Black Pansy

Civil War Era Romance #1

by Suellen Ocean

At the birth of the Civil War, Scots-Irish Mabel McCrutchon is ready for love, but because her skin color reveals the family's secret black ancestry, Mabel is ridiculed in public and her own mother excludes her from social gatherings. When wealthy abolitionist, Charles Churchill invites her to travel to New Orleans to pose as the mother of black children and lead them to safety in the north, he worries about the risk. If his scheme is discovered, Mabel will be swept into Louisiana's slave trade. After arriving at the decaying, antebellum St Francis Plantation to retrieve the children, they're greeted by a sultry blonde who knows Charles much too well.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2013

About the author

With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sonoma State University, Suellen Ocean does her writing from the hills of Northern California. She began writing professionally for print and radio broadcasting in the late 1980's. Her first self-published book led to her becoming "officially" published, when in 1998 she was asked to participate in the anthology, "The Simple Life" through Berkley Books, New York. She is the author of sixteen books on diverse subjects.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise is interesting and, through 65 pages, the plot is actually compelling. However, I couldn't get through a page without noticing an egregious grammar or spelling atrocity. (Your vs. you're is inexcusable for anyone putting words on a page.) The capitalization and spelling errors are inconsistent at best, but they're mostly distracting and obnoxious. I genuinely wanted to read more of this story, but I find myself needing an indefinite break after the first chapter, which is never a good sign.

Ms. Ocean, if you need an editor, I will work for cheap, and I excelled in elementary-school English.

If I receive a finished version of this book, I would love to continue reading.

***I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.***

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book.

This story takes place during the start of the Civil War. Mabel has African ancestors and it shows in her skin coloring. A white man, Charles, asks Mable to help him transport black children to the North from the South.

I just really couldn't get into the story. I tried, but gave up around page 101. It certainly doesn't mean you won't like it, you might.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Very good, it's not easy for me to cry, but I did a lot. I could really relate to being seen differently because the color of your skin.

[Anita Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mabel

A well protected lady who uses her knowledge to write and gather information while hiding her identity gets embroiled in finding her true heritage during war time. Emotional and social issues are thoroughly discussed.

[kathi Driskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

Such an interesting and touching love story. Love it and so will everyone
Give it a try. It’s a wonderful story