What do you think?
But Have Not Love
From the author of BORN A COLORED GIRL and PAPPY MOSES’ PEANUT PLANTATION – By a twist of fate, a runaway slave girl and a wounded Confederate officer are thrown together, and must rely on each other to survive. Can the seed of love grow in the garden of hate?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 5, 2020
Angela a runaway slave meets a wounded confederate soldier Travis and rescues him. Angela's heart is hurt because of all the things she went through as a slave, but her mother secretly taught her to read with a bible they hid. Years after her parents death she learns to rely on God's words despite the wickedness she sees around her. Travis father own a plantation and he grew up with a silver spoon. He has always been closed to his mammy Pamela who practically raised him, he always listen to her advised and really loved her.
Angela and Travis encounter is going to change their life. They built a deep relationship despite their skin colour, they just want to be free to live their love but at that time in the South it is impossible...
This story makes me think of Romeo and Juliet... It was interesting but sometimes the atrocities made against the slaves were unbearable.
Angela and Travis encounter is going to change their life. They built a deep relationship despite their skin colour, they just want to be free to live their love but at that time in the South it is impossible...
This story makes me think of Romeo and Juliet... It was interesting but sometimes the atrocities made against the slaves were unbearable.
February 18, 2020
Love and War
The book started off like most Slave and Plantation books but what a Twist in the story. When you read this book you get a good detailed background on all the characters in the book and it will send you on a loop but well worth the read. I enjoyed Angela, Mammy Pam, Travis.
The book started off like most Slave and Plantation books but what a Twist in the story. When you read this book you get a good detailed background on all the characters in the book and it will send you on a loop but well worth the read. I enjoyed Angela, Mammy Pam, Travis.
August 3, 2020
Very interesting book kept me on edge, but the ending wasn’t as interesting as I thought they would turned out. The ending was a Romeo and Juliet ending except it was with the son of the plantation owner and a slaved who ran away from another plantation where her master wanted to have his way with her so she ran before he had the chance to. She rescued a young man who was fighting in the war and they became in love. He took her back home to his father’s plantation and before long they found out that they were together and they tried to runaway but with the sheriff after her and the boy’s father after him there was no where to go but back to the plantation. There his father found both of them on the bed together holding hands. They had poisoned themselves so they could be together.
October 6, 2018
Love knows no color
This is a story about a slave named Angela and a man named Travis who paths crossed in the woods. She being a runaway and him being injured in war. She saved his life. They fell in love and because of how she was able to escape, she was arrested by the sheriff to be hunged. Travis rescued her but their freedom was short lived because his father was out kill them both. So they could be together they
Poison themselves.
This is a story about a slave named Angela and a man named Travis who paths crossed in the woods. She being a runaway and him being injured in war. She saved his life. They fell in love and because of how she was able to escape, she was arrested by the sheriff to be hunged. Travis rescued her but their freedom was short lived because his father was out kill them both. So they could be together they
Poison themselves.
June 3, 2026
This book started with an interesting premise and a surprisingly strong first half, but unfortunately it completely fell apart by the end.
While the writing was never particularly polished, the story initially held my interest. However, once the plot shifted into the second half, the pacing became rushed, the character development disappeared, and many of the events became increasingly unbelievable.
Angela’s storyline was where the problems first became noticeable. Her escape from the plantation felt implausible, and the revelation about her birth parents never seemed to lead anywhere meaningful. I struggled to understand her extreme reaction toward the people who had saved and raised her especially since the emotional conflict was never fully explored.
Travis’s perspective introduced an extended subplot about a showgirl he loved while at college, but I never understood its relevance to the main story. It felt disconnected from the rest of the novel and added little to either the plot or his character development.
The romance between Angela and Travis was one of the book’s biggest weaknesses. They go from strangers to deeply in love in an incredibly short amount of time, and their relationship never felt earned. The emotional development that should have made their romance believable simply wasn’t there.
I was also distracted by inconsistencies throughout the story. Angela’s speech patterns change dramatically over the course of the novel, and there were moments where the setting itself seemed confused, such as references to her room under the stairs after she had already fled to an entirely different plantation.
Most troubling was the handling of trauma. Serious events occur, including a violent assault, but the story moves on so quickly that there is little acknowledgment of the emotional aftermath. The abrupt transition from tragedy to romance made many scenes feel jarring rather than moving.
By the time the novel reached its Romeo and Juliet style ending, I was no longer emotionally invested. What could have been a compelling historical romance instead became a series of rushed plot twists, melodrama, and inconsistencies.
While the writing was never particularly polished, the story initially held my interest. However, once the plot shifted into the second half, the pacing became rushed, the character development disappeared, and many of the events became increasingly unbelievable.
Angela’s storyline was where the problems first became noticeable. Her escape from the plantation felt implausible, and the revelation about her birth parents never seemed to lead anywhere meaningful. I struggled to understand her extreme reaction toward the people who had saved and raised her especially since the emotional conflict was never fully explored.
Travis’s perspective introduced an extended subplot about a showgirl he loved while at college, but I never understood its relevance to the main story. It felt disconnected from the rest of the novel and added little to either the plot or his character development.
The romance between Angela and Travis was one of the book’s biggest weaknesses. They go from strangers to deeply in love in an incredibly short amount of time, and their relationship never felt earned. The emotional development that should have made their romance believable simply wasn’t there.
I was also distracted by inconsistencies throughout the story. Angela’s speech patterns change dramatically over the course of the novel, and there were moments where the setting itself seemed confused, such as references to her room under the stairs after she had already fled to an entirely different plantation.
Most troubling was the handling of trauma. Serious events occur, including a violent assault, but the story moves on so quickly that there is little acknowledgment of the emotional aftermath. The abrupt transition from tragedy to romance made many scenes feel jarring rather than moving.
By the time the novel reached its Romeo and Juliet style ending, I was no longer emotionally invested. What could have been a compelling historical romance instead became a series of rushed plot twists, melodrama, and inconsistencies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
But Have No Love by Michael Edwin Q. was an emotional journey that I devoured in less than 24 hours. The story is divided into three distinct parts, each with a straightforward yet deeply engaging narrative style that hooked me.
The first part centers on Angela, a young enslaved girl in the South during the Civil War. Like many historical fiction novels, it explores her fight for freedom, but what stood out to me was the author’s restraint. Instead of sensationalizing the horrors of slavery or overly dramatizing Angela’s relationships, the story simply lays out her journey with raw honesty. This grounded approach made Angela’s experiences even more impactful.
The second part shifts focus to Travis, the son of a wealthy plantation owner, following him from birth to early adulthood. We see his life unfold—his family’s expectations, his responsibilities, and his time at college. Like Angela’s story, Travis’s narrative is presented in a straightforward way that doesn’t shy away from emotional depth. It’s clear and honest, which made me feel like I was truly walking alongside these characters.
The final part brings Angela and Travis together, exploring how their lives intertwine. The same unembellished writing style continues, even as the story delves into the harrowing events they face. While I appreciated the simplicity and realism, I wished the author had spent more time developing their relationship. Their love seems to blossom after one major event, but given the stark divide in their backgrounds—Angela’s and Travis' hatred and prejudice of each other's races—it felt a bit rushed. I wanted to feel their connection grow more organically.
That said, the story’s ending managed to surprise me. It was both expected and unexpected, wrapping up in a way that felt true to the time and the characters. But Have No Love is a powerful and realistic portrayal of love between two people from vastly different worlds, set in a time when such relationships were far from accepted. While I think the story could have benefited from a deeper exploration of the characters’ emotions—both in their relationship and in response to the events they endured—the raw intrigue of the narrative kept me glued to the pages. Despite its minor shortcomings, this book was an unforgettable read.
The first part centers on Angela, a young enslaved girl in the South during the Civil War. Like many historical fiction novels, it explores her fight for freedom, but what stood out to me was the author’s restraint. Instead of sensationalizing the horrors of slavery or overly dramatizing Angela’s relationships, the story simply lays out her journey with raw honesty. This grounded approach made Angela’s experiences even more impactful.
The second part shifts focus to Travis, the son of a wealthy plantation owner, following him from birth to early adulthood. We see his life unfold—his family’s expectations, his responsibilities, and his time at college. Like Angela’s story, Travis’s narrative is presented in a straightforward way that doesn’t shy away from emotional depth. It’s clear and honest, which made me feel like I was truly walking alongside these characters.
The final part brings Angela and Travis together, exploring how their lives intertwine. The same unembellished writing style continues, even as the story delves into the harrowing events they face. While I appreciated the simplicity and realism, I wished the author had spent more time developing their relationship. Their love seems to blossom after one major event, but given the stark divide in their backgrounds—Angela’s and Travis' hatred and prejudice of each other's races—it felt a bit rushed. I wanted to feel their connection grow more organically.
That said, the story’s ending managed to surprise me. It was both expected and unexpected, wrapping up in a way that felt true to the time and the characters. But Have No Love is a powerful and realistic portrayal of love between two people from vastly different worlds, set in a time when such relationships were far from accepted. While I think the story could have benefited from a deeper exploration of the characters’ emotions—both in their relationship and in response to the events they endured—the raw intrigue of the narrative kept me glued to the pages. Despite its minor shortcomings, this book was an unforgettable read.
October 7, 2018
EVERLASTING LOVE 💘
I had to write a review on this sad and wonderfully written story. You did a great job with this story, Michael Edwin Q.
You explained each chore character's life condition and situation explicitly and carefully. You were spot on.
Travis' and Angela's love for each other was pure and everlasting. It's the type of love that would have withstood the test of time. They trusted each other completely and unquestionably.
Mammy Pam was a priceless diamond in Travis' life.
Samuel was willfully ignorant and blind. Mostly poisonous.
Ravenna was just evil personified.
And Belial could have been a better parent to Travis.
Thank for this story.
If I could give you a 10 I would.
I had to write a review on this sad and wonderfully written story. You did a great job with this story, Michael Edwin Q.
You explained each chore character's life condition and situation explicitly and carefully. You were spot on.
Travis' and Angela's love for each other was pure and everlasting. It's the type of love that would have withstood the test of time. They trusted each other completely and unquestionably.
Mammy Pam was a priceless diamond in Travis' life.
Samuel was willfully ignorant and blind. Mostly poisonous.
Ravenna was just evil personified.
And Belial could have been a better parent to Travis.
Thank for this story.
If I could give you a 10 I would.
October 18, 2018
Very different but very entertainingw
What can I say? I started this book on a Sunday night, and finished it Thursday evening on my express bus ride home from work. It was very engaging because I kept coming back to it, even with my hectic schedule. The negative aspect of this story was I did not feel I was reading about real people. The characters were one dimensional so I did not care whether they lived or died, however, the story was fast-paced and held my interest. That is why I am giving it three stars.
What can I say? I started this book on a Sunday night, and finished it Thursday evening on my express bus ride home from work. It was very engaging because I kept coming back to it, even with my hectic schedule. The negative aspect of this story was I did not feel I was reading about real people. The characters were one dimensional so I did not care whether they lived or died, however, the story was fast-paced and held my interest. That is why I am giving it three stars.
January 4, 2020
Great book!
4 stars only due to the constant misspellings; an editor really should have gone over this. I'm not referring to "slave talk" as I'm southern born and bred and that does not phase me. However, passed\past or woman\women....so many words need to be cleaned up for smoother reading.
Also, I had a hard time figuring out what the heck I was reading upon starting part 2, however it eventually became clear.
Overall a great book! Well described characters that the reader will feel they know.
Highly recommended!
4 stars only due to the constant misspellings; an editor really should have gone over this. I'm not referring to "slave talk" as I'm southern born and bred and that does not phase me. However, passed\past or woman\women....so many words need to be cleaned up for smoother reading.
Also, I had a hard time figuring out what the heck I was reading upon starting part 2, however it eventually became clear.
Overall a great book! Well described characters that the reader will feel they know.
Highly recommended!
October 9, 2018
Omg this was a excellent read.
I choose 5 stars because I enjoyed the story. There is always ups and downs in stories about slavery. You want to see a good ending but it rarely happens. It was hard to believe Angela's real mother was so mean all the way to the end. I knew Travis really loved Angela because he loved Pamela. I wanted them to be together in the end, but somehow I saw this coming, they loved each other to death. Looking for a good read here it is.
I choose 5 stars because I enjoyed the story. There is always ups and downs in stories about slavery. You want to see a good ending but it rarely happens. It was hard to believe Angela's real mother was so mean all the way to the end. I knew Travis really loved Angela because he loved Pamela. I wanted them to be together in the end, but somehow I saw this coming, they loved each other to death. Looking for a good read here it is.
December 21, 2018
I loved it
The story was great. I have one problem. The love making. I didn't like the way that the author portrayed Angela making love to Travis so soon after being raped by the deputies. That's seems highly unlikely. A man definitely wrote this book. I understand that in this time that they could flourish together but I would of loved to have seen them marry and have lots of babies.
The story was great. I have one problem. The love making. I didn't like the way that the author portrayed Angela making love to Travis so soon after being raped by the deputies. That's seems highly unlikely. A man definitely wrote this book. I understand that in this time that they could flourish together but I would of loved to have seen them marry and have lots of babies.
June 6, 2019
Love always win
This book was a page turner.I started this book yesterday and couldn't put it down.It was a true love story of two people from 2 different races.This took place during the civil war.The excitement and drama kept me hooked.This book would be a good read for anyone who wanted to know what it was like in the South back in the days. It will also enlighten you on the true meaning of love.
This book was a page turner.I started this book yesterday and couldn't put it down.It was a true love story of two people from 2 different races.This took place during the civil war.The excitement and drama kept me hooked.This book would be a good read for anyone who wanted to know what it was like in the South back in the days. It will also enlighten you on the true meaning of love.
September 1, 2019
Travis and Angela
This was a hard read for me. I didn't think it would end the way it did. It was a beautiful love story that ended tragically like Romeo and Juliet. So sad that their love could not be fulfilled in those times and the only way they could be together was in death. Nowadays some people still can't accept that people of different races choose to love each other against all odds.
This was a hard read for me. I didn't think it would end the way it did. It was a beautiful love story that ended tragically like Romeo and Juliet. So sad that their love could not be fulfilled in those times and the only way they could be together was in death. Nowadays some people still can't accept that people of different races choose to love each other against all odds.
January 15, 2020
Heart Broken
One of the best historical fiction. Well-written, heart wrenching, and captivating. I will never forget
This book, but the hurt I experienced from reading this book made my heart ache; therefore, I have
Decided to stop reading this genre of books, are least for awhile. You are an excellent writer or author,
but the truth about life is too much for my heart at this time. I loved this book but hated this truth.
One of the best historical fiction. Well-written, heart wrenching, and captivating. I will never forget
This book, but the hurt I experienced from reading this book made my heart ache; therefore, I have
Decided to stop reading this genre of books, are least for awhile. You are an excellent writer or author,
but the truth about life is too much for my heart at this time. I loved this book but hated this truth.
September 28, 2024
I don't get it
This was a good page turner. It had a story line that held my interest from beginning to end.
The spelling of some words was atrocious. A particular passage comes to mind. It speaks of weilding a sword. It is written as welded. There were several grammatical errors throughout. Were there no proof readers?
Good story but the lack of polish and refinement before publishing leaves me confused.
This was a good page turner. It had a story line that held my interest from beginning to end.
The spelling of some words was atrocious. A particular passage comes to mind. It speaks of weilding a sword. It is written as welded. There were several grammatical errors throughout. Were there no proof readers?
Good story but the lack of polish and refinement before publishing leaves me confused.
May 16, 2025
riveting
such an interesting story. I was definitely hooked from the beginning. But it was full of sadness. Which is quite realistic. What I give the author credit for was handling the Black characters' emotions in a meaningful, humanized way. I was half expecting basic, uninteresting stereotypes, but we got something complex and dimensional. Shocked at the ending. Can't say more than that
such an interesting story. I was definitely hooked from the beginning. But it was full of sadness. Which is quite realistic. What I give the author credit for was handling the Black characters' emotions in a meaningful, humanized way. I was half expecting basic, uninteresting stereotypes, but we got something complex and dimensional. Shocked at the ending. Can't say more than that
October 16, 2018
Such a good read !
I enjoyed. He book splitting the perspectives and letting each character naturally get fed up with their situations in life. I have a hard time reading any iterative that focuses on this time period but I really enjoyed this book . I don't want to give any spoilers away so I can't say much other than that ending took me out !
I enjoyed. He book splitting the perspectives and letting each character naturally get fed up with their situations in life. I have a hard time reading any iterative that focuses on this time period but I really enjoyed this book . I don't want to give any spoilers away so I can't say much other than that ending took me out !
March 25, 2019
Words can't express
I think that this has to be one of the most interesting, heartbreaking books I have ever read. Showing the insurmountable hardship and evils of slavery, the mindset of the masters, the fullness of love, regardless of color. It will stay with me long after I've put it down.
I think that this has to be one of the most interesting, heartbreaking books I have ever read. Showing the insurmountable hardship and evils of slavery, the mindset of the masters, the fullness of love, regardless of color. It will stay with me long after I've put it down.
February 2, 2020
The book started out great, very interesting and engaging. However, as the story progressed, I felt that the author had no idea how to finish. I felt the ending was a complete cop out. Granted the story leading up to the end was somewhat unbelievable given history, but since this is fictional there could have been a better choice...
March 22, 2020
But have not love
Very interesting read. Complex story line. Gave rating due to the subject matter of this story. Difficult time in history, very different views on the importance of life and limb. Enjoyable read but at the same email time disturbing to see what little value was placed on human life. I would recommend this book to my friends.
Very interesting read. Complex story line. Gave rating due to the subject matter of this story. Difficult time in history, very different views on the importance of life and limb. Enjoyable read but at the same email time disturbing to see what little value was placed on human life. I would recommend this book to my friends.
April 27, 2023
Excellent book with wonderfully developed characters. A Romeo and Juliet tragedy that I could not put down. There is a evil birth mother, a heartless step mother, hateful plantation owners and managers. There is the hatred of slaves for whites. But there is also deep down love between man and woman, nanny and child.
February 2, 2024
Swept away
I have read this book twice now and both times I found something new to ponder over. it is February 1, 2024...Black History Month. A very sorrowful and triumphant tribute to the resilience of the beautiful people with just a different color skin. Thank you to the author.
I have read this book twice now and both times I found something new to ponder over. it is February 1, 2024...Black History Month. A very sorrowful and triumphant tribute to the resilience of the beautiful people with just a different color skin. Thank you to the author.
October 6, 2018
Unexpectedly good
This was a good book...not great but very well done. I was pleasantly surprised. The ending was definitely unexpected. I would read another book from this author.
This was a good book...not great but very well done. I was pleasantly surprised. The ending was definitely unexpected. I would read another book from this author.
November 4, 2018
Most unsatisfying end.
This book could have used a copy editor. It had promise but some choices by the author didn't make much sense or added anything to the story. I've not the energy to enumerate the books faults.
This book could have used a copy editor. It had promise but some choices by the author didn't make much sense or added anything to the story. I've not the energy to enumerate the books faults.
November 19, 2018
WOW
If all of your tales have such endings...I will read no more. Shakespeare. I have heard of and beleive many of these tales have ended in this way. Many untold have very happy endings. Sadness but truthfulness. 2
If all of your tales have such endings...I will read no more. Shakespeare. I have heard of and beleive many of these tales have ended in this way. Many untold have very happy endings. Sadness but truthfulness. 2
November 21, 2018
Love Has Always Been Colour Blind
Loved this story!!! Great characters, magnificent plot, with a fabulous storyline. If you have not live, you have nothing, even with all that you think you have.
Loved this story!!! Great characters, magnificent plot, with a fabulous storyline. If you have not live, you have nothing, even with all that you think you have.
December 2, 2018
Attention Avid Readers, This is your next book 🙂
I give this book 5 stars because I was intrigued from the start. I would definitely recommend for your monthly book club😉. Happy Reading!!
I give this book 5 stars because I was intrigued from the start. I would definitely recommend for your monthly book club😉. Happy Reading!!
December 19, 2018
Facing Truths
Real love in a difficult time and place. A sad story, a bitter life, a bittersweet love, but Angela and Travis were true to each other. So much hardship, so hurt, so much hatred; but their love won.
Real love in a difficult time and place. A sad story, a bitter life, a bittersweet love, but Angela and Travis were true to each other. So much hardship, so hurt, so much hatred; but their love won.
December 26, 2018
Misuse of words ruins a good book
I can't believe you couldn't find one educated person to proofread this book. The misuse of words was incredible, such as their for they're, road for rode, etc. The story would have been enjoyable if not for the misspellings and misuse of words.
I can't believe you couldn't find one educated person to proofread this book. The misuse of words was incredible, such as their for they're, road for rode, etc. The story would have been enjoyable if not for the misspellings and misuse of words.
January 4, 2019
I loved it
I just loved it. It was a tear jerker. It was a love found and lost story. It was like Romeo and Juliet. They died for each other. They wouldn't let them live together, so they died together.
I just loved it. It was a tear jerker. It was a love found and lost story. It was like Romeo and Juliet. They died for each other. They wouldn't let them live together, so they died together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews