprisonment by the British Navy. It is almost as unbelievable as the half-drowned British sailor who is washed ashore on the beach of Navy Cove.
Charlie Kincaid claims to have no memory of his life before being discovered by Fiona, but in a world that seems saturated with treachery, she cannot be sure he is telling the truth.
As Charlie's memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide. But when political allegiances collide, they'll each have to decide where their true loyalty lies.”

The way the author presents the story keeps the reader on their toes.  There are confusing time leaps that happen without any notice or warning but once you realize it, you get used to the writer's style.

This is a story of sacrifice, spies, mystery, loyalty, patriotism love and faith in God.  This isn’t a preachy kind of book but it is evident that the character’s faith is important to the story,

The author’s website has maps and the family tree of the characters which I wish had been included in the book as they are very helpful.  You can find them HERE.

You can read an excerpt HERE.

I really liked this book and give it four stars. I would have given it five were it not for the awkward time jumps.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”