This was a good story, filled with many interesting people. It told a story of romance and mystery and was written in a time when not all people were accepted for who they were as a person, but by the color of their skin. The author did a great job of bringing her characters to life, like you knew them personaly, so it was nice to know in the "author's letter" at the end of the book that she wrote about a real lady in history.

Bertha Biddle is a young lady in love with handsome Thad. Thad is in love with Bertha. The problem is Thad is leaving town soon for military school, and can't seem to get around to telling Bertha and doesn't feel like he can ask her to wait for him till he comes back. It makes for a little tension in their relationship. Then there is a new lady who comes to town who Bertha befriends. Most folks in Jefferson, Texas would think she is an unsavory companion for Bertha to associate with, but she is also a hard lady to not like being around. Then there is a murder, an almost hanging and a twist of fate at the end that will change two peoples lives in a big way.

This book had more than one story to tell and more than one lesson to learn. I enjoyed reading this story, although I will say it started off a little slow for me. It had a good Christian emphasis to it, where folks had to live what they believed. But all folks struggle sometimes and these folks were no different in that area. This is book one in the Texas Furtunes Trilogy and I look forward to book 2, Chasing Charity. ( )

A blending of fact (Diamond Bessie and Abe Rothschild and their fated visit to Jefferson, Texas) and fiction (the romance between Bertha Biddie and Thad Bloom). The factual part of the story is handled very well--the research shows and the author brings 1877 Jefferson to life. The fictional part is not as successful--I never really felt that the two main characters were in love. ( )

Diamond Duo is the story of Diamond Bessie and the effect she left on a small town in Jefferson, Texas. Not only is the story about her, but also about the characters that she meets. The story mainly follows Bertha and her friend Magda, as they meet Bessie and her so called "companion" The story also takes you along the journey of Sarah and her husband as the face racism, and many decisions that may change their lives.

I was a bit confused at first with all the different story lines, some of them join together at the end, and some of them barely intertwine with the main story line. It made the story different from most I had read, being that there was really two main story lines instead of one.

Bertha, is a wild young woman longing to be free of propriety and social graces. One day when she is in town she sees Bessie, a rich young woman with diamonds and gorgeous dresses. Bertha decides right then to befriend her and have her teach her how to catch a certain man she wants. Her "man" is Thad, also smitten with Bertha but too shy to tell her of his real feeling before he must leave for military college. While Bertha befriends Bessie, she drags her best friend Magda along for the ride, not listening to her wisdom about getting into trouble. Will Bertha be able to change Bessie before it's too late, or will Bessie change Bertha? Will Thad be able to tell Bertha of his feelings or will he make the mistake of leaving?

Sarah is a little bitter about leaving her hometown, where people treated her kind and were not racist. But Sarah loves her husband more and is determined to make him happy and be happy no matter what. Her husband does not see the problem with the small town of Jefferson, even though him and his wife are treated differently. But one day they are tested and are not sure of their survival and what they are meant to do. Will Sarah be strong enough to stand against the pain and will she, her husband, and the rest of the town learn a valuable lesson?

I was very surprised to learn at the end of the book that it was based on a true story. I did like this book, it was just so different from what I was expecting and also a different writing style. I found the book to be a pleasant read, but there was nothing that jumped out at me that made it go from an ok book to a great book. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series Chasing Charity and hoping that is gets a little better! ( )

Perfect for : Personal reading, Book Club Read (No Discussion Questions)

In a nutshell: A nice Christian historical fiction story containing three primary plot-lines: 1 - Bertha and Thad's growing relationship, 2 - Newcomer Annie "Bessie" Monroe and her not-so-charming husband(?), 3 - racial tensions surrounding Henry and Sarah King. All three story-lines have wonderful examples of faith and God's hand in their lives. I was amazed to find that the characters are based on real-life people from Jefferson, Texas. I wish I had known that from the beginning (It is explained at the end of the book). I personally struggled with some of the racial issues (yes, I know - it REALLY did happen, but I'm glad I don't enjoy reading about the harshness), and some of the circumstances surrounding Annie. Another thing that amazed me was the author's easy transitions between different voices in the book. The King's voices are very different from the proper tone of Annie's character. I especially liked the significance of Bertha's cross necklace and her sharing of faith with Annie at the end of the book.

My Review:
A fascinating story which takes place throughout January of 1877 in Jefferson, Texas. Readers find out at the end of the book that the characters are based on real people. As a reader, we get a good look at life from that time. The physical labor, the class differences, neighborly help, significance of race, etc. I loved the dialogue, but could have done with a little less tears.

Characters: The characters were each wonderfully different from the other. I think my favorite was Bertha's father. He was a strong, loving and supportive person, with the ability to confront his wife in a loving manner. He also showed wonderful support to his daughter, while coaching her through some difficult situations.

Story-Line: I think the story-line(s) were very interesting, tying together nicely in the end. I was especially interested in the story once I learned that it was based on real people.

Readability: This book provided a nice, enjoyable read. The different speech patterns among the characters made it that more interesting.

Overall: A nice period book, written with a Christian influence. This was the first book of the series, and I look forward to watching for the upcoming sequel Chasing Charity (I sure hope we get to catch a glimpse of Bertha!) ( )