• About

Pick Well

~ Just another WordPress.com site

Pick Well

Tag Archives: Beth White

Book Review: The Magnolia Duchess

16 Monday May 2016

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Beth White, Book Review, historical fiction, The Magnolia Duchess

The Magnolia Duchess

 

The Magnolia Duchess is the third installment in author Beth White’s Gulf Coast Chronicles. I had the privilege of reading book two, The Creole Princess, prior to reading book three. Having read the second book, I still found myself lost in this novel. I am an avid reader of historical fiction and I do enjoy a book filled with historical detail. However, I feel like I may have missed the forest for the trees.

I must acknowledge the skill, planning, and writing talent with which Beth White pen’s her novels. White had definitely done her research and included so many historical details in her story of love and war. This story begins with Fiona Lanier discovering a washed up man on the shore. More interesting is the realization that she recognizes him. From here there seems to be a never-ending cast of characters and plot lines. Point of view in the story changes frequently to the point that I wish a full list was provided for the reader.

I never want to dissuade someone from reading a book based on m own personal feelings. Especially when the author took such pains to write such a detail filled story. If you love historical fiction loaded with characters and places, this might be the book for you. It just wasn’t a book for me. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated in any way

Book Review: The Creole Princess

19 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Beth White, Book Review, The Creole Princess

The creole Princess

From the Back Cover

It is 1776, and all along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter-though no less deadly.

Lyse Lanier may be largely French in heritage, but she spends most of her time in the company of the ebullient daughter of the British commander of Mobile. When a charming young Spanish merchant docks in town, Lyse is immediately struck by his easy wit and flair for the dramatic. But is he truly who he makes himself out to be? Spies abound, and Spain has yet to choose a side in the American conflict. Is Lyse simply an easy mark for Rafael Gonzalez to exploit? Or are his overtures of love as genuine as Spanish gold?

My Review

The Creole Princess by Beth White was an interesting read for me for many reasons. White writes about a different kind of character, with a much different type of heritage and family than most books that fall into this genre. The very fact that the main character was Creole intrigued me. Further, I enjoyed the history lesson White teaches as she writes this title. As much history as I have read and studied, I really feel like I missed out on knowing the role Spain played in the American Revolution.

Where I began to struggle with this book was the long list of characters and the wide span of time the pages cover. I sometimes found myself flipping back just to be sure I wasn’t confused about certain characters and the role they were playing in the story. The first chapter is set in August 1776 and concludes in March of 1780. As I turned from one page to the next, time was passing in chunks and I am not sure I kept pace very well. I do think the novel ended nicely and that White tied up all of the loose ends.

The Creole Princess stands alone, but I can’t help but wonder if I would have felt differently had I read the first book in the series. Overall, I feel this title is 3.5 stars. It has not been my favorite read this year, but I appreciate it for its uniqueness and depth of history. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

Recent Posts

  • Wonderful Historical Fiction
  • National Parks and Historical Fiction
  • The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker
  • What is the Next Right Thing?
  • Something New from Jocelyn Green

A Dog Named Dolly Parton Backyard Garden Books I LOVE Cleaning House Family Favorites Food Food for thought homeschool Out West Trip Recently Read Reviewed Books Saving Money Travel Uncategorized Virginia

Twitter Updates

  • RT @DPCassidyTKC: https://t.co/IPnsINij3T 1 week ago
  • RT @bhsjustus: Thanks to Laura and Alinea Church for bringing snack bags for our teachers! So nice on the day after Spring Break! https://t… 2 weeks ago
  • RT @jpickwell: It’s Saturday. I know it’s dark. I know it feels hopeless. But Sunday is almost here. And Sunday changed everything. 2 weeks ago
  • RT @dpcassidyC3: The ways of God are revealed in the words of God but they are not the same thing. God’s scandalous ways - generosity, mer… 1 month ago
  • RT @BethMooreLPM: I keep thinking how often we on this whirling orb of thorn, dust, wind and thistle live out the reality of “hurry up & wa… 4 months ago
Follow @jenpickwell

Archives

  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • February 2012
  • January 2011
  • October 2010

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 112 other followers

Follow Pick Well on WordPress.com

Goodreads

NetGalley

Blogging for Books

NetGalley

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy