Elizabeth White (2) (1957–)

I was thrilled to see book three of the Gulf Coast Chronicles,Magnolia Duchess, come out. Beth White always keeps me spellbound with her sweeping sagas of the Lanier family as they live and love through tumultuous periods of history in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.

In 1814,young Fiona (scandalously, a horse trainer) finds Charlie Kincaid washed up on shore and nearly dead. With amnesia affecting his brain,Fiona and her family choose to harbor Charlie and ignore the niggling suspicions of why show more he shows up in wartime.

We are also treated to a re-acquaintance with Rafe and Lyse from book two, plus other extended family members like Sehoy, Maddie, and Desi Palomo.

I enjoyed the multi-layered,faith filled story. With multiple romances and a tense on-going war,there is plenty of excitement, action, and uncertainty. I am still pondering the big question: loyalty to country or to love?

This would have been a perfect book,except it was missing two things. I desperately wanted to see a family tree in the front of the book and a map of the Gulf Coast area. I eventually looked up maps of the area, because I was confused and lost about where the action was taking place and how it all fit in. To be fair, at the end Beth White includes a note that both of these things are on her website. Not where I needed them when I needed them.

Great book,but have Beth White's website handy as you read. It'll make the experience that much richer!

I gratefully received this book free for an honest review from the Revellreads program. show less

Beth White continues the saga of the Lanier family in her latest offering in the Gulf Coast Chronicles, The Magnolia Duchess. I have enjoyed learning more about this fascinating time and place in our nation’s history. With a mix of cultures, races and nationalities, independent and determined men and women shaped the region from Mobile to New Orleans. With meticulous research, a mix of historical and fictional characters and just the right amount of romance and intrigue, White deftly show more brings it all together. As delicious as gumbo, White’s books are perfect for those looking for historical romance.

While her family has sought to tame Fiona Lanier, much of their efforts have been in vain. Young Fiona is as spirited as the horses she trains. Charlie Kincaid is a British naval officer with a past, he just can’t remember it. When their paths cross again after years of being apart, sparks fly. But family loyalty and patriotism get in the way of their romance. Both are determined to risk all for love and country.

White’s scene setting is excellent. The reader gets a great sense of the Gulf Coast of 1814, especially Mobile and its environs. The author’s portrayal of the commerce, society and the military presence is spot on. The characters, too, are well-drawn. And while Fiona and Charlie are the focus, supporting characters and their story lines are interesting as well. Three romances flourish in The Magnolia Duchess — fans of the genre rejoice! My favorite part of the book is the dialog — a natural mix of teasing and flirting, but with a dose of serious conversation. There’s never a dull moment with Fiona and Charlie, so if you like a bit of adventure, suspense, and danger, this book will fit the bill. A faith message is naturally woven throughout the novel with characters seeking God’s presence and guidance.

A delightful addition to the series, The Magnolia Duchess is a recommended read.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens and adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

The Magnolia Duchess is the third book in this historical series, we are back for another visit with this strong family and we catch up on their lives.
This is Fiona Lanier’s story, a young woman who would rather muck out horse stall than work at ladies genteel things. The War of 1812 is now raging its ugly head, and a chance ride on the beach at Navy Cove is about to change her life.
She rescues an old friend from England, the enemy, but how had he washed up on her beach, and what is he show more doing here. He seems to have no memory at this time, but he is holding secrets. Will Fiona be able to resist her growing feeling for the invader, or will she be labeled a traitor?
We know how this war ends up, but you won’t know what happens to the people we have come to know and follow, there is a lot going on, what with Sawyer being held captive, Maddy being a widow, and I loved being reunited with Desi. You are really immersed in this area of our country, the Gulf Coast, and the author has painted wonderful word pictures that carry us though and looking at this part of our world. Be ready for a fast paced, intrigue, espionage, and family-reuniting story.
I received this book through the Revell Bloggers Program, and was not required to give a positive review. show less

I kept thinking that this would make a great movie as I was reading this story. You have a young lady running from the bad guys and at the last minute grabbing a pilot who flies away with her but the gas line starts leaking, they make a crash landing and then spend the rest of the story running from the bad guys and trying to fight their romantic feelings for each other (all taking place in a another country of course).

A good ending to the series and I really liked getting to know more of show more Bernadette's (aka "Benny's") past history. You got to know a little about her in books 1 and 2, but this gave you a better understanding of her. The border patrol agent, Owen Carmichael, was the guy who rescues her and tries to show her that he is someone she can trust. This story was my favorite in this series. show less