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Heavenly Plantation #1
The Secrets of Heavenly
Olivia's marriage to an African-American man was unacceptable to her mother Emma, Southern-bred descendant of prominent South Carolina slaveholders. Olivia assumed that bigotry was the product of her mother's loyalty to long-dead relatives, an allegiance to maintain the family's white blood line. After Emma's death though, Olivia finds a letter and an old journal among her belongings. Soon she discovers the secret that prompted Emma to irrationally blame an entire race -- a secret that had nothing to do with family history, although it strongly paralleled another tragic event from the past. 1846, Marianne Witherell's journal: Before Lincoln and the American Civil War, slavery is at its peak in South Carolina. A young slave girl named Willa suddenly arrives at Heavenly Plantation with her mother Heddie, destined to serve the wealthy plantation family as house servants. Right away, two of the Master's children-Marianne and Seth-forge a bond with Willa, in spite of their older brother Foster's warnings about the evils of mixing with the "darkies." Although she grows up in the "big house" treated like family by her pair of white friends, Willa cannot forget that she is still a slave. Never is that fact made clearer than when Foster cruelly taunts and threatens her in secret. As it threads through the lives of its diverse characters, this novel captures the complicated and often violent nature of life in the antebellum South. As Willa's story is told, a dramatic tapestry is woven, binding the Witherell family to a web of secrets that include forbidden love and faithful friendships alongside dangerous obsessions, mental instability, and even murder.
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 13, 2013
As a lover of historical fiction and in particular black history, I was excited to find this book. The storyline was good and touched on many of the horrific consequences of slavery such as families torn, and innocent child like relationships, growing into the typical adult slave/master relationship. There was some pretty good character development in certain key characters, such as Laz and Lilith. I could only give the story three stars though, on account of the very loose association between the present day characters/diary, and the actually story itself. There wasn't even close to enough connection between the two to even warrant having Olivia, her mother or a diary to begin with. Also I found the story a little naive, unless Heavenly plantation was simply meant to be a highly atypical plantation. I believe that any plantation owners treating their slaves as family would have faced severe repercussions and even persecution. Many of Willa's tirades, even as a child would have had her severely beaten or banished to the fields. Marianne and her family were well ahead of their time. Similarly, the words and insights of both Marianne, Seth and Willa as little children were not only remarkably adult but also poetic. Willa didn't speak with the typical accent and vocabulary, even fresh from Southwind. The idea of Seth and Marianne attempting to befriend a haughty Willa as children, and repeatedly apologizing for offending her... Just would not have happened. All in all, the tale held my interest, I just felt that is was not entirely reflective of that period in history.
August 10, 2019
Great
This book has to be one of the best book I have read. I read this book in 2 days. When I was shopping standing in line I was reading made me laugh,cry,left me in aw and and even angry at some characters in the book
This book has to be one of the best book I have read. I read this book in 2 days. When I was shopping standing in line I was reading made me laugh,cry,left me in aw and and even angry at some characters in the book
April 8, 2017
Emotionally gripping story.
Loved, hated and pitied the characters. Can't wait to read book 2. Loved the family history point of view. Well written.
Loved, hated and pitied the characters. Can't wait to read book 2. Loved the family history point of view. Well written.
March 11, 2021
I would recommend beginning this book on page 13 and skipping the prologue. I almost stopped reading after the first few pages, but I am so glad I didn't.
July 7, 2013
COMPELLING AND POWERFUL
This is a chronicle of Willa, a young slave, as she is traded from one plantation to another, her rise to service in the Big House, her unjust fall from grace, forbidden love between slave and master, and finally her escape to freedom. We are granted, through the author's skillful storytelling, accurate glimpses of the abuses and brutalities of slavery, as well as the decencies that also existed in plantation life.
The Secrets of Heavenly is a wonderful read for lovers of historical fiction and southern fiction. It is even somewhat for lovers of historical romance, although that aspect is not stressed; it is as necessary to the story, as it was a reality in the lives of female slaves. There are some light-hearted moments, but more often I found myself on the verge of tears. The story is sad and sweet, horrifying at times, cruel yet uplifting.
A very rare 5 stars.
This is a chronicle of Willa, a young slave, as she is traded from one plantation to another, her rise to service in the Big House, her unjust fall from grace, forbidden love between slave and master, and finally her escape to freedom. We are granted, through the author's skillful storytelling, accurate glimpses of the abuses and brutalities of slavery, as well as the decencies that also existed in plantation life.
The Secrets of Heavenly is a wonderful read for lovers of historical fiction and southern fiction. It is even somewhat for lovers of historical romance, although that aspect is not stressed; it is as necessary to the story, as it was a reality in the lives of female slaves. There are some light-hearted moments, but more often I found myself on the verge of tears. The story is sad and sweet, horrifying at times, cruel yet uplifting.
A very rare 5 stars.
April 3, 2014
I have to add this book to one of my favorites. It is peppered with a lot of "that doesn't sound believable" events for that era (1800's) but the fiction mixed with historical facts makes it an outstanding read. Just when you think you know what's about to happen (typical plot) the author provides a twist that will leave you wanting more. The journey of a slave girl that is mixed with love, friendship, family, and dreams....its not your typical race for freedom book. Excellent book!!
August 13, 2013
This is one of the best books I have read!! Paying close attention to the prologue and epilogue really gives this book an emotional historical element. A high level description...about two white plantation children that grow up in close contact with "a black slave." I would hope this gets the attention of the film makers.
August 22, 2015
Outstanding
It is a important store of our history. How some people feel that they are above others. And then there are people who understand societies and have courage to live there own lives.
It is a important store of our history. How some people feel that they are above others. And then there are people who understand societies and have courage to live there own lives.
September 8, 2014
A different story line then usual. A little unbelievable at times; but then so was the horrendous treatment of slaves. This kept me reading, but left me with questions.
February 5, 2017
One of those books I'm sorry I read.
February 2, 2017
As a young African-American woman, I am sometimes caught between opinions when it deals with reliving the past that my ancestors endured. It in equal parts horrifies and fascinates me to learn more and glean information through the eyes of the characters that I invariably encounter when reading one of my favorite genres, historical fiction. I picked this book to read because I grew nostalgic to read something that would transport me to the antebellum south and while this can be considered a vast contradiction for one of my ancestral ethnicity I can't apologize or quake in shame because of it. This book that Teresa Robinson penned can truly be likened to the wonders of the original southern tale of it's ilk, Gone With The Wind. We are introduced to Oliva a young lady who is married to an African-American man. Her mother has just passed and she is left with the unpleasant task of going through her things and discarding what is not wanted. She discovers an old journal and flips it open only to find a letter addressed to her in her mother's handwriting. The letter sets the pace and theme of this novel as she discovers that her mother's open dislike and antagonistic behavior towards her husband hid a more nefarious secret than even she could have realized. Upon Olivia's completion of reading this deathbed confession of sorts, she is moved to begin reading the pages of the journal that clearly even predates the time of her mother's youth. She quickly discovers that the journal is the writing of her great, great, great, great grandmother Marianne and in just a few words we are transported back into time right before the Civil War. Enters the main character Willa & Heddy Grisby. These two women are mother and daughter and have suddenly been wrenched away from their plantation home to come to a new place that they must find their place in. Heddy has just lost her twin boys and on top of that is forced to leave her 2 children and husband behind. Willa is a young 8-year-old child not quite understanding why she will never see her father and brothers again. As time progresses we begin to see several things emerge. Willa and the only daughter of the Master and Mistress, Marianne build a friendship that is quite astonishing for the times. Seth the younger is also included in this friendship circle as is his 'best friend/slave' Lazarus. The oldest brother, Foster has a meanness and maybe just a bit of insanity that courses through his blood. The Mistress of the manor, Margaret is a weak and evil woman who fashions herself into a victim because of perceived wrongs that have been perpetrated against her by her husband Josiah. Josiah in my opinion is a weak-willed man often giving into his baser nature and pursues fulfillment elsewhere outside of the confines of the plantation. His lack of attention and need to be anywhere else than with his family leaves his children to bear the brunt of their mother's anger and manic mood swings. The one solid character that seemingly holds this family together is the slave, Juniper. She is held in high regard by both her fellow imprisoned friends and astoundingly in many regards by the Witherall family themselves. Ms Teresa Robinson differs in her tale of the South of long ago in that she does not hesitate to point out the atrocities of slavery and the misguided notions of those who so vehemently ignored the vestiges of his long-felt after effects. This book was written in a style that can be only likened to a cinematic piece that deserves to be seen as many times as it's predecessor, GWTW. There were instances where I was angry, mad, sad, and joyous at the frequent moments of happiness that beset the characters in their day to day lives. She doesn't sugar coat a thing but yet we are able to identify with the emotions of each character as if we too are a part of this very diverse cast. As disturbing as some of the scenes were I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I felt a vested interest in all of the characters and fervently wanted justice for each of them that suffered a heinous act that was perpetrated against their person. Ms. Robinson doesn't seek to glorify something that has to be one of the most shameful periods of America's past. The brillance of her writing, however, is how regardless of skin tone you are able to see and in many cases identify with the things that transpire within this family. Being from the south I know all about my elders withholding secrets for the well-being of the family. These same secrets meant to prevent harm in most cases are the unraveling of families and leave destruction that many are hard pressed to overcome. I truly hope that Ms. Robinson has the intention of penning another novel about this family so that we can receive the satisfaction of knowing their ultimate outcome.
May 9, 2018
The Secrets of Heavenly tells the story of main character, Willa, as a slave until almost a decade prior to the civil war, through hers and other characters' points of view. The story takes place from 1842 to 1852 and hints to the impending end of slavery as newer generations blur the lines between master and friend and slowly turn against it. I imagine this is how abolitionism in the south might have evolved.
The story is good and seems to realistically depict slavery, as much as I can imagine of course. There were several typos and punctuation errors in the book, but since the story was so good, I wasn't distracted to the point of annoyance. The book starts out with a present-day woman reading Marianne's journal, one of the character's in the main story. The inclusion of Marianne's diary was interesting, but I don't think that layer was necessary (of the beginning character receiving and reading the diary), but maybe the author felt she needed a way to introduce the diary.
The story built to a good climax and became faster paced as the end approached. There were several "Oh, no!" moments where I felt truly bad for Willa, but it wasn't unexpected given the subject matter. Plus, you know that when you're only halfway through a book and it looks like something wonderful is going to happen that something is probably going to go awry. The point is that I cared about Willa and hated to see bad things happen to her. There are themes of true love, accepting or not accepting the circumstances dictating life, finding positivity in the direst circumstances, and the human will to live no matter what.
Overall, this was a good story with an acceptable ending, all things considered.
The story is good and seems to realistically depict slavery, as much as I can imagine of course. There were several typos and punctuation errors in the book, but since the story was so good, I wasn't distracted to the point of annoyance. The book starts out with a present-day woman reading Marianne's journal, one of the character's in the main story. The inclusion of Marianne's diary was interesting, but I don't think that layer was necessary (of the beginning character receiving and reading the diary), but maybe the author felt she needed a way to introduce the diary.
The story built to a good climax and became faster paced as the end approached. There were several "Oh, no!" moments where I felt truly bad for Willa, but it wasn't unexpected given the subject matter. Plus, you know that when you're only halfway through a book and it looks like something wonderful is going to happen that something is probably going to go awry. The point is that I cared about Willa and hated to see bad things happen to her. There are themes of true love, accepting or not accepting the circumstances dictating life, finding positivity in the direst circumstances, and the human will to live no matter what.
Overall, this was a good story with an acceptable ending, all things considered.
January 16, 2023
This was an OK,not amazing, read. It suffered from having very stereotypical characters, bordering on caricatures, but it did do a decent job in showing how slavery hurt everyone, from the enslaved people and their families, to the planters and their wives and families; women had to tolerate their husbands' assaults on slaves, or worry about them, children grew up being exposed to abuse and degradation, watching their families torn apart, and planters lost their humanity, viewing other humans as soulless entities, good for breeding, but their children not even worth protecting.
July 17, 2024
A wonderful account of what could have happened on a slave plantation.
I would like to believe that there were white people in the south like the characters "Marianne and Seth. I would like to believe that there were white people during slavery times that looked at blacks as more than property. White people who could look at us and not see the color of our skin but care for us because of the relationships they shared with us. Loving each other was a choice they made and fulfilled it to the very end. A good novel that give possibilities of what might have been.
I would like to believe that there were white people in the south like the characters "Marianne and Seth. I would like to believe that there were white people during slavery times that looked at blacks as more than property. White people who could look at us and not see the color of our skin but care for us because of the relationships they shared with us. Loving each other was a choice they made and fulfilled it to the very end. A good novel that give possibilities of what might have been.
October 26, 2018
The story about life on an Old Southern plantation from both black and white perspective is very good. There are twists and turns to keep the story fresh. It's an easy read and the action is well paced to keep one wanting to read more. The only drawback is the girls' relationship is a bit too sweet.
I do recommend it for a good read about the Old South.
I do recommend it for a good read about the Old South.
February 10, 2019
Loved it... However a book 2 and/3 doesn't exist
Why would they call this a Heavenly Plantation Book 1 when a book 2 or 3 has never been written? Great book though. I recommend it.
Why would they call this a Heavenly Plantation Book 1 when a book 2 or 3 has never been written? Great book though. I recommend it.
February 25, 2019
Great book
This story was great. Filled with action and left me with the belief that all slave owners were not the same but yet enough that it showed their selfishness still underlies their actions
This story was great. Filled with action and left me with the belief that all slave owners were not the same but yet enough that it showed their selfishness still underlies their actions
August 14, 2019
Overall the book was okay for me. While I know that bond of slave owner and slave could be close, the relationship between the main characters of Marianne and Willa seemed a bit pollyannish. So I marveled at some of the statements made by Marianne and her view point to slavery.
June 22, 2017
Great read
I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed with the naivity of marianne coupled with the family secrets. Loved it
I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed with the naivity of marianne coupled with the family secrets. Loved it
December 11, 2017
Good read. This is book 1, is there a book 2?
June 8, 2018
Outstanding!
I liked everything about this. Look for more by this wonderful author. Historical fiction is my favorite reading?.. Keep them co ing!
I liked everything about this. Look for more by this wonderful author. Historical fiction is my favorite reading?.. Keep them co ing!
November 15, 2018
Not badly written but lacked in depth of characterization
Characters could use more depth. Good baseline for more stories though. Easy to read but I expected more of a story.
Characters could use more depth. Good baseline for more stories though. Easy to read but I expected more of a story.
July 26, 2020
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
August 6, 2020
Oh My Goodness A Great Book
I loved this novel. Every minute of it kept me enthralled to read the next chapter. I am certainly hoping that there is a part 2, 3 and more.
I loved this novel. Every minute of it kept me enthralled to read the next chapter. I am certainly hoping that there is a part 2, 3 and more.
April 8, 2022
One of my favorite books!
August 25, 2023
Good book
I found Heavenly to be a good book, but of course if you have read other books about slavery you’ll find this to be a little predictable. There are some unexpected events to keep your spark of interest, and like all others it does provide an illustration of the atrocities during that era.
I found Heavenly to be a good book, but of course if you have read other books about slavery you’ll find this to be a little predictable. There are some unexpected events to keep your spark of interest, and like all others it does provide an illustration of the atrocities during that era.
March 12, 2017
Excellent read!!
If you're looking for an heart breaking emotional novel about the Southern way of plantations and the unforgettable outrageous way of slavery before the civil war began, this is the book for you. Teresa Robison has a sure fire winner in her first book. This reader hopes it won't be her last, and will be looking for a sequel.
If you're looking for an heart breaking emotional novel about the Southern way of plantations and the unforgettable outrageous way of slavery before the civil war began, this is the book for you. Teresa Robison has a sure fire winner in her first book. This reader hopes it won't be her last, and will be looking for a sequel.
October 8, 2016
Good read and family saga
If you enjoy family sagas set in our country's history this is a good easy read with interesting characters you will come to know as if it were your own story.
If you enjoy family sagas set in our country's history this is a good easy read with interesting characters you will come to know as if it were your own story.
June 10, 2015
Forbidden love, lust, violence and murder are all strong elements in this exceptional African-American slavery novel.
The book starts in the present day. Olivia's late mother never accepted her daughter's black husband. Why? Rummaging in her mother's wardrobe, Olivia finds the answer and an old journal written in the middle of the 19th century by a family ancestor, a white girl named Marianne. Reading this journal, Olivia is taken back in time, discovering shocking secrets that were kept hidden behind the gates of the upstanding Witherell family's South Carolina rice plantation - Heavenly plantation - so long ago.
1846. Black slaves Willa Grigsby and her mother Heddie are brought to Heavenly's 'big house'. Heddie is to serve as wet nurse for the mistress's newly-born twin boys. Young Willa is allowed to play with and soon forms a strong bond with the other Witherell children, Marianne and Seth. These kids do not yet know the true savage nature of slavery and accept Willa as one of them. (I'm not sure if this could have really be allowed to happen back then.)
Foster, the eldest Witherell sibling, however does not like the 'dirty little slave girl'. For him 'darkies' are just a commodity that can be dominated and used whenever and as needed. And this is his exact interest in Willa. He'll show her one day.
Soon Willa is made aware that the possibilities for her life as a slave are severely limited and she can never have the same opportunities as her white friends. The difference between the two races is clear - one orders, the other obeys.
Growing up into a beautiful woman and an excellent seamstress, Willa's presence at the plantation affects the lives of all those around her. Both black and white folk start to look at her with different eyes. Soon love, lust, hatred and violence around her intensify, moulding her life in the process.
The main characters in the novel are well-developed with the exception of the young twins on which I would have liked to learn more. Also, I thought that Olivia and her story could have been left out completely by the author as Olivia's and Willa's stories seem to have nothing to do with each other. Only in the last chapter, the correlation between the two stories is made clear. Other than that, this is a great book and I highly recommend it!
The book starts in the present day. Olivia's late mother never accepted her daughter's black husband. Why? Rummaging in her mother's wardrobe, Olivia finds the answer and an old journal written in the middle of the 19th century by a family ancestor, a white girl named Marianne. Reading this journal, Olivia is taken back in time, discovering shocking secrets that were kept hidden behind the gates of the upstanding Witherell family's South Carolina rice plantation - Heavenly plantation - so long ago.
1846. Black slaves Willa Grigsby and her mother Heddie are brought to Heavenly's 'big house'. Heddie is to serve as wet nurse for the mistress's newly-born twin boys. Young Willa is allowed to play with and soon forms a strong bond with the other Witherell children, Marianne and Seth. These kids do not yet know the true savage nature of slavery and accept Willa as one of them. (I'm not sure if this could have really be allowed to happen back then.)
Foster, the eldest Witherell sibling, however does not like the 'dirty little slave girl'. For him 'darkies' are just a commodity that can be dominated and used whenever and as needed. And this is his exact interest in Willa. He'll show her one day.
Soon Willa is made aware that the possibilities for her life as a slave are severely limited and she can never have the same opportunities as her white friends. The difference between the two races is clear - one orders, the other obeys.
Growing up into a beautiful woman and an excellent seamstress, Willa's presence at the plantation affects the lives of all those around her. Both black and white folk start to look at her with different eyes. Soon love, lust, hatred and violence around her intensify, moulding her life in the process.
The main characters in the novel are well-developed with the exception of the young twins on which I would have liked to learn more. Also, I thought that Olivia and her story could have been left out completely by the author as Olivia's and Willa's stories seem to have nothing to do with each other. Only in the last chapter, the correlation between the two stories is made clear. Other than that, this is a great book and I highly recommend it!
July 11, 2014
This was a really good first novel. I think the complex storyline, character development, and unpredictable plots definitely added to my interest and enthusiasm. I wanted so much to give more stars but I had two major issues with the novel. 1) the author often told the reader to much in regards to the characters feelings and mindset. I often think that an author should allow the reader to slowly understand how a character is feeling or to allow the reader to draw their own conclusion which leads to an even more dramatic unfolding of the plot. And, 2) the dialogue and speaking styles times were just totally unbelievable. I got a bit frustrated at times because I just didn't believe that slaves spoke like that. It seemed like a very forced attempt to attempt to sound like a slave. Additionally, the speaking style of the Witherall kids at a very young age was also a bit odd. They just seemed to speak in a very adult manner. I get that that happened during that era but it was a bit to adult and just a tad unbelievable. Given, my two minor issues with the book it was a good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews