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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Joelle Daughtry wants nothing to do with her grandmother’s efforts to turn her into a belle. She’s focused on her school to teach freed slaves. Her childhood friend/nemesis annoys her and she accepts the proposal of the local reverend. Will she learn to be content with her decision, or will she see the love that has been in front of her all the time.
It was a delight to be back with the Daughtry sisters once again. Selah is happily married. The hotel is ready for guests. It is the perfect time for things to go…a bit wrong. Joelle has been writing political view articles anonymously. In a fit of pique, she gives in to Gil’s continued efforts to marry her, hoping he’ll finally see her for who she is and accept her.
Schuyler Beaumont’s father is assassinated and he sets on a course to find the man responsible. This leads him straight into the KKK. He recognizes his feelings for Joelle first but doesn’t fight for her because she’s made her choice.
The plot is easy to follow. The writing is good. While I did find myself frustrated with both Joelle and Schuyler, the reasons for their behavior was understandable.
I received a free copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing.
With a setting in post-Civil War Mississippi and a cast of colorful, engaging characters, A Reluctant Belle by Beth White drew me in from the first and kept me turning the pages. Independent, feisty, and maybe a bit quirky, Joelle Daughtry tickled my funny bone and made me laugh out loud. Known for her prodigious vocabulary and outspoken ways, she also had a propensity for landing into ridiculous and sometimes dangerous situations.
I was delighted by the humor in this book. It helped to lighten the more somber and sometimes disturbing events that occurred and added to my enjoyment of the story.
“We know you went to a fancy boarding school, Joelle, but can you try not to talk as if you swallowed a dictionary?”
Whenever Joelle and Schuyler Beaumont, the reformed hero of the story, met, sparks of one kind or another flew, and their witty, and sometimes sarcastic banter kept me chuckling. Schuyler had a way of riling Joelle just by showing up, and he used it to his advantage. I enjoyed seeing their relationship mature and change throughout the story.
Beth White’s writing is easy to read and her careful historical research is apparent. I enjoyed learning more about this interesting slice of history and some of the adjustments both the North and the South had to make after the Civil War. With intrigue, suspense, lots of history, humor, romance, and threads of redemption, courage, and faith, this story has something for everyone. This is the second in the Daughtry House series and can stand alone, but reading A Rebel Heart, the first in the series, will help with understanding some of the background a little better. Although I’ve enjoyed White’s other stories, I feel like this is her best book to date, and I’m looking forward to the next installment in the Daughtry House series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher Revell. All opinions are my own.
I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but in this case I absolutely did. The cover grabbed my attention and without reading the back cover I was already sold on the book.
Joelle and her sisters are taking on a big endeavor by opening their home as a hotel. Just after the war has ended may not be the best time, but Joelle is a determined woman. She is one fierce woman who doesn’t back down from anything. There are no quitters in the family so it has to be prosperous.
What I found intriguing was her articles that she was writing about the KKK. Does she know how dangerous this is? What if someone finds out? I love how Joelle wants the sane treatment for everyone and will step on toes as she moves forward with her articles that can cause hatred and danger. I admire her for sticking up for what she believe in.
The post Civil War era was at times confusing to me but the author has done her homework. She helps readers understand what is going on and brings her characters to life. I’m on the fence with Schuyler as he has seen both sides of freeing slaves. Has his heart changed? The author does a great job of showing how each character is struggling with their faith and learning to trust each other and Him.
I learned a lot of historical facts while reading this book. There were a few things I didn’t know about which helped me understand the struggle of slaves being truly free. There is a very shocking murder that takes place in story that will affect several characters. Will hearts be soften to the plight of the people who want to be treated as equals? Can Joelle and Schuyler begin to trust each other? Be sure to catch their banter and have a few laughs as they try to keep their pride in check. The story is a wonderful display of treating others as you would like to be treated. There is danger along the way, but their faith will help them make the right choices,
I received a copy of this book from Librarything’s Early Readers Review group. The review is my own opinion.
History! Reconstruction Era! Murder! Love! Joelle is a strong female protagonist who works hard to help support her family and believes in educating blacks so they can make intelligent decisions and care for their families! Male protagonist wealthy Schuyler has wasted his life, attending college and having a great time being the life of the party! When Schuyler’s father is murdered, he begins to look at life differently. You will find some surprising men in the Ku Klux Klan! Who can be trusted? A Reluctant Belle is the second book in the Daughtry House series but can be read as a stand alone. You will enjoy it more if you read the series. I recommend this southern historical book to others! I received my copy of A Reluctant Belle from the author. This is my honest opinion.
This is an incredible historical romance.
I think that all of the central characters are extremely well developed. Joelle has to be my favorite with all of her insecurities and doubts. I can relate to her as far as how many of them she has. Yet she continues to strive to help other people and treat them fairly.
Schuyler Beaumont finds himself having to grow up suddenly and face the realities of what life is truly like. Along with that he does a fair amount of kicking himself for not having been acting in a more adult manner for so long.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how Joelle and Schuyler interact with each other. They suddenly find themselves seeing each other as their adult selves not the children that grew up as friends/foes.
The plot of the story is very heavy in that it deals with the middle portion of the Reconstruction Era, five years after Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. The presentation of the racial atmosphere of the time is very well done. I do appreciate the fact that the author chose not to use all of the very harsh language that would have been prevalent at the time. It made it a little easier for me to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
She’ll take on the world single-handed…
While I enjoyed the first book in The Daughtry House Series this is the one that I’ve looked forward to the most. The intelligent, shy, and forward thinking bookworm, Joelle had quite captured my attention. In some ways she reminded me of one of my favorite fictional heroines, Jo March. Plus I just had to know why Joelle despised Schuyler so much…
A Reluctant Belle is a fascinating look into the post Civil War south, both the good and the bad. The Reconstruction era was a time fraught with danger for all people. It was also a time of great kindness and great sacrifice. Beth White skillfully weaves those threads into a tale of intrigue and romance that will tug at the heart.
I really enjoyed this book but I did have one concern while reading. Two terms for political beliefs were used in the book, however, today, those descriptive terms are vastly different from what they were 150 years ago. We still use the terms but they are now stereotypically applied to the opposite political parties, which may be a little confusing for modern readers.
Anyway, Beth White is a master of teaching little known aspects of Southern history in such an entertaining way, and with such memorable characters, that the reader hardly feels like they are learning history at all. A Reluctant Belle is both thought provoking and inspiring. It leaves the reader wondering what is in store for the Daughtry sisters and their fledgling hotel as these young women take on prejudice and hatred with love and faith…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I loved Beth White’s first trilogy. Somehow, I missed book one of this new series, but I’ll be picking up my copy soon! This is a post-Civil War series set in an area – Mississippi – that I haven’t read much about before. While I knew some of the history, I learned a lot more.
The Daughtry House is an old Southern plantation being made over into a resort following the Civil War. The place is populated with delightful characters who will seem like old friends before the story is over. They struggle against the evil of that time period. No spoilers, of course, but this one will keep you turning the pages!
“Cracking you open is like getting the sweets out of a pecan. It’s a lot of work, but the result is pretty tasty.”
Ah, the second book in The Daughtry House series picks up right after where the first one left off. A Reluctant Belle continues with Joelle, the middle Daughtry sister, and her long-time frenemy Schuyler during the middle of the Reconstruction Era as the poor town of Tupelo, Mississippi struggles to find its footing in the midst of violent racism. With her easy-to-read and descriptive writing style, multi-faceted characters, and a finely-honed theme of faith, Beth White vividly paints life in the 1870s Deep South.
Joelle is an independent, intelligent, compassionate, passionate introvert who spends her days writing, under a pseudonym, articles supporting the education of freedmen so that she can buy the supplies to educate those freedmen who work in the family’s renovated hotel. She’s socially awkward and completely oblivious, as well as obtusely blunt, but has a heart of gold and is fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Schuyler is the happy-go-lucky youngest son of a rail tycoon who gets embroiled in the heat of southern politics and racism when his father is assassinated during his gubernatorial campaign. The death of his beloved father helps Schuyler turn his life and attitude around to better mankind with the gift of speech and money that he has. The spark and electric banter between Joelle and Schuyler are so incredibly fun and it’s nice to have Selah and Levi from the first book return to add more layers to the plot. There is a delightful and surprisingly solid suspense aspect to the plot which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you love historical romance, this series by Beth White is not to be missed.
I received the book from Baker Publishing House via Interviews and Reviews book review program and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
As a member of Interviews & Reviews in addition to other review groups, I usually look for books that I might want based on previous author experience, highly rated, or as part of a set I already have/had.
If I can’t find one, then I look for a book that I wouldn’t ordinarily have bought but still holds some level curiosity for me; especially new books that my library may or may not have. This is a good way to sample genres or authors I wouldn’t know about or have ordinarily experienced, and can see if I would be interested in their other work(s). It is also a good way to broaden my fiction experiences.
Since last year, I’ve been reading a LOT more Historical Fiction. And, as I’ve come to discover – it isn’t necessarily I don’t like the genre, I’m not that familiar with it or that the stories aren’t that interesting. For me to be interested it HAS to grab me. There has to be some element that would make me pick up this book, get me to read the first pages, and keep me interested until I close the book.
So, when I couldn’t find anything else on Interviews & Reviews (and apologies in advance, Ms. Davis) that caught my eye or that I didn’t already have – I went for a challenge. Yup, another Historical Romance – “A Reckless Love” (The Daughtry House Series #3). It had a blurb that immediately caught my eye; in addition, Beth White was a new-to-me author.
Seeing that the title I requested was book three of this series, I threw caution to the wind and decided to get the previous books from Amazon. With the beautiful covers – who could blame me for giving them a try? Unlike some series that vary with the design, these are all the same basic design – the house at the bottom, and the featured sister on top. Each one has their own different “color” scheme that contrast and complement each other – blue/Selah; orange/Joelle; and according to an advanced review copy – purple/Aurora.
The Daughtry House Series isn’t just a Historical Romance series about a trio of sisters – they also have an element of suspense to them. Usually the suspense revolves around the sister’s intended love interest. For me there is more emphasis on the suspense rather than the romance.
The first one did, as did this one, in fact A Rebel Heart literally started off as a train wreck. This book definitely continued that momentum, in fact it was even far more explosive. As I am now on #3, it is definitely continuing where the other two left off.
The books are in the order of the daughters – Selah, Joelle, Aurora. A Reluctant Belle is middle sister Joelle’s story.
Some trigger warnings might include: murder, racism, slavery, the KKK, race riots. This is going to be more controversial than the first book given the topic in this book.
This is part of a series, and unlike some that can function as standalone reads – this one works better if read from the first to the last one. They all take place five (5) years after the Civil War in 1870.
This starts off a bit calmer and picks RIGHT up after A Rebel Heart leaves off at the end of April 1870. The hotel is still far from being opened, and Joelle is sort of being courted by preacher Gil Reese. In addition there is her questionable relationship with Schuyler “Sky” Beaumont who happens to also be a distant relative along with being an investor in The Daughtry House.
Joelle’s grandmother has invited her and three other companions to Memphis for an Opera which seemingly sets off the events of the novel in an indirect way.
The romance element between Joelle, Gil, and Schuyler culminates in Joelle accepting Gil’s proposal out of spite from an argument with Schuyler. But, that is all put on the back burner when Schuyler’s father, who is running for office, is murdered.
This is where the suspense takes off, and even heightens with the introduction of a real life Confederate figure – Nathan Bedford Forest – as many know he was one of the real KKK members. The writer didn’t focus on him as a villain though. And, the notes at the end are worth reading.
There is a clear division in race relations with this novel and the writer does her best in not using the story for a political sounding board. Joelle is also a controversial figure due to her insistence on educating the freedmen/freedwomen. And, despite a male pseudonym for her newspaper articles, she does fall victim to prejudice and hatred because of it when her identity is revealed.
While balancing Joelle’s story and Schuyler’s, the reader is treated to the connection in the case from the first book. However, this is more fraught with the tensions and attitudes of the time. And, the Daughtry House doesn’t escape from someone’s wrath and it is clear why it is done though some readers may not see the immediate connection.
I really enjoyed the progression of Schuyler’s character. If you have read the first novel (A Rebel Heart), he comes off as arrogant and almost villainous. This novel sees him certainly far more humble, with less bravado which is closer to his real character I believe. It also shows him questioning his friends and looking at things differently especially after his father’s assassination.
Joelle’s progression with Schuyler was endearing and heartwarming. I definitely didn’t trust Gil in the beginning – I just didn’t like him at all. After a while I was hoping that he would end up being one of the villains because he was just that awful. And, the reader will come to understand why in chapter 20.
I thoroughly enjoyed something Joelle said during a confrontation on page 260: “ignorance on your part does not constitute pretentiousness on my part”. This is in reference to how she talks due to the fact she went to boarding school. I could, being that I was especially smart in school often talked about my grade level. This was often problematic with my peers. I giggled at the line.
This is a fast-paced, engaging, thought-provoking, and explosive story that doesn’t end even at the end. The amount and depth of research that White has done to write these novels is amazing. The characters are beautiful and believable. Readers are definitely going to have to grab the third release A Reckless Love this June (2020). The events in this book definitely set up the plot for the third book.
Unlike some middle books that tend to be sleepers or mediocre – this builds on the momentum that started in A Rebel Heart and carries it through all the way up until the end. It is as exciting as the first one, if not more so. I was drawn in by the end of chapter two and it kept my attention. There were, to me, a few grammatical issues but none that would detract from the entire enjoyment of the novel.
As this is distributed by Revell, a Christian/faith themed publisher, there are several references to God and faith. While they’re not a central part of the plot or focus of the story, Gil is a preacher so the stronger references are to be expected. This novel has heavier themes than the first one. It is a clean read with no sex scenes or foul language. Though given the “propriety” and property behavior of the time, this can be rather risqué.
Some words of “caution” for potential readers – PLEASE note that this does take place about five (5) AFTER the Civil War in 1870. There will be some references to slavery, prejudice, racism, as well as other language and terms that are authentic to the era. While some of it can be offensive, using it in this story; set in that time; gives the story historical accuracy while being respectful and sensitive of the complex social issue on race relations.
One cannot write or author an authentic Civil War or Re-Constructionist Era novel without being authentic to the vernacular or attitudes. White herself acknowledges that some of the language back in that time was offensive and that some of the terminology was toned down due to the fact she and her editor felt there was no reason to be deliberately inflammatory.
I respect White for remaining as historically accurate as possible and believe she has done a wonderful job balancing that accuracy while maintaining a respectful/sensitive tone towards slavery, the injustices as a result, and the feelings of those involved.
These historical romance/fiction/suspense novels are also a great way to learn about history or learn enough about it to seek out more information.
I would suggestion this to anyone who is a fan of her previous works, anyone interested in the re-constructionist era.
I’ve almost finished reading A Reckless Love.
Beth White produces vivid descriptions of anarchy in post-Civil War times in The Reluctant Belle, Daughtry House #2. Reconstruction was a very slow, painful process. Some championed it, some quietly supported it, and some outright spoke against it. Others secretly opposed it with an infectious hatred that developed into the KKK. This terror might start in an area slowly, like a glowing ember, then quite quickly fan into a ferocious, deadly flame that was meant to undo the liberation of the slaves. Author White brings the era to exciting, fearful life for a heart-stopping, engaging read.
So many themes presented here. We learn that God sees us all as we are. We see, if we choose, comparisons for racial issues in our own times.
I really was impressed by how God used each character, especially the main characters, despite their flaws, using the talents He HAD given them.
I saw more than a historical romance. I saw an example of what I want to be for my husband-what Joelle represents to Schuyler. Am I a refuge for my husband, anchoring him the way Joelle anchors Schuyler?
Great quotes, true for today.
“ If you admitted that you loved, you put yourself in danger of rejection.”
“The only way they got through that year had been laying their bruised souls at the feet of Jesus.”
“People who had a lot to lose, he’d noticed, took more time to pray. They relied on each other, trusted one another, became vulnerable as brothers and sisters.”
The author’s notes at the end are interesting and essential for history buffs. Grab this one for yourself and start following Beth White. This book can stand alone, but I enjoyed it, even more, knowing the background of book one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions which I am for which I am solely responsible.
In the second book in The Daughtry House Series, Beth White returns readers to a family who has endured much heartbreak, but has also found joy. In a difficult place and time, we continue to explore life and love while culture shifts uncomfortably and painfully for many, even as healing begins.
I really like Joelle’s character; as the middle sister, she feels often overlooked, but she is smart and opinionated. Her volatile relationship with Schuyler from their childhood only heightens as they mature, and it makes for a romance throwing off sparks every time they occupy the same page.
Schuyler himself is a character undergoing dramatic change after his father’s death. A gentleman in more than just name or position, I enjoyed reading about a man with integrity who is coming to terms with a new reality in difficult situations.
The whole culture of the south at this time is like another world to me, and the author took the time to help me understand the politics and racial tensions without it seeming like I was being talked down to or that it was a history lesson. Another aspect I appreciated in the writing is that I never felt like she was trying to shock me with graphic passages or language that I have no desire to read in the interests of being “more realistic.”
White masterfully immerses the reader in the post-Civil War culture, with the varied people and opinions brought to life with complexity and nuance. There are no perfect answers, rather flawed characters and a compelling story that kept me riveted. I highly recommend it for those with an interest in the South, who enjoy historical romance, or who like strong, yet feminine, heroines.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and the publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
A Reluctant Belle, Beth White’s second book in her Daughtry House series, is by far my favorite of her books to date! I completely fell in love with her hero and heroine, who are a delight of spunk, wit, and determination to right the wrongs of the day. White was able to masterfully weave their lighthearted banter amid the incredible darkness of post Civil War racial injustice. I laughed, I wanted to cry, I felt the whole spectrum of emotions as page after page of this tale unfolded.
Lovers of both romance and historical fiction will be enthralled with the attention to historical detail, the compelling plot, and the rich array of characters who both inspire, despair, entertain, and frustrate. I adored the theme of restoration and redemption – a lesson we can never hear enough of. This is a story to be remembered and one that makes me anxious for the third installment to come!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Author Beth White did a fine job of bringing her characters to life. Joelle is not the typical southern belle. I enjoyed her sassiness and willingness to do whatever she needed. And Schuyler was brave and willing to fight for what’s right. The play between these two was quite entertaining at times.
This is a difficult time in history and White seems to have researched it well. She didn’t hide the ugly facts but handled it with grace.
If you enjoy historical fiction with clean romance then you’ll enjoy A Reluctant Belle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
In this second installment of the Daughtry House Series the Daughtry sisters are just opening their hotel when things go awry. There is hatred from some, but others find and show God’s love. Lives are changed forever and you can see God’s plan unfold before your eyes. With wonderful characters from all walks of life, Beth White uses each of them to spin a story that will have you captivated from the beginning.
A terrific novel from this Author! It had just the right mixture of suspense, wit, humor, romance, and faith to produce an entertaining read that was at times incredibly funny and at others infuriating and tense.
Set during the very volatile time after the Civil War, the historical setting is incredibly well done and creates the suspenseful backdrop and circumstances surrounding a love triangle story where one angle clearly wasn’t IN the triangle. Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre ( though some days I might tell you it’s suspense) , and the historical backdrop is done so well..
It’s a hard to put down a novel with all the wonderful necessary threads needed to create a good read. This is definitely a book for the keeper shelf. If you enjoy historical fiction, go grab a copy. It’s astory that begs to be read.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is the first book that I have read by Beth White and is the second in the series Daughtry House. I did not read the first book but through out the story there is parts that gives insight to the other characters who were main characters of the first book. The setting of the story is right after the civil war and it seems the writer did her research for that era. I will admit that it was rather hard for me to be interested in some parts of the book. Other parts were interesting and faith filled. White brought in the civil rights of that age and the KKK clan and their distorted views. The romance was sweet as the two main characters that had known each other from childhood and seemly could not get along, actually loved one another. Sometimes it takes adversity and hardships for one to realize it. The plot was filled with twists and turns along with adventure, danger, intrigue, and a happy ending…….
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not required to give a review but am happy to do so.
The year 1870 in Mississippi was hard: north and south economy problems, slaves and freedmen, violent atrocities committed by Ku Klux Klan, the battles for instruction and other rights for black people.
The three Daughtry white sisters run a hotel in Tupelo,Mississippi: pratical and math-minded Selah, gregarious and outdoorsy Aurora, wild and writer Joelle.
Schuyler helps them with money. he is a charming, lovely, wild, macho man. all women love him, with his jokes and kind words.
Joelle cannot admit she loves Schuyler, and addresses him as ‘pompous donkey’ and ‘ridicolous idiot’, but she thinks also
‘Dinner would be boring wihtout him. Oh, how she missed him when he wasn’t around.’
The book is nice, sometimes hilarious, sometimes misterious and with suspance, great important topics.
Make sure to read book one in the series before you read this one so that you understand who all the characters are in this story. I loved the characters throughout this series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I keep needing to know more and more about each of these sisters and cousins. This story helps you learn a bit about the reconstruction that occurred after the end of the Civil War. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Beth White has become another author on my “Must Read” list. I particularly enjoy her skill at merging history with a darn good story. It also helps that her books have a Southern setting.
In the second book of White’s Daughtry House series, sister Joelle Daughtry is the featured heroine. When she’s not helping her sisters convert their family plantation home into a resort hotel, Joelle spends her time teaching former slaves and writing articles for the local newspaper, hoping to gain support for a school for former slaves. Although no one knows Joelle is writing the articles because they are written under an assumed male name, the articles stir up those in the community whose sympathies lie with the KKK. Caught in a weak moment, Joelle agrees to marry the local pastor who has been courting her although her heart is not in it, probably because she feels drawn to her childhood antagonist Schuyler Beaumont.
A Reluctant Belle is a true page-turner with its love triangle, an assassination, unexpected revelations, and plenty of action and danger. Joelle and Schuyler were almost bigger than life and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop through its ups and downs. The story was a revealing look at the turbulent history of Mississippi during the years following the Civil War. As a born and raised Southerner, I am proud of my home but regret the ugly history from its past.
I highly recommend A Reluctant Belle as well as all other books by this author to readers who enjoy Historical fiction, especially that with a Southern setting.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
“Every bookworm princess needs a hero to keep her from walking into walls.”
This is the first book that I have read by Beth White and is the second in the series “Daughtry House.” However, it is easy to follow the story without having read the first book. The author gives enough background throughout the book that you can pick up on what you might have missed.
After the Civil War, Joelle Daughtry and her sisters are getting ready to open their Antebellum home, Daughtry House, as a Hotel. Joelle is a free thinking woman, determined to educate black freedmen against all opposition. “God’s Word tells us to treat others the way we want to be treated.” Joelle is full of what the author calls Righteous Anger at the way that the former slaves are treated. As well as educating the former slaves, she also writes pointedly directed articles for the local newspaper using a male pseudonym.
Her childhood friend, Schuyler Beaumont, is an infuriating distraction to her goals. When Schuyler’s father is assassinated while giving a speech in his run for political office, he has to find out who is behind it. He enlists the help of Joelle’s brother-in-law, Levi Riggins, who is a Pinkerton agent. In order to solve the mystery, Schuyler joins up with the local Ku Klux Klan. “People are good at holding grudges in the South.” Although it sickens him to hide his true thoughts while around these men, he doesn’t see any other way to come to the heart of the matter. “I’m tired of wasting time on things that don’t matter.”
As the book progresses, Joelle and Schuyler’s friendship starts to grow into something more. There are some references to sexual attraction between them, but nothing explicit happens. Some readers might think that this does not belong in a Christian book, but it doesn’t overstep, in my opinion. I did find Joelle’s wavering between two men to be a little tedious, but I can also understand that this was typical of the times. Do you marry the “right” person or the one you love?
Ms. White does a great job in describing the atmosphere of this era. It was interesting to read more about the feelings of Southerners from both sides of the issue of the freed black men. There were some scenes and situations that were truly heartbreaking, but necessary to the story. Her writing is wonderful and easy to read for the most part.
There were a lot of references to God and faith throughout the book, but not to the point of being preachy. And, just because the reader might think that someone was a good guy, they just might turn out to be not so good.
I have to say that I did find that parts of the book got bogged down in details and sometimes I found it hard to follow exactly what was happening. Some of this was due to Schuyler’s attempts to infiltrate the KKK and I had to reread some parts of this in order to know what was happening.
The book does have a happily ever after ending, but it is still open ended for further books in the series. Not everything is tied up in a neat package.
One of my favorite quotes from the book: “I’ve played the fool for years, so this is just one more monkey in the circus.”
This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions expressed are my own.