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The Doctor's Daughter: Journey to Justice
This is an updated cover edition of B009M7TDIM .
Everybody, including her mother, believes that Kate's father committed suicide. Determined to prove otherwise, Kate sets out on a fascinating and sometimes hilarious journey through antebellum law and medicine. Set in 1860s Nashville and told with a biting wit, determined Kate finally discovers the truth - but at what cost? Will she ruin her own life trying to defend the life of her dead father?
Everybody, including her mother, believes that Kate's father committed suicide. Determined to prove otherwise, Kate sets out on a fascinating and sometimes hilarious journey through antebellum law and medicine. Set in 1860s Nashville and told with a biting wit, determined Kate finally discovers the truth - but at what cost? Will she ruin her own life trying to defend the life of her dead father?
448 pages, ebook
First published September 2, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 4, 2019
This book is an unusual blend of mystery, coming of age, and family saga leading up to the American Civil War. Kate Seaver is a young woman living in a small town outside Nashville, Tennessee. Her mother, the titular “doctor,” is an herbalist who has provided for herself and Kate since her husband died of what was ruled a suicide, but Kate believes was murder. Kate is at an age to be courted and is being pursued by the son of a powerful lawyer in Nashville society. The story focuses on Kate’s daily life, the people she meets, and many small steps she takes toward finding out what really happened to her father.
This is a very well-researched book. I have read a good amount of non-fiction about the 19th century, and the writing here has a ring of authenticity. We accompany Kate to various events of the era, such as the gathering of local women to sew a quilt, a community hog-killing, assisting at the birth of a lamb, and attending a local dance. There is also discussion of herbal remedies vs. the “science” doctors practiced at the time, with both appearing equally outlandish. Readers that enjoy being immersed in a time period through a depth of detail will enjoy this part, as I did.
The characters are well-crafted, complete with strengths, flaws, and growth over time. The lesser developed area is the murder mystery. It is mostly in the background until it takes center stage toward the end. It is a good selection to read for pleasure if you enjoy historical fiction set in the 1860’s American south. Be prepared for a cliffhanger ending.
This is a very well-researched book. I have read a good amount of non-fiction about the 19th century, and the writing here has a ring of authenticity. We accompany Kate to various events of the era, such as the gathering of local women to sew a quilt, a community hog-killing, assisting at the birth of a lamb, and attending a local dance. There is also discussion of herbal remedies vs. the “science” doctors practiced at the time, with both appearing equally outlandish. Readers that enjoy being immersed in a time period through a depth of detail will enjoy this part, as I did.
The characters are well-crafted, complete with strengths, flaws, and growth over time. The lesser developed area is the murder mystery. It is mostly in the background until it takes center stage toward the end. It is a good selection to read for pleasure if you enjoy historical fiction set in the 1860’s American south. Be prepared for a cliffhanger ending.
February 24, 2018
What a gem! I loved it. I found myself looking forward to reading it each day and felt like I really got to know the people and location. Belle Blackburn does a wonderful job in creating this story and the characters. She also provides rich historical details and her love of the craft and the period show through in the writing. I am definitely going to be reading the next in the series as I'd love to know what happens to Kate after the difficult ending she experienced in this one.
The only thing I have issue with is the book format. It doesn't do it justice. I think if the actual book was more polished people would be more drawn to it. Take a chance on this one, it's definitely worth it.
Disclaimer: The author was generous to take the time to discuss her book with us in our group, Retro Chapter Chicks, but that in no way influences my review of this book. It gave me more in-depth understanding of things but I would have still enjoyed this one even without the time spent with the author.
The only thing I have issue with is the book format. It doesn't do it justice. I think if the actual book was more polished people would be more drawn to it. Take a chance on this one, it's definitely worth it.
Disclaimer: The author was generous to take the time to discuss her book with us in our group, Retro Chapter Chicks, but that in no way influences my review of this book. It gave me more in-depth understanding of things but I would have still enjoyed this one even without the time spent with the author.
October 7, 2017
The Doctor's Daughter brings one of the strongest group of characters I have met in a long time to life.
This story takes place in the build up to the civil wAr. Taking place in Nashville and a little town south of there called Peony. Several families make up this story and each have a powerful and somewhat murky history. Kate has witnessed a horrible event and now she strives for justice.
With love, the civil war, loss, and grief Kate attempts to move on with her life. But she does so with a bitterness that is eating her alive.
I couldn't get enough of Kate, Brice, the Rayburn's and the town of Nashville. I take a lot with me from this story. I am ready for the rest of the story. This character and plot driven book left me hungry for more.
This story takes place in the build up to the civil wAr. Taking place in Nashville and a little town south of there called Peony. Several families make up this story and each have a powerful and somewhat murky history. Kate has witnessed a horrible event and now she strives for justice.
With love, the civil war, loss, and grief Kate attempts to move on with her life. But she does so with a bitterness that is eating her alive.
I couldn't get enough of Kate, Brice, the Rayburn's and the town of Nashville. I take a lot with me from this story. I am ready for the rest of the story. This character and plot driven book left me hungry for more.
December 7, 2014
Step back into the 1860’s, a time when the country was divided on the slavery issue and war seemed to be coming. A man was dead; people forgot or moved on, but to Kate, the father she knew deserved justice and the killer deserved to pay.
When a strong-willed and determined young lady sets out to clear the stain of suicide from her father’s death and prove that he was murdered, little did she know what she would discover as she began to uncover the secrets that lurked under nearly every rock in town. They said Kate’s dad committed suicide because of bad business decisions that cost the family their livelihood, their dignity and the opulent home they once resided in in a distant city. Now all that was keeping her family afloat were her mother’s abilities as a backwoods healer, an experienced doctor of herbal medicine.
When the son of a powerful and wealthy man takes an interest in Kate, she sees an opportunity for aid in her quest for justice with the help her lawyer father-in-law could give her. It was time to leave her childhood behind, including her best friend, a quiet, hardworking country boy. But is this the life she wants? Is it worth losing herself in a world she doesn’t’ belong? When the truth comes to light, will Kate be able to feel justice was done? The world is changing all around her, people are changing, relationships are changing and just maybe Kate’s young eyes have been opened to the world around her.
The Doctor’s Daughter: Journey to Justice by Belle Blackburn is a moving tale of a time long past, filled with atmosphere as one can feel the era, see the dust, the town and feel the electricity in the air as war becomes a certainty. With the careful detail to each scene, each character and the amazing dialogue, I felt a time warp had been opened and I was a part of this era. I heard the wagon wheels, the coaches go by, and even felt the interaction of the characters. Not a book to be rushed through, but to be read and enjoyed, each page uncovered another layer of the many subplots running together to the final conclusion. Kate is a young woman ahead of her time, but her lack of life experiences becomes so vital to this tale, that she almost walks off the pages on her journey to adulthood. Well done, Belle Blackburn! Historical fiction readers are going to love this!
I received this copy from Belle Blackburn in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 4, 2012
Publisher: Belle Blackburn
Genre: Historical fiction
Print Length: 450 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
When a strong-willed and determined young lady sets out to clear the stain of suicide from her father’s death and prove that he was murdered, little did she know what she would discover as she began to uncover the secrets that lurked under nearly every rock in town. They said Kate’s dad committed suicide because of bad business decisions that cost the family their livelihood, their dignity and the opulent home they once resided in in a distant city. Now all that was keeping her family afloat were her mother’s abilities as a backwoods healer, an experienced doctor of herbal medicine.
When the son of a powerful and wealthy man takes an interest in Kate, she sees an opportunity for aid in her quest for justice with the help her lawyer father-in-law could give her. It was time to leave her childhood behind, including her best friend, a quiet, hardworking country boy. But is this the life she wants? Is it worth losing herself in a world she doesn’t’ belong? When the truth comes to light, will Kate be able to feel justice was done? The world is changing all around her, people are changing, relationships are changing and just maybe Kate’s young eyes have been opened to the world around her.
The Doctor’s Daughter: Journey to Justice by Belle Blackburn is a moving tale of a time long past, filled with atmosphere as one can feel the era, see the dust, the town and feel the electricity in the air as war becomes a certainty. With the careful detail to each scene, each character and the amazing dialogue, I felt a time warp had been opened and I was a part of this era. I heard the wagon wheels, the coaches go by, and even felt the interaction of the characters. Not a book to be rushed through, but to be read and enjoyed, each page uncovered another layer of the many subplots running together to the final conclusion. Kate is a young woman ahead of her time, but her lack of life experiences becomes so vital to this tale, that she almost walks off the pages on her journey to adulthood. Well done, Belle Blackburn! Historical fiction readers are going to love this!
I received this copy from Belle Blackburn in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 4, 2012
Publisher: Belle Blackburn
Genre: Historical fiction
Print Length: 450 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 2, 2013
The Doctor’s Daughter: Journey to Justice is very much a character driven novel, featuring a vivid cast of truly interesting and complex individuals, witty dialog and a deeply engrossing storyline.
The Civil War era novel set in the Nashville area, which centers on a young woman, Kate Seaver, trying desperately to prove her father’s shocking death was not a suicide as everyone believes, is a refreshing departure from most books set during the Civil War. This story focuses on the characters and their relationships with one another as opposed to books that are primarily about the war itself. Rather than appearing cliché, which so often happens in historic novels, these colorful and identifiable characters could belong to almost any age.
The Doctor’s Daughter easily draws you into the intriguing mystery which is the focal point of the plot, all the while keeping you entertained. Author Belle Blackburn successfully combines mystery, romance, historic fiction, humor and drama in this captivating tale which also offers a fascinating look into 1860’s medicine.
The Civil War era novel set in the Nashville area, which centers on a young woman, Kate Seaver, trying desperately to prove her father’s shocking death was not a suicide as everyone believes, is a refreshing departure from most books set during the Civil War. This story focuses on the characters and their relationships with one another as opposed to books that are primarily about the war itself. Rather than appearing cliché, which so often happens in historic novels, these colorful and identifiable characters could belong to almost any age.
The Doctor’s Daughter easily draws you into the intriguing mystery which is the focal point of the plot, all the while keeping you entertained. Author Belle Blackburn successfully combines mystery, romance, historic fiction, humor and drama in this captivating tale which also offers a fascinating look into 1860’s medicine.
September 4, 2013
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There are quite a few layers to this book. Ostensibly it is about a young woman (Kate) who seeks justice for her father's death, which was ruled as a suicide, but she beleives it to be murder. Although that is a key theme, it is more than that. Based in Tenessee in the height of the US civil war, there is a historical fiction component which is thoroughly well researched and I found immensly interesting and well "brought to life". This time period also brings with it themes of slavery, women's rights, and the changing face of medicine.
The only criticism I have with the book is the title, cover and synopsis. As I don't beleieve they do the book justice and "market" it efectively which is a shame, as this is a great read.
There are quite a few layers to this book. Ostensibly it is about a young woman (Kate) who seeks justice for her father's death, which was ruled as a suicide, but she beleives it to be murder. Although that is a key theme, it is more than that. Based in Tenessee in the height of the US civil war, there is a historical fiction component which is thoroughly well researched and I found immensly interesting and well "brought to life". This time period also brings with it themes of slavery, women's rights, and the changing face of medicine.
The only criticism I have with the book is the title, cover and synopsis. As I don't beleieve they do the book justice and "market" it efectively which is a shame, as this is a great read.
January 11, 2022
Belle Blackburn tells a wonderfully twisting tale of mystery in The Doctor’s Daughter: Journey to Justice! The year is 1860 and everyone is shocked by a man's apparent suicide, especially his daughter Kate. But as she begins to search for more clues about her father’s demise, she finds that he may not have killed himself after all. I love a good period piece, and Blackburn captured everything that I love about them! Tack on a compelling mystery and a really likeable protagonist and I’m sold! Blackburn knows just when to take things seriously and when to throw in a bit of humor, and it was so much fun getting to know her characters! If you love a bit of adventure, mystery, romance, and humor all blended into a perfectly paced story, definitely come study medicine with The Doctor’s Daughter!
June 10, 2013
“The Doctor’s Daughter: Journey to Justice” is a novel full of surprises, twists and turns, beginning with the title. Despite the novel being set in the Civil War, the “doctor” in the title is a woman, not a man. The daughter and heroine, Kate, is obsessed with the goal of obtaining justice for her father. The story opens with Kate sitting in a church service plotting how to obtain that justice, and she’s afraid that some of her methods are not terribly Christian. Her goal is to live long enough to repent of any sins she has to commit so that she can avoid hellfire.
Despite the many serious subjects – murder, revenge, love, hate, Civil War, justice, slavery – this book is a lot of fun. First, Belle Blackburn has a real sense of humor when it comes to her choice of language and phrases. There’s also rich detail in how people lived – they best way to kill a hog for example – but told in such a way that you’re laughing. The author gives many methods that people use to rid themselves of warts, none of which I would recommend, but which are fun to read about.
The characters are many and varied and multi-dimensional. Instead of being painted completely good or evil, most of them perform deeds which are good and bad. They all have their own motives, their own arcs, and their own points of view.
Ms. Blackburn also has a wry sense of humor in some of her choices. I’ve seen many writers use their initials or versions of their names for main characters. But who is called Belle in this book? The horse. A bit less authorial vanity than one normally encounters!
Anything I didn’t care for? Well, there were some plot twists that I thought were a little far-fetched. On the other hand, they were so much fun that I did not mind. Ms. Blackburn has an inventive imagination.
I'd give the book 4 and a half stars if I could, but that's not an option. A very enjoyable way to spend some hours!
Despite the many serious subjects – murder, revenge, love, hate, Civil War, justice, slavery – this book is a lot of fun. First, Belle Blackburn has a real sense of humor when it comes to her choice of language and phrases. There’s also rich detail in how people lived – they best way to kill a hog for example – but told in such a way that you’re laughing. The author gives many methods that people use to rid themselves of warts, none of which I would recommend, but which are fun to read about.
The characters are many and varied and multi-dimensional. Instead of being painted completely good or evil, most of them perform deeds which are good and bad. They all have their own motives, their own arcs, and their own points of view.
Ms. Blackburn also has a wry sense of humor in some of her choices. I’ve seen many writers use their initials or versions of their names for main characters. But who is called Belle in this book? The horse. A bit less authorial vanity than one normally encounters!
Anything I didn’t care for? Well, there were some plot twists that I thought were a little far-fetched. On the other hand, they were so much fun that I did not mind. Ms. Blackburn has an inventive imagination.
I'd give the book 4 and a half stars if I could, but that's not an option. A very enjoyable way to spend some hours!
February 7, 2013
Everybody, including her mother, believes that Kate's father committed suicide.
By far my favorite book of the year. I am normally not a reader of what I would call quality character books that are worthy of a review. They may be best sellers but are usually simply repeatable murder mysteries that I can read in bed to put me to sleep. The Doctor's Daughter: Journey to Justice by Belle Blackburn is not a book to use for putting yourself to sleep. You will keep forcing your eyes open trying to read another page until you find yourself trying to read through closed eyelids. Then you will want to get back to it as soon as you can. The location is 1860-61 Nashville, TN with the Civil War in the background. The story is written in the first person of an 18 year old girl's perseverance on her mission to find the truth and obtain justice for her father's death at the same time that she finds love and a different life. You will meet self reliant poor folk and rich people who are good but helpless without their servants. You will hear colloquialisms of the time and the place such as chirky, coryza, flibbertigibbet, Buck shoes for Buck Dancing, doing the Dancing Dan. If you like to analyze characters in a story you will find plenty here and some surprises. You will probably recognize some, such as nosy Mrs. Hamby and self-rightous Mrs. Goad, as being people you have met. I urge you to read the book. The Doctor's Daughter: Journey to Justice available from Amazon.com in paperback and for Kindle download.
By far my favorite book of the year. I am normally not a reader of what I would call quality character books that are worthy of a review. They may be best sellers but are usually simply repeatable murder mysteries that I can read in bed to put me to sleep. The Doctor's Daughter: Journey to Justice by Belle Blackburn is not a book to use for putting yourself to sleep. You will keep forcing your eyes open trying to read another page until you find yourself trying to read through closed eyelids. Then you will want to get back to it as soon as you can. The location is 1860-61 Nashville, TN with the Civil War in the background. The story is written in the first person of an 18 year old girl's perseverance on her mission to find the truth and obtain justice for her father's death at the same time that she finds love and a different life. You will meet self reliant poor folk and rich people who are good but helpless without their servants. You will hear colloquialisms of the time and the place such as chirky, coryza, flibbertigibbet, Buck shoes for Buck Dancing, doing the Dancing Dan. If you like to analyze characters in a story you will find plenty here and some surprises. You will probably recognize some, such as nosy Mrs. Hamby and self-rightous Mrs. Goad, as being people you have met. I urge you to read the book. The Doctor's Daughter: Journey to Justice available from Amazon.com in paperback and for Kindle download.
January 20, 2016
This book is fantastic.
It is not in my normal genre and certainly deals within a time period I shy away from for my own reasons. History, which I am not a fan of, much to my daughter's dismay as she has her degree in history, but this story was compelling so I told the author I would give it a go and see if I liked it enough to even continue to read to the end. I told you that so you would understand what a big deal a five star rating for this book is from me. If you love historical fiction you will enjoy this book. It is not a quick read and will make you feel uncomfortable at times or should, but it is a story of perseverance, loyalty (even though misplaced at times), STRENGTH, forgiveness, and love.
It gives you a glimpse into factual and fiction during the Civil War and the TN area. When one girl is set upon making the man who murdered her father pay. While vengeance remains the most important thing in her life and all thoughts are around that, she is losing the other most important people in her life. She also, through this journey, realizes major things about herself, the people around her and what may be her greatest loss. She gains a much unexpected friend and confidant while losing faith in others. Will she right the wrongs in time or will it be too late?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is not in my normal genre and certainly deals within a time period I shy away from for my own reasons. History, which I am not a fan of, much to my daughter's dismay as she has her degree in history, but this story was compelling so I told the author I would give it a go and see if I liked it enough to even continue to read to the end. I told you that so you would understand what a big deal a five star rating for this book is from me. If you love historical fiction you will enjoy this book. It is not a quick read and will make you feel uncomfortable at times or should, but it is a story of perseverance, loyalty (even though misplaced at times), STRENGTH, forgiveness, and love.
It gives you a glimpse into factual and fiction during the Civil War and the TN area. When one girl is set upon making the man who murdered her father pay. While vengeance remains the most important thing in her life and all thoughts are around that, she is losing the other most important people in her life. She also, through this journey, realizes major things about herself, the people around her and what may be her greatest loss. She gains a much unexpected friend and confidant while losing faith in others. Will she right the wrongs in time or will it be too late?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2013
After a slow start, I got caught up in this story of a young woman in 1861 Tennessee consumed by vengeance for the death of her father.
As anyone who reads my reviews is aware, one of my criteria for a well-written novel is character development. There are plenty of interesting characters here, and our protagonist makes her way along her path of challenges, growing in the process as she should. Though I would have liked to see her come to the realization more gradually rather than from one end of the spectrum to the next. Perhaps more realization and denial on her part would have made for more interesting inner conflict.
Historical detail was amazing, perhaps too amazing. A writer needs to know when research interferes with good story telling. Sometimes slang and idioms were used in places that made the dialogue awkward rather than natural. Sometimes research became an "info dump" and brought me out of the mood and flow of the story. This happened particularly in the beginning chapters.
Despite these caveats, I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in this period of history.
As anyone who reads my reviews is aware, one of my criteria for a well-written novel is character development. There are plenty of interesting characters here, and our protagonist makes her way along her path of challenges, growing in the process as she should. Though I would have liked to see her come to the realization more gradually rather than from one end of the spectrum to the next. Perhaps more realization and denial on her part would have made for more interesting inner conflict.
Historical detail was amazing, perhaps too amazing. A writer needs to know when research interferes with good story telling. Sometimes slang and idioms were used in places that made the dialogue awkward rather than natural. Sometimes research became an "info dump" and brought me out of the mood and flow of the story. This happened particularly in the beginning chapters.
Despite these caveats, I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in this period of history.
January 15, 2016
A year ago Kate Seaver's life was turned upside down when her father was shot dead. Since then, it has become Kate's life mission to see his killer (and former business partner) brought to justice. Now, Kate has married the wealthy son of a prominent pro-Secession lawyer in Tennessee, and her dreams of justice are so close at hand. But can she find the peace she seeks, and restore her family's tarnished reputation with the war (and Yankee soldiers) encroaching on her doorstep?
Although it took me a while to pick up this book with everything going on in my life right now, my only regret is that it took me this long!
What an amazing story. Not only is this book full of history, enough to draw in a Civil War buff like myself, but Ms. Blackburn's writing is at times both touching and heart-wrenching at times, I found myself laughing at times, with something witty Kate would say, or crying my eyes out over poor little Sherman. And that ending? I won't ruin it, but at the risk of sounding like a fan-girl, I will say this: OMG!
Waiting with baited breath to find out what happens next!!
Although it took me a while to pick up this book with everything going on in my life right now, my only regret is that it took me this long!
What an amazing story. Not only is this book full of history, enough to draw in a Civil War buff like myself, but Ms. Blackburn's writing is at times both touching and heart-wrenching at times, I found myself laughing at times, with something witty Kate would say, or crying my eyes out over poor little Sherman. And that ending? I won't ruin it, but at the risk of sounding like a fan-girl, I will say this: OMG!
Waiting with baited breath to find out what happens next!!
October 3, 2016
This one started slow for me but I am really glad I stuck with it as it turned out to be a fascinating tale of "new medicine," i.e. trained physicians versus "hill country" wisewomen/naturalist healers wrapped around grave robbing for surgical practice bodies, and as if this were not enough the beginning year of the Civil war and the clash between gung ho secessionists and everyday people who simply did not want a war at all. Then to top it all off there is the background story of a trial for murder and a young woman's devastating loss of her idolized father only to learn he was not at all what he seemed ... and then the realization that she has married a man she does not love! I swear you could fit an entire soap opera in this book and it ends up a really great read! I will be looking forward to the sequel to this one.
June 30, 2013
"The Doctor's Daughter" is part novel, part mini-series.
Set in the early 1860s, Kate, the first-person narrator, tells her story without the aid of gimmicky "Gone With the Wind" style vernacular or soliloquy. The voice is that of a normal person describing events, feelings and their impact on the characters.
This makes the book more believable by virtue of its apparent honesty and sincerity. Author Belle Blackburn has succeeded in giving her historical novel a modern feel, providing just enough period-specific references to keep things in context. The prose never slogs or wanders, making "The Doctor's Daughter an enjoyable reading experience.
Set in the early 1860s, Kate, the first-person narrator, tells her story without the aid of gimmicky "Gone With the Wind" style vernacular or soliloquy. The voice is that of a normal person describing events, feelings and their impact on the characters.
This makes the book more believable by virtue of its apparent honesty and sincerity. Author Belle Blackburn has succeeded in giving her historical novel a modern feel, providing just enough period-specific references to keep things in context. The prose never slogs or wanders, making "The Doctor's Daughter an enjoyable reading experience.
April 7, 2014
I really enjoyed Kate. The doctor's daughter, and a doctor's wife, she finds her own way during antebellum in Tennessee.
The Doctor's Daughter is a well-written period piece, that draws you in, and makes you keep turning the page. The beginning moves slowly as Blackburn offers more information than is needed, in this reader's opinion, but readers will soon find that it the story is interesting and engaging. The author's research into her subject is well done and makes the book and characters believable. Can't wait for the sequel, and would recommend this book to everyone.
The Doctor's Daughter is a well-written period piece, that draws you in, and makes you keep turning the page. The beginning moves slowly as Blackburn offers more information than is needed, in this reader's opinion, but readers will soon find that it the story is interesting and engaging. The author's research into her subject is well done and makes the book and characters believable. Can't wait for the sequel, and would recommend this book to everyone.
March 21, 2013
Kate was a common girl seeking common justice in an uncommon world at an uncommon time. This is a book about the people during the Civil War, not the battles or the military. Loved all the great Nashville history. About halfway through I started losing sleep to stay up and find out what happened. I don't know of any other historical fiction about Nashville during the Civil War and really liked that but mostly I was interested in Kate's journey to get her justice. Highly recommend.
March 8, 2020
I have to be honest: I read the prologue and first chapter about two weeks ago and set it aside; I didn't know if I 'd go back to finish it. However, I decided to give it another chance and I'm glad I did. It's not one of those books with a sweet love story, passion, or steamy scenes. But the author describes the historical events that are occurring so soon after Abraham Lincoln takes office and the looming threat of war with the story of Kate Seaver. Her father has committed suicide, or has he? She believes he was murdered by his former business partner and she seeks justice. Her best friend, Danny Davis who's in love with her, goes to war after she marries Bryce Rockwell, a doctor whose father is a lawyer and wealthy. Can his father help her prosecute the "murderer"? There is a side story of Carolina Rockwell and her beau/husband, Stuart Dowling, his part interweaving with the events taking place. All in all, a good story, with the final chapters surprising me. However, one disappointment at the end is that there is a cliffhanger so you need to read the next book to complete Kate's story. I received this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
February 14, 2020
With revenge driving her, Kate is determined to find justice for her father's death and will do everything in her power to bring the truth to light. As so often happens, one has to be careful of what they wish for. Kate has her own path to follow, making irreversible choices that sometimes infringe on the lives of others. The book is set in the 1860's and although mostly descriptive of a time and era in history when the USA is about to undergo major changes and challenges, the town of Nashville is fighting more than one battle as Kate is about to find out. Although the book is well written and researched, I did find it slow-moving. Fortunately, there are some quirky characters and humourous moments that bring comic relief, I was nevertheless disappointed to come to the end of the book to find that it is “To Be Continued”. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
June 28, 2024
Not sure how the algorithm found this for me.
I’d really give it a 4 or 4.5 but want the author to get credit! She’s a fellow Nashvillian after all.
It’s the story of Kate trying to get justice for her father. She believes he was murdered by his former business partner.
Kate is enamored with Brice, a medical student and son of a prosperous lawyer in Nashville. She ends up, marrying him despite being loved by Danny, the farmer next-door she has grown up with.
Things are leading up to the Civil War in Nashville. Her new prosperous family has just about lost everything because of it. She hangs on to wanting justice for her father‘s death and her new father-in-law helps her. The war interrupts the trial. Kate decides she just wants to talk to him and hopefully receive an apology. She ends up talking to the wife. Turns out Kate‘s father was not as honorable as she thought he was. She and her mom have a new understanding. To be continued…
I’d really give it a 4 or 4.5 but want the author to get credit! She’s a fellow Nashvillian after all.
It’s the story of Kate trying to get justice for her father. She believes he was murdered by his former business partner.
Kate is enamored with Brice, a medical student and son of a prosperous lawyer in Nashville. She ends up, marrying him despite being loved by Danny, the farmer next-door she has grown up with.
Things are leading up to the Civil War in Nashville. Her new prosperous family has just about lost everything because of it. She hangs on to wanting justice for her father‘s death and her new father-in-law helps her. The war interrupts the trial. Kate decides she just wants to talk to him and hopefully receive an apology. She ends up talking to the wife. Turns out Kate‘s father was not as honorable as she thought he was. She and her mom have a new understanding. To be continued…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2016
1860, in the area around Nashville, Tennessee
The story opens with a news article reporting the shooting death of one Brian Seaver shortly after being seen entering the home of a Mr. James Rayburn. The prologue ends and the rest of the tale is told from the perspective of 18 year old Kate Seaver, Brian's daughter who was waiting outside for her father prior to the shooting. Brian, though shot inside Rayburn's home, actually managed a few steps outside, falling into Kate's arms before expiring. The subsequent police investigation rules suicide, but Kate is convinced it was murder. She then makes it her mission to bring Rayburn to trial. In the meanwhile, the reader gets to know the daily life of Kate and her mother, a local doctor (not traditionally trained, as in official medical degree, more like mountain medicine doctor). The reader sees the family doing their best to heal and make peace with the emotional blending of their new reality and the memory of deceased Brian.
While all this is going on, Kate also finds she's gotten herself a suitor in Brice Rockwell, an up and coming doctor (of the medical school variety). Brice also happens to come from money, which causes a clash with Kate's more modest surroundings, but Brice finds her so hot he doesn't seem to care much. This growing relationship between Kate and Brice gets some serious side eye from Kate's best friend, Danny, who has eyes for Kate himself but sadly finds he's been firmly locked into friendzone territory.
The reader is also given some backstory on how Seaver & Rayburn came to know each other and what possibly led up to the fatal confrontation. Seaver was a dreamer and a well-liked entrepreneur who partnered with Rayburn to start a shipping company. After a couple years though, the business starts to show signs of struggling and Seaver's once blissful marriage is also starting to show a few hairline cracks. Seaver himself slips into a state of habitual drunkenness. Rayburn convinces Seaver to move the company from Knoxville to Nashville. Shortly after arriving in Nashville, Seaver begins to feel that he's somehow been cheated out of company profits... and so begins the downfall of the partnership. But is that the whole truth and nothing but the truth? As you might expect, the full story isn't disclosed til tale's end.
I admit, it did take me some chapters to get into this story but after awhile it really started growing on me! I think part of my struggle might have been my confusion while trying to feel out the overall vibe of the story. Some of the early chapters had some heavy religious seasoning, so was this Christian fiction? Then there were some understandably politically geared passages (as this novel takes place around Civil War era). But then what once seemed religiously geared would be offset with a few sections of surprisingly detailed descriptions of people taking care of bathroom business. Oh, and then there's horndog Brice. That man and his hormones! The reader gets whole sections of dialogue / description either eluding to or full on talking about his sexual urges, need for almost non-stop gropefests, erections, secretions ... frequency and all. I really started to feel for all the wear and tear on that poor girl's body. Makes me so glad to live in a time where I can say ENOUGH! and actually be heard and acknowledged! {Let me just clarify though, there are some scenes later on in the story that I would say would disqualify this one from Christian Fiction territory for most readers of the genre.}
I loved me some Danny though. I had to laugh when Kate basically tells him she never thought about him romantically because he was always so nice, like a brother and Brice just wore her down with his persistence until he grew on her. Danny comes back with "So the way to win a woman's heart is to annoy her into it?" He only gets better as the story progresses. I liked him even more after he grew comfortable in his sassy, flirtatious side.
I also loved the relationship between Kate and her mother. I especially like the version of Kate's mom that gets sad and decides to dip into the moonshine jug to get happy again. That's a fun mom! But also sober, she was a really enjoyable character to read. I liked how she tried to guide Kate the best she could but also left enough space for Kate to live her own life and make her own mistakes.
Fans of classical literature or historical fiction should have a good time with this one. A number of times I felt some Jane Austen-esque characteristics within the plot and characterizations in this novel. Jane Austen -- as far as the courting / coupling processes and family interactions -- but if you plopped one of her storylines in the middle of The South during the rise of the abolition movement. As far as the historical fiction aspect, I also liked the inclusion of descriptions of mountain medicine and folklore and how it was put up against the developing modern medicine of that era. I tend to geek out at anything that has to do with the history of medicine, so that element totally spoke to me.
There was only a couple knocks I would give this story. One being that sometimes the dialogue would sound a little more modern than I would expect from people of 1860s Southerners. The other being the ending. I was a little unsatisfied with it. I was hoping for a more solid wrap-up regarding all those tangled up emotions between Brice, Kate and Danny. However, I did read that there is a sequel in the works so those question marks I had may be easily answered in the follow up.
FTC Disclaimer: Author Belle Blackburn kindly provided me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
The story opens with a news article reporting the shooting death of one Brian Seaver shortly after being seen entering the home of a Mr. James Rayburn. The prologue ends and the rest of the tale is told from the perspective of 18 year old Kate Seaver, Brian's daughter who was waiting outside for her father prior to the shooting. Brian, though shot inside Rayburn's home, actually managed a few steps outside, falling into Kate's arms before expiring. The subsequent police investigation rules suicide, but Kate is convinced it was murder. She then makes it her mission to bring Rayburn to trial. In the meanwhile, the reader gets to know the daily life of Kate and her mother, a local doctor (not traditionally trained, as in official medical degree, more like mountain medicine doctor). The reader sees the family doing their best to heal and make peace with the emotional blending of their new reality and the memory of deceased Brian.
While all this is going on, Kate also finds she's gotten herself a suitor in Brice Rockwell, an up and coming doctor (of the medical school variety). Brice also happens to come from money, which causes a clash with Kate's more modest surroundings, but Brice finds her so hot he doesn't seem to care much. This growing relationship between Kate and Brice gets some serious side eye from Kate's best friend, Danny, who has eyes for Kate himself but sadly finds he's been firmly locked into friendzone territory.
The reader is also given some backstory on how Seaver & Rayburn came to know each other and what possibly led up to the fatal confrontation. Seaver was a dreamer and a well-liked entrepreneur who partnered with Rayburn to start a shipping company. After a couple years though, the business starts to show signs of struggling and Seaver's once blissful marriage is also starting to show a few hairline cracks. Seaver himself slips into a state of habitual drunkenness. Rayburn convinces Seaver to move the company from Knoxville to Nashville. Shortly after arriving in Nashville, Seaver begins to feel that he's somehow been cheated out of company profits... and so begins the downfall of the partnership. But is that the whole truth and nothing but the truth? As you might expect, the full story isn't disclosed til tale's end.
I admit, it did take me some chapters to get into this story but after awhile it really started growing on me! I think part of my struggle might have been my confusion while trying to feel out the overall vibe of the story. Some of the early chapters had some heavy religious seasoning, so was this Christian fiction? Then there were some understandably politically geared passages (as this novel takes place around Civil War era). But then what once seemed religiously geared would be offset with a few sections of surprisingly detailed descriptions of people taking care of bathroom business. Oh, and then there's horndog Brice. That man and his hormones! The reader gets whole sections of dialogue / description either eluding to or full on talking about his sexual urges, need for almost non-stop gropefests, erections, secretions ... frequency and all. I really started to feel for all the wear and tear on that poor girl's body. Makes me so glad to live in a time where I can say ENOUGH! and actually be heard and acknowledged! {Let me just clarify though, there are some scenes later on in the story that I would say would disqualify this one from Christian Fiction territory for most readers of the genre.}
I loved me some Danny though. I had to laugh when Kate basically tells him she never thought about him romantically because he was always so nice, like a brother and Brice just wore her down with his persistence until he grew on her. Danny comes back with "So the way to win a woman's heart is to annoy her into it?" He only gets better as the story progresses. I liked him even more after he grew comfortable in his sassy, flirtatious side.
I also loved the relationship between Kate and her mother. I especially like the version of Kate's mom that gets sad and decides to dip into the moonshine jug to get happy again. That's a fun mom! But also sober, she was a really enjoyable character to read. I liked how she tried to guide Kate the best she could but also left enough space for Kate to live her own life and make her own mistakes.
Fans of classical literature or historical fiction should have a good time with this one. A number of times I felt some Jane Austen-esque characteristics within the plot and characterizations in this novel. Jane Austen -- as far as the courting / coupling processes and family interactions -- but if you plopped one of her storylines in the middle of The South during the rise of the abolition movement. As far as the historical fiction aspect, I also liked the inclusion of descriptions of mountain medicine and folklore and how it was put up against the developing modern medicine of that era. I tend to geek out at anything that has to do with the history of medicine, so that element totally spoke to me.
There was only a couple knocks I would give this story. One being that sometimes the dialogue would sound a little more modern than I would expect from people of 1860s Southerners. The other being the ending. I was a little unsatisfied with it. I was hoping for a more solid wrap-up regarding all those tangled up emotions between Brice, Kate and Danny. However, I did read that there is a sequel in the works so those question marks I had may be easily answered in the follow up.
FTC Disclaimer: Author Belle Blackburn kindly provided me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
October 27, 2022
Kate is the Doctors Daughter, her mum is a local doctor who earns an income caring for the people in their rural community in Tennessee in the 1860's. Kate sees her dad die, and she holds a grudge against those who were responsible. Although the newspaper said it was suicide, so this is what most people believe.
Kate is adamant that her dad was killed and she is determined to prove this.
Kate starts a relationship with a rich man in the nearby town, who is studying to become a 'science' doctor at University. This causes issues with her mum, who feels her own doctoring skills are being disrespected.
I loved this book. I felt like I really knew Kate and her family. I am very glad that there is a 2nd book in this series.
Kate is adamant that her dad was killed and she is determined to prove this.
Kate starts a relationship with a rich man in the nearby town, who is studying to become a 'science' doctor at University. This causes issues with her mum, who feels her own doctoring skills are being disrespected.
I loved this book. I felt like I really knew Kate and her family. I am very glad that there is a 2nd book in this series.
October 17, 2017
Desperation
This story started out about a man whose daughter had the misfortune of watching him die. Upon which she felt certain that his last were convicting an innocent man or so it seems. Now this daughter has to pick up on her father's desperation. She marries but her primary goal is having her new father-in-law (an attorney) bring charges against this other man for murder. Her father-in-law feels the desperation of an old life ending as the civil war begins to drawer closer. This tale of people having to make life altering changes is just enough to get me to want to read the next book in this series and that my friend is a 5 star reading pleasure.
This story started out about a man whose daughter had the misfortune of watching him die. Upon which she felt certain that his last were convicting an innocent man or so it seems. Now this daughter has to pick up on her father's desperation. She marries but her primary goal is having her new father-in-law (an attorney) bring charges against this other man for murder. Her father-in-law feels the desperation of an old life ending as the civil war begins to drawer closer. This tale of people having to make life altering changes is just enough to get me to want to read the next book in this series and that my friend is a 5 star reading pleasure.
March 10, 2020
Kate Seaver is very bitter since her father passed away, and she feels justice must be served.
The setting is 1860s, the beginning of civil war time in Nashville.
Kate sets out on an extraordinary journey looking for her love and purpose in life.
A well written thoroughly researched story. I love the history. The authors dry sense of humor will leave you with laugh out loud moments.A cast of compelling and engaging characters. Look forward to the sequel. I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
The setting is 1860s, the beginning of civil war time in Nashville.
Kate sets out on an extraordinary journey looking for her love and purpose in life.
A well written thoroughly researched story. I love the history. The authors dry sense of humor will leave you with laugh out loud moments.A cast of compelling and engaging characters. Look forward to the sequel. I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
April 9, 2023
This story is a work of historical fiction. I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't typically read this kind of book, but I enjoyed it. Sometimes, what we think is the truth is only one view of it. When looked at from another viewpoint. Things look totaly different. There are always two sides to every story. Make sure you see both sides before making any decisions.
April 2, 2021
Revenge
A very well written story.if you've ever wanted revenge on someone,reading this book will drive you to desire for that revenge and will then help you question if you should have been vengeful to begin with.
A very well written story.if you've ever wanted revenge on someone,reading this book will drive you to desire for that revenge and will then help you question if you should have been vengeful to begin with.
February 13, 2017
Set in 1860s Nashville, TN, this popular historical novel mixes a smooth blend of Civil War history, mystery and romance.
August 1, 2018
Difficult to get into
April 1, 2020
This book is a blend of historical fiction, romance, and thriller. Kate witnesses her father die and is convinced he was murdered. The official report is suicide. The reader then follows Kate on her road to getting justice for her father. For me, Kate was just not very likable. I found it hard to connect with her and often wished I could shake her. I do enjoy books that can bring that out in me and I was very happy with that. She did redeem herself in my eyes by the end. I received this book from eBook Discovery. I am voluntarily posting this review. This is my honest review.
July 8, 2014
History buffs should love this book. It’s well-paced, historically accurate, colorful and interesting, and has only a few drawbacks. The 19th century South is not romanticized, but shown in its flawed complexity of culture and politics, through the eyes of Kate, an assertive young woman from the outskirts of Nashville, the doctor’s daughter of the title.
Because of the title I kept expecting some major plot event to emerge from the differences in medicine practiced by the folk healer, Kate’s mother, and the modern doctor, Brice Rockwell, but that never happened. Being the doctor’s daughter isn’t the key element in Kate’s story, although her relationship with her mother is. The book centers on the other half of the title, Kate’s journey to justice for her father’s death.
That journey takes Kate through challenges that make her grow up, including what I call an “anti-romance.” While this major subplot has a lot of the elements of a typical romance at the beginning, it quickly becomes more realistic, conflicted and difficult. Love is not idealized. The men in Kate’s life are fully developed characters, imperfect, not romantic heroes. The main plot is wrapped up well, but the “anti-romance” plot has an unknown trajectory, though a probable one. The book’s last lines feel more like the end of a chapter than the end of a book.
The medical history and herbal medicine research is flawless. When I read a book in which an author is covering my area of expertise, it’s a pleasure to find no mistakes. Every herb is used for the right thing, and the facts on medical training and practice for college educated doctors are accurate. The only downside to this is that it’s easy for an author to get carried away when she’s worked hard to learn so much. A few too many remedies are worked into conversations. While none of this was dull, the detail on Mrs. Seaver’s medicine in some dialog pushed the limits of what felt natural. The author over-uses her civil war research occasionally also, with a few side-tracks into issues not related to the plot, like the legal aspects of freeing a slave. Kate’s observations on the effects of the war on life in Nashville and the countryside are fascinating, though, so I didn’t mind the occasional digressions other than wondering if they were going to lead to new plot elements. The evacuations, the cancellations, the shortages, the slaves’ desire for freedom—all those did work well into the plot, as did some of the health and medical details.
The contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the common country people is well drawn. I enjoyed Kate’s earthiness. As a country girl and the daughter of a folk healer, she's seen a lot more of life than more refined young women, and this makes her competent and unconventional. She’s a compelling character, deeply flawed, but with admirable strengths as well. Kate's insights into the true nature of slavery come naturally and slowly, in a believable way. She develops compassion and has no racial prejudice, but she never gets past a pretty girl's prejudice against a homely one. Kate’s meanness about Carolina’s appearance never failed to appall me. Kate describes a good relationship at one point in which they become friends, like sisters, and yet later refers to Carolina as doltish and still mocks her looks behind her back. As I said, she’s flawed. It makes her real.
The prose gets a little too florid at times, though it’s usually clear and strong. The dialog often has a natural flow, but several scenes are too expository and don’t sound like speech, but like narration.
I give this book five stars on research and characters, four on plot, and three on writing style, and average it out to four. Well worth reading in spite of a few shortcomings.
Because of the title I kept expecting some major plot event to emerge from the differences in medicine practiced by the folk healer, Kate’s mother, and the modern doctor, Brice Rockwell, but that never happened. Being the doctor’s daughter isn’t the key element in Kate’s story, although her relationship with her mother is. The book centers on the other half of the title, Kate’s journey to justice for her father’s death.
That journey takes Kate through challenges that make her grow up, including what I call an “anti-romance.” While this major subplot has a lot of the elements of a typical romance at the beginning, it quickly becomes more realistic, conflicted and difficult. Love is not idealized. The men in Kate’s life are fully developed characters, imperfect, not romantic heroes. The main plot is wrapped up well, but the “anti-romance” plot has an unknown trajectory, though a probable one. The book’s last lines feel more like the end of a chapter than the end of a book.
The medical history and herbal medicine research is flawless. When I read a book in which an author is covering my area of expertise, it’s a pleasure to find no mistakes. Every herb is used for the right thing, and the facts on medical training and practice for college educated doctors are accurate. The only downside to this is that it’s easy for an author to get carried away when she’s worked hard to learn so much. A few too many remedies are worked into conversations. While none of this was dull, the detail on Mrs. Seaver’s medicine in some dialog pushed the limits of what felt natural. The author over-uses her civil war research occasionally also, with a few side-tracks into issues not related to the plot, like the legal aspects of freeing a slave. Kate’s observations on the effects of the war on life in Nashville and the countryside are fascinating, though, so I didn’t mind the occasional digressions other than wondering if they were going to lead to new plot elements. The evacuations, the cancellations, the shortages, the slaves’ desire for freedom—all those did work well into the plot, as did some of the health and medical details.
The contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the common country people is well drawn. I enjoyed Kate’s earthiness. As a country girl and the daughter of a folk healer, she's seen a lot more of life than more refined young women, and this makes her competent and unconventional. She’s a compelling character, deeply flawed, but with admirable strengths as well. Kate's insights into the true nature of slavery come naturally and slowly, in a believable way. She develops compassion and has no racial prejudice, but she never gets past a pretty girl's prejudice against a homely one. Kate’s meanness about Carolina’s appearance never failed to appall me. Kate describes a good relationship at one point in which they become friends, like sisters, and yet later refers to Carolina as doltish and still mocks her looks behind her back. As I said, she’s flawed. It makes her real.
The prose gets a little too florid at times, though it’s usually clear and strong. The dialog often has a natural flow, but several scenes are too expository and don’t sound like speech, but like narration.
I give this book five stars on research and characters, four on plot, and three on writing style, and average it out to four. Well worth reading in spite of a few shortcomings.
February 10, 2015
I'm not sure what to think about this book. I thought I was reading a Christian fiction book. I don't think this qualifies for that at all. Kate is an intelligent and apparently very pretty young lady who has just seen her father stumbling out of a house shot. Her father's last words were "He did this to me."... (his ex-business partner who's house he just stumbled out of). When the police come, they believe the killing is self-inflicted and, as far as Kate is concerned, her father was murdered and the killer is not brought to justice.
The main plot throughout the book is her need to see her father's killer hung.
However, also throughout the book are other plots... like the rest of her life when she's not seeking justice.. like helping her mother in her back-woods medicine practice, taking care of the little farming that feeds them, friendships and interactions with friends, neighbors and church folk, and a blossoming romance and marriage.
Seems everyone just loves Kate. I'm not particularly fond of her. She is rude to a young handsome man (Brice) who just wants to get to know her. When she gets to know Brice's sister, she constantly talks to herself (and sometimes her mother) about how ugly she is. She was just mean about it. Every time she mentioned Carolina's unfortunate appearance I just want to smack her and tell her to not be so petty. I also don't like how she treats her best friend since childhood once she finds out he always planned on marrying her. She loved him as a brother, but after that she was angry and didn't want to be around him. He was heart broken.
But I tell you what... the writing of history of that time and that area (Nashville) was amazing.
The book starts just before the civil war breaks out, then ends after Nashville is overtaken and occupied by the Yankees. The author's historical writing was impeccable. Loved it! Well done!!!
What I liked a lot were the characters. Even the ones you don't particularly like, you loved to read about because the description of them and the things they do and say is so well done. Some one lady (Mrs. Goad) is crotchety and mean and says whatever she wants. Then there's the town gossip with a huge heart. Kate's mother is a very nice enjoyable character. Mr. Robbins (the blacksmith) was a fun old guy too.
But as I said, I thought this was a Christian book, and although there was Church attendance in the book, and church events, there was language and situations not normally used in Christian books. So, I'm gonna go with not.
But, still, it was a good book. I really liked it.
......
Except for the ending. UGH!!!
The ending wasn't an ending. Fortunately, there was some resolution to a major plotline, but new plotlines that came up weren't dealt with. Just a chapter or a few paragraphs here and there were written in, but will have to be followed up on in subsequent books.
I like the author's writing, except for her use of unfortunate words, but aside from that, I might need to see what happens to Kate, and Brice, and Brice's father and sister, and the underground railroad and Danny, the childhood friend.
The main plot throughout the book is her need to see her father's killer hung.
However, also throughout the book are other plots... like the rest of her life when she's not seeking justice.. like helping her mother in her back-woods medicine practice, taking care of the little farming that feeds them, friendships and interactions with friends, neighbors and church folk, and a blossoming romance and marriage.
Seems everyone just loves Kate. I'm not particularly fond of her. She is rude to a young handsome man (Brice) who just wants to get to know her. When she gets to know Brice's sister, she constantly talks to herself (and sometimes her mother) about how ugly she is. She was just mean about it. Every time she mentioned Carolina's unfortunate appearance I just want to smack her and tell her to not be so petty. I also don't like how she treats her best friend since childhood once she finds out he always planned on marrying her. She loved him as a brother, but after that she was angry and didn't want to be around him. He was heart broken.
But I tell you what... the writing of history of that time and that area (Nashville) was amazing.
The book starts just before the civil war breaks out, then ends after Nashville is overtaken and occupied by the Yankees. The author's historical writing was impeccable. Loved it! Well done!!!
What I liked a lot were the characters. Even the ones you don't particularly like, you loved to read about because the description of them and the things they do and say is so well done. Some one lady (Mrs. Goad) is crotchety and mean and says whatever she wants. Then there's the town gossip with a huge heart. Kate's mother is a very nice enjoyable character. Mr. Robbins (the blacksmith) was a fun old guy too.
But as I said, I thought this was a Christian book, and although there was Church attendance in the book, and church events, there was language and situations not normally used in Christian books. So, I'm gonna go with not.
But, still, it was a good book. I really liked it.
......
Except for the ending. UGH!!!
The ending wasn't an ending. Fortunately, there was some resolution to a major plotline, but new plotlines that came up weren't dealt with. Just a chapter or a few paragraphs here and there were written in, but will have to be followed up on in subsequent books.
I like the author's writing, except for her use of unfortunate words, but aside from that, I might need to see what happens to Kate, and Brice, and Brice's father and sister, and the underground railroad and Danny, the childhood friend.
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