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Florida Trilogy #1
Maria
The spirited story of Mary Evans, an extraordinary woman from colonial Charles Town who finds a place for herself in St. Augustine after Spain relinquishes Florida.
In this captivating tale, Eugenia Price paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous historic and political events that shaped the life of Mary Evans, a remarkably independent woman in the colonial south. Born in Charles Town, South Carolina, Mary, a skilled midwife, accompanied her first husband, British soldier David Fenwick, when his regiment fought the Spanish in Cuba. When Spain agreed to give all of Florida in exchange for the city of Havana, Mary (who became known as Maria) and her husband were forced to relocate to the newly British garrison town of St. Augustine, Florida.
Maria exposes challenges that would unnerve a less resourceful woman, but she made a name for herself—developing and enhancing her position with influential citizens of St. Augustine. Eventually marrying three times, Maria proved herself to be an extraordinary woman, for any day or time.
In this captivating tale, Eugenia Price paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous historic and political events that shaped the life of Mary Evans, a remarkably independent woman in the colonial south. Born in Charles Town, South Carolina, Mary, a skilled midwife, accompanied her first husband, British soldier David Fenwick, when his regiment fought the Spanish in Cuba. When Spain agreed to give all of Florida in exchange for the city of Havana, Mary (who became known as Maria) and her husband were forced to relocate to the newly British garrison town of St. Augustine, Florida.
Maria exposes challenges that would unnerve a less resourceful woman, but she made a name for herself—developing and enhancing her position with influential citizens of St. Augustine. Eventually marrying three times, Maria proved herself to be an extraordinary woman, for any day or time.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
122 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Eugenia Price
86 books230 followersEugenia Price was born in Charleston, WV, June 22, 1916, to Walter (a dentist) and Anna Price. At the age of ten, she decided she wanted to be a writer and entered a poem in her school's literary magazine. She was raised as a member of the Methodist Church, but had left the church behind by the time she graduated from high school, at the age of 15, in 1932. She decided to leave writing behind to follow in her father's footsteps and pursue a career in dentistry. She attended Ohio University for three years, declaring herself an atheist during this time. In 1935, she became a student at Northwestern Dental School, the only woman admitted that year. She studied dentistry for two years, but writing continued to draw her. In 1939, she was hired to work on the NBC radio serial In Care of Aggie Horn. She continued as one of the writers for the show until 1942. She left NBC, going to work for the Proctor and Gamble show Joyce Jordan, M.D. from 1944-1946. In 1945 she founded her own television and radio production company, Eugenia Price Productions, developing other serials for Proctor and Gamble.
In 1949 Eugenia Price underwent a profound life change, giving up her college atheism to embrace Christianity. She considered a career change, but accepted a position with WGN Radio as writer, producer, and director for Unshackled, another radio serial. The popularity of the show led her to a lecturing career throughout the United States and Canada for several years.
Price began yet another career in the early 1950s when she was approached by one of the owners of Zondervan publishing. The 1953 publication of Discoveries Made from Living My New Life, a chronicle of her newfound faith and the experiences that led her to it, launched Eugenia Price into a new career as an inspirational writer. Other inspirational books followed, addresses issues of importance to women and children and other self-help concerns and urging readers away from advances in psychology and analysis and toward a life based on Biblical tenants. Many of her inspirational books are still in print, a testimony to the comfort and empathy many readers found in her works.
Eugenia Price gained a much wider audience though when she began publishing historical romances set in the American South. These novels were praised as "compelling sagas that blend personal stories of love and tragedy. . . with the dramatic events of a region's history." Her first historical romance, The Beloved Invader, was inspired her visit to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and based on one of the island's nineteenth-century inhabitants. The Beloved Invader was published in 1965 and followed by two other romances, New Moon Rising (1969) and Lighthouse (1971), to form the St. Simons Trilogy.
Her historical romances made Price a frequent member of the best-seller lists and brought her millions of readers. Although she continued to write and to publish inspirational works, it was her romances that brought her the greatest attention.
Eugenia Price died May 28, 1996, in Brunswick, Georgia of congestive heart failure and is buried in the Christ Church cemetery, Frederica, GA. Many of her books remain in print and have translated into 17 languages, charming readers of all ages and nationalities. Her manuscripts are housed at Boston University.
In 1949 Eugenia Price underwent a profound life change, giving up her college atheism to embrace Christianity. She considered a career change, but accepted a position with WGN Radio as writer, producer, and director for Unshackled, another radio serial. The popularity of the show led her to a lecturing career throughout the United States and Canada for several years.
Price began yet another career in the early 1950s when she was approached by one of the owners of Zondervan publishing. The 1953 publication of Discoveries Made from Living My New Life, a chronicle of her newfound faith and the experiences that led her to it, launched Eugenia Price into a new career as an inspirational writer. Other inspirational books followed, addresses issues of importance to women and children and other self-help concerns and urging readers away from advances in psychology and analysis and toward a life based on Biblical tenants. Many of her inspirational books are still in print, a testimony to the comfort and empathy many readers found in her works.
Eugenia Price gained a much wider audience though when she began publishing historical romances set in the American South. These novels were praised as "compelling sagas that blend personal stories of love and tragedy. . . with the dramatic events of a region's history." Her first historical romance, The Beloved Invader, was inspired her visit to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and based on one of the island's nineteenth-century inhabitants. The Beloved Invader was published in 1965 and followed by two other romances, New Moon Rising (1969) and Lighthouse (1971), to form the St. Simons Trilogy.
Her historical romances made Price a frequent member of the best-seller lists and brought her millions of readers. Although she continued to write and to publish inspirational works, it was her romances that brought her the greatest attention.
Eugenia Price died May 28, 1996, in Brunswick, Georgia of congestive heart failure and is buried in the Christ Church cemetery, Frederica, GA. Many of her books remain in print and have translated into 17 languages, charming readers of all ages and nationalities. Her manuscripts are housed at Boston University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 11, 2012
St. Augustine, 1763. Spain and England have settled their differences (right!), so the Spanish are leaving St. Augustine for Havana and the English are leaving Havana for Florida, including Maria and her husband David. Maria is a skilled midwife, and her services are much in demand and bring in a hefty profit - profit that an ambitious Maria plans to use to increase their wealth and lifestyle (David's just a soldier after all). The future looks bright at first, but events happen to forever alter Maria's life, plus there's this little issue with a revolutionary war - even if most of the confrontations are far to the north, the residents of St. Augustine are affected.
This was a fairly good read, albeit a bit dry in places, but it was refreshing to get a historical novel set in colonial Florida - I can't recall coming across the setting before (lots of new to me factoids). I hadn't realized until the notes at the end that Maria Evans was a real life historical character, and the house featured in the book is still standing. You can read more here, although be warned that you might be spoiling yourself by reading further. There is a strong religious element in Price's writing, and although it is suited towards her characters and the times, it is an element that might not appeal to every reader. YMMV. Apparently this book is the first in a trilogy, but this stands alone and doesn't leave you hanging with the need to move immediately onto the next book.
This was a fairly good read, albeit a bit dry in places, but it was refreshing to get a historical novel set in colonial Florida - I can't recall coming across the setting before (lots of new to me factoids). I hadn't realized until the notes at the end that Maria Evans was a real life historical character, and the house featured in the book is still standing. You can read more here, although be warned that you might be spoiling yourself by reading further. There is a strong religious element in Price's writing, and although it is suited towards her characters and the times, it is an element that might not appeal to every reader. YMMV. Apparently this book is the first in a trilogy, but this stands alone and doesn't leave you hanging with the need to move immediately onto the next book.
September 26, 2014
Autumn read with the Belles of the South group
Opening lines:
In spite of the heat, pride of appearance forced Maria to wear her husband's military watch cape. The sun in St. augustine was unremitting. Even the breeze, nearly a wind, sent gusts of heavy heat over her strong, slender body, whipping the folds of the cape as she walked. She could taste the salt air and smell the fishy water of Matanzas Bay.
This was my first book by Eugenia Price and I felt a little let down when I turned the last page. There were parts I liked such as the history of St. Augustine and the surrounding area. Over the course of this book the town went from Spanish control to British and back to Spanish. I also enjoyed seeing Maria work as a midwife. I found that more than anything this was the story of Maria's faith journey.
It was annoying that Maria was depicted as so incredibly beautiful and wonderful that every man instantly fell in love with her. I also found the writing to be very repetitious. Because East Florida was so removed from the action of the American Revolution, we are told about the events leading up to and during it long after the fact. There was just so much "telling."
This novel is based loosely on the life of Mary Evans Fenwick from Charlestown, SC. Her last will and testament exists as does a lot of information about one husband. Also, one of her houses (known as the Oldest House) can be toured in St. Augustine.
I probably won't be reading the rest of this trilogy, or at least not right away.
Opening lines:
In spite of the heat, pride of appearance forced Maria to wear her husband's military watch cape. The sun in St. augustine was unremitting. Even the breeze, nearly a wind, sent gusts of heavy heat over her strong, slender body, whipping the folds of the cape as she walked. She could taste the salt air and smell the fishy water of Matanzas Bay.
This was my first book by Eugenia Price and I felt a little let down when I turned the last page. There were parts I liked such as the history of St. Augustine and the surrounding area. Over the course of this book the town went from Spanish control to British and back to Spanish. I also enjoyed seeing Maria work as a midwife. I found that more than anything this was the story of Maria's faith journey.
It was annoying that Maria was depicted as so incredibly beautiful and wonderful that every man instantly fell in love with her. I also found the writing to be very repetitious. Because East Florida was so removed from the action of the American Revolution, we are told about the events leading up to and during it long after the fact. There was just so much "telling."
This novel is based loosely on the life of Mary Evans Fenwick from Charlestown, SC. Her last will and testament exists as does a lot of information about one husband. Also, one of her houses (known as the Oldest House) can be toured in St. Augustine.
I probably won't be reading the rest of this trilogy, or at least not right away.
June 4, 2010
Really loved this one. I would probably rate 4.5 but like to "upgrade" when I am leaning toward that.
I purchased this book during my visit to St Augustine this past Spring at the "Oldest House" tour. Even though I used to live there ( more or less) I never really "toured" then so I decided to give it a try ( and have loved it ever since-- it's amazing what you don't know about where you live!) The tour guide for the Oldest House was fantastic and she recommended this book to give a more detailed "semi non fiction" background on the "Oldest House".
What I got was much more.
This story is based on an actual St Augustine resident during the mid/late 1700's. I know the author did a lot of research and it showed. Not only in the descriptions and story , the actual history and events happening at the time from the mouths of actual people in the city at that time... but most of all in the character Maria.
It probably helps that I know the streets of St Augustine inside and out and I could probably give a tour myself.... so I could literally picture her daily paths in my head... but what an amazing job the author did with bringing it to life.
I will give a warning that it is quite heartbreaking ... Maria "Mary" was a remarkable woman who when through unimaginable hardships and kept her strength and perservered no matter what. One of the most likeable characters I've read in quite some time.
Anyone who is bothered by deeply religious themes might not care too much for the book-- or at least the ending-- I didn't realize when I read this it was actually considered "Christian Fiction". I'm not usually one who particularly scopes out books with highly religious themes (although I'm very open to it of course)-- but it worked absolutely beautifully here.
Also-- it's brutally honest about how things were back then so some people may be offended by that as well. But keep in mind this is for the most part a true story-- only actually relationship/conversations are not completely accurate.
I wish this author's other two "Florida Trilogy" books were readily available but apparently they are quite hard to find. Maybe on my next trip there in the fall/winter I'll look!
I purchased this book during my visit to St Augustine this past Spring at the "Oldest House" tour. Even though I used to live there ( more or less) I never really "toured" then so I decided to give it a try ( and have loved it ever since-- it's amazing what you don't know about where you live!) The tour guide for the Oldest House was fantastic and she recommended this book to give a more detailed "semi non fiction" background on the "Oldest House".
What I got was much more.
This story is based on an actual St Augustine resident during the mid/late 1700's. I know the author did a lot of research and it showed. Not only in the descriptions and story , the actual history and events happening at the time from the mouths of actual people in the city at that time... but most of all in the character Maria.
It probably helps that I know the streets of St Augustine inside and out and I could probably give a tour myself.... so I could literally picture her daily paths in my head... but what an amazing job the author did with bringing it to life.
I will give a warning that it is quite heartbreaking ... Maria "Mary" was a remarkable woman who when through unimaginable hardships and kept her strength and perservered no matter what. One of the most likeable characters I've read in quite some time.
Anyone who is bothered by deeply religious themes might not care too much for the book-- or at least the ending-- I didn't realize when I read this it was actually considered "Christian Fiction". I'm not usually one who particularly scopes out books with highly religious themes (although I'm very open to it of course)-- but it worked absolutely beautifully here.
Also-- it's brutally honest about how things were back then so some people may be offended by that as well. But keep in mind this is for the most part a true story-- only actually relationship/conversations are not completely accurate.
I wish this author's other two "Florida Trilogy" books were readily available but apparently they are quite hard to find. Maybe on my next trip there in the fall/winter I'll look!
March 1, 2016
Great read and insight into the colonization of St. Augustine. Set in the 1700's when the Spanish and British were flip- flopping control of St. Augustine. We get a glimpse into Maria, a British settler- that eventually pledged allegiance to the Spanish crown all while being a prominent midwife and dutiful wife to three husbands ( spread over time) as she outlives them all and remarkably in her life's passion of amassing status, title and land holdings she comes around to the only thing that ever mattered at all- a discovery of her Creator and the peace we find only in Him.
May 9, 2014
Dull, boring and monotonous! More romance than history. Can't bring myself to finish it.
February 18, 2023
I love this book for the history and the setting in my hometown of St. Augustine.
December 23, 2023
Got swept up in this novel. Like this author.
Marked up my paperback some.
Marked up my paperback some.
June 28, 2012
As someone who lives in St. Augustine and loves history, the details about the city were interesting. The overall story, however, was monotonous and too drawn out. For such an interesting period in history (The American Revolution), the author really could have utilized the conflict of the time and made an interesting story, but she didn't. Instead, the reader merely gets glimpses of what is going on in the War for Independence from outside sources with vague details, and the reader is wrapped up in the multiple love stories that surround Maria. Practically every man that Maria came into contact with instantly fell in love with her, regardless of her age or marital status. Quite frankly, this got a bit ridiculous and unrealistic as every man virtually fell over himself in order to gain her attention and friendship.
I had high hopes for the book as I read the back cover hoping that a story loosely based on one of our own historical residents during a period of such turmoil would be fairly interesting. Needless to say, I was disappointed.
I had high hopes for the book as I read the back cover hoping that a story loosely based on one of our own historical residents during a period of such turmoil would be fairly interesting. Needless to say, I was disappointed.
August 25, 2021
This is another beautiful story from the Eugenia Price collection of historical fiction novels! “Maria” follows the story of Maria Evans, an Englishwoman from the mid-1700s who arrives at the oldest city in America, St. Augustine. After her husband, David Fenwick, fought for the British in Havana, Cuba and is then transferred to the Spanish colony of St. Augustine in Florida, major changes were going to be in store for this couple in this new frontier. The story follows the life of Maria and all of the hardships and sacrifices she’s had to make to keep stability and harmony in this new world.
I liked the message of “Maria” because it shows how God and Joy are intertwined and after much tragedy and hardship, God is always there to listen and help you in your time of need. In addition, Price’s descriptions of old St. Augustine was impressive and alluring.
I enjoyed this book and I think you will too 🌞🥀🌴🪶🐴🗝⚰️🛡🕯🏰
I liked the message of “Maria” because it shows how God and Joy are intertwined and after much tragedy and hardship, God is always there to listen and help you in your time of need. In addition, Price’s descriptions of old St. Augustine was impressive and alluring.
I enjoyed this book and I think you will too 🌞🥀🌴🪶🐴🗝⚰️🛡🕯🏰
February 23, 2019
"...real joy is God in the marrow of our bones." Reading this book made me feel close to my Grandma again, which was so amazing. It was special to her & my Great Aunt Mary, as was Saint Augustine, the setting of Maria. This book will be treasured by me.
Maria is written in the 70's & that seemed obvious in the writing style. That wasn't exactly my favorite, but I loved everything else about this book. I loved the character of Maria, I loved learning more about the history of Florida (my new state) & St. Augustine. I loved that Maria found true joy even after so much hardship & heartache. And I loved that this is all based on true people & true happenings & that I can go to St. Augustine & see Maria's house.
The story of Maria begins before the War of Independence & follows her through that turmoil & also the turmoil of losing three husbands. She is strong & talented & resourceful. Such a good book!
Maria is written in the 70's & that seemed obvious in the writing style. That wasn't exactly my favorite, but I loved everything else about this book. I loved the character of Maria, I loved learning more about the history of Florida (my new state) & St. Augustine. I loved that Maria found true joy even after so much hardship & heartache. And I loved that this is all based on true people & true happenings & that I can go to St. Augustine & see Maria's house.
The story of Maria begins before the War of Independence & follows her through that turmoil & also the turmoil of losing three husbands. She is strong & talented & resourceful. Such a good book!
July 11, 2016
I reread this first book of the Florida trilogy written by Eugenia Price. Her character Maria Evans is taken from the early history of St. Augustine during the British occupation during the eighteenth century and then its return to Spain after the Revolutionary War. Her historical context is excellent and it makes you believe that you are back in the time. A beautiful love story and also beautiful story. A good read!
February 11, 2025
I picked up Maria after I toured a home in St Augustine that she used to own - after hearing her story there, I got to read the entire thing in this book and IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!! If you're able to tour the oldest house in St Augustine, definitely pick this book up before or after that visit. It makes Maria come alive after you've seen where she lived and actually walk where she walked. Very very good read!!!
December 3, 2007
Eugenia Price moves her storylines to St. Augustine, Florida to investigate the life of Maria, the occupant of what still stands today as the country's oldest house. Beautifully written and it made me want to return to St. Augustine after many years away.
May 7, 2009
The spirited story of Mary Evans, an extraordinary woman from colonial Charles Town who finds a place for herself in St. Augustine after Spain relinquishes Florida.
Fun to read as Maria walked the streets of St. Augustine which we have visited many times - felt I could get into the character.
Fun to read as Maria walked the streets of St. Augustine which we have visited many times - felt I could get into the character.
February 19, 2008
Gives a perspective of the development of Florida again through the development of the people that made it all happen
October 28, 2017
Awful; juvenile; sappy; protagonist was silly.
St Augustine history was interesting, but not enough to keep me reading. Rather read a real history of the city.
St Augustine history was interesting, but not enough to keep me reading. Rather read a real history of the city.
June 19, 2019
I have mixed thoughts about this book. I do enjoy historical fiction, and this book presents colonial life in the east Florida colony of St. Augustine, starting a year before the American Revolution when Maria and her first husband,arrive from Cuba where he was stationed while the British fought the Spanish in Cuba. (Spain agreed to give Florida to the British in exchange for the city of Havana). There is some insight into the back and forth control of the City of St. Augustine, between the Spanish, then the British, then back to the Spanish. It does not give a lot of insight into the Revolutionary War or the pre-war happenings, except tangentially, through letters from Maria's father who heads to South Carolina and fights with the Patriots, ultimately dying without seeing his daughter again. The Stamp Act, the Dumping of the tea into the Boston Harbor, the Townsend Act are discussed through his letters. East Florida is little affected.
I liked the description of the settings in East Florida. I could "feel" the humidity, I could "see" the lush flora, I could "smell"the marsh, through the author's writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of and references to the the Plaza, to the Castillo, to Maria's house on St. Francis Street. They brought the city alive for me - I have visited and walked most of St. Augustine, including a tour of the St. Francis Street house ("The Oldest House"), so I felt as if I was "in" the story.
What I feel were this book's weak points and drawbacks: it read too often like a romance novel, rather than historical fiction. The story is based on the real life of Maria Evans, an independent and resourceful woman by all accounts, however she is constantly referred to as an ageless beauty desired by men of all ages and all walks of life. Her physical beauty is spoken about and described too often, as if that were her defining characteristic, rather than her strength and resourcefulness. She marries three times.... again, the descriptions of her romantic yearnings take precedence! Everyone falls in love with her and wants to marry her. 😑 And tho go she is smart and independent, or so the author would want you to believe, (and I do believe she was) she is so blinded by her love for her third husband that all of her hard won holdings, real estate and land, savings, and reputation, came to ruin!!!! This seems oxymoronic.
Finally, the book was too drawn out, many chapters lagged, and at one point, after my eager devouring of the first 2/3's of the book, I almost put it down for good. In the end, I am glad that I finished it, and do think it deserves the 3 ⭐️ rating that I am giving it.
I liked the description of the settings in East Florida. I could "feel" the humidity, I could "see" the lush flora, I could "smell"the marsh, through the author's writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of and references to the the Plaza, to the Castillo, to Maria's house on St. Francis Street. They brought the city alive for me - I have visited and walked most of St. Augustine, including a tour of the St. Francis Street house ("The Oldest House"), so I felt as if I was "in" the story.
What I feel were this book's weak points and drawbacks: it read too often like a romance novel, rather than historical fiction. The story is based on the real life of Maria Evans, an independent and resourceful woman by all accounts, however she is constantly referred to as an ageless beauty desired by men of all ages and all walks of life. Her physical beauty is spoken about and described too often, as if that were her defining characteristic, rather than her strength and resourcefulness. She marries three times.... again, the descriptions of her romantic yearnings take precedence! Everyone falls in love with her and wants to marry her. 😑 And tho go she is smart and independent, or so the author would want you to believe, (and I do believe she was) she is so blinded by her love for her third husband that all of her hard won holdings, real estate and land, savings, and reputation, came to ruin!!!! This seems oxymoronic.
Finally, the book was too drawn out, many chapters lagged, and at one point, after my eager devouring of the first 2/3's of the book, I almost put it down for good. In the end, I am glad that I finished it, and do think it deserves the 3 ⭐️ rating that I am giving it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
Spoilers ahead!
I love the historical aspect of the novel. Historical novels are appealing to me because they pad the cut and dried history with hopefully dynamic characters and plots.
I loved Maria’s strength, but her character changes. I think Price got caught up in romance a little too much (but she is known as a romance author, so that’s what she does). I couldn’t see this strong character falling for young husband #3 and all of his antics and lies. The end sounded like a romance novel. And the protagonist fell on her face. A disappointment for a character who had been so strong through so much. Well, you can’t accuse Price of forcing happy endings!
Bottom line: I love the history. I think the English teacher in me doesn’t like the excessive romance part of the book, the poor characterization, and the writing style. But the historical plots are good, and the history is great. The plots show how the societies dealt with their difficulties. Those plots were interesting, but actual, so there was no thought in creating them.
Some reviewers mentioned the excessiveness of the religious aspect of the novel. Religion was an integral part of history for centuries, including this time period. It was what drove many decisions.
It’s hard to rate books without genre prejudice!!! Do I give cozy mysteries a 3 star maximum because I don’t like them? What if it’s the best cozy mystery ever written? 🤷♀️. This is a romance/historical fiction. I’ll give it 3 stars, because the history is good. But the character development, writing style, and love plots of a romance novel pull it down. I mean, a romance novelist doesn’t always have to write like a romance novelist! Right?
I love the historical aspect of the novel. Historical novels are appealing to me because they pad the cut and dried history with hopefully dynamic characters and plots.
I loved Maria’s strength, but her character changes. I think Price got caught up in romance a little too much (but she is known as a romance author, so that’s what she does). I couldn’t see this strong character falling for young husband #3 and all of his antics and lies. The end sounded like a romance novel. And the protagonist fell on her face. A disappointment for a character who had been so strong through so much. Well, you can’t accuse Price of forcing happy endings!
Bottom line: I love the history. I think the English teacher in me doesn’t like the excessive romance part of the book, the poor characterization, and the writing style. But the historical plots are good, and the history is great. The plots show how the societies dealt with their difficulties. Those plots were interesting, but actual, so there was no thought in creating them.
Some reviewers mentioned the excessiveness of the religious aspect of the novel. Religion was an integral part of history for centuries, including this time period. It was what drove many decisions.
It’s hard to rate books without genre prejudice!!! Do I give cozy mysteries a 3 star maximum because I don’t like them? What if it’s the best cozy mystery ever written? 🤷♀️. This is a romance/historical fiction. I’ll give it 3 stars, because the history is good. But the character development, writing style, and love plots of a romance novel pull it down. I mean, a romance novelist doesn’t always have to write like a romance novelist! Right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 15, 2021Maria Evans Fenwick comes to St. Augustine with her husband, Sargent David Fenwick, in summer 1763 from Havana. A Treaty in Paris had given control of St. Augustine to the British. After several happy and prosperous years David is killed in a construction accident. Maria is fairly wealthy after several land investments. She then marries Major Joseph Peavett and they too live happily until he suffers several strokes and she becomes his caregiver and is sequestered at home nursing him. When he dies she marries young, brash John Hudson who accumulates many debts. St. Augustine is returned to the Spanish after the American Revolution. John is killed trying to escape from debtors prison. Maria lives out the end of her days at her property near present day Ponte Vedra.
Other characters:
Jesse Fish prominent early settler of Anastasia Island
Richard Evans, her father, a staunch patriot living in Charles Town
John Edward an adopted son
Other characters:
Jesse Fish prominent early settler of Anastasia Island
Richard Evans, her father, a staunch patriot living in Charles Town
John Edward an adopted son
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2021
My grandma wanted me to read this book, so I did, but I did not enjoy it :(
The details about St. Augustine are really interesting as someone from the area, but Maria’s story was so long and drawn out. There wasn’t any real plot of the book and I got sick and tired of hearing about her life. It was not an interesting life in my opinion.
I think the worst part of the book is how, at first, Maria was this strong independent woman in a time when women were not strong or independent, but she got weak at the end. She let some man walk all over her and ruin everything she had worked for. She literally threw away all she had slaved away for just because some guy 20 years younger than her tricked her into thinking he loved her. And she FELL FOR IT. I WAS SO MAD.
Now send prayers because my grandma brought over approximately 20 books by this author and I feel like I have a moral obligation to read them but I am just not a fan of the local historical fiction genre.
The details about St. Augustine are really interesting as someone from the area, but Maria’s story was so long and drawn out. There wasn’t any real plot of the book and I got sick and tired of hearing about her life. It was not an interesting life in my opinion.
I think the worst part of the book is how, at first, Maria was this strong independent woman in a time when women were not strong or independent, but she got weak at the end. She let some man walk all over her and ruin everything she had worked for. She literally threw away all she had slaved away for just because some guy 20 years younger than her tricked her into thinking he loved her. And she FELL FOR IT. I WAS SO MAD.
Now send prayers because my grandma brought over approximately 20 books by this author and I feel like I have a moral obligation to read them but I am just not a fan of the local historical fiction genre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2019
I visit a lady at Birchaven and noticed she was reading this book. Come to find out, it was written by her great aunt. Her grandmother and Eugenia were sisters. So I decided to read some of her books.
She wrote in the 20th century about American settlements in the 18th and 19th centuries. The characters were real life people who lived in the young US but the stories are fictionalized. She has done a lot of research into the historyand people of these places. This book is set in St. Augustine, one of my favorite places.
What I find very interesting is that my friend's son decided to settle on St. Simon's Island, the home of Eugenia. At first the residents were not very friendly but when they found out he was related to Eugenia, he was warmly welcomed. I am sure her books about St. Simon's Island bring many tourists there each year.
She wrote in the 20th century about American settlements in the 18th and 19th centuries. The characters were real life people who lived in the young US but the stories are fictionalized. She has done a lot of research into the historyand people of these places. This book is set in St. Augustine, one of my favorite places.
What I find very interesting is that my friend's son decided to settle on St. Simon's Island, the home of Eugenia. At first the residents were not very friendly but when they found out he was related to Eugenia, he was warmly welcomed. I am sure her books about St. Simon's Island bring many tourists there each year.
May 6, 2023
Historical fiction set in the years before and after the American Revolutionary War. An interesting p.o.v. from a loyalist woman living in St Augustine Florida, where the news of the Patriots rebels and the violent war up north seems almost unreal and irrelevant to the concerns of the fiercely loyal English colony down south. In fact, the threat from the Spanish is more potent than the ones coming from these new-fangled "Americans." The writing was beautiful and evocative, the historical research obviously meticulous and vivid. But I hated the main character, and I did not care for the schmaltzy ending, where after making a huge fool of herself marrying her third husband, a man half her age who ruined her financially, the character finds peace for the first time in her life by accepting God in her heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
This book was part of our book club read, and was really a slow read
I loved the part of St.Augustine and learning about it a little bit more but to me Maria just hit me the wrong way all around through the book
Her first love David was her true love and then she lost him and then she found Joseph, but that wasn’t really a true love and then when she found John, she was in love again, but he was much younger than her at this point everyone saw that he was a gold digger and was just trying to get Everything out of her and was just gambling everything away, and she was losing all her money that she acquired throughout her years
Everyone that met her all seem to fall in love with her so quick and there was nothing really special by reading anything about her so that point was just ridiculous
Can’t wait to have our discussion at our book club this month
I loved the part of St.Augustine and learning about it a little bit more but to me Maria just hit me the wrong way all around through the book
Her first love David was her true love and then she lost him and then she found Joseph, but that wasn’t really a true love and then when she found John, she was in love again, but he was much younger than her at this point everyone saw that he was a gold digger and was just trying to get Everything out of her and was just gambling everything away, and she was losing all her money that she acquired throughout her years
Everyone that met her all seem to fall in love with her so quick and there was nothing really special by reading anything about her so that point was just ridiculous
Can’t wait to have our discussion at our book club this month
March 7, 2022
interesting history told of St Augustine in the 1700s changing from Spanish control to British control back to Spanish control. It paints a picture of the historic and political events that shaped the life of Mary Evans born in Charles Town, South Carolina, marrying a soldier who took her with him to St. Augustine after his regiment fought the Spanish in Cuba. She was allowed to accompany him to Cuba because of her skill as a nurse/midwife. She became known as Maria when they moved to St Augustine and practiced her profession as a midwife everywhere she lived. She was a very resourceful and independent woman of the south who faced numerous challenges during her lifetime which included 3 marriages. Anyone who loves historical novels would enjoy reading this one.
November 9, 2022
I read this book with Riverside Book Club in Fort Myers, Florida. We all enjoyed it. It is a nice, well written story with lots of history about St. Augustine, Florida and the pre-revolutionary life in the East Florida colony. The history was interesting since I am a born and bred Virginian with deep revolutionary ties. I learned a lot! And the fact that this is a real historical character added to the charm. Maria was a well crafted character even though she sided with the British! I have a new respect for the turbulent times of pre-revolutionary America. We have all decided to move on to the second book of the trilogy and perhaps more titles from this prolific author.
October 6, 2024
Wanted to read a book set in St. Augustine and this title was the recommendation -- not my typical choice by any means, but I am thankful for the dip into the history of the area! It's a story of a British woman, Maria, who comes to St. Augustine as it's being taken over by English rule, with her soldier husband. The narrative then follows her through the next 30ish years of life as she navigates building a reputation and wealth, making friends and living in a volatile time in American history. Things I was curious about: The progression from David to Joseph to John. Is that intentionally following a Biblical timeline? John Edward - Did he feel like an angel to anyone else (ha!)?
November 20, 2025
Love how she blends actual historic events and people with fictional characters.
She's very well versed in the history of north Florida, coastal Georgia and the Carolinas.
This book, the first in the Florida Trilogy series, is heavy on Revolutionary War era history of north Florida, through Spanish, British and eventual U.S. independence, but that was interesting to me because I live in Pensacola Florida, which shares a lot of the same history with St Augustine during that time period.
I'm A fiend for historic fiction, which some people find too dry and bogged down with 'history book facts'. I found it entertaining and educational.
She's very well versed in the history of north Florida, coastal Georgia and the Carolinas.
This book, the first in the Florida Trilogy series, is heavy on Revolutionary War era history of north Florida, through Spanish, British and eventual U.S. independence, but that was interesting to me because I live in Pensacola Florida, which shares a lot of the same history with St Augustine during that time period.
I'm A fiend for historic fiction, which some people find too dry and bogged down with 'history book facts'. I found it entertaining and educational.
September 16, 2017
Maria and David Fenwick arrive in Florida from Cuba where David had been serving with the British military. The British and the Spaniards have just swapped land and the Fenwicks are among the first to settle in the now British colony in the years before the American Revolution. Together they seek to build a life until a tragic accident takes David. Can Maria move on?
For me, the least favorite of her fiction. I felt this one read more like a biography than historical fiction for some reason.
For me, the least favorite of her fiction. I felt this one read more like a biography than historical fiction for some reason.
March 26, 2023
In preparing for a trip to St. Augustine, I read about this book (and the 2 others in the trilogy) and decided to find them and read them. This novel did not disappoint. I learned quite a bit about Florida history and found it enjoyable, though there is an element of faith underlying the story which may not appeal to all. Maria Evans was a very interesting woman, who is brought to life in this novel.
November 20, 2024
Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction.
Real person, real places, and probably real events to a certain extent. Well researched, no doubt. But I felt it dragged and lacked meat. I had to remind myself it was published 25+ years ago.
Coolest part of this was the setting is colonial 1700’s St. Augustine so street names and buildings/areas are familiar and neat to read about. Sort of makes me want to go see the sites as they are today available to tourists.
Real person, real places, and probably real events to a certain extent. Well researched, no doubt. But I felt it dragged and lacked meat. I had to remind myself it was published 25+ years ago.
Coolest part of this was the setting is colonial 1700’s St. Augustine so street names and buildings/areas are familiar and neat to read about. Sort of makes me want to go see the sites as they are today available to tourists.
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