Zoe and Alf, close friends since childhood, are separated because Alf’s college is white and Zoe’s college is colored. They make each other promises before parting. Can they keep those promises? Zoe is forced into a world she doesn’t understand, and a college far from home and her beloved family.
Alf meets Sarah at school, but is forced to honor his promise to Zoe, and keeps Sarah at bay, even … at bay, even though he’s attracted to her.
Lucas Wright, the perfect gentleman, paves the way for Zoe at college, and while she feels something for Lucas, she holds the space in her heart for Alf.
Will Zoe and Alf end up together? Or, will Sarah and Lucas come to mean more to them than either of them can resist?
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Zoe has a big choice to make. She and Alf promised their hearts to each other, but then they left for separate schools and ended up meeting new people. Alf meets Sarah and Zoe, Lucas. Set in the 1800s, the story deals with a biracial Zoe and a white Alf and the challenges of interracial relationships. Author Barbra Goss incorporates genuine issues from past ages carried into current society. It was easy to connect with the characters involved in tangible circumstances, which make up a great love story. Suspense, drama, clean romance, and trusting in one’s faith are bundled into this delightful read Shadow of faith. This is book 7 in a series but it is just as wonderful as a stand-alone novel.
Shadows of Color
I’ve enjoyed a number of “mail order bride” and western-themed romance novels lately and have found them to be surprisingly well-textured and nuanced with issues beyond the shortage of men in the war ravaged states and the lack of women on the expanding frontier. Equally unexpected is the variety of serious topics explored in these romance novels. Author Barbara Goss here provides a non-biased, open-eyed look at the color bar and the casual discrimination practiced as a matter of course and law in the late 19th century, mainly as background to a love story. Leon Nixon’s deft narration smoothly enriches the text and captures vocal nuances (although not quite the hint of Cajun for Lucas) very nicely. Many of the characters in this tale have appeared in other books in the series, but this stands alone with no difficulty. A marvelous addition to the set!
Such a touching and emotional story. The perfect final chapter in a fantastic series.
Zoe is all grown up and ready to head off to college, but things may not work out like she had hoped. Segregation is in full force and that impacts where Zoe can go.
Alf has always had feelings for Zoe, but things need to be put on hold, as he and Zoe are not allowed to go to the same college.
Things get complicated when they both make new friends while away from each other. They need to search their feelings and decide what is truly in their hearts.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Loved it!
I’m glad that Barbara took the subject of, Interracial marriage and the treatment of “colored” people, on! She sheds some powerful light on the topic! My favorite quote from this book: “…Skin color is just like the color of someone’s eyes to me.” Sarah said. “Brown or blue, the person is the same.”
I enjoyed the narration as well. He added a lot to the story even if he sounded a bit too modern at times.
24 December 2020 Book Review:
Lovely Story!
How I love the stories in this series! Each one just tells it like it is with interesting storylines and compassionate and loving characters and this one is no exception.
I had thought that the previous one was the last in the series but am so happy that Ms Goss pulled another out of her ‘hat’. More please… I love to be captivated and entertained.
My voluntary and unbiased review is recorded above having read a Review Copy of the ebook.
11 March 2018 Audiobook review:
This is Zoe’s story and what a beautiful one it has turned out to be!
Ever since I first read about her when she was a small child I wondered what would happen in her life and now I know.
Honestly, the more I read/listen to these tales, the more I feel that I am part of these families and each one is like getting a newsy letter bringing us up to date. This is the power of Barbara Goss’ writing.
This particular story had me laughing at the antics and then sobbing like a baby too. The characters are very likeable and the happily ever after was totally desirable and most welcome.
I really liked Leon Nixon’s narration. He has a great voice and knows how to use it. He and Barbara have talents that compliment each other.
I listened to a free audiobook supplied by the author and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.