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. 

The Creole Princess Book Review

 Gulf Coast Chronicles

Book Two

SUMMARY:  Torn between loyalties to family and flag, one young woman is about to discover that her most important allegiance is to her heart.

     It is 1776, and all along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages.  But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter - though no less deadly.

     Lyse Lanier may be largely French in heritage, but she spends most of her time in the company of the ebullient daughter of the British commander of Mobile.  When a charming young Spanish merchant docks in town, Lyse is immediately struck by his easy wit and flair for the dramatic.  But is he truly who he makes himself out to be?  Spies abound, and Spain has yet to choose a side in the American conflict.  Is Lyse simply an easy mark for Rafael Gonzalez to exploit?  Or are his overtures of love as genuine as Spanish gold?

     With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.

REVIEW:  Even though I grew up in North Mississippi (in the same city as the author :-) ), it never occurred to me that fighting during the Revolutionary War could have occurred at the forts and land holdings of the British along the Gulf Coast.  Beth White's characters not only bring this conflict to life but also the issue of slavery and the difficulties people of mixed blood and heritage had.  

     Lyse is a probably one of my favorite heroines.  She is caught in between many worlds.  Her mother was of mixed blood (African and white) and her father is French. Her family carries on with some of the French traditions in a predominately British city.  Her faith follows that of the Huguenots in a largely Anglican and Catholic population.  Members of her mother's family are slaves while she is free.  She was poor due to her father's bad choices but was well-educated and well-read due to her wealthy grandfather and his vast library and was best friends with the fort commander's daughter.
     The story had many different pieces going on all at the same time but all flowed together seamlessly.  Sometimes it was a little difficult switching gears when the characters and storyline changed but I quickly caught up. The hardships faced by those who were forced to pick sides during this struggle is evident but they help make this story.  Faced with the challenging decision where they may be arrested or killed, the characters make the choice and stand by their beliefs.  Something every interesting was the idea that Spain, a neutral country during this conflict, may have been spying on the British and helping the American cause.
     This is a fabulous novel that is worth the time to read.  The author's efforts researching volumes of material shows in the details but is not overwhelming.  Plus, you learn some fascinating and intriguing history.  Bonus!!

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Beth White is the award-winning author of The Pelican Bride.  A native Mississippian, she teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama.  Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers' Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award.  Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

The Pelican Bride Book Review

Gulf Coast Chronicles

Book One

SUMMARY:  She's come to the New World to escape a perilous past. But has it followed her to these far shores?

     It is 1704 when Frenchwoman Genevieve Gaillain and her sister board the frigate Pelican bound for the distant Louisiana colony.  Both have promised to marry one of the rough  men toiling in this strange new world in order to escape suffering in the old.  Genevieve knows life won't be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of persecution for her outlawed religious beliefs.

     When she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer-turned-farmer whose checkered past is shrouded in mystery, Genevieve realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace.  Trouble is brewing outside the fort between the French colonists and the native people surrounding them.  And an even more sinister enemy may lurk within.  Could the secret Genevieve harbors mean the undoing of the colony itself?

     Gulf Coast native Beth White brings vividly to life the hot, sultry South in this luscious, layered tale.

 

REVIEW:  The author does a wonderful job making her readers feel like they are there in Fort Louis, showing just how difficult life was in the New World when the colonies were being established. French colonists had to deal with the oppressive heat, flooding, insects, disease, shortages of supplies, and a shortage of money, along with Indian uprisings and problems with the British, who also wanted control of the land and ports.  I like how Genevieve is a take-charge kind of woman, trying to make the best out of a difficult situation, by visiting a local Indian tribe to learn how to best use the corn meal and other items indigenous to the area and opening her own bakery, making the croissants, sweets and other specialties usually only found in France.  She even draws the attention of Tristan, who has determined not to marry again.

      The story has some great twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing as to what will happen next. It did seem to end rather quickly, leaving me with a few questions that were unanswered.  This was a marvelous story and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

This book was provided by 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, her passion is writing historical romance with a southern drawl.  Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers' Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award.  Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.