Impoverished Southern belle Joelle Daughtry has a secret. By day she has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of the construction of a Negro school. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining … gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.
When childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry house renovation Schuyler Beaumont takes over his assassinated father’s candidacy for state office, Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect–and even love–if you’re already engaged to someone else?
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I was so excited to start this book after I read the first book in the series!
The second book picks up right where A Rebel Heart leaves off .
The author does a wonderful job on bringing us up to speed with what happened in the last book that even if we haven’t read it we are aware of the going ons.
It’s a very turbulent time in the South, tensions are high and the KKK is gaining strength.
It’s after the Civil War and Southern belle Joelle Daughtry is helping her sisters turn the old run down family plantation into a resort hotel. But what she’s not telling anyone is she has a male pseudonym she is using writing articles in support of a negro school.
She realizes she and her and childhood enemy Schuyler Beaumont will have to put aside childhood skirmishes and team up for the protection of her family and home.
The rebuilding after the Civil War is slow and not all want it to progress.
When Joelle finds herself the love interest of two men will she make the choice she feels pressured into making or the right choice?
What a wonderful historical novel and yippie, there is another book coming in the series.
Published June 4th 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This story was set in the time period right after the Civil War where the North and South were trying to reestablish themselves, reunited and rebuild instead of fight, where African Americans were trying to gain more freedom and rights, and when the KKK was rising strong to try and prevent change and progress.
I read book 1 in this “Daughtry House” series so I was excited to continue reading the story about the Daughtry girls. This story focuses on Joelle who is very head strong, progressive and who wants to help African Americans educate themselves. Joelle’s family friend Schuyler wants to help her with the family Inn renovations but their differences keep getting in the way, especially once Joelle becomes engaged to another.
I loved the love/hate relationship and banter that Joelle and Schuyler had throughout the story. I like reading about the other family members who were also mentioned in book 1. This story kept me engaged and interested the entire time with lots of history, clean romance and drama.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
A Reluctant Belle by Beth White is the second book in her Daughtry House series. Joelle Daughtry is one southern belle you don’t want to tangle with. Helping her sisters turn their run-down plantation into a hotel resort is no job for the weak. Schuyler Beaumont, childhood enemy, becomes an investor in the hotel when the girls become in need of additional funds. As the Ku Klux Klan starts gaining power Joelle and Schuyler must work together to protect friends and loved ones. Can they extinguish the sparks that continue to fly between them before they both get burned? I always enjoy a story where the heroine is not a push-over and can handle things on their own. Joelle had an inner strength that saw her through a tough time in our history. I loved the interaction between Joelle and Schuyler. Ms. White did a very good job with a very touchy subject matter. The history didn’t overwhelm the storyline; it just enhanced it. If you like Civil War era romance then this is a book you would really enjoy!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
*Review*
A Reluctant Belle is the first book I’ve read by author Beth White. I found the story charming and thought provoking. Set in Mississippi during the turbulent time period of The Klu Klux Klan’ s powerful influence during The Reconstruction, there are numerous issues, some relevant still, that the story explores to varying degrees. For example, the main character, Joelle, is too opinionated for her time. Women could not think for themselves because they had no brains. Seriously? Joelle, using a male pen name, writes her opinions about slavery, building schools for slaves and voting rights for the local paper. She wants better lives for slaves, and she’s willing to fight for her beliefs. Opposition to anyone sharing these ideas openly is extremely hostile and just plain dangerous. Will her secret be exposed? At the same time, she is helping her sisters restore their plantation to a resort. Her personal life is in a bit of turmoil because she’s kind of caught between two men for different complicated reasons. No spoilers here. Joelle’s characterization is strong, sharp and intelligent. I liked her, and I enjoyed the snappy clever dialogue between her and Schuyler, one of the men in question. Schuyler is a complex engaging character. He and Joelle play well and not so well together, but they balance each other and the story. Although the story is serious at times, it’s also light, warm hearted and lovely. The history behind the story was well researched and written in a believable way that transports the reader through time. The author’s talent and passion translate well to the page, thus lending the authenticity necessary to carry such an important story about a dark time in our history. Any fan of historical fiction will find this story engrossing and satisfying.
Reluctant Belle is the second installment from Beth White’s fabulous series, Daughtry House. I loved the first book, A Rebel Heart, and this one does not disappoint. I enjoyed Joelle’s story, especially when she was with Schuyler. They were fun together with their constant bickering.
I give Reluctant Belle a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to read the third book in the Daughtry House series. I highly recommend this one to readers who enjoy clean, inspirational historical fiction.
Great read!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Joelle Daughtry has a dream of opening a school in her home state of Mississippi to teach the recently freed slaves after the Civil War., or Recent Unpleasantness as Southerners would say. However, finding the money and the support for such an endeavor is proving to be difficult. There are still many people who are against slaves being freed. There are organizations that actively pursue a goal of making life very difficult for the former slaves, sometimes to the point of killing them. Joelle has been courted for about a year by the pastor of a local Methodist church. She doesn’t love him but admires his professed beliefs. She wants a family, but should she marry to obtain that? Her childhood nemesis, Schuyler Beaumont, has said he will help her fund the school. She begins to view him differently even though they still antagonize and torment each other.
Schuyler Beaumont is the second son of a wealthy businessman. After the war, he begins to see slaves in a new light and wants to help them. He is devastated when his father is murdered by an unknown shooter. He decides he will hunt down the murderer and serve him justice. His father was a budding politician and killed at a political rally with freed slaves one of the topics. He finds some clues that lead him to believe one of the pro-slavery organizations is responsible for the shooting. He infiltrates the organization to try to capture the killer. Meanwhile, he is spending time with the Daughtry family and examines his heart one day. He is shocked to discover that he loves Joelle but what can he do about it?
This is a wonderful romance with plenty of humor when the two lead characters interact. Oh, I bet their relationship is full of laughs. Joelle and Schuyler both see God at work in their lives and give him the credit for it. I loved the setting of the antebellum south and am always interested in Civil War era stories. Joelle’s ability to see past skin color to the heart of a person was inspiring, especially from one raised in the South during a time of slavery. She valued people and knew God has put her dream in her heart to serve His purpose. I hope there is a third book focusing on Aurora, the third Daughtry daughter!
Although I missed the story of the first Daughtry sister, I did not feel that I absolutely had to go back and read it since the author does a masterful job of filling in the gaps for the reader. This historical fiction is set during the Reconstruction Era, when the south is still reeling from having lost the war and all of the changes that this means to their lifestyles. The author does a wonderful job of portraying such explosive topics as the rights of the freedmen to be educated and to vote. Joelle Daughtry, the main character in this second book in the series, is a writer who pens articles about the inhumane treatment of others, writing under a pen name and trying to keep her identity secret. Through a series of unfortunate events, Joelle finds herself engaged to Reverend Gil Reece, a man of noble character but not very interesting. She is helping her sisters to set up the old homestead as a bed and breakfast, having the financial backing of Schuyler Beaumont, a young man who has to grow up quickly when his father is killed. Joelle and Schuyler feel an attraction to each other, but as childhood nemeses, they don’t act on their attraction, but rather choose to pretend that it does not exist. The story of Joelle is fascinating and told with what seems to be total historical accuracy. I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction. I gave it four stars because I was a little lost at the beginning, having not read the first book in the series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Impoverished Southern belle Joelle Daughtry has a secret. By day she has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of the construction of a Negro school. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.
When childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry house renovation Schuyler Beaumont takes over his assassinated father’s candidacy for state office, Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect–and even love–if you’re already engaged to someone else?
This is the second book in the Daughtry House series. It is not necessary to read the first book to read this one. Although, Levi would be explained a lot better. Joelle and Schuyler have been friends/ enemies since childhood. One minute they are getting along and the next they are fighting. Things haven’t changed since they are adults. Schuyler has been a playboy all his adult life. Now that his father has been assassinated he has to grow up fast and find out who is responsible. Joelle got so mad at Schuyler that she agreed to marry the preacher when he ask. The only problem is she doesn’t love him.
This book helps show the aftermath of the southern slaves after the Civil War. Nobody owned them but they were still looked upon and worthless. I have only one negative thing about the book. I didn’t feel closure at the end of the book. Schuyler and Joelle got together. But there were still a lot of unanswered questions. Maybe they will be answered in book 3. That said I would recommend the book.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
4.5 stars
“Sit down and tell me why you failed to keep my granddaughter from betrothing herself to that young Ichabod Crane.”
Joelle Daughtry’s accidental-on-purpose betrothal to the Reverend Gil Reese came about with no fireworks or heirloom ring attached; it just might have happened on the rebound after one of her most embarrassing, public humiliation moments, which of course included her childhood nemesis, Schuyler Beaumont. She intended to put as much distance as possible between herself and Schuyler; getting engaged seemed like a practical way to do it, until she finds herself weeping and praying beside a terribly distraught version of her family friend.
In post Civil War torn Mississippi, Joelle has manged to find a way to assert her independent spirit by using her gift of words; surreptitiously submitting potentially inflammatory articles, supporting the education of freedmen, to her local newspaper; thus earning extra money for her family and supplementing her efforts to fund a small school for members of the Daughtry House staff. When Schuyler’s determination to solve his father’s murder takes him deep into the web of clandestine Klan activities, Joelle and Schuyler come to an important crossroads; “Jesus, have mercy”.
Quite possibly Beth White’s best book to date, “A Reluctant Belle” skillfully navigates the treacherous waters of political and social discrepancies during the volatile years of reconstruction following the end of the Civil War. Adding a toe tingling romantic triangle to the mix was just the right ingredient!
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing through Interviews and Reviews.
I loved being back with the Daughtry sisters, and being reunited with old friends.
This being the second book in the series the author does a wonderful job of bringing you up to date, and a bit about what happened in the previous read.
The Inn is about ready for guests, and times and tensions are heightened, and evil rears its ugly head. This is a rebuilding time after the Civil War, but there are those that really don’t want change and will do all they can to ensure that what they want continues.
A bit of romance, and this is Joelle’s story, and we hope she makes the right decisions with two men of interest in her life.
A wonderful historical read that you don’t want to miss, and there is another sister, so yes, there is another book in this series coming!
I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
A Reluctant Belle by Beth White is the second story in The Daughtry house series. It is best if you start with A Rebel Heart, Selah’s story, for a full experience and background information. A Reluctant Belle is about middle daughter, Joelle. The third will be A Reckless Love, Aurora’s story.
The Daughtry sisters have come through the Civil War but have lost their father. In order to provide for themselves, they are making their family mansion into a resort hotel in the midst of Reconstruction. In order to realize this enterprise, they have accepted the financial backing of distant relative and sometime enemy Schuyler Beaumont. He is from wealth and influence. Schuyler is a colorful character who delights in goading Joelle into arguments just so see her reactions. They may have more in common than they realize. Schuyler muses: “ The women, of course, had always been family— if, at times, of a distant and somewhat contentious variety, in fact, to his surprise, he realized that Daughtry House felt more like home than Beaumont House in Mobile. He might not own it outright, but he’d invested much more than his finances here. He suspected that his heart and purpose in life might actually be found in the soul of this place.”
Joelle Daughtry is a progressive thinker. She feels God prompting her to speak up for the underdog. She writes articles under a false name advocating for education for the freed slaves so they can vote in an informed manner and make their way in commerce intelligently.
While they each have their secrets to keep, Schuyler and Joelle are learning who they can trust and we see them maturing in their views and purpose in life.
Since the story is set in the Reconstruction period, Ms. White has dealt with the many injustices that followed the Civil War. Among them are Negro voting rights and education, simmering racial tension and the beginning of the KKK. She handles it with realism and tact.
There is plenty of intrigue and excitement as the characters navigate the turbulent times. The Southern humor and witty banter make this novel enjoyable as well as interesting and informative.
I recommend this book for those who like Civil War fiction with a clear faith thread and characters who don’t back down from their convictions.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not obligated to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
I read the first book in this series, A Rebel Heart, but found that I actually preferred this book over the other. It had been awhile since I had read the previous book but fortunately this can be read on it’s own. The first book merely puts everything into place, such as the plantation being turned into a resort and how that all came about.
But in this story we are introduced to Joelle and her penchant for annoying her best friend in the world, Schuyler. The story starts off well with Joelle going to Memphis to hear an opera singer, paid for by her grandmother. But it is here where things go amuck and she is left realizing she made a mistake. A big mistake.
Joelle has passion in her heart and she is teaching the former slaves how to read and write and dream of opening up a school for them. In addition, she takes her love for writing into a paid gig, by writing for the local newspaper. Due to her extreme political views, the editor recommends that she writes by an alias, just so that she can write freely as a woman.
In the meantime, we have Schuyler who is in the midst of growing up from his free-living frat boy lifestyle to trying to find out who murdered his father. It’s a “I came to Jesus” moment as he finds himself in the dark clutches of the Klan in Mississippi.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and loved the story that Beth wove among the pages. I did find areas where I did skip ahead, just to get back to the meat of the story. Even so, this is a book I recommend people reading being as there are many spots within that will bring a smile to your face.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy.
Beth White is an amazing author! I love her books!
I thought it was going to be hard to improve her book “A Rebel Heart”, but she did it! This is a new favorite of mine!
I read this book in just two days! I was grateful to have a relaxing weekend, because I really couldn’t put it down and I just finished it and didn’t want to wait anymore to share my review while it’s still fresh in my mind!
Joelle Daughtry may appear to be the typical Southern Belle, but she’s so much more than what most people in town know. She’s very opinionated on the things that are happening after the Civil War ended, but since society doesn’t allow a true lady to express herself of politics and such, she’s been writing under a male pen name in the local paper. She’s very fiery of defending the freed slaves and their rights to be educated and even vote! She longs to help in the construction of a Negro School. But being the Ku Kux Klan a very powerful and dark society in the South, she knows she’s threading a dangerous path should she be discovered… During the day she helps in the renovation of the family plantation into a resort hotel. It’s by night when she pens her articles where she can express what she really thinks in hope to make a difference one day.
Schuyler Beaumont has been Joelle’s childhood friend and nemesis at the same time, but when he takes over his assassinated father’s candidacy for the state office, Joelle knows she has to put aside their animosity in order to develop a united public front. Together, they may be stronger in order to help the cause. But when a reluctant partnership turns into something more, will they be able to overcome all the hurdles thrown their way -including not only danger but a fiancé- in order to find true love and succeed in their plight?
This truly was an excellent story in all aspects. The Historical part seemed accurate and well researched, even if I don’t have the authority of an expert. And it’s done in such a realistic and compelling way that it draws you through time and I even felt I was right there, as if I was watching a movie with my imagination. The description of the setting and context are detailed and easy to follow.
The characters had deepness and spunk, both Joelle and Schuyler. I loved their dialogues and banter, and how they stood for what they thought was right. It was like a light in the midst of so much darkness that reflected that era. Even the secondary characters added an interesting touch to the story.
And the plot had twists and turns that kept me engaged until the end. Danger, intrigue, adventure and sweet romance is what I love in these stories!
There was also a faith element that didn’t feel preachy at all. About trusting God in the direction of your life, and trusting that He is the only one that can bring good from bad and tragic situations. And that He will never forsake us.
The romance was sweet and clean, and I loved that it wasn’t love at first sight but a love that formed through a relationship and based on the inside qualities of their hearts.
I definitely recommend this book! I truly loved it! It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you start the series with Selah’s story in the first book!
A Reluctant Belle is the second book in The Daughtry House Series, and can be easily read as a stand alone. This southern reconstruction story has history, humor, and sweet romance. There was a good bit of action and a mystery as well. My favorite thing about the book was the humor. I literally laughed out loud several times. I loved the banter between Schuyler and Joelle. Schuyler is now a favorite book boyfriend of mine.
I enjoyed this book very much and I look forward to the third book in the series.
*I was given a copy by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this historic romance. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review this. But because there was a little bit of a cliffhanger, I’ve rated this as 4.7*. There was a lot of action in this. Centered on the rebuilding of communities after the civil war, there is a lot of hot opinions and KKK stirring up people on both sides. Add in a few murders, and riot like conditions, and the action flows through the whole story, still leaving a few unanswered questions at the end.Now I want to read the next in the series.
A Reluctant Belle is an extremely well-written story about Joelle Daughtry, a young lady living in the Deep South just after the Civil War who yearns to help educate the recently freed slaves. Obviously, there is opposition to this cause, and she and Schuyler, her childhood friend/enemy who she can’t stand and also can’t stand to be without, are caught in the middle of a dangerous situation.
It took me a few chapters to really get into the story and connect with it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. The characters were so engaging. I love the relationship between Joelle and Schuyler — how they would push away from each other but then always pull back together, not really realizing the love they had for each other until they thought they might loose it forever. One of the most compelling aspects of the story is knowing that the danger was real — that post-Civil War life was dangerous, for freedmen and for those who would take up their cause.
Overall, I thought this was an excellent book. I hadn’t read anything by Beth White prior to this book, but now I am definitely going to check out her other books. I highly recommend this one to anyone who likes historical romantic Christian fiction.
*My thanks to the publisher for the Early Reviewer’s copy. I was not obligated to give a positive a review, and all opinions expressed are my own.*
Love this new Series – looking forward to the other books Beth White will write!!