5 stars If you read the prologue, there’s a link to watch a video about Carnton in Tennessee. I did that and it was a great intro to the story so I highly recommend it. Overall, this book was an unexpected treasure. I was unfamiliar with this author, but the plot intrigued me when I read the description on Netgalley. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The narration provides vivid imagery and a compassionate portrayal of human foibles. It’s impossible to miss the parallels to internal strife within the US today. The author tackles our country's shameful history of slavery, at times bringing tears to my eyes, yet also manages to show the humanity of those compelled to support it. She even manages to weave humor into the story, like when Wade thinks about a "the man (who) had vowed not to cut his beard again until he saw the South resurrected. As far as Wade was concerned, General Harding could die with that beard puddled around his ankles." I loved the conversations between Wade and Catriona, especially his patience with her, and his persistence. He made me laugh while trying to convince her that they should call each other by their first names, saying: "In fact, a law in this country states that once a man and woman have exchanged more than 100 words, they must move to a first-name basis." "You're lyin'. There's no such law." "Yes, I am. And no, there isn't. But if I could write that into the Constitution right now, I would." "Tell you what," he continued, close enough behind her that she could feel the warmth from his breath on her cheek. "What if we attempt a first name basis for say…forty-eight hours. And if either of us notices any shift in the Earth's axis, or if the sun starts rising in the west and setting in the east, or if international relations between our countries suddenly begin to deteriorate, we'll immediately revert to our more formal address. Would that be acceptable to you, ma'am?" I loved this imagery of a nighttime sky: "The stars sprinkled like tiny candles across an endless expanse, their smoldering wicks flickering through windows another world away." And this observation on war should be heeded by more people: "Wars stole with both hands and from both sides.” Tempy, the ‘cook’ at the McGavock plantation is a very strong, protective, loving character who will not suffer fools. She takes an immediate dislike to Wade because she catches him eavesdropping on a conversation between Catriona and Colonel McGavock. She takes an immediate liking to Catriona, and it takes a while for Catriona to realize that Tempy doesn't like Wade. "She'd been under the impression that Tempy was smitten with Wade Cunningham, but apparently she'd been mistaken. She wasn't wearing the look of a woman smitten. More like a woman wanting to smite!" Catriona's mom told her that "raising children was similar to agreeing to have a portion of your heart walk around in someone else's body." Catriona was coming to understand that. Nora was a precious character, Catriona's little sister and ward. At times, I felt she was a spoiled brat, but it soon became clear that she was hurting and didn't know how to express that in healthy ways. By the end of the story, perhaps because of the vulnerability she shows to Wade, I really liked her. She knew she was a firecracker and even admitted that Catriona told her, "God gave me red hair cuz he knew I needed to come with a warnin'!" I learned a few things reading this book. For example, I was unaware that male immigrants who landed on the shores of the US south during the Civil War were conscripted into the army, forced to fight for a side with which they might not agree. I also had no idea that counterfeiting was such a big problem after the war, nor that the US Secret Service was created for and tasked with eradicating it. Deceit is a theme that runs through the story, focusing alternatively on both the lies we tell others and the lies we tell ourselves. Another recurring theme is the warning to avoid judgment of others—people are both good and bad and it’s the blending of those traits that is more important than specific instances of good or bad. The characters are complex and each on their own journey to becoming better people. It so happens, Catriona’s and Wade’s faith is tested, in different ways for each of them, and they rediscover their faith and recommit to following the path God has laid out for them. Although there is a lot of scripture woven into this book, particularly after Tempy becomes a part of their lives, it seldom feels heavy-handed or preachy. Rather, it seems to fit perfectly with the characters and the time-period depicted. Catriona, feeling God has forsaken her, nonetheless, has memories of her mother encouraging her faith and it's clear she wants to believe in a loving God. Wade feels he has let God down in many ways and he struggles to forgive himself. Both wonder how they can find their way back to their faith, and by opening up and trusting one another, they find their way back together. Of course, it helps that they've surrounded themselves with people who have unwavering faith in God's goodness and provision. I could go on about how much I loved these characters and how much this story touched me, but rather than provide a summary of the story, I'll say it is well worth reading. I highly recommend it. October 27, 2020
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