The Cost of Hope

The Cost of Love #1

by G.S. Carr

Finalist in the Romance Writers of America HHRW Chapter's Romance through the Ages Contest

Alexander Cummings had long ago accepted that love was lost to him. After picking up the pieces of his broken heart, he threw himself into the duties of owning one of the largest plantations in Elba Alabama. But it seems like life shows him mercy when the goddess he thought he lost appears back in his life as if conjured from his deepest desires. Only she returns far from the same and with secrets he never imagined.

Abducted and having survived slavery, Soleil Dufor wants one thing in life: safety. When pushed to the brink she has no choice but to gain it on her own. That is until life throws her into the arms of a handsome plantation owner who claims to love her. Instincts tell her she shouldn’t trust him, but circumstances dictate she must.

As society threatens, and lives could be lost, only together can they both get what they want. But neither will come out unscathed and they must ask themselves, is the sacrifice worth the cost?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Historical Fiction, Interracial Romance

193 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2013

About the author

Raised in Charlotte NC, G.S. Carr has always enjoyed indulging in her imagination. At a very young age she had a thirst for reading and the many possibilities it helped come alive in her mind’s eye. She consumed books like they were the air she needed to survive. It seemed inevitable that her love of reading would transcend into a desire to create her own stories. She began writing poetry and stories at the age of 10. By the time she was thirteen she found her passion in the romance genre and has not looked back ever since.

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is almost a 2nd chance love story set in Reconstruction Era Alabama, 1867.

For the most part I liked this. It was simple and not as good as her more recent stories but certainly worth reading.

My main gripe with this book is that the author did so little research.

The Black Codes don't come into effect until after the end of Reconstruction, 1877.

Reconstruction itself is a Golden Age in American history in which Black folks, voted, held office, owned property and during which interracial marriage was legal.

Anti-miscegenation Laws in Alabama are placed in the state constitution in 1901. During the time this story is set those laws did not apply.

Reconstruction is not taught in schools and very few Americans truly understand its importance and significance.

I highly recommend checking out Reconstruction on PBS hosted by historian Henry Louis Gates Jr.

For nonfiction history books I'd suggest:
Black Reconstruction by W.E.B. Du Bois

Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Reconstruction & The Second Founding by Eric Foner

I Saw Death Coming by Kidada E. Williams covers the fall of Reconstruction which brings about the well known Black Codes that usher in Jim & Jane Crow.

To offer a slight education to anyone interested I included just simple Google Search results.

Google Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-mi....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_Al...

https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materia....

https://history.house.gov/Historical-....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremia...

[Dominique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad a little too sappy for my tastes

If you’re looking for the sweet romance dusted with sugar this is it. If you like period pieces this book is for you. I had a few issues as the name Soleil literally means sun in French and was not and still is not commonly used among native French. It was also predictable, along with being somewhat unbelievable considering the clothes he bought her, the picnics, along with taking her to a doctor in the middle of the night. Also from the beginning why didn’t he just do what he did in the end? Also I understand the anesthesia but um when someone says you have family who are well off and waiting for you who turns that down?

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely addicted to this story from page one and could not stop reading! It was such a fresh take on historical romance and I loved every minute of it. I haven’t read too much set during the post civil war south, but after this I definitely will be!

Soleil was such a strong and beautiful character. I loved seeing her story and see her find the happiness she deserves. She was a fierce mother and would do anything for her daughter. She was put through so many trials but still came out the other side with a positive outlook and that is truly inspiring! Alex our hero was one of the best all around men I have seen in a historical romance. He had his beliefs and morals and was not letting anything get in the way of those. Hope was adorable and her interactions with Alex were just the cutest.

I loved that the author showed that not every decision was simple and really showed the characters struggling with their choices. It made them seem even more real. I thought the author did a wonderful job of showing history throughout the story in a way that flowed with the story but also showed some of the terrible truths of a post civil war south.

This was a stunning story of an interracial couple finding love at a time when being in love could cost you everything, but that made it that much more worth it in the end. The love story was swoon worthy and just so sweet.

I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series and can’t wait to see who it is about!

This book was provided by the author in return for an honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Kudos Ms. Carr, for writing such a racially sensitive story with compassion and giving your characters such dignity!

Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Fashionista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this novella about forbidden love during the slavery antebellum era.

[Justine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Period piece set during slave time. Heroine is biracial. White father and black mother.

[Zili · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

Freedom of Love is a short story about love, race and the horrible realities of our ancestor's past.

The book is set in 1820s America, where interracial relationships were frowned upon and prominent Americans kept Africans as slaves. Soleil is in the unique position of having a rich, white, French Marquis father and a beautiful Afircan mother. Her parents didn't allow race to come between their love and have taught Soleil to be everything a good Marquis's daughter should be; her mixed race isn't an issue to them. When the family move from France to America they face a very different society and Soleil is mistaken for a slave.

The story does a good job of highlighting the injustices of the past. Soleil is seen as inferior because of her race. Even as the daughter of a Marquis she is not regarded as a good marriage prospect for Alex.

The situation Soleil is placed in and the horrors she faces were awful, but the dignity and spirit she maintains throughout the book was inspirational. I had a lot of respect for her as a child and then later on as a young woman.

As the white son of a wealthy businessman Alex is also trapped by circumstance. He faces a different type of battle...expectation! I had moments where I began to doubt Alex and others where I applauded his convictions.

Freedom of Love is a historical romance which makes you question the past and yet be hopeful for the future.


I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!


Also reviewed on my blog

[Nadya Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

With no memories beyond the past five years and a young daughter to take care of Sarah must do everything she can to protect herself and her daughter. The emancipation proclamation declared Sarah free years ago but the local laws still prevent her from leaving the plantation. However, when her master dies and the extremely abusive son inherits the house...and her… Sarah bundles her child and runs away. Lost in the woods being chased by dogs Sarah is doomed until a kind stranger steps in and rescues them.

Alex is amazed when his long lost love comes running into his arms as the plantation owner James chases her through the woods. Soliel has been missing for five years and everyone had given up hope on ever seeing her again. He whisks her away to his home and offers to send her back to her parents in France. With the help of Victoria a childhood friend, Soliel and Alex work on rebuilding their relationship and her memories, one piece at a time.

This was a cute little romance story with some harsh truths about slavery and racism. It was heartbreaking at some points and others had me wishing to go on romantic walks and picnics with my husband. I would've liked more development of the character relationships and of Soliel regaining her memories but since it is a collection of short stories it makes sense how it is.

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is inspiring yet heartbreaking at the same time. Carr invokes emotions in her characters and in her audience that draw you further and further into this brilliant tale. Carr’s writing is eloquent yet approachable. Her descriptions paint a brilliant picture of both the characters and the scenery in this novel. This historically accurate novel brings forth a multiplicity of issues in a tactful yet realistic manner. The descriptions that she uses fit well with the time period and writing style of the novel while giving the reader some real insight into the story as a whole.

I absolutely love the characters in this novel. The main characters are such strong individuals stuck in situations that they cannot change or control. I really appreciate how they attempted to follow the norm of the times while trying to stay true to themselves. I also appreciate how they found a way to make it all work.

Overall, this is a brilliant novel that I fell in love with from the beginning and didn’t want to let go at the end. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone.

Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah a former slave had lost her memory due to an abusive slave owner, James. In 1860 after the Civil War and the slaves were free, James attacked Sarah again. she gathered up her daughter and ran as fast she could, running into a crowd of people.

Alex looked up to find Soleil right in Alexander Cummings arms. (Soleil is what she was called before becoming James' slave.) Alex and Soleil had grown up together and was young when they fell in love. Now Alex lives in Elba, Alabama and owns the largest plantation in Alabama. He takes her home. Alex and Soleil are together once again to rekindle their love.

In 1860 it was illegal to have an inter-racial marriage, her being a former slave and him being a socialite plantation owner. This book kept my entire interest from beginning to end There were a few bad true to life scenes and some secrets with many twists and turns throughout. The is an absolutely outstanding historical novel, don't miss it.

The characters were well developed with good personalities. The plot kept me turning the pages and the little daughter was adorable. Ms Carr thank you for sharing this story with us. This is a must read to the end.

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 5 out of 5]

In G.S. Carr's The Cost of Hope, a historical interracial novel (2018) is a story of the love of a woman who was sold into slavery and loved by a man who could not in those times have her as his wife. The author told her story very well; this is clean romance story; however, it does have its elements of darkness which speak of potential rape, rape, and abuse. Stories of this period especially for women of color are hard to read, it brings about the imagery of what happened to our ancestors so long ago. This story had excellent protagonists in Vivian and Elizabeth; those would have been two people to throat punch.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Dalia Dupris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cost of Hope is a historical romance covering a period of time we don't see a lot and it centers on the main character, Soleil, who finds herself in a very precarious situation. I kept turning the pages because I wanted to find out how she would find her 'Happily Ever After' in post Civil War America, which was not a great place for people who weren't white. Her love interest is a white plantation owner, which meant the odds were not in their favor. This is a sweet story and the unexpected plot twists held my attention and kept me reading until the very last page.

[Sim Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the face of hate

I normally shy away from IR historical novels, but something about this one drew me. I’m glad it did, it was a beautifully written novel. Alex’s look was apparent and I love how the Complexity of his decision was shown. Soleil was strong and beautiful soul. That their love was able to thrive in the face of so many obstacles was amazing. It’s an amazing book, a must read.

[Rhonda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent!

From start to finish, I was invested in the hearts and minds of the characters. I was nearly brought to tears and wanted to throw my Kindle near the end. This book was a pleasant surprise.

[Kelleen (booms.books) · Rating 1 out of 5]

The heroine in this book is a formerly enslaved Black woman in 1867 and the hero is a plantation owner and former Confederate soldier who has loved her since they were children? Plantation owners and Confederate soldiers do not deserve HEAs.

[Naika · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cost of Hope was a well written, captivating story that put me through a range of emotions. From the first chapter, you bear witness to all the pain and burdens that Soleil has had to endure as a Black women who was born free, was subsequently forced into bondage, and is now fighting for a better life. All the while trying to recover her identity and sense of self she lost due to a traumatic brain injury. Soleil would stop at nothing to build a better life for herself and her daughter, Hope. There clearly was so much symbolism in both their names. I felt the book played into the symbolic and metaphoric, which I immensely enjoyed.

For such a short book, the pacing was great and the story and characters felt fully developed. It realistically portrayed the barriers Black people faced in the 1860s, specifically during the time frame in which the Black Codes were barring Black people from fully realizing their freedom. The Cost of Hope did not shy away from racism, classism, or elitism, nor did it shy away from the resulting violence and abuse. It also showed how white women played significant roles in the continued oppression of Black people during this time period - something that is not nearly explored enough. I liked how we got bits and pieces of historical facts throughout the story, akin to what Beverly Jenkins does in her historical romances (which I personally find to elevate historical romances).

You could feel the push and pull between Soleil and Alex, the white plantation owner who helps her escape her previous living situation. We come to find out that he was her childhood friend and sweetheart before she was abducted and enslaved. They loved each other, but the doubt about whether or not they could safely be together heavily weighed on them as a couple and as individuals. At times, I was not convinced Alex would make the necessary sacrifices for the woman he constantly proclaimed he loved; sometimes his inner monologues exasperated me, as I felt Soleil fared a future far more dangerous than him. I also did not like how he kept excusing or ignoring what Vivian and Elizabeth were doing. It bothered me when he had the opportunity to use his white privilege, he often shied away. But Alex ultimately opened his eyes to what was truly unfolding before him.

The epilogue was not quite what I was hoping for, but it did not distract or take away from the read, and gave the characters a hopeful and happy ending. In fact, I am interested in reading the rest of the series and seeing what else this author has in store.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know whether the author intended it or not, but I took the main character's (Soliel) amnesia to be a metaphor, one that puts the spotlight on slaves as perceived 'objects', as though having no history of any worth or significance as individuals. Even upon emancipation, many (if not, most) freemen have no other means of subsistence, and thereby remain with their former masters and continue to be exploited in ways that skirt the line of legality.

This is a story of social prejudice and a class of oppressed people. Although this is set during the post-Civil War era, it is also a story that is relevant in modern times. Contemporarily, this comes in the form of human trafficking and the enslaving peonage.

That said, it is also a story of hope and of love that prevails through the darkest of times. It is a story that amid repeated hardship and loss, there is always a hope -- which granted, may not always be evident in times of despair, but is, nevertheless, a spark that cannot be doused -- that both anchors and liberates. I look forward to reading the continuation of the trilogy, eager to follow the characters into their new lives.


* Read for the '2019 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge' task: A historical romance by an author of color

[C.C. Coldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Like Carr's book "Deena's Deception", the characters in "The Cost of Hope" were so engaging and complex. This is, at one level, a love story but I like that it has another level; it explores and educates about mixed-race relationships in the United States just after the Civil War. Carr does a really good job letting the reader feel just how dangerous it was for a Black woman and a white man to have a relationship and just how impossible the situation between Soleil and Alex is. At every turn, laws are in place to punish mixed-race relationships. In fact, we see in the book that even claiming to be the father of a child with a Black woman leads to imprisonment and it is only with final, drastic measures that Soleil and Alex can be together. I think some of the language used and actions taken by the white southerners opposed to the main characters' relationship were not as harsh in the book as it would have been in reality at that time in history but I still think it was a good depiction of the time period in history.

[Lokdyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story held my interest from the first page to the last. This is a story where lost love is found, good triumphs over evil, wrongs are made right, and love conquers all. The way the story is written helps me understand how Soleil feels as a former slave who is still not truly free. You learn of the struggles and abuse she suffered at the hands of her former owner, but she now has a chance of hope with Alexander Cummings. Alex is a well-to-do plantation owner, but a kind, caring, generous man. Other great characters in this story are Soleil’s daughter, Hope; Alex’s friends, Virginia and Charles; Miss Eliza; and James, the stable boy. If you love strong characters who find true happiness, this book is for you. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but based on this story, I would like to read more by her. I received an advance reader copy of this book, which I have voluntarily reviewed and given my honest opinion.

[Jenny TheCoffeeStainedBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as audio and by request of the author I'm giving and unbiased review.

This book takes place after the end of slavery. The characters are well thought out and created. I love the time period. You can tell G.S. Carr did their research on the history. As well as the language. As for one of our main characters is french.
In this novel, you follow a young biracial woman who was recently freed from slavery. But as her former "owner" passes, she runs with her daughter for safety and freedom from the son of the deceased.
During the run she runs into a young man who knew her from her youth and tells her tales of their adventures and her heritage that has her questioning everything including her memories that are missing.
As her memories slowly return, she starts a new life and falls in love with a man that she legally can't have.

Y'all it's a good novel and the narrator did WONDERFULLY

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cost of Hope was a refreshing historical read. I enjoyed Soleil and Alex’s romance. I loved all the twists especially the one surrounding Soleil’s condition when she was found by Alex. The relationship between Soleil and Alex was believable and touching. Alex’s devotion to Soleil and Hope was heartwarming.

This story was well written and flowed well. For me, it was a refreshing spin on an interracial romance during the 1860’s Deep South. As with any good romance there are villains and Vivian and James don’t disappoint. I wanted to get rid of Vivian from her first appearance.

If you’re a fan of historical romances, you’ll love this book.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is set in the period of slavery, it's a hard read but a very good story, a young free woman is kidnapped and sold into slavery by a woman who believes her charge is too good to marry a black woman the young woman losses her memory and serves under a elderly lady who for all her faults and they are many at least protects her from her lascivious son, when she dies and her estate is willed to her son, this young woman knows that she has to find a way to run away before he can get his hands on her, in a series of unforseen circumstances she escapes with her daughter in the dead of night and runs into her long lost childhood friend.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had the best story line I have read in awhile. But WHY WHY ??? Did it just end like that. It was WAY TO SHORT ! This book had the promise, and the potential of a producer wanting to make a 30 minute show on PBS !! It just needed more, a BETTER ending. Please, make a updated version. The end did Not justify the ending it deserves. I will still recommend this book to all my reader friends. Perhaps, we all could convince you to update this GREAT STORY, THAT DESERVES A BETTER ENDING. A true page turner. Thank You.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel right out the gate almost promoted me to not read it. Even experiencing the hurt and traumas of real life experiences to my sisters from the slavery days hurts me to the core. After wincing many times, I got thru the first few pages and ended up enjoying the book. Soliel is one young free-former slave,back to free woman with a past of trauma, and a life of trauma that seems inescapable. There are multiple layers of drama that will unfold from first page to the last. A very good read!

[Faith F.Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Love Twice

After the end of the Civil War there were many people who refused to let the slaves be FREE. They


continued to keep them as chattel using them to work on the plantation with no benefit for themselves. The laws that were made still kept control of the blacks so many things were not for their benefit. This book shows how difficult those laws made life for the "free" slaves.

[Vicki or Dennis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about slavery following the civil war. The author has done a great job with her characterization and background work on actual legal cases. I look forward to more from this author. I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary review with my own personal opinions.
Vicki from Wyoming

[Staci Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many important lessons in this Love story.

The facts about the this time period in the US are not pretty. Made quite clear in so many details of this story. Knowledge that human trafficking could still affect a World traveler terrifying. The sweet hope of escape and love for anyone in these circumstances... Priceless.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the beginning of “The Cost of Hope” unfolds, it catches the reader’s attention right from the start, with Soleil is put into a heartbreaking situation.

Read full review in the 2018 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Jessica Diame · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and heartwarming

African American historical romance is NOT an easy genre to write. One false move and you can go either to sad and preachy or campy and fantastical. This book is charming and the author does a great job of getting her story out. Although predictable, with a little more imagination, this author could be the next Beverly Jenkins.

[Kristi Tailor · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best book’s I’ve read this year. The author’s use of imagery really brings the story to life. Not only did I connect with the characters, but the plot was one that captured and held my attention. This is an amazing story of a woman’s escape to freedom during American slavery with twists and turns that will keep you hooked. I held my breath more than once—I was left captivated.