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. She also rejoices in her part in transforming the family’s dilapidated plantation manor into a luxurious and lucrative resort hotel. 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–and God in particular–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.
Award-wining author Beth White closes out her Daughtry House series with this exciting and emotional tale of two strong-willed people who may have met their match.
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Once I got into this book, I did enjoy it. I know that it is part of a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything since I hadn’t read the other two books. There was enough of a brief recap included in the story to catch me up. I liked Aurora and Zane. I think their characters complemented each other well. I really enjoyed this author’s writing!
I gave this book five stars because it was so very good!
A story that will not let go of your heart even after it’s long over.
Set after the Civil War I found this one to be the best one yet! All the characters especially Aurora who isn’t afraid to voice her opinion on anything is a woman before her time.
She’s a delightful young lady that was fun in getting to know and I loved her story. I felt that this one was the best one yet.
I liked Zane even better. He was just as determined to do his job and to right a wrong.
I have to admit there were parts in this book that made me smile and others that tugged at my heart.
I enjoyed the historical events that were the backdrop of this wonderful book. I learned quit a bit and there were some events that matched up with what I had learned in school. It’s clear that this author has done a wonderful job researching these events for her story.
The things that took place in this story reminds me of today’s rioting, looting, and the demand for justice.
As they say, history tends to repeat itself.
But, overall this is a can’t put down book and you will find yourself rooting for Aurora and Zane as they work their way to the top so to speak and come out even better.
My thanks to Netgalley and Revell Publishing for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book and all opinions are my own.
A fun end to a great series! I enjoyed finally reading Aurora’s love story and thought she and Zane are perfect for each other. I was a little lost at times over the suspenseful part of the plot but part of that may be because it has been some time since I read the first two books. There were a few loose ends regarding that plot as well, but overall, an exceptional series that gives a glimpse into a fascinating and tumultuous time in history. Fans of Christian historical fiction will definitely enjoy this series!
A Reckless Love by Beth White is the third book in her Daughtry House series. Aurora, the youngest of the Daughtry sisters, takes it upon herself to help federal deputy marshal Zane Sager as he tracks a ruthless killer. As Aurora works with Zane, he begins to realize that there is still goodness in this world. I really enjoyed Aurora’s spunk. She didn’t let life and circumstances get her down. Although Zane had been through the horrors of war, he was able to overcome them with Aurora’s and Gods help. A great story about a very volatile time in our nation’s history. Told with a very skillful and delicate pen!
I received this book from LibraryThing for my honest review.
This is book three in the Daughtry House series. I feel it is somewhat of a stand alone book, however you do miss some history of the Daughtry sisters and some of the criminals, but you will not be lost.
This book focus’ on the youngest Daughtry sister, Aurora, she is a beautiful, talkative, spontaneous girl who is not afraid to speak her mind. US Marshal Zane Sager is not real sure what to think of her and her ways. I loved the sparks between Zane and Aurora. The entire Daughtry family have a fun, loving and strong relationship.
I was given a complementary copy of this book for my honest review.
Beth White is an author I enjoy; her distinct settings and vibrant characters draw me into her novels quickly and keep me there until the final pages. This book delivers on both counts, rounding out the Daughtry House series with Aurora’s story and drawing to a close the final threads from earlier books. It’s also a timely novel that addresses racial divisions and the uncomfortable places reconciliation may require us to journey through in order to come to a better place for everyone.
Aurora is the youngest sister, with plenty of sass and determination to accomplish much in difficult times. Interestingly enough, the author describes her as uncomfortable with politics and social unrest, but has placed her square in the middle of just that. Yet the hero looks at her and describes her almost as joy personified, a good reminder to me that a lack of comfort should not rob me of my joy.
Zane is a unique character as well, thought of as a “young-old man,” a former Pony Express rider and wartime POW who needs people in his life but isn’t really sure what to do with himself when he’s around them. He’s a man of faith who finds it hard to believe that anyone would find him a worthy life-partner given his challenges.
White writes with obvious love for her setting and characters, even the antagonists have motivations and she prevents them from becoming cardboard “bad guys” though that would be easy to allow. Instead, she shows us how fear can be a hindrance to growth, even as she refuses to let them get away with their ingrained prejudices. The author deftly illustrates the contrast between those warped by bigotry and those motivated by love for others, including those who look different from them.
She intersperses some levity to break up the heavy topics of racial tensions and protecting witnesses, though she never minimizes the struggles newly-freed slaves and those who desired to help them faced. Overall, she allows the story to maintain its impact but prevents the reader from feeling hopeless by showing the love and goodness that still existed, even in those turbulent times, giving her audience some hope for our own troubles today. And through it all, she points back toward the one true giver of hope: God. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post positive remarks. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
I’ve been head over heels about this series <3
I love the spirit of the Daughtery sisters, their determination and resilience. Combined with that Beth White's impeccable research, the story comes to life!
I've been eagerly anticipating Pete's story. And I did not imagine a hero like Zeke for her. He was perfect!
Aurora is determined to not be left behind, even as her sisters have both found love and are building their own families. She is certain that fixing whatever mess have been keeping her family awake at night is the perfect solution to prove her worth and loyalty. Though the new Marshall is not excited about letting her help, Aurora will just show him true Daughtery fire and steadfastness.
Thank you Revell for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
A Reckless Love
Daughtry House #3
By: Beth White
REVIEW
Welcome back to reconstruction era Mississippi and The Daughtry House. A Reckless Love is the concluding novel of The Daughtry House Trilogy and focuses on the youngest sister, Aurora. She is happy to see her sisters happy, but what can now occupy her time? Marshall Zane Sager, in town to collect two witnesses, might be the answer. Aurora is a sassy redhead with a zest for life, and she’s out to destroy Zane’s cynical attitude. Zane might even like her a bit, but he can never forget that danger lurks in every corner of the world. Is Aurora in danger, and to what lengths will Zane go to protect her? This is a great historical fiction read complete with romance, drama, thrills and true bits of history woven throughout the entire story. The landscape of Mississippi during the Reconstruction was not affable, and violence, discrimination and religion ran deep here. Beth White obviously researched the era in order to write a story with such attention to detail and historical context. Any lover of this era will delight in A Reckless Love!
She seemed to remember reading that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” A Reckless Love is the third book in the Daughtry House series, a story of three sisters that are trying to hold onto their home in Mississippi after the Civil War. A story about freedom, justice, and truth.
This is Aurora’s story, the youngest of three sisters finds out that they have inherited the saloon that their father was co-owner of. Aurora plans to turn it into a boarding house and hires two ladies that had worked at the saloon.
Zane Sager, a Federal Deputy Marshall has a dangerous job, he must hide and protect witnesses for an upcoming trial. He meets Aurora and sparks start to fly between the both of them. A story of forgiveness and grace. Zane who is trying to find justice and Aurora, a firecracker red head who dives head-first into things.
The author paints pictures with her words, I felt the emotion of Aurora being the last sister to find someone and marry him. A wonderful way to end a series, historical fictions will be up most of the night reading the story and I highly recommend the book. The Daughtry House Series has found a home on my bookshelf.
I received a copy from the author, all opinions are my own.
In “A Reckless Love” by Beth White, when federal deputy marshal Zane Sager meets his match in the feisty, vivacious Aurora Daughtry, whom he once admired from afar, his carefully erected defenses begin to crumble. Theirs is an opposite-attract romance in a unique historical setting; with its perspective on the restoration period after the Civil War, with even a touch of Western flair in a southern setting. The charming relationship blossoming between attractive Aurora, feisty, bubbling and effervescent, with her own special brand of buoyant humor, contrasts sharply with Zane’s quiet, straightforward strength. It is interesting to see how the characters work together to unravel the baffling threads of mystery, as they selflessly serve their community with justice, fairness and honesty. This book features a unique cast of characters with depth, passion, grit and grace, a gripping plot with unexpected twists and turns. Beth White skillfully combines her carefully researched authenticity with intriguing history and inspiring romance, coupled with a touch of mystery and suspense thrown in for good measure. This is a highly recommended historical romance for readers of post-Civil War stories.
“Joy. That was the way he thought of her, and it drew him with the force of a tide to the seashore.”
An absolutely stunning conclusion to an exhilarating, breathtaking series, A Reckless Love has indubitably earned a spot on my “all-time favorites” shelf. Beth White’s story is achingly relevant to our world today, and is eloquently portrayed.
This series gave me three new favorite heroes, but I have to say that Zane may be at the top of the list. His relationship with Aurora is delightfully antagonistic, and his journey is told beautifully by White. Aurora is an admirably determined Southern belle, and readers will be inspired by her courage and tenacity.
Although I am sad to see this series end, White has given readers a true gift in these stories. The characters and the social, political, and moral lessons they learn will stay with readers long after the final pages. I could not more highly recommend a series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This third novel in the Daughtry House series focuses on the youngest of three sisters, Aurora Daughtry. I would recommend reading the other two books in the series as they focus on the other two sisters, Selah and Joelle, and their stories. All the novels are set in Mississippi in 1870, just five years after the end of the Civil War. The South is in the beginning stages of Reconstruction.
Aurora Daughtry may be the youngest Daughtry sister, but she has the most ambition. She has plans to turn a former saloon, with “amenities” upstairs, that her father had secretly owned into a boardinghouse. The only problem is a couple of former employees of the saloon still live there even though it is out of business. Aurora plans to give these two women a new chance at a respectable life by teaching them a new skillset. She is determined and feisty. She talks a lot and is never still and has a compassionate heart. She meets a law man, who is in charge of protecting two prisoners set to testify in a murder trial. She and he set sparks to flying!
Zane Sager is a former soldier who is now in law enforcement. He has been charged with keeping two key witnesses in a murder safe until the trial. However, there is someone else who wants to silence these witnesses permanently. Zane must be a vigilant protector, but somehow he has become the object of affection/irritation of Miss Aurora Daughtry. She confounds him and attracts him. He doesn’t know which way is up, but he tries his best to remain focused on his job. Aurora sneaks under his radar and steals his heart, but can he let go of his mission of justice for a mentor and make peace with his past to grab hold of a future that sure will be a whirlwind?
I liked the sassy interaction between Aurora and Zane. Aurora’s soft heart and Zane’s protective nature are on full display. Their faith is seamlessly woven into their character. There are definitely some humorous moments in the story, and I appreciated this lighter portion of the story. I also noted Aurora’s keen business sense at the young age of 19. Come visit Daughtry House, sit a spell and get to know the three sisters who will change their part of the world, one person at a time.
I really enjoyed the way the author, Beth White, wove God naturally into the story. In everyday life, these types of questions do come up. I like reading about other people’s, or characters’, interactions with God because knowing Him is what brings us joy.
There was a scene in the beginning that seemed unnecessary. It didn’t make sense to me why the character would have allowed herself to be coerced into shopping at a bridal store if she had other plans already. But, it made sense later.
The rest of the book captivated me. In fact, it became hard to put it down to eat or sleep when the danger became intense. I liked it so much I want to read the first two books in the series as well.
There is real potential for a fourth book in The Daughtry House Series. I would love to read about the missing item. If you enjoy reading historical romance, I encourage you to get A Reckless Love. I enjoyed the ideas it discusses and the relationships!
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
This was a wonderful ending to a fantastic series. This made me laugh and cry. This gave an idea of how the southerners saw the northerners after the war and hopes the northerners saw the aftermath of the war. As it shows all people were to blame for what happened after the war was over. It was hard for everyone to be able to change with the times. Change is hard for all. I really liked how the Ku Klux Klan was handled at this time. That is not a time period I would have wanted to live through. I loved the characters in all of these books. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
A Reckless Love gives me another reason why Beth White is becoming one of my must read authors. Though, I am sad to say goodbye to the Daughtry House series. I have adored getting to know this family in the previous books and this one does not disappoint. Aurora is probably my favorite of the sisters and it was fun reading the scenes with Zane. Such an entertaining and delightful read. I loved every single page.
A Reckless Love gets a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy clean historical romance.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
A Reckless Love is the last book in the Daughtry House series by Beth White. This book stars the youngest Daughtry sister, Aurora, in all her spunky, independent, determined glory. I love how each sister has her own personality that shines through the stories. The hero of this one, Zane Sager, is appealing and impressive in his honor, courage, and unassuming way. The relationship between Zane and Aurora was amusing and added a sense of fun to the book.
I enjoyed the setting in the south after the end of the Civil War and learning more about this slice of history. The end of the war certainly didn’t end the suffering on both sides. I admired the resourcefulness of the people through their many trials.
Many of the characters in this book appeared in the first two in the series, so it was fun to see what they were doing. I did have a bit of difficulty trying to keep everyone in the tale straight, as there were many secondary characters, and it had been a while since I’d read the other stories. Although this could be a standalone book, I would suggest reading the other two books first to get full enjoyment out of it.
Threads of healing, forgiveness, and love of family add inspiration and depth to the tale and add to the satisfaction of it. I will definitely be looking forward to more of Beth White’s writing.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
The youngest Daughtry daughter, Aurora, is tired of being treated as the baby of the family. When the opportunity to turn a saloon into a boarding house presents itself, she is eager for the challenge. She is also interested to know what her brother-in-law and future brother-in-law are up to, and sets her sits on getting her information from the cynical lawman, Zane Sager.
Having read the previous two books, I felt a little let-down. While Aurora is a bubbly and cheerful character, she is a spoiled southern belle and those around her just…let her get away with a lot. This made it difficult to like her. Her infatuation with Zane occurred faster than I would have liked and, as my wording hints at, I doubted any romantic attachment.
Zane, on the other hand, was very interesting. We are introduced to him first when he survives the explosion on the Sultana. Before that, he was imprisoned in a southern Rebel prison of war. His drive to catch the man who tortured him and killed his mentor made him relatable. He resisted Aurora’s flirting at first, which made me respect him more.
Had the romance been given more time to grow, I might have enjoyed it more. Overall, the plot moves fast and the book as a whole it well written. Readers who enjoy historical romance set in the years after the Civil War and have followed the Daughtry House series will not want to miss this.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and all opinions expressed are my own.
This seems to be a timely book to read right now as our nation faces division. It was quite interesting to read about the Mason-Dixon Line. Not everyone was thrilled that slavery had been abolished and you could feel tension in the air.
Aurora and Zane are quite a pair as they try to maneuver through a relationship. I wasn’t sure who had the stronger personality as they both seemed to get on each other’s nerves. I have to say I enjoyed reading how these two could change their minds about each other at the drop of a hat. The author really does a good job of slowly allowing us to witness their emotional growth in several areas.
The story does tackle sensitive subjects like racism and the KKK. Zane has his hands full trying to protect witnesses while looking for a murderer. There is a lot of pressure on him and you can sense his need to rely on his faith to not give up. The author does not shy away from subjects that are uncomfortable but delivers a powerful account of a time period that caused many to become enemies against friends and family.
I’m sad to see the series end but am very pleased with how each book flowed gracefully into the next without missing a beat. I do recommend reading the books in order to familiarize yourself with characters that make appearances in the other books. The author’s writing is like a breath of fresh air as the stories intercept each other in an epic adventure of faith , hope and love.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. The review is my own opinion.
Don’t skip the prologue.
Many readers, including myself, often skip the prologue. In this case, it should have been chapter one especially for those who are jumping into the series late. Without giving spoilers, there is crucial information the reader needs to know.
I have not read the other two books in the series. Beth White did a good job of filling in the back story so I didn’t feel lost. The main characters were well developed. Spunky Aurora is a good match for the more taciturn Zane.
Set in post Civil War Mississippi, this book highlights struggles of racism and the early fight against the KKK.
“Zane’s first thought when he came to was that the world was coming to an end.” With an explosive start like that, Beth White quickly lights a fire under the reader to delve into her last story of the Daughtry House series, A Reckless Love.
I was a little confused at first, because this sister’s chronicle backtracks a little from where the last book ended. But White has her reasons. By the way, this is one series that needs to be read in order.
The year is 1870, and slavery has been abolished. Many on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line struggle with racial equality. When Judge Teague, a beloved mentor of Deputy Marshall Sager, is attacked for ruling over a race-related trial, Sager vows to visit justice upon the guilty. Sager gets to know the Daughtry sisters as he works with Riggins, Selah’s husband, who is also a Pinkerton. Both men are working at ending organized racial intimidation and suppression in the South.
I find Aurora amazing in that she has a good business head at nineteen, but she is also high-handed, determined to orchestrate events as she sees fit. Every one else had better get in line behind her. She is a tough cookie but loves anyone with a good heart. She is brave and unconventional.
Sager is independent, also brave, and other than the judge, not one to be close to others. His appearance helps out his tenacious personality, but he is hiding a weakness. Plus, he failed at the protection gig once. He is afraid of failing again. If “there is no fear in love,” then there is no love in fear.
White, like Joelle, has a proclivity towards big words. I had to google quite a few definitions. I very much enjoyed getting to know all three of the Daughtry sisters in this series.
Notable Quotables:
”Find a man who serves Christ first. Then his love for you will fall rightly.”
“Honey, we all get left behind at some time or another. Only one person is always there.”
“And when somebody gives you a hand out of the mud, you don’t spit on it just because it doesn’t land you exactly where you want to go.”
“…secrets were burdensome things.”
“…he packed more raw emotion into one eye than most people conveyed in two.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Revell Reads program. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.