East of Orleans

East of Orleans #1

by Renee' Irvin

Their worlds were different, but their desires were the same . . . Isabella McCoy, from the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia, was as naïve as she was beautiful. Jacqueline Rousseau, the exotic New Orleans prostitute, was known for cruelly breaking men’s hearts while she emptied their pockets. Both with dark secrets of their own, running away from their pasts, to an uncertain future. Fate brought them together, and into the arms of the notorious cotton broker Jules McGinnis, who became both a husband and lover to them. Jealousy. Passion. Love. Murder. Now both women must overcome the truth of their tormented pasts and their unknown futures, as they face one of the most scandalous murder trials Georgia had ever seen. East of Orleans, is a 358 page novel. It is the deep South in the 1880’s, a time when the South is still reeling from its bitter defeat in the Civil War, vainly struggling to live with post-war reconstruction. Meet Jules McGinnis, Rhett Butler reincarnated who has managed to transform himself from a Confederate soldier into a wealthy businessman by taking advantage of the broken South. Through arrogance and false conceit, he marries the woman he doesn’t love and loves the one he will not marry. Then there is Isabella McCoy, one whose youth was snatched by her rape by the one she despises, forcing her to abandon her dream of a life with the one she truly loves. And finally there is Jacqueline Roussea, a beautiful French creole “prostitute” fearful of true love who manages to avoid sex by drugging her clientele. In this epic novel, Renee Irvin paints a picture of lost love and desperation. If you have never suffered the pain of loss, never doubted that you took the wrong road in life, then this book is not for you. But if truly wish to embark upon an unforgettable journey, delve into a forgotten world in which the South was truly “Gone with the Wind, and discover whether or not true love will conquer that false love borne of desperation and stubborn pride, then this book is for you. Review Fesmire (Goodreads) July 2012 "In the deep South of the 1880's, two young women, Isabella McCoy, a beautiful white girl from rural Georgia and Jacqueline Rousseau, a sultry, black French Creole who works in the finest bordello in New Orleans, are on separate paths in their unhappy lives. This epic novel takes us into their world, which is filled with love, lust, betrayal, rape, murder, wealth, greed, power and corruption. There are surprises at every turn as each woman copes with the cards life has dealt her. And then their paths converge when they burn the cotton fields of the man one is married to and both hate. In one of the most dramatic scenes ever written, the two women save the black sharecroppers' wives and their children from horrible slave conditions and their terrible fate. Isabella and Jacqueline's friendship is literally forged in fire and each must now fulfill her destiny. Renee Irvin takes the reader on an unforgettable journey back to another time and place and into the hearts and minds of two remarkable women. She has seamlessly woven the numerous characters and story elements to create a beautifully detailed tapestry of hope borne of heartbreak and of strength borne of family love. An absolutely wonderful read from cover to cover." --Ann K Fisher 318 Pages Revised March 18,2012

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Mystery, Ebooks

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2012

About the author

Born to a poker playing pilot and a Berry College English scholarship awardee,Renee' Stargel Irvin is no doubt her parents daughter.Not quite one year old, busy playing amongst the pots & pans in the kitchen, Renee' Stargel Irvin's mother asked her what she was doing.

"Using my imagination, Mommy!" she replied.

And she has been ever since. "East of Orleans," her first published novel, was created through a mélange of memories brought to life, characters born out of imagination, and Renee's desire to write herself to another place, at another time.

There was no better place than where her grandmother grew up as a child, and her stories unfolded. That wonderful place was on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, in a little community known as Shakerag, Georgia.

Like Renee's life itself--deep, rich, adventuresome, and sometimes dark, her debut novel "East of Orleans" is a "real" southern story, the kind that Renee' feels is best told by one of their own, a bona fide Southerner.

Renee' holds a degree in Legal Studies, and studied English & Communications at Oglethorpe University. She also studied at the "Harriett Austin Creative Writing Conference," offered by the University of Georgia, and taught under the skilled eye of Dr. Charles Connor.

Renee' currently lives not far from Shakerag near the Chattahoochee River and the birth place of the novel. A few months after the release of her first novel Renee' found out after attending a doctor's appointment with her longtime fiancé that he had a terminal stage 4 cancer. Renee then devoted all her time and energy into saving the life of the man she loved more than the world. Sadly, he died in her arms 21 months after diagnosis. They married shortly before his death. The trauma of his illness, death and events that followed affected her greatly, but she has started to write again and expects the release of her new novel, a southern Civil war love story---to be released spring of 2017.

It will evolve around layered characters, mystery, romance, and life and death centered on the only stage Renee' knows as home, the deep South.

Web Site: coming soon!

Reviews

[Tona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the depth of the characters. There was no clean line between good and bad with any of the characters. Each character had a flaws that with out the back story to each, I could have easily labeled as "hated".

I think that Julius was a different man to each of his loves. He seemed to be his true self with Jacqueline but could not marry her. With Isabella, Julius was what was expected.

I think that Isabella's character came off as weak because she was less of a fighter than Jacqueline. But with out Isabella I don't think Jacqueline's character would have had a softer side.

[Heidi Harsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me of the best Solution Historical Fiction stories I've read in a long time!!!kudos to author, Rena

Kudos to author, Renee' Irvin! Job well done. This story is captivating from the first few pages. I couldn't out it down! You brought the characters to life. I'm looking forward to read more about this strong lead character, Isabella and where life takes her. Will she end up with the love of her life or just keep making sacrifices to save everyone else??? I want more! Keep using that great imagination and keep writing!

[Christine Anne Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Marvelous!

There are few books that I would say marvelous about but, I really love this story! If you love the South and colorful characters you will too. Great job! I'll be following this author.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

East of Orleans is a vivid tale of the two women, Isabella McCoy McGinnis and Jacqueline Rousseau O'Brien , who end up sharing the same man, Jules McGinnis (a poker playing/business man). Isabelle is the perfect white wife for Jules while Jacqueline is a black creole that works in a brothel. This story has love, betrayal, rape, greed, tragedy and even murder. Both women must find the strength to deal with the paths their lives have taken.

East of Orleans is not your typical romance. It will not leave you with the happy glow. It was raw at time, extremely vivid, had just enough humor to add to the characters depth and heart wrenching...All things lead me to you. I really enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Irvin brought strength to the characters by making them imperfect which made them authentic. I can't finish without saying Granny was great! Renee’ Irvin wove a wonderful tale of two very different women dealing with the lot life has given to them in the late 1800’s.

This copy of East of Orleans was given to me by Goodreads First Reads and Renne' Irvin in exchange for an honest review.

[PacaLipstick Gramma · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads Giveaway win.

All I can say is that I'm glad I didn't buy this book!

I thought the dialog was terrible and inconsistent. It didn't seem to have a natural flow, and I can't wrap my brain around that everyone spoke near perfect English. The story seemed to drag in parts, and all the sudden there was a change ~ and no explanation! One moment someone was in the bedroom with their back to another, and the next they were sitting in the kitchen. What??? I even flipped back a page or two thinking I might have missed something. Didn't.

I received an ARC, and maybe that would explain this. Words were hyphenated in the wrong places, or should not have been hyphenated at all. There were paragraphs that had the dialog of two people in it, punctuation or italics were not there. Sometimes it was hard to follow because there were three people talking, and it was not clearly noted.

I really didn't even find the story all that good. My apologies to the author ~ but I'm just being honest.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this book, too much in my opinion. The story jumped around from character to character with no real grasp on the passing of time. In the space of a chapter the book would fast forward several years, but would never really say that, you had to do some serious inferring. I enjoyed the fact that the characters made their choices and then lived with the bad or the good consequences of each, but they never learned from their bad choices and continued to make the same mistakes. Several scenes seemed overly contrived and cliched, especially the courtroom scene at the end. I like to take away something positive about life from every book I read, and this one I just couldn't, all I took away was that you can make poor choices and eventually everyone else involved with die and then you can have what you want.

[Mariareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thinking romance, but more along the lines of literary southern fiction with a touch of southern gothic. Very detailed---a lot of layered, underlying meaning--good description of the "old south"and the hypocrisy of people. Very humorous at times as well as very clever in some of the author's use of verbage. Not a quick read that would be loved by most romance lovers and yet I could not putit down. I love the story, but it is not for everyone.Great Characters---IF you love Savannah and the south it really is a must. Over 18. Has some rough language and a couple of scenes, but I feel the author spared nothing to make her characters come to life. Let me say---if you love bodice ripper type novels then most likely this is not your book.

[Timea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book, hoping it will bring me the mystery of New Orleans. Instead I feel like I got a half-botched story. I bought this book because the reviews were so good, but I could not wait to finish reading it; so that it would be over. I give credit to authors even if their literary techniques are lack-luster, but only because they tell a good story. But I feel this book lacked the story and literary merit.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an unsuspected surprise ! Picked this up for free on my Kindle and loved it .
I found the characters deep and well defined . I come to love most of them . The story is touching and believable . Well written and comes together very nicely . Perfect ending ;-)
May have to check out more by this talented author .

[Sharon Huether · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cast of strong characters. A rapist, a woman fro a brothel, poor farmers and an innocent young woman.
They were under the spell of a wealthy cotton baron.
There was little true happiness in these lives.
The author takes the reader through the lives of these two women.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good story, but the kindle version is riddled with punctuation errors and missing words or too many words... This is not a typical romance and I liked it for that.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. Something I wish were a little different or other parts longer than others but overall really liked this book

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabella is an innocent country girl who thinks she has her life planned out. Her family is losing their farm because they can't pay the payments to the bank. When she is raped by the bankers son, her life is totally changed.

Jacqueline has lived in a whore house since she was left there by her mother when she was 5. She is beautiful and captures the heart of a hard business man.

This was a decent first novel, written quite simply. The stories of these two women and how their lives change was good. I would read more by this author.

[Betty Hattan · Rating 4 out of 5]

East of orleans

I highly recommend this book. First this is a great story that grows as. Well as your interest the characters are so very interesting. The story never ends. Even after you have read the last word and I was sorry to see it end. Lots of twists and turns and don't try to guess the ending......it probably will not work

[denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella

A very good story, especially enjoyed how your life plans do not turn out as planned. A very good, interesting read.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I in my hands from Renee Irvin,and also one of the first books I have read about life in Southern Orleans. I bought this book for free on Amazon, not because it was free, but because the title attracted me to the book.

This book plays in a complex world of intrigue, drama, suspense, and politics. The story is about the main characters Isabella McCoy and Jacqueline Rousseau, telling you a life lesson: past events influence current and future life, as habits are hard to break.

Furthermore, this book is about exposing everyday personalities, living in the South in the old days. Readers learn many things about how life was back then. The author does this by composing personalities that are not flat, but consist of a diversity of dispositions, passions, and desires, and are not shy of communicating their perception on events.

What I find truly remarkable throughout the story is that seemingly two exceptionally different characters share one passion in the form of a love-and-hate relationship with Jules McGinnis.

This is a remarkable story, told by Renee Irving, that might hard to connect to by anyone who is not familiar with this form of living. But in my opinion, that should not be a reason not to read this book, as it will help your mind create new connections with culture you might never get connected or exposed to in real life. This by itself is a reason for me to give this book 5 stars...

We do not have a time-machine in our living room, but the next best thing is Irving telling you this story that will make your mind drift back a few years in history, as well as letting you step into a culture you might not be familiar with. This book is written as though I was watching a movie, as the description of the environment was so detailed that I could visualize the events perfectly.

This is an absolute treat to read, and since this ebook ranks pretty high on the Kindle best seller list, I believe it to be a work of art. I would recommend to anyone getting this book, even if you are a bit shy of other cultures in different areas and times. This story might just open your mind to a whole new genre you want to explore.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

WON ON GOODREADS

I’m really conflicted with how I feel about this story. I didn't like either of the main characters for most of the book and when I don’t like a main character in a story it’s hard for me to love the book no matter how well written or interesting the plot is. I felt that more time was spent on Isabella then on Jacqueline and because of that I just couldn't connect with her. Isabella was too self-centered and she really just frustrated me. Some of the bad things that happen to her aren't her fault but for the most part I feel like she caused a lot of her problems. She was never satisfied and when she tried to make things better it always ended up back-firing in her face. I can understand the need to want to make things better for yourself but she was always too focused on trying to find her own happiness that it got in her way of seeing what was going on with everyone else. A lot of the mistakes she made ended up hurting those around, especially Jacqueline and Jules. She was very indecisive and when she did make a decision she always ended up regretting it and wanting to take whatever choice she had made back.

Though Isabella frustrates me so much I liked the idea that no person is either just good or bad. A lot of times the main character in a story is made to know right from wrong and never do a bad thing but the characters in this story were very realistic. I felt like I saw that the most in Isabella and Jules. There’s a lot of good and bad in both of them. They do things out of spite and anger but we also see them make sacrifices for the people they care about. They behave in ways that actually human beings would.

I struggle with how to rate this book because I love how realistic it is and I really enjoyed the time period it was set in but I couldn't stand Isabella. I felt that a lot of the problems created were because of her being unsatisfied with her life. I hate that in the end it’s Jacqueline that suffers for Isabella's actions. I would recommend this book to others though there are some spelling/grammar mistakes in the paperback.

7.8/10 rating

This review is also up on my blog.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, easy to read, historical fiction book.

Set in the late 1880's in Georgia, this book is an epic "rags to riches" tale with more plot twists than a lazy river! This is not complicated literature and the book does not make a political statement -- but it IS a very enjoyable read with a straight-forward plot.

Fifteen-year old Isabella discoveres that she is pregnant, but she doesn't know whether the father of her baby is the man who raped her, or her boyfriend to whom she gave herself. Her family sends her away to live with extended family during her pregnancy and while there, she marries a man many years older, as part of a financial transaction. After learning the identity of her wealthy husband's mistress, the two women eventually become friends. Yes, this is "chick lit" -- though I actually read this one out loud to my husband and he enjoyed it, too.

Although the book addresses unwed pregnancy and prostitution, the sexual details are limited and tasteful. There is a slight (and humorous) pique at the Baptist church. True to the historical period, the book sometimes uses the "n word" in reference to African Americans, but in general they are treated with respect and dignity by most characters in the book, including the protagonist. The book could pass a PG rating.

Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.

[Francis Fesmire · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the deep South in the 1880’s, a time when the South is still reeling from its bitter defeat in the Civil War, vainly struggling to live with post-war reconstruction. Meet Jules McGinnis, Rhett Butler reincarnated who has managed to transform himself from a Confederate soldier into a wealthy businessman by taking advantage of the broken South. Through arrogance and false conceit, he marries the woman he doesn’t love and loves the one he will not marry. Then there is Isabella McCoy, one whose youth was snatched by her rape by the one she despises, forcing her to abandon her dream of a life with the one she truly loves. And finally there is Jacqueline Roussea, a beautiful French creole “prostitute” fearful of true love who manages to avoid sex by drugging her clientele. In this epic novel, Renee Irvin paints a picture of lost love and desperation. If you have never suffered the pain of loss, never doubted that you took the wrong road in life, then this book is not for you. But if truly wish to embark upon an unforgettable journey, delve into a forgotten world in which the South was truly “Gone with the Wind, and discover whether or not true love will conquer that false love borne of desperation and stubborn pride, then this book is for you.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabella McCoy's life falls apart after her fathers death. She is raped and ends up pregnant. Her mother and grandmother send her to an aunts to stay. With all this going on they also have to save their farm from being foreclosed on. Jacqueline is a prostitute looking for love in all the wrong places. Both of these women end up in the grasps of Jules McGinnis. One becomes his wife to save her families land and the other is his mistress but wants to be so much more. Secrets are unveiled. The past comes to life. Can these two women band together to save not only themselves but each other?

While this is an interesting historical fiction novel it was amazing in my eyes. I felt like there was something not quite right about the story and I'm not sure where that came into play. The pace and flow seemed to work well. The plot was good and the idea was interesting enough. The characters were different but not as dynamic as they could have been.

I almost gave up on this book but kept going. I would still recommend this book however because it was different and the author had fun writing it.

3.5 stars

[Moon Shine Art Spot ~ Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

East of Orleans by Renee Irvin held my interest from page one. This free ARC from goodreads took me back to the 1880's of the deep south where two different women found themselves deeply twisted in a plot of prostitution, drug addiction, gossip, out of wed child birth, and ultimately murder.

One woman raped and pregnant and another freed from prostitution by a man in love with her find themselves with something or someone in common. Although the book was interesting and intense from cover to cover, I often found myself rooting for one of the bad guys who wasn't such a bad guy as I saw it. One of the women sold herself voluntarily and her attitude bugged me, but the story around her was fascinating just the same. I saw her as the bad 'guy'.

The story moved along smoothly and the characters were well developed whether you liked them or not. The ending was heart touching sad & happy both I suppose. I didn't end like I
Wanted for the guy I was rooting for, but it was still a great read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very interesting book filled with lust, romance, rape, and murder in the lives of two southern women-Isabella McCoy McGinnis and Jacqueline Rousseau O'Brien along the Chattahoochee River of North Georgia and Savannah, Georgia. The women were from different backgrounds but shared one man-Jules McGinnis, a poker player and successful businessman. Jules McGinnis could be kind, helpful and sometimes cruel.

The book is a descriptive, entertaining, fun read, and the characters come alive before you. There are some characters you will like more than others. I found the book to be a very fun, entertaining, easy read, and I look forward to the next book by the very talented author Renee Irvin.

[Charmer (+ Vibes Only) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author clearly had GWTW in mind when she wrote this book. Jules, her Rhett and Isabella her Scarlett; she goes to Jules and offers to marry him so she can get money to pay off the mortgage on their farm and he says, like Rhett, I'm not a marrying man. He smokes cigars, gambles and hangs out in whore houses and he's way to old for her. The story was interestin but I feel like somethings where not explored enough. Her mothers feelins, Jessie's feelins, and what became of Mae? Oh, wait and who killed the bad guy(I won't say his name)? This story has lots of heartache and no real sex scenes. Hell, there's a whore house and not one vivid scene. It wasn't a bad book by no means, it just wasn't what I thought it was. My bad.

[Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never heard of Renee before picking up this book. However I have to say, it was worth the chance I took. East or Orleans is an entertaining story with twist and turns that even I couldn’t imagine.

When I first started reading this, I planned on setting it down after the first couple of chapters. But before I knew it, a couple hours passed and I was a third of the way through with it in one sitting.

The story kept moving and didn’t have hundreds of pages of useless fluff that many other books seem so fond of. I understand what the author was doing and she pulled it off very well.

Great book and I will be keeping an eye on this author to see what other books she comes out with.

Highly recommended!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly appreciate this complimentary signed copy of East of Orleans by Renee' Irvin that I received from the wonderful folks at Goodreads. What an entertaining read! I found this book difficult to put down as I followed the lives of two very different women in the deep south in the 1880's. Their lives become intertwined through the men they come to know. This novel has everything to make it a great read - love, lust, rape, greed, corruption, etc. Renee' takes the reader on a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns as the reader follows these memorable characters. I highly recommend this book to others who wish to have a unique glimpse into this time period. I definitely wish to read more books by Renee' Irvin.

[Jim Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right away the description intrigued me, I like books with a lot of depth to them, a lot of emotion and plenty of excitement, and this book seemed to have it all. I bought it off of amazon a couple days ago and read it all the way through, in one sitting. I absolutely love the characters! They’re unique, really easy to like and were written very well. I liked how the author put this book together, the storyline grabs your attention right away and the characters really pull you through to the end. I highly recommend this one! A+

[Dani Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like the other 5 star reviews on here I loved this book! I had never heard of Renee’ Irvin before but I am a big fan now! I love the setting and the tone of this book. This story is well written with an abundance of detail, providing a lot of great imagery! There were some parts I read over and over just because it was so …real. I like how the author created conflict between characters, while at the same time also giving each character their own inner conflict. This book has a lot of layers in it, romance, drama, doubt… This is a 5 star story!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in the South and love reading books that take place there and especially period pieces. You get the best of both worlds in East of Orleans. The author plunges you into the magical world that is the Deep South in the 1880’s. I was blown away by how the author made the story come to life. I felt like I was right there alongside Isabella and Jacqueline living through all of their experiences with them. I could not put this book down and I missed the characters the second I finished the book. I am really looking forward to reading more books by Rene Irvin.

[Bookdiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a predictable or typical romance.Not for every romance reader. I loved it because I felt the characters were just so real in every way and I loved the story;it was teachable and had a lot of meaning. I could visualize this story taking place where as some....they are just "fluff" and I prefer more literary romance. I really felt the characters were very more developed than most and this was my main reason for the 5 star.I did notice a couple or three typos,but not enough to bother me.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Renee Irvin has created a magnificent novel depicting the hardships of the true South after the civil war. This book is filled with memorable characters, passion and mystery. Isabella and Jacqueline are bound together for life through their love and hatred of Jules McGinnis. If you love Gone With the Wind you will adore this well written novel. I couldn't put it down!