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Beneath a Golden Veil
Isabelle Labrie keeps her past concealed, like the treasure she hides under the Golden Hotel. The year is 1853, and it s the heyday of the California Gold Rush."
500 pages, Library Binding
First published November 8, 2016
326 people are currently reading
1837 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Dobson
50 books1,752 followersWriting fiction is a fun excuse for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and suspense.
Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.
More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.
Melanie is the award-winning author of almost thirty time-slip, historical romance, suspense, and contemporary novels including Catching the Wind, The Winter Rose, and The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Five of her novels including Chateau of Secrets have won Carol Awards, Catching the Wind won the Audie 2018 Inspirational Fiction award, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won Best Novel of Indiana. Catching the Wind and Memories of Glass were both finalists for Christy Awards in historical fiction.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, have two daughters. After moving numerous times with Jon's work, the Dobsons have finally settled near Portland, Oregon, and they love to travel and hike in both the mountains and the cliffs above the Pacific. When Melanie isn't writing or researching, she enjoys line dancing, biking, and making up stories with her kids.
More information about her and her books is available on her website at www.melaniedobson.com. You can also connect with Melanie at www.facebook.com/melaniedobsonfiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
July 3, 2024
This is the first book I read by Melanie Dobson, it had been sitting on my TBR too long.
This is a wonderful Historical Fiction novel. It takes you from Virginia to the California Gold rush.
The plot deals with slavery and abolition.
Isabelle Laurie is the owner of The Golden Hotel and has her own secrets. She encounters runaway slaves escaping the south. Should she help in hiding these slaves? Will her own secret be revealed in doing so.
This is a very well written and researched Historical fiction novel. I loved the descriptions of the California mining town and how they tried to find gold nuggets.
I loved Isabel’s story. Yes there is romance.
This is a wonderful Historical Fiction novel. It takes you from Virginia to the California Gold rush.
The plot deals with slavery and abolition.
Isabelle Laurie is the owner of The Golden Hotel and has her own secrets. She encounters runaway slaves escaping the south. Should she help in hiding these slaves? Will her own secret be revealed in doing so.
This is a very well written and researched Historical fiction novel. I loved the descriptions of the California mining town and how they tried to find gold nuggets.
I loved Isabel’s story. Yes there is romance.
December 30, 2016
I have come to expect compelling, quality writing when I start a new Melanie Dobson novel, and Beneath a Golden Veil completely meets those expectations. I’ve not read many novels that talk about California in this time in history that pay more attention to slavery rather than the Gold Rush. While that is portrayed as well, the foggy nature of California law regarding slavery is the more unique aspect of this novel, one that is brought vibrantly to life.
Though California was a free state in the 1850s, those that owned slaves could certainly still visit and conduct business there without repercussion and, sadly, of course, could still own another person as “property.” Isabelle Labrie, owner and proprietor of an upscale hotel in the city, knows that even though slavery isn’t legal there, there is still a huge risk in helping runaways on their way to freedom. She is a woman beyond her time, but not unrealistically so. Her demeanor fits the time period, yet her bravery is inspiring.
California provides a strong comparison to Scott’s Grove in Virginia, where Alden Payne can’t condone his family’s actions as slave owners. As a law student and firm believer in the liberty of all, he rescues a young slave, Isaac, from his family plantation, fearing that Isaac would face the same fate as his childhood best friend. California appears to be a beacon of hope, and his journey there is fraught with danger and uncertainty. On top of this already harrowing journey, there is someone tracking them – Isaac’s former owner, who has allowed a near delusion to take over in his mind in his manic search.
The past and present of each character intersect vividly, and though some pieces begin to come together throughout the story, exactly how they are all connected does not become clear until the end. Isabelle’s true bravery is not fully realized until the latter half of the story, though there are certain hints that led me to realize it beforehand. Alden perhaps undergoes the biggest development throughout the story, making many personal sacrifices in order to do the right thing. That Dobson chooses to base the key characters on real-life historical figures only adds to the realism of their actions.
Since this is a story about slavery, there are several scenes and things spoken about that will sadden any reader. The author does not sugarcoat or make things appear pleasant when they shouldn’t appear so. I never thought that the language pushed too far, but rather it provides an authenticity to the narrative. The story testifies to the horror of slavery, paying homage to those that fought against it and honoring those that had to live through it. Through these characters, I both saw and mourned the loss of lives, liberty and untapped merit of those who never got to live in freedom.
Though this new novel didn’t replace my favorite Dobson novel just yet (that remains to be Chateau of Secrets), it is so worth the read. The only way that history will not repeat itself is by not allowing ourselves to forget it and by remembering and honoring those who lived through these horrific times. I appreciate that she tackles a bleak time in United States history with both sensitivity and realism. And definitely don’t skip out on the Author’s Note – it truly adds the richness of her research and the historical figures paid homage in the story. Melanie Dobson has a fan for life in this reader, and I eagerly await her 2017 release.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, which I chose to review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Though California was a free state in the 1850s, those that owned slaves could certainly still visit and conduct business there without repercussion and, sadly, of course, could still own another person as “property.” Isabelle Labrie, owner and proprietor of an upscale hotel in the city, knows that even though slavery isn’t legal there, there is still a huge risk in helping runaways on their way to freedom. She is a woman beyond her time, but not unrealistically so. Her demeanor fits the time period, yet her bravery is inspiring.
California provides a strong comparison to Scott’s Grove in Virginia, where Alden Payne can’t condone his family’s actions as slave owners. As a law student and firm believer in the liberty of all, he rescues a young slave, Isaac, from his family plantation, fearing that Isaac would face the same fate as his childhood best friend. California appears to be a beacon of hope, and his journey there is fraught with danger and uncertainty. On top of this already harrowing journey, there is someone tracking them – Isaac’s former owner, who has allowed a near delusion to take over in his mind in his manic search.
The past and present of each character intersect vividly, and though some pieces begin to come together throughout the story, exactly how they are all connected does not become clear until the end. Isabelle’s true bravery is not fully realized until the latter half of the story, though there are certain hints that led me to realize it beforehand. Alden perhaps undergoes the biggest development throughout the story, making many personal sacrifices in order to do the right thing. That Dobson chooses to base the key characters on real-life historical figures only adds to the realism of their actions.
Since this is a story about slavery, there are several scenes and things spoken about that will sadden any reader. The author does not sugarcoat or make things appear pleasant when they shouldn’t appear so. I never thought that the language pushed too far, but rather it provides an authenticity to the narrative. The story testifies to the horror of slavery, paying homage to those that fought against it and honoring those that had to live through it. Through these characters, I both saw and mourned the loss of lives, liberty and untapped merit of those who never got to live in freedom.
Though this new novel didn’t replace my favorite Dobson novel just yet (that remains to be Chateau of Secrets), it is so worth the read. The only way that history will not repeat itself is by not allowing ourselves to forget it and by remembering and honoring those who lived through these horrific times. I appreciate that she tackles a bleak time in United States history with both sensitivity and realism. And definitely don’t skip out on the Author’s Note – it truly adds the richness of her research and the historical figures paid homage in the story. Melanie Dobson has a fan for life in this reader, and I eagerly await her 2017 release.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, which I chose to review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
January 17, 2020
I absolutely loved Isabel’s saga! Wow, did that girl have some incredible secrets!! Isabel’s part of the story is five-star, all the way.
When it comes to side characters, some are strong (Alden) but others are weaker. The villains are all incredibly one-dimensional, rapists and murderers and bigamists. This really gouged my enjoyment, but Isabel’s story overshadowed it so well that I had no trouble getting on to the next scene.
There are various sub-plots which deal often with Isabel’s deep identification with abolition and the various slaves she runs across during the story. The emotional scenes of longing for freedom and the deep ramifications of having one’s entire future devoured by someone else’s plans was spot-on and so well written.
Things I had a hard time believing:
—all slaves in the story had no dialect and managed to scrabble up some basic form of education/marketable skills
—a newborn having golden-hazel eyes directly after birth
—a child of eight speaking like a lawyer and reading Moby-Dick
—a rich white slaveowner managing to conceal his illiteracy
—literally every slaveowner is the worst of the worst and has no redeeming qualities or even any conflict of interest in their actions
—People who help slaveowners or who think twice about abolition are tossed in the emotional suspect pool (there was some form of justification for this at an emotional twist later in the story, but from Alden’s POV it remained rather problematic, especially when aimed at people who were completely innocent of such thoughts/simply thinking things over
—a child who is under 1/8 black being recognizably black in California....it seemed really unlikely, where Mexicans are so common, that he wouldn’t have instead been thought Spanish, even if he was as dark as described. (“Throwback kids” are not proven by science to the extent the story details and remain an unproven myth.)
—but then a villain with a completely seared conscience, murder on his hands, and an obsessed stalker, ...major spoiler... so I had a really hard time believing that outcome. Also that anyone in a small town where a trial had just been held wouldn’t recognize one of the plaintiffs from the trial on sight. (Prime entertainment, right there.)
Anyway, despite the ways that small Isaac’s story and background—as illegitimate son of one of the white villains—bugged me and made me question it, he was an endearing child and I think his story would have raised zero questions with me if he had instead been 1/4 black and ten to twelve years old.
Alden was a good lead though I’d have preferred his emotions would have been as deeply excavated as Isabel’s were...I think if he’d been that well explored, I’d have give it five stars despite all the suspension of belief.
I loved the vivid descriptions of California and the mining town. So colorful and well done!
Anyone should read this story just for Isabel’s saga.
Narration: I listened to the audiobook version. I grew tired of the shrill portrayal of half of the voices, but otherwise the narration is very well done. Four stars for that.
When it comes to side characters, some are strong (Alden) but others are weaker. The villains are all incredibly one-dimensional, rapists and murderers and bigamists. This really gouged my enjoyment, but Isabel’s story overshadowed it so well that I had no trouble getting on to the next scene.
There are various sub-plots which deal often with Isabel’s deep identification with abolition and the various slaves she runs across during the story. The emotional scenes of longing for freedom and the deep ramifications of having one’s entire future devoured by someone else’s plans was spot-on and so well written.
Things I had a hard time believing:
—all slaves in the story had no dialect and managed to scrabble up some basic form of education/marketable skills
—a newborn having golden-hazel eyes directly after birth
—a child of eight speaking like a lawyer and reading Moby-Dick
—a rich white slaveowner managing to conceal his illiteracy
—literally every slaveowner is the worst of the worst and has no redeeming qualities or even any conflict of interest in their actions
—People who help slaveowners or who think twice about abolition are tossed in the emotional suspect pool (there was some form of justification for this at an emotional twist later in the story, but from Alden’s POV it remained rather problematic, especially when aimed at people who were completely innocent of such thoughts/simply thinking things over
—a child who is under 1/8 black being recognizably black in California....it seemed really unlikely, where Mexicans are so common, that he wouldn’t have instead been thought Spanish, even if he was as dark as described. (“Throwback kids” are not proven by science to the extent the story details and remain an unproven myth.)
—but then a villain with a completely seared conscience, murder on his hands, and an obsessed stalker, ...major spoiler... so I had a really hard time believing that outcome. Also that anyone in a small town where a trial had just been held wouldn’t recognize one of the plaintiffs from the trial on sight. (Prime entertainment, right there.)
Anyway, despite the ways that small Isaac’s story and background—as illegitimate son of one of the white villains—bugged me and made me question it, he was an endearing child and I think his story would have raised zero questions with me if he had instead been 1/4 black and ten to twelve years old.
Alden was a good lead though I’d have preferred his emotions would have been as deeply excavated as Isabel’s were...I think if he’d been that well explored, I’d have give it five stars despite all the suspension of belief.
I loved the vivid descriptions of California and the mining town. So colorful and well done!
Anyone should read this story just for Isabel’s saga.
Narration: I listened to the audiobook version. I grew tired of the shrill portrayal of half of the voices, but otherwise the narration is very well done. Four stars for that.
November 26, 2017
I think it's about time we invent a new genre - historical bullshit. Because this isn't historical fiction, really. It's so far off I can't even...
This book and I started off on the wrong foot. The 4th sentence reads like this:
He looked up at her, his hazel eyes searching her face. It was as if he knew he had someone to call his own as well.
That's about a baby she has just given birth to and holds for the first time. Yeah, no. Babies are phisically incapable of focusing their eyes for about 8 weeks of their life. It's a skill they learn, much like walking and talking. A newborn baby can't look in her eyes, hold them, much less have an expression. BIOLOGY! Jeez, everyone knows that. C'mon, the sentimental bullshit this early on in a book just makes me think the rest will be equally stupid.
And it is, of course.
An 8-year old slave Negro boy talks like an eloquent educated adult. First of all, even modern children don't talk in such long sentences and with no mistakes, and to an adult stranger no less. Let alone a negro-slave boy in 1853. That's just... ugh.
He has interesting ideas about what's appropriate and what isn't. He thinks it's too much to ride in a carriage with his new master (the master offered because it's winter and the boy has no shoes or warm clothes), because:
“Master said Africa boiled my blood.”
But has no problems voicing his intention to run away from slavery soon and search for gold. Hm, did such talk go over smoothly in his previous home? Doubt it.
A Christmas celebration at a big plantator's house is cancelled because a slave ran away. Doubt it.
Ok, I have zero patience for this. The author lost all credibility. Won't waste my time anymore. DNF
This book and I started off on the wrong foot. The 4th sentence reads like this:
He looked up at her, his hazel eyes searching her face. It was as if he knew he had someone to call his own as well.
That's about a baby she has just given birth to and holds for the first time. Yeah, no. Babies are phisically incapable of focusing their eyes for about 8 weeks of their life. It's a skill they learn, much like walking and talking. A newborn baby can't look in her eyes, hold them, much less have an expression. BIOLOGY! Jeez, everyone knows that. C'mon, the sentimental bullshit this early on in a book just makes me think the rest will be equally stupid.
And it is, of course.
An 8-year old slave Negro boy talks like an eloquent educated adult. First of all, even modern children don't talk in such long sentences and with no mistakes, and to an adult stranger no less. Let alone a negro-slave boy in 1853. That's just... ugh.
He has interesting ideas about what's appropriate and what isn't. He thinks it's too much to ride in a carriage with his new master (the master offered because it's winter and the boy has no shoes or warm clothes), because:
“Master said Africa boiled my blood.”
But has no problems voicing his intention to run away from slavery soon and search for gold. Hm, did such talk go over smoothly in his previous home? Doubt it.
A Christmas celebration at a big plantator's house is cancelled because a slave ran away. Doubt it.
Ok, I have zero patience for this. The author lost all credibility. Won't waste my time anymore. DNF
November 8, 2016
* I received a free ebook from NetGalley in exchange of a honest review.*
It's the first time I read a book about the California Gold Rush in 1853 and slavery, and I really liked it. It's also my first Melanie Dobson novel and I'm not disappointed. The characters were all so well described. How I loathed Victor Duvall! The writing flows and it's a fast read. It was sometimes hard to read because of the subject of slaves, but I liked to learn more about this history. Really liked it.
It's the first time I read a book about the California Gold Rush in 1853 and slavery, and I really liked it. It's also my first Melanie Dobson novel and I'm not disappointed. The characters were all so well described. How I loathed Victor Duvall! The writing flows and it's a fast read. It was sometimes hard to read because of the subject of slaves, but I liked to learn more about this history. Really liked it.
January 22, 2017
Isabelle Labrie is the proprietor of a classy motel in California during the gold rush days. Alden Payton is a son of a wealthy Virginian plantation owner. In his determination to help free a slave he flees to California. He meets Isabelle who is hiding from her past and soon meets with danger. Alden tries to save her but ends up in trouble himself. This is a courageous story of the fight against slavery.
November 9, 2016
"Beneath a Golden Veil," by Melanie Dobson, was a book that stuck with me for days after I read it. The story is set in the years before the American Civil War, and is about slavery, its injustices, and how it divided people, even within the same family.
"Beneath a Golden Veil" touches on the issues about slavery, freedom, and the need to treat every human being with dignity and respect regardless of their skin colour. The novel speaks about dark things that humans can do against each other, and ultimately, against God. The lives and relationships of several of the characters, whether they were protagonists or antagonists, were messed up. However, there was also hope for those who put their hope in the Lord, both in the present world, and in the world to come.
Also, in the novel, the author tells us through the characters that it doesn't matter what people think because the past shouldn't define us if we are children of God. I think that this is such a precious truth. Our identities, as children of God, are based on God's Word and on Jesus' sacrifice for us; it is not based on what happened to us in the past, or by anything that we have done. (John 1:12 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God...).
There are discussion questions in the back of the book that I found thought provoking, particularly the one that asked, "The issue of slavery divided the United States of America in the 1800s. What moral issues today divide our communities? How do you fight for what you believe is right?"
The novel is a bit weightier than your average historical romance; As I mentioned before, "Beneath a Golden Veil" made quite an impression on me over its themes and ideas which have stayed with me for days after I finished the book.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of "Beneath a Golden Veil" by Melanie Dobson from Net Galley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
This review also appears on my blog at:
http://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca
"Beneath a Golden Veil" touches on the issues about slavery, freedom, and the need to treat every human being with dignity and respect regardless of their skin colour. The novel speaks about dark things that humans can do against each other, and ultimately, against God. The lives and relationships of several of the characters, whether they were protagonists or antagonists, were messed up. However, there was also hope for those who put their hope in the Lord, both in the present world, and in the world to come.
Also, in the novel, the author tells us through the characters that it doesn't matter what people think because the past shouldn't define us if we are children of God. I think that this is such a precious truth. Our identities, as children of God, are based on God's Word and on Jesus' sacrifice for us; it is not based on what happened to us in the past, or by anything that we have done. (John 1:12 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God...).
There are discussion questions in the back of the book that I found thought provoking, particularly the one that asked, "The issue of slavery divided the United States of America in the 1800s. What moral issues today divide our communities? How do you fight for what you believe is right?"
The novel is a bit weightier than your average historical romance; As I mentioned before, "Beneath a Golden Veil" made quite an impression on me over its themes and ideas which have stayed with me for days after I finished the book.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of "Beneath a Golden Veil" by Melanie Dobson from Net Galley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
This review also appears on my blog at:
http://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca
March 4, 2017
A moving story set against the turmoil of pre-Civil War America! Starting with a prologue in 1844 Virginia, the story jumps nine years ahead, with several characters whose lives intersect in the gold country of California. From the wild streets of San Francisco and Sacramento, up to the Sierra foothills, the colorful backdrop of the boom towns created by the rush of hopeful miners, is a perfect setting for this gritty story.
"Having heard all of this...you can never again say that you did not know."--William Wilberforce.
The author explores the topic of slavery in the 1850's from a lot of different angles, showing the conflict and consequences of the lack of protection given to anyone of African descent. Poor Isabelle has led such a hard life, yet her faith and the love given to her by her family help her keep her head up, and remember who she really is: a daughter of the living God. Overcoming shame from abuse is still sadly a relevant topic for many today. Alden is a good study in conflicted interests, trying to honor his slave-owning father, yet holding to his convictions that it's wrong. His kindness towards little Isaac, even to the point of putting his life on the line, is a real picture of Christ's love and grace towards all of us. There are some interesting contrasts in the many relationships between men and women too, showing how destructive some people can be in the name of love (selfish or lustful "love"), versus how sacrificial and healing a selfless, respect-filled relationship can be. The author does a good job of balancing the hard reality with a hopefulness.
Recommend for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction that tackles difficult topics, with a little faith and hope attached. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
"Having heard all of this...you can never again say that you did not know."--William Wilberforce.
The author explores the topic of slavery in the 1850's from a lot of different angles, showing the conflict and consequences of the lack of protection given to anyone of African descent. Poor Isabelle has led such a hard life, yet her faith and the love given to her by her family help her keep her head up, and remember who she really is: a daughter of the living God. Overcoming shame from abuse is still sadly a relevant topic for many today. Alden is a good study in conflicted interests, trying to honor his slave-owning father, yet holding to his convictions that it's wrong. His kindness towards little Isaac, even to the point of putting his life on the line, is a real picture of Christ's love and grace towards all of us. There are some interesting contrasts in the many relationships between men and women too, showing how destructive some people can be in the name of love (selfish or lustful "love"), versus how sacrificial and healing a selfless, respect-filled relationship can be. The author does a good job of balancing the hard reality with a hopefulness.
Recommend for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction that tackles difficult topics, with a little faith and hope attached. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
February 20, 2018
Melanie Dobson is a wonderful Christian historical fiction author, and I have enjoyed reading this story. Set during the California gold rush, the plot deals with slavery, abolitionists, abuse, kidnapping, clean romance, and the unfair way trials were held during that time. The plot kept my attention, and I recommend this book.
April 9, 2017
I enjoyed reading very much about Isaac and Alden but found myself less that thrilled with Isabelle. I just didn't seem to like her as much. On a side note I couldn't believe she let Fanny hang around for six months without being honest with her about Ross and then sending her on her way. So often books are written without thinking what someone in real life would do and I found that a little with this read. Aunt Emmeline gives Isabelle a box with a surprise in it and she waits way in to the book before opening and I felt like that really wouldn't happen in real life. I would have opened that box before I got home! Maybe there was some melodramatic moments I could have done without. A good read I just couldn't help but want to skip pages every-time I got to Isabelle. I just found her a little unbelievable.
October 21, 2018
4.5 stars
October 23, 2016
A beauitful story of redemption and God's love. I mainly chose to read this because I've wanted to try this author for sometime, the storyline sounded interesting, and the cover...Wow! The cover is beauitful!!
The story isn't entirely unique, but I thought it was a very well written. The alternating POVs of Victor (Ugh!), Isabelle, and Alden were fascinating. Victor is the typical bad guy character-desperate to the end. Isabella had the strongest character background. I was surprised by several things that came out from her past. Alden is a wonderful hero...I immediately liked him when he stood up for his friend Benjamin.
The romance was great! Yes, Alden recognized Isabella's beauty, but it was never lust. There were a couple kisses, but not detailed. There is mention's of seduction, brothels, and a man forcing himself on a girl-all of it was written discreetly.
The spiritual thread is well done. There could have been a little bit more at the beginning, but it played out really well into the truth of God's love on EVERY human being.
The rose used to remind her of death, but now it reminded her of the delivate blooming of renewal. New life. And the beauty of freedom-the greatest gift of all.
*I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
The story isn't entirely unique, but I thought it was a very well written. The alternating POVs of Victor (Ugh!), Isabelle, and Alden were fascinating. Victor is the typical bad guy character-desperate to the end. Isabella had the strongest character background. I was surprised by several things that came out from her past. Alden is a wonderful hero...I immediately liked him when he stood up for his friend Benjamin.
The romance was great! Yes, Alden recognized Isabella's beauty, but it was never lust. There were a couple kisses, but not detailed. There is mention's of seduction, brothels, and a man forcing himself on a girl-all of it was written discreetly.
The spiritual thread is well done. There could have been a little bit more at the beginning, but it played out really well into the truth of God's love on EVERY human being.
The rose used to remind her of death, but now it reminded her of the delivate blooming of renewal. New life. And the beauty of freedom-the greatest gift of all.
*I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
February 21, 2022
Best for ages 16 and up for repeated mentions of women slaves being used (not detailed) and slave families being torn apart.
Dobson is a solid writer that pulled in a lot of great historical locations and facts to create a great historical story.
I can't say any of the characters or the story wowed me or will probably stick with me. But the novel was solid and had some great twists and turns.
Younger readers might find this book a helpful resource to use to discuss historical and continued racial tensions.
Dobson is a solid writer that pulled in a lot of great historical locations and facts to create a great historical story.
I can't say any of the characters or the story wowed me or will probably stick with me. But the novel was solid and had some great twists and turns.
Younger readers might find this book a helpful resource to use to discuss historical and continued racial tensions.
November 29, 2020
A well written page turner, this pre Civil War era novel was full of surprises! I read it in two sittings! There was a lack of romance until literally the very end, but it wasn't suppose to necessarily be a romance. There was some history, but not overly much. I thought the end wrapped up in rather a rush, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Most of Dobson's I've read thus far have been time split, but this one stayed in the same era the whole book.
March 30, 2021
I was a little bit disappointed because justice wasn't fully served. Perhaps if I'd ever read Moby Dick, I'd understand the ending better. Since the very idea of reading that book gives me hives, I'll have to be content with my shallow understanding of this book and the obsession that drives the villain in the story. However, I did enjoy reading this story and was inspired by the characters' boldness in speaking out for truth and sacrificing for the freedom of others.
September 27, 2022
Tremendously gifted author. Exceptional read.
February 3, 2021
This story is told from three points of view:
#1: Alden Payne: A young man attending Harvard Law school who'd always felt slavery was wrong, even though his father owned many slaves. As he was leaving from a visit with his sister she thrust a young slave boy at him saying Isaac was her Christmas present to their father.
#2: Victor Duvall: An evil man (and Alden's brother-in-law) who doesn't realize his wife has just given away his personal slave.
#3: The lovely Isabel Labrie: The owner of a hotel in Sacramento who has secrets in her past she can't share with a soul.
Story (without giving too much away)...
During Christmas break from Harvard, Alden returns to the family's plantation in Virginia where everyone on is on a manhunt for an escaped slave. The end result is that slave being found which propels Alden to leave with young Isaac. Victor, however, is hot on his heels, chasing him and the slave he wants back.
The lives of these three people intersect with what turns out to be a most fascinating story.
I like this book a lot, I just wish that it had been told in a more genuine (true to history) way. The author chose to not use authentic wording for the slaves appropriate for that time and those circumstances. None spoke differently from their masters and some of them even spoke eloquently. No colloquialisms whatsoever such as massa. Some even chose to stand up to their masters and speak plainly in an argumentative fashion, which I just don't see happening. You would barely know the little boy Isaac was a slave by the way he spoke or acted.
I don't want to fault the writing too much, even though it did bother me some. The story really was good. In fact, I had a Bible study I was really supposed to be working on, but didn't want to stop reading. Ah well, I'm done now, so I'll work on it tomorrow.
#1: Alden Payne: A young man attending Harvard Law school who'd always felt slavery was wrong, even though his father owned many slaves. As he was leaving from a visit with his sister she thrust a young slave boy at him saying Isaac was her Christmas present to their father.
#2: Victor Duvall: An evil man (and Alden's brother-in-law) who doesn't realize his wife has just given away his personal slave.
#3: The lovely Isabel Labrie: The owner of a hotel in Sacramento who has secrets in her past she can't share with a soul.
Story (without giving too much away)...
During Christmas break from Harvard, Alden returns to the family's plantation in Virginia where everyone on is on a manhunt for an escaped slave. The end result is that slave being found which propels Alden to leave with young Isaac. Victor, however, is hot on his heels, chasing him and the slave he wants back.
The lives of these three people intersect with what turns out to be a most fascinating story.
I like this book a lot, I just wish that it had been told in a more genuine (true to history) way. The author chose to not use authentic wording for the slaves appropriate for that time and those circumstances. None spoke differently from their masters and some of them even spoke eloquently. No colloquialisms whatsoever such as massa. Some even chose to stand up to their masters and speak plainly in an argumentative fashion, which I just don't see happening. You would barely know the little boy Isaac was a slave by the way he spoke or acted.
I don't want to fault the writing too much, even though it did bother me some. The story really was good. In fact, I had a Bible study I was really supposed to be working on, but didn't want to stop reading. Ah well, I'm done now, so I'll work on it tomorrow.
August 30, 2020
This novel is a compelling read about the dignity of a person and the right to a freedom - for every person independent of the colour of her skin.
It's the year of 1853 and the lives of beautiful hotel proprietor in Sacramento and the abolitionist from South starts to intertwine. Isabelle Labrie prepares to marry only to realize that the guy in question is not who he seems to be. Well, one can live with a disappointment, when there is a higher calling to do - to help the runaway slaves. That's why she takes an instant dislike to Alden Payne, as the young man is accompanied with a 12-year-old slave. Little does she know that Alden is trying to save the child! And that they have the same enemy, a twisted man who once abused a young slave girl and who is sickly fancying his son.
I find this very emotional read, describing the horrors of slavery well. The individual histories of people abused by the slavery' powers can powerfully reveal the very wrong ideas behind owning the other people. I applaud Ms Dobson for not being afraid to speak about the sexual abuse of female slaves by their owners - and also (in the lesser account, yet impactfully) how can these practices twisted all the dynamics that should be normal (I mean the slave owners families and the whole society).
While I have a neutral stand towards Isaac, I very much like Isabelle. How good for her to meet the loving people helping her to overcome her past experience! (And how sad that not everyone has this "luck" in life). To rise above the past is not easy, even with all the help. But it is possible. And this is one of the strongest messages from this book - that freedom and dignity are our true rights, even if all seems (or is) dark.
It's the year of 1853 and the lives of beautiful hotel proprietor in Sacramento and the abolitionist from South starts to intertwine. Isabelle Labrie prepares to marry only to realize that the guy in question is not who he seems to be. Well, one can live with a disappointment, when there is a higher calling to do - to help the runaway slaves. That's why she takes an instant dislike to Alden Payne, as the young man is accompanied with a 12-year-old slave. Little does she know that Alden is trying to save the child! And that they have the same enemy, a twisted man who once abused a young slave girl and who is sickly fancying his son.
I find this very emotional read, describing the horrors of slavery well. The individual histories of people abused by the slavery' powers can powerfully reveal the very wrong ideas behind owning the other people. I applaud Ms Dobson for not being afraid to speak about the sexual abuse of female slaves by their owners - and also (in the lesser account, yet impactfully) how can these practices twisted all the dynamics that should be normal (I mean the slave owners families and the whole society).
While I have a neutral stand towards Isaac, I very much like Isabelle. How good for her to meet the loving people helping her to overcome her past experience! (And how sad that not everyone has this "luck" in life). To rise above the past is not easy, even with all the help. But it is possible. And this is one of the strongest messages from this book - that freedom and dignity are our true rights, even if all seems (or is) dark.
November 21, 2016
Another great story by this author! I loved the characters and all the surprises in the story! Definitely recommend this book!
June 15, 2022
Beautiful story, well written. I liked Isabelle strength and determination to help others. She hid her past, ashamed and maybe sometimes afraid to reveal what she went through but found people like her uncle and aunt emeline and later Alden to help her and love her. God's hand was on her life every step on the way he carried her on his wings, He gave her back her freedom, her dignity and all the things she had lost.
March 24, 2024
A good representation of the horrors of slavery and courage of those fighting it
I always enjoy anything written by Melanie Dobson. This is not one of my favorites by her but is still quite good. The book is set primarily in Sacramento in the gold rush, pre civil war years. The book does a good job of showing the horrors of slavery and celebrating those who took stands against it. Some of the coincidences that were necessary to achieve the happily ever after were a little to unrealistic but overall I enjoyed the book.
I always enjoy anything written by Melanie Dobson. This is not one of my favorites by her but is still quite good. The book is set primarily in Sacramento in the gold rush, pre civil war years. The book does a good job of showing the horrors of slavery and celebrating those who took stands against it. Some of the coincidences that were necessary to achieve the happily ever after were a little to unrealistic but overall I enjoyed the book.
January 8, 2018
What a journey for the reader as the characters leave the plantations of Virginia and flee slavery and travel to California to face harsh issues there. I learned so much about the 1850s in the United States. and the fight for freedom of all mankind. The abuse is intense and widespread but good shines through the characters fighting for justice. Beautiful in its honesty.
October 25, 2016
This book is AMAZING! There are so many twists and turns, along with surprises that will keep you riveted to the pages of this book. Melanie Dobson has written a spell-binding story that will keep you up long into the night!
You'll get a glimpse of Millie who loses her baby (she's told he died) and then is sent away by the mistress of the house.
Fast forward a few years)
Then you meet Alden who is responsible for a nine year old boy that has been thrust upon...again by the same mistress. This mistress is Alden's sister. When Alden arrives home for Christmas his life changes dramatically and he makes changes.
Alden and Isaac travel together finding themselves and discovering more about their life and their endurance.
You'll meet Isabelle. A strong and determined woman. With a powerful secret. I loved Isabella! Her character reminds me of myself! Isabella is determined to see all slaves are free.
I totally disliked Victor. I was hoping he would've accidentally been killed off by the end of the book.
I didn't know anything about California's 'free law state' for slaves, but it didn't seem very effective or helpful. I think it's true about a lot of things in history, there's so much we know but yet there's so much we don't know. Either it's because we were not taught or we just didn't want to know those details.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, in Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. Thank you, Waterfall Press and Netgalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book!
You'll get a glimpse of Millie who loses her baby (she's told he died) and then is sent away by the mistress of the house.
Fast forward a few years)
Then you meet Alden who is responsible for a nine year old boy that has been thrust upon...again by the same mistress. This mistress is Alden's sister. When Alden arrives home for Christmas his life changes dramatically and he makes changes.
Alden and Isaac travel together finding themselves and discovering more about their life and their endurance.
You'll meet Isabelle. A strong and determined woman. With a powerful secret. I loved Isabella! Her character reminds me of myself! Isabella is determined to see all slaves are free.
I totally disliked Victor. I was hoping he would've accidentally been killed off by the end of the book.
I didn't know anything about California's 'free law state' for slaves, but it didn't seem very effective or helpful. I think it's true about a lot of things in history, there's so much we know but yet there's so much we don't know. Either it's because we were not taught or we just didn't want to know those details.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, in Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. Thank you, Waterfall Press and Netgalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book!
January 13, 2017
"Each of us has a natural right-from God- to defend his person, his liberty and his property."
The elegant Isabelle Labrie has experienced life on both sides of liberty, maintaining her comfortable lifestyle as a co-owner of the esteemed Golden Hotel, situated in the midst of Sacramento, California during the height of the infamous Gold Rush; her past but a distant memory, but a constant fear; her future hopeful, but infinitely precarious. Isabelle covertly uses her good fortune to aid those who are less fortunate, especially those desperately fighting against the nearly impenetrable chains of slavery.
Alden Payne is an aspiring Harvard law student, until his cruel father crosses the line of civility and commits a heinous act. Fleeing the East Coast with a young Negro boy, Alden fights his way to California, where the state slavery laws are progressive but murky, and where Alden has been promised gainful employment. When Alden's path happens to cross that of the lovely Isabelle Labrie; his life, her life and the life of the young boy Alden is trying to free, enter into a battle for freedom that none of them ever imagined could have existed.
Liberty; a sacred ideal for those who don't have it, and especially precious for those who fear that it may simply be a mirage that will one day disappear. "Beneath a Golden Veil" gifts its readers with glimpses of the legacy that brave Americans fought for; earning "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" for all men and women, regardless of their heritage or skin color, for truly "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty".
The elegant Isabelle Labrie has experienced life on both sides of liberty, maintaining her comfortable lifestyle as a co-owner of the esteemed Golden Hotel, situated in the midst of Sacramento, California during the height of the infamous Gold Rush; her past but a distant memory, but a constant fear; her future hopeful, but infinitely precarious. Isabelle covertly uses her good fortune to aid those who are less fortunate, especially those desperately fighting against the nearly impenetrable chains of slavery.
Alden Payne is an aspiring Harvard law student, until his cruel father crosses the line of civility and commits a heinous act. Fleeing the East Coast with a young Negro boy, Alden fights his way to California, where the state slavery laws are progressive but murky, and where Alden has been promised gainful employment. When Alden's path happens to cross that of the lovely Isabelle Labrie; his life, her life and the life of the young boy Alden is trying to free, enter into a battle for freedom that none of them ever imagined could have existed.
Liberty; a sacred ideal for those who don't have it, and especially precious for those who fear that it may simply be a mirage that will one day disappear. "Beneath a Golden Veil" gifts its readers with glimpses of the legacy that brave Americans fought for; earning "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" for all men and women, regardless of their heritage or skin color, for truly "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty".
October 19, 2016
I think this has to be one of the best books by Melanie Dobson ever written! She definitely made me keep the pages turning!
The characters felt like they were real ppl and I wanted to scream at the injustice of it all!
God meant for all people to be equal!
There are heroines and heroes in this story.
my hero is Mr. Alden Payne. I was not sure about him at first but then he turned out to be pretty awesome!
Isabelle is my heroine. I say this because some things that she has had to endure in her lifetime should never have happened. I believe this is what made her faith, strength, and determination to stand even more through these trying times
There are people in this book that are evil and do evil things to others.
Bottom line : I enjoyed watching this story unfold, making new friends, rooting for the ones that got away, admired the ones who stayed and tried to make a go of it. They are the true and faithful ones and in the end they're the ones who enjoyed victory!
The characters felt like they were real ppl and I wanted to scream at the injustice of it all!
God meant for all people to be equal!
There are heroines and heroes in this story.
my hero is Mr. Alden Payne. I was not sure about him at first but then he turned out to be pretty awesome!
Isabelle is my heroine. I say this because some things that she has had to endure in her lifetime should never have happened. I believe this is what made her faith, strength, and determination to stand even more through these trying times
There are people in this book that are evil and do evil things to others.
Bottom line : I enjoyed watching this story unfold, making new friends, rooting for the ones that got away, admired the ones who stayed and tried to make a go of it. They are the true and faithful ones and in the end they're the ones who enjoyed victory!
November 12, 2016
A fantastic historical story
Melanie Dobson writes a great historical story in Beneath a Golden Veil. Much research must go into a story like this and it shows in Ms. Dobson's work.
Isabelle and Isaac's characters were by far my favorites, if I had to choose. They felt rich and multi-layered to me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via the Goodreads First-reads program.
Melanie Dobson writes a great historical story in Beneath a Golden Veil. Much research must go into a story like this and it shows in Ms. Dobson's work.
Isabelle and Isaac's characters were by far my favorites, if I had to choose. They felt rich and multi-layered to me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via the Goodreads First-reads program.
January 8, 2017
I got this book for Christmas. It is a quick read. I enjoyed it. It was interesting to read the initial chapters which seemed to be three unrelated stories and then see them become intertwined by the end!! I liked that it was set during the gold rush days of California and that it had some historical accurate elements to it regarding runaway slaves and their harrowing predicaments in a supposedly free state.
May 10, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Melanie Dobson and I really enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of antebellum historical fiction but this is the first I've read that takes place mostly in California. I had never really thought about the gold rush taking place less than a decade before the start of the civil war. The writing was compelling, the story was captivating, and I'm a sucker for happy endings.
April 1, 2023
This was an unexpected treat! Despite a rough start of which slaves were taken advantage of by which masters, this book calmed down into a delightful story of hope, determination, and second chances. The family drama was good, and the travel was wonderful. I especially liked the moral stand that Aldon took. Overall, this was a charming story.
Content: breastfeeding, derogatory terms, alcohol, tobacco, one profane word
Content: breastfeeding, derogatory terms, alcohol, tobacco, one profane word
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