A Most Precious Gift

by Jacqueline Freeman Wheelock

Dinah Devereaux, New Orleans-born slave and seamstress, suddenly finds herself relegated to a sweltering kitchen on the Natchez town estate of Riverwood. Having never cooked a day in her life, she is terrified of being found out and banished to the cotton fields as was her mother before her. But when she accidentally burns the freedom papers of Jonathan Mayfield, a handsome free man of color to whom she's attracted, her fear of the fields becomes secondary.
A gifted cabinetmaker, Jonathan Mayfield's heart is set on finally becoming a respected businessman by outfitting a bedroom at the palatial Riverwood—until a beautiful new slave destroys his proof of freedom and his fragile confidence along with it.
When the mistress of Riverwood orders Dinah to work alongside the sullen Mr. Mayfield, sparks fly setting the two on a collision course. Is their mutual love for God strong enough to overcome deep-seated insecurities and set the couple on a path toward self-acceptance and love for each other?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian Fiction

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2014

About the author

Jacqueline Freeman Wheelock’s historical novels share the narratives of African American women seeking their identities in the difficult setting of the old South. A former high school and college English teacher, her first novel, A Most Precious Gift, debuted in 2014 and made Amazon’s Best Seller in African American Historical Fiction. In 2017, she released its sequel, In Pursuit of an Emerald. Wheelock is a multi-published author whose works range from short stories and devotionals to a memoir of growing up during and after segregation. Published multiple times by University Press of Mississippi, she has been a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers for over a decade. Jacqueline and her husband Donald have two adult children and two granddaughters.

Connect with Jacqueline on her website (jacquelinefreemanwheelock.com) where you can discover her latest blog posts, follow her on social media, and receive a free gift for being part of her wonderful community.

Reviews

[Amy Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story of the freedom that is ours through Christ, no matter our physical circumstances. I especially enjoyed the dialogue.

[Amy Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I would normally pick, but I am so glad I read it. It definitely gives a different perspective on slavery and the lead up to the war. It had so many beautiful references to the true freedom we can only gain through Jesus, as well as the lessons to not judge without knowing the whole story.

[Heather Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Jacqueline Freeman Wheelock. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freedom

Trust in God and you will be free. Johnathon learns a valuable lesson when his freedom papers are accidentally burned. A piece of paper does not freedom bring. He meets Dinah and many misunderstandings later they are together. Dinah thought Jonathon bought her to be his slave, because she jumped to conclusions and didn't finish reading the papers he gave her. When she is kidnapped and threatened Johnathon saves her and she learns the truth.

[Mardi Gorham · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I give 5 stars for this great story. I would recommend this especially for those who like Christian historical fiction.

[Lynne Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story. Had the interesting twist of exposure to the inner self talk that we all posess, and how it can alter reality.
I found this book hard to put down. The characters were complex and flawed, which gave them intense character.
There was joy, saddness, loss, gain, love and brutality with what seemed like just the right amount of each. A rich story.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Most Precious Gift is an amazing book it was good from the very beginning to the end. Dinah Devereaux from New Orleans, born a slave from birth. She grew up as a seamstress but suddenly finds herself as a cook on the Natchez town estate at Riverwood. She does not cook she sews but being a slave she does what she is told to do. She accidentally burns a freeman's coat in the kitchen with his free papers in his pocket. Jonathan Mayfield walks in the kitchen to retrieve his coat and sparks start flying when he realizes his free papers are gone. He is a gifted freeman cabinet maker and makes beautiful furniture. He needs his papers so he can travel the roads in the south to make a living for himself.

This is a Christian, Historical, light romance about slaves of the south. The mistress of Riverwood puts the two together to redecorate her bedroom with new furniture, curtains, and bed linens. This is an awesome, very well written with the characters well defined. With all the trials and hardships the slaves had to endure, being separated from their families, having love and happiness only for a short time. This pulled at the heart strings with lots of emotion in all directions. I loved the story and an excellent author.

[Janis Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just okay.

I liked the characters but the storyline seemed disconnected in places. I think the story needed more development in order to be credible.

[Felicia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing

I loved this book filled with suspense,action,romance and historical information about the institution of slavery and its affects on both slave and free.

[chantelle brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

I enjoy a true love story and this book is about true love. The characters are so alive and I could picture myself being a part of the story.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! The characters, the storyline, the vintage background, and the Christian tenets of faith, trust in God, and hope made this a very "good read!"

[caroljordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is freedom

I enjoyed this book very much. We still have not corrected the wrongs we committed to the slaves. All men are equal.