What do you think?
Rate this book
Home to Milford College #3
The Representative's Revolt
Atlanta, Georgia, 1871
Someone has tried to assassinate Virgil Smithson. The Georgia State Legislature is not a safe place—if it ever was. To protect her growing family, Amanda wants to go home to Milford. Virgil is willing to serve out his term and return to life as a blacksmith, but first he has to know…who is trying to have him killed?
Meanwhile, Amanda works to resolve Milford College’s everlasting financial woes by starting a fund raising campaign to finish the school building. Her efforts require her absence from home and the many pressures influence the marriage of the Milford College founders.
Then, a missive arrives from Ohio and Amanda receives an offer she feels she cannot refuse.
When all they want is what they had in the first place, a quiet life in Milford, Virgil and Amanda must strengthen their faith to negotiate these difficult days of the Reconstruction Era.
Someone is trying to put an end to the dream of Milford College and Virgil Smithson’s life. In this, the finale of the “Founder’s Trilogy” the Representative and his wife have to find a way to figure it all out…before it’s too late.
Someone has tried to assassinate Virgil Smithson. The Georgia State Legislature is not a safe place—if it ever was. To protect her growing family, Amanda wants to go home to Milford. Virgil is willing to serve out his term and return to life as a blacksmith, but first he has to know…who is trying to have him killed?
Meanwhile, Amanda works to resolve Milford College’s everlasting financial woes by starting a fund raising campaign to finish the school building. Her efforts require her absence from home and the many pressures influence the marriage of the Milford College founders.
Then, a missive arrives from Ohio and Amanda receives an offer she feels she cannot refuse.
When all they want is what they had in the first place, a quiet life in Milford, Virgil and Amanda must strengthen their faith to negotiate these difficult days of the Reconstruction Era.
Someone is trying to put an end to the dream of Milford College and Virgil Smithson’s life. In this, the finale of the “Founder’s Trilogy” the Representative and his wife have to find a way to figure it all out…before it’s too late.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 7, 2020
4.5 stars. This book is third in a series, and works well as a stand alone though I didn't read the first two.
I haven't read many (any?) stories about the Reconstruction period in the South, from a Black POV. That in itself is worth the price of admission here; it's a story we don't often hear, and it's told well. Virgil has to handle many difficult emotional issues - the disintegration of the advances made by Black men in government, the aftereffects of being enslaved, and an attack that has left him partially paralyzed and feeling less of a man.
Amanda has her own dream, of building Milford College into a place where Black men and women can come for education for their new lives. She must balance the needs of the college with being a mother, and dealing with a somewhat testy husband.
Both partners must also fit their desires and conflicts within the framework of their Christian faith.
My only quibble with this excellent book is a minor one - it's told in alternating third person POV, and I would have liked a scene break or asterisks when going from Virgil's POV to Amanda's. That left me confused a few times.
Although it's set in an historical time period, and well-researched judging by the author's notes in the back of the book, it feels very relatable to men and women juggling similar issues today. Highly recommend.
I haven't read many (any?) stories about the Reconstruction period in the South, from a Black POV. That in itself is worth the price of admission here; it's a story we don't often hear, and it's told well. Virgil has to handle many difficult emotional issues - the disintegration of the advances made by Black men in government, the aftereffects of being enslaved, and an attack that has left him partially paralyzed and feeling less of a man.
Amanda has her own dream, of building Milford College into a place where Black men and women can come for education for their new lives. She must balance the needs of the college with being a mother, and dealing with a somewhat testy husband.
Both partners must also fit their desires and conflicts within the framework of their Christian faith.
My only quibble with this excellent book is a minor one - it's told in alternating third person POV, and I would have liked a scene break or asterisks when going from Virgil's POV to Amanda's. That left me confused a few times.
Although it's set in an historical time period, and well-researched judging by the author's notes in the back of the book, it feels very relatable to men and women juggling similar issues today. Highly recommend.
September 27, 2022
While my favorite genre is romance, but if you sprinkle some romance and history-that’s a winning combination! A story of enduring love with the racial challenges and tensions of the 1870’s as a backdrop. The characters well remember their enslavement days or bad old days; however, they are hopeful to bring a catalyst for change. Amanda, a young educated lady in her mid 20’s, and Virgil Smithson an up and coming political figure, and preacher. Amanda is a woman out of her time. For ex. “I did marry you, but I didn’t promise to obey”. Even in this period, she had her own ideals and she was prepared to defend them. Virgil, very much a traditionalist, but he would have to relent to keep in sync with his headstrong wife. She is by no means an abusive or manipulative wife, but she does expect to be treated like a partner in their marriage. Amanda is the type of woman that makes an impact on the ppl she interacts with. She is not afraid to speak her truths but yet she understands how to temper those truths as well and keep peace.
This couple experience drama from a different arena compared to most romance novels. Their time period is very hard and the author captured this historical period and makes her short and characters 100% believable. The interweaving of secondary characters and love and romance makes this novel special.
A recommended read for history buffs and romance readers.
This couple experience drama from a different arena compared to most romance novels. Their time period is very hard and the author captured this historical period and makes her short and characters 100% believable. The interweaving of secondary characters and love and romance makes this novel special.
A recommended read for history buffs and romance readers.
May 20, 2018
Wonderfully written historically based story.
I greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn more truth of Georgia's past. I was also touched by the efforts put in by so many. Building new fresh starts while leaving the defiled places behind. Things like this still are going on in the world today. May knowledge of the past give future generations power to end it for all that suffer.
I greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn more truth of Georgia's past. I was also touched by the efforts put in by so many. Building new fresh starts while leaving the defiled places behind. Things like this still are going on in the world today. May knowledge of the past give future generations power to end it for all that suffer.
July 14, 2021
Summary of Milford College
This rating was an easy choice especially after having read the full series. This was my first intro to Piper Highly and made me eagerly await future historical novels by this author. All were educational, entertaining and an enlightened into to Black History. A great beginning to new readers.
This rating was an easy choice especially after having read the full series. This was my first intro to Piper Highly and made me eagerly await future historical novels by this author. All were educational, entertaining and an enlightened into to Black History. A great beginning to new readers.
March 2, 2022
This historical fiction series is really well written. The story transfers your mind as if you are seeing these scenes taking place. I would encourage any readers to read the first two books in the series before engaging in this one!
February 13, 2023
Love the historical significance
I enjoyed this series. Like BEVERLY JENKINS. PIPER HUGULEY focuses on historical fiction involving Black folk. I always learn something. This story is sweet, compelling with unexpected twists and turns. I can’t wait for book #4.
I enjoyed this series. Like BEVERLY JENKINS. PIPER HUGULEY focuses on historical fiction involving Black folk. I always learn something. This story is sweet, compelling with unexpected twists and turns. I can’t wait for book #4.
February 11, 2023
A good historic read
Reconstruction era life for African Americans is played out accurately and wonderfully in this novel. The story is paced well and hard to put down.
Reconstruction era life for African Americans is played out accurately and wonderfully in this novel. The story is paced well and hard to put down.
January 24, 2016
This latest installation of Huguley's Milford College series continues the love story of Virgil and Mandy. I like how we follow them as husband and wife and see how their relationship changes over time. We see how both men and women have to be strong in times of great adversity. Plus, when you have a strong husband or wife by your side, you can overcome any obstacle.
Suffice to say, Milford College is an educational institution that is being forged through a time in the history of America in great turmoil. Slavery just ended less than a decade ago. The characters are all thrown into new situations. The supporting characters really show this. March, their daughter is growing up in the eve and dawn of slavery's end. There's a scene in the book where Virgil is irritated by March singing the Negro spirituals I love but for him, they bring back bad memories. Mandy on the other hand, never heard of them because she didn't grow up south.
Virgil's distrust of white men and of the Milfords especially stays with him. Although a preacher, he's still bound by the flesh. Mandy has to deal with being an educated black woman who has the burden of education for a new generation to grow. When Virgil gets shot at the beginning of the book, he fights to survive because there's so much to be done. Their story is rife with love, tensions, and outside forces. Making difficult decisions while having to try to keep hearth and home together.
Toward the end, it gets a little sad and tore my heart some but then it ends with the idea of not letting the past affect our future progress. All in all, a wonderful mix of romance and African American history
Suffice to say, Milford College is an educational institution that is being forged through a time in the history of America in great turmoil. Slavery just ended less than a decade ago. The characters are all thrown into new situations. The supporting characters really show this. March, their daughter is growing up in the eve and dawn of slavery's end. There's a scene in the book where Virgil is irritated by March singing the Negro spirituals I love but for him, they bring back bad memories. Mandy on the other hand, never heard of them because she didn't grow up south.
Virgil's distrust of white men and of the Milfords especially stays with him. Although a preacher, he's still bound by the flesh. Mandy has to deal with being an educated black woman who has the burden of education for a new generation to grow. When Virgil gets shot at the beginning of the book, he fights to survive because there's so much to be done. Their story is rife with love, tensions, and outside forces. Making difficult decisions while having to try to keep hearth and home together.
Toward the end, it gets a little sad and tore my heart some but then it ends with the idea of not letting the past affect our future progress. All in all, a wonderful mix of romance and African American history
February 5, 2017
This was my first read of 2016 and I spent my day leisurely reading these words. I've come to know and love Mandy and Virgil, a couple forced together out of circumstance who grew to love another as fiercely as a couple who married for love.
The opening chapters of this novel are heartbreaking-- an attempt on Virgil's life, a loss of livelihood and his stalwart self assurance and independence. It becomes Amanda's responsibility to get her husband home where he can heal, rebuild his strength and his confidence.
Back in Milford, the College is in need of funds and though Virgil initially forbids her-- "I never vowed to obey you"-- he finally allows her to go on a fundraising tour. While there, Amanda is offered a helping hand from a man she is loathe to accept help from. A marital tug of war ensues about what Amanda's 'job' and where her priorities should lie... with her husband or her dream?
There are a couple of really compelling underlying stories that the reader will enjoy as well as the main story of Virgil literally getting back on his feet comes full circle. This book is a page turner, with the crescendo and conclusion quite satisfying.
Once again, Huguley has poured her entire being into masterful historical fiction and romance, words that paint our history and bring to light the struggles of those that went before us. The times were surely hard... but the love was surely strong.
I'm excited for the next book in this series, about March Smithson!
The opening chapters of this novel are heartbreaking-- an attempt on Virgil's life, a loss of livelihood and his stalwart self assurance and independence. It becomes Amanda's responsibility to get her husband home where he can heal, rebuild his strength and his confidence.
Back in Milford, the College is in need of funds and though Virgil initially forbids her-- "I never vowed to obey you"-- he finally allows her to go on a fundraising tour. While there, Amanda is offered a helping hand from a man she is loathe to accept help from. A marital tug of war ensues about what Amanda's 'job' and where her priorities should lie... with her husband or her dream?
There are a couple of really compelling underlying stories that the reader will enjoy as well as the main story of Virgil literally getting back on his feet comes full circle. This book is a page turner, with the crescendo and conclusion quite satisfying.
Once again, Huguley has poured her entire being into masterful historical fiction and romance, words that paint our history and bring to light the struggles of those that went before us. The times were surely hard... but the love was surely strong.
I'm excited for the next book in this series, about March Smithson!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2016
Another good read by Piper Huguley
The Representatives Revolt is another of the Milford College books that gives you a look at Reconstruction after the Civil War. I enjoyed reading about Amanda and Virgil. They struggle that they go through to uplift the race when so much was against them at the time. Being a history buff and a graduate of a HBCU I'm grateful that the history is being told.
#cillasmaniacs
The Representatives Revolt is another of the Milford College books that gives you a look at Reconstruction after the Civil War. I enjoyed reading about Amanda and Virgil. They struggle that they go through to uplift the race when so much was against them at the time. Being a history buff and a graduate of a HBCU I'm grateful that the history is being told.
#cillasmaniacs
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews