Heart of a Dove by Abbie Williams – Review & Giveaway

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
The Civil War has ended, leaving the country with a gaping wound. Lorie Blake, a southern orphan sold into prostitution at fifteen, has carefully guarded her aching soul from the disgrace forced upon her every evening. Two years have passed, leaving her with little hope of anything more. Meanwhile, three men – longtime friends – and a young boy with a heart of gold are traveling northward, planning to rebuild their lives in the north and leave behind the horrors of their time as soldiers in the Confederate Army.

Fate, however, has plans of its own, causing their lives to collide in a river town whorehouse. Forced to flee, Lorie escapes and joins them on the journey north. But danger stalks them all in the form of a vindictive whorehouse madam and an ex-Union soldier, insane and bent on exacting revenge. At last, Lorie must come to terms with her past and devastating secrets that she cannot yet bear to reveal.

Heart of a Dove is the first book in a gripping, sweeping romantic saga of pain, unbearable choices, loss and true love set against the backdrop of a scarred, post-Civil War America.

Review:

Heart of a Dove is a historical but romantic telling of life after the Civil War, yet it is so much more than that.

After the Civil War ended there was a generation of men returning to homes that were either no longer there or had been irreparably changed by the war and life. Many families had to deal with life after their brothers, sons, fathers, uncles and others had given their lives to a cause that was unrealized. Many of these families fought for something nobler than the ability to hold slaves, in fact many of those on the losing side did not believe in slavery but in other things that were at stake. While the men were away at war, life for the women was no better and sometimes so much worse.

This is the world author Abbie Williams takes us to. It could and often was a brutal and barbaric time for those unable to defend themselves. However, even in this time, love finds a way to bloom and grow.

I don’t want to spoil this marvelous tale for you by giving you too much detail, so let me just give you the circumstances of interest. A lovely Tennessee girl of very good family is left orphaned and in the care of neighbors, who did not care. Her life was a living hell…

When all seems lost enter three men traveling to a new home in the West. Three handsome strong and honorable men, who found something in common, her father. One takes her into his care and promises to honor and care for her. She travels west with them and one twelve year old boy, who she begins to love like she did her brothers who died.

While traveling, she falls in love with one of the younger men, and he with her. There is a small touch of the fey in this relationship. They seem to be fated to be together. The man who offered to take care of her is also in love with her. The third man, loves his friends and wants her happiness like a sister.

Okay, that’s the setup and I’ve purposefully left out the incredible details. To give away more would dampen the wonderful descriptive narrative of this marvelous tale. Ms. Williams’ writing flows smoothly, actually making you feel the emotions, terror, and despair as well as the beauty and love fighting for survival.

The only criticism I can offer is that she may have tried too hard to convince me of the couple’s overwhelming love…I got it right away. This did not distract from the story for me.

Can the situation be worked out, or will this tear the three friends apart forever? How this story and fate contrive to make this all come about is a marvelous display of storytelling, one which I’m looking forward to seeing again in the next installment of tales by this wonderful new (at least for me) author.

Grab you favorite treats, some tissues, something soft you can pound things with…LOL. Enjoy this great story. I certainly did.

Reviewed by Georgianna


Copy provided by Publisher

Born and raised in Minnesota, Abbie has always been a writer. She pays homage to her home state, setting nearly all of her novels in Minnesota lake country, some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of the world. Her novels feature true love, passion and intensity, humor and the strength of family ties. She lives with her husband, three daughters, and a great deal of books.

Spotlight & Giveaway by

If you’re a fan of historical romance, check out Heart of a Dove by Abbie Williams. This sweeping saga follows Lorie Blake, a 15 year old Southern orphan sold into prostitution when the Civil War ends. After 3 years, she continues to carefully guard her soul against the atrocities forced upon her every night. Meanwhile, three men and a boy with a heart of gold are travelling north, trying to leave behind the horrors of their time as Confederate soldiers and build a new life in the north. When their lives collide in a river town whorehouse, nothing will be the same for any of them.

As the official release date (December 5) of Heart of a Dove approaches, we are very happy to point you towards an awesome giveaway!

The lucky winner will be receiving:

• Signed copy of the books
• Handcrafted vintage style earrings
• Dove & Heart Charm• $20 iTunes card
• Leather bound notebook with playlist

To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter and hopefully you’ll win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway