What a saga. If you're looking for a light and fluffy romance, run, don't walk away from The Black Swan. The writing was amazing and you really get the feel of the old South. I couldn't stop reading it and was completely absorbed. You really experience the gamut of emotions in this one. The hero and heroine finally get back together towards the end of this 700 pager. The secondary character is going after the very evil man who caused such pain and suffering, etc. and then the story just ends! It seems there is a sequel, so that is understandable, I guess. But, after enduring 700 pages of pain, suffering, happiness, etc etc, it could have ended at a better place. I hope I can get my hands on the sequel somehow. This wouldn't be a book I would read more than once, as my rereads tend to have a better payoff! Still 4/5 stars though. ( )