In a time where unity seems impossible, two women will forge a friendship in the fires of redemption and thrust Ironwood into a new future—where the battle for freedom has merely begun.
Mississippi – 1862
Stolen from her home and forced into the disgrace of being sold, Ruth refuses to let go of the faith that holds her heart together. Determined to survive in her new role at Ironwood, Ruth … survive in her new role at Ironwood, Ruth never expects to find any common ground with the plantation owner’s wife. But when God keeps nudging her to speak up for her race and forge an unlikely friendship, she makes a dangerous choice that could cost more than she’s ready to give.
Bride to a man she barely knows and bound by her secrets, Lydia is struggling to step into her new title as the mistress of Ironwood. Inspired by the fiery spirit and quiet dignity of an enslaved woman, Lydia’s eyes begin to open to the harsh realities of the world around her. But if there is ever going to be a new future for Ironwood, she will have to start with shedding her own pretenses.
Don’t miss these other titles from Bestselling Christian Historical author Stephenia H. McGee
Ironwood Plantation Family Saga
- The Whistle Walk
- Heir of Hope
- Missing Mercy
The Accidental Spy Series
*previously The Liberator Series
- An Accidental Spy
- A Dangerous Performance
- A Daring Pursuit
Stand Alone Titles
- In His Eyes
- Eternity Between Us
Time Travel
- Her Place in Time
- The Hope of Christmas Past
Novellas
- The Heart of Home
- The Hope of Christmas Past
more
This was the first book that turned me on to Ms. McGee’s wonderful books.
I so enjoyed this story! Ms. McGee gives us a unique view of the Civil War in Mississippi. Lydia Harper, a lady in society, encountered trauma in her youth. Ruth was born into slavery. These two women have such courage. I so admired their friendship. They are an unstoppable force!
Recommended to those who enjoy historical fiction with amazing heroines.
I borrowed a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
From the beautiful, thought-provoking cover through the twists and turns of the plot to the sweet ending, this stirring story kept my interest. As an avid fan of Historical Christian Fiction, especially when set in the Civil War Era, I totally enjoyed this book! It is a compelling story of two women–Lydia a plantation owner’s wife and Ruth a slave—who manage to form a bonding friendship despite the difference in their social position and the horrors of war. It is a story of determination, faith, redemption, and healing. I highly recommend this book especially for fans of Historical Christian Fiction.
Oh my wow! Talk about a book that swallowed me whole–hook, line, and sinker! Thankfully Heir of Hope is sitting next on my TBR pile so I can jump right back into the world again to check on all the characters. I am not ready to let them go!
One of the most amazing things about this story was how vividly Stephenia McGee was able to create the setting and develop the characters so that you couldn’t help but feel as if you were standing right in the midst of it all. My heart-rate fluctuated right along with Lydia and Ruth each step of the way! This was one of those books that you don’t merely read, but experience. And that my friends, is the mark of a great book!
I appreciated that while the characters may have stepped outside of the stereotypical mold for the time period, they were still realistic and believable. Real, permanent change can’t truly happen until people are able to look outside of themselves and consider others with love and compassion. One of the most thought-provoking quotes for me was: “Strange how she always thought being equal would make them like her. She’d never considered giving up her place to be like them.” Lydia realized that part of making life easier for the people in her home, was to be willing to carry part of their burdens. Kindness was not enough, and true friendship was not possible unless she was willing to humble herself. Her journey to this realization was a remarkable thing to witness.
I don’t think I could say enough wonderful things about this book! If you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend you give it a read! I’m off to read the next in the series so I’m sure you’ll hear my thoughts on that one as well very soon 🙂
The Whistle Walk is a wonderful story of finding the Lord and becoming free in so many different ways. I love how every single character was unique and interesting, they weren’t copied and pasted with a mustache, put in different class, or just made to speak unneeded dialogue. Lydia and Charles’ romance was delightfully sweet but it also had relatable struggles that helped make the story seem even more real. Ruth and Noah’s love story was awesome and their interactions with each other are quite sweet and wonderful. I have never read a book like The Whistle Walk and I don’t think I find another one that I like as much. I loved the book and I’ll probably reread it fifty-million times.
Lydia and Ruth both ladies of character who endured similar pains although from very different paths in life. There were many mysteries and twist and turns in the plot of this story.
Charles quite an admirable man who showed patience, endurance and love that ended up being well rewarded.
An enjoyable read and I’m ready to read the sequel.
Loved the entire series. I didn’t want it to end.
Good story. Characters were good but plot was a bit weak.
Wonderful Civil War story!
An historical novel of the Civil War era.
The Civil war from a little different perspective. I enjoyed the book and characters so much I went on to more by the author. I wasn’t disappointed.
Fantastic series!
If you like stories set during the Civil War era, this book if great.
I enjoyed this book but it ended much to abruptly. I wanted to know more about Lydia and Ruth’s lives after the war and their family’s lives. I am currently reading the sequel and about half way through it.
I liked the hearts and spirits of the females in this book.
Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading this book. The characters were wonderful and I just didn’t want to put it down. Was anxious to see how it ended, but at the same time, didn’t want it to end!
It was a good, easy read, although, it needs a good copy editor. It was a typical romantic novel without being overly sexual.
This historical fiction presents the evils of slavery but also portrays that slave owners were slaves to their way of life.
The author has an imagination & creative use of history. It was an interesting story.
Sorry to think this may well be someone’s true life story. I’m sure real life events tragically played out just this way. Strong main characters. Great read.