Gulf Coast Chronicles, Book 2
Beth White
Historical Romancce
Torn between loyalties to family and flag, one young woman is
about to discover that her most important allegiance is to her heart.
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?
With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.
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?
With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.
My Thoughts
The Revolutionary War is such a fascinating and pivotal point in our history. Most stories written about that time are usually located on the east coast among the original thirteen colonies. Beth White has once again written a story about a well-known time in history, the Revolutionary War period, but she chose to set it in Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans.
I must admit that I had no idea what was going on in this area during this portion of history. Beth tells the story of the time through the Lanier family. She first introduced us to them in The Pelican Bride. Now it is a few generations later and the story continues with the descendants of those that settled the area.
Not only does Beth give us a little history lesson but she adds in some touchy subjects as well. Slavery is prevalent but there is also an increase in the desire to free the slaves. The subject of mixed race parentage is a main tenant in the story. I found it very interesting to read about Lyse Lanier who is the daughter of a freed-slave mother and a french father. Her story is juxtaposed with her cousin Scarlet. Scarlet's mother is the sister to Lyse's mother. Scarlet is still a slave just as her mother was. Their two lives are so different even though they are from the same family and live in the same town.
And then there is the dashing Spaniard Don Rafael Maria Gonzales de Ripparda. He is the reason that this book is classified as a Historical Romance. He is rico suave personified. But what you see is not all there is to this handsome spy. Lyse falls under his spell but is unsure if she can trust him. Discovering if she can makes this book a worthy read.
I can hardly wait for the third installment in the Gulf Coast Chronicles scheduled for Spring 201. It will be called The Duchess of Navy Cove and there is a teaser in the back of the book. The Lanier family saga continues and from what I read it looks to be another hit.
Connect With The Author
I must admit that I had no idea what was going on in this area during this portion of history. Beth tells the story of the time through the Lanier family. She first introduced us to them in The Pelican Bride. Now it is a few generations later and the story continues with the descendants of those that settled the area.
Not only does Beth give us a little history lesson but she adds in some touchy subjects as well. Slavery is prevalent but there is also an increase in the desire to free the slaves. The subject of mixed race parentage is a main tenant in the story. I found it very interesting to read about Lyse Lanier who is the daughter of a freed-slave mother and a french father. Her story is juxtaposed with her cousin Scarlet. Scarlet's mother is the sister to Lyse's mother. Scarlet is still a slave just as her mother was. Their two lives are so different even though they are from the same family and live in the same town.
And then there is the dashing Spaniard Don Rafael Maria Gonzales de Ripparda. He is the reason that this book is classified as a Historical Romance. He is rico suave personified. But what you see is not all there is to this handsome spy. Lyse falls under his spell but is unsure if she can trust him. Discovering if she can makes this book a worthy read.
I can hardly wait for the third installment in the Gulf Coast Chronicles scheduled for Spring 201. It will be called The Duchess of Navy Cove and there is a teaser in the back of the book. The Lanier family saga continues and from what I read it looks to be another hit.
Connect With The Author
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| Photo Credit: © Wendy Wilson Photography |
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