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Home to Milford College #.5
The Lawyer's Luck
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Oberlin, Ohio – 1844
Lawrence Stewart is a rare man. Raised with his grandmother’s Miami Indian tribe, as a Negro he has consistently walked between two worlds most of his life. He devotes his time and study to becoming a lawyer, fully intending to obtain justice for the ousted Miami Indians. No Negro man has accomplished these things before, but he is not daunted. He studies for his exams as he rides circuit through the backwoods of Ohio, handing out justice to people who cannot easily reach a courthouse. His life is perfectly set until one June day….
Aurelia “Realie” Baxter made her way from enslavement in Georgia to the free land Lake Huron in Ohio. Far from happy as a slave doing the bidding of a woman cooped up in a house all day, Realie is a bona fide tomboy with a special gift with horses. Now, she is so close to freedom in Canada, she can smell it, but her plans are interrupted when Lawrence shoots her…by mistake….
Lawrence cannot study encumbered with the care of an enslaved woman, but he’s responsible for her injury…
Realie wants to get to Canada, but Lawrence won’t let her get away in trying to help her…
One chance meeting can change your life from what you thought you wanted….to what you really need.
Oberlin, Ohio – 1844
Lawrence Stewart is a rare man. Raised with his grandmother’s Miami Indian tribe, as a Negro he has consistently walked between two worlds most of his life. He devotes his time and study to becoming a lawyer, fully intending to obtain justice for the ousted Miami Indians. No Negro man has accomplished these things before, but he is not daunted. He studies for his exams as he rides circuit through the backwoods of Ohio, handing out justice to people who cannot easily reach a courthouse. His life is perfectly set until one June day….
Aurelia “Realie” Baxter made her way from enslavement in Georgia to the free land Lake Huron in Ohio. Far from happy as a slave doing the bidding of a woman cooped up in a house all day, Realie is a bona fide tomboy with a special gift with horses. Now, she is so close to freedom in Canada, she can smell it, but her plans are interrupted when Lawrence shoots her…by mistake….
Lawrence cannot study encumbered with the care of an enslaved woman, but he’s responsible for her injury…
Realie wants to get to Canada, but Lawrence won’t let her get away in trying to help her…
One chance meeting can change your life from what you thought you wanted….to what you really need.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2014
202 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
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September 10, 2016Piper Huguley is probably my favourite American historical romance author. The depth of knowledge in the settings is exceptional and the sometimes brutal clarity of her view of people gives these books such backbone and depth. No rose tinted history, full awareness of how rotten systems rot the people in them, and the romances are all the stronger for it. This really is love triumphing against the odds. Cracking stuff, highly recommended.
December 6, 2019
An excellent inspy historical romance set in 1840s Ohio. I confess, I rarely read historical romances set in America, but this one is really special. Piper Huguley’s knowledge of the period adds a richness to the story, and an authenticity that both breaks your heart, and makes you cheer for the hero and heroine all the more as they battle seemingly insurmountable odds in order to gain their happy ending. A gem of a story.
October 8, 2017
DNF
I was really excited to read this when I saw it was free on Kindle, but unfortunately it just didn't cut it for me. There was some content in it that I was not okay with, the writing style was very "meh", and I felt like the picture of Christianity represented was inaccurate.
I was really excited to read this when I saw it was free on Kindle, but unfortunately it just didn't cut it for me. There was some content in it that I was not okay with, the writing style was very "meh", and I felt like the picture of Christianity represented was inaccurate.
May 7, 2016
The Lawyer's Luck by author Piper Huguley: really, Lawrence, studying to become a lawyer, has little idea what kind of luck he may be in for when his horse is stolen by a beautiful runaway slave, Aurelia. The fact that Lawrence mistakenly shoots her in the arm doesn't help matters.
It's very rare that book covers, even great ones, are my strongest initial attraction to a book, but, come on. How could I see this cover and resist? The models are on point, giving us personality without melodrama; everything in the image is on theme; the layering is superb; there's a beautiful blend of light and shadow; and the overall tone is muted but bold, giving us a modern look without sacrificing the historical feel.
And the vibe from the cover models does match the characters in the book. Lawrence is upstanding, well mannered, and educated, and Aurelia (Realie) is a tomboy with spirit and dreams, though life has jaded her, particularly where men are concerned. The narrator's style adjusts well with the characters' points of view, and it didn't take me long to grow to like these two. There were a couple places where I had a little trouble following the course of their emotions, but their chemistry works nicely with this engaging story.
Plenty more fans of historical ChristFic with romance should enjoy this read.
It's very rare that book covers, even great ones, are my strongest initial attraction to a book, but, come on. How could I see this cover and resist? The models are on point, giving us personality without melodrama; everything in the image is on theme; the layering is superb; there's a beautiful blend of light and shadow; and the overall tone is muted but bold, giving us a modern look without sacrificing the historical feel.
And the vibe from the cover models does match the characters in the book. Lawrence is upstanding, well mannered, and educated, and Aurelia (Realie) is a tomboy with spirit and dreams, though life has jaded her, particularly where men are concerned. The narrator's style adjusts well with the characters' points of view, and it didn't take me long to grow to like these two. There were a couple places where I had a little trouble following the course of their emotions, but their chemistry works nicely with this engaging story.
Plenty more fans of historical ChristFic with romance should enjoy this read.
July 21, 2014
While I am not a big fan of short fiction, I do realize the value of a novella prequel to introduce an upcoming series to reads. I must say that the author achieved her goal of writing an engaging prequel and has me anticipating reading the books in the series. I am big fan of historical fiction especially stories which looks into the history of black people. I appreciate how the author wrote the characters with dignity and grace within the troubling time period of the 1840s. This is a sweet romance that is fully flushed out in the novella and who does love a feisty heroine and protective hero finding their happily every together. I am glad to find a historical series that I can read along with my teenage granddaughters.
March 3, 2017
This prequel sets the scene for the characters and events in "The Preacher's Promise".
August 3, 2022
Inspirational romance, with closed door.
It was fantastic.
It was fantastic.
April 26, 2017
3.5 Stars
For Lawrence and Realie, it’s not exactly love at first sight. But their relationship does start out with a bang… Unfortunately, it’s the gunshot variety.
This inspirational historic romance is a quick read, offering a glimpse of perspective into both slavery and the maltreatment of Native American tribes during this time period (1840’s.) It’s told in alternating third-person POVs between tightly-wound and proper Lawrence—a lawyer of mixed Native and African American heritage, and brazen tomboy Aurelia (Realie)—a runaway slave determined to escape to Canada.
Huguley combines strong prose with distinct characterization in her telling, deftly switching between Lawrence’s flowery-yet-masculine phraseology and Realie’s blunt, course, and clipped vernacular. The premise is intriguingly plot-driven, and the romance element itself is sweet and mild. (I would have preferred a bit more by way of sensual tension, but that’s just me.)
I actually found Lawrence difficult to like for a good bit of the book—as his single-minded career drive and pride in his education gave him an aloof air and tinged his expressions of faith in rigidity. (I spent the whole first chapter deeply annoyed that he hadn’t bothered to learn the name of his rented horse.) Realie, on the other hand, had the kind of gruffly pragmatic, spitfire spirit this reader could relate to. What she lacked in formal education she made up for with intuition, acumen, and sheer grit. Watching the two of them butt heads over differences in background and experiences forms the primary backbone for both the conflict and the entertainment quality.
This novella comes in at just 82 pages. As a sample of Huguley’s work, I’m not convinced it does her enough justice. It does, however, include at the back of it the first few chapters of The Preacher’s Promise—which takes place 22 years later and post-emancipation. In those chapters was a marked increase in richness and depth of emotional connectivity. To the point where I’m not only interested in getting a hold of the complete copy, but I would also recommend other readers consider starting there.
All in all, a good read. I just wish it were longer!
For Lawrence and Realie, it’s not exactly love at first sight. But their relationship does start out with a bang… Unfortunately, it’s the gunshot variety.
This inspirational historic romance is a quick read, offering a glimpse of perspective into both slavery and the maltreatment of Native American tribes during this time period (1840’s.) It’s told in alternating third-person POVs between tightly-wound and proper Lawrence—a lawyer of mixed Native and African American heritage, and brazen tomboy Aurelia (Realie)—a runaway slave determined to escape to Canada.
Huguley combines strong prose with distinct characterization in her telling, deftly switching between Lawrence’s flowery-yet-masculine phraseology and Realie’s blunt, course, and clipped vernacular. The premise is intriguingly plot-driven, and the romance element itself is sweet and mild. (I would have preferred a bit more by way of sensual tension, but that’s just me.)
I actually found Lawrence difficult to like for a good bit of the book—as his single-minded career drive and pride in his education gave him an aloof air and tinged his expressions of faith in rigidity. (I spent the whole first chapter deeply annoyed that he hadn’t bothered to learn the name of his rented horse.) Realie, on the other hand, had the kind of gruffly pragmatic, spitfire spirit this reader could relate to. What she lacked in formal education she made up for with intuition, acumen, and sheer grit. Watching the two of them butt heads over differences in background and experiences forms the primary backbone for both the conflict and the entertainment quality.
This novella comes in at just 82 pages. As a sample of Huguley’s work, I’m not convinced it does her enough justice. It does, however, include at the back of it the first few chapters of The Preacher’s Promise—which takes place 22 years later and post-emancipation. In those chapters was a marked increase in richness and depth of emotional connectivity. To the point where I’m not only interested in getting a hold of the complete copy, but I would also recommend other readers consider starting there.
All in all, a good read. I just wish it were longer!
December 5, 2014
This is my first historical romance. I loved it.
Lawrence Stewart was busy studying to become a full-fledged lawyer as well as riding the circuit for a sick friend of his. Riding the circuit consisted of him performing the duties of a lawyer/judge. No doubt, he ran across many different situations which helped him to believe that he needed to be twice as good as, in order to be considered worthy to be a lawyer. All of his free time was spent studying, that is, until one morning he came out to prepare to leave a town and his horse was missing. Little did he know that this would be the catalyst that would usher him into some significant life changes.
Realie was a runaway slave that happened upon Lawrence Stewart’s melancholy horse. She decided to steal his horse (since it was unhappy anyway) as her means to get to Canada to freedom. Realie had been a house maid.
In her quest to escape, things got seriously complicated, beginning with an unlucky gunshot, which caused her and Lawrence to join forces. Their joining forces could lead to serious danger for one or both of them.
I loved this story. I can’t help but to think that Mrs. Taylor reminded me a little of Potifier’s wife in the Bible. She was intent on getting Mr. Stewart in bed, but he was simply not having it.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
-Reviewed by Cassandra
Lawrence Stewart was busy studying to become a full-fledged lawyer as well as riding the circuit for a sick friend of his. Riding the circuit consisted of him performing the duties of a lawyer/judge. No doubt, he ran across many different situations which helped him to believe that he needed to be twice as good as, in order to be considered worthy to be a lawyer. All of his free time was spent studying, that is, until one morning he came out to prepare to leave a town and his horse was missing. Little did he know that this would be the catalyst that would usher him into some significant life changes.
Realie was a runaway slave that happened upon Lawrence Stewart’s melancholy horse. She decided to steal his horse (since it was unhappy anyway) as her means to get to Canada to freedom. Realie had been a house maid.
In her quest to escape, things got seriously complicated, beginning with an unlucky gunshot, which caused her and Lawrence to join forces. Their joining forces could lead to serious danger for one or both of them.
I loved this story. I can’t help but to think that Mrs. Taylor reminded me a little of Potifier’s wife in the Bible. She was intent on getting Mr. Stewart in bed, but he was simply not having it.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
-Reviewed by Cassandra
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March 17, 2025I have gotten to know Piper Huguley via social media, so when I saw this was on a freebie, I snatched it up. It's kinda a gimme, to read the book of someone you know and respect.
But... I avoid Christian lit like the plague, not being Christian and all. Still, this is Piper's novella and so I shut up and... yes, we can easily argue that it's part of who these people are and it helps define them as characters and I'm not even going to argue but make that argument for you because it's true and it's just who these people are and honestly, it'd be nice if we could see Christianity always shown so beautifully as part of who a person is rather than the perversion it's become, but that's another argument for another time. If we put that aside, this is an absolutely super read and entirely too short.
There's so much at work here, the social classes, the racism, the attitudes toward unmarried men, unmarried women, how clothing makes a person, how trust is won and barriers broken down... and how assumptions are, time and again, shattered.
I want more. More. More. More of the social makeup of this world... so much more.
But... I avoid Christian lit like the plague, not being Christian and all. Still, this is Piper's novella and so I shut up and... yes, we can easily argue that it's part of who these people are and it helps define them as characters and I'm not even going to argue but make that argument for you because it's true and it's just who these people are and honestly, it'd be nice if we could see Christianity always shown so beautifully as part of who a person is rather than the perversion it's become, but that's another argument for another time. If we put that aside, this is an absolutely super read and entirely too short.
There's so much at work here, the social classes, the racism, the attitudes toward unmarried men, unmarried women, how clothing makes a person, how trust is won and barriers broken down... and how assumptions are, time and again, shattered.
I want more. More. More. More of the social makeup of this world... so much more.
July 2, 2014
The Lawyer's Luck, a prequel novella, by Piper Huguley is a beautifully written historical romance. The story centers around Realie, a runaway slave trying to make her way to Canada, and Lawrence, an educated African American lawyer whose only immediate goal is to fulfill his duties as a circuit court judge. When he catches Realie trying to steal his horse, his life is turned upside down as he embarks on an unexpected romantic journey. Realie is a spirited and determined heroine, while Lawrence is a practical and gentle hero. What truly shines in this story is the attention to detail, the wonderful depiction of an African American hero/heroine in the slavery era, as well as the writer's authentic voice. The reader is firmly placed in the story and invested in the outcome. The historical aspects cannot be denied, since Realie's status as a runaway slave creates a sense of urgency in the storyline. This is a highly recommended read that shimmers with heart and soul.
February 16, 2015
When future lawyer Lawrence accidentally shoots Realie for stealing his horse, his life drastically changes. Realie is an escaped slave and she's so close to freedom, but now, she has a major setback. She's been shot and now she's injured. She's in no condition to travel.
For some strange reason, Realie finds herself drawn to Lawrence, whom she calls Lawyer. He seems determined to help her, plus he's a free and educated man. What would he want to do with the likes of her? Besides, they're from two opposite worlds - all Lawyer seems to know about slavery is what he's read in the newspapers, he's never been a slave.
This book had me mesmerized from the first page. It's well-written and the characters really came to life. Lawrence's and Realie's attraction is deep and real (no pun intended), and in spite of their being total opposites, you can see how they suit one another.
This book is the prequel to the Milford College Series! Can't wait to read the rest of them! :-)
For some strange reason, Realie finds herself drawn to Lawrence, whom she calls Lawyer. He seems determined to help her, plus he's a free and educated man. What would he want to do with the likes of her? Besides, they're from two opposite worlds - all Lawyer seems to know about slavery is what he's read in the newspapers, he's never been a slave.
This book had me mesmerized from the first page. It's well-written and the characters really came to life. Lawrence's and Realie's attraction is deep and real (no pun intended), and in spite of their being total opposites, you can see how they suit one another.
This book is the prequel to the Milford College Series! Can't wait to read the rest of them! :-)
September 20, 2014
In a world where African American historical fiction has so many times been overlooked, I am so glad I had the pleasure of reading such a well written, authentic novella. I loved the differences between Lawrence and Realie. Realie is a spitfire, who is not afraid to go out into the world and seek the better life she knows she deserves. I really liked her character. And Lawrence, I found myself so identifying with his struggle to find his place in a world as a mixed race person. I loved the poise and grace with which he carried himself. It was absolutely refreshing to read a novella with some good old fashioned values. I also appreciate how while the author showed us that Realie and Lawrence would ultimately be together, she also did not let us forget the harsh realities of life they would still have to face.
October 10, 2014
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars!
A tale of a runaway slave and the lawyer who shot her while she was stealing his horse? Oh yes, please!
I loved this book. Realie (great name!) has such a distinctive voice, and I loved her to bits. Lawyer (loved that, too) had his own distinctive voice--and important to him, dignity. Opposites attract, and in this case, provided what they each desperately needed.
A tale of a runaway slave and the lawyer who shot her while she was stealing his horse? Oh yes, please!
I loved this book. Realie (great name!) has such a distinctive voice, and I loved her to bits. Lawyer (loved that, too) had his own distinctive voice--and important to him, dignity. Opposites attract, and in this case, provided what they each desperately needed.
January 4, 2015
This is my first time reading a AA Historical Christian Fiction ... How many ways can i say I fell in love with Realie the runaway slave girl and the her Fancy dressing Lawyer Lawrence ... gotta go, off to finish reading the second book of the series.
December 24, 2014
This was a very quick and easy read. I could not connect with the characters Realie and Lawrence. Felt like something was missing to bring the story together.
April 4, 2022
I had rather high hopes for this book based on the description and was intrigued to see what the author would do with a character that was half-Black and half Indigenous.
However, this read left me with an icky feeling and the knowledge that it did not edify me in any way whatsoever, despite the fact that it is supposedly a Christian book. Even though marketed as such, the main character (who is supposedly a Christian) has high-ish standards, but never seeks God's direction in his steps, turning to mentors instead.
The sexual content especially is what made me icky. From the lawyer's landlady trying to show herself available as a prostitute to the girl trying to please him (she goes to unbutton her shift (semi-detailed)thinking it is what he wants), it was all a little too much for me. The girl also mentions how her mistress was married quickly and had children very rapidly after and had to keep pleasing her husband. Add into that fact that not only are the Lawyer and the girl together alone a lot but even sleep side by side and he brings her closer to him (all that before they even really think of marriage!) and it's really not my cup of tea. Also, my least favourite trope, the girl is shot and then finds herself in bed with only her shift, which he, when questioned, assures her that he put on her "with his eyes closed."
The writing style also left a lot wanting. This book could have been a good novel (and I probably could have ignored everything stated above a little better if it were a novel) but it was written as a novella, leaving everything super rushed and feeling like there was no true conclusion to the story.
However, this read left me with an icky feeling and the knowledge that it did not edify me in any way whatsoever, despite the fact that it is supposedly a Christian book. Even though marketed as such, the main character (who is supposedly a Christian) has high-ish standards, but never seeks God's direction in his steps, turning to mentors instead.
The sexual content especially is what made me icky. From the lawyer's landlady trying to show herself available as a prostitute to the girl trying to please him (she goes to unbutton her shift (semi-detailed)thinking it is what he wants), it was all a little too much for me. The girl also mentions how her mistress was married quickly and had children very rapidly after and had to keep pleasing her husband. Add into that fact that not only are the Lawyer and the girl together alone a lot but even sleep side by side and he brings her closer to him (all that before they even really think of marriage!) and it's really not my cup of tea. Also, my least favourite trope, the girl is shot and then finds herself in bed with only her shift, which he, when questioned, assures her that he put on her "with his eyes closed."
The writing style also left a lot wanting. This book could have been a good novel (and I probably could have ignored everything stated above a little better if it were a novel) but it was written as a novella, leaving everything super rushed and feeling like there was no true conclusion to the story.
April 26, 2018
An interesting read about a runaway slave and a circuit lawyer. The characters were likeable, and the plot keeps you interested with its turns.
It is a novella, but I still felt the romance could have been a little better developed.
There is mention of the sexual mistreatment that happened to slaves, which is historically accurate, but may not be suitable for some readers, especially young readers.
It is a novella, but I still felt the romance could have been a little better developed.
There is mention of the sexual mistreatment that happened to slaves, which is historically accurate, but may not be suitable for some readers, especially young readers.
October 18, 2021
I can’t wait to read the other books in the Milford College Series. I read Sweet Tea first. These books are meticulously researched. The characters have been developed so well, they feel like real people. I loved the book!
June 28, 2020
I had a rough start on this one but ended up pretty into it (so if you're stuck keep going!). A great, quick read with plenty of historical detail and insight. I'm interested in Huguley's other works.
January 17, 2021
I’m intrigued. Can’t wait to read more. Also enjoyed the author’s note.
January 9, 2017
Loved, loved, loved this prequel to the Milford series. Lawrence, aka "Lawyer" and Realie couldn't be more different - a circuit riding law student, on the straight and narrow, and an enslaved woman, headed for the Canadian border, with a distrust of men like him. Their chemistry is immediate, the peril real, and the world in which they live is an intrinsic part of the romance. Lawrence holds fast to his principles, which he finds sorely tested by experience. Realie brings some harsh truths into Lawrence's idealism, and finds accepting kindness and respect a challenge, but when these two find common ground, the love that grows between them is one for the ages.
The inspirational thread through this story is both intrinsic and subtle; Lawrence's faith is an integral part of who he is, while Realie has good reason to doubt. No heavy-handedness here, but a normal and natural aspect of both characters' lives.
This isn't an easy read; Piper Huguley takes on the harsh aspects of Realie's enslavement head on, and her path to freedom is far from clear-cut, but it's that grit that makes this story shine as brightly as it does.
The inspirational thread through this story is both intrinsic and subtle; Lawrence's faith is an integral part of who he is, while Realie has good reason to doubt. No heavy-handedness here, but a normal and natural aspect of both characters' lives.
This isn't an easy read; Piper Huguley takes on the harsh aspects of Realie's enslavement head on, and her path to freedom is far from clear-cut, but it's that grit that makes this story shine as brightly as it does.
March 23, 2015
. Lawrence was studying to become a lawyer in Ohio, riding the circuit performing duties of a lawyer. Lawrence was on his way to ride the circuit only to discover that his horse was stolen by Realie, a runaway slave. Lawrence shot Realie by mistake and did his best to heal her wound. Awesome historical romance story!
July 29, 2014
I loved this historical romance prequel novel! I look forward to reading more from the upcoming series and other works by this author.
April 3, 2015
Loved the historical details, the interesting premise, and the touches of humor. Very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
June 16, 2015
This was my first read by Piper Huguley and it was fantastic. The story of Realie and Lawrence was so real I almost forgot it was fiction. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Huguley.
June 3, 2016
Got this as part of a free romance bundle. Not for me.
May 14, 2021
The year is 1844 and the place is Oberlin, Ohio in the United States of America. It is a very different Ohio than the one you may know and recognize today. Yet, it is the perfect setting for this short historical romance novella entitled “The Lawyer's Luck: A Home to Milford College Prequel Novella”. This piece is written by Piper Huguley and wonderfully narrated by Shamaan Casey. The audiobook appears to be the debut work released by this author avaiable on Audible. Although it is a rather short audiobook, at just over two hours, it was an enjoyable listen, and the story was overall solid and well told. I will be interested to see where the tale goes from here. The novella left quite a few open-ended paths that future stories could take. It is not a bad thing, but I would have liked to have had a bit more for the price of a precious Audible credit, even for a prequel. If you like historical romance stories, I think you will enjoy the start of this new series.
The story opens with a colored man, raised by his native American grandmother, whose only desire is to become an educated man, a lawyer, so he can assist his people, many of whom are still in bondage. We are also introduced to a woman who becomes injured after she is believed to have stolen a horse. The situation quickly escalates in the first few chapters and the remaining chapters tell us the story of their lives and how much they become intertwined as things progress. There are hard decisions to be made, sacrifices that will impact both individuals, and even sometimes of light humor. The subject of slavery in the United States at this time feels to be portrayed correctly and it is not a time one can take pride in how people of color were treated.
I enjoyed the building and frustration of the core relationship, the interactions the characters had with others, and even the tight focus upon the main characters of the story. We clearly see how each of the story’s characters need to sacrifice their own desires and wills for the other and this is where story begins to blend into a light romance tale. The writing style seemed a bit young adult having simple sentences, but I was not sure if this was intention or not due to the background of the characters. I do not recall the locations being very vivid or picturesque. I know it was a rather short story, but when I finished, I mostly recalled the main plot of the story and not much else. It can be difficult when writing where the author is overly descriptive, or the opposite. I wanted a bit more as I think back.
The Audiobook’s narration by Mr. Casey was exceptional and he is a narrator I feel the pleasure to listen too. His voice is deep, rich, and just very smooth. This makes listening to the storyteller effortless and enjoyable. Of the other books he has narrated, even If the story was not compelling or action packed, Mr. Casey is able to grab the listener and bring them in to the story. I have to say that his ability to give the characters live and personality even if it was not a part of the story is a treat.
For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook could be enjoyed by nearly any age group. There is some violence and topics that could be harder for very young readers to comprehend, but the writing style was simple and easy to follow. I do not recall any issues with more mature language or topics.
In summary, if you are one that likes a quick listen and historical romance is your thing, I think you will enjoy this story. The writing is simple, the scenes are not very descriptive, but the overall story is good with a bit if action and intrigue woven in as well.
The story opens with a colored man, raised by his native American grandmother, whose only desire is to become an educated man, a lawyer, so he can assist his people, many of whom are still in bondage. We are also introduced to a woman who becomes injured after she is believed to have stolen a horse. The situation quickly escalates in the first few chapters and the remaining chapters tell us the story of their lives and how much they become intertwined as things progress. There are hard decisions to be made, sacrifices that will impact both individuals, and even sometimes of light humor. The subject of slavery in the United States at this time feels to be portrayed correctly and it is not a time one can take pride in how people of color were treated.
I enjoyed the building and frustration of the core relationship, the interactions the characters had with others, and even the tight focus upon the main characters of the story. We clearly see how each of the story’s characters need to sacrifice their own desires and wills for the other and this is where story begins to blend into a light romance tale. The writing style seemed a bit young adult having simple sentences, but I was not sure if this was intention or not due to the background of the characters. I do not recall the locations being very vivid or picturesque. I know it was a rather short story, but when I finished, I mostly recalled the main plot of the story and not much else. It can be difficult when writing where the author is overly descriptive, or the opposite. I wanted a bit more as I think back.
The Audiobook’s narration by Mr. Casey was exceptional and he is a narrator I feel the pleasure to listen too. His voice is deep, rich, and just very smooth. This makes listening to the storyteller effortless and enjoyable. Of the other books he has narrated, even If the story was not compelling or action packed, Mr. Casey is able to grab the listener and bring them in to the story. I have to say that his ability to give the characters live and personality even if it was not a part of the story is a treat.
For parents and younger listeners, this audiobook could be enjoyed by nearly any age group. There is some violence and topics that could be harder for very young readers to comprehend, but the writing style was simple and easy to follow. I do not recall any issues with more mature language or topics.
In summary, if you are one that likes a quick listen and historical romance is your thing, I think you will enjoy this story. The writing is simple, the scenes are not very descriptive, but the overall story is good with a bit if action and intrigue woven in as well.
October 25, 2018
Lawrence was born a free man. His mother was of the Miami tribe, and while his dad is unknown, it's believed he was an escaped slave. Regardless, he's never known what its like to be owned by a person. Having to prove himself because of his skin colour? That is a feeling he's very familiar with. He's training to be a lawyer, and it's while he's riding the circuit to get his training that he has his horse stolen. He quickly finds the thief, a beautiful escaped slave who goes by Realie, short for Aurelia. When he accidentally shoots her he takes it upon himself to make sure her recuperation goes well, and that she doesn't get captured again. After all, they're in New York, just becuase slavery isn't a thing there doesn't mean the catchers aren't wandering the streets. Realie doesn't trust this fancy lawyer man. Just because he has dark skin doesn't mean he can be trusted. Anyone who dresses that fancy can't be good. It's not the first time someone has held their riches over her head, she did just escape from a plantation in the south. Can Lawrence prove to her that he can be trusted?
This book was pretty good. The pov changed at a moments notice, and the only way you could tell for sure was the grammar being used. This was a prequel for a series, and it ended in a way that I didn't feel the need to read the next book in the series. There was an excerpt from a book in her next series, which seemed an odd choice, I would have thought she'd do the same series. I did like the history behind it though.
This book was pretty good. The pov changed at a moments notice, and the only way you could tell for sure was the grammar being used. This was a prequel for a series, and it ended in a way that I didn't feel the need to read the next book in the series. There was an excerpt from a book in her next series, which seemed an odd choice, I would have thought she'd do the same series. I did like the history behind it though.
April 25, 2021
Enjoyable Historical Romance
4.5 out of 5 stars
I found myself really enjoying The Lawyer’s Luck. The more I read into it, the more I liked it. It had a few characters other than Lawrence and Realie, but they were the definite stars of this show. Lawrence and Realie run into each other early in the story and things from there get interesting. Early on, I wasn’t sure how this story was going to play out, but as it built, like Realie, I was learning who Lawrence was and what his intentions were.
The story in The Lawyer’s Luck was extremely cute, but it was also a time-period that I don’t read as much about as I probably should. Taking place in 1844 in Oberlin, Ohio (Southwest of Cleveland), it’s a time period that was in flux. Slavery still existed, but freed slaves did too. This story seems to touch on some of these topics along with understanding how Lawrence was in the spot that he was in (especially compared to Realie).
The narration by Shamaan Casey was perfect for this story. He portrayed Lawrence perfectly, and made this story even better by narrating it. I’m really glad that I got a chance to listen to it. I also thought this story was the perfect amount of time, any longer and things would have felt drawn out to fill pages.
4.5 out of 5 stars
I found myself really enjoying The Lawyer’s Luck. The more I read into it, the more I liked it. It had a few characters other than Lawrence and Realie, but they were the definite stars of this show. Lawrence and Realie run into each other early in the story and things from there get interesting. Early on, I wasn’t sure how this story was going to play out, but as it built, like Realie, I was learning who Lawrence was and what his intentions were.
The story in The Lawyer’s Luck was extremely cute, but it was also a time-period that I don’t read as much about as I probably should. Taking place in 1844 in Oberlin, Ohio (Southwest of Cleveland), it’s a time period that was in flux. Slavery still existed, but freed slaves did too. This story seems to touch on some of these topics along with understanding how Lawrence was in the spot that he was in (especially compared to Realie).
The narration by Shamaan Casey was perfect for this story. He portrayed Lawrence perfectly, and made this story even better by narrating it. I’m really glad that I got a chance to listen to it. I also thought this story was the perfect amount of time, any longer and things would have felt drawn out to fill pages.
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