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Quint Chronicles
The Sugar Planter's Daughter
1912, British Guiana, South America: Winnie Cox is about to marry George Quint, the love of her life. Born into a life of luxury and privilege on her father's sugar plantation, Winnie has turned against her family by choosing to be with George - a poor black postman from the slums.
Winnie may be living in poverty, but she's got what sister Johanna doesn't have: a loving husband and a beautiful family. And despite Johanna running her family's sugar plantation, Winnie will always be their mother's favourite daughter, a bitter pill for Johanna to swallow. Then Winnie's son falls ill and she must travel to Venezuela desperate for a cure.With her sister away, Johanna finds herself increasingly drawn to George. But he only has eyes for Winnie. Johanna, stung by the rejection and the fragile state of her own marriage, is out for revenge - no matter how devastating the consequences.
A compelling and evocative story of betrayal, temptation and buried secrets that will captivate fans of Dinah Jefferies and Kate Furnivall.
Winnie may be living in poverty, but she's got what sister Johanna doesn't have: a loving husband and a beautiful family. And despite Johanna running her family's sugar plantation, Winnie will always be their mother's favourite daughter, a bitter pill for Johanna to swallow. Then Winnie's son falls ill and she must travel to Venezuela desperate for a cure.With her sister away, Johanna finds herself increasingly drawn to George. But he only has eyes for Winnie. Johanna, stung by the rejection and the fragile state of her own marriage, is out for revenge - no matter how devastating the consequences.
A compelling and evocative story of betrayal, temptation and buried secrets that will captivate fans of Dinah Jefferies and Kate Furnivall.
326 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2016
291 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Maas
21 books337 followersSharon Maas was born in Georgetown, Guyana in 1951, and a sense of adventure has followed her around the world. In 1971 she spent a year backpacking around South America, followed by a few months with pioneering friends in the Guyana rainforest, followed by an overland trip to India, followed by a year in a Hindu Ashram.
She settled in Germany where she married, studied, worked, and raised children.
Officially retired, she continues to write from her new home in Ireland.
Her first novel was published by HarperCollins in 1999, followed by two more in 2001 and 2002. At present, she has 10 published works with the digital publisher Bookouture.
She has one self-published work, a retelling of the magnificent Indian epic Mahabharata: a project of love that took her over 30 years to "get right", written under the pen name S. Aruna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 22, 2022
Book three in the Quint Chronicles and I feel rather let down by this one.
I really enjoyed the first two books, enjoyed the characters and the premise, this book however felt a messy ramble.
We have three main characters and each chapter is from one of their perspectives. For me each character had the same voice, I couldn't tell who was who, there was nothing different about them.
It was also very repetitive and rambled far too much.
I also believe if you are incorporating a death of a child into your story this needs to be handled with care and attention, this wasn't in my view. It was purely used as a plot device and very badly handled.
Two stars.
At the time of posting this series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
I really enjoyed the first two books, enjoyed the characters and the premise, this book however felt a messy ramble.
We have three main characters and each chapter is from one of their perspectives. For me each character had the same voice, I couldn't tell who was who, there was nothing different about them.
It was also very repetitive and rambled far too much.
I also believe if you are incorporating a death of a child into your story this needs to be handled with care and attention, this wasn't in my view. It was purely used as a plot device and very badly handled.
Two stars.
At the time of posting this series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
July 14, 2016
When Winnie Cox married George Quint, she knew she was going against everything that was traditionally “correct”. It was 1912 in British Guiana and Winnie was from a privileged white family – owners of a large and prosperous sugar plantation. George was poor, a postman and a black man. But Winnie didn’t care – she loved George with all her heart. Winnie’s Mama took George into her heart, but her sister, Johanna or Yoyo as she was known, disliked George intensely – she was disgusted and horrified at the marriage.
Yoyo was desperate to have sons; her husband Clarence was the man to father those sons but Yoyo didn’t fall pregnant. Imagine how incensed she was to discover Winnie was pregnant with a “half-caste” child. Gradually the jealousy that Yoyo had always felt toward Winnie – the favoured child – came to the fore. It seemed things would go her way though when Winnie had to take her first born to Venezuela for medical treatment and leave George behind…
Five years on and George refused to see Yoyo – he knew she was trouble and she had proven it. But it was difficult to say anything to Winnie because of her intense love for her sister and also George’s love for Winnie. He couldn't bare to hurt her feelings…
When tragedy struck and secrets were laid bare, the fragility of a marriage was under intense pressure. Could she possibly find it in her heart to forgive? Or was it too late – far too late – for forgiveness?
The Sugar Planter’s Daughter by Sharon Maas is a deep and heartrending story of love and loss; betrayal and forgiveness; secrets and lies. I felt deeply involved in Winnie's and George’s lives; the lives of George’s family and their encompassment of Winnie into their hearts. But Yoyo on the other hand – she had such bitterness in her heart; she made me so angry at times - I didn’t like her at all! This is my first by this author and though I found the beginning of the book quite slow at times, I enjoyed the experience. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Yoyo was desperate to have sons; her husband Clarence was the man to father those sons but Yoyo didn’t fall pregnant. Imagine how incensed she was to discover Winnie was pregnant with a “half-caste” child. Gradually the jealousy that Yoyo had always felt toward Winnie – the favoured child – came to the fore. It seemed things would go her way though when Winnie had to take her first born to Venezuela for medical treatment and leave George behind…
Five years on and George refused to see Yoyo – he knew she was trouble and she had proven it. But it was difficult to say anything to Winnie because of her intense love for her sister and also George’s love for Winnie. He couldn't bare to hurt her feelings…
When tragedy struck and secrets were laid bare, the fragility of a marriage was under intense pressure. Could she possibly find it in her heart to forgive? Or was it too late – far too late – for forgiveness?
The Sugar Planter’s Daughter by Sharon Maas is a deep and heartrending story of love and loss; betrayal and forgiveness; secrets and lies. I felt deeply involved in Winnie's and George’s lives; the lives of George’s family and their encompassment of Winnie into their hearts. But Yoyo on the other hand – she had such bitterness in her heart; she made me so angry at times - I didn’t like her at all! This is my first by this author and though I found the beginning of the book quite slow at times, I enjoyed the experience. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2024
#ReadAroundTheWorld. #Guyana
The second story in the Quint Chronicles series, by Guyanese born author Sharon Maas, this book is set in 1912 in what was then British Guiana.
It continues the story of sugar princesses Winnie and Yoyo Cox. Their father has gone to jail, Winnie is about to marry the love of her life, black postman George Quint, and Yoyo is ambitiously taking over the running of the sugar plantation. Winnie is bravely trying to adjust to life as the only white woman in Albouystown, and her disappointment at not being embraced and accepted. Yoyo’s ambitions also run to producing sons and heirs, but when this fails to happen, she becomes jealous of Winnie and her growing brood, and maliciously attempts to ensnare George. OK so I have to go there:
This story is about love and betrayal, jealousy and bigotry, and how Winnie and George try to face all of this. I love the setting of these books, the historical background, and the insight into the racial tensions of the time. George educates Winnie about the difference between the British treatment of the Blacks and Indians, based purely on a belief in racial superiority, and their reciprocal suspicion towards the English, based more on previous harsh experiences. The thing I found hard about this book was the irritating naivety of Winnie and her gushingly cheerful brand of goodness, in stark contrast to the almost maniacal evil of Yoyo’s selfishness. When I was young I enjoyed these kinds of stories when the differentiation between heroes and the villains was sharply demarcated. Now that I’m older I prefer a little subtly, the more flawed brand of perfection and the more complex and layered villain that is reality.
The second story in the Quint Chronicles series, by Guyanese born author Sharon Maas, this book is set in 1912 in what was then British Guiana.
It continues the story of sugar princesses Winnie and Yoyo Cox. Their father has gone to jail, Winnie is about to marry the love of her life, black postman George Quint, and Yoyo is ambitiously taking over the running of the sugar plantation. Winnie is bravely trying to adjust to life as the only white woman in Albouystown, and her disappointment at not being embraced and accepted. Yoyo’s ambitions also run to producing sons and heirs, but when this fails to happen, she becomes jealous of Winnie and her growing brood, and maliciously attempts to ensnare George. OK so I have to go there:
This story is about love and betrayal, jealousy and bigotry, and how Winnie and George try to face all of this. I love the setting of these books, the historical background, and the insight into the racial tensions of the time. George educates Winnie about the difference between the British treatment of the Blacks and Indians, based purely on a belief in racial superiority, and their reciprocal suspicion towards the English, based more on previous harsh experiences. The thing I found hard about this book was the irritating naivety of Winnie and her gushingly cheerful brand of goodness, in stark contrast to the almost maniacal evil of Yoyo’s selfishness. When I was young I enjoyed these kinds of stories when the differentiation between heroes and the villains was sharply demarcated. Now that I’m older I prefer a little subtly, the more flawed brand of perfection and the more complex and layered villain that is reality.
September 7, 2016
The Sugar Planter’s Daughter is the second book in the Quint Family trilogy by Guyanese-born author, Sharon Maas. Set some two years after The Secret Life of Winnie Cox, this book picks up from where that one left off. Archie Cox languishes in a British jail while his youngest daughter, Yoyo runs Plantation Promised Land from behind her husband-of -convenience, Clarence Smedley.
Winnie is disappointed that the humanitarian changes she and Yoyo had planned for Plantation Promised Land are abandoned when Yoyo takes over: Yoyo has discovered that profit and kindness do not easily mix .As their Mama, Ruth Cox returns to British Guiana from Europe, Winnie is about to marry her darkie lover, George Quint.
Despite her strong disapproval of her sister’s marriage, Yoyo finds herself jealous of Winnie’s obvious happiness with George, a man whose love for Winnie is apparent to all who meet them. When Winnie gives birth to a son, Yoyo’s jealousy escalates: the one thing Clarence has not managed to do is give her an heir for the Plantation. Winnie’s charitable opinion of her sister is to be sorely tested when she ignores warnings from several quarters.
Maas gives the reader an interesting and original plot in which certain characters begin to show their true colours. There’s plenty of happiness, but also a good deal of heartache in this instalment. Maas renders early twentieth century British Guiana with consummate ease: her first-hand experience with the country is apparent in the lush descriptive passages.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, reading the books of the series in the order they are published gives the reader a much richer reading experience as they will be familiar with the main characters, people they have come to know and love.
This is another brilliant read from the author of Of Marriageable Age, and readers will be pleased to know that there is a wonderful book that features Winnie Cox in her later years as a support character: The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q. Fans will not be disappointed with this second book of the trilogy, and readers new to this author are bound to seek out more of her work. Another marvellous read.
Winnie is disappointed that the humanitarian changes she and Yoyo had planned for Plantation Promised Land are abandoned when Yoyo takes over: Yoyo has discovered that profit and kindness do not easily mix .As their Mama, Ruth Cox returns to British Guiana from Europe, Winnie is about to marry her darkie lover, George Quint.
Despite her strong disapproval of her sister’s marriage, Yoyo finds herself jealous of Winnie’s obvious happiness with George, a man whose love for Winnie is apparent to all who meet them. When Winnie gives birth to a son, Yoyo’s jealousy escalates: the one thing Clarence has not managed to do is give her an heir for the Plantation. Winnie’s charitable opinion of her sister is to be sorely tested when she ignores warnings from several quarters.
Maas gives the reader an interesting and original plot in which certain characters begin to show their true colours. There’s plenty of happiness, but also a good deal of heartache in this instalment. Maas renders early twentieth century British Guiana with consummate ease: her first-hand experience with the country is apparent in the lush descriptive passages.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, reading the books of the series in the order they are published gives the reader a much richer reading experience as they will be familiar with the main characters, people they have come to know and love.
This is another brilliant read from the author of Of Marriageable Age, and readers will be pleased to know that there is a wonderful book that features Winnie Cox in her later years as a support character: The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q. Fans will not be disappointed with this second book of the trilogy, and readers new to this author are bound to seek out more of her work. Another marvellous read.
June 22, 2016
Every time I read one of Sharon Maas's books, I think, wow, sublime, it can't get any better than this. But with every book, it does! Sharon's prose is sheer magic, she has honed storytelling to a perfect art and I was blown away by this story. I absolutely adored the first book in this series: The Secret Life of Winnie Cox, and I fell a little in love with Winnie and George in that book and was eagerly awaiting the continuation of their story. And what a story this is! Winnie and George have become, with this book, one of my all-time favourite couples and I am awed, all over again with the beauty and elegance of Sharon's amazing writing and her ability to transport us to early twentieth century British Guiana. A stunning tale and I am bereft now it is done. I am off now to re-read The Small Fortune of Dorothea Q in which Winnie makes an appearance as do the Quint boys, all grown up, while I wait for the next installment of Winnie and George's story. There were so many beautiful quotes in this book, but I really, really loved this one: Mothers contain a power in them, the power to put together the pieces of their child’s heart. The power to heal. The power, sometimes, to pull out the weeds from a soul that is all a-tangle, weeds that have been allowed to grow; no, nurtured and nourished until they strangle every noble impulse in that child’s heart. Mother is not only a noun: it’s a verb. An active verb. I had not done much mothering when my girls were growing. I had to do it now.
October 29, 2016
Having loved The Secret Life of Winnie Cox, I’ve been dying to read this book.
I needed to know what was going to happen next for George and Winnie. A part of me was so relieved that they had a future together after the struggles they faced in the first book, but then certain events within this story made me feel sad, and so incredibly angry at one particular character. There were events in this book I tried so hard to stop happening as they unravelled in front of me while I continued to read. I could hear myself screaming “No!” in my mind and probably out load, as I read certain events, and wanted to wish them away again.
This books tells a wonderfully emotional story of love, loss and family. If you fancy reading this, I strongly recommend you start by reading the first book, The Secret Life of Winnie Cox, which was actually one of my Top Ten Books read in 2015:
http://julesmortimer.booklikes.com/po...
I needed to know what was going to happen next for George and Winnie. A part of me was so relieved that they had a future together after the struggles they faced in the first book, but then certain events within this story made me feel sad, and so incredibly angry at one particular character. There were events in this book I tried so hard to stop happening as they unravelled in front of me while I continued to read. I could hear myself screaming “No!” in my mind and probably out load, as I read certain events, and wanted to wish them away again.
This books tells a wonderfully emotional story of love, loss and family. If you fancy reading this, I strongly recommend you start by reading the first book, The Secret Life of Winnie Cox, which was actually one of my Top Ten Books read in 2015:
http://julesmortimer.booklikes.com/po...
July 4, 2016
Heartbreaking, poignant, and intriguing.
This is the story of Winnie, a fearless, courageous, white woman who chooses to leave the comfort and security of her family's sugar plantation to do the unthinkable and marry George, a charismatic, strong, good-natured, dark-skinned man from the ghettos of Georgetown.
The story is set in British Guiana during the early 1900s, and is told by differing perspectives that carry you along through the ups and down's of Winnie's life flawlessly.
This is, ultimately, a story about strength, loss, jealousy, courage, racial inequality, and true enduring love.
The prose is clear and precise. And the characters are multifaceted, empathetic, and in some cases cunning.
This truly is a powerful story that will fascinate and engross you from the very beginning until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review and more can be found on my blog at www.whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This is the story of Winnie, a fearless, courageous, white woman who chooses to leave the comfort and security of her family's sugar plantation to do the unthinkable and marry George, a charismatic, strong, good-natured, dark-skinned man from the ghettos of Georgetown.
The story is set in British Guiana during the early 1900s, and is told by differing perspectives that carry you along through the ups and down's of Winnie's life flawlessly.
This is, ultimately, a story about strength, loss, jealousy, courage, racial inequality, and true enduring love.
The prose is clear and precise. And the characters are multifaceted, empathetic, and in some cases cunning.
This truly is a powerful story that will fascinate and engross you from the very beginning until the very end.
Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review and more can be found on my blog at www.whatsbetterthanbooks.com
July 12, 2016
Review to follow but if you loved The Secret Life of Winnie Cox then this is the continuation of that story! Sublime writing and a wonderfully woven tale.
July 17, 2016
Another beautifully told tale from Sharon Maas. Continuing the tale of Winnie, from the Secret Life of Winnie Cox, this story centres around Winnie and George as they come to terms with their unusual marriage, Winnie's mum and delightful sister Yoyo. Told in alternating chapters, and centred around life in Georgetown and on the family plantation Promised Land. Sharon Maas is a great storyteller and you can imagine yourself transported to British Guiana with the sights, sounds and smells... I absolutely loved this tale and felt quite bereft when it ended. I can't wait for the next instalment in Winnie's story.
On a final note, whilst this is part of a trilogy, it could quite easily be read standalone -- Sharon Maas is able to weave elements of the back story without it being repetitive!
What a fabulous author and a superb book. 5* from me.
On a final note, whilst this is part of a trilogy, it could quite easily be read standalone -- Sharon Maas is able to weave elements of the back story without it being repetitive!
What a fabulous author and a superb book. 5* from me.
June 29, 2016
Received book from Netgalley . A spiteful sister caused havoc and pain to the life of George and Winnie and their family. This book dealt with interracial marriages, jealousy , slavery , acceptance, rejection, love ,death and forgiveness. Sisters Yoyo and Winnie are strong characters but so dissimilar in nature. Their uniqueness allows readers to favor one over the other and for good reasons. Really for the time period the the marriage of a poor black man to a well off sugar plantation daughter is quite accepting .
October 23, 2016
I wanted to like this book. But Winnie is stupid to forgive her sister, George was so weak, so beta and Yoyo was such a bitch. I wanted her to die a slow painful death.
I hate her. I said that before but I just can't get over how much I really do hate her.
*more spoilers*
The gist of it is yoyo (the sister in law) forced herself on her brother in law, George. Winnie, George's wife and yoyos sister, walked in on them going at it. She fled the scene, fell down the stairs and lost her baby. Yoyo ended up pregnant with Georges baby and gave her away to the couple. - _ -
I hate her. I said that before but I just can't get over how much I really do hate her.
*more spoilers*
The gist of it is yoyo (the sister in law) forced herself on her brother in law, George. Winnie, George's wife and yoyos sister, walked in on them going at it. She fled the scene, fell down the stairs and lost her baby. Yoyo ended up pregnant with Georges baby and gave her away to the couple. - _ -
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2016
I would give it 4.5 stars, but the ending (really) and no one was murdered. You know what I mean!
I need the next book now! Why Ms. Mass why!
I need the next book now! Why Ms. Mass why!
July 20, 2016
The Sugar Planter’s Daughter is breathtakingly beautiful and I was completely absorbed in this epic family saga.
We are taken back to another era as the story takes place in British Guiana during 1912, 1918 and then eighteen months later. Told in first person narrative by different family members, George, Winnie, Yoyo (Johanna) and Ruth, the different narratives work well in giving all the perspectives and feelings of those involved.
The characterisation is fantastic with Sharon giving each their unique tone. As you follow them on their personal journey you get to know each one individually and become totally absorbed in their emotions. I adored Winnie and George. At times a heartbreaking story, I went through a whole realm of emotions reading their tale.
Yoyo’s character, while difficult to like, I found understandable. She is clearly a product of her class and upbringing and the political situation of the time has impacted on her behaviour. I could appreciate where it was coming from and felt a degree of empathy for her.
Full of rich, vivid descriptions, I could smell, taste and see Promised Land, the family’s sugar plantation. Every time I opened this book I was totally transported to a different time and place. Sharon encapsulates the setting and time wonderfully and this is a testament to her writing skills.
This is a sublime work of historical fiction, Sharon has clearly done a lot of research. All of the, quite frankly horrifying, attitudes towards black people that were held during colonial Britain and the time of slavery are there, and give the reader a sense of the differences between race and class that prevailed during this time period. Although you know these attitudes existed, it is still shocking to read about and makes you think about our history. I found it incredibly moving. There is the perfect mix of politics and engaging family drama which make this book so enjoyable.
This is the second book in Sharon’s Quint Trilogy, however, it works perfectly as a standalone novel if you have not read the first one, The Secret Life of Winnie Cox.
A sweeping story about family, class and race, I was totally enthralled by this book. Fans of historical fiction and family sagas will love it. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Sharon Maas, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
For all my reviews visit http://www.bloominbrilliantbooks.com/
We are taken back to another era as the story takes place in British Guiana during 1912, 1918 and then eighteen months later. Told in first person narrative by different family members, George, Winnie, Yoyo (Johanna) and Ruth, the different narratives work well in giving all the perspectives and feelings of those involved.
The characterisation is fantastic with Sharon giving each their unique tone. As you follow them on their personal journey you get to know each one individually and become totally absorbed in their emotions. I adored Winnie and George. At times a heartbreaking story, I went through a whole realm of emotions reading their tale.
Yoyo’s character, while difficult to like, I found understandable. She is clearly a product of her class and upbringing and the political situation of the time has impacted on her behaviour. I could appreciate where it was coming from and felt a degree of empathy for her.
Full of rich, vivid descriptions, I could smell, taste and see Promised Land, the family’s sugar plantation. Every time I opened this book I was totally transported to a different time and place. Sharon encapsulates the setting and time wonderfully and this is a testament to her writing skills.
This is a sublime work of historical fiction, Sharon has clearly done a lot of research. All of the, quite frankly horrifying, attitudes towards black people that were held during colonial Britain and the time of slavery are there, and give the reader a sense of the differences between race and class that prevailed during this time period. Although you know these attitudes existed, it is still shocking to read about and makes you think about our history. I found it incredibly moving. There is the perfect mix of politics and engaging family drama which make this book so enjoyable.
This is the second book in Sharon’s Quint Trilogy, however, it works perfectly as a standalone novel if you have not read the first one, The Secret Life of Winnie Cox.
A sweeping story about family, class and race, I was totally enthralled by this book. Fans of historical fiction and family sagas will love it. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Sharon Maas, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
For all my reviews visit http://www.bloominbrilliantbooks.com/
November 29, 2016
Wonderful story
Love this author's writing. Great story. Well written. Strong characters. Interestingly much of the racism and discriminatory feelings and practices written of here in early 1900's are still ongoing today...... It's just more subtle and mannerly. I speak from experience. I found it exceptionally interesting when George and Winnie live in his neighborhood and she relates how isolated she feels as the only white woman. I could easily draw parallels to her experience and feelings to mine in the late '70's after moving to an all black neighborhood with my husband and raising our children. Just like Winnie, I could easily understand the suspicions of my neighbors. It seems nothing truly changes, including all the old generalities about mixed race couples... White women with black men are hated by both races and considered to have lowered themselves never to redeem themselves socially while black women in relationship with white men have stepped up in the world. Also, interesting, the concept that the lighter the skin the better looking the child. Same thing today. I found it a great bit of education the author notes the wearing of white hats by all the plantation owners and their white estate managers! Brilliant observation I hadn't thought of before yet I've read many books about plantation living. White is right and good; black is backwards and bad. One only has to read this story to get a true insight as to the historical foundation which we, today, still live by social codes and generalities instilled from generations previous and still thoughtlessly and with unforgivable ignorance. I truly thank this author for such deep thinking and thorough writing. Cannot wait until book three. What will happen with Yoyo and Mary? Highly recommend to women, men, historical romance readers and readers of history in general.
Love this author's writing. Great story. Well written. Strong characters. Interestingly much of the racism and discriminatory feelings and practices written of here in early 1900's are still ongoing today...... It's just more subtle and mannerly. I speak from experience. I found it exceptionally interesting when George and Winnie live in his neighborhood and she relates how isolated she feels as the only white woman. I could easily draw parallels to her experience and feelings to mine in the late '70's after moving to an all black neighborhood with my husband and raising our children. Just like Winnie, I could easily understand the suspicions of my neighbors. It seems nothing truly changes, including all the old generalities about mixed race couples... White women with black men are hated by both races and considered to have lowered themselves never to redeem themselves socially while black women in relationship with white men have stepped up in the world. Also, interesting, the concept that the lighter the skin the better looking the child. Same thing today. I found it a great bit of education the author notes the wearing of white hats by all the plantation owners and their white estate managers! Brilliant observation I hadn't thought of before yet I've read many books about plantation living. White is right and good; black is backwards and bad. One only has to read this story to get a true insight as to the historical foundation which we, today, still live by social codes and generalities instilled from generations previous and still thoughtlessly and with unforgivable ignorance. I truly thank this author for such deep thinking and thorough writing. Cannot wait until book three. What will happen with Yoyo and Mary? Highly recommend to women, men, historical romance readers and readers of history in general.
July 24, 2016
Firstly I would like to let you know that this is part of a trilogy however, it read very easily as a standalone.
This story makes you think about the relationship between white sugar plantation owners and their black coolie slaves and Indian servants, the ignorance and arrogance of their money and wealth and how in historical term's racial resentment took deep and at times unmoveable root and a form of reverse racial feeling often ill considered or taken into account.
This is a historical fiction book based in 1910 and the writing style is flowing and easy to read with a constantly moving plot.
The main characters are Winnie Cox and her sister Yoyo who were brought up on a family run sugar plantation with the naivety of youth and there hope for change in the future.
The book starts around the time of Winnie's marriage to George Quint a postman and political activist and the start of there life together.
Not only is there racial tension caused by the marriage but an underlying and deep seated family issue risking to tear the marriage apart.
I found Winnie as the eldest sister to be beyond niave in her character portrayal and would have liked her beliefs and events with her father to have taught her that things can not be as there seem. I prefer a character with some self respect and although at times this was visible for a large proportion of this book I found myself getting vexed by her reactions.
Due to this and the fact it was unclear that it was book 2 when I received this book I would give it 3.5 stars as it was a quick light summer read with some interesting historical insight.
**I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for a frank and honest review*
This story makes you think about the relationship between white sugar plantation owners and their black coolie slaves and Indian servants, the ignorance and arrogance of their money and wealth and how in historical term's racial resentment took deep and at times unmoveable root and a form of reverse racial feeling often ill considered or taken into account.
This is a historical fiction book based in 1910 and the writing style is flowing and easy to read with a constantly moving plot.
The main characters are Winnie Cox and her sister Yoyo who were brought up on a family run sugar plantation with the naivety of youth and there hope for change in the future.
The book starts around the time of Winnie's marriage to George Quint a postman and political activist and the start of there life together.
Not only is there racial tension caused by the marriage but an underlying and deep seated family issue risking to tear the marriage apart.
I found Winnie as the eldest sister to be beyond niave in her character portrayal and would have liked her beliefs and events with her father to have taught her that things can not be as there seem. I prefer a character with some self respect and although at times this was visible for a large proportion of this book I found myself getting vexed by her reactions.
Due to this and the fact it was unclear that it was book 2 when I received this book I would give it 3.5 stars as it was a quick light summer read with some interesting historical insight.
**I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for a frank and honest review*
August 27, 2016
A beautifully written book following the story of Winnie Cox, a sequel to The Secret Life of Winnie Cox. This can be read as a stand alone but I think that to fully understand the background to the story they should be read in order.
I found this a fascinating insight into life in British Guiana during the late 19th and early 20th century. The Cox family are wealthy sugar plantation owners, whose profits rely on an indentured workforce, mainly from India, after the emancipation of the slaves. I knew very little of this history and was horrified to learn that the Indian workforce were treated every bit as badly as the slaves by their employers, with rapes, appalling living conditions and men and women basically worked into the ground. What a heavy price in human suffering was paid in order to put sugar onto rich European tables!
This novel explores the prejudices and racism amongst the white community and the growing rebellion and resentment amongst the newly freed black community and the plantation workers.
It is also a story of forbidden love, bravery and determination as Winnie flouts convention and does the unthinkable by marrying a black man. The hypocrisy of the time beggars belief. Whilst white men could rape and father innumerable children as the norm, a white woman with a black man was still seen as disgusting.
However, the story, whilst harrowing is also uplifting and shows a marked contrast to the situation in the USA at the time, where this relationship would result in ostracisation at best and lynching at worst.
I would like to thank TBC on FB and Sharon for this arc in return for an honest review. Highly recommended!
I found this a fascinating insight into life in British Guiana during the late 19th and early 20th century. The Cox family are wealthy sugar plantation owners, whose profits rely on an indentured workforce, mainly from India, after the emancipation of the slaves. I knew very little of this history and was horrified to learn that the Indian workforce were treated every bit as badly as the slaves by their employers, with rapes, appalling living conditions and men and women basically worked into the ground. What a heavy price in human suffering was paid in order to put sugar onto rich European tables!
This novel explores the prejudices and racism amongst the white community and the growing rebellion and resentment amongst the newly freed black community and the plantation workers.
It is also a story of forbidden love, bravery and determination as Winnie flouts convention and does the unthinkable by marrying a black man. The hypocrisy of the time beggars belief. Whilst white men could rape and father innumerable children as the norm, a white woman with a black man was still seen as disgusting.
However, the story, whilst harrowing is also uplifting and shows a marked contrast to the situation in the USA at the time, where this relationship would result in ostracisation at best and lynching at worst.
I would like to thank TBC on FB and Sharon for this arc in return for an honest review. Highly recommended!
July 23, 2016
The Sugar Planter’s Daughter by Sharon Maas
The Sugar Planter's Daughter is the third book in her series but it easily can be read as a stand alone. It is set in 1912 and we are reintroduced to Winnie Cox, Ma Quint, and her husband George. It is a mixed marriage. George is a black postman from the slums and Winnie comes from a white privileged life on a sugar plantation. The chapters alternate between George, Winnie, Yoyo (Winnie’s sister) and Ruth (Winnie’s mother). Yoyo is tired of living in her sister’s shadow and intentionally sets out to damage George and Winnie’s relationship. I love the way Maas draws well defined characters and felt right at home with George, Winnie. It did not disappoint me and there are several twists and turns and don’t want to share too much as the discovery is best when served fresh. Curious as to what other’s think but for me a thumbs up
The Sugar Planter's Daughter is the third book in her series but it easily can be read as a stand alone. It is set in 1912 and we are reintroduced to Winnie Cox, Ma Quint, and her husband George. It is a mixed marriage. George is a black postman from the slums and Winnie comes from a white privileged life on a sugar plantation. The chapters alternate between George, Winnie, Yoyo (Winnie’s sister) and Ruth (Winnie’s mother). Yoyo is tired of living in her sister’s shadow and intentionally sets out to damage George and Winnie’s relationship. I love the way Maas draws well defined characters and felt right at home with George, Winnie. It did not disappoint me and there are several twists and turns and don’t want to share too much as the discovery is best when served fresh. Curious as to what other’s think but for me a thumbs up
August 20, 2016
This book is just as good, if not better, than it's predecessor The Secret Life Of Winnie Cox!
Sharon Maas is a talented author.. I was there with Winnie and George, observing their struggles and triumphs and cheering them on. Being transported to their world was quite the treat. It's a beautiful poignant story which will stay with me for a long time.
Sharon Maas is a talented author.. I was there with Winnie and George, observing their struggles and triumphs and cheering them on. Being transported to their world was quite the treat. It's a beautiful poignant story which will stay with me for a long time.
September 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was a much needed break from police procedural/psychological thrillers. It was filled with love and forgiveness but also bitterness and revenge. It really did have it all. I really hope there are more George and Winnie stories to come.
Thank you to TBC on FB and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to TBC on FB and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2016
Exceptional. Continues where the equally exceptional Secret Life of Winnie Cox left off and evokes a whole new range of emotions not introduced previously.
Loved all the details of Winnie's new life and look forward to the story continuing.
Loved all the details of Winnie's new life and look forward to the story continuing.
September 25, 2025
At the beginning of this book I thought I’d give it 2 stars and accuse it of being written in an annoyingly naive voice (think Anne of Green Gables wide-eyed narration, but instead of a child it’s three grown narrators speaking like that). It felt amateurish and childish.
And, well, that remains true throughout. But as the story progressed, my opinion improved significantly.
For context: I’m doing a self-imposed challenge to read a book from each South American country. Before this, I had read nothing from Guyana and knew almost nothing about the country.
This book vividly sets Guyana at the start of the 20th century. Some novels could be transplanted anywhere without much loss; this one depends entirely on its setting.
The central theme is race relations in sugar plantations and a sugar-driven economy: lower-class Black workers on one side, upper-class British and European whites on the other, mixed-race “colored” people in the middle, and Indians at the margins. It opens with the marriage of Winnie, a white upper-class woman, to George, the Black man she loves; a union that defies every social expectation of the time.
What struck me was the way racism is portrayed. Conditioned by US media about plantations, I expected hard segregation. Instead, Winnie’s marriage, though disapproved of, still garners some family and social support. The racism shown here is not the rigid US model but a South American one: less about strict separation, more about a gradient where lighter skin is prized and darker families are encouraged to “lighten” over generations. We see this in the way characters discuss children’s skin tones and in Winnie’s conversations with her "colored" friends.
I had known "academically" about this distinction between US and Latin American racism, but rarely had I seen it depicted in literature. A short passage at the end, when a character travels to the US with a mixed-race child and notices the contrast in treatment, makes the point sharply.
Beyond race, the book also taught me a lot about Guyana: the close relation of the high classes to the British Empire, the influx of Indian nationals, and other cultural details I was not familiar with and are vastly different to how things work in other South American countries.
And then there’s Jojo, the villain. She’s written in an over-the-top, almost caricatured way, but it works. Her evil is so intense she feels like a telenovela villain. I haven’t seen such delicious drama since Soraya Montenegro screamed at the Maldita Lisiada. I loved every bit of it.
And, well, that remains true throughout. But as the story progressed, my opinion improved significantly.
For context: I’m doing a self-imposed challenge to read a book from each South American country. Before this, I had read nothing from Guyana and knew almost nothing about the country.
This book vividly sets Guyana at the start of the 20th century. Some novels could be transplanted anywhere without much loss; this one depends entirely on its setting.
The central theme is race relations in sugar plantations and a sugar-driven economy: lower-class Black workers on one side, upper-class British and European whites on the other, mixed-race “colored” people in the middle, and Indians at the margins. It opens with the marriage of Winnie, a white upper-class woman, to George, the Black man she loves; a union that defies every social expectation of the time.
What struck me was the way racism is portrayed. Conditioned by US media about plantations, I expected hard segregation. Instead, Winnie’s marriage, though disapproved of, still garners some family and social support. The racism shown here is not the rigid US model but a South American one: less about strict separation, more about a gradient where lighter skin is prized and darker families are encouraged to “lighten” over generations. We see this in the way characters discuss children’s skin tones and in Winnie’s conversations with her "colored" friends.
I had known "academically" about this distinction between US and Latin American racism, but rarely had I seen it depicted in literature. A short passage at the end, when a character travels to the US with a mixed-race child and notices the contrast in treatment, makes the point sharply.
Beyond race, the book also taught me a lot about Guyana: the close relation of the high classes to the British Empire, the influx of Indian nationals, and other cultural details I was not familiar with and are vastly different to how things work in other South American countries.
And then there’s Jojo, the villain. She’s written in an over-the-top, almost caricatured way, but it works. Her evil is so intense she feels like a telenovela villain. I haven’t seen such delicious drama since Soraya Montenegro screamed at the Maldita Lisiada. I loved every bit of it.
July 13, 2016
I'm embarrassed to say that this the first book by Sharon Maas that I have read - something I will be urgently rectifying now I've finished "The Sugar Planter's Daughter"! It's really exciting to discover a "new" author - particularly one with a great looking back catalogue. It seems this is actually the second book in a trilogy but it was completely accessible as a stand alone story and it did not affect any of my understanding or enjoyment because I hadn't read the previous sequel.
I was attracted by the cover of this book-and the title too - it reminded me of a Dinah Jefferies novel, or some of the other titles which I am collecting on my kindle which are all set in historic, exotic places featuring "daughters".
So what's the story about? Meet Winnie Cox, a white, privileged daughter living a life of luxury on her father's sugar plantation in Guiana, South America. She is about to marry the man of her dreams, George Quint; a black postman from the slums. When Winnie has to travel to seek medical help for her son, George is left behind. Yoyo, Winnie's sister, is fed up with living in her shadow playing second fiddle to her mother's favourite daughter. Full of resentment, Yoyo sets out to seek revenge against Winnie while she is away, laying the grounds for a trap which will have devastating consequences for them all.
It's set in 1912 and therefore the dynamics between the two families are fascinating, as is the relationship between George and Winnie. It is not a period of history I know much about but there is always something compelling about people who transcended barriers and break with convention. Particularly as it is a woman choosing to marry not only for love, but choosing someone who is such a contrast to her own social standing and race. I thought this inversion of the woman being white and the man black, created a more original take on a story set within a plantation.
The chapters alternate between Winnie, George, Yoyo and occasionally, Winnie's mother. Maas' use of multiple narrators is deftly handled to help us become more involved with Winnie and George as we are more privy to their thoughts and perspectives. I liked hearing so much from George as he grappled with bringing a white woman into his community and fiercely hoping love and dedication would protect them from outside danger. What was also compelling about this novel was how quickly I was transported to another time and place. I was so caught up in the exotic location- Maas' description of her character's actions, behaviours, dialogue so effective - that I got a shock every time I glanced up from the page and out the window at the dark rain clouds outside the window of my modern, gadget filled kitchen.
This is a heartwarming saga of love, marriage and families. Winnie and George are so totally besotted with each other; so patient, understanding, thoughtful and kind to each other, they immediately gain the admiration of the reader. George says that "Winnie and I filled spaces in each other's souls" and even after some distressing arguments and overcoming various challenges, George comments on how desperately they need each other. Winnie knows the "real" him and they need each other in order to fulfil their own potential and recognise who they really are. At the beginning of the novel, I did feel a sense of foreboding as their relationship was so perfect I knew that it was surely going to be tested and wasn't quite sure how they would survive that. However, as Mama says, "We live in order to learn the lessons of love."
George is a character of integrity, loyalty and morals. His empathy and constant consideration of how his wife might be coping with having to leave her huge, comfortable home and live with his parents in the slums is charming. Winnie is a character of great strength. Occasionally she imagines what might have happened had she followed in a more conventional path but she is not perturbed by her sudden need to learn to cook, clean and raise a family without any assistance or paid help. She is unfailingly positive and embraces the challenges.
Conversely Yoyo has married more "appropriately" and is running the family business. She is married but unhappy and childless. She is almost the opposite to Winnie. She is a jealous and bitter woman who is manipulative and clever. Although not the main protagonist, Yoyo undergoes a real journey throughout the novel and although hard to like, she can rustle up some sympathy from the reader as more of her past and present is revealed. But her role in the novel is well handled - powerlessly watching her orchestrate a monstrous plan creates so much tension and suspense, that it is difficult to read on without feeling slightly sick with nerves!
This is a story about love, secrets, obsession, social conventions and pressure. There is laughter, happiness, strength and fortitude but there is also grief, helplessness and sadness. It's not a roller coaster ride of a novel, more a meandering along undulating countryside with some hidden and unexpected sharp corners. I liked the atmosphere, tone and pace of the novel and it very much suited the era and characters. And of course, the uplifting message about love - when genuine and truthful - really is able to heal, help and rebuild bridges.
This is going to be a hit this summer and would be the perfect addition to any suitcase. Maas can certainly write a great tale, full of ups and downs, strong characters; evoking a moment in history effortlessly and authentically. I would recommend it to fans of Dinah Jefferies, Katherine Webb, Kate Riordan and anyone who enjoys a saga where the lines between families are crossed, broken and tested.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this novel in return for a fair and honest review.
I was attracted by the cover of this book-and the title too - it reminded me of a Dinah Jefferies novel, or some of the other titles which I am collecting on my kindle which are all set in historic, exotic places featuring "daughters".
So what's the story about? Meet Winnie Cox, a white, privileged daughter living a life of luxury on her father's sugar plantation in Guiana, South America. She is about to marry the man of her dreams, George Quint; a black postman from the slums. When Winnie has to travel to seek medical help for her son, George is left behind. Yoyo, Winnie's sister, is fed up with living in her shadow playing second fiddle to her mother's favourite daughter. Full of resentment, Yoyo sets out to seek revenge against Winnie while she is away, laying the grounds for a trap which will have devastating consequences for them all.
It's set in 1912 and therefore the dynamics between the two families are fascinating, as is the relationship between George and Winnie. It is not a period of history I know much about but there is always something compelling about people who transcended barriers and break with convention. Particularly as it is a woman choosing to marry not only for love, but choosing someone who is such a contrast to her own social standing and race. I thought this inversion of the woman being white and the man black, created a more original take on a story set within a plantation.
The chapters alternate between Winnie, George, Yoyo and occasionally, Winnie's mother. Maas' use of multiple narrators is deftly handled to help us become more involved with Winnie and George as we are more privy to their thoughts and perspectives. I liked hearing so much from George as he grappled with bringing a white woman into his community and fiercely hoping love and dedication would protect them from outside danger. What was also compelling about this novel was how quickly I was transported to another time and place. I was so caught up in the exotic location- Maas' description of her character's actions, behaviours, dialogue so effective - that I got a shock every time I glanced up from the page and out the window at the dark rain clouds outside the window of my modern, gadget filled kitchen.
This is a heartwarming saga of love, marriage and families. Winnie and George are so totally besotted with each other; so patient, understanding, thoughtful and kind to each other, they immediately gain the admiration of the reader. George says that "Winnie and I filled spaces in each other's souls" and even after some distressing arguments and overcoming various challenges, George comments on how desperately they need each other. Winnie knows the "real" him and they need each other in order to fulfil their own potential and recognise who they really are. At the beginning of the novel, I did feel a sense of foreboding as their relationship was so perfect I knew that it was surely going to be tested and wasn't quite sure how they would survive that. However, as Mama says, "We live in order to learn the lessons of love."
George is a character of integrity, loyalty and morals. His empathy and constant consideration of how his wife might be coping with having to leave her huge, comfortable home and live with his parents in the slums is charming. Winnie is a character of great strength. Occasionally she imagines what might have happened had she followed in a more conventional path but she is not perturbed by her sudden need to learn to cook, clean and raise a family without any assistance or paid help. She is unfailingly positive and embraces the challenges.
Conversely Yoyo has married more "appropriately" and is running the family business. She is married but unhappy and childless. She is almost the opposite to Winnie. She is a jealous and bitter woman who is manipulative and clever. Although not the main protagonist, Yoyo undergoes a real journey throughout the novel and although hard to like, she can rustle up some sympathy from the reader as more of her past and present is revealed. But her role in the novel is well handled - powerlessly watching her orchestrate a monstrous plan creates so much tension and suspense, that it is difficult to read on without feeling slightly sick with nerves!
This is a story about love, secrets, obsession, social conventions and pressure. There is laughter, happiness, strength and fortitude but there is also grief, helplessness and sadness. It's not a roller coaster ride of a novel, more a meandering along undulating countryside with some hidden and unexpected sharp corners. I liked the atmosphere, tone and pace of the novel and it very much suited the era and characters. And of course, the uplifting message about love - when genuine and truthful - really is able to heal, help and rebuild bridges.
This is going to be a hit this summer and would be the perfect addition to any suitcase. Maas can certainly write a great tale, full of ups and downs, strong characters; evoking a moment in history effortlessly and authentically. I would recommend it to fans of Dinah Jefferies, Katherine Webb, Kate Riordan and anyone who enjoys a saga where the lines between families are crossed, broken and tested.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this novel in return for a fair and honest review.
July 31, 2018
Could not get into this book. Read first 50 or so pages, but not for me. Too descriptive and lost in back story. Not enough going on. If you like beautifully described settings, this might be for you. I put it on the swap shelf in the hotel on holiday and it was taken within a day, so someone was grateful.
May 9, 2021
It was good to find a book set in Guyana. The setting of early 20th century, sugar plantations, exploitation of workers, British Empire, racism etc was all interesting and well portrayed. But I found the characters to be a bit “cartoonish”. I finished it but won’t be looking for any more work from this author. Just my humble opinion.
June 5, 2017
Loved this book in the series. As usual, Winnie's story is engrossing as well as George's, as we see their family grow. Felt a bit sorry for Yoyo, did not expect to see that happen and it seems like there is another book in this series? I hope!
April 4, 2020
Loved this series ,wonderful descriptions of 19th Century Guyana This was my favourite book of the Trilogy.
January 17, 2024
An absorbing book - combining race, class and love in British Guiana. An enjoyable Summer read.
February 6, 2025
Another good book in this Trilogy. Interesting episodes which make for being unable to put the book down.
April 18, 2021
Excellent
This book is unputdownable loved every minute of reading it.best I have read in a long time even though read the last one first I’m sure won’t spoil the other. Keep writing Sharon you are a ten star writer,
This book is unputdownable loved every minute of reading it.best I have read in a long time even though read the last one first I’m sure won’t spoil the other. Keep writing Sharon you are a ten star writer,
March 17, 2017
Very good
This book was very good. I read the previous book about two sisters growing up on a plantation and how their lives were very sheltered. This book is a continuation of that story and their married lives. The sisters were very different in every way and this story is about all of those differences and what happened to each of them.
This book was very good. I read the previous book about two sisters growing up on a plantation and how their lives were very sheltered. This book is a continuation of that story and their married lives. The sisters were very different in every way and this story is about all of those differences and what happened to each of them.
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