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Thorns of Eden
Major Rayce Hampton is the Confederacy’s final hope to turn the tide of war. Haunted by heartache of generations past, love is the last thing he has on his mind when he meets Eden Blair. The emerald-eyed beauty is as headstrong as she is tempting, but Rayce must keep his wits – and his secrets – as he executes his dangerous undercover mission to save the South.
Accomplished nurse Eden Blair has secrets too . . . only she doesn’t know about them yet. Stung by her fiancé’s betrayal, she has no reason to trust the scandalous Major Hampton. But as Yankee troops close in, Eden must take refuge in the major’s mysterious ancestral home, leading her into the shadowy corners of deceit and desire, where endless love lurks within every soft whisper.
Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 328
Word Count 90000
Print ISBN: 1-60154-957-1
Available for Kindle (and print) at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com for the Nook.
Accomplished nurse Eden Blair has secrets too . . . only she doesn’t know about them yet. Stung by her fiancé’s betrayal, she has no reason to trust the scandalous Major Hampton. But as Yankee troops close in, Eden must take refuge in the major’s mysterious ancestral home, leading her into the shadowy corners of deceit and desire, where endless love lurks within every soft whisper.
Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 328
Word Count 90000
Print ISBN: 1-60154-957-1
Available for Kindle (and print) at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com for the Nook.
328 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2011
8 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Diana Ballew
3 books78 followersDiana Ballew resides in Temecula, California, but she was raised in Virginia, where her passion for history began. She is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and a member of GSRWA. Additionally, she is a founder and the past vice president of Evergreen RWA, located in Everett, Washington.
Diana’s writing combines her active imagination with her love of history and research to create vibrant characters in sizzling tales that blend vintage vixens with haunting heroes.
Her first best-selling novel, Thorns of Eden, instantly became a favorite among historical romance fans and Civil War buffs. Thorns of Eden is set against the backdrop of the Peninsula Campaign of 1862 during the American Civil War.
Blending fact, legend, and fiction, her second novel, Immortal Prey, is an award-winning paranormal romance spanning over three hundred years. Her fans have been begging for a sequel.
Currently Diana is writing Bound By Glory, another America Civil War romance, set along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina during the declining days of the war, and Project Eve, a total departure from her historical novels. She promises to blow you away with this futuristic, dystopian romance.
Diana loves to hear from her fans.
Diana’s writing combines her active imagination with her love of history and research to create vibrant characters in sizzling tales that blend vintage vixens with haunting heroes.
Her first best-selling novel, Thorns of Eden, instantly became a favorite among historical romance fans and Civil War buffs. Thorns of Eden is set against the backdrop of the Peninsula Campaign of 1862 during the American Civil War.
Blending fact, legend, and fiction, her second novel, Immortal Prey, is an award-winning paranormal romance spanning over three hundred years. Her fans have been begging for a sequel.
Currently Diana is writing Bound By Glory, another America Civil War romance, set along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina during the declining days of the war, and Project Eve, a total departure from her historical novels. She promises to blow you away with this futuristic, dystopian romance.
Diana loves to hear from her fans.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 4, 2018
Re-read..needed some Southern Romance and enjoyed again!
A war is raging around them!
And as the war increases in fury, so does the passion for two head strong lovers!
A handsome and arrogant confederate Major, who wants only one thing from an innocent, but feisty Southern Belle (so he thinks) and she who wants nothing to do with him, but tames the tough exterior of his heart.
EDEN BLAIR:
Her first encounter with Major Rayce Hampton dosen't go well..at least not for her, as he unleashes passion and desire that she tries hard to ignore, and hopes never again to set eyes on this conceited arrogant rake!
MAJOR RAYCE HAMPTON:
The last thing on the Major's mind is love.
But when he meets the beautiful but stubborn Southern Belle Eden Blair, war isn't the only thing he will do battle with.
He must keep his wits about him, his secrets safe if he is to accomplish his dangerous undercover mission for the South.
Edens brother Issac's arrival to marry her friend Lucy brings more than a happy reunion.
Slaves are revolting at near by plantations, and theirs "Oak Hills" is also attacked and now lost to them.
Everything is changing, friendships, loves, loyalties and beliefs.
Just as her own Beau changed and joined the other side, leaving Eden alone.
What will they do?
Where will they go?
What is to become of all she has ever known?
Then a generous offer from Lucy's "unknown" cousin to take them in seems like a prayer..until Eden finds out it is none other than Major Hampton!
The plot thickens from here, great characters, a compelling story with lots of steamy romance and family secrets.
A great description of Virginia as the author takes us threw those harsh times as they faced loss of their homes, a lifestyle forever changed and lost.
Loyalties, betrayals, and a love found in a time of destruction.
History was very skilfully woven into this Civil War romance (lighter for those who like a little more history and battle scenes) but just right for those who prefer a more steamy romance with the Civil War as the backdrop.
All and all this great first novel by author Diana Ballew is sure to please all!
Looking forward to the sequel to this book and future books by this author. Enjoy!
A war is raging around them!
And as the war increases in fury, so does the passion for two head strong lovers!
A handsome and arrogant confederate Major, who wants only one thing from an innocent, but feisty Southern Belle (so he thinks) and she who wants nothing to do with him, but tames the tough exterior of his heart.
EDEN BLAIR:
Her first encounter with Major Rayce Hampton dosen't go well..at least not for her, as he unleashes passion and desire that she tries hard to ignore, and hopes never again to set eyes on this conceited arrogant rake!
MAJOR RAYCE HAMPTON:
The last thing on the Major's mind is love.
But when he meets the beautiful but stubborn Southern Belle Eden Blair, war isn't the only thing he will do battle with.
He must keep his wits about him, his secrets safe if he is to accomplish his dangerous undercover mission for the South.
Edens brother Issac's arrival to marry her friend Lucy brings more than a happy reunion.
Slaves are revolting at near by plantations, and theirs "Oak Hills" is also attacked and now lost to them.
Everything is changing, friendships, loves, loyalties and beliefs.
Just as her own Beau changed and joined the other side, leaving Eden alone.
What will they do?
Where will they go?
What is to become of all she has ever known?
Then a generous offer from Lucy's "unknown" cousin to take them in seems like a prayer..until Eden finds out it is none other than Major Hampton!
The plot thickens from here, great characters, a compelling story with lots of steamy romance and family secrets.
A great description of Virginia as the author takes us threw those harsh times as they faced loss of their homes, a lifestyle forever changed and lost.
Loyalties, betrayals, and a love found in a time of destruction.
History was very skilfully woven into this Civil War romance (lighter for those who like a little more history and battle scenes) but just right for those who prefer a more steamy romance with the Civil War as the backdrop.
All and all this great first novel by author Diana Ballew is sure to please all!
Looking forward to the sequel to this book and future books by this author. Enjoy!
August 26, 2011
Diana Ballew knows her history and skillfully weaves it into this steamy Civil War romance without bogging the reader down or slowing the pacing. A feisty heroine, a dashing hero, a lush but turbulent setting... It was a captivating read from a delightful debut author.
August 7, 2011
This was a fabulous book and is on my keeper shelf for sure. I so love a strong heroine and hunky, Alpha male! And steamy? Oh my, yes. The author subtly gives you all the history you need without doing big dumps of info or bogging the pacing down. I won't go into too much detail, as I don't want risk giving away any spoilers, but this is an exciting book with lots of intrigue and surprises.
August 29, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great characters and a compelling story from an author who has a real ear for dialouge. Sweet, funny, steamy and smart.
August 30, 2011
The title itself is full of theme and meaning. Through the eyes and hearts of the characters, the novel immerses the reader in the lifestyle and plight of Virginians during the Civil War through the hero's and heroines that lived it. The sex scenes are steamy, showing important character arcs of the Confederate Alpha Male hero, Major Rayce Hampton, as he falls in love with the prickly but plucky Southern Belle, Eden Blair, changing them both.
She blends southern tradition with a mind of her own. We love her willingness to involve herself in nursing the wounded, but we fear for her safety. A happy ending for the time being, but the Civil War is not over. I am looking for a sequel, Diana!
The author put their shoes upon my feet as the characters faced a sometimes harsh and merciless Northern Army, and if they lost the war (which we know they did) they faced destruction of home, plantations, lifestyle and loss of life. War is never simple, motives and loyalties are not always what history tells us, and Diana clearly demonstrates in the telling of a good story, the plight of the South. This novel stays on my bookshelves to be read again!
She blends southern tradition with a mind of her own. We love her willingness to involve herself in nursing the wounded, but we fear for her safety. A happy ending for the time being, but the Civil War is not over. I am looking for a sequel, Diana!
The author put their shoes upon my feet as the characters faced a sometimes harsh and merciless Northern Army, and if they lost the war (which we know they did) they faced destruction of home, plantations, lifestyle and loss of life. War is never simple, motives and loyalties are not always what history tells us, and Diana clearly demonstrates in the telling of a good story, the plight of the South. This novel stays on my bookshelves to be read again!
September 4, 2011
Dear friends and family, I wasn’t ignoring you I was just locked in my room reading Thorns of Eden! I absolutely loved everything about this book. Eden Blair may seem naïve and innocent at first but she turns out to be one of the strongest and most compelling heroines I’ve encountered in a long time. And the hero Rayce Hampton is a true man’s man who we discover has many layers below his “I want you in my bed” persona. (And he does want her in his bed! Mmm-mmm mmm!)
This is a compelling story which is beautifully set during the Civil War. Those were complicated times and the author does not shy away from facing the moral and emotional conflicts of the day but does so without ever being heavy-handed. The story is told with a wonderful balance of humor, grace, tension and exquisitely smoldering passion all of which makes this a beautiful love story.
With the tale set early in the Civil War and the wonderful cast of characters who surround Rayce and Eden, I am keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a sequel! For now this is in my “read again” stack! ; )
This is a compelling story which is beautifully set during the Civil War. Those were complicated times and the author does not shy away from facing the moral and emotional conflicts of the day but does so without ever being heavy-handed. The story is told with a wonderful balance of humor, grace, tension and exquisitely smoldering passion all of which makes this a beautiful love story.
With the tale set early in the Civil War and the wonderful cast of characters who surround Rayce and Eden, I am keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a sequel! For now this is in my “read again” stack! ; )
November 26, 2011
Thorns of Eden truly captured my imagination. The novel was very romantic with many encounters between Eden and Major Rayce Hampton. As I read the novel, I could in my mind hear Eden's voice being soft feminine while Rayce's voice was deep toned masculine and strong.
The novel starts in Richmond, Virginia in April 1862 with the war between the Confederacy and the Yankees. The war does heat up and so do the injuries as well as the romances.
The novel starts in Richmond, Virginia in April 1862 with the war between the Confederacy and the Yankees. The war does heat up and so do the injuries as well as the romances.
March 12, 2012
I have missed Civil War romances! Where have they all gone? I was delighted to find Diana Ballew's book, Thorns of Eden, and enjoyed it immensely. The love story is engaging and spicy, and the backdrop of history gave the book added depth and richness. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical romance, especially Civil War era.
September 30, 2011
This beautiful book just received 5 stars on Romance Reviews. Take a peek! http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
February 6, 2016
This book is a love story between Eden and Rayce. They didn't like each other when they first met. But it's a good story to follow through their lives.
June 27, 2019
Duration: 9 hrs 43 mins
🔥Steamy Scenes🔥
Thorns of Eden by Diana Ballew is a sultry, Southern, 'enemies to lovers' romance set against the backdrop of the bloody Civil War.
Audible Summary: Major Rayce Hampton is the Confederacy’s final hope to turn the tide of war. Haunted by heartache of generations past, love is the last thing he has on his mind when he meets Eden Blair. The emerald-eyed beauty is as headstrong as she is tempting, but Rayce must keep his wits - and his secrets - as he executes his dangerous undercover mission to save the South.
Accomplished nurse Eden Blair has secrets, too, only she doesn’t know about them yet. Stung by her fiancé’s betrayal, she has no reason to trust the scandalous Major Hampton. But as Yankee troops close in, Eden must take refuge in the major’s mysterious ancestral home, leading her into the shadowy corners of deceit and desire, where endless love lurks within every soft whisper.
I wasn't really sure what to expect of this audiobook as I have listened to very few stories from this period of American history. This book is set during the American Civil War, from the Confederate perspective; which was something I struggled with a bit at the beginning. At first I thought it was going to be harder to warm to the Military heroes given what they were fighting for. My knowledge of American history is limited and not particularly nuanced, but I do find it difficult to view that era with any sympathy for the slave owners and anti-abolishonists, and I was concerned that the contentious issues would be glossed over or romanticised.
Here in Britain we have our own uncomfortable history of benefitting from slavery, but it is very different from that of America, especially the Southern states. We are so removed from that sphere of experience, for the most part, that at first glance it is difficult to comprehend any nostalgia for those times. Upon further reflection, I think that it is perhaps most comparable to our rose-tinted view of the Victorian era despite its rampant colonialism. Some of my favourite series' are set during periods whose values contrast starkly against contemporary expectations, so I tried to keep an open mind. I am sure that many of the Confederate soldiers were simply young men who were fighting to defend their home, and while listening I decided to concentrate on that sentiment. It would have been difficult to wish for Issac's continued safety, or Jed and Rayce's success, if I believed them to be motivated by a desire to protect and expand the evils committed in the name of White supremacy.
I need not have worried so much at the start, however, as the author's position on this point was clarified near the beginning by Eden's brother, Isaac, who pointed out Eden's naive view of the war. The contrast between the way they had treated their valued farmhands and the abuses suffered by slaves on neighbouring farms helped Isaac to educate Eden in the Yankees' cause, and made him a much more sympathetic character. A clear line was drawn, with Isaac fighting for his land, his family, and his home state but not agreeing with all the reasons for the secession. Discovering that Rayce had freed his slaves and employed them honestly was also comforting, and quelled my unease.
It did feel a bit like it was Making A Point when each of the Confederate soldiers expressed very forward-thinking views for the time, and the Union soldiers were unilaterally more degenerate. This black-and-white theme was carried throughout the book, with each new person to whom we were introduced being either a Rebel Hero or a Yankee Villain. The one character whose attitude contained any shades of grey only redeemed himself when he switched sides. It would have been more interesting to have a little more light and shade to both factions rather than drawing such definite lines between 'the good guys' and 'the bad guys', and attempting to subvert contemporary expectations and opinions on which is which. Much as I was uncertain about a leading man having too many contentious allegiances, it didn't feel very realistic to flip history on its head quite so neatly. War is anything but tidy, with the moral issues often as mangled as the bodies of the men and women on the front line. However, I do appreciate that many in Southern states are incredibly proud of their Confederate history, and that this book aims to be a positive, nostalgic, chocolate-boxy interpretation of the time; where all the women were beautiful Belles, all the men were handsome heroes, and love conquered all far beyond the battlefield. It is not really a social or political commentary the way that Lars D. H. Hedbor's Tales From A Revolution series is for the War of Independence.
Once I had settled into the period and the characters, Thorns of Eden fit the historical romance template well. The sexual tension between Eden and Rayce was palpable from the beginning, and her feistiness was a good foil for his stubbornness. Though they clashed upon first meeting, it was inevitable that they would succumb to the attraction one way or another, and I was rooting for them to do just that.
This is, in many ways, a very traditional romance novel. The language is often very florid and over-the-top in a slightly Mills & Boon fashion but I believe that to be consistent with the regional culture. Both protagonists were achingly perfect; Eden's skin was always flawless ivory and her hair honeyed perfection, her greatest weakness being to always think of others before herself. Rayce's bearing was the height of masculine allure, his voice burning into her core like the finest brandy, and he cared more for his country than his own life. The romantic and intimate interactions suffer a little from the aforementioned lace-fan-wafting language, which sometimes feels rather dated (and not to the historical period), but it wasn't unpalatably saccharin because Rayce's gruffness helped take the edge off. In a similarly over-acted vein, several tragedies were marked out as being especially life-changing and traumatic because a loved one "died in the arms" of their heartbroken nearest and dearest. Death is seldom so convenient, especially more than once.
If you dislike stereotypes then this isn't the book for you, but if you've ever swooned at a technicolour Hollywood musical then - chances are - you'll like this, too.
I wasn't sure about the accuracy of some of the language and customs included in this book. The phrase "make love" is a pet hate of mine. It isn't accurate to the period but crops up a lot in historical bodice-rippers (and their cleaner counterparts) because it sounds romantic to the modern ear. Equally, large diamond engagement rings wouldn't have been common here at the time, either, but may have been more prevalent in the US. There are certainly diamond pieces available in antique jewellery of the period, but I'm not knowledgeable enough about historical trends beyond Europe to say whether or not Anne's engagement ring was exceptional. As diamonds did not become ubiquitous until De Beers' notorious campaign in the mid 1900s, it always stands out when diamond engagement rings are specified in earlier periods, but they certainly weren't unheard-of. Overall, anachronistic elements in American novels don't catch my attention the way they do with British period stories because I am so much less familiar with the historical context.
I did enjoy this audiobook, and would listen to others by Diana Ballew, especially if read by this narrator.
Reagan Boggs' performance was delightful. Her rich, smooth, Southern drawl was very evocative of the location and she remained entertaining and engaging throughout this audiobook. I would have liked Rayce's voice to be a little deeper and more masculine but it is almost always a trade-off in books like these with a single narrator. I think this book could have been perfect for dual-narration, with a male narrator joining for the masculine parts, but it wasn't really necessary as Boggs did a fine job. Hers is a name I will look out for now that I know how pleasant she is to listen to.
I would recommend Thorns of Eden to people who like sweet, sweeping love stories with a traditional feel, and to anyone with the US Romance Package - recently rebranded Audible Escape - in which this audiobook is included.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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🔥Steamy Scenes🔥
Thorns of Eden by Diana Ballew is a sultry, Southern, 'enemies to lovers' romance set against the backdrop of the bloody Civil War.
Audible Summary: Major Rayce Hampton is the Confederacy’s final hope to turn the tide of war. Haunted by heartache of generations past, love is the last thing he has on his mind when he meets Eden Blair. The emerald-eyed beauty is as headstrong as she is tempting, but Rayce must keep his wits - and his secrets - as he executes his dangerous undercover mission to save the South.
Accomplished nurse Eden Blair has secrets, too, only she doesn’t know about them yet. Stung by her fiancé’s betrayal, she has no reason to trust the scandalous Major Hampton. But as Yankee troops close in, Eden must take refuge in the major’s mysterious ancestral home, leading her into the shadowy corners of deceit and desire, where endless love lurks within every soft whisper.
I wasn't really sure what to expect of this audiobook as I have listened to very few stories from this period of American history. This book is set during the American Civil War, from the Confederate perspective; which was something I struggled with a bit at the beginning. At first I thought it was going to be harder to warm to the Military heroes given what they were fighting for. My knowledge of American history is limited and not particularly nuanced, but I do find it difficult to view that era with any sympathy for the slave owners and anti-abolishonists, and I was concerned that the contentious issues would be glossed over or romanticised.
Here in Britain we have our own uncomfortable history of benefitting from slavery, but it is very different from that of America, especially the Southern states. We are so removed from that sphere of experience, for the most part, that at first glance it is difficult to comprehend any nostalgia for those times. Upon further reflection, I think that it is perhaps most comparable to our rose-tinted view of the Victorian era despite its rampant colonialism. Some of my favourite series' are set during periods whose values contrast starkly against contemporary expectations, so I tried to keep an open mind. I am sure that many of the Confederate soldiers were simply young men who were fighting to defend their home, and while listening I decided to concentrate on that sentiment. It would have been difficult to wish for Issac's continued safety, or Jed and Rayce's success, if I believed them to be motivated by a desire to protect and expand the evils committed in the name of White supremacy.
I need not have worried so much at the start, however, as the author's position on this point was clarified near the beginning by Eden's brother, Isaac, who pointed out Eden's naive view of the war. The contrast between the way they had treated their valued farmhands and the abuses suffered by slaves on neighbouring farms helped Isaac to educate Eden in the Yankees' cause, and made him a much more sympathetic character. A clear line was drawn, with Isaac fighting for his land, his family, and his home state but not agreeing with all the reasons for the secession. Discovering that Rayce had freed his slaves and employed them honestly was also comforting, and quelled my unease.
It did feel a bit like it was Making A Point when each of the Confederate soldiers expressed very forward-thinking views for the time, and the Union soldiers were unilaterally more degenerate. This black-and-white theme was carried throughout the book, with each new person to whom we were introduced being either a Rebel Hero or a Yankee Villain. The one character whose attitude contained any shades of grey only redeemed himself when he switched sides. It would have been more interesting to have a little more light and shade to both factions rather than drawing such definite lines between 'the good guys' and 'the bad guys', and attempting to subvert contemporary expectations and opinions on which is which. Much as I was uncertain about a leading man having too many contentious allegiances, it didn't feel very realistic to flip history on its head quite so neatly. War is anything but tidy, with the moral issues often as mangled as the bodies of the men and women on the front line. However, I do appreciate that many in Southern states are incredibly proud of their Confederate history, and that this book aims to be a positive, nostalgic, chocolate-boxy interpretation of the time; where all the women were beautiful Belles, all the men were handsome heroes, and love conquered all far beyond the battlefield. It is not really a social or political commentary the way that Lars D. H. Hedbor's Tales From A Revolution series is for the War of Independence.
Once I had settled into the period and the characters, Thorns of Eden fit the historical romance template well. The sexual tension between Eden and Rayce was palpable from the beginning, and her feistiness was a good foil for his stubbornness. Though they clashed upon first meeting, it was inevitable that they would succumb to the attraction one way or another, and I was rooting for them to do just that.
This is, in many ways, a very traditional romance novel. The language is often very florid and over-the-top in a slightly Mills & Boon fashion but I believe that to be consistent with the regional culture. Both protagonists were achingly perfect; Eden's skin was always flawless ivory and her hair honeyed perfection, her greatest weakness being to always think of others before herself. Rayce's bearing was the height of masculine allure, his voice burning into her core like the finest brandy, and he cared more for his country than his own life. The romantic and intimate interactions suffer a little from the aforementioned lace-fan-wafting language, which sometimes feels rather dated (and not to the historical period), but it wasn't unpalatably saccharin because Rayce's gruffness helped take the edge off. In a similarly over-acted vein, several tragedies were marked out as being especially life-changing and traumatic because a loved one "died in the arms" of their heartbroken nearest and dearest. Death is seldom so convenient, especially more than once.
If you dislike stereotypes then this isn't the book for you, but if you've ever swooned at a technicolour Hollywood musical then - chances are - you'll like this, too.
I wasn't sure about the accuracy of some of the language and customs included in this book. The phrase "make love" is a pet hate of mine. It isn't accurate to the period but crops up a lot in historical bodice-rippers (and their cleaner counterparts) because it sounds romantic to the modern ear. Equally, large diamond engagement rings wouldn't have been common here at the time, either, but may have been more prevalent in the US. There are certainly diamond pieces available in antique jewellery of the period, but I'm not knowledgeable enough about historical trends beyond Europe to say whether or not Anne's engagement ring was exceptional. As diamonds did not become ubiquitous until De Beers' notorious campaign in the mid 1900s, it always stands out when diamond engagement rings are specified in earlier periods, but they certainly weren't unheard-of. Overall, anachronistic elements in American novels don't catch my attention the way they do with British period stories because I am so much less familiar with the historical context.
I did enjoy this audiobook, and would listen to others by Diana Ballew, especially if read by this narrator.
Reagan Boggs' performance was delightful. Her rich, smooth, Southern drawl was very evocative of the location and she remained entertaining and engaging throughout this audiobook. I would have liked Rayce's voice to be a little deeper and more masculine but it is almost always a trade-off in books like these with a single narrator. I think this book could have been perfect for dual-narration, with a male narrator joining for the masculine parts, but it wasn't really necessary as Boggs did a fine job. Hers is a name I will look out for now that I know how pleasant she is to listen to.
I would recommend Thorns of Eden to people who like sweet, sweeping love stories with a traditional feel, and to anyone with the US Romance Package - recently rebranded Audible Escape - in which this audiobook is included.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
| Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |
March 9, 2012
Was this author, Diana Ballew’s, first novel? I am positively nodding and saying, “Yes” it was with an appreciative smile on my face. Ms. Bellow creates an exciting and romantically enticing addition to the historical romance genre with her new novel, “Thorns of Eden”. The novel takes place during one of America’s most pivotal time in history, The Civil War, which pits countryman against countryman fighting for the right of slavery and the additional quest for each state to decide and create its own laws. It was also a very romantic time in America’s history with the womenfolk pining for the men off fighting as a means to support either the North or the South. Not so much was thought about losing one’s life, but more was thought about fighting for their specific cause regardless of the final outcome. In this particular novel, the author does not deviate from the heroine, Eden Blair, being a strong and independent beauty supporting and doing what she can to help the cause in the South. Eden has lost her father and is afraid for her brother, Isaac, who is now off fighting with his friend, Jimmy, while leaving his wife, Lucy, behind. As the novel progresses, Eden meets and is at first seemingly revolted by the audicity of the devishly handsome Major Rayce Hampton when it comes to his forward and disrespectful manner. When Eden realizes that Rayce is her sister-in-law’s cousin, she decides to give the man a chance and ends up not being to forget his smoldering and desirable advances towards her. The novel is filled with tender and explicit moments between the lovers that leaves the reader holding their breath for want of more contact between the two. Looking forward to reading more from this very promising and authentic author.
October 18, 2011
I so love this book! Could NOT put it down! It's on my keeper shelf for sure. I wasn't a huge fan of historical romances set in the Civil War but the author has completely won me over. Eden is a strong-willed heroine and Rayce is a sexy, totally Alpha male hero and oh my but the sparks fly! True, you want to smack him upside the head at first but soon I fell madly in love with him. And Eden is the perfect match to break down his walls. I don't want to give too many spoilers away but this tale is just about perfect. No huge history dumps - Ballew managers to weave in pertinent historical details and flavors just right. And there some exciting twists and turns to the plot that really suck the reader in.
You won't be sorry you purchased this novel. My new fave author. What's coming out next? Did someone tell me a sequel is in the works? Yay!
You won't be sorry you purchased this novel. My new fave author. What's coming out next? Did someone tell me a sequel is in the works? Yay!
August 12, 2012
Loved it!
July 15, 2019
As always, I have to state that this book was given to me for free in exchange for a review.
I always like to state that this does not impact my review or my opinion of the book. My reviews are honest and my own opinion of the story, performance, and overall thoughts on the book.
RAWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.....
The lush and richly textured setting, a spunky, romantic heroine, and a dashing, daring hero are woven together within the pages of Thorns of Eden by Diana Ballew.
The romance between Eden and Rayce begins with Rayce choosing Eden as his next affair. Our courageous heroine, though wounded and longing for love and romance, sets him in his place. Thrown together again because of a family connection, he pursues, she resists - until she realizes she can't live without him. He makes her feel alive and safe and secure in her recently turned upside-down world. Drawn to Eden's bold spirit as he never had been before, Rayce soon realizes that he wants her for more than one night, he wants her for a lifetime.
The author's descriptions drew me back to the time when our country was split in two by war, making me feel like I was actually there, an observer to the action. The story has everything a romance reader could wish for - great characters, a touching romance, and sizzling love scenes. The book is a lively and entertaining read, keeping me enthralled from start to finish. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I am a virgin romance novel reader. It has never been my genre of choice but when a friend recommended Thorns of Eden, I gave it a chance. Let me tell you, I could not put this one down. I am a now a bonafide historical romance fan and cannot wait to read the next novel by Diana Ballew. Her characters are likable and engaging and the witty flirtations between the spirited Eden and dashing Rayce are fun and entertaining to read. I love how Ballew crafted the character of Ann, a snarky and insecure woman who is oh so fun to hate!
As a southerner, I enjoyed the lush descriptions of life in the south. The stately Manor with the sweeping lawn, the molasses cakes, the "aroma of fresh mint, rosemary, and lavender" as well as the sounds of "melodic birds" all made my senses feel like I was actually experiencing the South during that time period. The harsh reality of the Civil war provided a dramatic background to the growing love story.
And the love scenes, oh Lord, if I knew what the vapors were, I would probably be having them after reading those scenes. Dare I say they are passionate and sizzling!!!
This book captivated me from the first page. From the start, Ms. Ballew's lush description of Virginia during the Civil War placed me squarely in the time period, and I could vividly imagine the events transpiring as they did.
I always like to state that this does not impact my review or my opinion of the book. My reviews are honest and my own opinion of the story, performance, and overall thoughts on the book.
RAWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.....
The lush and richly textured setting, a spunky, romantic heroine, and a dashing, daring hero are woven together within the pages of Thorns of Eden by Diana Ballew.
The romance between Eden and Rayce begins with Rayce choosing Eden as his next affair. Our courageous heroine, though wounded and longing for love and romance, sets him in his place. Thrown together again because of a family connection, he pursues, she resists - until she realizes she can't live without him. He makes her feel alive and safe and secure in her recently turned upside-down world. Drawn to Eden's bold spirit as he never had been before, Rayce soon realizes that he wants her for more than one night, he wants her for a lifetime.
The author's descriptions drew me back to the time when our country was split in two by war, making me feel like I was actually there, an observer to the action. The story has everything a romance reader could wish for - great characters, a touching romance, and sizzling love scenes. The book is a lively and entertaining read, keeping me enthralled from start to finish. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I am a virgin romance novel reader. It has never been my genre of choice but when a friend recommended Thorns of Eden, I gave it a chance. Let me tell you, I could not put this one down. I am a now a bonafide historical romance fan and cannot wait to read the next novel by Diana Ballew. Her characters are likable and engaging and the witty flirtations between the spirited Eden and dashing Rayce are fun and entertaining to read. I love how Ballew crafted the character of Ann, a snarky and insecure woman who is oh so fun to hate!
As a southerner, I enjoyed the lush descriptions of life in the south. The stately Manor with the sweeping lawn, the molasses cakes, the "aroma of fresh mint, rosemary, and lavender" as well as the sounds of "melodic birds" all made my senses feel like I was actually experiencing the South during that time period. The harsh reality of the Civil war provided a dramatic background to the growing love story.
And the love scenes, oh Lord, if I knew what the vapors were, I would probably be having them after reading those scenes. Dare I say they are passionate and sizzling!!!
This book captivated me from the first page. From the start, Ms. Ballew's lush description of Virginia during the Civil War placed me squarely in the time period, and I could vividly imagine the events transpiring as they did.
January 17, 2022
slave owners flag on the cover! just lovely
October 4, 2016
Here lately, I have been craving me a Civil War romance read, which there was one that I had my eye on for a couple months that I really wanted to try after taking a peep at the first few preview pages on Amazon. The saying goes, if the book piques your interest within the first chapter, it's gonna be good and folks, Thorns of Eden was good, I loved every bit of it. I have never read a book by Diana Ballew, so this was a first for me.
Rayce, the hero, was such a rascal. I loved him from the beginning when he first met Eden in the local mercantile store as she was buying fabric for a dress. He was so open, blunt, and very, VERY, forward with her. Her reaction to him was priceless. Right then and there he loved her fiery spirit and couldn't get her off his mind. Eden hopes she doesn't ever see the devil again, but what she doesn't know is, that she will encounter the devil in the flesh soon, very soon as the matter of fact at her sister in laws wedding. He was aware of her the whole time, but Eden had no clue he was the cousin that Lucy (sister in law) was talking about and when they meet again at the wedding, she about has a fit, which Rayce basks in the enjoyment of her shock. While they dance, he boldly states that he wants her, which Eden thinks he wants to marry her, but no no, he doesn't want that, he wants her in his 'bed'. Eden refuses, but you know how romances go, the heroine detests the hero, but the hero is very charming and manages to lure her to his web, right where he wants her. Rayce is the 'love em & leave em' type of man, never settling down or having long term relationships but with Eden, everything changes and has him changing his mind about marriage and a family.
Another thing that I really liked about the book is Rayce's sly mischievous innuendos he throws at Eden all throughout the book. I couldn't help but to snicker at the man. Also I loved his nickname for Eden - Sweetness. He would affectionately call her that whenever he was near her.
After finishing this book, it has me highly curious of Diana's other works, which I am sure I will eventually get around to trying them out in the near future as well.
Rayce, the hero, was such a rascal. I loved him from the beginning when he first met Eden in the local mercantile store as she was buying fabric for a dress. He was so open, blunt, and very, VERY, forward with her. Her reaction to him was priceless. Right then and there he loved her fiery spirit and couldn't get her off his mind. Eden hopes she doesn't ever see the devil again, but what she doesn't know is, that she will encounter the devil in the flesh soon, very soon as the matter of fact at her sister in laws wedding. He was aware of her the whole time, but Eden had no clue he was the cousin that Lucy (sister in law) was talking about and when they meet again at the wedding, she about has a fit, which Rayce basks in the enjoyment of her shock. While they dance, he boldly states that he wants her, which Eden thinks he wants to marry her, but no no, he doesn't want that, he wants her in his 'bed'. Eden refuses, but you know how romances go, the heroine detests the hero, but the hero is very charming and manages to lure her to his web, right where he wants her. Rayce is the 'love em & leave em' type of man, never settling down or having long term relationships but with Eden, everything changes and has him changing his mind about marriage and a family.
Another thing that I really liked about the book is Rayce's sly mischievous innuendos he throws at Eden all throughout the book. I couldn't help but to snicker at the man. Also I loved his nickname for Eden - Sweetness. He would affectionately call her that whenever he was near her.
After finishing this book, it has me highly curious of Diana's other works, which I am sure I will eventually get around to trying them out in the near future as well.
June 18, 2019
*NOTE: This is a review of the audiobook version*
I will start out by saying this book is not my usual go-to romance; I'm more of a Regency or Victorian era listener. That said, I enjoyed this book more than I initially expected to - the story was suspenseful and didn't drag, I cared about the characters of Eden and Rayce, and was rooting for their HEA! At the end I was surprised and saddened that the book was over! I wanted to stay with the characters a little longer.
The narrator's voice is soothing and easy on the ears, even though going into a story set against the Civil War I was afraid at first this would sound too much like the dated, cringe-worthy dialogue in "Gone With the Wind" – Southern accents for all the characters were well-executed and Reagan Boggs' voice is a great match for the story. I will give this a re-listen for sure... her performance was top-notch and added to the story, making it all the more enjoyable.
I definitely recommend this title! Diana Ballew has crafted a passionate, enemies-to-lovers tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. A+ to both author and narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I will start out by saying this book is not my usual go-to romance; I'm more of a Regency or Victorian era listener. That said, I enjoyed this book more than I initially expected to - the story was suspenseful and didn't drag, I cared about the characters of Eden and Rayce, and was rooting for their HEA! At the end I was surprised and saddened that the book was over! I wanted to stay with the characters a little longer.
The narrator's voice is soothing and easy on the ears, even though going into a story set against the Civil War I was afraid at first this would sound too much like the dated, cringe-worthy dialogue in "Gone With the Wind" – Southern accents for all the characters were well-executed and Reagan Boggs' voice is a great match for the story. I will give this a re-listen for sure... her performance was top-notch and added to the story, making it all the more enjoyable.
I definitely recommend this title! Diana Ballew has crafted a passionate, enemies-to-lovers tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. A+ to both author and narrator.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 14, 2011
This is a tough one to review for me. I think that my problem with the book was I went into it expecting too much.
After reading the reviews here, I just thought it was going to be more. More drama, more war details. In truth, I thought it would be more like Gone with the Wind, with more romance, and just a touch less detail.
That was my mistake. If I didn't go into it expecting it to be something it wasn't I probably would have enjoyed it more.
If you are a fan of romance, and more specifically of Civil War era romance, chances are you will like this. Probably even more than I did.
To be fair to the author, I will say it was well written, and I did like the characters. In fact, I like them so much I wanted to know more about them. Over all, I don't regret reading it and would recommend it.
After reading the reviews here, I just thought it was going to be more. More drama, more war details. In truth, I thought it would be more like Gone with the Wind, with more romance, and just a touch less detail.
That was my mistake. If I didn't go into it expecting it to be something it wasn't I probably would have enjoyed it more.
If you are a fan of romance, and more specifically of Civil War era romance, chances are you will like this. Probably even more than I did.
To be fair to the author, I will say it was well written, and I did like the characters. In fact, I like them so much I wanted to know more about them. Over all, I don't regret reading it and would recommend it.
Read
August 18, 2016Before the first chapter ended I was ready to strangle the heroine and her step-mother and the hero!
Add in a bit of blatantly anachronistic dialogue, manners a London guttersnipe or fishwife wouldn't stoop to...so I skipped to the final pages and was even less enthralled.
Unfortunately this author and this Civil War tale aren't my cup of tea. Will have to find another Civil War book to read for the challenge.
Add in a bit of blatantly anachronistic dialogue, manners a London guttersnipe or fishwife wouldn't stoop to...so I skipped to the final pages and was even less enthralled.
Unfortunately this author and this Civil War tale aren't my cup of tea. Will have to find another Civil War book to read for the challenge.
June 10, 2012
I really wish I could give half stars. I would rate this as a strong 3.5. This was a little like a George Lucas film to me (mainly Star Wars). Great story, but the dialogue was cheesy in places. In addition, slavery was glossed over quite a bit with a set of rose colored glasses. I think I understand the motivating factor behind the glossing over slavery...it is a romance book and slavery is a very serious subject.
January 29, 2012
I won't this book through the goodreads giveaways a while back and have been so busy I just got around to reading it these past few days. It was a fun, lighthearted read. I enjoyed the characters, and the plot was well put together. I couldn't completely connect with it-- but I think that's because I tend to enjoy stories that take place in England more than America.
Read
November 14, 2011Is there sex in this book? Slutty minds want to know.
Read
March 21, 2013yes, i enjoyed this
March 16, 2016
DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free through the Goodreads giveaways.
(Review to follow)
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