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Arrington #3
Sacred Intentions
Upon the onset of the Civil War, majestic Sutton Hall reigned supreme. Thomas Arrington is one of the wealthiest plantation owners in all of Savannah, Georgia and showers his beautiful only daughter, Amelia, with not only his immense fortune, but his undivided love. Amelia happily shares her life with Hattie, and Mammy Abigail; slaves of the plantation, who live in the Big House as members of the Arrington family. Her unmistakable beauty goes noticed by everyone, especially the married, Perry Montgomery, and the handsome house-guest, Colonial Warren Stone.
Life as Amelia knows it suddenly comes to an end after her beloved father marries stone-cold, widowed aristocrat, Eugenia Norris. Her once innocent, protected, world begins to fall apart as her stepmother loathes everything about her. The smooth running plantation turns upside down during Eugenia’s iron rule, and Amelia is torn away from Hattie, Mammy, and worst of all, her own father. Amelia believes her only hope of escaping the fury of her evil stepmother is in the hands of Patrick-Garrett; the mysterious son of her fathers first marriage, whom Amelia never knew existed.
However, Amelia isn't prepared to face her unspeakable, indecent feelings towards Patrick-Garrett. What happens next will change the course of her life forever, leaving shocking family secrets for generations to come.
Life as Amelia knows it suddenly comes to an end after her beloved father marries stone-cold, widowed aristocrat, Eugenia Norris. Her once innocent, protected, world begins to fall apart as her stepmother loathes everything about her. The smooth running plantation turns upside down during Eugenia’s iron rule, and Amelia is torn away from Hattie, Mammy, and worst of all, her own father. Amelia believes her only hope of escaping the fury of her evil stepmother is in the hands of Patrick-Garrett; the mysterious son of her fathers first marriage, whom Amelia never knew existed.
However, Amelia isn't prepared to face her unspeakable, indecent feelings towards Patrick-Garrett. What happens next will change the course of her life forever, leaving shocking family secrets for generations to come.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2011
8 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Roxane Tepfer Sanford
5 books248 followersRoxane Tepfer Sanford is the author of the best selling family saga, The Girl in the Lighthouse, All That is Beautiful and Sacred Intentions (the Arrington series). Her writing style has been compared to that of well known gothic fiction author, V.C. Andrews.
on Instagram: rtsoftheqc
on Facebook:
Roxane Tepfer Sanford
Facebook LIKE page: The Girl in the Lighthouse/All that is Beautiful/Sacred Intensions
Books available: Kindle, Nook, ebooks, Kobo, Sony, iBooks, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all other online book sites.
Praise for Roxane Tepfer Sanford:
Writer's Digest 2010
"The writing is lean and literate in style, painting a fascinating word portrait that is given a humanist depth in the way the author portrays Lillian’s turbulent journey through life as set against the historical environment and situation that inform the shaping of those characters’ lives and destines. The authors choice of incident is well honored in the way the individual scenes reveal character through action and dialogue; an entertaining and informative read."
Kam Aures for RebeccasReads.com (07/10)
"I truly enjoy Sanford’s writing and can’t wait to read future books from this talented author. If you enjoy V.C. Andrews' books, Sanford’s style and thought process is very similar and I think that you will enjoy her work!"
"Roxane Tepfer Sanford’s novel of betrayals, lost love, and shattered lives is intense, vivid, and unpredictable. The web which holds the plot together is reminiscent of V.C.Andrews’s Gothic style. I couldn’t put The Girl in the Lighthouse down once I started reading. I had to know more." http://www.hereandthere.us
"This book was wonderful could'nt put it down. It's very reminiscent of VC Andrews classics like Dawn, Melody and Flowers in The Attic."-Reader review-amazon.com
Melanie Tighe, owner of Dog-Eared Pages Used Books 2010
"Shadows of V.C. Andrews’ Flowers in the Attic hang over The Girl in the Lighthouse but Sanford adds a surprising twist that keeps the reader guessing about Lillian’s mysterious and horrifying family secret until the very end."
on Instagram: rtsoftheqc
on Facebook:
Roxane Tepfer Sanford
Facebook LIKE page: The Girl in the Lighthouse/All that is Beautiful/Sacred Intensions
Books available: Kindle, Nook, ebooks, Kobo, Sony, iBooks, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and all other online book sites.
Praise for Roxane Tepfer Sanford:
Writer's Digest 2010
"The writing is lean and literate in style, painting a fascinating word portrait that is given a humanist depth in the way the author portrays Lillian’s turbulent journey through life as set against the historical environment and situation that inform the shaping of those characters’ lives and destines. The authors choice of incident is well honored in the way the individual scenes reveal character through action and dialogue; an entertaining and informative read."
Kam Aures for RebeccasReads.com (07/10)
"I truly enjoy Sanford’s writing and can’t wait to read future books from this talented author. If you enjoy V.C. Andrews' books, Sanford’s style and thought process is very similar and I think that you will enjoy her work!"
"Roxane Tepfer Sanford’s novel of betrayals, lost love, and shattered lives is intense, vivid, and unpredictable. The web which holds the plot together is reminiscent of V.C.Andrews’s Gothic style. I couldn’t put The Girl in the Lighthouse down once I started reading. I had to know more." http://www.hereandthere.us
"This book was wonderful could'nt put it down. It's very reminiscent of VC Andrews classics like Dawn, Melody and Flowers in The Attic."-Reader review-amazon.com
Melanie Tighe, owner of Dog-Eared Pages Used Books 2010
"Shadows of V.C. Andrews’ Flowers in the Attic hang over The Girl in the Lighthouse but Sanford adds a surprising twist that keeps the reader guessing about Lillian’s mysterious and horrifying family secret until the very end."
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 15, 2011
4.5 Dysfunctional family stars out of 5!
Wow I never knew so much drama could go on before and during the Civil War!
This was a fantastic book, and thank you to Roxane Tepfer Sanford for allowing me to read this early copy.
I really loved the fact that this was told from Amelia’s point of view and loved getting the “back story” about the characters that lived in Sutton Hall. Great to find out who Amelia, Patrick Garrett, Warren Stone, Hattie, Jacob Thomas, Abigail and of course Lilian’s psycho grandmother Eugenia.
Amelia is Lilian’s mother and the story starts when she is about the age Lilian was at the beginning of The Girl in the Lighthouse. I can’t believe how similar Amelia and Lilian are. I mean sure they’re mother and daughter, but both seem to be very naïve around the men in their lives. Maybe it is the era these books are set in, but I can’t believe they could both get themselves into these similar situations with the men that they put their trust into. Sometimes these aren’t the best men to trust though.
Amelia’s mother died giving birth to her and she has carried this guilt with her throughout her life. She spent the early years in absolute happiness with her Daddy, Mammy Abigail and her “sister” Hattie.
However when Thomas Arrington meets Eugenia Norton and decides to marry her, Amelia’s life is turned upside down. Mammy and Hattie are no longer treated like part of the family and are sent to live in the cabins with the rest of the slaves. Amelia is told not to spend time with them and when Abigail gives birth to Amelia’s half-brother Jacob Thomas, Eugenia becomes even worse.
As Amelia grows into a young woman she becomes confused with the feelings she is experiencing about the different men entering her life and her complete psycho step-mother isn’t helping by putting the fear of god into her. She keeps telling her that she is the devil’s child and just like her tramp mother. Her father is no help as he no longer takes the time to listen to her or take notice of her life anymore and when the Civil War begins he joins up and leaves her alone with Eugenia.
I kept feeling that Perry Montgomery was familiar for some reason, but not sure why. I thought that he maybe had been in The Girl in the Lighthouse or All that is Beautiful but obviously not.
Warren Stone – well what can I say about him. If he was around in today’s times I am sure he would really need to be locked up. A real charmer but a complete and utter sleaze bag as well.
Patrick Garrett – an interesting character. I still think that there was more beneath the surface between him and Amelia’s mother that just her being the servant in his home and comforting him when his mother died. I would be interested to know exactly how old he was when she died.
Thomas Arrington – He wasn’t your typical southern plantation owner of the time as he treated his slaves with some dignity, especially Abigail as he truly loved her, however he became what I like to call “A spineless jellyfish” when he married Eugenia. He let her take over and rule the plantation with an iron fist and lost any respect I may have had for him.
Eugenia – She is just one bitter and twisted piece of work. Usually when there is a character in a book that is just pure evil, they usually start off nice but something makes them change. Eugenia however, started off evil and only showed a small piece of humanity for a couple of brief periods. But even during those times, she still treated Amelia like a piece of dirt.
As an Australian and somebody who wasn't raised learning about the Civil War, I really found this interesting as it was told from a different point of view from the "normal" stories we hear about. Told through the eyes of a teenage girl living in Savannah and whose best friend is the daughter of a slave, certainly gives a different spin on things.
Can’t wait for the final product to be released and I will then read all three together.
Wow I never knew so much drama could go on before and during the Civil War!
This was a fantastic book, and thank you to Roxane Tepfer Sanford for allowing me to read this early copy.
I really loved the fact that this was told from Amelia’s point of view and loved getting the “back story” about the characters that lived in Sutton Hall. Great to find out who Amelia, Patrick Garrett, Warren Stone, Hattie, Jacob Thomas, Abigail and of course Lilian’s psycho grandmother Eugenia.
Amelia is Lilian’s mother and the story starts when she is about the age Lilian was at the beginning of The Girl in the Lighthouse. I can’t believe how similar Amelia and Lilian are. I mean sure they’re mother and daughter, but both seem to be very naïve around the men in their lives. Maybe it is the era these books are set in, but I can’t believe they could both get themselves into these similar situations with the men that they put their trust into. Sometimes these aren’t the best men to trust though.
Amelia’s mother died giving birth to her and she has carried this guilt with her throughout her life. She spent the early years in absolute happiness with her Daddy, Mammy Abigail and her “sister” Hattie.
However when Thomas Arrington meets Eugenia Norton and decides to marry her, Amelia’s life is turned upside down. Mammy and Hattie are no longer treated like part of the family and are sent to live in the cabins with the rest of the slaves. Amelia is told not to spend time with them and when Abigail gives birth to Amelia’s half-brother Jacob Thomas, Eugenia becomes even worse.
As Amelia grows into a young woman she becomes confused with the feelings she is experiencing about the different men entering her life and her complete psycho step-mother isn’t helping by putting the fear of god into her. She keeps telling her that she is the devil’s child and just like her tramp mother. Her father is no help as he no longer takes the time to listen to her or take notice of her life anymore and when the Civil War begins he joins up and leaves her alone with Eugenia.
I kept feeling that Perry Montgomery was familiar for some reason, but not sure why. I thought that he maybe had been in The Girl in the Lighthouse or All that is Beautiful but obviously not.
Warren Stone – well what can I say about him. If he was around in today’s times I am sure he would really need to be locked up. A real charmer but a complete and utter sleaze bag as well.
Patrick Garrett – an interesting character. I still think that there was more beneath the surface between him and Amelia’s mother that just her being the servant in his home and comforting him when his mother died. I would be interested to know exactly how old he was when she died.
Thomas Arrington – He wasn’t your typical southern plantation owner of the time as he treated his slaves with some dignity, especially Abigail as he truly loved her, however he became what I like to call “A spineless jellyfish” when he married Eugenia. He let her take over and rule the plantation with an iron fist and lost any respect I may have had for him.
Eugenia – She is just one bitter and twisted piece of work. Usually when there is a character in a book that is just pure evil, they usually start off nice but something makes them change. Eugenia however, started off evil and only showed a small piece of humanity for a couple of brief periods. But even during those times, she still treated Amelia like a piece of dirt.
As an Australian and somebody who wasn't raised learning about the Civil War, I really found this interesting as it was told from a different point of view from the "normal" stories we hear about. Told through the eyes of a teenage girl living in Savannah and whose best friend is the daughter of a slave, certainly gives a different spin on things.
Can’t wait for the final product to be released and I will then read all three together.
October 10, 2011
Early Reviewer (pre-release review)
Sacred Intentions is the prequel to The Girl in the Lighthouse and does not disappoint! This one brings all three novels in the Arrington series full circle; revealing dark secrets know one could ever guess. Seriously! Just when you think you may have this dysfunctional family figured out...think again!
I enjoyed the Civil War setting, the traditional southern plantation called Sutton Hall, and getting to know more about Hattie and Abigail (characters from book 1).
Another entertaining read by Sanford. This book is not one to miss.
Sacred Intentions is the prequel to The Girl in the Lighthouse and does not disappoint! This one brings all three novels in the Arrington series full circle; revealing dark secrets know one could ever guess. Seriously! Just when you think you may have this dysfunctional family figured out...think again!
I enjoyed the Civil War setting, the traditional southern plantation called Sutton Hall, and getting to know more about Hattie and Abigail (characters from book 1).
Another entertaining read by Sanford. This book is not one to miss.
November 11, 2011
Loved Sacred Intentions! Very happy that Roxane Tepfer Sanford decided to tell the story of how Lillian eventually comes to be. This book is set during the Civil War at Sutton Hall in Savannah. Amelia Arrington learns of love, lust, loss, betrail, and abuse. This book answers questions that I was left with in the first two books, The Girl in the Lighthouse and All That is Beautiful. This book held lots of suprises and kept me reading till the end. Can't wait to see what Roxane chooses to write about next.
October 12, 2011
Sacred Intentions takes place a few years before the Civil War begins on a southern plantation called Sutton Hall. Readers are re-acquainted with Abigail, Hamilton, Thomas Arrington and the oh-so-evil, Eugenia Arrington. The story quickly brings you into the world of young Amelia, and her unusual life on this southern plantation.
The story is filled with loss, betrayal, revenge and all things unspeakable.
Sanford's gift of storytelling is clearly evident in this book. Any fan of her books will thoroughly enjoy Sacred Intentions.
The story is filled with loss, betrayal, revenge and all things unspeakable.
Sanford's gift of storytelling is clearly evident in this book. Any fan of her books will thoroughly enjoy Sacred Intentions.
March 5, 2012
I loved, loved, loved this book. It was a perfect conclusion (prequel) to the Arrington Saga. It explained and lingering questions from the first 2 books and explained a lot of the characters behavior. I really reccommend all three books in this series. The author is incredible at bringing her charatcters to life and you genuinely care about them. I read this whole book in one day, I literally couldn't put it down.
November 6, 2011
Sacred Intentions (Arrington, #3/Prequel) Roxane Tepford Sanford
Set during the Civil War, this is the story of Amelia Arrington. Beautiful daughter of the wealthy Plantation owner Thomas Arrington. Life is perfect for Amelia at Sutton Hall, with her (slave) Nanny Mammy, and her daughter Hattie. Although Hattie is a "Negro-Slave" she is Amelias best friend and "Sister". Thomas is not the average slave owner, he treats his slaves as family, which seems normal to Amelia.
Then the war gets intense, and things begin to change. Eugenia moves in with her two daughters. Eugenia is jealous of her stepdaughter Amelia and treats her poorly, she does not hide her hatred for the beautiful Arrington girl. Once Thomas goes off to war things get worse at Sutton Hall.
Now blossoming into a beautiful woman, Amelia has many suitors, including the super wealth Perry Montgomery and the family house guest Warren Stone. Amelia is interested in one man, whom she will never have. This sparks more animosity from Eugina, and the torturous cruel treatment from Eugina gets worse. Amelia knows she must flee Sutton Hall, she sees her father for what he really is, not the "Hero" she made him out to be.
The only hope for escape from the Hell that Eugina has made into Sutton Hall, seems to be from the forbidden and mysterious Patrick-Garret, the stranger whom Amelia finds to be her half brother. Will he be able to save her from her tormented life in Sutton Hall?
Page turning , allnight read. Sacred intentions is the Prequel to The Girl in the Lighthouse/All that is beautiful Also great as a stand alone, filled with love, loss, family secrets and betrayal. I highly recommend, along with the other two books in the Arrington series:
The Girl in the Lighthouse/ All That is Beautiful By:
Set during the Civil War, this is the story of Amelia Arrington. Beautiful daughter of the wealthy Plantation owner Thomas Arrington. Life is perfect for Amelia at Sutton Hall, with her (slave) Nanny Mammy, and her daughter Hattie. Although Hattie is a "Negro-Slave" she is Amelias best friend and "Sister". Thomas is not the average slave owner, he treats his slaves as family, which seems normal to Amelia.
Then the war gets intense, and things begin to change. Eugenia moves in with her two daughters. Eugenia is jealous of her stepdaughter Amelia and treats her poorly, she does not hide her hatred for the beautiful Arrington girl. Once Thomas goes off to war things get worse at Sutton Hall.
Now blossoming into a beautiful woman, Amelia has many suitors, including the super wealth Perry Montgomery and the family house guest Warren Stone. Amelia is interested in one man, whom she will never have. This sparks more animosity from Eugina, and the torturous cruel treatment from Eugina gets worse. Amelia knows she must flee Sutton Hall, she sees her father for what he really is, not the "Hero" she made him out to be.
The only hope for escape from the Hell that Eugina has made into Sutton Hall, seems to be from the forbidden and mysterious Patrick-Garret, the stranger whom Amelia finds to be her half brother. Will he be able to save her from her tormented life in Sutton Hall?
Page turning , allnight read. Sacred intentions is the Prequel to The Girl in the Lighthouse/All that is beautiful Also great as a stand alone, filled with love, loss, family secrets and betrayal. I highly recommend, along with the other two books in the Arrington series:
The Girl in the Lighthouse/ All That is Beautiful By:
August 21, 2012
So I see this is the last book of the Arrington Trilogy. Figures I read it first :P The books weren't written in order, though it appears I am reading them in order. oh well. I enjoyed this book a good bit! of course I fell in love with Amelia's beau right along with her. Yeah, there is a slight "snag" in their love affair, bit I'm rather happy with the results! I found myself wishing to be like Amelia, with HOT guys falling at my feet left and right ;) As far as the step-bitch is concerned, I would have poisoned her ass the minute my father'scarriage was out of sight! It was a good Civil War story. Another fine example of what the Southern civilians endured during that time in History. Even though I would have fought for the North, I have great sympathy for what woman, children, and slaves experienced while trying to hold on to what little they had left of their lives. And the Confederate soldiers were just plain EVIL towards their own people. Ugghh! Heartbreaking!
August 28, 2012
Ok. I haven't finished this as of yet, but I know it will be good, so I'm doing this now. The only reason it got 3 stars and not 4 is because I'm way too sensitive for my own good. I get upset when people are angry or mean or cruel. Like crying upset. Combine that cruelty with two of my least favorite things, Southern Civil war era slavery and Christian religious fanatics, and you can imagine that I am going off the rails reading this. I had to stop for a while so I could calm down and not go into histrionics.
Summary: If you're super sensitive, you might wanna skim chapters 3 to maybe 10 or so. Worth reading though. Beautifully written. Well done, Ms. Sanford.
EDIT: Well. That was disappointing. It started out awesome, but then it got kinda soap opera-y and Amelia was very , very annoying and her character changed constantly. Not in the normal people way, but in a superficial this can't actually be a real person way.
Summary: If you're super sensitive, you might wanna skim chapters 3 to maybe 10 or so. Worth reading though. Beautifully written. Well done, Ms. Sanford.
EDIT: Well. That was disappointing. It started out awesome, but then it got kinda soap opera-y and Amelia was very , very annoying and her character changed constantly. Not in the normal people way, but in a superficial this can't actually be a real person way.
April 29, 2012
Absolutey loved it!! You are a splendid writer Roxane, and have a dedicated reader here. Can't wait for more books of yours to read.
A prequel book to the Arrington series of how it all began. Takes place during the time of slavery at its end and the beginning of the civil war. A young girl forced to grow up way too fast as her father marries a woman he doesn't love, but is able to run the home. She is of strictness, he is of what in the day would be called weak when it comes to his slaves and keeping the upperhand. The stepmother has much anger and resentment to amelia who falls in love with her half brother she meets during wartime.
This book has many twists and is a definite page turner that you can't put down. A few parts will through you for a loop just when you think you got it all figured out.
A prequel book to the Arrington series of how it all began. Takes place during the time of slavery at its end and the beginning of the civil war. A young girl forced to grow up way too fast as her father marries a woman he doesn't love, but is able to run the home. She is of strictness, he is of what in the day would be called weak when it comes to his slaves and keeping the upperhand. The stepmother has much anger and resentment to amelia who falls in love with her half brother she meets during wartime.
This book has many twists and is a definite page turner that you can't put down. A few parts will through you for a loop just when you think you got it all figured out.
January 25, 2013
This was the prequel to the Arrington trilogy, a free kindle book that I downloaded. It was actually written after the first two books in the series, The Girl in the Lighthouse and All That is Beautiful. I wanted to like this book better, and I do have an interest in books that are set in the south during the Civil War.
But honestly, I found many of the characters so despicable and I question the plausibility of one of the main events in the story. The book did hold my attention for some time and I did finish reading it. For now, though, I will re-shelve the remaining two novels in the trilogy.
But honestly, I found many of the characters so despicable and I question the plausibility of one of the main events in the story. The book did hold my attention for some time and I did finish reading it. For now, though, I will re-shelve the remaining two novels in the trilogy.
November 23, 2011
It was nice to have a little insight into Amelia's life before the light house. I would have like to have more definition on some of the key instances in Lillian's secluded life. For example; She had no knowledge of Santa Claus, why? It didn't appear that Amelia had a tragic situation that would have made her want to shelter Lillian from. All in all, it was good book. I enjoyed the series very much! :)
January 28, 2012
This is the third book in this trilogy, but also a prequel to the second and third, so I read it first and glad I did, because it explained so much more of the family in earlier times. I wasn't too fond of a "particular relationship" in the story, but overall I liked the book. Reading the second book in this trilogy now and enjoying it.
Book 1. The Girl in the Lighthouse
Book 2. All That Is Beautiful
Book 3. Sacred Intentions (prequel)
Book 1. The Girl in the Lighthouse
Book 2. All That Is Beautiful
Book 3. Sacred Intentions (prequel)
January 12, 2012
I really enjoyed this 3rd book in the Arrington series. I was drawn into this book by the setting of the South during the Civil War. Being a prequel to the first two books it made the Arrington family story come full circle. So much so that I almost want to read the first two books again to be able to pick up on some things that I probably missed the first time I read them.
September 22, 2016
I'm in shock! I'm glad I decided to read this book before I read the second one in the series. This gave the background of Amelia and Garrett and how they came to be. Now I know why the grandmother was so mean and did the things she did. I still don't like her though, she's evil and mean spirited. This book is heart breaking and had me I tears a few times but I couldn't put it down.
December 4, 2011
A fantasticly written gothic horor that has you capitvated & on th edge of your seat from the get go. Fast paced & page turning you have no idea where Amelias journey will take you next. If you like Virginia Andrews, your love Roxane Tepfer Sanford x x
November 29, 2011
I thought the book was wonderful. If you loved V.C. Andrews then you will love Roxane Sanford. This book was a page turner and I couldn't put it down. The characters come to life and you are there in time with them.
December 21, 2011
As most prequels do, this one gave a lot of background to the next two books but came out last. These books are easy reads and just enjoyable. Not too much thought has to go into reading them and I liked all three books even though there were glaring editing errors in the final print.
January 15, 2012
Amazing wow...longer review to follow
November 25, 2011
I liked this one the best in the series! The drama really kept you on the edge of your seat!
February 14, 2012
Great series. Only problem was with editing. Otherwise fabulous!
April 16, 2012
Pretty good trilogy. I liked the story. Have not been much for the "Sparks" type sad, sad stories lately. Interesting historical stuff in these 3 books.
February 27, 2021
this is book one in the series, good reading.
Want to read
March 16, 2012Free on kindle 2/29/12
September 12, 2012
Great book, a must read. The Arrington saga, but read this one first! Great love stories!!
April 5, 2017
I started reading this book because I enjoy historical fiction stories. While the premise, writing and character development was fairly good, the actual story line was bizarre. This was the prequel to a series, and how this book ended was just disgusting. I kept waiting for some - gasp- plot twist! to work out an issue, but that didn't happen. Don't read this book!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews