What do you think?
Rate this book
The Livingston Legacy #2
A Guardian of Slaves
Willow Hendricks is now the Lady of Livingston. She manages this plantation with her father and best friend Whitney Barry. The two women continue her parents' secret abolitionist mission. They use the family's ships and estates to transport escaped slaves along the channels to freedom. Willow's love for Bowden Armstrong is as strong as ever, but she is not ready to marry and have a family because of her attention to these noble pursuits. Torn by her love for him, can their bond survive his reluctance to support her efforts with the Underground Railroad?
Meanwhile, whispers among the quarters sing praises of a mysterious man in the swamps helping slaves escape. He is called the Guardian. They believe he will save them from brutal slave catchers and deliver them to the promised land. Masked bandits roam the countryside, but the Guardian and the criminals evade capture. A series of accidents and mysterious disappearances raise alarm throughout the region. Who can Willow and Whitney trust? One false move or slip could endanger the lives of everyone they love and bring ruin to the Livingston Plantation.
Reading Order for
A Slave of the Book One
A Guardian of Book Two
The Black Knight's Novella One
The Master of Novella Two
The Promise Between Novella Three
The Fair Novella Four
Whispers of Book Three (Fall 2020)
Novels can be read alone or with the novella series. The author's shorter works are best read in the suggested order.
Meanwhile, whispers among the quarters sing praises of a mysterious man in the swamps helping slaves escape. He is called the Guardian. They believe he will save them from brutal slave catchers and deliver them to the promised land. Masked bandits roam the countryside, but the Guardian and the criminals evade capture. A series of accidents and mysterious disappearances raise alarm throughout the region. Who can Willow and Whitney trust? One false move or slip could endanger the lives of everyone they love and bring ruin to the Livingston Plantation.
Reading Order for
A Slave of the Book One
A Guardian of Book Two
The Black Knight's Novella One
The Master of Novella Two
The Promise Between Novella Three
The Fair Novella Four
Whispers of Book Three (Fall 2020)
Novels can be read alone or with the novella series. The author's shorter works are best read in the suggested order.
Paperback
Published July 1, 2023
608 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Finley
14 books155 followersNaomi is an award-winning author living in Northern Alberta. She loves to travel and her suitcase is always on standby awaiting her next adventure. Naomi's affinity for the Deep South and its history was cultivated during her childhood living in a Tennessee plantation house with six sisters. Her fascination with history and the resiliency of the human spirit to overcome obstacles are major inspirations for her writing and she is passionately devoted to creativity. In addition to writing fiction, her interests include interior design, cooking new recipes, and hosting dinner parties. Naomi is married to her high school sweetheart and she has two teenage children and two dogs named Egypt and Persia.
From The Author:
When I decided to write my series A Slave of the Shadows, it started from my interest in the antebellum era because many aspects of it were reflected in my childhood.
Though I've studied the antebellum era of US history thoroughly, I certainly don't claim to know every detail and I strive to learn more each day. Over the years, I've visited many plantations and museums across America. I’ve found my visits to be informative and inspirational, but I derive most of the information for my stories from historical books, documents, and maps. Educating yourself by wading through a mass of records can be daunting, especially with so many gray areas and years where documents seem to contradict one another.
Before I started developing characters and plotting A Slave of the Shadows, I visited Charleston, South Carolina. It was at this point I began contemplating if my protagonist Willow would be a plausible main character against a background where the barbaric slave trade was a thriving business in the South. However, it was during this trip I learned of the valiant Grimké Sisters. These two white women were raised in Charleston during the height of the slave trade, and they openly protested cruelties they witnessed against blacks. As a result, they became advocates for abolition and women’s rights. Their bravery in taking a stand against injustice when females didn't have a voice or position of power, ultimately inspired me to pursue my character development of Willow. This courageous account of the Grimké sisters affirmed my dream of painting Willow as I first envisioned her.
My goal in writing this series was to shine a unique light on a period of history where Southerners are generally perceived as abusive slave owners. This simply wasn’t the case because plenty of Southerners were poor, illiterate, and couldn’t even afford slaves. In truth, some owners unleashed unthinkable cruelties, but others worked to keep their slaves content, feeling a better profit would result. In the minority were the Grimke sisters and my own character Willow, disagreeing with the system altogether, despite being raised in a climate supporting its values.
From our vantage point, there is a danger in looking at the negative exploits of the past and generalizing the actions of its participants. It is essential when painting the portrait of an era to shed truth on the dynamic nature of all people involved. My job as a historical fiction writer is to depict a time period with unbiased accuracy and authenticity as much as possible based on documents and records. So, I must find a balance in weaving historical data into a tale while still intriguing and connecting with my readers. I love history, but I don’t want my audience to feel like they're in a history class when they read one of my books or novellas. The beauty of being an author is the freedom to craft stories within a historical context that keeps people turning the pages. These are the stories I gravitate to myself, and I want to share the same experience with my audience.
I also feel it is my duty as a writer to honor and protect the truth of atrocities inflicted on enslaved people during the antebellum era. Many were stripped of their power in dehumanizing way
From The Author:
When I decided to write my series A Slave of the Shadows, it started from my interest in the antebellum era because many aspects of it were reflected in my childhood.
Though I've studied the antebellum era of US history thoroughly, I certainly don't claim to know every detail and I strive to learn more each day. Over the years, I've visited many plantations and museums across America. I’ve found my visits to be informative and inspirational, but I derive most of the information for my stories from historical books, documents, and maps. Educating yourself by wading through a mass of records can be daunting, especially with so many gray areas and years where documents seem to contradict one another.
Before I started developing characters and plotting A Slave of the Shadows, I visited Charleston, South Carolina. It was at this point I began contemplating if my protagonist Willow would be a plausible main character against a background where the barbaric slave trade was a thriving business in the South. However, it was during this trip I learned of the valiant Grimké Sisters. These two white women were raised in Charleston during the height of the slave trade, and they openly protested cruelties they witnessed against blacks. As a result, they became advocates for abolition and women’s rights. Their bravery in taking a stand against injustice when females didn't have a voice or position of power, ultimately inspired me to pursue my character development of Willow. This courageous account of the Grimké sisters affirmed my dream of painting Willow as I first envisioned her.
My goal in writing this series was to shine a unique light on a period of history where Southerners are generally perceived as abusive slave owners. This simply wasn’t the case because plenty of Southerners were poor, illiterate, and couldn’t even afford slaves. In truth, some owners unleashed unthinkable cruelties, but others worked to keep their slaves content, feeling a better profit would result. In the minority were the Grimke sisters and my own character Willow, disagreeing with the system altogether, despite being raised in a climate supporting its values.
From our vantage point, there is a danger in looking at the negative exploits of the past and generalizing the actions of its participants. It is essential when painting the portrait of an era to shed truth on the dynamic nature of all people involved. My job as a historical fiction writer is to depict a time period with unbiased accuracy and authenticity as much as possible based on documents and records. So, I must find a balance in weaving historical data into a tale while still intriguing and connecting with my readers. I love history, but I don’t want my audience to feel like they're in a history class when they read one of my books or novellas. The beauty of being an author is the freedom to craft stories within a historical context that keeps people turning the pages. These are the stories I gravitate to myself, and I want to share the same experience with my audience.
I also feel it is my duty as a writer to honor and protect the truth of atrocities inflicted on enslaved people during the antebellum era. Many were stripped of their power in dehumanizing way
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 15, 2019
You can call me a Naomi Finley fangirl now, friends! I've been wanting to read her since she released A Slave of Shadows and I'm so glad that I finally did. A Guardian of Slaves was a fascinating read!
I hadn't had the chance to read the first book in the series, A Slave of Shadows, yet. But it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this follow up. In fact, I want to read the first book even more now to see what I missed!
Willow is now running the Livingston Plantation after her father Charles is killed, and she continues to help slaves escape to freedom with the help of her uncle and her friend, Whitney. Willow is a fierce abolitionist but forced to pretend otherwise so that the town people don't catch on to her real mission.
The story is told with multiple POVs, which I enjoyed. It was interesting to hear the story from their eyes, as well as Willow's.
There is plenty of mystery in this one to keep the reader guessing. Who is the Guardian and who is he working with? Who killed Charles Hendricks? What secrets are buried in Charles' journals? Who is the new mysterious neighbor?
As the subject matter deals with slavery, you know going in that it's going to be difficult to read about. I feel like Naomi did a great job with being true to the history of that time yet not overwhelming the reader. There were some tough scenes to read and sometimes some harsh language, but nothing that turned me off from the story.
While I adored Willow, it was Whitney that stole the scenes for me. She was funny and full of sass and I loved it!
Now, excuse me while I run off to start A Slave of Shadows!
I hadn't had the chance to read the first book in the series, A Slave of Shadows, yet. But it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this follow up. In fact, I want to read the first book even more now to see what I missed!
Willow is now running the Livingston Plantation after her father Charles is killed, and she continues to help slaves escape to freedom with the help of her uncle and her friend, Whitney. Willow is a fierce abolitionist but forced to pretend otherwise so that the town people don't catch on to her real mission.
The story is told with multiple POVs, which I enjoyed. It was interesting to hear the story from their eyes, as well as Willow's.
There is plenty of mystery in this one to keep the reader guessing. Who is the Guardian and who is he working with? Who killed Charles Hendricks? What secrets are buried in Charles' journals? Who is the new mysterious neighbor?
As the subject matter deals with slavery, you know going in that it's going to be difficult to read about. I feel like Naomi did a great job with being true to the history of that time yet not overwhelming the reader. There were some tough scenes to read and sometimes some harsh language, but nothing that turned me off from the story.
While I adored Willow, it was Whitney that stole the scenes for me. She was funny and full of sass and I loved it!
Now, excuse me while I run off to start A Slave of Shadows!
April 17, 2019
This book is a WOW. It is filled with mystery and suspense It is the story of Willow a very courageous young woman and her emotional journey to abolish slavery in the south.
This tale is very well written with very strong characters. I like how Naomi Finley writes her characters after her real life experiences. I could not put this book down as you encounter one secret after another.
The mystery continues. Will Willow finally find love? We have to wait for book 3 to come out. I think anyone who enjoys historical fiction will love this book. I know I did. I can’t wait for the continuing story.
This tale is very well written with very strong characters. I like how Naomi Finley writes her characters after her real life experiences. I could not put this book down as you encounter one secret after another.
The mystery continues. Will Willow finally find love? We have to wait for book 3 to come out. I think anyone who enjoys historical fiction will love this book. I know I did. I can’t wait for the continuing story.
February 2, 2019
Interesting insight into the injustices surrounding slavery from the perspective of a strong central female character. Many twists and turns in the plot keep the reader’s attention to the end. A worthy sequel to A Slave of the Shadows.
March 19, 2019
Once again Naomi Finley delivers an emotional tale that is filled to the brim with heartbreak, mystery, courage, resilience, loss, and struggles that only a southern slave could know.
As an author, Finley pours her stories onto the pages for readers to savor every drop. Finley weaves real life experiences into her characters, making each one more endearing. I enjoy Naomi's editorial notes as much as I do her books. Turns out, Finley is as strong and caring as her southern heroine, Willow Hendricks. As a reader, I'd like to thank Naomi for being accessible, ever friendly, and entertaining. Thank you for sharing your personal stories and fictional characters. I love Willow's soul and her strength to right the wrongs that were placed upon slaves in the South. The Pre Civil War Era is one of my favorite times to visit in historical fiction. Growing up in the South and visiting many plantations in my lifetime, I'm always struck by the beauty of these magnificent homes. However, I'm always filled with a great deal of sadness when I look around. Plantation homes are marvels to behold. Each one transports me to an era I am extremely fascinated by. I can picture daily life, southern barbecues, and fabulous dresses. My daydreams appear perfect...until I take it all in and am reminded of the hardships that occurred on these splendid plantations. When I see acres of lush gardens and massive fields, the splendor is not so splendiferous. How can so much wonder hold so much sadness and cruelty? Finley shines light on the harsh realities of slavery and those who dared to smuggle lives to freedom. I cannot wait for Book Three. I already miss Jimmy, Mammy, Willow, and Mary Grace. While I await the next book in the series, I'm headed to Kindle to check out Finley's novellas that accompany the A SLAVE OF THE SHADOWS series. Excellent storytelling!
As an author, Finley pours her stories onto the pages for readers to savor every drop. Finley weaves real life experiences into her characters, making each one more endearing. I enjoy Naomi's editorial notes as much as I do her books. Turns out, Finley is as strong and caring as her southern heroine, Willow Hendricks. As a reader, I'd like to thank Naomi for being accessible, ever friendly, and entertaining. Thank you for sharing your personal stories and fictional characters. I love Willow's soul and her strength to right the wrongs that were placed upon slaves in the South. The Pre Civil War Era is one of my favorite times to visit in historical fiction. Growing up in the South and visiting many plantations in my lifetime, I'm always struck by the beauty of these magnificent homes. However, I'm always filled with a great deal of sadness when I look around. Plantation homes are marvels to behold. Each one transports me to an era I am extremely fascinated by. I can picture daily life, southern barbecues, and fabulous dresses. My daydreams appear perfect...until I take it all in and am reminded of the hardships that occurred on these splendid plantations. When I see acres of lush gardens and massive fields, the splendor is not so splendiferous. How can so much wonder hold so much sadness and cruelty? Finley shines light on the harsh realities of slavery and those who dared to smuggle lives to freedom. I cannot wait for Book Three. I already miss Jimmy, Mammy, Willow, and Mary Grace. While I await the next book in the series, I'm headed to Kindle to check out Finley's novellas that accompany the A SLAVE OF THE SHADOWS series. Excellent storytelling!
June 28, 2019
Greed Malicious
I couldn't put this book Down .The book appeals to heart's attacked the characters consciences .Some realized slave or not he develops a deep love for.them
I couldn't put this book Down .The book appeals to heart's attacked the characters consciences .Some realized slave or not he develops a deep love for.them
April 2, 2019
A book you can't put down until finish!!
A great second book in this series. I stayed up until the early morning hours to finish. This book is about not changing who you are for someone else. A great historical fiction,romance,mystery,thriller, just about anything you can think of. The setting takes place before the civil war and plantation owners still had the mentality that a plantation could not survive if the slavery was abolished. Even though it takes place in the South, there were still plantation owners that were willing to help slaves get to Canada or the free States. They knew if they were caught it could be death of imprisonment for life, yet they believed that slaves were not a piece of property, to be bought and sold or treated worse than you would treat an abused animal. This is the second book in this series and I am anxious for the next book to be released. Such a good book by a great author!!!
A great second book in this series. I stayed up until the early morning hours to finish. This book is about not changing who you are for someone else. A great historical fiction,romance,mystery,thriller, just about anything you can think of. The setting takes place before the civil war and plantation owners still had the mentality that a plantation could not survive if the slavery was abolished. Even though it takes place in the South, there were still plantation owners that were willing to help slaves get to Canada or the free States. They knew if they were caught it could be death of imprisonment for life, yet they believed that slaves were not a piece of property, to be bought and sold or treated worse than you would treat an abused animal. This is the second book in this series and I am anxious for the next book to be released. Such a good book by a great author!!!
March 23, 2019
Just this minute finished Guardian of Slaves. Wow! By the time I had reached about half way through the book could NOT put it down. Had to even take with me to the bathroom, lol. To prevent any spoilers, in getting to know the characters better I was filled with admiration, aggravation, trepidation, anger, fear, and even longing on their behalf. There are parts that steam along like an action thriller without much warning, love that. There is mystery of who, what, and why. Not to mention a love story that will frustrate you out of your mind. And I cried when awful tragedy struck, stopped up nose and all. This is a really good book and truly takes you into another world. Will start on the novellas right away to get to know the individual characters better! Join me, Mary p.s.can hardly wait for book three but the novellas will hold me till then I hope.
June 28, 2021
I had a narrow window when I could listen to this book for free. I was hoping Finley would have improved in her second book. Nope. The White saviorism is actually worse. Willow's enslaved maid literally refers to Willow carrying a cross on behalf of the enslaved!
Finley does seem to have realized her mistake in the first book about sending her heroine to a schoolhouse along with her hero à la the Old West, but now she's inconsistent: suddenly the heroine attended a boarding school instead.
Finley's lazy transposition of the Old West into the Old South continues in new ways: wanted poster, corral, saloon... "Their horses weren't branded" made me laugh out loud.
Most of all, the focus is on melodramatic White pain and suffering. Black pain serves only to prop it up. I'm out.
Finley does seem to have realized her mistake in the first book about sending her heroine to a schoolhouse along with her hero à la the Old West, but now she's inconsistent: suddenly the heroine attended a boarding school instead.
Finley's lazy transposition of the Old West into the Old South continues in new ways: wanted poster, corral, saloon... "Their horses weren't branded" made me laugh out loud.
Most of all, the focus is on melodramatic White pain and suffering. Black pain serves only to prop it up. I'm out.
February 14, 2019
Wait! I want to go to the Wedding!
What a great read! I was hooked in the beginning, so happy to continue the story and find out the mysteries of Willow's life and who the Guardian was for the people.
Mary Grace hardships were hard to read, so sad for her Family.
So next Story Please! Looking forward to more!
What a great read! I was hooked in the beginning, so happy to continue the story and find out the mysteries of Willow's life and who the Guardian was for the people.
Mary Grace hardships were hard to read, so sad for her Family.
So next Story Please! Looking forward to more!
February 11, 2019
I won this in the goodreads giveaway. You do not have to read the first book to follow the story but after reading the second I am looking for the first! Naomi Finley is a talented author who enticed me to invest in the characters more than usual.
February 4, 2019
Such a great book! I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the next in the series!
March 5, 2019
Love, mystery and heroism in the antebellum period. Need I say more! Great read!
April 13, 2019
Great book about the deep South and slavery. Get your kleenex ready!
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
August 22, 2019
After reading book one - A Slave in the Shadows - I couldn't wait to get started on this second book in the series.
As expected, Naomi Finley delivers more of the same high quality historical fiction in a story that is filled to the brim with heart and hope. The pain and horrors that the characters have to endure is offset by this hope and the knowledge that the forces of good are doing their damnedest to right these many, many wrongs.
Told from numerous viewpoints, the story will suck you in. Seeing the story develop from every angle is what gives it such depth and quality, added to which the author's descriptive scene setting will make you feel you're in the midst of everything. It's truly an immersive read that kept me reading late into the night.
Since her father's untimely death, Willow is now running the Livingston Plantation, and her desire to give all the slaves freedom has not waned. But with that not an option, she and her uncle (Ben) and best friend, Whitney continue to do whatever they can to help the slaves, particularly those being hunted. Of course, she has to keep up appearances, for to be caught aiding the slaves in any way would be a hanging offence. This double life, naturally, brings her face to face with all sorts of obstacles - some pleasantly surprise her, while others are horrendously shocking and life-changing.
There are mysteries galore in the story, particularly around the "Guardian" who is deemed the saviour of the slaves, and the "masked men" who are the complete opposite. A newcomer - in the form of Silas Anderton - brings drama and speculation to town, and his links to Willow's past are horrifying and dangerous for her.
Yet, all this runs alongside several emotional storylines - some heartbreakingly sad (Mary Grace & Gray) and others heartwarmingly wonderful (Jimmy & Ruby).
The relationship between Willow and Bowden is on and off throughout until it really seems dead in the water. Willow and Ben grow closer as they reveal more secrets in her father's journal. Of course, it goes without saying that Whitney and Willow are a tour de force, a formidable twosome, until the idea of marriage raises its head and challenges their bond. Mammy and Jimmy are two of the most beautiful souls you could ever care to meet, so full of love despite all that has befallen them. Indeed, every character plays a part in making this an epic tale of its time. It feels authentic in each and every detail (as I can neither verify nor deny how life was lived in those times, all I will say is that the story flows effortlessly and doesn't shy away from the harsh horrors which makes for a well-rounded tale).
A third book is in the offing, but not planned until late 2020.
What will I do until then? :(
I do know I'll be waiting for it.
As expected, Naomi Finley delivers more of the same high quality historical fiction in a story that is filled to the brim with heart and hope. The pain and horrors that the characters have to endure is offset by this hope and the knowledge that the forces of good are doing their damnedest to right these many, many wrongs.
Told from numerous viewpoints, the story will suck you in. Seeing the story develop from every angle is what gives it such depth and quality, added to which the author's descriptive scene setting will make you feel you're in the midst of everything. It's truly an immersive read that kept me reading late into the night.
Since her father's untimely death, Willow is now running the Livingston Plantation, and her desire to give all the slaves freedom has not waned. But with that not an option, she and her uncle (Ben) and best friend, Whitney continue to do whatever they can to help the slaves, particularly those being hunted. Of course, she has to keep up appearances, for to be caught aiding the slaves in any way would be a hanging offence. This double life, naturally, brings her face to face with all sorts of obstacles - some pleasantly surprise her, while others are horrendously shocking and life-changing.
There are mysteries galore in the story, particularly around the "Guardian" who is deemed the saviour of the slaves, and the "masked men" who are the complete opposite. A newcomer - in the form of Silas Anderton - brings drama and speculation to town, and his links to Willow's past are horrifying and dangerous for her.
Yet, all this runs alongside several emotional storylines - some heartbreakingly sad (Mary Grace & Gray) and others heartwarmingly wonderful (Jimmy & Ruby).
The relationship between Willow and Bowden is on and off throughout until it really seems dead in the water. Willow and Ben grow closer as they reveal more secrets in her father's journal. Of course, it goes without saying that Whitney and Willow are a tour de force, a formidable twosome, until the idea of marriage raises its head and challenges their bond. Mammy and Jimmy are two of the most beautiful souls you could ever care to meet, so full of love despite all that has befallen them. Indeed, every character plays a part in making this an epic tale of its time. It feels authentic in each and every detail (as I can neither verify nor deny how life was lived in those times, all I will say is that the story flows effortlessly and doesn't shy away from the harsh horrors which makes for a well-rounded tale).
A third book is in the offing, but not planned until late 2020.
What will I do until then? :(
I do know I'll be waiting for it.
April 12, 2020
SPOILER ALERT (maybe): New Directions
I love the plot twists that this story goes into. I have often wondered what life was like before mental healthcare, especially since many of the diagnoses we see today existed in the past. And some of the most complex psychological diagnoses only manifest, after triggering event(s) and/or the person with the condition reaches adulthood, meaning it is likely they will not get any help from family or friends.
I truly appreciate the way she addressed interracial relationships from both aspects BWWM and WWBM within the series.
Since, the story is really just a culmination of research, I wonder if the research is regional to SC specifically? If so, I would have liked to see more written about Native Americans. By the way, this an opinion. But, it is well known among history buffs of SC, that the Cherokee tribes made pacts to assimilate with White Americans in order to stay on their ancestral lands in SC, instead of traveling the Trail of Tears. In doing so, many free Blacks lived with them, since they had established communities, inadvertently giving runaway slaves a place hide among them. My family is from SC and are Cherokee and former African slaves. We still know where our Native ancestral land is located.
Lastly, I would like to see the slaves as more of the makers of their on freedom because in reality runaway slavery was not conducted by White people. The White Savior vibe is heavy laced throughout this book and the slaves are clearly shadows.
But, moreover, I loved this book. I can't wait until December 8th, 2020. I hope we finally get to go to England or Rhode Island. But, mostly England and take Mary Grace!!! And give Mammy another dimension, like her and Ben or Jimmy.
I love the plot twists that this story goes into. I have often wondered what life was like before mental healthcare, especially since many of the diagnoses we see today existed in the past. And some of the most complex psychological diagnoses only manifest, after triggering event(s) and/or the person with the condition reaches adulthood, meaning it is likely they will not get any help from family or friends.
I truly appreciate the way she addressed interracial relationships from both aspects BWWM and WWBM within the series.
Since, the story is really just a culmination of research, I wonder if the research is regional to SC specifically? If so, I would have liked to see more written about Native Americans. By the way, this an opinion. But, it is well known among history buffs of SC, that the Cherokee tribes made pacts to assimilate with White Americans in order to stay on their ancestral lands in SC, instead of traveling the Trail of Tears. In doing so, many free Blacks lived with them, since they had established communities, inadvertently giving runaway slaves a place hide among them. My family is from SC and are Cherokee and former African slaves. We still know where our Native ancestral land is located.
Lastly, I would like to see the slaves as more of the makers of their on freedom because in reality runaway slavery was not conducted by White people. The White Savior vibe is heavy laced throughout this book and the slaves are clearly shadows.
But, moreover, I loved this book. I can't wait until December 8th, 2020. I hope we finally get to go to England or Rhode Island. But, mostly England and take Mary Grace!!! And give Mammy another dimension, like her and Ben or Jimmy.
October 1, 2019
Finley has a way with words that only she can portray. She writes from life experience along with careful research into the history in which she delves. This second novel is full of the same action and mystery as the first, though with far more detail. I couldn’t put it down.
These well-written characters fill my worldview with hope. Some are getting happy ending while others receive the brunt of all that is bad in the world. I admit that I found myself sobbing through a good part of this novel, though for both good and evil. The book is exceptional.
I loved being back at the Livingston Plantation. The beauty of the place grew with this book, and I got to learn more of her secrets. Each place we are introduced to offers more delight for the senses than ever before.
I have no complaints, but my dismay at the treatment of people in this era wreak havoc on my psyche. I feel that I would be great friends with Willow and her family and do anything in my power to help them with their mission in life.
With a novel such as this, I must award A Guardian of Slaves a full 5 out of 5 Stars. I recommend this book along with the rest of the books in the series to anyone who loves historical fiction and the ways it can tie in to today’s environment.
These well-written characters fill my worldview with hope. Some are getting happy ending while others receive the brunt of all that is bad in the world. I admit that I found myself sobbing through a good part of this novel, though for both good and evil. The book is exceptional.
I loved being back at the Livingston Plantation. The beauty of the place grew with this book, and I got to learn more of her secrets. Each place we are introduced to offers more delight for the senses than ever before.
I have no complaints, but my dismay at the treatment of people in this era wreak havoc on my psyche. I feel that I would be great friends with Willow and her family and do anything in my power to help them with their mission in life.
With a novel such as this, I must award A Guardian of Slaves a full 5 out of 5 Stars. I recommend this book along with the rest of the books in the series to anyone who loves historical fiction and the ways it can tie in to today’s environment.
October 2, 2019
Desire to improve and change
What a book------I loved it!!!!!! Imagine helping to change the situation and quality of people's lives in a time when slavery was a way of life. Willow was a strong woman, who did what she considered right. This her life that she refused to compromise even for love. This story has so much of everything in it that I enjoy and love to read about. History, romance, mystery, you can find in this delightful book. I am giving my AWSOME Dawson rating of 10 stars. Thank you so much ms. Finley for an awesome read. I can't wait for the next installment of Willie's life. P.S. ,the first book of this series was also delicious 😋. Sincerely, mjm.
What a book------I loved it!!!!!! Imagine helping to change the situation and quality of people's lives in a time when slavery was a way of life. Willow was a strong woman, who did what she considered right. This her life that she refused to compromise even for love. This story has so much of everything in it that I enjoy and love to read about. History, romance, mystery, you can find in this delightful book. I am giving my AWSOME Dawson rating of 10 stars. Thank you so much ms. Finley for an awesome read. I can't wait for the next installment of Willie's life. P.S. ,the first book of this series was also delicious 😋. Sincerely, mjm.
May 26, 2020
Continues the story of the turning tides of slavery in the American South.
I have want to call this a story of shame. The lowest shame of our Nation that even now twists in agony of it's aftermath. It's like the tumor that tried to take my daughter's life and left her with the leftover results of a near hearing loss, severe vision complications, and hidden cognitive disabilities. Her life remains beautiful and as remarkable as the lives that have emerged through this time of horror. But through the world's worst horrors come a Nations greatest pride. Where would we be without these beautiful people then and now.
I have want to call this a story of shame. The lowest shame of our Nation that even now twists in agony of it's aftermath. It's like the tumor that tried to take my daughter's life and left her with the leftover results of a near hearing loss, severe vision complications, and hidden cognitive disabilities. Her life remains beautiful and as remarkable as the lives that have emerged through this time of horror. But through the world's worst horrors come a Nations greatest pride. Where would we be without these beautiful people then and now.
September 17, 2023
wow, what triangle of love between Willow, Bowden, Silas and Kip. I can't imagine how she was able to keep smuggling slave a "secret" when all of her neighbors knew what she was doing. I did like Willow and Bowden were opposing sides and knew they would make each other miserable. I did know that Ruby was going to be Jimmy's daughter, and they were all going to be one happy family. Willow gets along with her uncle Ben perfectly, Jimmy with Ruby and then the little newborn-Noah- matches perfectly with all the others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
Eye-opening awareness from the other side
It has been riveting to discover, root and even enjoy the coming of age of freedom from slavery as the abolition era gives birth. In our current state of affairs that de-values black lives even now gives me hope that 'newborn' abolitionists are being awakened with the heart rendering discovery that we are all of 'value' and deserve love, empathy and life is a balm to my soul. Loving this series!
It has been riveting to discover, root and even enjoy the coming of age of freedom from slavery as the abolition era gives birth. In our current state of affairs that de-values black lives even now gives me hope that 'newborn' abolitionists are being awakened with the heart rendering discovery that we are all of 'value' and deserve love, empathy and life is a balm to my soul. Loving this series!
February 15, 2019
Well written with strong characters this story provided an involved journey that was at times emotional and/or thought provoking as situations awaited address or answers were sought.
Recommended 4 star read.
My thanks to goodreads and the giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain a copy of this book.
Recommended 4 star read.
My thanks to goodreads and the giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain a copy of this book.
August 2, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first. That being said, I think there were missed opportunities. I was able to predict a good part of the story from the get go. There were opportunities where suspense could have been built but were not. Regardless, I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
March 6, 2024
Lovely reading about the Livingston plantation and the way slaves are treated by the owner. She is an abolitionist and part of the underground railway. You get a good insight in the awful ways the slaves are considered property by the different characters in the book. I am looking forward to reading the next book
February 13, 2019
I looked forward to reading this book after I won it from Goodreads, but unfortunately I just could not get into the book. The writing was easy, but I just could not connect to any of the characters. This may have to do with it being a sequel to another book that I have never read.
February 18, 2019
Beautiful story
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't an especially exciting story and it moves slowly. But, it's a wonderful story that highlights some of the conflicts of the time.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't an especially exciting story and it moves slowly. But, it's a wonderful story that highlights some of the conflicts of the time.
July 28, 2019
Excel!ent writing!! Your heart showed love for God's children they your writigs
Excellent writing. Your stories have captivated my attention. I love the twist and turns and would like to read more. Slave stories are my favorite.
Excellent writing. Your stories have captivated my attention. I love the twist and turns and would like to read more. Slave stories are my favorite.
Read
February 5, 2020Interesting book! I enjoyed it. While a romance it really dealt with realistically discussing what might happened to enslaved people. Of course, there’s a happy ending and the predictable set up for next book in the series.
May 9, 2020
An Easy Read
An enjoyable, easy read in which people seemed to cry a lot and have trouble expressing themselves. Question now is, do I bother reading the next in the series when it is published?
An enjoyable, easy read in which people seemed to cry a lot and have trouble expressing themselves. Question now is, do I bother reading the next in the series when it is published?
September 4, 2020
A Guardian of Slaves
A Guardian of Slaves is the second book in the Livingston Legacy Series. Wonderful. Maybe because I already had come to know the characters, I enjoyed this book even more than the first.
A Guardian of Slaves is the second book in the Livingston Legacy Series. Wonderful. Maybe because I already had come to know the characters, I enjoyed this book even more than the first.
February 6, 2021
Excellent story of a young woman’s journey to find the answer on secret
The second in series moves well and keeps you interested, all-the characters of this series. Give answers to many from book one and wanting to see how the story continue starting book three.
The second in series moves well and keeps you interested, all-the characters of this series. Give answers to many from book one and wanting to see how the story continue starting book three.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews