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!
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.
