Southern Life After the Civil War
Carolina Gold by Dorothy Love is set in 1868; the Civil War is over, leaving in its wake people whose way of life has ended. Plantations have been destroyed, and the majority of the slaves they had depended on to do the work have left to begin a new life.
Charlotte Frasier is one of the many who is starting again. Her father has died leaving her with their plantation, Fairhaven. Despite the obstacles she faces (lack of money, help, and supplies), Charlotte is determined to bring the land to its former glory, which, for her, means planting and harvesting a Carolina Gold rice crop.
Needing to earn some extra money, Charlotte accepted a job to tutor her neighbor Nicholas Betancourt's two young daughters. Nicholas, a widower is also trying to save his plantation. When Charlotte learns that Nicholas may have a claim to her property, she begins a fervent search for her father's papers and the deed to the land.
I liked Charlotte, she stood strong despite the obstacles that she faced. She lived during a time when it was quite improper for a southern lady of her stature to take on the kind of work that she did to survive.
I loved that Charlotte's character was based on Elizabeth Allston Pringle who lived from 1845-1921. She lived on Chicora Wood plantation, which Fairhaven was also based on. I think historical fiction comes more fully to life when it is based on real people and events.
About the Book:
The war is over, but her struggle is just beginning.
Charlotte Fraser returns to her late father’s once-flourishing rice plantation on the Waccamaw River, determined to continue growing the special kind of rice known as Carolina Gold. But Fairhaven Plantation is in ruins, the bondsmen are free, and money is scarce.
To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly accepts a position as tutor to the young daughters of Nicholas Betancourt, heir to the neighboring Willowood Plantation. Then Nick’s quest to prove his ownership of Willowood sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that reveals an old family mystery—and threatens all that she holds dear.
Inspired by the life of a 19th century woman rice planter, Carolina Gold continues Dorothy Love’s winning tradition of weaving together mystery, romance, and rich historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman’s struggle to restore her ruined world.
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Meet Dorothy:
A former journalist, free-lance writer and college professor, Dorothy Love explores the intersection of history and human relationships to create novels that speak to the hearts of women everywhere. She is the author of the acclaimed Hickory Ridge novels set in her native state of Tennessee. After earning a masters degree and Ph.D, she authored dozens of magazine articles before breaking into book publishing with a number of award-winning novels for preteens and young adults. The Hickory Ridge series marked her adult fiction debut. Currently she is working on several stand-alone historical novels set in the South.
When she isn’t busy writing or researching her next book, Love enjoys hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband Ron and their rambunctious golden retriever. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country.
Dorothy invites you to visit her website to learn more..
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Don't miss Dorothy Love's latest historical novel, Carolina Gold. Fun news: 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 partygoers 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!
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Blessings,
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