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The Plantation #2
Ever My Love: A Saga of Slavery and Deliverance
On the eve of Civil War, the daughter of Southern planters finds her loyalties tested in a magnificent saga of family pride and forbidden love...
Brought up amid the luxury of plantation life, Marianne Johnston never questions her sheltered life until, driven by her conscience, she joins the Underground Railroad. Soon Marianne is living a dangerous double life, helping slaves flee by night and acting the belle by day. And nothing is riskier than her attraction to wild, heartless young Southerner Yves Chamard—while being courted by his noble older brother. Now Marianne is desperately trying to resist Yves’s seduction, knowing that her surrender to his touch may cost her everything...
Gretchen Craig returns with another sweeping story that brings the Old South to life in all its glory—and a passionate heroine compelled to follow her heart...
Brought up amid the luxury of plantation life, Marianne Johnston never questions her sheltered life until, driven by her conscience, she joins the Underground Railroad. Soon Marianne is living a dangerous double life, helping slaves flee by night and acting the belle by day. And nothing is riskier than her attraction to wild, heartless young Southerner Yves Chamard—while being courted by his noble older brother. Now Marianne is desperately trying to resist Yves’s seduction, knowing that her surrender to his touch may cost her everything...
Gretchen Craig returns with another sweeping story that brings the Old South to life in all its glory—and a passionate heroine compelled to follow her heart...
357 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 22, 2021
Aku ngomel2 sendiri baca buku ini!! :((
Ini hisfic pertama yang aku gak suka. Padahal aku biasanya suka banget sama hisfic. Huh.
Oke, dimulai dari minusnya dulu secara objektif:
1. Nggak ada setting waktu di buku ini. Aku nggak tau, ini di tahun berapa?? Tahun 1700,1800,1900? Seharusnya penulis buat dong waktunya😭 kan ini hisfic.. gak semua orang tau era perbudakan itu ada di tahun berapa. Akhirnya aku cari tau sendiri lewat review orang di goodreads ini, oh ternyata ini set nya pertengahan 1800 ya..
2. Chemistry antar karakter nggak kuat.
3. Untuk versi terjemahan, saat percakapan untuk kalangan budak, agak dipaksakan terjemahannya menurutku. Mungkin kesannya utk menonjolkan bahasa budak, tapi jatuhnya di aku jadi kayak.. kok gini?
Minus secara personal:
1. Sifat dari tokoh bernama Marianne aku nggak suka. Mungkin penulis bermaksud menggambarkan sosoknya secara manusiawi dan gak terlalu hero. Tapi aku gak suka dengan orang yg terlalu sembrono untuk menolong orang lain tanpa memikirkan rencana. Terlalu implusif. Marianne bahkan menurutku terlalu cepat menjudge orang tanpa tau latar belakang. Ya kita sedang membicarakan sang tokoh utama yg aku gak suka, sebel.
Lalu kelebihan buku ini buatku:
1. Karena membahas perbudakan kulit hitam, kurasa ini kelebihan buku ini. Karena tahun 1800an gak melulu soal perang dan politik. Ada ras lain yang teraniaya secara HAM.
Yasudah, itu saja yang mau kubilang. Huhuhu.. sedih banget nemu buku genre favorit tp gak masuk dunianya di aku :(
Ini hisfic pertama yang aku gak suka. Padahal aku biasanya suka banget sama hisfic. Huh.
Oke, dimulai dari minusnya dulu secara objektif:
1. Nggak ada setting waktu di buku ini. Aku nggak tau, ini di tahun berapa?? Tahun 1700,1800,1900? Seharusnya penulis buat dong waktunya😭 kan ini hisfic.. gak semua orang tau era perbudakan itu ada di tahun berapa. Akhirnya aku cari tau sendiri lewat review orang di goodreads ini, oh ternyata ini set nya pertengahan 1800 ya..
2. Chemistry antar karakter nggak kuat.
3. Untuk versi terjemahan, saat percakapan untuk kalangan budak, agak dipaksakan terjemahannya menurutku. Mungkin kesannya utk menonjolkan bahasa budak, tapi jatuhnya di aku jadi kayak.. kok gini?
Minus secara personal:
1. Sifat dari tokoh bernama Marianne aku nggak suka. Mungkin penulis bermaksud menggambarkan sosoknya secara manusiawi dan gak terlalu hero. Tapi aku gak suka dengan orang yg terlalu sembrono untuk menolong orang lain tanpa memikirkan rencana. Terlalu implusif. Marianne bahkan menurutku terlalu cepat menjudge orang tanpa tau latar belakang. Ya kita sedang membicarakan sang tokoh utama yg aku gak suka, sebel.
Lalu kelebihan buku ini buatku:
1. Karena membahas perbudakan kulit hitam, kurasa ini kelebihan buku ini. Karena tahun 1800an gak melulu soal perang dan politik. Ada ras lain yang teraniaya secara HAM.
Yasudah, itu saja yang mau kubilang. Huhuhu.. sedih banget nemu buku genre favorit tp gak masuk dunianya di aku :(
January 10, 2025
The second book in the series for me and another good read. There are numerous characters with unusual names which made it hard to keep up with at times. It does have a bit of a Gone With the Wind feel, but not nearly as well defined, harder to accomplish in almost half the number of pages. Enjoyed the character's development and will look forward to the challenges they will face in book three.
June 18, 2016
Ini pertama kalinya saya membaca Historical Fiction era perbudakan di bagian selatan Amerika.
Dengan setting Louisiana dan New Orleans di era pre Lincoln, author menyuguhkan gambaran ttg sungai2nya, perbudakan pd masa itu. Marianne Johnston, putri pemilik perbudakan memiliki ide lain ttg budak. Marianne adalah pengobat, dia jelas2 memperlakukan setiap manusia sederajat. Karena itulah dia benci sekali ketika kaum budak diperlakukan seolah-olah harta benda yg nilainya lebih rendah drpd anjing pemburu.
Beruntunglah Marianne yg bertemu dgn Yves Chamard, yg memiliki latar belakang yg sama dgn Marianne, juga menentang perbudakan. Cuma bedanya Marianne tdk bisa menutupi perasaannya yg anti perbudakan. Yves lebih berkepala dingin dan memiliki nalar serta mengerem emosinya dan menggunakan logikanya utk membantu Marianne.
Pada masa itu perbudakan sudah jadi resiko bagi para keturunan Afrika. Kalau mereka mencoba melarikan diri percuma saja. Mereka akan bertemu dgn para penangkap budak-budak yg akan menjual mereka kembali ke majikan yg baru. Begitu pula nasib yg berdarah campuran seperti Gabriel Chamard, saudara tiri Yves. Walau cuma 1/8 nya berdarah hitam, walau sudah menjadi dokter, cap berdarah budak tetap melekat dan sulit dienyahkan. Gabe mengalami nasib nahas ditangkap dan nyaris dijual dlm perbudakan (tapi tidak laku dijual krn dia memiliki kulit putih). Hal ini mengantarkan Yves utk mencari saudaranya yg hilang dan bertemu Marianne dlm perjalanan, dan benih2 cinta mereka makin bersemai dlm petualangan mereka jatuh bangun menyelamatkan pasangan budak milik keluarga Johnston.
Deskripsi ttg masa perbudakan ini cukup menarik dan detail. Juga ttg berbagai tumbuhan utk pengobatan. Cuma sayangnya, karena kebanyakan tokoh-tokoh di novel ini, romance nya menjadi kurang fokus dan terasa dipaksakan konfliknya. Hampir separuh awal buku terasa membosankan. Entah karena terjemahannya juga tidak bagus. Jadi jangan mengharapkan romance yg menggebu-gebu dlm novel ini walau judulnya Ever My Love.
Dengan setting Louisiana dan New Orleans di era pre Lincoln, author menyuguhkan gambaran ttg sungai2nya, perbudakan pd masa itu. Marianne Johnston, putri pemilik perbudakan memiliki ide lain ttg budak. Marianne adalah pengobat, dia jelas2 memperlakukan setiap manusia sederajat. Karena itulah dia benci sekali ketika kaum budak diperlakukan seolah-olah harta benda yg nilainya lebih rendah drpd anjing pemburu.
Beruntunglah Marianne yg bertemu dgn Yves Chamard, yg memiliki latar belakang yg sama dgn Marianne, juga menentang perbudakan. Cuma bedanya Marianne tdk bisa menutupi perasaannya yg anti perbudakan. Yves lebih berkepala dingin dan memiliki nalar serta mengerem emosinya dan menggunakan logikanya utk membantu Marianne.
Pada masa itu perbudakan sudah jadi resiko bagi para keturunan Afrika. Kalau mereka mencoba melarikan diri percuma saja. Mereka akan bertemu dgn para penangkap budak-budak yg akan menjual mereka kembali ke majikan yg baru. Begitu pula nasib yg berdarah campuran seperti Gabriel Chamard, saudara tiri Yves. Walau cuma 1/8 nya berdarah hitam, walau sudah menjadi dokter, cap berdarah budak tetap melekat dan sulit dienyahkan. Gabe mengalami nasib nahas ditangkap dan nyaris dijual dlm perbudakan (tapi tidak laku dijual krn dia memiliki kulit putih). Hal ini mengantarkan Yves utk mencari saudaranya yg hilang dan bertemu Marianne dlm perjalanan, dan benih2 cinta mereka makin bersemai dlm petualangan mereka jatuh bangun menyelamatkan pasangan budak milik keluarga Johnston.
Deskripsi ttg masa perbudakan ini cukup menarik dan detail. Juga ttg berbagai tumbuhan utk pengobatan. Cuma sayangnya, karena kebanyakan tokoh-tokoh di novel ini, romance nya menjadi kurang fokus dan terasa dipaksakan konfliknya. Hampir separuh awal buku terasa membosankan. Entah karena terjemahannya juga tidak bagus. Jadi jangan mengharapkan romance yg menggebu-gebu dlm novel ini walau judulnya Ever My Love.
August 15, 2016
Loving this historical series set in the middle 1800's, just before the Civil War at a plantation in Louisiana. This is the second book in the series, and ever a page turner. My favorite character was Ives!
January 19, 2022
In this return to the plantations that line the Louisiana side of the mighty Mississippi, especially Magnolias Plantation, there is a growing restlessness. There is an increase in runaways as slaves feel it is about time to make their move and via the Underground Railroad try to find their way to freedom; for the planters and slave owners there is an upcoming presidential election and they fear that if Lincoln is elected there will be a war over slavery. Both are correct.
Marianne Johnston and her brother Adam are both in charge of Magnolias while their father is on an extended business trip up North. While Adam doesn’t overly concern himself with the day-to-day operations, his sister is immersed in tending to the wounds suffered by the slaves at the hands of the overseer, Mr. McNaught. Although she benefits from her life of luxury thanks to the work of the plantation slaves, she does not like how they are treated although life at Magnolias is better than most. She is kind and compassionate. After a short absence, Adam returns with his friends in tow. Among them is Yves Chamard, a rogue of the first water. But under his frivolous exterior beats the heart of a Sheperd – one who guides runaways from one stop to the next. It is a job fraught with danger not only to the slaves but to Yves himself. When Marianne first meets Yves she dismisses him as an unlikely ally yet Yves is intrigued by the young woman who has more than superficial beauty. These two will work together to find a way to help several more runaway slaves; and once Lincoln is elected they forsake their families and go North where they hope to help even more on the road to freedom.
In Ever My Love, we are greeted once more by several character from Book I – Always & Forever. This book picks up the story told by their children. As riveting as the first book, readers will see slavery for what it was – a cruel power trip for the few who held ownership of the land. Yet there is the glimmer of hope and kindness by those who value love and human life above all else. Reminiscent in places of Gone With The Wind, Ever My Love is more than superficial. It shows both sides of the cultural phenomenon.
The main characters are as complex as their lineage (Creole, American, African, etc). The plot is filled with twists and turns that take the reader from the plantations to New Orleans to Natchez. The secondary characters are vibrant as is the setting. Ever My Love is the second book in this four book saga. So far the first two books are compelling and page-turning. Caution: you may be forced to stay up past your normal bedtime.
Triggers: vicious animals, torture, floggings
Marianne Johnston and her brother Adam are both in charge of Magnolias while their father is on an extended business trip up North. While Adam doesn’t overly concern himself with the day-to-day operations, his sister is immersed in tending to the wounds suffered by the slaves at the hands of the overseer, Mr. McNaught. Although she benefits from her life of luxury thanks to the work of the plantation slaves, she does not like how they are treated although life at Magnolias is better than most. She is kind and compassionate. After a short absence, Adam returns with his friends in tow. Among them is Yves Chamard, a rogue of the first water. But under his frivolous exterior beats the heart of a Sheperd – one who guides runaways from one stop to the next. It is a job fraught with danger not only to the slaves but to Yves himself. When Marianne first meets Yves she dismisses him as an unlikely ally yet Yves is intrigued by the young woman who has more than superficial beauty. These two will work together to find a way to help several more runaway slaves; and once Lincoln is elected they forsake their families and go North where they hope to help even more on the road to freedom.
In Ever My Love, we are greeted once more by several character from Book I – Always & Forever. This book picks up the story told by their children. As riveting as the first book, readers will see slavery for what it was – a cruel power trip for the few who held ownership of the land. Yet there is the glimmer of hope and kindness by those who value love and human life above all else. Reminiscent in places of Gone With The Wind, Ever My Love is more than superficial. It shows both sides of the cultural phenomenon.
The main characters are as complex as their lineage (Creole, American, African, etc). The plot is filled with twists and turns that take the reader from the plantations to New Orleans to Natchez. The secondary characters are vibrant as is the setting. Ever My Love is the second book in this four book saga. So far the first two books are compelling and page-turning. Caution: you may be forced to stay up past your normal bedtime.
Triggers: vicious animals, torture, floggings
August 24, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. This novel is the 2nd in the Plantation series once again set in Louisiana near New Orleans and takes place just before the Civil War. Although it is part of a series, it could be read as a stand-alone novel. The main characters are the adult children of the characters introduced in the first novel. Most of the story centers around Marianne Johnston, daughter of a wealthy plantation owner and Yves Charmand, son of another plantation owner.
Marianne had been sent north to Boston for schooling during her teenage years and surrounded by abolitionists. Although she came back to the plantation and assisted her father in running it, her attitude toward the slaves has been changed. She has always shown kindness to the slaves and cared for their illnesses herself. Fortunately, her father has treated his slaves better than many plantation owners, they are still at the mercy of overseers who are often cruel. When one of the slaves is badly injured during a runaway attempt, it sets in motion a course of events in which she becomes involved with the underground railroad.
Yves has no intention of becoming a plantation owner and has his heart set on becoming a journalist with a newspaper in the North. He is a 'shepherd' in assisting runaway slaves---unbeknownst to his family and friends.
Although I did enjoy this novel, I didn't like it as much as the first novel in the series because it had more emphasis on the romance between Yves and Marianne. However, there was enough action in the story to keep up my interest as it once again portrayed the difficulties and horrors inflicted upon black people at this time---both slaves and free black people. If a person had even an 'ounce of Negro blood in him or her, he was legally considered a Negro and could never have all the rights of a white person. One of the stories within the novel involved a quadroon man who had become a doctor and ended up being captured by a slaver (a man who kidnapped both slaves and free black men) as he was traveling with 2 of his father's slaves. Although he was light-skinned, his curly hair had given him away as part Negro.
I really like the characters in the 2 novels by Cagle that I have read. They have multi-dimensional personalities and really draw me in. Although I preferred the first novel in this series, I look forward to reading the next novel in the series.
Marianne had been sent north to Boston for schooling during her teenage years and surrounded by abolitionists. Although she came back to the plantation and assisted her father in running it, her attitude toward the slaves has been changed. She has always shown kindness to the slaves and cared for their illnesses herself. Fortunately, her father has treated his slaves better than many plantation owners, they are still at the mercy of overseers who are often cruel. When one of the slaves is badly injured during a runaway attempt, it sets in motion a course of events in which she becomes involved with the underground railroad.
Yves has no intention of becoming a plantation owner and has his heart set on becoming a journalist with a newspaper in the North. He is a 'shepherd' in assisting runaway slaves---unbeknownst to his family and friends.
Although I did enjoy this novel, I didn't like it as much as the first novel in the series because it had more emphasis on the romance between Yves and Marianne. However, there was enough action in the story to keep up my interest as it once again portrayed the difficulties and horrors inflicted upon black people at this time---both slaves and free black people. If a person had even an 'ounce of Negro blood in him or her, he was legally considered a Negro and could never have all the rights of a white person. One of the stories within the novel involved a quadroon man who had become a doctor and ended up being captured by a slaver (a man who kidnapped both slaves and free black men) as he was traveling with 2 of his father's slaves. Although he was light-skinned, his curly hair had given him away as part Negro.
I really like the characters in the 2 novels by Cagle that I have read. They have multi-dimensional personalities and really draw me in. Although I preferred the first novel in this series, I look forward to reading the next novel in the series.
May 5, 2017
3.5*
My mother picked this out for me at a book sale last year and I finally read it. At the beginning I was a little apprehensive not knowing if I would like it. The story line wasn't my typical taste. I however enjoyed the book. I really really like Marianne. She was my favorite character. The synopsis didn't really seem to be talking about the same story I read. Marianne did not work with the Underground Railroad, she simply took a risk one time. Overall the pacing was slow in some spots but I did enjoy the story and the old time feel too it.
My mother picked this out for me at a book sale last year and I finally read it. At the beginning I was a little apprehensive not knowing if I would like it. The story line wasn't my typical taste. I however enjoyed the book. I really really like Marianne. She was my favorite character. The synopsis didn't really seem to be talking about the same story I read. Marianne did not work with the Underground Railroad, she simply took a risk one time. Overall the pacing was slow in some spots but I did enjoy the story and the old time feel too it.
November 9, 2019
Man Against Himself
It was long. A lot of characters who are facing big challenges. I suppose things happened that way on plantations all the time thank God that abomination of an institution has ceased. I realize many ignorant people still think subjecting others to inbred ideas are out there as we speak. I chose this book because I have read all of Ms. Craig other novels.
It was long. A lot of characters who are facing big challenges. I suppose things happened that way on plantations all the time thank God that abomination of an institution has ceased. I realize many ignorant people still think subjecting others to inbred ideas are out there as we speak. I chose this book because I have read all of Ms. Craig other novels.
August 1, 2019
Surprisingly good. Remind me a lot of "Gone With The Wind" and "Isaura". This book has too many characters, simple solutions to problems and lack of romance but very charming indeed. I must give credit to the writer. Kudos, Ms. Craig
February 16, 2024
A Sweet Love Story
While I liked the first story in this series better than this one, there is still a lot to like, here. It touches on some of the evils of slavery while bringing together a couple strong enough to stand up to it.
While I liked the first story in this series better than this one, there is still a lot to like, here. It touches on some of the evils of slavery while bringing together a couple strong enough to stand up to it.
July 20, 2024
Love this series - love the Author!! (Sp?)
Great series! I honestly can't put them down. Gretchen, if you are reading this - what are the chances you could write a book - an in between book and Josephines and Phanor's life?
Anyway - love the series!
Great series! I honestly can't put them down. Gretchen, if you are reading this - what are the chances you could write a book - an in between book and Josephines and Phanor's life?
Anyway - love the series!
December 3, 2024
Love this series She paint such beautiful pics
If you like a trip down south, hitch your wagon to this wonderful series. It gives you a picture so complete you can almost smell the magnolia. I will hate to see it end.
If you like a trip down south, hitch your wagon to this wonderful series. It gives you a picture so complete you can almost smell the magnolia. I will hate to see it end.
January 20, 2025
wonderful portrayal of complicated issues
Love the vivid descriptions of the region, and that happy endings follow challenging situations. I’m inspired to read all the books in this series
Love the vivid descriptions of the region, and that happy endings follow challenging situations. I’m inspired to read all the books in this series
April 21, 2018
Great book
The love story mixed with pre civil war is perfect. Light read, engrossing story. Best to read in order but not necessary
The love story mixed with pre civil war is perfect. Light read, engrossing story. Best to read in order but not necessary
March 16, 2022
Great Series
I am enjoying this series. I haven't lost interest in the characters and I am enjoying following them through time.
I am enjoying this series. I haven't lost interest in the characters and I am enjoying following them through time.
April 17, 2023
I loved this book! The story continued and it was awesome! Definitely 5 * if you love reading about slave days.
March 28, 2024
People
This was a great story all the new characters. Still the same old ideas. I'm happy to have found the underground railroad was working.
This was a great story all the new characters. Still the same old ideas. I'm happy to have found the underground railroad was working.
May 27, 2024
Great book
April 1, 2025
Ever My Love
I loved this book. Kept my interest all thru the whole book. I recommend reading all the Plantation series. Thank you writing the series.
I loved this book. Kept my interest all thru the whole book. I recommend reading all the Plantation series. Thank you writing the series.
September 5, 2025
It is a good idea to read the series back to back. I got a bit lost who is half sisters of what man or woman and who is a slave but a half sister or a cousin.
April 13, 2025
great read!
Couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to start the next one! I will hate to see this series of books end.
Couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to start the next one! I will hate to see this series of books end.
April 18, 2012
Ever My Love
Pengarang: Gretchen Craig
Penerbit: Bukune
Hal: 426 hal
Ever My Love. Buku ini bercerita tentang kehidupan di Amerika. Tahunnya tidak jelas sebelum presiden Lincoln memerintah. Dan dibeberapa negara bagian masih menganut perbudakan. Dan orang kulit berwarna dianggap enteng dan hanya cocok jadi budak.
Menceritakan kehidupan perkebunan di daerah pinggir sungai Lousiana. Hiduplah keluarga Chamard dan Johnston. Kedua keluarga ini adalah keluarga-keluarga terpandang di tempat mereka tinggal. Persahabatan Betrand Charmard dan Albany Johnston mengakar pada anak mereka.
Yves Charmard seorang pria muda yang idealis. Pemuda yang tampan dan banyak mematahkan hati para gadis di daerah tersebut. Yves keliatan seperti pria kebanyakan yang hanya mementingkan diri sendiri dan menganggap wanita tidaklah penting selain bekerja di dapur. Tapi tampak luar mengecoh. Yves seorang pejuang dan sedang berjuang memerdekan budak. Dia tidak setuju dengan memberlakukan budak semena-mena.
Marianne Johnston seorang gadis kaya, dia seperti wanita kebanyakan. Belajar menjadi nyonya rumah yang baik. Tapi dibalik tampilan luarnya Marianne seorang gadis baik hati yang rela menolong budaknya. Dia rela mengotori gaunnya demi untuk menolong anak yang terluka. Marrianne wanita yang memesona. Dia kerap kali menjamu teman kakaknya Adam johnston yakni kakak beradik Chamard Yves dan Marcel.
Marcel Chamard adalah pria yang baik hati sering memerhatikan Marianne, sedangkan Yves dengan seringai yang nakal kerap kali membuat Marianne kesal dan terus mengingatnya. Sedangkan Yves hanya menganggap Marianne gadis manja seperti kebanyakan wanita yang ditemuinya. Dan Yves hanya menganggapnya adik temannya. Sampai suatu kejadian mengubah semuanya...
Permasalahan yang dihadapi marianne diperkebunannya membuat dia harus mengambil langkah tegas dan bekerja membantu budaknya. Marianne tahu dia telah melanggar aturan dan akan dihukum, tapi perasaan ibalah yang menang dalam dirinya dan dia ikut berjuang. Siapa sangka Yves sang bajingan adalah si penyelamat?
Yves yang melihat ketabahan Marianne dalam menghadapi berbagai masalah yang menimpanya, menyadari bahwa wanita itulah yang dia inginkan. Di sela-sela musibah yang mereka hadapai Yves juga berjuang merebut hati Marianne, gadis itu akan menjadi miliknya, katanya penuh tekad.
Marianne tidak menduga bahwa Yves akan mencoba mendekatinya. Yves kerap kali mencuri ciuman darinya dan hal itu membuatnya meleleh. Marianne terpesona dengan kharisma Yves ternyata Yves adalah pria terhormat dibalik perangainya Ɣªήğ acuh dan bajingan. Pendekatan yang dilakukan Yves ditengah-tengah masalah mereka menjadi penghiburan buat mereka.
Gabriel Chamard (second lead) adalah saudara tiri Yves dari ibu yang keturunan afrika. Chamard adalah pria dengan kulit berwarna yang merdeka. Dia seorang dokter dan dia mengalami kemelut hidupnya sendiri. Gabe harus berjuang menolak tawaran gadis yang dicintainya dikarenakan perbedaan kulit mereka. Gabe takut menikahi kekasih karena dia belum bisa menawarkan kehidupan yang aman buat mereka. Sanggupkah ia menolak godaan sang kekasih yang bertekad untuk meyakinkannya bahwa apa yang mereka rasakan adalah benar?
Saat kebahagiaan sudah digenggaman Yves dan Marianne, cobaan itu datang dalam bentuk saudara mereka. Kakak Marianne memukul adik Yves. Hal itu membuat murka Yves. Yves ingin membunuh kakak Marianne, wajarkah itu? Sanggupkah Marianne menghadapi cobaan itu? Siapakah yang bakal mereka pilih keluarga atau cinta mereka?
Ceritanya mengalir dengan cepat. Karakter tokoh dalam buku ini sangat solid. Ya, ceritanya romantis. Bagaimana para tokoh mengahadapi masalah masing" patut di baca. Terjemahannya bagus, ada beberapa kalimat yang agak janggal bacanya mungkin karena untuk membedakan cara bicara budak dan orang terhormat. Selebihnya buku ini bagus. Banyak hikmah yang bisa kita ambil didalamnya.
Happy Reading!!! ^^
Pengarang: Gretchen Craig
Penerbit: Bukune
Hal: 426 hal
Ever My Love. Buku ini bercerita tentang kehidupan di Amerika. Tahunnya tidak jelas sebelum presiden Lincoln memerintah. Dan dibeberapa negara bagian masih menganut perbudakan. Dan orang kulit berwarna dianggap enteng dan hanya cocok jadi budak.
Menceritakan kehidupan perkebunan di daerah pinggir sungai Lousiana. Hiduplah keluarga Chamard dan Johnston. Kedua keluarga ini adalah keluarga-keluarga terpandang di tempat mereka tinggal. Persahabatan Betrand Charmard dan Albany Johnston mengakar pada anak mereka.
Yves Charmard seorang pria muda yang idealis. Pemuda yang tampan dan banyak mematahkan hati para gadis di daerah tersebut. Yves keliatan seperti pria kebanyakan yang hanya mementingkan diri sendiri dan menganggap wanita tidaklah penting selain bekerja di dapur. Tapi tampak luar mengecoh. Yves seorang pejuang dan sedang berjuang memerdekan budak. Dia tidak setuju dengan memberlakukan budak semena-mena.
Marianne Johnston seorang gadis kaya, dia seperti wanita kebanyakan. Belajar menjadi nyonya rumah yang baik. Tapi dibalik tampilan luarnya Marianne seorang gadis baik hati yang rela menolong budaknya. Dia rela mengotori gaunnya demi untuk menolong anak yang terluka. Marrianne wanita yang memesona. Dia kerap kali menjamu teman kakaknya Adam johnston yakni kakak beradik Chamard Yves dan Marcel.
Marcel Chamard adalah pria yang baik hati sering memerhatikan Marianne, sedangkan Yves dengan seringai yang nakal kerap kali membuat Marianne kesal dan terus mengingatnya. Sedangkan Yves hanya menganggap Marianne gadis manja seperti kebanyakan wanita yang ditemuinya. Dan Yves hanya menganggapnya adik temannya. Sampai suatu kejadian mengubah semuanya...
Permasalahan yang dihadapi marianne diperkebunannya membuat dia harus mengambil langkah tegas dan bekerja membantu budaknya. Marianne tahu dia telah melanggar aturan dan akan dihukum, tapi perasaan ibalah yang menang dalam dirinya dan dia ikut berjuang. Siapa sangka Yves sang bajingan adalah si penyelamat?
Yves yang melihat ketabahan Marianne dalam menghadapi berbagai masalah yang menimpanya, menyadari bahwa wanita itulah yang dia inginkan. Di sela-sela musibah yang mereka hadapai Yves juga berjuang merebut hati Marianne, gadis itu akan menjadi miliknya, katanya penuh tekad.
Marianne tidak menduga bahwa Yves akan mencoba mendekatinya. Yves kerap kali mencuri ciuman darinya dan hal itu membuatnya meleleh. Marianne terpesona dengan kharisma Yves ternyata Yves adalah pria terhormat dibalik perangainya Ɣªήğ acuh dan bajingan. Pendekatan yang dilakukan Yves ditengah-tengah masalah mereka menjadi penghiburan buat mereka.
Gabriel Chamard (second lead) adalah saudara tiri Yves dari ibu yang keturunan afrika. Chamard adalah pria dengan kulit berwarna yang merdeka. Dia seorang dokter dan dia mengalami kemelut hidupnya sendiri. Gabe harus berjuang menolak tawaran gadis yang dicintainya dikarenakan perbedaan kulit mereka. Gabe takut menikahi kekasih karena dia belum bisa menawarkan kehidupan yang aman buat mereka. Sanggupkah ia menolak godaan sang kekasih yang bertekad untuk meyakinkannya bahwa apa yang mereka rasakan adalah benar?
Saat kebahagiaan sudah digenggaman Yves dan Marianne, cobaan itu datang dalam bentuk saudara mereka. Kakak Marianne memukul adik Yves. Hal itu membuat murka Yves. Yves ingin membunuh kakak Marianne, wajarkah itu? Sanggupkah Marianne menghadapi cobaan itu? Siapakah yang bakal mereka pilih keluarga atau cinta mereka?
Ceritanya mengalir dengan cepat. Karakter tokoh dalam buku ini sangat solid. Ya, ceritanya romantis. Bagaimana para tokoh mengahadapi masalah masing" patut di baca. Terjemahannya bagus, ada beberapa kalimat yang agak janggal bacanya mungkin karena untuk membedakan cara bicara budak dan orang terhormat. Selebihnya buku ini bagus. Banyak hikmah yang bisa kita ambil didalamnya.
Happy Reading!!! ^^
February 25, 2012
Judul: Ever My Love
Penulis: Gretchen Craig
Penerjemah: Vivi Silvia C
Penerbit: Gagas Media
Terbit: September 2011
ISBN: 602-220-012-1
Hal: 424
Harga: Rp 55.000,-
Menyerah kepada Cinta
"Dia lelaki terbaik yang pernah aku lihat. Dan dia lakukan itu semua buat Noni, karena dia ingin Noni bahagia"
Marianne Johnston adalah seorang nona cantik, putri pemilik perkebunan keluarga Johnston di Magnolia, Lousiana. Dibesarkan di tengah kehidupan mewah tak lantas membuatnya angkuh. Marianne memiliki hati selembut sutra, sangat peduli dengan nasib para budak yang bekerja untuk keluarganya. Kebaikan hati Marianne ternyata juga dirasakan oleh para budak. Saat itu, kasus perbudakan memang menjadi pembicaraan hangat di dataran selatan Amerika.
Sampai akhirnya sang nona memutuskan turun tangan bergabung dengan gerakan bawah tanah untuk membantu pembebasan para budak ke berbagai wilayah. Keberaniannya dalam menjalankan misi itu ternyata berhasil merebut perhatian Yves Chamard, lelaki tampan yang memiliki reputasi buruk sebagai lelaki penggoda perempuan.
Dunia perbudakan yang keras mungkin masih mampu Marianne taklukkan. Namun lain halnya dengan godaan seorang Yves. Sentuhan lelaki bermata coklat itu tak hanya membuat hati Marianne bergetar, tetapi mampu melecut semangatnya untuk melihat realita kekejaman yang terjadi di dunia perbudakan. Dilema, itulah yang Marianne rasakan. Kesetiannya diuji, antara mempertahankan dirinya menjadi putri keluarga yang agung atau hanyut dalam kehidupan liar dan cinta yang berbahaya.
Well, novel ini ditulis dengan alur yang lambat. Selain menceritakan tokoh utama juga menceritakan tokoh-tokoh pendukung, termasuk para budak. Tapi justru disinilah tantangannya, pilih lanjut membaca atau berhenti karena pusing dengan banyaknya karakter. Pemilihan settingnya pas, penulis tak hanya meminjam perkebunan Lousiana, tapi mampu mendeskribsikan secara detail tempat-tempat disana, lengkap dengan musim panas yang menaunginya.
Membaca novel ini kita diajak menyelami kehidupan perbudakan yang kerap disiksa, dipermalukan, diperlakukan secara tidak manusiawi dan akhirnya diperjualbelikan layaknya seekor sapi jantan. Meskipun novel terjemahan, tata bahasa yang digunakan cukup apik. Sebagai novel barat, sangat wajar jika penulis menyisipkan beberapa adegan panas. Namun, saya bersyukur scene itu dideskripsikan dengan sangat manis dan lembut, tidak menggebu-gebu seperti novel sejenisnya.
Dan.. satu scene yang mampu menguras emosi saya adalah ketika sang nona memeluk budak-budaknya, menitikkan air mata ketika akan berpisah. It's so amazing! Seorang nona seperti Marianne rela melepaskan atribut kekuasannya demi sebuah hati yang penuh kasih. Saya membayangkan para pemimpin negeri ini melakukan hal yang sama, peduli dengan kehidupan rakyat jelata dan merangkul yang lemah.
Overall, Ever My Love bukan sekadar novel percintaan yang biasa. Mengangkat tema perjuangan segelintir orang yang peduli akan nasib para budak dengan balutan kisah cinta yang romantis, menjadikan novel ini menarik untuk dibaca.
Rate: 3/5
September 25, 2015
Ever My Love: A Saga of Slavery and Deliverance is book two of The Plantation series by Gretchen Craig. It too is very complex and has a multitude of characters and plots to keep up with. However, Gretchen does a marvelous job of intertwining them so you can keep up.
Marianne Johnson was the daughter of the owner of the Johnson plantation and Adam Johnson was her brother. Father had left and Adam was supposedly in charge of the plantation but was away drinking and carousing most of the time so Marianne was left in charge. She didn’t mind. She took a great interest in the slaves and the plantation. She nursed the slaves when they were ill or in Pete’s case had been mauled by dogs when he tried to run away. Marianne was very upset with the dogs and told the overseer to get rid of them. She despised using dogs to chase runaways. She had abolitionist leanings and felt the slaves should be treated more carefully. She was always accompanied by her personal slave, Pearl.
Yves Charmand was the son of Bertrand Charmand and his wife. He had his brother Marcel and half-brother Gabriel and half-sister Nicolette, son and daughter of a freed woman who had been a slave at a nearby plantation. He portrayed himself as a near-do-well second son when in reality he ran slaves on the Underground Railroad.
Gabriel Charmand had come home from England where he trained to be a doctor. After seeing his Mother and sister, he headed for the Charmand plantation. He stopped first at the Toulouse plantation where he saw his Tante Josephine and her daughters. Josephine and his mother were sisters, although one was white and the other Black. Gabriel was in love with Simone, Josephine’s daughter and she with him. When Josephine gave her permission to marry her daughter, Gabriel was elated. However, as he went home, he was captured by slave traders and taken towards Natchez to be sold into slavery.
Yves and Marcel set out to find Gabriel. While they were gone, Marianne found some slaves on her property who were running and needed help getting to the next stop. Marianne and her slave Joseph decided to take them. Pearl, of course, coming to chaperone. They are saved from slave hunters by Yves. When Yves told her he was going to find Gabriel who he had learned had been abandoned when he was sick, Marianne insisted on coming along to doctor him when he was found. Yves disagreed; but Marianne followed anyway.
This is just a little bit of the plots in this book. It makes it quite interesting to have so many plotlines to follow. The book and the series are book excellent books.
Marianne Johnson was the daughter of the owner of the Johnson plantation and Adam Johnson was her brother. Father had left and Adam was supposedly in charge of the plantation but was away drinking and carousing most of the time so Marianne was left in charge. She didn’t mind. She took a great interest in the slaves and the plantation. She nursed the slaves when they were ill or in Pete’s case had been mauled by dogs when he tried to run away. Marianne was very upset with the dogs and told the overseer to get rid of them. She despised using dogs to chase runaways. She had abolitionist leanings and felt the slaves should be treated more carefully. She was always accompanied by her personal slave, Pearl.
Yves Charmand was the son of Bertrand Charmand and his wife. He had his brother Marcel and half-brother Gabriel and half-sister Nicolette, son and daughter of a freed woman who had been a slave at a nearby plantation. He portrayed himself as a near-do-well second son when in reality he ran slaves on the Underground Railroad.
Gabriel Charmand had come home from England where he trained to be a doctor. After seeing his Mother and sister, he headed for the Charmand plantation. He stopped first at the Toulouse plantation where he saw his Tante Josephine and her daughters. Josephine and his mother were sisters, although one was white and the other Black. Gabriel was in love with Simone, Josephine’s daughter and she with him. When Josephine gave her permission to marry her daughter, Gabriel was elated. However, as he went home, he was captured by slave traders and taken towards Natchez to be sold into slavery.
Yves and Marcel set out to find Gabriel. While they were gone, Marianne found some slaves on her property who were running and needed help getting to the next stop. Marianne and her slave Joseph decided to take them. Pearl, of course, coming to chaperone. They are saved from slave hunters by Yves. When Yves told her he was going to find Gabriel who he had learned had been abandoned when he was sick, Marianne insisted on coming along to doctor him when he was found. Yves disagreed; but Marianne followed anyway.
This is just a little bit of the plots in this book. It makes it quite interesting to have so many plotlines to follow. The book and the series are book excellent books.
October 25, 2016
Weeell...berhubung saya cuma sekedar suka sama ini buku, jadi 3 bintang saja. 3,5 sebenarnya, coz meski di awal-awal alurnya agak datar dan lambat, tapi menjelang pertengahan buku sudah berasa keseruannya, sampai gak sabar untuk cepat-cepat sampai ke endingnya. Terjemahannya sudah lumayan-lah, dibanding
yang bener-bener bikin saya gak ngerti jalan ceritanya.
Oya, awalnya sebel juga sama kisahnya Gabrielle+Simone, soalnya lumayan banyak diceritakan, bikin jatah halaman buat Yves+Marianne berkurang saja. Pas akhir-akhir buku, saya baru ngeh kalo ternyata Simone itu berkulit putih. Ya ampuuuuun...sepanjang buku saya terus berpikir kalo dia itu kulit item. Makanya saya heran kenapa Simone bakal dikucilkan kalau nekad nikah sama Gabrielle.
Sukaaaaakkk...sama Yves. Marianne lumayan loveable, tipe cewek tangguh. Pearl-nya bikin gemeeeeeezzzzz, pengin saya remes-remes wajahnya. Sabar donk, Neeeeeeeng, jangan grusa-grusu jadi budak. Eh?
Ternyata buku ini bagian dari sebuah seri ya. Buku pertama tentang Josie+Bertrand+Cleo, belum diterjemahin di sini. Pantes di buku Ever My Love ini diceritakan dikit-dikit tentang kisah cinta mereka bertiga. Sedang buku ketiga tentang Nicolette, dan kalau pun diterjemahkan di Indo, rasanya saya tidak berminat membacanya.
Sekali lagi makasih buat Yulia Anggraini yang udah baik hati minjemin buku ini.
yang bener-bener bikin saya gak ngerti jalan ceritanya.Oya, awalnya sebel juga sama kisahnya Gabrielle+Simone, soalnya lumayan banyak diceritakan, bikin jatah halaman buat Yves+Marianne berkurang saja. Pas akhir-akhir buku, saya baru ngeh kalo ternyata Simone itu berkulit putih. Ya ampuuuuun...sepanjang buku saya terus berpikir kalo dia itu kulit item. Makanya saya heran kenapa Simone bakal dikucilkan kalau nekad nikah sama Gabrielle.
Sukaaaaakkk...sama Yves. Marianne lumayan loveable, tipe cewek tangguh. Pearl-nya bikin gemeeeeeezzzzz, pengin saya remes-remes wajahnya. Sabar donk, Neeeeeeeng, jangan grusa-grusu jadi budak. Eh?
Ternyata buku ini bagian dari sebuah seri ya. Buku pertama tentang Josie+Bertrand+Cleo, belum diterjemahin di sini. Pantes di buku Ever My Love ini diceritakan dikit-dikit tentang kisah cinta mereka bertiga. Sedang buku ketiga tentang Nicolette, dan kalau pun diterjemahkan di Indo, rasanya saya tidak berminat membacanya.
Sekali lagi makasih buat Yulia Anggraini yang udah baik hati minjemin buku ini.
July 14, 2015
This is Book 2 - 'Ever My Love' of the Plantation Series, (Book 1 is ' Always and Forever'). This story has some of the same characters as Book 1, although they are grown now. It has a lot of twist and turns, mystery, happiness, sadness and adventure that will touch all your emotions. This story moves much faster than the first book. A very enjoyable read.
These two books are good stories with outstanding plots,, with plenty of characters which the author keeps up with and describes so well in her novel. There is so much going on that it is almost impossible to write a good review, it's a real page turner, a fast paced read. These two books are about plantation homes, their masters and the lives of their families also about their slaves. I lived in New Orleans for several years and have visited some of the plantation homes.
This is our land's history and I love it. I'm looking forward to reading book 3 - 'Evermore'
These two books are good stories with outstanding plots,, with plenty of characters which the author keeps up with and describes so well in her novel. There is so much going on that it is almost impossible to write a good review, it's a real page turner, a fast paced read. These two books are about plantation homes, their masters and the lives of their families also about their slaves. I lived in New Orleans for several years and have visited some of the plantation homes.
This is our land's history and I love it. I'm looking forward to reading book 3 - 'Evermore'
August 3, 2015
I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first. There was less angst in this novel, but that just helped my poor heart palpitations! As previously stated this is a series, but each novel can be considered a stand alone, so no dreaded cliffhangers. Although Yves was the main male character, I found myself much more drawn to Gabriel and his plight. The Chamard brothers certainly possess a charm that has all the ladies swooning! wink wink! I was so happy to see Pearl and Luke's story intertwined in this novel and my heart was broken a thousand times by all the possibilities of what if.. Seeing Josephine again in this novel and seeing how far she has come, it made book one complete for me! These books are well written and I adore them all!
March 27, 2016
Plantation Series Book # 2
Ms. Craig's book # 2, EVER MY LOVE (Plantation Series) again gives us a very good picture of life in Louisiana right before Civil War breaks out. It shows the diverse culture of the Arcadian's, Cajuns, Creole's, (contrary to what some believe, there was a difference in genetics and culture between them) Freedmen of Color, Americans and Slaves and it continues on with the lives of the very interesting characters from the first book but by introducing us to the - all grown up - second generation characters and I found them even more entertaining than their parents. The differences in their lives and cultures (even if they are all tangled up together), made for an even more exciting plot. I can't wait to read Book # 3!!!
Ms. Craig's book # 2, EVER MY LOVE (Plantation Series) again gives us a very good picture of life in Louisiana right before Civil War breaks out. It shows the diverse culture of the Arcadian's, Cajuns, Creole's, (contrary to what some believe, there was a difference in genetics and culture between them) Freedmen of Color, Americans and Slaves and it continues on with the lives of the very interesting characters from the first book but by introducing us to the - all grown up - second generation characters and I found them even more entertaining than their parents. The differences in their lives and cultures (even if they are all tangled up together), made for an even more exciting plot. I can't wait to read Book # 3!!!
January 25, 2016
great book. Again about Lo. the crelo and the americans. Alex and Yves love story among the plantations and slaves. The good life and the bad. A continuation of Josie's and her half sister Cleo. Tells about their children's lives and what happened to their own lives as the years passed. I think I liked this book even better than the first, which was Always and Forever. They all had interesting lives on the river and in the city of New Orleans. And the last 20% of the book was by far the best. Loved to duals, and the hunts, the love between them all. Set just before the war. Hopes she writes another.
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