January 14, 2014

Carolina Gold Review: Bravery, Strength and Romance

Historical fiction is one of my favourite literacy genres to read. I love reading fiction based in historical settings as you get an excellent insight in to the way people lived during those times. When that type of novel can combine romance and the bravery of a young woman – I am in book heaven!

Carolina Gold is written by Dorothy Love and takes place in South Carolina just after the American civil war. We are introduced to Charlotte Fraser who is returning to her father’s once flourishing rice plantation after the war. She is determined to harvest the popular rice called Carolina Gold. She returns to a plantation in ruins, belongings stolen, freed bondsmen and scarce money.
To help make ends meet, she accepts the position of tutor to her neighbouring plantation owner’s two young daughters. The owner, Nick Betancourt, sets out on a course to prove his ownership of not only his plantation but several of the neighbouring ones as well. This sets in motion a journey for Charlotte that opens up many doors to hidden family secrets.
Carolina Gold is based on a true story written by Elizabeth Allston Pringle called A Woman Rice Planter. The novel describes the difficulties rice plantation owners had in keeping workers, the changed relationships with former slaves, decline in the price of rice and the devastation of crops from natural disasters. 
My favourite aspect of this novel has to be the fact that it is based on a true story. It is incredible to think that such a brave, young woman could have accomplished this much in a very male dominant society. Dorothy Love remained true to so many details during this time period that you were able to get a complete picture of the daily lives of not only rice plantations owners after the war but a woman’s perspective throughout this time.
Dorothy Love has an incredible way with words that drags you into the story. The romance parts of the novel were not overly drawn out which is perfect! I find that some novels can overplay the romance to the point that the story does not develop enough. She balanced the two perfectly! Not being too familiar with the details during this time period it was extremely interesting to dive into this historical period and learn about their struggles and changes that both sides had to go through during this period.
Dorothy Love is a former freelance writer and college professor. She is the author of the Hickory Ridge novels set in her hometown of Tennessee.
You can find more details on the novel and reviews here. If you would like to purchase a copy of this book you can do so here. 
Rating: 5/5
Don’t forget that they are also hosting a fabulous giveaway! Enter now:
 The release of Carolina Gold coincides with Dorothy’s birthday. Celebrate with her by entering the Southern Essentials Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on January 14th!
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Between January 3–14, visit Dorothy Love’s Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win the $100 Visa Cash Card grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 14th! (Don’t have a Facebook account? Enter here.) RSVP today for Dorothy’s Carolina Gold Author Chat Party on Facebook.
During the party Dorothy will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, announcing the winner of the Southern Essentials Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she’ll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at her next book!
So grab your copy of Carolina Gold and help Dorothy celebrate her birthday on the evening of January 14th! (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
 

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 14th!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This entry was posted in fiction, Litfuse, reviews.

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30 thoughts on “Carolina Gold Review: Bravery, Strength and Romance”
  1. Kung Phoo

    I like books and movies based on a true story.. I am not a huge reader, but my wife is always looking for a good book, so i will pass this onto her

     
  3. Masshole Mommy

    This sounds like a book that I would love to curl up on the couch with! I love books like this and I definitely want to read it now that I have read your review!

     
  10. Shannon Wijnker

    I love romance stories. I don't care if they are historically accurate or not – just as long as I 'fall in love with the characters'. That's the important part for me.

     
  11. Couponing Away Debt

    This looks like a fun and interesting read. I wish I could get back into reading, but I may have to wait another year. Im lucky if my kids will give me 15 mins to take a shower.

     
  13. Maria

    I love period pieces and find myself getting caught up in them. I'm going to share this with my mother. she reads a book a day.

     
  18. Rita VonCoupon

    I see these book reviews and think 'ugh, I don't read enough anymore'. I really need to get back on my reading game. This sounds like an interesting read, thanks for the review and the reading inspiration.