Thandi's Love: Love Happens Even in the Cruelest of Places

by Angel Strong

Set in the South during the mid-1800's Thandi's Love explores the life of cotton plantation owner Tom Lexington. After a particularly generous yield, he asks his Aunt Lacey to send additional servants to help with the harvest.
Tom is delighted that his good friends Thandi and Isaac will be coming to stay, the sibling servants he grew up with as a child. He welcomes them with open arms and has them stay in the mansions guestrooms.
However, his frightfully horrific wife Anna soon puts a stop to that saying she will not have slaves staying in the house, which marks the beginning of her callous ways.

Following a terrible row between Tom and Anna, Thandi and Tom find themselves alone in the beautifully kept gardens. Soon tender moments lead to passionate lovemaking.

With suspicions mounting, Daniel Stafford, Anna's father, instructs Tom to stay away from Thandi. He also reminds Tom of the past deals struck between them, and that all the plantation's slaves rightfully belong to him. Stafford takes Anna home for a break, and in their absence, he sends his associate Victor to keep an eye on affairs, who in which instantly takes a keen liking to Thandi.

With news that his beloved Aunt is dying, Tom pays her a visit and learns a shocking piece of news concerning himself and Thandi. Slowly the facts are revealed. Not only facts of the here and now, but also deep dark secrets from the past...

Will Thandi and Tom end up in each other's arms? Will Anna and Stafford fight them to the bitter end? ... Or will Thandi succumb to the charms of another?

Step back in time and take a journey through undeniable love, forever friendships, selfless sacrifices, and unforgettable breathtaking moments that will leave you yearning for more...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2016

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/18/2018)! 💝

Blurb:
Set in the South during the mid-1800's, Thandi's Love explores the torrid love affair between beautiful mulatto slave Thandi Boran, and her married master, Tom Lexington. This riveting tale revolves around their great love and the many obstacles they endured. (The main obstacle being Tom's marriage to Anna, the mean-spirited daughter of his business partner and enemy, Daniel Stafford) With suspicions mounting and tempers flaring, Stafford warns Tom to stay away from Thandi or else... He (Stafford) soon takes his daughter back home for a much-needed break. In their absence, Stafford sends his business partner and fellow associate Victor Richmond to keep an eye on affairs, who in which instantly takes a keen liking to Thandi. With news that his beloved Aunt is dying, Tom pays her a visit and learns a shocking piece of news. Slowly the facts are revealed. Not only facts of the here and now, but also deep dark secrets from the past... Step back in time and take a journey through undeniable love, forever friendships, selfless sacrifices, and unforgettable breathtaking moments that will leave you yearning for more...

[John Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up what I assume was Angel Strong’s debut novel, Thandi’s Love. In short, it doesn’t read like a debut novel, and I’ve had never read anything remotely historical fiction. This is a wonderful story set in mid 1800’s on the plantations of the south about family, friendship, and passionate love. I couldn’t stop turning pages. Strong has an economy to her writing style that doesn’t bore the reader with long descriptions but gives you details, action, and dialogue all woven into powerful phrases. It’s cinematic. You can see scenes come off the pages and feel the emotions of the well-developed characters as the interact with each other.

Strong knows how to make protagonist, Thandi beautiful, and I mean absolutely gorgeous, and she doesn’t have to go on about it. Strong picks her shots. Check it out. “The former tomboy, pig-tailed girl from his childhood had surprisingly morphed into a beautiful goddess.” And, “Her sleek brows furrowed inquisitively above her wide eyes.” Notice the action there. Strong also doesn’t bog you down with backstory but instead weaves it into the intricate plot strategically. She kicks off the tension in the opening pages giving the reader both the good and bad of Anna and her conflict with Tom. Yikes! “Without question, she [Anna] was a very beautiful woman, but the foulness within her profoundly diminished her outward beauty.” She paints a beautiful and honest picture of the south during that period. Her dialogue and dialect both feel authentic.

Finally, Strong masterfully wields an omniscient third person narrative (something not easy to do) to deliver this robust tale from different points of view. Thandi’s Love is filled with twists and turns and a surprising reveal toward the end. Highly recommended.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is set in the deep South during the mid 1800's. The book vividly shows the mindset of the time and how things that were accepted then are certainly not ok now. It's a forbidden romance in a time when social niceties did not all interracial dating. A forbidden romance where a torrid love affair between beautiful mulatto slave Thandi Boran, and her married master, Tom Lexington existed. The story has a lot of drama and kept me quickly flipping pages. I hope to see more books by this author soon.
Pub Date 21 Jan 2017
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. Thank you
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Skyla Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to start this review off by saying I'm not a big fan of historical romances. That being said, I will also say I was pleasantly surprised by the writing/plot of this story.

Tom Lexington, the male protagonist, is the opposite of an alpha male. He has a sweet side that a reader can't help but to love from the very beginning. His wife, Anna, is a snob who treats him far from how he deserves (hate that bitch!). Cue in Thandi, the beautiful, dark-skinned, old friend of Tom's, who will cause a stir in Anna and Tom's relationship.

The story involves a few twists that I never saw coming. Although the setting is in the 1800s, the story still felt current and wasn't over done with olden day language. I knew I was in the 1800s, but it wasn't plagued with annoying dialect like some historical story lines tend to be.

I was given a pre-edited version of this book, which did affect my overall reading experience. I believe the author has rectified this in a newer version. Based on the belief that this story has since been professionally edited, I would recommend this read for fans of historical romance.

Skyla Murphy
www.skylamurphy.com

[C.M. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish and I'm sure you will too. Angel Strong has done a masterful job at drawing the reader into an unfamiliar time period and making them feel right at home with the setting and her amazing characters.

This is a mid-eighteen hundred's love story, but really so much more! Her characters are faced with a multitude of different social issues, which for the times were basically unheard of - and might even raise some eyebrows today? This historical romance, not only deals with forbidden love, but slavery and racism during a time of white supremacy fraught with manipulation and shame.

Throughout the telling of this story, I found myself rooting for Thandi Boran, a young mulatto girl, who along with her brother,Issac, had been born into a life of slavery. I also cheered for Tom Lexington (the other half of this romance,) and owner of the failing Lexington Plantation. Due to his father nearly bankrupting the estate, Tom was forced into an arranged and loveless marriage to the spiteful, Anna Stafford, the spoiled daughter of his business partner Daniel Stafford , the man who acquired his plantation through dishonesty and ruthlessness.

This obstacle alone, should have been enough to discourage the affair between Tom and Thandi but true love is not so easily extinguished. Three best friends growing up on the plantation together, Isaac, Tom and Thandi, had a bond that could not be broken.

After Daniel Stafford learns he's the legal owner of Isaac and Thandi, under the guise of saving his precious daughter's marriage, he threatens to take Thandi with him to his plantation and make her his own personal property and slave.

Enter Victor Richmond! A man of mystery and great wealth in his own right, he is also a business associate of the despicable Daniel Stafford. Mr. Richmond is a character who may, or may not be, what he appears? When he offers a large sum of money to purchase Thandi from Stafford, the reader is left wondering the extent of his motives? Everyone in this book is holding onto a secret, and as the story unfolds, these secrets all come together to help define the plot.

I was mesmerized by Strong's writing and am thrilled there is a sequel in the making right now - not to mention it's being made into a movie, as well! Congratulations on this huge accomplishment, Angel! I am eagerly awaiting both!

C.M.Tutner

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slavery at one time was a horrible realization in our world. Blacks and whites could not mix and certainly not fall in love. This story tells of a gentle slave owner and a forbidden love. Tom is a man like no other, he cared for his slaves deeply. When his childhood playmates come to his plantation to help with the harvest he soon finds himself in love. Thandi was a dear friend of Tom's along with her brother Isaac. Yes, she is mulatto (mix of black and white). Soon after a romance begins and truths come to light the lives of these people will never be the same. Victor Richmond comes to the rescue when Thandi is in danger and with him she finds a life she never expected.

If I had to rate this book on the story alone it would be rated a 5. I have to look at the book as a whole though, so I have to rate it lower due to grammar, punctuation, and other writing issues. Honestly, the story was a great one. It really kept me interested and I loved it. The characters were real and colorful and many were easy to love while others were very easy to dislike. The ending was simply awesome. The writing was where I found the most fault. I got this book on Kindle Unlimited and so I assume it's a finished version. Grammar and punctuation mistakes are found on just about every page. Usually if I see one or two mistakes, I can ignore them, but this book is in need of editing. If you can look past the grammatical issues the story is well worth the read. It has history, romance, and drama. It is an enthralling story from the very first page....Stormi


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[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually try to stay away from period piece romances but for some reason this one caught my eye.This book was set in the era of slavery when some slaves were granted their freedom while others were still entrapped in it.We meet slave owner and master Tom who is not the typical white owner , but who had befriended and interacted with two sibling slaves, Isaac and Thandis during his upbringing. He had maintained contact with these two slaves and during this time had requested their assistance in the harvesting of his bounteous crops.Their arrival brings a shift in the household hierarchy and marital discord, and we find opposition to their presence in Tom"s wife and father-in-law.The book leads us through some blurred lines, plot twists and turns that if you read between the lines you may get an inkling of what is coming.The author spins a great novel and while I did not find myself obsessing to finish the book, I was intrigued enough to want to finish it.Some of the language was a bit offensive but I acknowledge that the author was trying to stay true to the reality of life during those times.The lack of breaking up two words(shecouldn't instead of she couldn't) proved a bit of an annoyance mainly because of its frequency but overall this was a pretty good read.

[Louise Blackwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally managed to get my hands on a copy. I live in the Netherlands, so that took a little while.

I'm currently on page 360-or-so, but my 5 stars review stands and will stand for the coming time, for I already know I'm holding a masterpiece.

To say I love it is an understatement: I adore it. Thandi and Tom come across as deeply-fleshed and riveting to read, and their love story is both entrancing, selfless and complicated. Thandi's secret definitely adds flavour to the story.

There is a Virginia Woolf vibe about the story, with the author capturing human feelings and behaviours in a way only a great Observer can. It is a story with a soul that will wriggle its way into your heart.

[Martha Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time I haven’t read a story in the mid- 1800’s, I loved this amazing story it’s about a love that it was forbidden Tom and Thandi is having an affair. Thandi Boran is a slave and sleeping with Master Tom, Tom Lexington is married. This story has lots of drama, true love I was so in love with the characters they come alive in such away your eager to change the page it was a wonderful read with plots you don’t see coming. I was sad when they sold her to another master my heart was broken it seem it was for the best. Thandi heart was always with Tom. Victor was a sweet man with a secret of he’s own. Tom had a secret he couldn’t tell Thandi he loved her and he wanted to protect her from his father in-law the man disliked Thandi she was a problem in Tom marriage he wanted his hateful daughter to be happy. You can’t go wrong with this fantastic story, it was written beautifully. It’s a must read!!

[Flossy Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally go for historical fiction, as not my chosen genre, but I absolutely loved this book. I was immediately interested in Thandi's character and was drawn into her story and that of her family. Angel writes well and the story line flows beautifully. The characters were well developed - I took an instant dislike to Anna and her father! I wont give away any of the storylines here, but all I can say is you must read this book! I got this novel free with amazon prime, but I would have happily purchased it. Gorgeous read. Well done, Angel, I look forward to your next book.

Ps, I finished this book a week ago, yet I still find myself thinking about Thandi. That's a sign of having just read a good book!

[Derrick Marrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start by saying I am not a fan of books of this era. That being said the author has crafted a wonderful book of historical fiction laced with the issues of the era. Though I cringed in certain places the words and the pacing kept me intrigued enough to turn the pages and continue reading. The layered story of forbidden love and lust and power and greed mixed with the timeframe was riveting. It gave a little peek behind the curtain of a long forgotten era. The author does a great job of storytelling taking the reader, just when you thought you knew what was going to happen down a different rabbit hole. The characters felt real and not contrived. I'll give the author my highest compliment and say I'll look forward to more of her work!

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am giving this novel 5 stars due to content. Is Historical and romantic fiction. Takes place in 1800's before the civil war. Is the story of Thandi and Tom. She is a slave and childhood friend of Tom. They see each other again as adults and the sparks fly. Tom is a slave owner that cares for his workers and treats them with friendship. Is an emotional fairy tale and could not put it down. You eill not regret reading this novel. The characters become as family. There are also those to dislike. Thanks to Goodreads.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads. Beautiful and heartwarming story of love and friendship. Loved it.

[Peta Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in the South in the 1800's in the time when the rich has slaves and the arrogant treat them very poorly.

Tom Lexington grew up on a Cotton Plantation. His parents were good loving people who treated their slaves very well. Thandi and Isaac were the children of a slave who worked for Tom's Aunt Lacey. They spent many years together as children, running free and getting up to all manner of mischief. As the years went by, they all grew up and after the death of Tom's father, his uncle Daniel put his money up to help with the debts on the plantation and keep it going.

After a very prosperous cotton season, Tom calls on his Aunt to help out with slaves to bring the cotton in. He couldn't hold back his joy when the carriage doors open and his good friends Thandi and Isaac alight. The staff were amazed when Thandi and Isaac are informed that they are to stay in the mansion and Tom's wife Anna is particularly verbal in her opinion of this and therein begins her very cruel treatment of Isaac and especially Thandi.

Anna can see how close the three are and is suspicious of every moment Thandi and Tom spend together and after consulting her equally cruel father Daniel, steps are put in place to rid the mansion of Thandi and thereby sever any closeness between the friends.

This is a well written book, showcasing the terrible ideas that the rich have all the privileges over the poor and black slaves. I particularly enjoyed that this book didn't show the violence against the slaves which for me made it so easy to read. There are some interesting twists and although there are moments of intense intimacy and graphic, they no way deter from the beautiful story.

I enjoyed every word and look forward to more stories about this family saga from Angel Strong.

Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kerry Reis · Rating 3 out of 5]

(SOME SEGMENTS 18+ ONLY) In the antebellum period of the South, Tom Lexington, trapped in a loveless arranged marriage in order to keep his father’s plantation, is bringing down some of his aunt’s slaves to help with the current cotton crop, including Isaac and Thandi, two mulatto slaves that were his dearest childhood friends when he was growing up. For Tom, Thandi’s beauty as well as their deeply held childhood history draws him into a deeper relationship with her; however, his wife, Anna, seeking to maintain her shared claim of property in this marriage as well the proper status between masters and slaves strikes out to drive a wedge between them. Yet, it turns out to be a secret that Tom learns from his dying aunt that puts a larger obstacle between Tom and Thandi. The author has created some relatable characters who are presented in a semi-omniscient point of view in a nice flowing writing style. However, as an historical romance, I felt most of the dialogue and some plot moments seemed to have a more anachronistically modern tone. Status conflicts seemed to come more from personal reaction than from the cultural environment of the time. I also would have like to have read a more direct revelation and resolution of the family secret between Tom and Thandi, than the general afterthought at the end. As for editing, basic grammatical errors were at an acceptable level. However, in the ebook version that I read, a major review of formatting is definitely required with blog post paragraphing, undefined chapter divisions, a blending of hard and soft line breaks, spaces within words, and words combined without spaces making reading tougher to follow along. Perhaps buying the paperback would have provided a better format for reading this tale.

[E. Billups · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom and Thandi’s taboo affair faces insurmountable obstacles in a time of insurmountable hatred of racial mixing. The love triangle between Tom, Thandi, and Victor is compelling and heart-wrenching, and I rooted for all three to get their heart’s desire. The author crafted this story beautifully, keeping the reader guessing and cheering for three equally lovable and honorable protagonists.

The author has immense talent for this genre. A historical piece filled with a deep understanding of dynamics that take place on a southern plantation between slave-owners and slaves living in close quarters. Sometimes those affiliations grow deep roots of love and friendship that cannot be torn apart by racist hatred.

Tom Lexington, a slave-owner is trapped in a loveless marriage with wicked and jealous Anna. After many years, Thandi Boran, a green-eyed mulatto returns to her childhood plantation a beautiful woman, no longer that knock-kneed girl Tom remembered. Their love is instant and passionate, and Tom is determined to make it work. But his jealous wife will do anything to keep her husband and anything to be rid of Thandi. Underhanded schemes, family secrets, and finally worry for Thandi’s safety throws her into the protective arms of Victor Richmond.

Victor for victorious, redemption, selfless, undying love captured my heart and left me weeping. This story epitomizes life and reminds us we can’t always have what our heart wants, but true love is worth fighting for. If I could give Angel Strong ten stars instead of five, I would most definitely.

[Suzy Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to have this novel as a gift in return for an honest review.

This dark romance fiction novel portrays Patriarchy as it intersects with issues of ethnicity, class and gender.

At the center of the novel is the theme of forbidden love, and the intrigues of plot will keep you entertained from the beginning through to the ending.

The ambiguity of the ending suggests that we have more to learn about our heroine, "Thandi," a green-eyed slave beauty, with the triple deficit of being a woman, a mulatto, and a slave. Strong problematizes the "choices" Thandi makes, and asks if we are ever in control of our destinies, in the light of ingrained prejudices and inequalities in society.

Although the novel is set in the South of the 1800's, these themes still have a resonance today.

I particularly enjoyed the author's preoccupation with identity, and characters' motives, a recurring theme throughout the text, and the depiction of a "family" as a microcosm of society as a whole.

The enchanted garden in the text, and the author's effective use of pathetic fallacy, suggests, at times, a return to innocence, perhaps a time where there is no "other" in humankind, and we have at last found our Eden.

On the other hand, man's pursuit of material wealth and gain is blighted by reversals of fortune, in a harsh world, where man will fight man to gain the "victory" and the prize. It is indeed, only through love that we truly know ourselves.

This novel, from an author with a sense of history and a deep social awareness, is a thought-provoking read, and highly recommended.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set during the days of slavery, Thandi and Isaac grew up as slaves but were best friends with Tom, the young son of the plantation owner. Being separated for a long time, Thandi and Isaac came back to the plantation where they were children. Now they are all grown up. Tom insists that they stay in the main house as they were more friends than master and slave. Tom is married to a woman who is mean and nasty to her husband and all the slaves. Thandi who is half white has grown up to be a gorgeous woman in love with Tom. . That love is consummated one night but there is a secret that Tom learns about that will cause them to never be together. Thandi goes to live with Victor, a rich man who has everything but Thandi. So many secrets and lies that keep true love from flowering. It's sad as people are bought and sold like livestock. Tom was a good plantation owner but he owned Thandi and Isaac.. Events take place that uncover all the secrets. I was in pain with Thandi. Sometimes it was hard to read but well worth it as it is a love story. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no compensation.

[=^._.^= · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid reader of historical fiction I enjoyed reading this debut novel. Angel Strong wrote a beautiful story of loving the wrong person in the time of slavery and overcoming social barriers and power hungry individuals. It is not a light story, it is very real at times, yet at points I do feel that the author could have gone a little darker although I do understand that this is a romance novel. At times I was a little frustrated with the main character, Thandi, to me it seemed that although she was described as strong willed and feisty I never really felt that her actions showed it; or perhaps I am just being biased because as a reader I came to care tremendously for Victor and I did not appreciate her obtuse attitude towards him at times. Nevertheless, this is an repellent read and recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance novels with a solid plot.

[Coleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The time period for the setting of this book is one of my very favorites - about 25 years before the Civil War. Plantations and slavery, and while slavery almost always is portrayed badly in pre-Civil war books [as it should], there are those themes that show it differently. So I enjoyed the beautiful setting, some of the characters, and most of the -easy read- action.

Without 'spoiling' the ending, I have to admit that I did not like the ending. There were several ways the author could have chosen to go, but the way she did was upsetting to me. And I can not explain why without 'spoiling' the ending.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Jessica Lucci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Southern slave falls for Master and then New Master falls for her. The story itself was solid. I wavered between giving this book 1 or 2 stars because mainly, the follow up rape scene disgusted me. Woman is raped, polite rapist asks forgiveness, woman and rapist become a loving couple. Also, the condoned sibling incest was nasty. The writing was good, and the characters were described well. More historic hints from the time setting would've given the story more substance. The sex scenes (NOT THE RAPE SCENE) were hot and done perfectly.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! I loved this book as I am a fan of IR romance especially when it is historical. I was glad that all worked out well in the end for Tom and Thandi. But I didn't like how she treated Victor, he treated her like a queen. And in the end, he was a true friend. I would love to read more from this author! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I love books with forbidden love, but this one had a bit much of the forbidden if you know what I mean lol. Other than that slight thing, I must say this book was very interesting. I loved the view into the past and I grew to love Victor. Overall a great read that I would recommend to all.

***I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of my honest opinions. All opinions are my own and I have received no compensation. ***

[J.Z. LUCIANO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thsndi's Love--- is riddled in compelling truth and passion! The dichotomy of two worlds merging from a love that, as the French would say was...."L' iterdit" meaning Forbidden! The author subborned my attention from the first line. This is a must read...especially during "cuffing season!"
Strong's book tugs at the heart and conscious; of her readers and fans. I know, first hand, how complex and complicated relationships can be. But Ms. Strong makes the reader want to "throw down the gauntlet", and go for it! This couples passion for each other, and zest for life jumps off the pages---landing straight into the heart of the reader! How many authors you know can do that right out the gate? Books take us places, yes. However Thandie's Love take you on a scenic sensual and romantic journey. A few times...I kinda felt like a voyeur...peeking in the side window like a naughty noisy adolescent.
Sorry No Spoilers! Read this book, and become an instant fan, and incurable Romantic, like the rest of us. Girlfriend this is what folks wanna read! I just wanna know where's the sequel? Take a bow Ms. Strong!

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely well written, it is about Tom and Thandie. It's a very touching love story that transcends time and space!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book of taboo love in the time of slavery in the 1800's. It's a beautiful heartwarming story with strong characters living in troubled times in the South.The author captured and held me from start to finish. I enjoyed this book and would recommend reading.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

she is a slave to her married master, the time is the 1800's so this relationship is not allowed so they have to keep it hidden or they would suffer the consequences. the main one being death. they will fight to keep it hidden but can they do just that? see if they can keep it a secret and how it will end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb VanderWel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good Historical romance about the south and the slaves and owners.
Like Victor and how he felt about Thandis and how he handled the devastating news about Thandis and himself.
Good story,characters and romance.
Enjoyed reading.
Voluntarily reviewed

[Cristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a great storyline that is set in the 1800s. The characters were well developed and very likable and the pace of the book keeps you interested from beginning to end.