One of the reasons I read Ms. Hagan's books is because she gives enough historical background, where you feel you're learning something, not just reading a fiction story. I learned about some Civil War campaigns and battles I hadn't been aware of before, and I like adding to my knowledge of American history, while being entertained at the same time.

I had suspected something when I started reading her books, and had it confirmed when I found out Ms. Hagan was from Atlanta. So many of her leading ladies are loyal southern women, ever faithful to the Confederate cause, and only someone born in the south could put such strong emphasis on this. It reminds me of Margaret Mitchell, who I'm sure had a few Confederate flags in her home.

Being a native "Yankee", I can't share that opinion, and find it rather tiresome to hear the beloved confederacy so idealized, but that was a reflection of the times. She does, however, make it clear that her main characters, while loyal to south, don't really approve of slavery, and always treat their black "servants" well. There must have been a real paradox back then: southerners who didn't like slavery, but at the same time liked the life they had, which they couldn't have without owning slaves. What a mess!

The storyline was good, but it could have been better. The "happy couple" could have been a lot happier if they had admitted their true feelings a long time before they finally did, and it didn't help that for most of the novel they're separated; when they find each other again, next thing you know, they're apart again. It got to be a bit too much, and so did April's love for her plantation home, that she'd do anything to get back to. Had her life there been a good one, that would have made sense, but it was a real nightmare. Her father and sister were both insane, he almost raped her and she almost killed her (as well as kidnapped her more than once, also too over the top) and yet she keeps forgiving them and wanting to get back home and straighten it all out. (Even a total lobotomy couldn't have helped those two!) Yet she keeps wanting to run back home.

Ironically, when she does run away, it's from the man she loves, though she won't admit it, because he hasn't said he loves her. He, in turn, is waiting for her to say it to him, but he won't admit he cares, because the last time he cared about a woman she died. This silliness got dragged on too long, but the in between situations when they were apart were interesting enough to keep you reading, if a bit frustrating.

So it's worth the time, but it could have been better. ( )

Jacie isn’t especially happy or unhappy with her life and her upcoming wedding to the owner of the plantation she’d grown up on. A little unconventional as she’s friends with an Indian Shaman who has taught her about healing herbs in secret as the plantation owners don’t want him around.

But when learning that her mother is really her aunt and her real mother had been taken by Indians and had been seen just ten years ago, she leaves a note for her fiancé when he goes out of town, saying there’s something she has to do and will be back in a few months. It’s while she’s on her journey to find her mother that she understands what she really wants in life.

It’s been decades since I’d read any books by this author. Not because I hadn’t enjoyed them, but even a voracious reader has to pick and choose where to spend their time and money. But I jumped on the chance when it was offered for free.

I was disappointed. At no time did I ever connect with Jacie and her feelings, something I consider very important in a romance. I guess I’ve gotten used to better world building. New experiences for Jacie—other than sex—are glossed over. And I found it quite unbelievable that a virgin back then would be so willing to remove her clothes without more encouragement from the guy.

The story became more interesting at what in my Kindle was the 80% mark. Although with previews from other books, the story ends at 93%. The ending was incredibly rushed. It seems like the author got bored and just wanted to see it finished.

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a bad story. It’s just that there are so many better books out there. ( )