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Savannah Quartet #4
Stranger in Savannah
Savannah, 1854. Throughout the city's elegant streets, stirrings of the Civil War are taking hold. For three families, the war has already begun within their hearts, drawing battle lines where once there was love...
The Brownings: Mark Browning's unwavering faith in the Union sparks a battle of conscience that threatens all that he holds dear...and challenges the loyalty of his headstrong daughter, Natalie.
The Mackays: the elderly matriarch, Miss Eliza, is Mark's only ally in a city divided within itself.
The Stileses: Their lives are forever changed as the legacies of the past clash with an uncertain future.
The Brownings: Mark Browning's unwavering faith in the Union sparks a battle of conscience that threatens all that he holds dear...and challenges the loyalty of his headstrong daughter, Natalie.
The Mackays: the elderly matriarch, Miss Eliza, is Mark's only ally in a city divided within itself.
The Stileses: Their lives are forever changed as the legacies of the past clash with an uncertain future.
755 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1989
61 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
About the author
Eugenia Price
85 books229 followersEugenia Price was born in Charleston, WV, June 22, 1916, to Walter (a dentist) and Anna Price. At the age of ten, she decided she wanted to be a writer and entered a poem in her school's literary magazine. She was raised as a member of the Methodist Church, but had left the church behind by the time she graduated from high school, at the age of 15, in 1932. She decided to leave writing behind to follow in her father's footsteps and pursue a career in dentistry. She attended Ohio University for three years, declaring herself an atheist during this time. In 1935, she became a student at Northwestern Dental School, the only woman admitted that year. She studied dentistry for two years, but writing continued to draw her. In 1939, she was hired to work on the NBC radio serial In Care of Aggie Horn. She continued as one of the writers for the show until 1942. She left NBC, going to work for the Proctor and Gamble show Joyce Jordan, M.D. from 1944-1946. In 1945 she founded her own television and radio production company, Eugenia Price Productions, developing other serials for Proctor and Gamble.
In 1949 Eugenia Price underwent a profound life change, giving up her college atheism to embrace Christianity. She considered a career change, but accepted a position with WGN Radio as writer, producer, and director for Unshackled, another radio serial. The popularity of the show led her to a lecturing career throughout the United States and Canada for several years.
Price began yet another career in the early 1950s when she was approached by one of the owners of Zondervan publishing. The 1953 publication of Discoveries Made from Living My New Life, a chronicle of her newfound faith and the experiences that led her to it, launched Eugenia Price into a new career as an inspirational writer. Other inspirational books followed, addresses issues of importance to women and children and other self-help concerns and urging readers away from advances in psychology and analysis and toward a life based on Biblical tenants. Many of her inspirational books are still in print, a testimony to the comfort and empathy many readers found in her works.
Eugenia Price gained a much wider audience though when she began publishing historical romances set in the American South. These novels were praised as "compelling sagas that blend personal stories of love and tragedy. . . with the dramatic events of a region's history." Her first historical romance, The Beloved Invader, was inspired her visit to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and based on one of the island's nineteenth-century inhabitants. The Beloved Invader was published in 1965 and followed by two other romances, New Moon Rising (1969) and Lighthouse (1971), to form the St. Simons Trilogy.
Her historical romances made Price a frequent member of the best-seller lists and brought her millions of readers. Although she continued to write and to publish inspirational works, it was her romances that brought her the greatest attention.
Eugenia Price died May 28, 1996, in Brunswick, Georgia of congestive heart failure and is buried in the Christ Church cemetery, Frederica, GA. Many of her books remain in print and have translated into 17 languages, charming readers of all ages and nationalities. Her manuscripts are housed at Boston University.
In 1949 Eugenia Price underwent a profound life change, giving up her college atheism to embrace Christianity. She considered a career change, but accepted a position with WGN Radio as writer, producer, and director for Unshackled, another radio serial. The popularity of the show led her to a lecturing career throughout the United States and Canada for several years.
Price began yet another career in the early 1950s when she was approached by one of the owners of Zondervan publishing. The 1953 publication of Discoveries Made from Living My New Life, a chronicle of her newfound faith and the experiences that led her to it, launched Eugenia Price into a new career as an inspirational writer. Other inspirational books followed, addresses issues of importance to women and children and other self-help concerns and urging readers away from advances in psychology and analysis and toward a life based on Biblical tenants. Many of her inspirational books are still in print, a testimony to the comfort and empathy many readers found in her works.
Eugenia Price gained a much wider audience though when she began publishing historical romances set in the American South. These novels were praised as "compelling sagas that blend personal stories of love and tragedy. . . with the dramatic events of a region's history." Her first historical romance, The Beloved Invader, was inspired her visit to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and based on one of the island's nineteenth-century inhabitants. The Beloved Invader was published in 1965 and followed by two other romances, New Moon Rising (1969) and Lighthouse (1971), to form the St. Simons Trilogy.
Her historical romances made Price a frequent member of the best-seller lists and brought her millions of readers. Although she continued to write and to publish inspirational works, it was her romances that brought her the greatest attention.
Eugenia Price died May 28, 1996, in Brunswick, Georgia of congestive heart failure and is buried in the Christ Church cemetery, Frederica, GA. Many of her books remain in print and have translated into 17 languages, charming readers of all ages and nationalities. Her manuscripts are housed at Boston University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 26, 2014
Where I got the book: review copy provided by the publisher. My review feature on the Savannah Quartet appeared on the Historical Novel Society’s website.
This is the fourth and last book of the Savannah Quartet, and the lives of the Browning, Mackay and Stiles families are now set firmly against the background of the country’s slide into civil war. As with all the other books there is a romance plot, but this time it is a real-life tale of love and heartbreak and is my favorite of all the romance plots in this series because it covers a situation so often encountered by Victorian women—with so many women dying in childbirth, there were a lot of widowers around looking for new brides and it wasn’t all that uncommon for a young woman to be wed to an older, wealthy man who had already worn out a wife or two.
Price doesn’t sugar-coat the situation, and nor does she soft-pedal the treatment accorded to Mark Browning as he becomes increasingly isolated from his former Savannah friends. Mark has the choice of giving up his Northern views on slavery or becoming a social outcast, and his whole family is involved in the political conflict so he doesn’t get much respite at home either.
The only trouble with Mark is that Price refuses to portray him as anything but good. Left with no option to do anything but follow the dictates of his Great Nobel Heart, Mark seems, in Stranger in Savannah, to melt into a puddle of weakness. He becomes physically weak, too, despite having been a vigorous man throughout the series. So I wanted to smack him. And still wanted to smack Natalie. And could still never summon up much sympathy for Mary. And still kept reading till the end, and was sorry that the series had ended. I can see why it has so many fans.
This is the fourth and last book of the Savannah Quartet, and the lives of the Browning, Mackay and Stiles families are now set firmly against the background of the country’s slide into civil war. As with all the other books there is a romance plot, but this time it is a real-life tale of love and heartbreak and is my favorite of all the romance plots in this series because it covers a situation so often encountered by Victorian women—with so many women dying in childbirth, there were a lot of widowers around looking for new brides and it wasn’t all that uncommon for a young woman to be wed to an older, wealthy man who had already worn out a wife or two.
Price doesn’t sugar-coat the situation, and nor does she soft-pedal the treatment accorded to Mark Browning as he becomes increasingly isolated from his former Savannah friends. Mark has the choice of giving up his Northern views on slavery or becoming a social outcast, and his whole family is involved in the political conflict so he doesn’t get much respite at home either.
The only trouble with Mark is that Price refuses to portray him as anything but good. Left with no option to do anything but follow the dictates of his Great Nobel Heart, Mark seems, in Stranger in Savannah, to melt into a puddle of weakness. He becomes physically weak, too, despite having been a vigorous man throughout the series. So I wanted to smack him. And still wanted to smack Natalie. And could still never summon up much sympathy for Mary. And still kept reading till the end, and was sorry that the series had ended. I can see why it has so many fans.
April 10, 2010
I absolutely love the Savannah quartet. I just re-read these 4 books and I forgot how much I loved them. The history from the quartet is AMAZING, and as a history teacher seeing personal reactions to the events that unfold from 1812-1865 is one of my favorite parts. And what I love best about Eugenia Price novels is that many of the characters are real! While Mark and his family is fictional the McKay family is real, and the research that went into these books is meticulous. While at times they can be a slow read, and they are long. These books have me planning a trip to Savannah!
This one is the finale of the quartet and it deals with the few years prior to the Civil War and the Civil War itself and how it impacts all your favorite families. I wish she had continued because I would have loved to read more about the aftermath of the war and how if affects the city and the people.
This one is the finale of the quartet and it deals with the few years prior to the Civil War and the Civil War itself and how it impacts all your favorite families. I wish she had continued because I would have loved to read more about the aftermath of the war and how if affects the city and the people.
August 31, 2015
Having read the previous three books in the series, I was already caught up in the lives of the main characters, so this conclusion of the story was fairly intense and emotional. Dealing with 1859-1864, she tells the story of war-torn Savannah and the tragic effects of civil war. Since most of the main characters have been with us since the beginning of the quartet in 1812, they begin to die off, and it feels almost like losing a friend. She manages not to take sides in the conflict but shows the divisive and destructive effects of the times on all involved. This lady had such a gift for writing and making us feel a part of the story! One of those series that you hate to come to the end of, already missing the people and places you've come to know!
January 10, 2009
When this 4th book ended I didn't want it to. Obviously, I'm still thinking of this series 15 years later! This series is a wonderful read for anyone who likes Civil War history and great historical fiction writing.
July 10, 2016
I wanted to love this book. It was great for a quick read and getting a glimpse into the way people interacted at that time. However, Eugenia Price takes forever to set a scene. It reminded me of a soap opera where it takes a month to get through a day on a show.
February 19, 2008
No, I didn't choose all of Eugenia Price's books but you must read her series as it shows the struggles of the families as they are torn between which side to take during the Civil War.
May 19, 2017
Loved this series. I had read it about 20 years ago and re-read the series before traveling to Savannah, GA last summer!
November 4, 2022
I’ve cried after several of Prices trilogies or quartets. You get to know the families and go through so much with them it’s sad when it’s over. I appreciate her level of research, how she uses many actual people who lived and events in their lives and in history. She does more historical research than many authors I’ve read on this genre. Of course I couldn’t stand Natalie, one of her made up characters but even the fact the she can bring that emotion means Price did a good job on her character. Her created dialogue, relationships, characters and events prove she is one of the best writers in her field.
July 5, 2018
I loved this book! It started out slow and it's a 700 page book, but it got very interesting very quickly. It is about the Civil War but it's more about the human emotional toll. Eugenia Price does her historical research well and writes an exciting story. Everyone should visit Savannah! (I need to read the first 3 books of this quartet. I imagine I'll find them in thrift stores eventually.)
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October 18, 2023The final book in a four-book series. At my age, I don't really enjoy the tiny print, but I would recommend this series to anyone who likes serious novels.
Set in the mid-1800s in Savannah, Georgia, it is at times a heart-wrenching account of life in Savannah, Georgia, in the years leading up to and into the Civil War. At times, a bit too much about war and heartbreak, but overall, it is a well-written, excellent story.
Set in the mid-1800s in Savannah, Georgia, it is at times a heart-wrenching account of life in Savannah, Georgia, in the years leading up to and into the Civil War. At times, a bit too much about war and heartbreak, but overall, it is a well-written, excellent story.
September 2, 2024
It took me a while to read this big novel but it was worth it. Great characters each one with their own beliefs during the Civil War in Savannah. In spite of their differences they were able to lean on each other during their losses which were many. It showed there was strength in family in spite of their differing views. Very enlightening historical novel. It showed how little things have changed in this country since then and that division still exists. Very good story.
May 7, 2018
I just love Eugenia Price! Her books are just delightful! I enjoy them ... they are full of rich history, lovely characters, and Christ! The only thing I dislike is when they end! As one fan put it, at the end of Stranger in Savannah, "the books are on my bookshelves" so I can start all over again!!!
June 1, 2022
I love this series. I really hate that this story ended .
This is a beautiful series. I will miss all of the characters, the Brownings, Latimers, Mary, Ben, and of course , all of the Mackays.
This is a beautiful series. I will miss all of the characters, the Brownings, Latimers, Mary, Ben, and of course , all of the Mackays.
January 8, 2018
Long and pretty darn boring!
September 3, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised to really like this book.
July 18, 2019
Read this years ago and decided it would be a good series to re-read. Enjoyed it all over again.
August 26, 2022
It was a good ending to this quartet of books. Enjoyed this historical civil war read.
Read
April 29, 2023With David, Took us a week :)
March 21, 2025
wonderful insight to Civil War family splits
December 14, 2025
This book started feeling a little stretched out, but overall, it was a great ending to the series.
May 28, 2024
Glad to have pushed through this 4th in the series of 4. A bit too heavy, at times, on the historical research, but it was a decent story. The series itself did rekindle my interest in historical Savannah and some of its forefathers and those magnificent homes. Overall, worthy, especially if you are a fan of Savannah, GA. And I am that.
September 5, 2015
I doubt that I've read or heard as in-depth description of some of the reasons -- beyond slavery -- for the Civil War since my 11th grade U.S. History class. No 'revisionist' history here! Eugenia Price's historical research is always meticulous, and "Stranger in Savannah" is no exception. Although I'd not read the earlier books in this series, I was captured by the development of several of her characters, slave holders and not, who were pro-Union, yet drawn to either stay in Georgia during the War or fight for the South for reasons I had knowledge of in my past through osmosis, perhaps, from growing up in Alabama, but have heard vilified during the schooling of our 4 children over the past 20+ years in NC and VA.
I was also greatly saddened by some lesser characters' mischaracterization of President Lincoln, yet I have the benefit of living on this side of the War, some 150 years later. And, I suspect that were my sons killed in battle, my city burned by General Sherman (and, as a Southerner I DID think that Ms. Price went a bit too far in painting his tactics in the best light possible!), my food supplies cut off, I would be a bit blinded in my sorrow and deprivation, as well.
Other than falling in love with Savannah, I think the most satisfying thing for me while reading this book was the complexity of the characters -- just like in real life! In the 21st century, it seems everything is boiled down to a 20-second sound bite for the news, and we label people as pro-this or anti-that, and condemn hearty discussion, heck we cut off discussion of those in seconds whose opinions aren't cut and dried. It was so refreshing to read conversations between Philadelphia-born and Savannah-adopted grandfather Mark Browning and his older confidant, Georgia-born Miss Eliza MacKay, both who loved the South, but hated slavery. And, that Mark's wife Caroline was a slave owner made it all the richer, especially as they grew in their relationship to be able to discuss the War and surrounding issues, including son Jonathan, who joined the Confederacy.
Not a complete review, by any stretch of the imagination. Just a few thoughts!
I was also greatly saddened by some lesser characters' mischaracterization of President Lincoln, yet I have the benefit of living on this side of the War, some 150 years later. And, I suspect that were my sons killed in battle, my city burned by General Sherman (and, as a Southerner I DID think that Ms. Price went a bit too far in painting his tactics in the best light possible!), my food supplies cut off, I would be a bit blinded in my sorrow and deprivation, as well.
Other than falling in love with Savannah, I think the most satisfying thing for me while reading this book was the complexity of the characters -- just like in real life! In the 21st century, it seems everything is boiled down to a 20-second sound bite for the news, and we label people as pro-this or anti-that, and condemn hearty discussion, heck we cut off discussion of those in seconds whose opinions aren't cut and dried. It was so refreshing to read conversations between Philadelphia-born and Savannah-adopted grandfather Mark Browning and his older confidant, Georgia-born Miss Eliza MacKay, both who loved the South, but hated slavery. And, that Mark's wife Caroline was a slave owner made it all the richer, especially as they grew in their relationship to be able to discuss the War and surrounding issues, including son Jonathan, who joined the Confederacy.
Not a complete review, by any stretch of the imagination. Just a few thoughts!
September 9, 2015
The final book of the Savannah Quartet spans the years from 1854 to 1864. much of it covers the years and events of the Civil War and the impact the war had upon the people - shown through the characters in this set of stories.
I enjoyed this but not as much as the others. I think that is because of a feeling that much of the war aspects got a but tedious in places. this is also longer than any of the others. I can't say just what I would have cut, but think it could have been trimmed. Nevertheless, it is historical fiction which I enjoy as a genre because it teaches me something in the process. This had me going to Wikipedia a few times to get more information on events and that is good.
I enjoyed this but not as much as the others. I think that is because of a feeling that much of the war aspects got a but tedious in places. this is also longer than any of the others. I can't say just what I would have cut, but think it could have been trimmed. Nevertheless, it is historical fiction which I enjoy as a genre because it teaches me something in the process. This had me going to Wikipedia a few times to get more information on events and that is good.
May 11, 2022
Ms. Price has done it again!
After nearly 4000 pages I'm sad that THE SAVANNAH QUARTET has ended. I intend to immediately begin reading another book by Ms. Price. I myself fell in love with Savannah the first time I visited her. I will return next year and see the city through new eyes. I will walk the same street has the characters in this book and pay my respects at their final resting place. Unbelievably well written. You feel As if you we transported back in time and had a personal relationship with each character. A must read!!!
After nearly 4000 pages I'm sad that THE SAVANNAH QUARTET has ended. I intend to immediately begin reading another book by Ms. Price. I myself fell in love with Savannah the first time I visited her. I will return next year and see the city through new eyes. I will walk the same street has the characters in this book and pay my respects at their final resting place. Unbelievably well written. You feel As if you we transported back in time and had a personal relationship with each character. A must read!!!
January 12, 2008
His mother was from Savannah, but he was raised in Philadelphia by his Northern aunt. When he made it to Savannah, he found that he was at home. Almost everyone from Savannah learned to like and trust him until the war started and then he was treated like a stranger. How sad!!
February 26, 2014
This was the final in a "quartet"of historical novels chronicling an American family from The War of 1812 to the end of The Civil War. I enjoyed the books and I learned more than a thing or two from them.
June 10, 2015
Too long and pretty wordy. I got about half way and skimmed the rest because I did want to know what happened to the characters. However, there was a bit too much political talk and it just didn't keep my interest.
December 1, 2007
The final volume of the Savannah Quartet, wherein Mark Browning navigates his Northern roots while living in Savannah during the heart of the Civil War.
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September 17, 2008F Pri
May 26, 2009
I read this years ago - it's the last in a quartet about the Civil War. Sometimes fascinating, but they are also very detailed and tend to drag. Good story though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews