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The Women of Rose Hill #1
The Planter's Daughter
Adella Rose Ellis knows her father has plans for her future, but she longs for the freedom to forge her own destiny. When the son of Luther Ellis's longtime friend arrives on the plantation to work as the new overseer, Adella can't help but fall for his charm and captivating hazel eyes. But a surprise betrothal to an older man, followed by a devastating revelation, forces Adella to choose the path that will either save her family's future or endanger the lives of the people most dear to her heart.
Seth Brantley never wanted to be an overseer. After a runaway slave shot him, ending his career as a Texas Ranger and leaving him with a painful limp, a job on the plantation owned by his father's friend is just what he needs to bide his time before heading to Oregon where a man can start over. What he hadn't bargained on was falling in love with the planter's daughter or finding that everything he once believed about Negroes wasn't true. Amid secrets unraveling and the hatching of a dangerous plan, Seth must become the very thing he'd spent the past four years chasing down: an outlaw.
Seth Brantley never wanted to be an overseer. After a runaway slave shot him, ending his career as a Texas Ranger and leaving him with a painful limp, a job on the plantation owned by his father's friend is just what he needs to bide his time before heading to Oregon where a man can start over. What he hadn't bargained on was falling in love with the planter's daughter or finding that everything he once believed about Negroes wasn't true. Amid secrets unraveling and the hatching of a dangerous plan, Seth must become the very thing he'd spent the past four years chasing down: an outlaw.
302 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2017
441 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Shocklee
11 books1,420 followersMichelle Shocklee is the author of several historical novels, including ALL WE THOUGHT WE KNEW, the 2025 Christy Award Book of the Year; APPALACHIAN SONG, a 2024 Christy Award Finalist; COUNT THE NIGHTS BY STARS, winner of the 2023 Christianity Today Book Award in Fiction; and UNDER THE TULIP TREE, a Christy Award & Selah Award finalist.
As a woman of mixed heritage--her father's family is Hispanic and her mother's roots go back to Germany--she has always celebrated diversity and feels it's important to see the world through the eyes of one another. Learning from the past and changing the future is why she writes historical fiction.
With both her sons grown and happily married, Michelle and her husband make their home in Tennessee.
Click the "Influences" link in Michelle's profile to read more about why the theme of forgiveness is important, even in fiction.
As a woman of mixed heritage--her father's family is Hispanic and her mother's roots go back to Germany--she has always celebrated diversity and feels it's important to see the world through the eyes of one another. Learning from the past and changing the future is why she writes historical fiction.
With both her sons grown and happily married, Michelle and her husband make their home in Tennessee.
Click the "Influences" link in Michelle's profile to read more about why the theme of forgiveness is important, even in fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 30, 2019
This is a "romance" between a SLAVE OVERSEER and a SLAVE OWNER and you literally have to be fucking kidding me.
Here's a representative sample of what you will find in this book. What in the ever-loving fuck is wrong with people?
This is Seth explaining why he hates enslaved people: Rubbing his sore thigh, Seth battled threads of all-too-familiar anger that snaked into his thoughts as memories flashed across his mind. He wouldn't be working for Luther Ellis if it wasn't for the runaway slave he'd tracked down to the Mexican border. The look of pity in Captain Clark's eyes when he informed Seth he could no longer serve as a Texas Ranger still ignited a smoldering hatred for the slave months later. It left little room for sympathetic thoughts towards the dead runaway or his kind.
THIS IS SO EFFING RACIST. Seth is ANGRY at a man who was willing to escape BEING ENSLAVED and decides it's cool to hate all of "his kind" because of it. This is jaw-dropping white supremacy at work, here. And the fact that people are positively reviewing a book that is willing to blame enslaved people for not having the good grace to just STAY ENSLAVED is one hell of a thing.
PS. I did not finish this book. This does not in any way render my critique invalid. See thread here: https://twitter.com/JenReadsRomance/s...
Here's a representative sample of what you will find in this book. What in the ever-loving fuck is wrong with people?
This is Seth explaining why he hates enslaved people: Rubbing his sore thigh, Seth battled threads of all-too-familiar anger that snaked into his thoughts as memories flashed across his mind. He wouldn't be working for Luther Ellis if it wasn't for the runaway slave he'd tracked down to the Mexican border. The look of pity in Captain Clark's eyes when he informed Seth he could no longer serve as a Texas Ranger still ignited a smoldering hatred for the slave months later. It left little room for sympathetic thoughts towards the dead runaway or his kind.
THIS IS SO EFFING RACIST. Seth is ANGRY at a man who was willing to escape BEING ENSLAVED and decides it's cool to hate all of "his kind" because of it. This is jaw-dropping white supremacy at work, here. And the fact that people are positively reviewing a book that is willing to blame enslaved people for not having the good grace to just STAY ENSLAVED is one hell of a thing.
PS. I did not finish this book. This does not in any way render my critique invalid. See thread here: https://twitter.com/JenReadsRomance/s...
December 5, 2019
This book is full of contemporary apologia about slavery and reads like it was written for people who find plantations romantic, instead of the work camps for brutalized and enslaved people. It's telling that those who love this book only imagine themselves in the white protagonists' places and cannot imagine a life where every facet of their world is controlled by brutes who have stolen their labor, sexuality, and choice. This book made me feel gross and I'm truly disgusted so many people can find anything about this racist setup (Seth, the male protagonist, is literally and overseer which the author manages to blame on a Black person so I guess that makes it okay...WTAF?). I give him no credit for his change of heart, because he enabled this institution for much longer in his life than he opposed it. The fact that this is an inspirational title (for whom???? I'll take my religion with 100% less condescension and slavery, thanks) just makes it all the more horrifying. All of the people who gave this four and five stars really need to look in their hearts and figure out where they veered off course. I'm pretty sure that the venn diagram of those who enjoyed this book and people who think that plantation weddings are acceptable is just a single circle.
I am never reading another book by this author.
I am never reading another book by this author.
May 27, 2017
5/1859, Williamson County, TX. Rose Hill Manor. Adella Rose Ellis (20) was preparing the servants to get the house ready for Natalie Langford (fiancé) & George (Adella’s brother) wedding.
Luther Ellis (papa, widower) had arrived back home early.
He introduced everyone to Seth Brantley (Daniel’s son, new overseer, former Texas Ranger).
There were 90 slaves to tend to on the plantation.
Seth was not looking forwarding to the sale of slaves.
Old Joseph normally drove the plantation wagon.
Monroe would see to the field workers.
George was being very mean/hateful to Carolina (slave girl, servant).
5 negros had ran off of adjoining plantations.
What news did Luther shock everyone with?
What did Luther remind Adella about Marshall Brevard?
Lucy (Negro slave) was having her baby. The girl was named Mara.
Would there be a suitor fit for Adella?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an
honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written Southern Planation book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Southern Planation movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Smitten Historical Romance; Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Luther Ellis (papa, widower) had arrived back home early.
He introduced everyone to Seth Brantley (Daniel’s son, new overseer, former Texas Ranger).
There were 90 slaves to tend to on the plantation.
Seth was not looking forwarding to the sale of slaves.
Old Joseph normally drove the plantation wagon.
Monroe would see to the field workers.
George was being very mean/hateful to Carolina (slave girl, servant).
5 negros had ran off of adjoining plantations.
What news did Luther shock everyone with?
What did Luther remind Adella about Marshall Brevard?
Lucy (Negro slave) was having her baby. The girl was named Mara.
Would there be a suitor fit for Adella?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an
honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written Southern Planation book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Southern Planation movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Smitten Historical Romance; Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Read
August 16, 2017I love Civil War Historicals with accurate information. Settings that place me there and plots sprinkled with the conflicts of the period. This book does all that and more. I fell in love with these well-crafted characters. When I turned the last page, mixed emotions grabbed me. The ending was perfect but I want to know more. Now I can’t wait for the next installment.
June 1, 2017
Wonderful story of love and forgiveness
Beautiful story of love for others, forgiveness and healing. A story which takes the reader into the life of slavery and the wealthy plantation owners and their cruelty. I enjoyed the characters who loved, respected and appreciated the slaves and made great sacrifices to help the slaves escape to freedom. This is a book which sticks with you long after you have finished reading. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes history. Great read!!! ☺
Beautiful story of love for others, forgiveness and healing. A story which takes the reader into the life of slavery and the wealthy plantation owners and their cruelty. I enjoyed the characters who loved, respected and appreciated the slaves and made great sacrifices to help the slaves escape to freedom. This is a book which sticks with you long after you have finished reading. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes history. Great read!!! ☺
May 19, 2017
A riveting read
Could not put the book down. It was very well written. There were no boring parts and it was fast moving. Will recommend to friends.
Could not put the book down. It was very well written. There were no boring parts and it was fast moving. Will recommend to friends.
May 22, 2017
EXCELLENT
Great story. Would love to read a sequel to see how everyone fairs after the great escape. Highly to go anyone old enough to understand slavery.
Great story. Would love to read a sequel to see how everyone fairs after the great escape. Highly to go anyone old enough to understand slavery.
June 20, 2017
Well written
I loved this story from beginning to end!! I feel the author really touched on this timeframe well. Sad, happy, revolting, love...
I loved this story from beginning to end!! I feel the author really touched on this timeframe well. Sad, happy, revolting, love...
March 7, 2017
Adella grew up as the only daughter on a plantation playing with slave children. She didn't think herself better being white, neither did her mother have those feelings of superiority. Her mother died as Adella reached maturity and soon after her only brother was to marry a young lady named Natalie. Natalie would become the true mistress of the manor now becoming the new Mrs. Ellis. Adella knew her father had been looking for a promising match for her, but before that happened, a former acquaintance came to work for her father as an overseer. She knew from the first moment of re-connection that there was something about him that intrigued. her. The more she got to know him the more she respected him for his values and character. It was sad for Adella to find out that her father was evil-spirited and would almost sell her to a husband to save his plantation and recover financial losses he incurred. Seth, the man Adella was falling in love with, offers a plan to take her away,along with a few of her dark friends, as he learns to forgive after being shot by a former slave. Will they make it to Mexico? Will they marry as planned? Read and find out.
May 24, 2017
A great read.
Michelle Shockley drew me into The Planter 's Daughter with her strong characters as they lived through the story. Adellia Rose and Seth must deal with tough decisions as they struggle with slavery in all of it's multidimensional ugliness. I highly recommend this book.
Michelle Shockley drew me into The Planter 's Daughter with her strong characters as they lived through the story. Adellia Rose and Seth must deal with tough decisions as they struggle with slavery in all of it's multidimensional ugliness. I highly recommend this book.
June 21, 2017
Beautiful written
I enjoyed every minute of this beautifully written & historical novel! Love, faith, grace & forgiveness are weaved throughout the story! I can't wait for book 2!
I enjoyed every minute of this beautifully written & historical novel! Love, faith, grace & forgiveness are weaved throughout the story! I can't wait for book 2!
August 10, 2017
This is a great book to read. It has love, compassion and empathy as well as suspense, and raw fear. It also educates you on the life a female had to endure during this time period.
May 7, 2017
A finely written story of courage on a southern plantation, just prior to the Civil War. I really enjoyed the mix in this book of drama and romance and the vividness of the characters true to their roles. I could clearly picture in my mind's eye what I thought about each of them. A page-turner, could hardly put it down kind of book. I hope this author will continue the story in subsequent books.
June 4, 2017
Great historical fiction!
The time is 1859. The setting of this book is on a large cotton plantation in Texas. The plantation owner's daughter, as indicated by the title, is the focus of this book.If you love this era, then you will love the storyline.The author does a great job of mixing romance, drama, and history of plantation life.
The time is 1859. The setting of this book is on a large cotton plantation in Texas. The plantation owner's daughter, as indicated by the title, is the focus of this book.If you love this era, then you will love the storyline.The author does a great job of mixing romance, drama, and history of plantation life.
not-gonna-read
October 28, 20191) I cannot believe this is a real book, but 2) I can totally believe that this is supposedly an "inspirational" romance
March 26, 2017
I love Civil War era stories and this one stands out to me because of its setting. It takes place in Texas. While that state played a part in the Civil War, it doesn't garner a lot of attention in historical fiction. We tend to get stuck in Gettysburg or Richmond or Savannah and forget that men who died in those places came from long distances to support their cause.
This story actually takes place just prior to the Civil War. The author plunks the reader down on a cotton plantation in Texas. She does a very credible job of balancing truth - which is unseemly to our modern eyes - and compassion in her characters. They aren't perfect, but people never are. They aren't stereotypical, which is refreshing.
I understand the next book in the series will be out early next year, and I'm looking forward to it!
This story actually takes place just prior to the Civil War. The author plunks the reader down on a cotton plantation in Texas. She does a very credible job of balancing truth - which is unseemly to our modern eyes - and compassion in her characters. They aren't perfect, but people never are. They aren't stereotypical, which is refreshing.
I understand the next book in the series will be out early next year, and I'm looking forward to it!
October 20, 2018
Awesome
I have never heard of this author before but I fell in love with her book she did an awesome job on the historical aspects and bringing both redemption...I can't wait to read more!
I have never heard of this author before but I fell in love with her book she did an awesome job on the historical aspects and bringing both redemption...I can't wait to read more!
not-reading-problematic-content
November 30, 2019There is no universe where I will ever want to read a romance about a slave owner and a slave overseer. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 7, 2019
What a great book and I loved reading it and highly recommend this. What a beautiful story of how people can change their beliefs and their conceptions. I loved the knowledge the author provided us of how the plantation life was at that time. Beautiful story of relationships, love and that time period
December 31, 2017
Nice to read a book with a smart woman...
Seems like the last few books I've read, the main female character is always making stupid, life threatening decisions. So, although it's disturbing to read about slavery all together, it was refreshing to see the lead woman think before she spoke or acted, and make smart decisions while still being a lady. This could have easily fallen into the typical historical (hysterical) mushy, romance filled with "pulsing, throbbing" everything, but instead it told a good, meaningful story, with strong characters. It was a pleasure and I look forward to a sequel where I can learn how the lives of Seth, Adele, Mara, Zina and Jespeth all progress. (My apologies for any misspellings of those names.)
Seems like the last few books I've read, the main female character is always making stupid, life threatening decisions. So, although it's disturbing to read about slavery all together, it was refreshing to see the lead woman think before she spoke or acted, and make smart decisions while still being a lady. This could have easily fallen into the typical historical (hysterical) mushy, romance filled with "pulsing, throbbing" everything, but instead it told a good, meaningful story, with strong characters. It was a pleasure and I look forward to a sequel where I can learn how the lives of Seth, Adele, Mara, Zina and Jespeth all progress. (My apologies for any misspellings of those names.)
April 12, 2018
I was trying to come in between a two star and three star. A two star, is "Its ok"... and that is really where this one fell for me.
It had an interesting storyline, enough that I kept reading, but it just feel flat in places for me. I really wanted to like it. It might be different for another reader, but somehow I struggled to connect to the hero. Someone else may just love him, but I really didn't connect with him until almost the very end when he semi-won me over.
Anyhow, if you enjoy stories before the whatever you want to call "The war between the states", this would be one you would want to check out.
It had an interesting storyline, enough that I kept reading, but it just feel flat in places for me. I really wanted to like it. It might be different for another reader, but somehow I struggled to connect to the hero. Someone else may just love him, but I really didn't connect with him until almost the very end when he semi-won me over.
Anyhow, if you enjoy stories before the whatever you want to call "The war between the states", this would be one you would want to check out.
January 16, 2018
Historical novel
This book was so hard to read how so many slaves were mistreated, but I praise the Lord there were republicans who despised people owning other people. I am grateful I can look back with pride there were heroes (republicans) fought for freedom for all even though democrats were so hateful they wanted only white skinned people to have freedom. This story showed the dangers the tender hearted people faced with much courage. I recommend the author.
This book was so hard to read how so many slaves were mistreated, but I praise the Lord there were republicans who despised people owning other people. I am grateful I can look back with pride there were heroes (republicans) fought for freedom for all even though democrats were so hateful they wanted only white skinned people to have freedom. This story showed the dangers the tender hearted people faced with much courage. I recommend the author.
July 10, 2018
OMG FABULOUS!
Just when I thought my previous book was fantastic, and it was, I bumped into this one! AND OMG this writing! This talent! This one is probably the best book I have ever read! If you like historical fiction, for the love of god read this one! This book is a jewel! Fabulous writing! Enjoyed thoroughly!
Just when I thought my previous book was fantastic, and it was, I bumped into this one! AND OMG this writing! This talent! This one is probably the best book I have ever read! If you like historical fiction, for the love of god read this one! This book is a jewel! Fabulous writing! Enjoyed thoroughly!
August 28, 2017
Just finishing "The Planter's Daughter" and I'm still in awe ! This book is awesome !! Wonderful unforgettable characters. No one should pass up reading this great book by Michelle Shockee. Anxious to read her next ones.
January 3, 2018
Great book! I really enjoyed it.
January 18, 2018
Good book
This book was at the least thought provoking. A good story about slavery in the south and the shame of owning a human being.
This book was at the least thought provoking. A good story about slavery in the south and the shame of owning a human being.
August 28, 2018
Daughter
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
September 19, 2018
This was a really good story. I loved watching Seth's idea's about slavery change throughout the book, and Adella's relationship with several slaves was thought-provoking.
A great read.
A great read.
December 29, 2025
I listened to the Audible version narrated by Henry Gray. I had a hard time getting interested in the story, but not sure if it’s the writing or the narration. I found his voice odd to listen to when so much of the book was a female’s perspective. But once I got a few hours in, I was captivated and didn’t want to stop listening.
This author writes about difficult things, but it is the truth of the ugly parts of our history. This book had especially hard things to read about the brutality of slavery, whipping, selling people, rape, etc but was made very clear that God does not condone this behaviors. Not sure if I care to read this again, but glad I read it.
This author writes about difficult things, but it is the truth of the ugly parts of our history. This book had especially hard things to read about the brutality of slavery, whipping, selling people, rape, etc but was made very clear that God does not condone this behaviors. Not sure if I care to read this again, but glad I read it.
November 29, 2019
Wonderful story about the reality of slavery and how people back then came to recognize the evils of keeping people in bondage simply because of the color of their skin. The romance is sweet and offers hope for a better future. The growth Seth experiences is especially inspiring and is a lesson for us today—love and accept people for who they are.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews