Belle of Charleston

Southern Legacy #1

by Jerri Hines

Librarian note: Older cover of B00Q8M1EYK.

Set against the backdrop of Antebellum Charleston with the martial clash of brother against brother looming on the horizon--here is an absorbing, tantalizing saga of life during one of our country's most turbulent times--Southern Legacy Series.

Belle of Charleston, Book One

In a world of pageantry and show, the Montgomery family accepts the way of life that has been antebellum Charleston for over a hundred years. Two cousins, the handsome and debonair, Wade Montgomery and the bold and brooding Cullen Smythe, were born to be brothers. Raised as Southern gentlemen, their character could never be questioned--loyalty, honor, duty to one's country, God and family. It was the tie that binds until...their bond is threatened, not only by the cry for secession but by a woman--Josephine Buchanan Wright.

Josephine Buchanan Wright is a dutiful, southern belle. Her future seems fated to the two Montgomerys cousins...until all she has placed her faith in falls apart. As her life spirals out of control, she tries desperately to cling to the honor and duty that has been instilled in her. But how can she do so when all she has known is no more?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Civil War, Amazon, Novella

158 pages, ebook

First published December 15, 2014

About the author

Jerri Hines is an Amazon bestselling author of Winds of Betrayal, Winds of Change, and Southern Legacy series that were inspired by her fascination with history. Her historical romance series, Secret Lives, is riddled with romantic suspense and a touch of paranormal. Boston's Crimes of Passion marks her first contemporary suspense thriller series, including Fragmented and Framed. In addition, she has ventured off into the paranormal suspense with the release of Scream for the Camera. Boston's Crimes of Horror, Book One. She is also working on an epic fantasy series.

Her latest release, The Waking Bell, is the first book she has written with another author. She was honored to have collaborated with Jackie Weger, an amazing author and friend, to have created this historical mystery.

She is a Southern gal who has lived the last thirty years near Boston with her Yankee husband. She believes in love and the power it holds. It is the reason she writes romances.

She supports the Alzheimer's Association, Shriner's Hospital, and The Home For Little Wanderers in Boston.

Sign up for her email notification for the latest releases and promotions: http://ow.ly/Mzcj50wpgV7

You can follow her on Amazon at:
http://ow.ly/e3Tt50wph62

Follow on Book Bub at
http://ow.ly/cab050HAHSo

Reviews

[Angie Peoples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly this was one of the most well written historical novels in a long time. The characters were compelling and full of southern pride at a time just before the civil war. I'm definitely excited and ready to read more by this talented author.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read

[Sherry Hoernig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really LOVE Jerri's writing. She does an amazing job of creating her characters & their stories, while holding on to the actual facts of the era she has placed them in. The Belle of Charleston is not only a wonderful read in which you experience the romance...the turmoil.......the sacrifices, that must be made to uphold the very foundation of the world that has been created for our characters....... you are also drawn into the turmoil & tension that was prevalent in the months leading up to the secession of the Southern states from the Northern states. Many people don't realize just how much of the South's way of life, in regards to the institution of loyalty, honor, duty to both family & country, played a part in the decision to secede. This book, gives you a very realistic glimpse into just how important they were & still are to the Southern part of our country. Jerri does a wonderful job of showing us just how strong, & how deep, these characteristics were embeddeed in the hearts & souls of our heroine, & our heroes. It really does give us, the readers, a front row seat to experiencing what the people of the South were willing to sacrifice for their honor, their loyalty, & their duty, not only for their family, but their way of life. I can't recommend reading Belle highly enough to do it justice, but I can tell you that you won't regret the decision to do so. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, as we continue to travel the road that Josephine & Cullen have been set on.........I received a copy of this book for an honest, & unbiased review.

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle of Charleston (Southern Legacy Book 1)

The love story of Josephine and Cullen. Josephine thinks she is to marry Wade Montgomery but he marry other and Jo's reputation is ruined. Can Cullen find the true about the rumors about Jo? Great story.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wonderful Start to The Southern Legacy Series
This book is set in pre Civil War Charleston, SC. Being born and raised in SC I was drawn to this book. I used to read a great deal of Civil War period romance, but had not read any in several years. My first thought was that this one had ended abruptly but I then discovered this is a saga that will continue in 3 more books due out early next year. The first released now in December , Belle of Charleston and in and January, Shadows of Magnolia. The final two are due to release April and May, Born to Be Brothers and The Sun Will Rise. I am looking forward to the other 3 installments now that I know the story has not ended. I feel these will most definitely need to be read in order. They are not stand alone stories.
BLURB:
Set against the backdrop of Antebellum Charleston with the martial clash of brother against brother looming on the horizon—here is an absorbing, tantalizing saga of life during one of our country's most turbulent times—Southern Legacy Series.
Josephine Buchanan Wright is a dutiful, southern belle. Her future seems fated to the two Montgomerys cousins, the handsome and debonair, Wade Montgomery and the bold and brooding Cullen Symthe. You should read to find out how all she has placed her faith in falls apart.

[Donna Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this Southern Civil War Love Story and now I am hooked to read this series. Loved the characters and the time era.

[Evelyn Grabas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even if this book was not convoluted, confusing and required a scorecard to keep the characters straight as to who's who, who is related to who, etc., even if it was great, which it wasn't, the ending ruined the whole book. Here we are again, left dangling over that cliff. It is regrettable that an author is so unsure of their skill in writing a book that they must resort to leaving you with unanswered questions, etc. just so you will buy the next book. Well, they failed as far as I was concerned, because I could not care less about the next book, even though, universally, you know, the star-crossed lovers are fated to come together. But, how many books is that going to take? Sorry, I have no intention of hanging around to find out.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent depiction of the times of those days. The characters are beautifully etched out. Especially Josephine. I loved her conversations with Cullen. The other conditions during the times were also very well brought out. Enjoyable story.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love to read a good historical novel about Charleston 😀

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle of Charleston is book one in the Southern Legacy series by Jerri Hines. It is set in and near Antebellum Charleston and the plantation of Magnolia Bluff. It is a captivating series.
Clayton Montgomery built up Magnolia Bluff and raised his son and grandsons there. His son, Douglas Montgomery, was a drunkard and had a temper which was fierce when he was angry. He took his anger out on his son Percival who stood between his father and the rest of the family. Percival was to take over the plantation and marry Clarissa Wragg. When he was killed by falling off his horse (he was the best horseman in the county sober or drunk) while drunk, his brother Wade was expected to take his place on the plantation and with Clarissa. He had fallen in love with Josephine Buchanan Wright of a nearby plantation. They had been meeting with only a slave girl to chaperone. Josephine had no idea he was to marry Clarissa when she met with him; but he did. Yet it is her reputation that is taken into question when they are discovered. Wade asks his cousin Cullen to take Clarissa off his hands which he cannot do. He then asks Cullen to tell Jo he is to marry Clarissa. All Jo wants is someone to love her, be loved in return, and to have and bring up a family in Charleston’s society. When her reputation is questioned and her world falls apart around her, she has only her honor and duty to uphold her.
When it is discovered that her Father actually owns Magnolia Bluff and in order for the Montgomerys to keep it, she must marry a Montgomery, she is forced into an engagement with the younger son, Andrew. Meanwhile, she had fallen in love with the cousin, Cullen Smythe.
What will happen? Will Wade somehow get control of the plantation? Will she marry Andrew? What of her love for Cullen? How is she to win over the Montgomery women and the women of Charleston? What part will her cousins Harry Lee and Buck play in her life?

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Southern Legacy series by Jerri Hines. Josephine Buchanan Wright is a southern belle in Antebellum, Charleston, South Carolina whose life has been devastated from the Civil War. She finds herself caught up in treachery and deceit. Wade Montgomery and Cullen Smythe are cousins raised as southern gentlemen. Josephine, Wade and Cullen are caught up in a love triangle creating a scandal in Charleston society. Josephine has her heart set on Wade but he is to be married to Clarissa Wragg to fulfill his grandfather’s wishes. Josephine must choose between Wade and Cullen. The story ends in a cliffhanger and continues with the second book Shadows of Magnolia. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful historical romance novel.

[Ann Tiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnolia

Good story. I used to be a house tour guide at Magnolia Plantation in Chas.. Beautiful place and interesting family.

[Emily Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Jerris books, she has a unique way of bringing the characters to life and at the same time pulling you in to the lovel and making everything come to life around you and this book was no different, the other thing I like about jerri is how she brings in the surroundings and settings of fact and blends them so well with the story. This book is the first of a series of 4 and it has left open many doors for the characters to take.... Anything could happen. The characters are fantastic and their relationships, hard times and love lives are all ready to be explored further. I can't wait for the next in the series. Would definitely recommend reading.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerri Hines does it again. This is a smorgasbord of history and intrigue and romance. The fight to retain a very important property brings to life all sorts of intrigue for the leading lady. Trusting the wrong men, gaining her independent spirit through adversity, and the period being brought to life in brilliant color made this book a favorite of mine. All I can say is that I couldn't wait for the next part of this series and I don't think you'll be able to either!

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love-Awesome Dawson

As I continue to read and give my ratings, this book deserves a double Awesome Dawson!!! I have not read a book this amazing since Gone With The Wind. It played on all my emotions-love,disgust,hate,unfairness,and understanding! I loved it and can't wait to read book 2

[Dorothy Sheckler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Crappy cliffhanger

The story tries to be interesting and almost makes it. The heroine is smart, honorable, and naive. The hero wants to ravish her but can't get her family to agree to him marrying her. He gives up and leaves town. End of story. Don't bother reading this one.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything antebellum/civil war era this was full of drama love and loss. I look forward to getting to know the characters more in the second book.

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Josephine promised in love to another but on the way fell in love with Cullen. See how this one turns out.

[Judy Mulholland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

What a love story. Now I can't wait to read Book 2. She is a great author with realistic details.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of Antebellum Charleston with the martial clash of brother against brother looming on the horizon--here is an absorbing, tantalizing saga of life during one of our country's most turbulent times--Southern Legacy Series.

Belle of Charleston, Book One

In a world of pageantry and show, the Montgomery family accepts the way of life that has been antebellum Charleston for over a hundred years. Two cousins, the handsome and debonair, Wade Montgomery and the bold and brooding Cullen Smythe, were born to be brothers. Raised as Southern gentlemen, their character could never be questioned--loyalty, honor, duty to one's country, God and family. It was the tie that binds until...their bond is threatened, not only by the cry for secession but by a woman--Josephine Buchanan Wright.

Josephine Buchanan Wright is a dutiful, southern belle. Her future seems fated to the two Montgomerys cousins...until all she has placed her faith in falls apart. As her life spirals out of control, she tries desperately to cling to the honor and duty that has been instilled in her. But how can she do so when all she has known is no more?

[Janice Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Improper Proposal

They grew up together, Percival and Wade Montgomery and their cousin, Cullen Smythe. They had dreams of becoming sailors together. But in pre-Civil War Charleston, South Carolina, there were duties that fell to the oldest son. So, while Percival stayed behind to run the family plantation, Wade and Cullen went to sea.

Upon learning of Percival's death, Wade returns to Charleston and the duties to his family. It is then that he falls in love with and proposes to the beautiful Josephine Buchanan Wright. But, this marriage was not to be. Before Percival passed, he was betrothed to Clarrisa Wragg. And this duty also fell to Wade's shoulders. But how could he tell Josephine?

Enter cousin Cullen. But even serious, stoic Cullen could not resist beautiful Josephine.

This is a very well written historical romance, but it is the first in a saga, so this is not the end of the story. But if you're like me and love spending a lot of time with your favorite fictional characters, you'll love this one!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set just prior to the Civil War, the book shows the strong feelings of the Southern plantation owners. It is not a light-hearted historical romance - the story is very intense. The two main male characters are cousins, who were raised together and consider themselves brothers. One is the heir to a plantation, and a true Southerner. The other has just resigned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, and, though he loves the South, is beginning to have doubts about slavery. The heroine thinks she is in love with the planter, but then several things happen, and she finds she is drawn toward the soldier. This is book 1 of a series, and ends with several things unresolved. Very well written - you get drawn into the strong but confused feelings of all three characters. This is my honest review; I received this book from the author.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story to be disturbing. It is filled with meanness and hatred. I expected it to be something more refined, but instead it focused on the dark underbelly of the Old South not long before the Civil War. Jealousies and lies filled many of the pages. No regard for the hurt done to a young woman who was only trying to fit in. Time and again I thought she had been saved from the evil, only to find it raise its ugly head again and again.

If you decide to read this book, be prepared for stories about the way that men treated ladies as being brainless and obedient. Also don't be surprised at the way that people treated slaves as mere property with no feelings. I'm sorry I found so much of the story to be very disgusting. Maybe you will appreciate the good narratives that lie therein.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being a free first book on Kindle, I have to say I was decently impressed. I was intrigued from the very beginning and despite all the names of the Montgomery family thrown at you all in the beginning I appreciated the fast-paced plot. There was a lot more of a mystery/intrigue element to this towards the plot and then the last half of the book went somewhere completely unexpected. I appreciate the unconventional conclusion/cliffhanger at the end, to which I really didn't see coming if I have to admit. I docked a star mostly for so much being thrown at the reader in the first couple of chapters in regards to the backstory of the characters and their previous interactions. (08/2023)

[Sharon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

True southern family pre civil war Josephine is in love with Wade even though he is promised to Clarissa because his brother died and there is a debt to be paid. Family secrets come about on all sides Still hoping true love wins out in the coming books. There are cliff hangers and things left a mystery but that is what reading a serial is about

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not there for me.

I could not find a good page to truly sink myself into, during the beginning stages of this novel. I like to imagine it in my mind as a movie as the pages turn; however, I never could find footing to actually get that started here with this story. I would possibly like to try again later, hopefully it might be a better fit.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much convoluted motivation and not enough likable characters for my taste, but this is simply a note that it didn't suit my taste. The story itself is fair enough, touching on southern mores, political motivations, society, and slavery as would be expected. It didn't intrigue me enough to get book 2, even though I don't know what happens to the main characters.

[Katherine Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a mixed reaction to it. I am interested in the historic period, pre civil war south, a complicated romance(s) and a heroine who really is a chess piece for a complicated family plot. It ends on several question marks, and I was tired of the twists and turns at the end. There is a next novel continuation but I have no desire to pick up the next book. The end of this story was annoying.

[juanita dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle of Charleston

Chaos and confusion as go these type of stories. He and she are engaged but when he dies his brother must fill his shoes. His brother secretly loves another whom he should love openly but obligations and duty bind them to do otherwise. Resolution may come at the end. Continue reading.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella

I didn't realize this wasn't a full length novel until I opened it on my Kindle. Even at it's shorter length, the story was well told. I enjoyed the characters. The plot was a tangled web that only became clear in the end. Definitely held my interest. Looking forward to the continuation.