Blog Tour: Carolina Gold Review & Giveaway



Carolina-Gold-LoveCarolina Gold
by Dorothy Love
Christian Historical Romance

December 10th 2013 by Thomas Nelson


Summary

The war is over, but her struggle is just beginning.

Charlotte Fraser returns to her late father’s once-flourishing rice plantation on the Waccamaw River, determined to continue growing the special kind of rice known as Carolina Gold. But Fairhaven Plantation is in ruins, the bondsmen are free, and money is scarce.

To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly accepts a position as tutor to the young daughters of Nicholas Betancourt, heir to the neighboring Willowood Plantation. Then Nick’s quest to prove his ownership of Willowood sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that reveals an old family mystery—and threatens all that she holds dear.

Inspired by the life of a 19th century woman rice planter, Carolina Gold continues Dorothy Love’s winning tradition of weaving together mystery, romance, and rich historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman’s struggle to restore her ruined world.

   


My Review

I haven't read very many books taking place right after the US Civil War, but the ones I have I thoroughly enjoyed. I was really looking forward to reading Carolina Gold and finding out about Charlotte's story and the dangerous journey should would undertake.

Charlotte is quite stubborn at times, but also intelligent, strong, and tenderhearted. She is trying to rebuild her family's home and land against advice not to and harsh conditions. She literally has nothing left, but forges on through it all, including the challenges she continues to face. It was interesting to me to think about how someone would react who was used to being a wealthy plantation owner's daughter after the war. What would she expect from the former slaves? Would she be willing to work hard, even at manual labor that she wasn't raised to do? Charlotte does have a tendency to immediately discount ideas and offers that might not exactly be what she had planned, but at least she is willing to be open to change. At the same time, her faith to carry on, to stick to her choices, and carry out her promises is inspiring.

I think, though, that Nicholas is my favorite character. I love the reserve he seems to carry; that firmness of character. He is steady, intelligent, and strong. He is also a gentleman and a wonderful father. He has had his own trials, yet he loves his girls and seeks to help others. He also is much more willing to open his heart than Charlotte is.

The pace of the story was fairly slow. There isn't a feeling of immediacy to necessarily drive the story. What I did find was a gorgeous historical setting, with heartbreak and loss woven in, but also hope, faith, and love. There were some times when Charlotte's faith is tested and the preacher or a friend would share a piece of religious advice. I didn't feel it was overly preachy, but felt it was realistic to the setting.

My favorite parts of the whole story were the parts with Nicholas's little girls that Charlotte takes under her wings and the sweet friendship and romance that develops between Charlotte and Nicholas. Overall, this was an enjoyable read for Christian Historical Romance readers.

Content: Clean

Source: I want to thank LitFuse Publicity Group and the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for my free review copy, which did not affect my opinion in any way.


About the Author

DLoveA former journalist, free-lance writer and college professor, Dorothy Love explores the intersection of history and human relationships to create novels that speak to the hearts of women everywhere. She is the author of the acclaimed Hickory Ridge novels set in her native state of Tennessee.

After earning a masters degree and Ph.D, she authored dozens of magazine articles before breaking into book publishing with a number of award-winning novels for preteens and young adults. The Hickory Ridge series marked her adult fiction debut. Currently she is working on several stand-alone historical novels set in the South.

When she isn’t busy writing or researching her next book, Love enjoys hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband Ron and their rambunctious golden retriever. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country.

To keep up with Dorothy Love, visit www.dorothylovebooks.com, become a fan on Facebook (Dorothy Love Books) or follow her on Twitter (@writerDorothy).


Giveaway and Facebook Party

Don’t miss Dorothy Love‘s latest historical novel, Carolina Gold. Romantic Times gives it four stars, saying, “Loosely based on the life of a 19th-century female rice farmer in the South Carolina Lowcountry, this novel has romance, family secrets and an element of mystery for readers to uncover. Love is an author beloved by many, and she does not disappoint in her latest novel.”

Fun news: The release of Carolina Gold coincides with Dorothy’s birthday. You’ll be helping her celebrate by entering her fantastic Southern Essentials Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on January 14th!


Between January 3–14, visit Dorothy Love’s Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win the $100 Visa Cash Card grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 14th! (Don’t have a Facebook account? Enter here.)

RSVP today for Dorothy’s Carolina Gold Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Dorothy will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, announcing the winner of the Southern Essentials Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she’ll also be giving partygoers an exclusive look at her next book!

So grab your copy of Carolina Gold and help Dorothy celebrate her birthday on the evening of January 14th! (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY

HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 14TH!

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