The Magnolia Duchess Book Review

Gulf Coast Chronicles Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  As the War of 1812 rages across the newly formed United States, another war rages in Fiona Lanier's heart - - one that threatens to tear her family apart.

     Fiona can scarcely take in the news of her brother's capture and imprisonment by the British Navy.  It is almost as unbelievable as the half-drowned British sailor who is washed ashore on the beach of Navy Cove.

     Charlie Kincaid claims to have no memory of his life before being discovered by Fiona, but in a world that seems saturated with treachery, she cannot be sure he is telling the truth.

     As Charlie's memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide.  But when political allegiances collide, they'll have to decide where their true loyalties lie.

REVIEW:  The latest book in Beth White's Gulf Coast Chronicles is set in coastal Alabama during the War of 1812 and picks up about twenty years after the previous one.  I really like Fiona.  She wears boys' clothes while training horses for Army officers.  She takes care of her brothers and uncle but she can take care of herself with a pistol, if need be.  Fiona isn't all tomboy; she does like dressing up and appreciates the finer things in life.  She isn't afraid of hard work and getting her hands dirty. 
     Even though Charlie wanted to stay in Alabama with Fiona, I appreciate how he felt he needed to finish his obligation to serve in the British Navy. Even though he didn't agree with the British trying to take over New Orleans and Mobile, he was determined to do his best where God put him and finish the job he started. 
     This series has become one of my favorites.  I like the family connections and the interesting stories that have come about in each.  I like how the author has taken major events in US history and brought them to life.  This is one series I look forward to reading and will hate to see it come to an end.  The only suggestion I could make would be to put a family tree in each book.  There is one on the author's page but I had trouble pulling it up on my phone.  It would be nice to have one readily available in the book to glance at quickly when a refresher is needed.  Other than that, keep up the excellent work!!

This book was provided by the author and Revell for review without compensation.

Beth White's day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama.  A native Mississippian, she writes historical romance with a Southern drawl and is the author of The Pelican Bride and The Creole Princess.  Her novels have won the American Christian Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers' Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award.  Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.