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
educational in its own way
This book really made you think about how things were back then
just finished, would recommend
Enjoyed the plot, strength of women, respect of others, dignity of different races. It was a bit of a history lesson as well.
Reading is mostly an escape for me. I want to be pulled into the story and be able to relate to the characters. And I like “page-turners”. This book does all that, and more. It is well-written, allowing the reader to feel the emotions of each character. I am intrigued by the premise of the second book of the series, and will start it soon. I will definitely recommend The Whistle Walk to my friends, and will be watching for more from this author.
I always enjoy reading historical fiction. Having visited Tenn. and Miss. I have been to battlefields so I can easily visualize the scene of the story. Good character development.
Was an easy read that dealt with a hard topic in a simplistic way.
Wonderful! This was the first time for me to read any of Stephenia H. McGee’s work. I like books written about this time (War between the States) and especially love that the setting is in my beloved State of Mississippi. It is a clean read that can be recommended to anyone. I have read the sequel, “Heir of Hope: Return to Ironwood Plantation”. Though they are both stand alone stories, it is best if they are read in order. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Life long Mississippi Native
Very inspirational; told a friend about this story and she ordered the book!
Takes you back to those tumultuous times and reminds one that people were (and still are) humans no matter their skin color, and that God is present even behind the scenes of Injustice and evil- the battle is no over.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I would encourage anyone who loves historical fiction to read this. I genuinely liked the characters. Wrote about some difficult subjects without gutter language or pornigraphic description.
this story pulls you in from the first few pages! Definitely reccomend. Lots of twists that you dont expect, and some that you do. Definitely give it a go.
A very good read and a story of caring for others no matter the color of skin. If you love reading about plantations this is a great one. Lydia and Charles were married she didn’t love him when they married because it was arranged. Charles knew enough about her that she was different from other ladies he had met. Ruth and Bridget were slave of another plantation. They were kidnaped Bridget got away from him but Ruth ended up in the town were Lydia lived. He was beating Ruth and Lydia stopped him and bought her took her home and they became best friends. The Civil War was being fought and Charles had to go to war. Many things happened and there is a lot of love and compassion for each other. It is a page turner.
I really enjoyed this book and the viewpoint from that era.
Nice read, big fan of historical romantic fiction.
A wonderful read!
An excellent book. Kept my attention from the beginning.
Good read enjoyed this book
Debated as to I should rate this as 4 or 5 stars. Mostly it was a realistic look at the south during civil war times. Including the fact that marriages were often arranged more by the fathers than the brides. Hopefully love would fallow. There were a few times I felt life was a bit too good on the plantation considering there was a war going on. After the army encampment had left Ironwood I seriously doubt there would be chickens left for a picnic. But that’s a bit nit picky of me. It’s a really good book that I very much enjoyed. Downloaded the next in the series when I finished this one. That says a lot.
loved it