|
|
|
Ever My Love
by Gretchen Craig
Civil War era romance: Do
hearts lie?
Set in Louisiana six months before the
election of Abraham Lincoln with
the underground railroad as a backdrop, Gretchen Craig paints a brutal
picture of the dehumanizing effects and violence perpetrated against
slaves. Set against this society, Marianne Johnston lives within it but
not of it. Her heart, intelligence and soul ennoble her life, those
around her and her choices for romance. Secondary romances and plot
lines detailing the lives of slaves and also the different branches of
the Chamard family may distract the reader at first but their addition
makes this romance a more daring and interesting read than portrayed on
the book's cover or description.
This novel vividly
sets the historical scene. The violence is not
gratuitous because it sets a realistic image of the times from which
the courage of Marianne, the hero and the slaves moves the reader's
heart. Gretchen Craig does not shy away from the complexities of the
setting. The reader sees the Creole influence on Louisiana and also the
reality of the in-between world of freemen, slaves, mixed races and
those caught in the middle. Nothing is black or white, literally or
figuratively---not the people and not the friendships. As a Southern
(albeit relocated) reader, I appreciated the less stereotypical view of
the location and of the friendships formed across society's barriers.
The heroine is about as far from a shrinking violet as a reader will
get in a historical romance set in this period without huge time
placement problems. Marianne is tender and loving but she will stop at
nothing when circumstances force her to choose. The daring hero is the
perfect match for this fine heroine. The reader will take delight in
seeing the unfolding of this romance of heart, mind and soul.
The romance
between the memorable secondary characters Pearl and
Luke, two of the slaves owned by Marianne's father, intrigues the
reader. In one incredible scene Pearl daringly and boldly reaches for
the dream of her heart. This one scene stuns the reader with its
emotional beauty. All the main free and slave characters are forced to
choose sides. Do they follow their hearts or society's rules? This is
the heart of the romance for all of them!
If you are
searching for a nice tender, pretty Southern romance, do
not buy this book. If you are searching for a memorable read and a
historical romance with a bit more cutting edge, Ever My Love is
definitely is one to consider. Within this romance, historical
circumstances and hearts coincide to present the reader with much more
than a pretty picture. The characters are truly heroes and heroines.
Buy Ever My Love Here
|
|
|
|
