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Ladies of the Civil War #1
Lady of Secrets
Her secret mission. A country divided. His impossible love.
Henrietta Wright is a Free Colored woman who teaches reading and writing to anyone who enters her classroom. At least she was, until a drunken night with friends catapults her down a path of intrigue, coded messages, and intelligence operations. All in service of the Union Army. She can’t tell anyone what she’s doing, including the handsome Irishman she knows she shouldn’t want, but can’t seem to resist.
Since stepping onto American soil, Elijah Byrne’s only goal has been to survive another day. That is until Henrietta burst into his life and made him want more. She was never meant to be his - her fiancé can attest to that - but she makes him long for things men like him aren’t lucky enough to have. When she asks for his help, he can’t resist tumbling with her into a clandestine expedition that could cost them everything—including their lives.
Henrietta Wright is a Free Colored woman who teaches reading and writing to anyone who enters her classroom. At least she was, until a drunken night with friends catapults her down a path of intrigue, coded messages, and intelligence operations. All in service of the Union Army. She can’t tell anyone what she’s doing, including the handsome Irishman she knows she shouldn’t want, but can’t seem to resist.
Since stepping onto American soil, Elijah Byrne’s only goal has been to survive another day. That is until Henrietta burst into his life and made him want more. She was never meant to be his - her fiancé can attest to that - but she makes him long for things men like him aren’t lucky enough to have. When she asks for his help, he can’t resist tumbling with her into a clandestine expedition that could cost them everything—including their lives.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2019
93 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Carr
11 books139 followersRaised in Charlotte NC, G.S. Carr has always enjoyed indulging in her imagination. At a very young age she had a thirst for reading and the many possibilities it helped come alive in her mind’s eye. She consumed books like they were the air she needed to survive. It seemed inevitable that her love of reading would transcend into a desire to create her own stories. She began writing poetry and stories at the age of 10. By the time she was thirteen she found her passion in the romance genre and has not looked back ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 20, 2020
Against the Backdrop of the Civil War, we are given a story of forbidden love between a poor Irish immigrant and a free Colored Woman. Elijah and Henrietta met in Henrietta’s English class where she taught reading and writing to anyone who wanted to learn. Henrietta is enamored with Elijah, and he is with her, but neither of them can approach the other without society turning against them. When Henrietta’s Fiancée hires Elijah as a handyman and worker for Henrietta’s family, their friendship blooms. Elijah hungers for her though, and Henrietta unwittingly gets caught up in her friends’ machinations of joining the fighting. Will those two ever be honest with each other? Or will they forever pine after another?
Although I liked the overarching plot, I think the author tried to cram too many things into this book. The forbidden romance against the civil war backdrop alone would have been a fine story. As such, some portions felt rushed and unfinished. The author does time jumps a few times, all going forward, so we miss a little on the developing relationships. Overall though, it was still a nice book and sweet romance against the odds.
I received a free copy from BookSirens and decided to give my honest opinion.
Although I liked the overarching plot, I think the author tried to cram too many things into this book. The forbidden romance against the civil war backdrop alone would have been a fine story. As such, some portions felt rushed and unfinished. The author does time jumps a few times, all going forward, so we miss a little on the developing relationships. Overall though, it was still a nice book and sweet romance against the odds.
I received a free copy from BookSirens and decided to give my honest opinion.
March 14, 2020
Lady of Secrets is an entertaining book. With the historical setting of the Civil War, G.S. Carr creates a believable world, as are the characters. Henrietta Wright is smart and from a well to do family. She teaches adults to read, which is how she meets Elijah. Elijah is an Irish immigrant who works very hard at laborious jobs. Their love is forbidden even in the North, which makes their story even more compelling.
The story did leave a few loose ends. For example, what happened to Thomas after he returned home? Was Ruth's foray into the military successful? What happened to Abby? Did the Confederate Captain come back for Olivia? An epilogue may have given a bit of closure. Other than that, the book was delightful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story did leave a few loose ends. For example, what happened to Thomas after he returned home? Was Ruth's foray into the military successful? What happened to Abby? Did the Confederate Captain come back for Olivia? An epilogue may have given a bit of closure. Other than that, the book was delightful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2021
3.5 stars.
March 4, 2020
Lady of Secrets
G.S. Carr
Henrietta is a free woman who lives in New York. She teaches emigrants how to read and write. Elijah is in her class and is smitten with her. He stayed after class one evening to ask her about a passage in a book and somehow fell in love with her. She was daydreaming and I believe she fell in love with him. She heard her friend coming in named Matthew and he hires Elijah to work for her and her mother.
Years pass he still works for her family and she hasn’t married yet but Matthew is trying to get her to marry him. Elijah is such a friend to Henrietta and really will do anything for her.
During this time, the civil war was taking place. Slaves that were given freedom were moved to the north. Others that escaped were on what we call today the freedom train... People were flooding the states for a better life such as Irish, Swedish, Polish.. all emigrants looking for a better life. Jobs in the north were strained at best. Families starving.
I enjoyed the story. It’s good to look into the past.
My disclaimer...
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
Any book or novels I leave reviews on are not dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. No one influenced my voluntary review for any of the books or novels I read, they are my own opinions.
G.S. Carr
Henrietta is a free woman who lives in New York. She teaches emigrants how to read and write. Elijah is in her class and is smitten with her. He stayed after class one evening to ask her about a passage in a book and somehow fell in love with her. She was daydreaming and I believe she fell in love with him. She heard her friend coming in named Matthew and he hires Elijah to work for her and her mother.
Years pass he still works for her family and she hasn’t married yet but Matthew is trying to get her to marry him. Elijah is such a friend to Henrietta and really will do anything for her.
During this time, the civil war was taking place. Slaves that were given freedom were moved to the north. Others that escaped were on what we call today the freedom train... People were flooding the states for a better life such as Irish, Swedish, Polish.. all emigrants looking for a better life. Jobs in the north were strained at best. Families starving.
I enjoyed the story. It’s good to look into the past.
My disclaimer...
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
Any book or novels I leave reviews on are not dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. No one influenced my voluntary review for any of the books or novels I read, they are my own opinions.
April 11, 2020
Full disclosure I received my copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway on the understanding that I would read and provide a fair review.
That being said, this was an enjoyable historical romance much in the vein of Beverly Jenkins’s works. I say that as a compliment. If you enjoy Beverly, you will probably like this slightly lighter fair as well. Not as heavily researched or as detailed, but definitely hits several of the same key themes of what being a free black during the Civil War era would have been like and some of the societal pressures/conflicts faced.
Only thing that was a bit off with this book was the 22 years later quasi-epilogue. It was just very off in left field with the introduction of a random Viscount in hunt of a bride and not a good fit for the end of a Civil War era book. Author would have been better served with a more neutral lead into the storyline of Abby or Ruth’s book.
Overall 3.5 stars.
That being said, this was an enjoyable historical romance much in the vein of Beverly Jenkins’s works. I say that as a compliment. If you enjoy Beverly, you will probably like this slightly lighter fair as well. Not as heavily researched or as detailed, but definitely hits several of the same key themes of what being a free black during the Civil War era would have been like and some of the societal pressures/conflicts faced.
Only thing that was a bit off with this book was the 22 years later quasi-epilogue. It was just very off in left field with the introduction of a random Viscount in hunt of a bride and not a good fit for the end of a Civil War era book. Author would have been better served with a more neutral lead into the storyline of Abby or Ruth’s book.
Overall 3.5 stars.
March 12, 2020
Book one in the Ladies of the Civil War series a civil war story that held my interest until the end. Henrietta Wright is a Free Colored woman who teaches reading and writing to anyone who enters her classroom but a drunken night out gets her in trouble as she agrees to do something. Elijah Byrne is a Irishman who has come to the States and he wants Henrietta when he meets her. There is drama, suspense, danger, rescue, and romance. I want to read the next book, after reading the ending for this book I want to know what is going to happen.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2020
Wasn't the biggest fan of this one as it featured some tropes/things I don't like in romances.
It was a quick and mostly entertaining read, which is what I like with historical.
TW: racism, slavery, attempted assault
It was a quick and mostly entertaining read, which is what I like with historical.
TW: racism, slavery, attempted assault
March 23, 2020
Henrietta Wright is a teacher in New York - and she's also a Free Colored woman from a family of some means. She teaches reading and writing, and her students include colored men and women and immigrants. One immigrant in particular, Irishman Elijah Byrne, has captured her attention, even though she knows she shouldn't be interested in him. After all, he's poor and beneath her station, and besides, she's expected to marry a man from her own community - a wealthy Free Colored man.
Elijah is fascinated by the beautiful teacher, and manages to build a respectful friendship with her when he winds up being employed by her family. As their friendship blooms, the lines between their stations are blurred, and they both begin to dream of the possibility of more.
As the Civil War heats up, and after a rash promise to her friends, Henrietta tries to get her uncle to allow her to join the Union war effort using her skills at ciphers and codes. She thinks she has passed his test for her, but when she is endangered by racially motivated violence, her uncle refuses to have her involved or even to act on information she has from a contact. Henrietta takes matters into her own hands after her mother steps in and issues an ultimatum sending Elijah away and forcing Henrietta into accepting another man's proposal.
This story has a fantastic premise - a strong free black woman during the Civil War, and exploring the complicated social dilemmas faced by free blacks, immigrants, and others during this time. However, the elements of espionage and intrigue in the publisher's description are not prominent in the storyline. The time jumps, especially early in the story, skip development of the characters and their relationships, and leave out some story development, and there are gaps in the plot development. The story opens with Henrietta teaching the class and introduces the attraction between her and Elijah, and the jealous reaction of Matthew, her intended. Then there's a significant time jump and the story picks up with Elijah working as a servant to her family. The drunken vow between Henrietta and her friends to help with the war effort is vague and contrived, and her attempts to get involved and the motivation to continue weren't developed as well as I would have liked.
I also felt that in the early chapters, the creative descriptive language was overdone and dragged the story. So many paragraphs devoted to inventive ways of describing the heat in the classroom, and many little details that weren't important made the plot seem sluggish. Once things finally got moving, after the time jump, the narration was more natural and better focused on characters than on setting. Overall, a decent light romance with interesting characters and setting, and enjoyable despite the bumpy beginning and several small editorial misses.
**I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elijah is fascinated by the beautiful teacher, and manages to build a respectful friendship with her when he winds up being employed by her family. As their friendship blooms, the lines between their stations are blurred, and they both begin to dream of the possibility of more.
As the Civil War heats up, and after a rash promise to her friends, Henrietta tries to get her uncle to allow her to join the Union war effort using her skills at ciphers and codes. She thinks she has passed his test for her, but when she is endangered by racially motivated violence, her uncle refuses to have her involved or even to act on information she has from a contact. Henrietta takes matters into her own hands after her mother steps in and issues an ultimatum sending Elijah away and forcing Henrietta into accepting another man's proposal.
This story has a fantastic premise - a strong free black woman during the Civil War, and exploring the complicated social dilemmas faced by free blacks, immigrants, and others during this time. However, the elements of espionage and intrigue in the publisher's description are not prominent in the storyline. The time jumps, especially early in the story, skip development of the characters and their relationships, and leave out some story development, and there are gaps in the plot development. The story opens with Henrietta teaching the class and introduces the attraction between her and Elijah, and the jealous reaction of Matthew, her intended. Then there's a significant time jump and the story picks up with Elijah working as a servant to her family. The drunken vow between Henrietta and her friends to help with the war effort is vague and contrived, and her attempts to get involved and the motivation to continue weren't developed as well as I would have liked.
I also felt that in the early chapters, the creative descriptive language was overdone and dragged the story. So many paragraphs devoted to inventive ways of describing the heat in the classroom, and many little details that weren't important made the plot seem sluggish. Once things finally got moving, after the time jump, the narration was more natural and better focused on characters than on setting. Overall, a decent light romance with interesting characters and setting, and enjoyable despite the bumpy beginning and several small editorial misses.
**I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2020
Henrietta is a wealthy free colored woman who teaches adults to read one evening a week. One of her students is Elijah Byrne, a poor but intelligent Irish immigrant. Although her mother has arranged a betrothal to another free colored man, she has no feelings for him. There is however an undeniable connection between Henrietta and Elijah, a union that can never be.
The Civil War is raging and Henrietta becomes determined to help the Union in whatever way she can. She begins as a spy and finds the success of her mission exhilarating. It’s short-lived though because her uncle forbids any future involvement. Secretly she begins to decode secret messages for the cause.
On a trip into town to visit with the children at the orphanage, Henrietta is attacked by an angry mob and threatened with death. The scene is eerily similar to what we’re experiencing here in the USA right now. Elijah comes to her rescue, which helps take their relationship to a new level.
The book is well-written and flows smoothly. The characters are real and their emotions are genuine. It has a good storyline with a glimpse of life in New York State during the war.
The Civil War is raging and Henrietta becomes determined to help the Union in whatever way she can. She begins as a spy and finds the success of her mission exhilarating. It’s short-lived though because her uncle forbids any future involvement. Secretly she begins to decode secret messages for the cause.
On a trip into town to visit with the children at the orphanage, Henrietta is attacked by an angry mob and threatened with death. The scene is eerily similar to what we’re experiencing here in the USA right now. Elijah comes to her rescue, which helps take their relationship to a new level.
The book is well-written and flows smoothly. The characters are real and their emotions are genuine. It has a good storyline with a glimpse of life in New York State during the war.
August 7, 2020
I found out about G.S. Carr when she was a guest in a Facebook group, doing a reading from this very book, Lady of Secrets. Intrigued, I picked it up, and while this is my first from her, it definitely won’t be my last.
I loved the two lead characters, Henrietta and Elijah. Their love is forbidden, and I enjoyed reading about them negotiating a way they could be together. And their relationship is such a sweet one, where he doesn’t want to see her getting into danger, even if they aren’t together, which becomes difficult when she decides to go on a mission for the Union Cause.
The research developing the atmosphere is impeccable, providing insight into the lives of free Blacks during the Civil War, and the role some of them played in helping the Union.
There are some minor flaws when it comes to pacing and a slight overabundance of subplots that aren’t fully resolved by the end, but it is possible that they will be addressed in a future book.
In general, this is a great book by a rising star in indie romance publishing. If you loved either Alyssa Cole’s Loyal League or Beverly Jenkins’ many magnificent historicals, I think you’ll love this one too.
I loved the two lead characters, Henrietta and Elijah. Their love is forbidden, and I enjoyed reading about them negotiating a way they could be together. And their relationship is such a sweet one, where he doesn’t want to see her getting into danger, even if they aren’t together, which becomes difficult when she decides to go on a mission for the Union Cause.
The research developing the atmosphere is impeccable, providing insight into the lives of free Blacks during the Civil War, and the role some of them played in helping the Union.
There are some minor flaws when it comes to pacing and a slight overabundance of subplots that aren’t fully resolved by the end, but it is possible that they will be addressed in a future book.
In general, this is a great book by a rising star in indie romance publishing. If you loved either Alyssa Cole’s Loyal League or Beverly Jenkins’ many magnificent historicals, I think you’ll love this one too.
March 27, 2020
This is a very interesting storyline told with the backdrop of the Civil War. The predominant characters were Henrietta from a wealthy black family and Elijah who is a poor white man. The story seemed to drag at the beginning but when it got going it was a very suspenseful and intriguing book.
I have read two prior books by this author and I can see her growth from the earlier stories. There are a couple of times when there are time shifts that caught me, but overall a very good book. Probably a very realistic look at what life was like for the more affluent colored families at that point in USA history. I would recommend this author and this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I have read two prior books by this author and I can see her growth from the earlier stories. There are a couple of times when there are time shifts that caught me, but overall a very good book. Probably a very realistic look at what life was like for the more affluent colored families at that point in USA history. I would recommend this author and this book.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary, honest and completely personal review.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
did-not-finish
April 19, 2020DNF. I wanted to love this--the blurb sounded great and the cover is gorgeous, but the writing style didn't really work for me. The dialogue felt stilted and the descriptions used seemed overwrought. Other readers have loved it though, so would suggest you give it a try if it sounds interesting.
*I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
*I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
June 25, 2020
What a unique story line! And I mean that in a good way. I felt this book kept my attention and kept me reading without feeling like it was dragging on forever. I was even concerned because I had read a few historical fiction books in a row and thought I was burnt out on the genre, but Carr wove a great story of intrigue and romance. While there is definitely a romance element to this story, it felt like so much more than that. I've gone back and forth between 3 and 4 stars, finally settling on 3. Goodreads still classifies this as "liked it" without being "really liked it." It wasn't a bad book by any means, but thinking over a few details, 3 stars felt more accurate to how I felt.
Henrietta is a wealthy, free colored (word coming directly from the book) woman living during the Civil War in New York. Elijah is a poor, Irish immigrant who ends up working for Henrietta's family. They're each attracted to the other, but so many things such as race and class keep them apart. Lady of Secrets hit on so many different deep subjects such as the treatment of African Americans during this time period (including those who were free and well off) as well as the potential consequences for interracial marriage. Both of which, while obviously not quite to this extent, are sadly still issues our country faces today.
I will admit that some parts got steamier than I usually like. It wasn't anything explicit really, but just a little more than I personally prefer. Also, I will say that I was a bit confused by the epilogue. It seemed like another story line for a future book was being set up so maybe in time it will make more sense, but a character was introduced and I didn't fully understand where he came from.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
Henrietta is a wealthy, free colored (word coming directly from the book) woman living during the Civil War in New York. Elijah is a poor, Irish immigrant who ends up working for Henrietta's family. They're each attracted to the other, but so many things such as race and class keep them apart. Lady of Secrets hit on so many different deep subjects such as the treatment of African Americans during this time period (including those who were free and well off) as well as the potential consequences for interracial marriage. Both of which, while obviously not quite to this extent, are sadly still issues our country faces today.
I will admit that some parts got steamier than I usually like. It wasn't anything explicit really, but just a little more than I personally prefer. Also, I will say that I was a bit confused by the epilogue. It seemed like another story line for a future book was being set up so maybe in time it will make more sense, but a character was introduced and I didn't fully understand where he came from.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
December 31, 2020
I was a little disappointed in this book .I expected it to focus more on the spy aspect as of her relationships than the romances. That said, I did enjoy the romance very much. This book showed the difficulties faced by an interracial couple during the civil war. In addition, to being interracial, this couple fa ced socio-economic differences. These differences led Henrietta us mother to separate them despite their growing love. She forced Henrietta into an engagement to a man of an acceptable race and socioeconomic standing despite her lack of love for this man.
Knowing Elijah is love and devotion to her her daughter she sent him after her when she ran away. She knew Elijah would keep her daughter safe at all CA costs. It is on this trip they finally committed their love.
The trip was very dangerous as they were going to break her cousin out of a Yankee prison. He had been injured and the wound had become infected. With her grandfather's help they successfully executed a complex plan to get him out of the prison.
During the execution of that plan they agreed to help a young black woman escape to the North. Henrietta decided on het future. She would help young black adjust to freedom in the North.
I enjoyed this book because I like historical romances. In terms of history it did discus the problems of being a free black woman during the Civil War. I enjoyed reading that portion of the story as well.
Knowing Elijah is love and devotion to her her daughter she sent him after her when she ran away. She knew Elijah would keep her daughter safe at all CA costs. It is on this trip they finally committed their love.
The trip was very dangerous as they were going to break her cousin out of a Yankee prison. He had been injured and the wound had become infected. With her grandfather's help they successfully executed a complex plan to get him out of the prison.
During the execution of that plan they agreed to help a young black woman escape to the North. Henrietta decided on het future. She would help young black adjust to freedom in the North.
I enjoyed this book because I like historical romances. In terms of history it did discus the problems of being a free black woman during the Civil War. I enjoyed reading that portion of the story as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2022
Read for the Historical Romance Readathon May 2022. 4.0-4.5
Although very short, it took me a while to get through this one. I was going in blind and because the book is set during the Civil War, I was hesitant.
We meet Henrietta Wright, a free Black woman, from a wealthy prominent family. She teaches reading and writing at a school in her neighborhood. It is at this school where the book opens up and we quickly find out that Henrietta has taken a liking to Elijah, an Irish immigrant. It is at this moment we realize that Elijah has taken a liking to Henrietta, too, and feels that he has more in common with Black folks than he does with white folks. If you know, you know... If you don't-- Irish folks were treated like trash back in the day. Fast forward three years, Elijah is working for Henrietta's family and they are still crushing on one another. A few years into the Civil War has mostly everyone in the family and in the family circle wanting to do more to free Black folks and become more involved in the war. We are thrust into the world where everyone is feeling the effects of war, want it to end, and want to move forward. There is love, war intrigue, marriage of convenience (in more ways than one), a little bit of an adventure and more intrigue.
Overall, I enjoyed the story being told. However, I found that there were a lot of elements that in a longer book could have been fleshed out better. There's a lot going on and at every point certain plot lines were left in limbo and then picked up later but in a disjointed manner. Certain events were resolved a bit too quickly and with too much convenience.
Positives** Featuring a free Black family that was well respected and doing very well. With all humans, it doesn't guarantee they are great people but it was nice to see nonetheless.
Although very short, it took me a while to get through this one. I was going in blind and because the book is set during the Civil War, I was hesitant.
We meet Henrietta Wright, a free Black woman, from a wealthy prominent family. She teaches reading and writing at a school in her neighborhood. It is at this school where the book opens up and we quickly find out that Henrietta has taken a liking to Elijah, an Irish immigrant. It is at this moment we realize that Elijah has taken a liking to Henrietta, too, and feels that he has more in common with Black folks than he does with white folks. If you know, you know... If you don't-- Irish folks were treated like trash back in the day. Fast forward three years, Elijah is working for Henrietta's family and they are still crushing on one another. A few years into the Civil War has mostly everyone in the family and in the family circle wanting to do more to free Black folks and become more involved in the war. We are thrust into the world where everyone is feeling the effects of war, want it to end, and want to move forward. There is love, war intrigue, marriage of convenience (in more ways than one), a little bit of an adventure and more intrigue.
Overall, I enjoyed the story being told. However, I found that there were a lot of elements that in a longer book could have been fleshed out better. There's a lot going on and at every point certain plot lines were left in limbo and then picked up later but in a disjointed manner. Certain events were resolved a bit too quickly and with too much convenience.
Positives** Featuring a free Black family that was well respected and doing very well. With all humans, it doesn't guarantee they are great people but it was nice to see nonetheless.
March 5, 2020
**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!!**
This was a very cute story and I loved the idea of a strong black female character doing her part to help during the Civil War. However, I feel that this book did not deliver on all fronts. I feel that what we got was a semblance of a plot that jumped around a bit to get to a watered-down romance that wasn't fully formed. I would have liked to see what happened during that initial time jump or to see Henrietta and Elijah's relationship progress naturally instead of
This was a very cute story and I loved the idea of a strong black female character doing her part to help during the Civil War. However, I feel that this book did not deliver on all fronts. I feel that what we got was a semblance of a plot that jumped around a bit to get to a watered-down romance that wasn't fully formed. I would have liked to see what happened during that initial time jump or to see Henrietta and Elijah's relationship progress naturally instead of
March 24, 2020
This was a good book, it could have been better but that can be said of more things. My main problem with this book, as with most historical fiction, is the small historical details that truly allow me to fall into the book I'm reading. I find it hard to believe that 3 well-bred unmarried ladies would be able to have a nightly meeting without a chaperone to at least travel with. But even with putting that aside, the romance between Henrietta and Elijah didn't feel completely fleshed out. With so many time jumps it felt like something was missing, something I can't really put my finger on. But all in all, was was an enjoyable read, and I'm kinda interested in reading the next book of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2020
This story describes a number of years during the civil war in America. A young black rich woman who has a good future for her but falls in love with an Irish immigrant. He knows that she can never be more than his employer's daughter. But in the turbulent times they live in, they depend on each other as the war draws near and she wants to free her cousin who has been captured as a soldier. How life is affected when the North and South fight each other and black and white are only colors when it comes to love.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2020
This was my first time reading this author and It truly won't be my last. Three friends, decide after a night of drinking that they will do whatever they can to aid and fight in the civil war for the Union. Henrietta is a free woman of color, and the heroine of this story. I loved her character. I also loved her love interest, an Irishman named Elijah Byrne. Elijah was swoon worthy from the beginning, and I loved how both characters related to each other. There were also surprises that I was not expecting. I am excitingly waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I received a copy of this book for review purposes and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
March 11, 2020
This is a well written book with strong characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a great job bringing an interesting story to life with her descriptive writing and detailed scenes, making you feel as though you're there. It's a suspense filled historical western , civil war story that captured me and kept me reading from start to finish with all the drama,action and romance. The story moves fluidly and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 14, 2020
Lady of Secrets is a fresh new take on the American Civil War. The story centres around Henrietta, a free woman of colour and Elijah a poor Irish immigrant. At night she teaches other immigrants and black men and women who want to better their lives. Her and Elijah are attracted to each other but nothing can come of it or can it? Their story is beautifully portayed with the civil war as a back drop which though it was a devastating time it's my favourite period to read about in history.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2020
Good
This was such.a.sweet.story of romance with a little bit mystery.and intrigue thrown in to keep you entertained. The writer gives us a story set in a ugly the in American history and gives us such an enjoyable story. But I feel that there were some steps missing. I mean in the since that I'm sure the main characters experienced quite a bit of backlash from marrying. Also we never here how the friends are doing,if they have met and married or have died. This story was good but I think it was wrapped into nice of a bow.
This was such.a.sweet.story of romance with a little bit mystery.and intrigue thrown in to keep you entertained. The writer gives us a story set in a ugly the in American history and gives us such an enjoyable story. But I feel that there were some steps missing. I mean in the since that I'm sure the main characters experienced quite a bit of backlash from marrying. Also we never here how the friends are doing,if they have met and married or have died. This story was good but I think it was wrapped into nice of a bow.
March 12, 2020
Lady of Secrets is the first book in the Ladies of the Civil War series and is a good start to this new series.
Set in the Civil War era, this story is well written and has fiction mixed with history to bring us an interesting historical romance. There is intrigue, adventure, suspense, drama, love, and strong intelligent characters to make the book an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Set in the Civil War era, this story is well written and has fiction mixed with history to bring us an interesting historical romance. There is intrigue, adventure, suspense, drama, love, and strong intelligent characters to make the book an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2020
I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review. G.S. Carr has managed to capture a well know period of time and transport readers to experience it through her words. Her writing is completely captivating! This book is expertly crafted with raw and real characters. This was a very tumultuous period of time in history and the historical characters experience this first hand.. This was my first book by the author and I can’t wait to read more by G.S. Carr! I highly recommend!
April 30, 2020
I LOVED this book and it's characters! This author has a way of drawing you in and making you feel everything the characters do. It showed what prejudices were out there for the black people, the Irish, the poor and what they all had to deal with. Plus it intertwined it all with a beautiful love story. I highly recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2022
Somewhat Familiar but Not
This was a good book. It kept me engaged and wanting to read more. While it had more romance than I expected; there was still some mystery and suspense to it.
I have recently finished another series regarding black spies during the Civil War and there was a part near the end that was familiar to the other book that I wondered if they were related. Not in a bad way but in a way they could almost be tied together but they are by different authors.
This was a good book. It kept me engaged and wanting to read more. While it had more romance than I expected; there was still some mystery and suspense to it.
I have recently finished another series regarding black spies during the Civil War and there was a part near the end that was familiar to the other book that I wondered if they were related. Not in a bad way but in a way they could almost be tied together but they are by different authors.
March 12, 2020
Intriguing premise
Henrietta is a teacher, an engaged woman (to Matthew) of the same socio-economic status.
Elijah is trying to read Uncle Tom’s Cabin. He’s Irish, living in New York and sees that he’s closer in social standing to Henrietta that wealthy men in the new world.
Very enlightened.
Elijah is sweet.
Henrietta is a teacher, an engaged woman (to Matthew) of the same socio-economic status.
Elijah is trying to read Uncle Tom’s Cabin. He’s Irish, living in New York and sees that he’s closer in social standing to Henrietta that wealthy men in the new world.
Very enlightened.
Elijah is sweet.
March 15, 2020
This is the 3rd book I've read written by G.S. Carr; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2020
At a time when Civil War is starting and a young free black woman falls in love with an Irishman life can be dangerous. And because her family is wealthy and his is NOT they must keep this a secret. Can they ever be happy together??
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
March 10, 2020
A delightful romance full of emotion, drama, action, plot twists, and love. Where heroes are strong and brave and the women are determined and resilient.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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