Magnolia Duchess - A Review

Published -April 2016, Revell Books.
Series - Gulf Coast Chronicles Book 3
Author - Beth White
Title - Magnolia Duchess
Format - ebook, paper
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Fiona Lanier is out on the beach when she receives word that her twin brother has been imprisoned by the British. Her family builds ships for the Americans during the War of 1812. Shortly after receiving the news of her brother, she stumbles across a man washed up on the beach. She recognizes him as Charlie Kincaid. Charlie has been undercover for the past six months. When he awakens on a beach with no memory, he can only trust what his beautiful rescuer says about him. But as his memories begin to return, Charlie and Fiona learn that falling in love is wrought with danger especially in light of varying political loyalties.

The cover caught my eye first on this book. I love it. It's so elegant and pretty. But the cover alone wasn't, unfortunately, to hold my attention.

Like the others in this series, it is very rich in history. I'll admit that I've not read a lot of books set during the period of the War of 1812, at least set in America that is. So the history of the period intrigued me. But, this book really didn't hold my attention. I found myself very easily distracted by my library books, or others to read and review.

The characters themselves didn't make much of an impression on me either, so I can't really say much about them. I did enjoy the action and the adventure part of the story.

While others may love this book, this is probably one I'll not really read again. I really felt rather blah about the whole books

I received a free copy of the book from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion, which I've done. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of American history, Lori Benton, Beth White

Rating - 3 stars

The Creole Princess - A Review

Published - April 2015, Revell Books a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Gulf Coast Chronicles Book 2
Author - Beth White
Title - The Creole Princess
Format - ebook, paper
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The Eastern Coast of the American colonies is engaged in the fight against the British for freedom. Yet in the British held port of Mobile, Alabama, the fight is much quieter though no less deadly. Lyse Lanier has French roots, but spends most of her time with the daughter of the British commander. Rafael Gonzalez is a young, Spanish merchant newly arrived in town. Lyse is attracted to his easy wit and while he thinks she is beautiful and charming, he needs to focus his attentions more on her friend. But is he really what he says he is or is he more? After all, it is war, and spies abound on both sides of the conflict and Spain hasn't yet chosen a side. But as Lyse and Rafael are drawn more and more together, can she trust him with her heart or will he prove to be a liar?

The cover of this book captured my attention much like the first one in the series did last year. Unlike the first one though, this one took me a little longer to get into.

I can say that this is rich in historical detail and it gives some insight into a bit of the Revolution that most people don't know about. Because when I hear about the American Revolution, I immediately think of Boston, and the other eastern states where most of history is focused on. So it was fun to learn a little more about the Louisiana territory during the war.

I liked Lyse a lot. I liked how she grew in the book and developed. And for Rafael, I adored him from the moment he set foot on the page. I loved how he was a man of integrity and fought for what he believed was the right side. The bit of mystery and intrigue in the story only served to move the plot along even more.

I received this book for free from Revell books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Laura Frantz, Julie Klassen, Jody Hedlund

Rating - 4 stars

Pelican Bride - A Review

Published - April 2014, Revell Books, a Division of Baker Publishing Group

Author - Beth White

Series - The Gulf Coast Chronicles #1

Title - The Pelican Bride

Format - paper, ebook

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Genevieve Gaillian and her sister Aimee left France in the hopes of new beginnings as mail order wives to men in the New World. Genevieve knows that she must keep her Protestant beliefs a secret and appear to adopt the teachings of the Catholic church as she begins her new life. When she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, she hopes that she has finally found someone who will allow her to be herself. Yet the New World is ripe with peril. There is sickness, primitive conditions, and the threat of war with Britain. When Tristan is sent on a peace keeping mission between warring Indian tribes, Genevieve wonders if she'll ever see him again. There is a plot to discredit her. Genevieve's future and Tristan's safety rest in the hands of a local Indian girl. Will her testimony be enough to bring peace?

To say that this book is enchanting and enthralling would be a gross understatement. It is both of those and so much more. I started this one evening and finished it the next afternoon.

I think that this may have been the first book that I've read set in the French colonies of early America - what is now Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. The setting itself was rich in detail. And the characters only served to heighten it.

I loved both Tristan and Genevieve from the moments they walked onto the pages. Their fears and struggles were very well written. I found Aimee to be a spoiled brat. But I think that was how she was supposed to come across. The supporting characters would both delight me and exasperate me at times. I was really rooting for a happy ending for Tristan and Genevieve.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of American history, historical romance, Jody Hedlund, Liz Curtis Higgs, Joanne Bischoff

Rating - 5 stars