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Georgia Gold #1
Sautee Shadows
Sautee Shadows: Book one of the Georgia Gold Series is the sweeping saga of four families whose lives intertwine through romance, adventure and murder linking antebellum Georgia’s coast and mountains during the economic expansion of the 1830s.
Richard Randall’s Family moves from New York to Savannah, Georgia to establish a shipping company. Richard’s son Jack finds the southern city alien, his struggle to fit in only intensifying with the death of his mother. Eventually the Randalls follow the example of many other coastal elite, like the rice-planter Rousseaus, customers of Richard’s, by building a summer home in Habersham County’s foothills. Attracted by the possibility of future railroad tourism, Jack decides to purchase a hotel in Clarkesville where he meets an unexpected competitor, young, lovely and spirited Mahala Franklin.
Orphaned daughter of a man murdered for his gold and a Cherokee mother, Mahala was raised by a farm family in the Sautee Valley and torn from them by her maternal grandmother as a young teen. Mahala’s life has been focused on the clues left in her father’s strongbox and wondering if her father’s murderer is still living in the same town.
Richard Randall’s Family moves from New York to Savannah, Georgia to establish a shipping company. Richard’s son Jack finds the southern city alien, his struggle to fit in only intensifying with the death of his mother. Eventually the Randalls follow the example of many other coastal elite, like the rice-planter Rousseaus, customers of Richard’s, by building a summer home in Habersham County’s foothills. Attracted by the possibility of future railroad tourism, Jack decides to purchase a hotel in Clarkesville where he meets an unexpected competitor, young, lovely and spirited Mahala Franklin.
Orphaned daughter of a man murdered for his gold and a Cherokee mother, Mahala was raised by a farm family in the Sautee Valley and torn from them by her maternal grandmother as a young teen. Mahala’s life has been focused on the clues left in her father’s strongbox and wondering if her father’s murderer is still living in the same town.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
24 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Denise Weimer
38 books402 followersDenise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance from her home in North Georgia and also serves as a freelance editor and the Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books. A mother of two daughters, she always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 8, 2014
Full disclosure: I was chosen a First Reads winner, and received a paperback copy of Sautee Shadows, signed by the author, in the mail. She even personalized her note, as both us are named Denise. Here is my honest review:
What an inspiring historical novel! This is the first installment in a set of four, and I am already looking forward to purchasing the second one. (All four novels are currently available, the fourth having just been published this month.) There are quite a few diverse and fascinating characters, some who are historical persons and some who are fictional, and they are well-integrated into this moving story, set in both Georgia and the American northeast beginning in 1835 and progressing into 1855. Fortunately, Denise Weimer has provided a genealogical chart for four of the main families in the story. I initially referred to it several times, as I was getting the cast of characters firmly in mind.
My favorite character is a young half-Cherokee girl (Mahala) with a feisty streak that gets her into trouble more than once. But the southern belles and their Yankee cousins are well-painted, too, as are the hoteliers and shop-keepers, the shipping tycoons, and their servants and slaves. Of course, one could not write a historical novel of this era without touching on the issues of slavery and forced emigration of the native American tribes. Weimer, a native of Georgia herself, seamlessly integrates her love of history as well as her experiences in period dance research into the well-crafted tale. It's always exciting to discover the voice of an enjoyable new author. Here is one who clearly knows the south and writes well about it!
I found only one proof-reading error in the entire book (a place where a three word phrase was repeated within a sentence) and no misspellings or other typos. That in itself was refreshing!
I debated overnight, before writing this, about whether to give it four or five stars, and finally settled on four, only because I can't really say that this works as a stand-alone novel. There are basic questions from the very start of the novel that remain unanswered at its close.
I would, however, highly recommend this lyrical start to an intriguing story -- there's history, romance, and even a bit of mystery in it -- and am so grateful for the opportunity to have read it. If you're a fan of historical fiction, this will not disappoint!
What an inspiring historical novel! This is the first installment in a set of four, and I am already looking forward to purchasing the second one. (All four novels are currently available, the fourth having just been published this month.) There are quite a few diverse and fascinating characters, some who are historical persons and some who are fictional, and they are well-integrated into this moving story, set in both Georgia and the American northeast beginning in 1835 and progressing into 1855. Fortunately, Denise Weimer has provided a genealogical chart for four of the main families in the story. I initially referred to it several times, as I was getting the cast of characters firmly in mind.
My favorite character is a young half-Cherokee girl (Mahala) with a feisty streak that gets her into trouble more than once. But the southern belles and their Yankee cousins are well-painted, too, as are the hoteliers and shop-keepers, the shipping tycoons, and their servants and slaves. Of course, one could not write a historical novel of this era without touching on the issues of slavery and forced emigration of the native American tribes. Weimer, a native of Georgia herself, seamlessly integrates her love of history as well as her experiences in period dance research into the well-crafted tale. It's always exciting to discover the voice of an enjoyable new author. Here is one who clearly knows the south and writes well about it!
I found only one proof-reading error in the entire book (a place where a three word phrase was repeated within a sentence) and no misspellings or other typos. That in itself was refreshing!
I debated overnight, before writing this, about whether to give it four or five stars, and finally settled on four, only because I can't really say that this works as a stand-alone novel. There are basic questions from the very start of the novel that remain unanswered at its close.
I would, however, highly recommend this lyrical start to an intriguing story -- there's history, romance, and even a bit of mystery in it -- and am so grateful for the opportunity to have read it. If you're a fan of historical fiction, this will not disappoint!
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November 14, 2017I liked hearing of the mountain areas I'm familiar with (Clarkesville, Sautee, etc) and the historical side of Savannah and the upcoming war.
Overall a good read! I kept picking up other stuff so I'm glad I finally picked this up and committed to it. Looking forward to the other books in series.
Overall a good read! I kept picking up other stuff so I'm glad I finally picked this up and committed to it. Looking forward to the other books in series.
April 8, 2013
Denise Weimer has woven a magical tapestry of history and fiction around the lives of four families in the hot, sultry climate of southern Georgia during a volatile time when differences between the North and South over slavery are threatening to come to a boil and the Cherokee people are being forced off their land and made to relocate. In this first installment of her Georgia Gold Series, she introduces and provides background for three standout characters: Mahala Franklin, a beautiful young woman who endures prejudice and rejection because she is half-white and half-Cherokee; Jack Randolph, the son of a wealthy shipbuilder who abhors slavery and longs to return to his original homeplace in New York; and Dev Rousseau, a true Southerner who plans to enter the military if the perceived war between the North and South becomes reality. Chocked full of history, with dialogue true to the time, characters that intrigue and beguile, and what promises to be an adventurous and exciting journey, this is certain to be an interesting, entertaining series.
January 7, 2024
I've never read this series before. But Weimer is one of my favorites. I finished Sautee Shadows in a few days and am already reading book #2 The Gray Divide. Her characters are well-developed and their problems are realistic and give the readers a peek into what it would have been like living in Savannah Georgia during the Cherokee Removal. We see what the heart attitude of the nation was during the pre-Civil War years. I couldn't wait to read book #2 to discover what these characters who have matured through the years and are readying themselves to step into new experiences. Denise is a wonderful storyteller.
March 8, 2024
Interesting historical fiction set mainly in Georgia, Savannah, and NE Georgia. It's a bit long in a fee places, but doesn't skimp on the details of the character's lives, which I like! Just a warning, the ending leaves you hanging, so you'll probably want to get the next book right away!!
January 15, 2024
I enjoyed reading Sautee Shadows, a well-researched and written work of historical fiction, the first book in the Georgia Gold Series. This novel transports the reader to the pre-Civil War South. The characters are varied and well-developed, and the multi-storied plot is interesting. The book's ending is a bit abrupt and leaves some unanswered questions, which I'm sure will be answered in the books that follow.
April 22, 2013
Sautee Shadows (The Georgia Gold Series #1) by Denise Weimer
I have read plenty of historical novels before, but none prepared me for such an extensive history lesson. I was extremely impressed with the author’s knowledge of history concerning Georgia, the gold rush, the plight of the Cherokee Indians, slavery and the various opinions about it from Southerners to Northerners. She had to have done extensive research in writing this book. If you are a history buff, then you will really enjoy this book. The novel jumps all over (New York, NY; Princeton, NJ; Newport, RI; Savannah, GA; Sautee Valley, GA; Habersham County, GA; Chatham County, GA; Montpelier, GA; Clarkesville, GA) from 1835 to 1855. And follows four families as their lives eventually begin to intertwine with each other.
It did take me a while to get into the book, sorting out the different families and where they were from and going back and forth from families and towns and States. But once I got the hang of it, I really got interested in the story.
If you live in North Georgia or Savannah you’ll find this novel interesting, because you’ll recognize the locations and historical landmarks. I’m a Georgia girl and have visited Savannah and North Georgia, but now would love to go back and see if I can find some of the historical places mentioned in the book.
This is Book 1 in a series of 4. The second book, The Gray Divide, will be coming out in September 2013 and will continue the story of these families as the States prepare for war.
I met the author, Denise Weimer, at a book signing at The Carpenter’s Shop in Athens, Georgia and she was positively delightful. I enjoyed talking to her about her books. I could tell she was really excited about Georgia history. Now I know why...she’s very smart!
I have read plenty of historical novels before, but none prepared me for such an extensive history lesson. I was extremely impressed with the author’s knowledge of history concerning Georgia, the gold rush, the plight of the Cherokee Indians, slavery and the various opinions about it from Southerners to Northerners. She had to have done extensive research in writing this book. If you are a history buff, then you will really enjoy this book. The novel jumps all over (New York, NY; Princeton, NJ; Newport, RI; Savannah, GA; Sautee Valley, GA; Habersham County, GA; Chatham County, GA; Montpelier, GA; Clarkesville, GA) from 1835 to 1855. And follows four families as their lives eventually begin to intertwine with each other.
It did take me a while to get into the book, sorting out the different families and where they were from and going back and forth from families and towns and States. But once I got the hang of it, I really got interested in the story.
If you live in North Georgia or Savannah you’ll find this novel interesting, because you’ll recognize the locations and historical landmarks. I’m a Georgia girl and have visited Savannah and North Georgia, but now would love to go back and see if I can find some of the historical places mentioned in the book.
This is Book 1 in a series of 4. The second book, The Gray Divide, will be coming out in September 2013 and will continue the story of these families as the States prepare for war.
I met the author, Denise Weimer, at a book signing at The Carpenter’s Shop in Athens, Georgia and she was positively delightful. I enjoyed talking to her about her books. I could tell she was really excited about Georgia history. Now I know why...she’s very smart!
October 6, 2014
Fiction with some history mixed in
This book is interesting to read, especially if you like learning about history in the US in the mid-1800's. It mostly takes place in Georgia, with a little in New York.
The book alternates mostly between two people's lives, Jack and Mahala. It felt like I was reading two different stories, so I was very glad when those two people finally met in the end. Unfortunately, at that point, there were other "main" characters introduced, so the other books in the series may switch back and forth between each of their point of views.
I was disappointed in the unanswered questions at the end, especially about what happened to Mahala's father. I'm sure it will be answered in one of the other books, but it almost seems like it's too late now for her to ever find anything out (it had been sixteen years, after all).
I did receive this book in a Goodreads giveaway and wanted to leave my honest opinion.
This book is interesting to read, especially if you like learning about history in the US in the mid-1800's. It mostly takes place in Georgia, with a little in New York.
The book alternates mostly between two people's lives, Jack and Mahala. It felt like I was reading two different stories, so I was very glad when those two people finally met in the end. Unfortunately, at that point, there were other "main" characters introduced, so the other books in the series may switch back and forth between each of their point of views.
I was disappointed in the unanswered questions at the end, especially about what happened to Mahala's father. I'm sure it will be answered in one of the other books, but it almost seems like it's too late now for her to ever find anything out (it had been sixteen years, after all).
I did receive this book in a Goodreads giveaway and wanted to leave my honest opinion.
May 8, 2018
If you love historical fiction, especially historical fiction based around the settings of the Civil War, then the Georgia Gold series is a MUST READ! The characters come alive and you are transported in time with them, drawing into their emotions and experiences page-by-page. In fact, the character development and plots are so well-written with adventure, intrigue, romance, suspense, and more that you’ll not want the stories to end. Truly, a wonderful series! The first novel in the series, Sautee Shadows, does an excellent job of setting up the series by introducing key characters, creating intriguing plots, and making you want to read more and more as you follow the characters and their lives before, during, and after the Civil War. This series really is gold - it’s a story you’ll treasure!
June 23, 2016
One of the main characters of Sautee Shadows is a half Cherokee girl, Mahala, whose parents both die while she is an infant. Author Denise Weimer makes you feel the struggles this young child faces while being raised by a white couple. You will learn history of the Cherokees in northern Georgia during the mid 1800s. Another character is Jack Randall, the son of a New York man and a Georgia mother. Jack doesn't seem to fit into the north or south in this pre Civil War era. Sautee Shadows is full of history but does leave you hanging at the end so I will be looking for Book Two in this Georgia Gold Series. I recommend Sautee Shadows to anyone who likes historical fiction. I won Sautee Shadows from a Colonial Quill giveaway.
November 12, 2013
Historical fiction is my favorite. I especially enjoy tales of places familiar to me. This book was thoroughly entertaining even though there are so many characters I got confused at times. The story reveals how hard life was in early America even among the wealthy. Many political views are explored along with prejudices that still exist today.
December 7, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel- the first in an expected series of four books. It takes place in the early/ mid 19th century in northeast Georgia. The characters were well-drawn and the setting is truly another " character". I am anxious to continue the saga in the following books. I would recommend this.
April 17, 2013
I enjoyed this first book of the Georgia Gold series by Denise Weimer and look forward to hearing more about the inspiration for this novel when Denise visits the Clarkesville Library on Saturday, April 20 at 10:30 AM!
February 1, 2015
I won this book from Goodreads. This was decent. It read at times like a history lesson and I question the authenticity of the language. The story itself was enjoyable and you finish reading wondering what is next in store for the characters.
February 5, 2014
The story and characters draw you right in. Learning the history of the period in this colorful setting is a big plus!
December 23, 2014
many stories that intertwine... really cool!
April 20, 2017
#MMDReading #MMDChallenge A Book About A Topic Or Subject You Already Love - the North Georgia mountains
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews